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LOT 122
Highly Desirable 1805 Dated U.S. Harpers Ferry Model 1803 Flintlock Rifle - Serial
no. 1895, 54 cal., 33 inch part octagon bbl., brown/bright finish, walnut stock. The U.S. Model 1803 was
the first true military rifle issued by the U.S. government and was manufactured by the government arsenal
at Harpers Ferry. Previously, the government had purchased American long rifles in smaller quantities from civilian gunmakers. The Model 1803 is also distinct from the rifles that preceded it and
98
followed it thanks to its half-stock configuration and under-rib on the barrel similar to some of the English sporting rifles of the period. Many regard them as the most attractive rifles ever manufactured for the U.S. military. Rifles and experienced
riflemen had been shown to be effective in both frontier “irregular” warfare and as light infantry skirmishers in more traditional linear warfare. These Model 1803 rifles saw use on the frontier and during the War of 1812, including
by the 1st U.S. Regiment of Rifles.This rifle is an early Type I Model 1803. This variation was manufactured in 1804-1807 and limited to around 3,914-4,105 rifles per the second volume of George Moller’s study of American military shoulder arms. It has seven groove
rifling, low profile blade and notch sights, a “wedding band” at the transition point, the sunken “eagle head/P” and “US” proofs and “1895” on the upper left barrel flat at the breech, “eagle/US” at the center of the lock, “HARPERS/FERRY/1805” on the tail of the lock, a “V”
inside the lock, brass furniture, an iron ramrod with flared tip, traces of a cartouche on the left stock flat, a cheek rest with an incised line border, and the model’s distinctive patchbox with an iron release button in the buttplate tang.
CONDITION: Very good as professionally reconverted to flintlock with light gray and brown patina on the barrel, dark brown and gray patina on the lock, mild pitting, aged patina
on the brass, generally distinct markings, and mild overall wear. The refinished stock is also very good and has some gaps and filler at the barrel tang, mild scrapes and dings, and smooth oiled finish. Mechanically fine. This is a very attractive representative example of the iconic U.S. Model 1803 rifle!
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
LOT 123
Historic “UNITED STATES” and “US” Surcharged Revolutionary War French
Charleville Model 1774 Flintlock Musket - NSN, 69 cal., 44 3/4 inch round bbl.,
bright finish, walnut stock. French muskets such as this example were used by the Patriots
during the American Revolutionary War thanks to support from France which ultimately allowed the Americans
to emerge victorious. This desirable Charleville Model 1774 musket features a large branded “UNITED’STATES” marking on
the right of the buttstock, “US” on top of the barrel at the breech (faint) and “US” on the tail of the lock. George Washington implemented a resolution by the Continental Congress to mark all of the “Charleville” muskets, such as this one, in use by his Continental Army as United States property. French muskets remained in use well-into the 19th century and were the basis for the early U.S. martial musket models. This Model 1774 musket has a forward projecting lip at the bottom of the middle barrel band, similar to the Model 1763, to facilitate returning of the ramrod, a bayonet stud on top near the muzzle, a brass blade front sight on the rear strap of the upper barrel band, a “star/D” inspection mark
and “Charleville” on the center of the lock with rounded edges and an iron flash pan, “DL 73” on top of the breech, and some illegible letters on the sideplate. Upside down handwritten carved initials “AMB” on the left of the buttstock. Absent sling swivels.
CONDITION: Very good with attractive age darkened brown patina visible on the iron surface, mild pitting at the breech, general overall wear from period use, and mostly clear markings. The stock is also very good as lightly refinished, with general scratches, a few small chips at some of the edges, a small cracked section at the front of the lock, four small holes where a plaque likely resided on the right of the buttstock surrounding the surcharge mark, and nice overall figure. Mechanically fine. This desirable “UNITED STATES” and “US” surcharged Revolutionary War Charleville musket
is about as fresh and honest as they come, with attractive untouched age darkened patina on the iron. This would make an exceptional addition to any U.S. martial or Revolutionary War firearms collection! Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500