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LOT 3235
Fine U.S. Springfield Model
1855 Percussion Pistol-Carbine
with Shoulder Stock - NSN, 58 cal., 12 inch round bbl., bright
finish, walnut stock. The U.S. Springfield Armory manufactured 4,021 of these distinctive, dual-purpose
weapons between 1855-1857, per pages 335-336 of “Flayderman’s Guide, 9th Edition”. They are one of
only three handguns manufactured at Springfield Armory, with intent to provide the U.S. Cavalry and
dragoon regiments with weapons that could be used as carbines for dismounted action and as
pistols for use on horseback. They are known to have been used into the Civil War, including by
Confederate forces. Features the pinched blade front sight, two-leaf rear notch sight graduated
to 400 yards on the upper tang, “V/P/(eagle head)” proofs stamped on the upper left at the
breech, “1855” date marked on the upper tang and at the tail of the lock, with the federal
eagle motif on the Maynard tape primer door, “U.S./SPRINGFIELD” at the front of the lock, brass
furniture, a bordered script “JS” inspection cartouche stamped on the left stock flat, numbered
“4” on the pommel. Includes a shoulder stock with number “3” on the attaching brass and “US”
on top of the buttplate.
CONDITION: Fine, exhibiting mostly bright surfaces, with light pitting, attractive untouched
bright mustard yellow patina on the brass overall, and distinct markings in the metal. Stock is
also fine, with well-defined edges, light handling marks, a minor crack on the left flat, outline
marks from stock mounting, and a crisp cartouche. Mechanically functions. Shoulder stock is exceptionally fine, with
rich oil finish, light handling marks, and well-defined edges
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 3234
Rare U.S. Navy Inspected Sharps Model 1855 Saddle Ring .577
Percussion Carbine - Serial no. 21264, 577 cal., 19 inch round bbl., blue
finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1857, this is one of only 100 of these Sharps
Model 1855 carbines in .577 caliber purchased on contract by the U.S. Navy, and all of
them were reportedly issued to the U.S. naval vessels subsequently sent on the Paraguay
expedition of 1858-1859 per pages 197-198 of “Flayderman’s Guide, 9th Edition”. There are certainly far less surviving
examples of these today than the original 100 issued. These U.S. Navy contract Sharps Model 1855 carbines are found
in the approximate serial range 20000-26000 according to page 40 of “Civil War Sharps Carbines & Rifles” by John D. McAulay.
“U.S.N” marked on top of the buttplate, with tiny five point stars in place of the dots between the letters, and “I/SCR/1857” on the patchbox, the inspector marking of Commander Steven C. Rowan.
No visible markings on the barrel, the upper receiver tang has the “SHARPS/PATENT/1848” marking ahead of the serial number, “EDWARD MAYNARD/PATENTEE 1845.” marked on the primer door, with
the matching serial number marked on the upper receiver tang and bottom of the barrel concealed by the forearm. Brass blade front and four-leaf notch rear sight similar to the British contract examples. Mounted with a smooth
walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a brass barrel band, patchbox and buttplate, and an iron saddle ring bar.
CONDITION: Good as a Navy issued survivor, with proper untouched dark brown patina, pitting/oxidation, replacement lever pin, absent saddle ring, and attractively aged patina on the brass. Wood is also good, with a chip at the
toe and characteristic scars. Mechanically functions. A rare example of an early U.S. Navy purchased Sharps M1855 carbine.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 3233
Historic Pre-Civil War Presentation Cane Inscribed to Lieutenant David Constable of the U.S. Revenue Service from Howell Cobb, a Founder of the
Confederacy - This cane is packed full of incredible history, having been presented just a few years before the outbreak of the Civil War. The inscription on top of the
grip reads, “Lieut. D.C.Constable,/U.S.R.S./from Howell Cobb./July 1858.” Howell Cobb (1815-1868) was elected to the U.S. house of representatives in 1843 until 1851
when he was elected governor of Georgia, where he served until 1853. In 1857 he was appointed Secretary of the Treasury by President Buchanan, and served there
until December of 1860. The presentation of this cane in 1858 makes complete sense, given the connections between the Revenue Service and the Department of
the Treasury. After his resignation, Cobb would go on to serve as president of a convention of the seceded states in February of 1861, and it was under his guidance
that the constitution for the Confederacy was drafted. He was then commissioned as a colonel and then brigadier general in the Confederate army, with he and
his brigade seeing combat in the Peninsula Campaign, as well as the battles of Seven Days, South Mountain, Crampton’s Gap, and Antietam. Lieutenant David C.
Constable was clearly an officer in the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service as early as 1858, and in April of 1862 assumed command of the USRC Naugatuk/E.A. Stevens, the first
iron clad warship in the Cutter Service, which was on service at Hampton Roads as part of the Union’s North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. The ship was involved in the
hunt for the Confederate iron clad CSS Virginia and exchanged fire with the vessel at one point, as well as being involved in the assaults on the fortifications of the James
River, including Drewry’s Bluff. It is unclear if there was a deeper personal or professional connection between Cobb and Constable other than that which has previously
been stated. Apart from the inscription, the gilt knob grip of the cane has extensive floral motifs and is fitted to a shaft that may be fruitwood, having smooth knobs and
tipped with iron. It measures 36 inches overall.
CONDITION: Very good overall, the grip showing most of the bright gilt finish with minimal handling evidence, and the shaft having some scattered light handling marks
and a hairline crack near the tip. An interesting presentation piece that clearly illustrates the deep rifts caused by the Civil War!
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250