Collectible Antique Longarms for sale (pre-1899)
NOTE: THE ITEMS BELOW ARE "ANTIQUES" AND NO NOT REQUIRE A FFL FOR SHIPMENT.

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**NEW ADDITION** 18449 HEAVY BARREL HALFSTOCK PERCUSSION TARGET RIFLE BY DREPPARD, LANCASTER, PA - A heavy barrel rifle, probably intended for target use, weighing 11 pounds 13 ounces. The .38 caliber barrel measures 1 1/8” across the flats and 32 inches long with eight groove rifling. The lockplate is 7/8” x 4 ½” with a clipped tail and neatly stamped DREPPERD/LANCASTER. The double set triggers need some tinkering to fix. The forend has a pewter cap, and the barrel has an iron rib with an iron ramrod thimble and a brass entry pipe. Nicely detailed front sight, and the rear sight is a long one slotted for a stepped elevator which is missing. The tang is drilled for a sight of some sort, also missing. The iron parts with a smooth brown finish, which may be original acid brown type finish, or just accumulated age patina. Frank Sellers’ American Gunsmiths lists eleven makers named Drepperd or Dreppard working in Lancaster, PA at various times between 1766 and 1857, so it is hard to pin this down to an exact maker. From the design features it seems to date to circa 1840-1850. The stock with about 95% of its original finish seems to be made out of walnut, but perhaps some other similar species. Brass buttplate, round patch box, and trigger guard. Brass barrel retention wedge is probably a replacement. This rifle shows the gradual shift away from the graceful artistry of the Pennsylvania long rifles into more utilitarian designs and more emphasis on leisure time sport shooting than the earlier necessity to put meat in the pot and drive hostiles away. Except for the relatively small “eastern” caliber, this resembles the heavy “plains rifles” or Hawken rifles of the same period. A handsome mid-19th century target rifle. $895.00 (View Picture)

**NEW ADDITION** 18448 FULL STOCK PENNSYLVANIA (OR ‘KENTUCKY”) PECUSSION RIFLE- BY BUCHMILLER- LANCASTER - 44 1/8” octagon barrel, 13/16” across the flats, with .30 caliber bore having seven groove rifling. Bore is in pretty good condition with strong and sharp lands, but a bit dark and rougher in the grooves. The nipple and drum are modern replacements and we would not be surprised if a previous owner had been shooting this one. The percussion lockplate is marked “R. Buchmiller/ Lancaster” and the barrel has a neatly stamped but hard to read “The/ Lancaster Rifle.” Although not listed in Frank Sellers’ “American Gunsmiths,” the three volume “Heer Der Neue Stoeckel” identifies this as Robert Buchmiller who worked on North Queen Street, in Lancaster, PA 1861-1870. This rifle has the classic Lancaster County school design features with straight upper and lower edges to the buttstock. Dovetailed brass blade front sight and a nicely detailed notched rear sight. Clearly this was made near the end of the percussion long rifle era, but in the traditional style, except in the much smaller calibers which had become fashionable by then. By this time the long rifle had evolved into “plain [not “plains”] rifle, lacking the artistic embellishments found on the “golden age” rifles made at the beginning of the 19th Century. The full length maple stock has pretty good looking faux “tiger stripes” painted on, but worn off on the wear points so it is easy to distinguish from actual wood grain. There is a strip about ¼” wide and 10 inches long missing from the right side of barrel channel at the muzzle. The wood between the barrel tang and the lockplate has been split off and repaired, but otherwise the stock is sound and attractive. Simple brass nose cap, ramrod thimbles and other furniture. Functioning double set triggers. The irons parts have a pleasing dark finish that was probably touched up a few decades ago. Light pitting on the lockplate, and around the nipple area, but remainder of the barrel is smooth. The wood above the lock behind the nipple is rotted away from percussion cap nastiness, but hidden by the hammer so no one really will see it. This is a handsome looking example of a late “Pennsylvania” or “Kentucky” and a good representative example of the whole species for a general collector, or someone looking for a rifle for display in an old house from the late 18th to mid 19th Centuries. $950.00 (View Picture)

**NEW ADDITION** 18447 SOUTHERN “PO’ BOY” PERCUSSION LONG RIFLE W/ EARLIER BARREL - The 43 ¾” swamped barrel is engraved in script on the top flat ~M* Sheets~. This may be Martin Sheets of Union, Ohio (near Dayton) who made long rifles circa 1806-1850; or more likely one of the Sheetz family of gunsmiths working near Harpers Ferry, WV- Martin who worked 1776-1808 at Shepherdstown, or Michael who worked at Charlestown circa 1810-1836. (Spelling was inconsistent at the time and Sheets, Sheetz and Scheetz were use more or less interchangeably.) The barrel is definitely a “Golden Age” part circa early 1800s, extremely long and gracefully swamped, 1.07” at the breech, .91” at the waist and 1.02 at the muzzle. Bore is .40 caliber and rifles with seven grooves. The muzzle has turned circles and punch mark decorations. Nice brass blade front sight in a dovetail and a handsome rear sight located 13” from the breech, with no indication that any other sights had been installed or moved. The barrel has been converted with a drum for the nipple, with only a small amount of pitting from the percussion caps. Otherwise the barrel is a smooth dark patina. The barrel is clearly higher quality work than the remainder of the gun, and this is almost certainly a case of an early rifle which had the barrel reused to make another gun later. As the migration patters of the early 19th century generally moved southwest along the Appalachian ranges, a barrel from a Sheets made rifle would have moved into the region where the “Po’ Boy” rifles were later made. The Lock is a percussion lock, not a conversion from flint, marked “A[?]. GRIFFITHS/ Warranted” probably made circa 1840-1850, and probably an imported lock as the name does not match any known U.S. makers. The stock is the classic crude “Poor Boy” style used in the Appalachian Mountain region with no buttplate, and an open grease hole in the stock in lieu of a patchbox. The wood is some sort of softer light colored species which has been artificially grained and stained. There are two crude sheet brass ramrod pipes and no entry pipe or forend tip. There is a crude iron trigger guard that may or may not be original. The double set triggers are a modern replacement part (and not working properly), as are the lock screw and tang screw and the ramrod. The top 6 inches of the forend are a skillfully done replacement and a strip about ¼” wide x 20” long has been replaced on the right side of the barrel channel. There is a chunk about ¼” x 1.5” missing on the left side of the barrel channel and the stock was refinished some time ago. This is a good example of the sort of gun used in the Appalachian region by the thrifty and chronically impoverished mountaineers, such as Sgt. Alvin York or his neighbors. It would be a handsome decorative item as is, or the barrel may be the basis for recreation of a “Golden Age” style rifle of the Maryland/Virginia school. $895.00 (View Picture)

**NEW ADDITION** 18443 HANDSOME DOUBLE BARREL PERCUSSION RIFLE- MADE BY ROBBINS- TIOGA COUNTY, PA CIRCA 1860 - The 34 inch octagon to round barrels are about ¾” diameter at the muzzle, and about .38-.40 caliber with six groove rifling. Top of barrel marked W.E. ROBBINS. Frank Sellers’ American Gunsmiths Identifies William E. Robbins as a percussion rifle maker working in Cherry Flats, PA 1847-1861, Elk Run, PA in an 1861 directory (although probably the same location as they are adjacent areas in rural Tioga County, PA) and Mainesburg PA, which is about 12 miles away. These areas are about 20 miles south of the border with New York state, or about 35 miles south of Corning. The southern tier of New York seemed to have a special affinity for double barrel percussion guns, often over under, and often combination guns with one rifled barrel and one smooth barrel. Apparently the local opinion was that the added weight of a second barrel was worth it for the convenience of a quick second shot, or the option to shot ball or shot (in the case of the combination guns). This one weighs about 10 pounds 5 ounces. This gun is typical of both the region and the period, with deeply curved narrow buttplate, more or less round patch box and lots of German silver(?) inlay work. This area had lots of maple trees, and the stock has a very nice tight tiger stripe grain (genuine, not faux painted on- see the grain in the patch box) with an untouched mellow dark finish. It is tough to do a double set trigger for a gun with two locks instead of a single lock, but this has been accomplished. First the rear trigger us pulled to “set” it, and then either one of the hammers is cocked and pulling the front trigger will fire it. If both hammers are cocked, both will drop with the trigger is pulled. The locks and barrels have an even, smooth brown patina except the top barrel has a 3 inch section with light pitting as shown in the photos. The extremely long rear sight is surely a local or maker specific trait. The wooden ramrods are poor replacements. They should be longer, probably with a metal tip that would engage the small raised nub between the barrels. Otherwise it appear all correct and original. A handsome example of an odd type rifle reflecting regional design preferences near the end of the percussion era. $1495.00 (View Picture)

**NEW ADDITION** 18442 GERMAN JAEGER RIFLE CIRCA 1750-1790- PERCUSSION CONCVERSION - The only visible marking is a round cartouche on the barrel with the letters CB over an unidentified shape over B. Heer Der Neue Stoeckel shows this identical marking and notes it was found on a Wheelock rifle circa 1648-1650, but clearly the gun is much newer than that. However, it was common to use the barrels from older weapons to make new guns, especially military arms, or privately owned arms among the middle class. (The rich would buy new fancy stuff and the peasants could not afford a gun, even if they could be trusted with any!) The German Jaeger rifles were traditionally the arms used by hunters, and later be specialized rifle units in the army. It was the Jaeger rifles brought by German immigrants circa 1700-1710 that served as the earliest patterns for the Pennsylvania (and later Kentucky) rifles which were made by gunsmiths who had trained in Germany, or were familiar with arms like this that had accompanied other settlers. This has a 24.75 inch long barrel, 1.24” across at the muzzle, swamped to about 1.10” at the narrowest point, and about 1.35” at the breech. The .72 caliber bore is deeply rifled with eight grooves and while the rifling is very strong and deep, it is dark and rough. The front sight is a dovetailed brass blade, while the rear sight is a robust iron affair dovetailed into the barrel and having a very handsome scroll or flame detail at the front. The Germanic style percussion lock has been converted from flintlock, probably circa 1830s or 1840s. The brass buttplate measures 2 1/8” wide by 5” high with a 2 ¼” tang. The walnut(?) stock is in good condition with a prominent cheek piece, but no carving or fancy work. There appears to be a break on the left side between the lock screws, but there does not appear to be any corresponding damage on the right side to indicate it was completely broken, but still, 200 year old wood needs to be treated carefully and with respect. The sideplate is actually two separate brass plates with a great vine and C-scroll motif. The tip of the stock has a bone cap, as was common on these. In my opinion the lock screws and tang screw, horn nose cap and ramrod are likely replacements. The buttplate screws may or may not be originals, and if original, I believe the heads have been filed nearly flush. Sling swivels are missing- upper one from near the forend tip and the lower one probably screwed into the stock just behind the trigger guard, but possibly mounted in the hole across the trigger guard bow. This is a handsome example of the classic German Jaeger rifle, the ancestor of the Pennsylvania rifle. If it were still in original flintlock, the price would be several times higher, but it is a great representative example of the type, even though converted to percussion. $1895.00 (View Picture)

**NEW ADDITION** 18382 U.S. MODEL 1863 .58 CALIBER MUSKET- MADE AT SPRINGFIELD IN 1863 - The iconic weapon of the American Civil War, the .58 caliber rifle musket was devastatingly effective in the tactics of the time which were largely those from the smoothbore musket era. The deadly effect of aimed rifle fire up to 500 yards forced changes in tactics, the end of frontal charges such as Pickett at Gettysburg, and increased emphasis on field fortifications. The first of the .58 caliber muskets firing the conical “Minie ball” was the Model 1855 which had a Maynard tape primer on the lockplate, which was eliminated to become the M1861. In 1863 a slightly modified arrangement of the hammer and nipple, and screw clamping bands were adopted, and in 1864 a further modification was made to the bands for the final version of the .58 caliber muzzle loading infantry arm. Approximate production numbers were: M1855- 60,000; M1861- about 700,000 [from Springfield and 20 contractors]; M1863- 275,000; and M1864- 250,000. This Model 1863 musket is well used and looks “old” and is a good representative example. It is complete, original and correct except the ramrod is a high quality recent replacement and the lower band is incorrect M1864 solid type instead of the screw clamped type. Metal finish is a mix of smooth brown patina mixed with dull steel gray. There is some pitting (as usual) around the nipple area, and some heavier pitting for about 2 inches at the muzzle. The buttplate is rusty and pitted. The combination 100/300/500 yard sight leaf is intact and movable. Bore has strong rifling, but many areas of heavy rust or scale that may or may not clean out. Lockplate has clear 1863 date and Eagle/U.S. SPRINGFIELD. Light V/P/Eagle Head on left barrel flat, and fairly legible eagle on the bolster. Good lock mechanics and all original parts. Sling swivels are intact and move. The walnut stock has some minor dings and scrapes, and is dirty, but will look good with a light cleaning. There are two chips, one behind the hammer behind the bolster (which is NOT rotted out at all!) and on the right side by the stock tip. One small crush spot along the ramrod channel and a 1” long bruise on the right side of the wrist. Small age crack on the left side of the barrel channel near the lock area. Faint trace of a cartouche on the left stock flat. If you like “old” looking guns, this is okay as is, and you can degrease the ramrod then put it in a very damp area and keep wetting it for a long time to make it rusty too (cover with mulch by a leaky faucet or downspout). If you like guns that look more “as issued” then this one would clean up very nicely with some abrasive cloth (320 or 400 grit) and elbow grease, and the stock could be stripped with paint remover then steamed and very lightly sanded then stained and oiled and it would look pretty darn good. This is a good honest musket that just needs a lower band to be correct, and a good cleaning if you prefer original appearance more than “original rust.” $1150.00 (View Picture)

**NEW ADDITION** 18381 U.S. MODEL 1861 .58 CALIBER MUSKET - The iconic weapon of the American Civil War, the .58 caliber rifle musket was devastatingly effective in the tactics of the time which were largely those from the smoothbore musket era. The deadly effect of aimed rifle fire up to 500 yards forced changes in tactics, the end of frontal charges such as Pickett at Gettysburg, and increased emphasis on field fortifications. The first of the .58 caliber muskets firing the conical “Minie ball” was the Model 1855 which had a Maynard tape primer on the lockplate, which was eliminated to become the M1861. In 1863 a slightly modified arrangement of the hammer and nipple, and screw clamping bands were adopted, and in 1864 a further modification was made to the bands for the final version of the .58 caliber muzzle loading infantry arm. Approximate production numbers were: M1855- 60,000; M1861- about 700,000 [from Springfield and 20 contractors]; M1863- 275,000; and M1864- 250,000. This Model 1861 musket is well used and looks “old” and will be a good wall hanger or a representative example for a collector looking for an inexpensive example. Although it looks complete and correct, the barrel has been bored smooth (a common alteration by surplus dealers to fill postwar demand for cheap “shotguns.”) and the ramrod is a high quality recent replacement. Metal finish is mostly smooth brown patina mixed with dull steel gray. There is some pitting (as usual) around the nipple area, and the buttplate is rusty and pitted. The 100 yard sight leaf is intact, but the 300 and 500 yard leaves are broken off. Lockplate has clear 1864 date (at which time M1861 muskets were still being delivered by many contractors) but the maker name has been filed off. Internally, the half cock notch is broken off the tumbler, but full cock works fine, and the sear spring is a repro. Sling swivels are intact and move. The walnut stock has lots of dings and scrapes, all pretty minor but looking bad on the dry surface of the stock which is dirty and dark. There is a hint of an age crack forward from the front of the lockplate and some of the usual erosion of wood behind the bolster from the mercuric percussion caps. If you like “old, old” looking guns, this is okay as is, and you can degrease the ramrod then put it in a very damp area and keep wetting it for a long time to make it rusty too (cover with mulch by a leaky faucet or downspout). If you like guns that look more “as issued” then this one would clean up with some abrasive cloth (320 or 400 grit) and elbow grease, and the stock could be stripped with paint remover then steamed and very lightly sanded then stained and oiled and it would look pretty darn good. (Not much you can do about the smooth bore except smile thinking about all the money you saved!) $685.00 (View Picture)

**NEW ADDITION** 18241 CIVIL WAR IMPORT ENFIELD .577 RIFLE MUSKET TOWER-1863 - This was a really, really nice example, but now it could be used as evidence to get Bubba committed to the nut house. That idiot went and screwed up a really nice musket by cleaning the stock with an electric sander of some sort! While it did not totally destroy it, this did leave a few parts (trigger guard and buttplate tang and sides of the buttplate) standing just a bit proud of the wood. This could be mitigated by carefully inletting them a bit deeper, and filing off a bit from the sides of the buttplate if it bothers you. He also removed just enough wood at the rear band location that it will not tighten enough to stay in place. You might insert a small pin on the forward side of the band to hold it in place (like on the Krag or M1917 Enfield lower bands) or build up the area underneath the band with a bit of epoxy and work it down just enough for the band to clamp again. A little bit of careful work with sandpaper and/or smooth file would eliminate much of the rest of the evidence of Bubba’s should-be criminal behavior. Stripping Bubba’s varnish and applying some stain and an oil finish would then make it look a lot better, especially if you decided to polish the barrel The bore on this is very strong, and near excellent with bright, sharp and deep rifling except for two of the lands have an inch or two long section with accumulated dirt, or perhaps rust on them that hopefully will clean out, but we cannot guarantee it. Good mechanics. Original ramrod. Rear sight is intact. Barrel has some very light pitting around the nipple area, as is almost always the case, but the rest of the barrel is smooth with bright polished areas around the bands, but the rest pretty much a brown stain or light rust that would clean off nicely. We sell all guns as collector items only and they must be approved by a competent gunsmith prior to firing. However, if approved, we would think it would be an excellent shooter if you wanted to experience what it was like to fire a Civil War musket. (Of course you can do the same thing with a replica a lot cheaper.) The .577 Enfield was second only to the .58 caliber Springfields in terms of numbers used during the Civil War. It is estimated that about 900,000 were purchased by the North and South during the war, and many of those changed ownership through capture on the battlefield. The Pattern 1853 used a different type of band, and this is the improved version with the later bands, and typical of nearly all those used during the Civil War. It was common practice in many regiments to polish the blued barrels bright to present a uniform appearance when units had a mix of Enfields and Springfields (which all had bright barrels). The .577 Enfield were also the standard British infantry arm of the period, but those are easy to identify as they had the royal Broad Arrow and usually a WD (War Department) marking applied on the lock. This one is not broad arrow or WD marked and in 1863 virtually all production not for the crown was headed to American to fill U.S. orders, or shipped via blockade runners to Confederate ports. Despite the Bubba inflicted problems (which are not nearly as bad as they may sound, just really annoying to us collectors!) this is a very nice representative example of the second most widely used rifle of the Civil War. Remember, this is not one of the crude Afghan copies made for sale to our fighting men and women, or even one of the genuine old but poor quality and ratty condition guns out of Nepal, but a genuine British made example that would have brought a really good price—except for Bubba’s work. ANTIQUE- No FFL needed. $995.00 (View Picture)

**NEW ADDITION** 18238 CIVIL WAR IMPORT- AUSTRIAN LORENZ MODEL 1854 RIFLE MUSKET - The Lorenz was the third most common arm used in the Civil War, with some 300,000 imported by the Union, and 100,000 by the Confederacy. These were .54 caliber rifles, but many (especially those imported by the Yankees) were later rebored to .577, .58 or .59 caliber to allow use of regular .58 caliber musket ammunition. This is one of the rebored guns, with the bore measuring .59 caliber in the 37.5 inch barrel. Armies in the Western theater seemed to have more of the Lorenz rifles than in the East. These were not very good quality to start with, and hard use during the war left most in somewhat ratty condition, so this one is about average condition. Metal parts with a dark brown patina over lots of light to moderate pitting. Bore is relatively good. The stock was sanded and refinished a long time ago. Rear sight has been filed down some, and ramrod is probably a period replacement. The lower bandspring is missing, but we will throw in a spring from some unknown rifle that will work if you drill a new hole for it. This is not a high grade collector piece, but a good honest old Civil War musket at a very reasonable price. Great for hanging over a fireplace in an old house of the 1860s or earlier, or okay for a reenactor to use (with only minor nagging from your conscience about abusing an old original artifact). ANTIQUE- No FFL needed. $550.00 (View Picture)

**NEW ADDITION** 18236 U.S. MODEL 1866 .50-70 TRAPDOOR "SECOND ALLIN" Rifle - Serial number- N/A. About 52,000 Model 1866 rifles were made at Springfield Armory between 1867 and 1869 by converting Model 1863 (Type 2) muskets. Musket barrels were bored out smooth then sleeved to .50 caliber and an opening cut in the breech for the hinged Allin breech block. The block and hinge had a black case hardened finish, the rear sight and trigger were blued, and remaining parts were finished bright, but most eventually got polished bright in service. The Civil War stocks were internally altered to make room for the extractor and ejector mechanisms. These had a weak extractor mechanism and were not popular with troops. However, they proved the great value of the breechloader at the "Wagon Box fight" against the Indians in 1867. As the first widely issued breech loading centerfire infantry rifle made at Springfield and used by the U.S. Army, these are a major milestone for arms collectors. During the Franco-Prussian War about half of the Model 1866 rifles were sold to the French and later destroyed, making the number of surviving rifles about the same as the number of M1903A4 sniper rifles made. This is a good representative example that could be improved with a little bit of effort. The bore is G-VG with scattered small patches of light roughness. Metal parts generally a smooth steel gray mixed with spotty staining, or brown patina. The buttplate, forend tip and upper band have extensive heavy pitting, but could be cleaned up with some file work to smooth things out, or just replace them with better condition parts. The walnut stock has been cleaned, but retains most of the sharp edges. One faint cartouche on the left flat. There is s small age crack forward from the rear lock screw on the left side and another extending back from the rear of the lockplate on the right side, but neither appear to effect strength. A chunk of the wood between the barrel tang and the lockplate has broken off and been neatly glued back in place. The cleaning rod is a reproduction that is not quite correct, as the shaft is too small and it rattles around and will fall out, but looks okay on display. This is a good representative example of one of the classic arms of the Indian War period, and the first general issue breechloading rifle used by the U.S. Infantry, and the first centerfire breechloader made at Springfield, so it is a key piece an any U.S. martial arms collection. Although we sell all guns as collector items only, and they must be approved by a competent gunsmith prior to firing, we know of no reason why this would not be okay to shoot a few times to get a feel for the technology of that period. Newer U.S. martial arms prices have climbed steadily in recent years, but these are still relatively inexpensive, so don’t wait too long. ANTIQUE, no FFL needed. $775.00 (View Picture)

**NEW ADDITION** 18234 U.S. MODEL 1896 .30-40 KRAG JORGENSEN RIFLE WITH SLING - Serial number 48625, made at Springfield Armory in 1896, and undoubtedly used by some unit in the Spanish American War in 1898. This rifle was later arsenal overhauled and fitted with new (Model 1901) sights and a second circle P was added behind the trigger guard. This is a good representative example of the standard U.S. Army rifle of that war, at least for the regulars and a few volunteer units, while most of the volunteers made do with the .45-70 trapdoors they had been issued earlier. This one really needs a good cleaning and a bit of stock work would make it look a lot better. There are two chips by the buttplate tang that could be easily filled, and some steaming to raise dents and dings and then a bit of stain and oil finish would make it look a whole lot better. The sling is the correct M1885 type with a single brass claw on one end, and a button arrangement on the other end. However it is installed backwards and the sling has torn where it passed over the butt swivel. This could be mended with some very thin leather and some epoxy and suffice for display purposes, or you can fill your trash can with bits of dead cow and brass. The bore is well worn and lightly pitted throughout, so we don’t recommend even thinking about this as a shooter. (We sell all guns as collector items only, and they must be approved by a competent gunsmith prior to firing.) Metal parts are a mix of blue turned to plum and staining and dull gray with the action mostly the nondescript brown/black stain/patina that Krags acquire. A good representative rifle at a modest price $825.00 (View Picture)

**NEW ADDITION** 18107 UNUSUAL “MULE EAR or SIDE HAMMER” PERCUSSION RIFLE CIRCA 1840s - Probably made by Stillman Jackson of Palmyra, NY, circa 1840 as this has most of the design features normally found on his work. This uses a Gilbert Patent style side hammer bar lock, but there is no maker name anywhere that we could find. The 34 ½ inch barrel is 1/3 octagon and 2/3 round, about .42 caliber, seven groove rifling, with iron under rib with two iron thimbles. The slender walnut stock is unusual in that it has a cheek rest on BOTH sides, brass trigger and trigger guard and entry pipe, and a peculiar “rocker” sideplate, all apparently Jackson traits.. The front sight is a simple brass post flattened to blade shape. The rear sight is a non-adjustable type, and it appears to have been moved to the rear about 4 inches during the period of use. Pewter(?) forend tip. (More info on Jackson in The New York State Firearms Trade by H. J. Swinney Vol. II, pgs. 846-853.) The nipple is a modern replacement. Metal parts mostly a smooth brown with steel gray highlights. Some light roughness around the nipple area. Lockplate has some nice engraving (probably done by the lockmaker, with no decorative touches elsewhere. The stock has a repair along the barrel channel on the right side of the forend, about ¼” x 8” where the wood has been replaced and about 4” where a crack has been repaired. The wood between the barrel tang and the lock has been broken and repaired long ago. Ramrod is a decent looking replacement. Overall a good representative example of a unusual variation of the classic American percussion sporting rifle. The mule ear or sidehammer lock was pretty much an American design, innovative and efficient with fewer moving parts, and the flash from the nipple going directly into the bore for better ignition than the usual drum or bolster with their indirect path for the flash. They were even used by the U.S. Navy in the Jenks rifle, and made by Remington, located some 125 miles east of Palmyra, and both on the Erie Canal so it is possible that Jackson was inspired by Remington’s work on a hot new design. Despite their technological advantages, the side hammer action never really caught on, but they keep resurfacing periodically for a few iconoclasts who appreciate the unusual “side slapper” action. Navy Arms even made some repros a few years back. $750.00 (View Picture)

**NEW ADDITION** 17747 Colt 1st model .38-40 caliber Lightning Model Magazine Slide Action Rifle- medium frame-- NICE! - Serial number 13132 made in 1886. The Colt Lightning was Colt’s serious attempt to break into the long gun business, starting around 1884. The Lightning rifle was offered in three frame sizes: Small for .22 rimfire; Medium for centerfire calibers .32-20, .38-40 and .44-40; and Large for rifle size calibers such as .38-56, .40-60, .45-60, .45-65, .45-85 and .50-95 Express. The latter were direct competitors (although unsuccessful) against Winchester’s Model 1876 and 1886 rifles. The small frame .22 was an excellent boys rifle, and useful for plinking, target shooting and small game hunting. The medium frame models were great companions to Colt’s revolvers in the matching calibers. The large frame rifles were suitable for just about any North American medium or large game animals. Known for its speed, the Colt lightning rifle had a much higher rate of fire than the Winchester lever actions. A total of about 185,000 Lightning rifles of all types were made, nearly half of them the small frame .22 caliber versions. The Lightnings are a somewhat neglected collector niche, receiving more attention now that the Italians are making replicas of them for the Cowboy Actions Shooter market. This is an early First Model medium frame .38-40 rifle that has only the two 1883 patent dates, and the action lock in the trigger guard and was not made for the sliding breech cover. It has the 26 inch round barrel, plain walnut stock with checkered forend. Buttplate is the crescent type. Blade front sight and adjustable rear sight on the barrel. Excellent sharp and bright bore and mechanics. Stock appears to have original finish, with few if any even insignificant bruises, but it may have had a coat of linseed oil added. Metal parts with average of about 95-97% original Colt factory blue with just a bit of wear on the sharp edges and on the barrel where the forend rubs. Both sides of the receiver has some streaks that look like scratches but are probably minute flaking of the finish along the lines of the “grain” in the metal from when it was being forged. The hammer has nice case colors. Buttplate looks like it is case hardened, not blued, or if blued then it is an exception to the overall finish and would be more like 40%. Blue on other parts is mostly deep blue except starting to age tone just a bit and there is some dried oil that makes it look dull. Now the bad news- it looks like someone installed a receiver sight on the left side, drilling two hole, which are now filled with plug screws but really don’t look too bad on an otherwise really great gun. We sell all guns as collector items only, and they must be approved by a competent gunsmith prior to firing. It will be difficult to find another EARLY Lightning with these features in condition this nice, let alone a nicer one. Except for the added holes for the sight, this is pretty minty, and would be hard to improve on. $2450.00 (View Picture)

**NEW ADDITION** 17744 COLT LIGHTNING MODEL MAGAZINE SLIDE ACTION RIFLE (MEDIUM FRAME) .32-20 CALIBER- EARLY - Serial number 10291 made in 1885. The Colt Lightning was Colt’s serious attempt to break into the long gun business, starting around 1884. The Lightning rifle was offered in three frame sizes: Small for .22 rimfire; Medium for centerfire calibers .32-20, .38-40 and .44-40; and Large for rifle size calibers such as .38-56, .40-60, .45-60, .45-65, .45-85 and .50-95 Express. The latter were direct competitors (although unsuccessful) against Winchester’s Model 1876 and 1886 rifles. The small frame .22 was an excellent boys rifle, and useful for plinking, target shooting and small game hunting. The medium frame models were great companions to Colt’s revolvers in the matching calibers. The large frame rifles were suitable for just about any North American medium or large game animals. Known for its speed, the Colt lightning rifle had a much higher rate of fire than the Winchester lever actions. A total of about 185,000 Lightning rifles of all types were made, nearly half of them the small frame .22 caliber versions. The Lightnings are a somewhat neglected collector niche, receiving more attention now that the Italians are making replicas of them for the Cowboy Actions Shooter market. This is an early medium frame .32-20 rifle that has only the two 1883 patent dates, and no sliding breech cover. It has the 26 inch round barrel, plain walnut stock with checkered forend. Buttplate is the crescent type. Blade front sight and adjustable rear sight. Excellent plus bore and mechanics (although stiff from dried oil in the works). Stock is unsanded with the original oil finish showing only a handful of very minor dings or bruises. Metal parts with about 96-97% original Colt factory blue with most of the wera being on the blued bolt body. Some of the blue is a bit age toned or tending toward plum, but some of that may just be dried oil; also several light stain freckles on the left side/top of the action and three light scratches on left side of receiver. These were popular guns in their day and most saw a fair amount of use, so finding near mint examples is difficult and this one will be very hard to improve upon. A GREAT, ORIGINAL example of one of Colt’s important, but often overlooked products. $2950.00 (View Picture)

**NEW ADDITION** 17742 Colt Lightning Model Magazine Slide Action Rifle-medium frame- 2nd model .32-20 caliber- NICE! - Serial number 83869 made in 1898. The Colt Lightning was Colt’s serious attempt to break into the long gun business, starting around 1884. The Lightning rifle was offered in three frame sizes: Small for .22 rimfire; Medium for centerfire calibers .32-20, .38-40 and .44-40; and Large for rifle size calibers such as .38-56, .40-60, .45-60, .45-65, .45-85 and .50-95 Express. The latter were direct competitors (although unsuccessful) against Winchester’s Model 1876 and 1886 rifles. The small frame .22 was an excellent boys rifle, and useful for plinking, target shooting and small game hunting. The medium frame models were great companions to Colt’s revolvers in the matching calibers. The large frame rifles were suitable for just about any North American medium or large game animals. Known for its speed, the Colt lightning rifle had a much higher rate of fire than the Winchester lever actions. A total of about 185,000 Lightning rifles of all types were made, nearly half of them the small frame .22 caliber versions. The Lightnings are a somewhat neglected collector niche, receiving more attention now that the Italians are making replicas of them for the Cowboy Actions Shooter market. This is a Second Model medium frame .32-20 rifle that has the five patent dates, and omits the action lock in the trigger guard and adds the sliding breech cover. It has the 26 inch octagon barrel, plain walnut stock. The forend has only the border lines, which are very light, and probably has been lightly refinished long ago. Buttplate is the crescent type. This has the fancy folding Beech’s front sight the shows a small blade, or when rotated, shows a hooded post. Rear sight is the adjustable type with the step type adjustments. Bore is extra crisp and sharp and mirror bright. Excellent mechanics. Stock has an old oil finish and may have been lightly cleaned at some point., but maybe not. There is a tiny age crack extending back from the right rear of the upper tang. Metal parts with average of about 90-95% original Colt factory blue, trending towards plum and dulling slightly, but exaggerated by being seen side by side with the other superb Lightings from this very advanced collector’s estate. Wear is on the typical normal areas- on the tangs, the balance point and the sharp edges of the barrel and action. Finish on the buttplate has faded to plum. Crisp unbuggered screw slots. We sell all guns as collector items only, and they must be approved by a competent gunsmith prior to firing. Nice examples of Colt Lightnings are hard to find, and we are very fortunate to be able to offer a number of these in top condition from a very advanced collection. It will be difficult to find another Lightning with these features in condition this nice, let alone a nicer one. Not minty, but darn nice. ANTIQUE, no FFL needed. $1850.00 (View Picture)

**NEW ADDITION** 18446 ENGLISH DOUBLE BARREL PERCUSSION SHOTGUN 12 GA - Made by “PERKINS” according to the lock markings, but it is unclear exactly who this might be as there were three or four men named Perkins working in Birmingham circa 1840-1870, the approximate date of manufacture of this gun. John, Richard and George Perkins are all listed, along with another George who may or may not be different from the first one. In any case this is a good sturdy, utility grade shotgun made in England with Birmingham proofs on the bottom of the barrels. Barrels are 30 inches long and appear to be sound with the nipples clear and the locks seem to work properly. Bores are good, for a blackpowder gun, Overall the metal parts have a smooth old brown patina. The walnut stock is sound, and shows that it was originally very lightly checkered, now somewhat worn. The iron mountings are good quality, well fitted. There was a second ramrod pipe or thimble which is now missing, but you can see from the solder where it was on the barrel. The wood ramrod appears to be original or at least a period replacement. We sell all guns as collector items only and they must be approved by a competent gunsmith prior to firing. However, this is one of the few percussion shotguns we have had that we would even consider firing, or even asking a gunsmith to check. In any case, it is at least a good wallhanger, and as an English made gun a lot better quality material and workmanship that the vastly larger number of similar guns dumped on the export market from Belgium. $249.00 (View Picture)

**NEW ADDITION** 18440 HANDSOME ENGLISH BRASS BARREL FLINTLOCK BLUNDERBUSS- “ROYAL EXCHANGE LONDON” CIRCA 1800 - This is a really handsome piece, with the brass barrel and walnut stock. Lockplate is marked “Bennett” in script, and the top of the barrel is engraved “ROYAL EXCHANGE LONDON” with London proofs. This was made by John Bennett circa 1781-1802, or perhaps his wife (or daughter?) Elizabeth who continued operations at their 67 Threadneedle street address from 1803 to1807. Barrel is 15.3 inches long and about 1 5/8” wide at the muzzle with the bore about 1 3/16” at the muzzle, tapering to about 5/8” (.62 caliber +/-) towards the breech. It has the beautiful and graceful octagon to round contours and cannon muzzle that makes these guns so appealing. The brass has a mellow golden glow to it. John Bennett’s I.B. touch mark and London proofmarks are on the left shoulder of the barrel. The barrel is secured by two wedges. The flint lock is unusual, with a sliding safety that can be applied in the half-cock position to block movement of the hammer. The lock finish is mostly medium gray to dark shades. Brass buttplate, trigger guard, side plate and ramrod pipes are tastefully decorated. The brass tipped wooden ramrod appears to be original. The walnut stock has a mellow old oiled finish with some minor dings that add a bit of character. Now the bad news- the stock was broken during its period of use across the lock area. Perhaps when used to bludgeon some highwayman or footpad messing with the gentry, or more likely by some klutz who dropped it and the sheer weight of the barrel was enough to break the stock across the weak lock region where it also had some figure to the grain. It was skillfully repaired during the period of use as shown by the added two screws in the side plate and front tip of the trigger guard. there was a thin veneer added below the front of the lock to hide the repair. A small piece of wood or filler has been lost between the lock and trigger guard. There is a chipped area below the rear of the lock, probably resulting from the same accident. The stock appears to be reasonably sound, and does not seem to flex or anything so it is fine for display, but this should not be relied on as your primary home defense weapon. A really good craftsman could make this break nearly invisible and much stronger with some modern epoxies, but it is fine for display just as is. This is from the collection of a dear friend who picked it up in the UK about 40 years ago, but we know no history beyond that. Price reflects the damaged stock, but it still is a really handsome old gun that will be a real attention getter (but should be handled gently). Remember to explain to admirers that the wide muzzle was not so much for spreading a shot pattern as it was to facilitate rapid reloading. $1,850.00 (View Picture)

18439 U.S. Model 1863 .58 caliber Remington “Zouave” Rifle - Widely regarded as “One of the best made and designed military arms of the Civil War era.” Where they acquired the nickname of “Zouave” is unclear, but they are certainly flashy looking, and the Zouaves were famous for their flashy uniforms with fancy trim and outrageous drill routines. (Think of them as the Shriners in the local parade, but with guns.) Probably the flashy appearance of the Zouaves and these rifles got them linked in someone’s mind at some point, at least in folklore if not in fact. These are so handsome that they were the first of the Civil War arms to be made as replicas. Remington had delivered 10,000 of the Model 1841 “Mississippi” rifles during 1850-1854. During the Civil War, the Ordnance Department contracted with Remington for additional “Harpers Ferry” [i.e. M1841 Mississippi] style rifles, along with large contracts for .36 and .44 caliber revolvers, and late in the war for 40,000 Model 1863 .58 caliber rifle muskets, and some of the early “split breech” rolling block carbines. Remington was a reliable maker of good quality arms, and provided the competition needed by the Ordnance Department used to beat down Colt’s constantly escalating prices. There is a lot of conjecture and debate over how many of the “other contracts” were sweeteners for Remington to help keep the revolver deliveries and prices competitive. The Model 1863 “Zouave” is actually a cross between the brass mounted .54 caliber Model 1841s and the later iron mounted Model 1855 rifles in .58 caliber. The “Zouave” used brass mountings, but with simpler bands, and the smaller 1855 style patchbox, but in the post-1855 standard .58 caliber and with a flashy brass handled sword bayonet. An August 1862 contract called for delivery of 10,000 rifles, and after the Holt Commission investigations, that contract was cancelled after 7,500 had already been delivered. Another contract was signed in December 1863 for 2,500 more to permit full delivery of the original number, not for a total of 12,500 as some authors have erroneously stated. Records confirm that 10,000 of these rifles were delivered to Watervliet Arsenal between April 18, 1863 and January 8, 1864 at a cost of $17.00 each. Inexplicably, all 10,000 were still there in May of 1866 and none were ever issued to troops during the Civil War. Finally the entire lot (less 1) were sold to Francis Bannerman in 1901 for 54 cents each, with the brass handled sword bayonets. (Prices have increased since then!) So, theoretically these are U.S. military rifles from the Civil War, even though they never actually were issued, so some collectors can justify passing them up for that reason. Other collectors justify ownership as part of a collection of Remington military rifles, or just because they are so darn handsome to look at! Historically, these were the last percussion rifles ever purchased by the U.S. military (although rifle-muskets were made into 1865.) Note that some authorities claim that Zouave rifles have been recovered at some Civil War battle sites, but I remain skeptical about that. This rifle we are selling is in about good to very good condition condition, all matching correct and original, with 1863 dated lock and barrel. The barrel retains most of the original blue, although it is thinning, dull, and turning to patina. The brass barrel bands have numerous small dents and dings from being forced on/off (Bubba probably tried to put them on backwards- remember the open part of the “U” is always “up”.) All the brass parts are an ugly mix of dirty brown with yellow areas. A few faint traces of case colors on the lock plate, but mostly sjust stains mixed with gray. The unsanded walnut stock is frankly a bit ugly. It has a good BH cartouche on the left flat, and a variety of handling and storage blemishes, and some chipping alongside the ramrod channel. It looks like the wood was chemically stripped decades ago and never oiled afterwards, leaving a dull and lifeless look. This is a gun that would be greatly improved if the wood were cleaned with a wet rag and the dents raised with a hot iron on the wet rag, then very lightly sanded/steel wooled followed by some good stock stain and a coat of rubbed in oil finish. The three groove bore (some had seven grooves) os excellent- sharp and bright. The upper swivel is broken off (A musket rear swivel can replace it, although it will be secured with a screw instead of riveted). The 300 yard leaf of the rear sight is broken off, but the 100 and 500 yard leaves are functional. We sell all guns as collector items only and they must be approved by a competent gunsmith prior to firing, but I see no reason I would not fire this a few times, just for fun. Overall this is a good representative example of the famous “Zouave” rifle at an affordable price. Admittedly, it is not as handsome as the minty examples that are still fairly common, but you can console yourself with the bundle of cash you save. $1750.00 (View Picture)

16876 U.S. MODEL 1892 KRAG RIFLE (UNMODIFIED!) RESTORATION PROJECT - Serial number 8115 made in 1895. This is an exceptional find! Among the scarcest of all U.S. martial small arms are the Model 1892 Krag rifles which had the cleaning rod under the barrel. Only 24,562 were made before they began making the Model 1896, and there was an aggressive, long term campaign to recall and convert Model 1892 rifles to the 1896 configuration. Virtually all the M1892 rifles saw service during the Spanish American war, with normal attrition there. Based on over 20 years collecting U.S. arms, I see unmodified M1892 Krags as infrequently as M1903 Rod bayonet Springfields and about as often as Gas Trap Garands or Pedersen devices. My guess is that perhaps 50 or so examples of each of these scarce models are in private hands, with maybe the same number in museums. This is an unrestored rifle that escaped modification to M1896, but got molested by Bubba so he would use it as a deer rifle. The action has NOT been modified for the hold open notch, and it has the correct matching numbers on the sideplate, gate and follower. Ejector pin is the correct later round type. The barrel is the correct original unmodified M1892 type with flat (uncrowned) muzzle and the original M1892 front sight blade (with wider lower part than the sighting part of the blade) still in place. Bore has strong but worn rifling, and is dirty with little roughness, about average for a Krag. The bolt assembly is a later M1898 type but M1892 bolts are not too hard to find (except for the square back cocking piece and the extractor without the hold open pin). Safety is missing. The flat tab on the bottom of the hinge pin is broken off, but the pin is the same for all Krags and easily replaced. Metal parts have some blue and the receiver is mix of blue, silver-gray, etc and I suspect that Bubba touched things up with some cold blue, but no polishing or anything real bad. The stock is the correct original M1892 stock with the channel and hole for the cleaning rod in (what is left of) the forend. It may be possible to salvage this, even though the forend has been rounded off at the lower band shoulder, and rounded on the edges where the handguard fits. A good wood worker can build a new forend, and piece it in about 2 inches back from the lower band, and possibly add strips above the grasping grooves. This work would be justified as the rest of the stock is good, including the original flat butt (not the curved toe as modified in 1896) with the correct original flat (solid- no trap) buttplate still in place. Finding an original unmodified M1892 Krag stock is probably impossible, so it is best to try to salvage this one. There is a small chip in the toe, visible in the photos. Faint traces of a cartouche, and a “J” which was an early arsenal inspection marking, but I forget which one. Based on the scarcity of original M1892 rifles, this rifle, when restored, will make a good filler in a collection unless you get very rich and very lucky and find a totally correct original. $1,195.00 (View Picture)

16295 CIVIL WAR MAYNARD SADDLE RING CARBINE (Second Model) - Serial number 19668, these are a very clever design with a simple and strong locking mechanism. These used a .50 caliber brass cartridge case with a brass disc soldered to the base as a rim. A small hole in the center of the base allowed the flash from the external percussion cap to fire the case. A total of about 5,000 of the “First Model” Maynard carbine were made, with a patchbox in the butt and using the Maynard tape primer which was a big fad circa 1858 when these were first made. The “Second Model” eliminated the patchbox and Maynard primer and about 20,202 of these were delivered for use in the Civil War, with serial numbers running consecutively through both models. The Maynards were popular due to their light weight and simple operation, although not reaching the field until the 1864, serving mainly in the western theater. John McAulay’s superb “U.S. Military Carbines” has lots more on the various campaigns in which they saw action. The Maynard design continued in production after the Civil War for the commercial market, but with modifications to replace the nipple with a firing pin to allow use of regular metallic cartridges. The Civil War Maynard carbines were made by the Massachusetts Arms Company of Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts. That firm was incorporated in 1851 and included Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson (later to become Smith & Wesson); Joshua Stevens of Stevens Arms, and J.T. Ames of Ames Manufacturing Company, really the core of the American arms industry. This one is a real “diamond in the rough” that has been poorly stored and needs a careful cleaning to be a really great gun. The walnut stock is excellent with sharp inspector cartouches and only a couple of tiny, insignificant handling blemishes. The metal parts retain about 95%+ original blue finish but there are lots of light surface rust freckles that have accumulated and should come off with a careful cleaning without much loss or damage to the blue underneath. A little bit of heavier rust on the heel of the buttplate, on the bottom of the lever and one spot on the bottom of the barrel (about 3/8” diameter). The bore is excellent, bright and sharp. When cleaned, this will be a really great example of this historic design. ANTIQUE, no FFL needed. $1,995.00 (View Picture)

16297 CIVIL WAR MERRILL SADDLE RING CARBINE, 1ST MODEL, .54 caliber - Serial number 6827, matching. Only about 14,495 Merrills were procured during the Civil War, apparently a few more of this first model than the second which omitted the brass patchbox used a different latch. James H. Merrill of Baltimore, MD, was a serious firearms inventor, although certainly not an inventive genius. Besides the two Civil War models of the “Merrill” carbine, he was also involved with an 1855 Merrill, Latrobe & Thomas carbine which saw 170 procured by the Army before they decided they were unfit for service. Merrill was next involved with the 1858 modifications by the Navy where they altered some 300 of their breechloading Jenks carbines using a Merrill modification to allow use of a paper cartridge instead of loose ball and powder. The design of the Merrill offered here is his most successful attempt, where a long lever pivoting at the wrist and latched by the rear sight base, cannot be opened unless the hammer is at half cock. Lifting or closing the lever moves a piston back and forth in line with the axis of the barrel, opening or sealing a slot for insertion of a paper (or paper/foil) cartridge. The face of the piston has a copper disc attached to help seal the breech. Ignition is by standard musket cap on the nipple. These are handsome arms, with the brass furniture and the case-hardened finish on the lever/latch and lockplate, blued rear sight and trigger and bright finished barrel. This is a gently used weapon that has assorted minor dings and bruises, but nothing significant beyond what is mentioned here. There is some scattered very light roughness/pitting on the lockplate and hammer mainly from the mercuric caps used then. The barrel is a dull steel gray with some rusted areas near the muzzle and one or two other small rust spots. The brass has a mellow aged tone. The walnut stock is pretty nice and solid except for a hairline age crack on the left side extending forward from the tang, and a nearby small (1/4”) gouge that was filled and almost overlooked. Brass buttplate has some dings from use pounding something long ago. The bore is generally sharp and bright but there are 4 or 5 medium to large rusted areas towards the muzzle that may improve somewhat with a good cleaning, but probably not much. The rear sight is missing the small leaf (100-300 yards) but appears to be the same as standard M1861 sight so it would be easy to replace. There are light scratchings on the patch box, but not sure if it is a name or doodling. No documented history is available on this specific serial number, but others in the same general range were reported in the hands of cavalry regiments in June 1863, and again in January 1865, mainly Kentucky regiments. Other outfits which used Merrills included some from New York, New Jersey, and Wisconsin. John McAulay’s superb “U.S. Military Carbines” has lots of info on these, and all other types of carbines as far as how well the troops liked them, and their performance in various battles. A very good plus, gently used veteran that will look better after a good overall cleaning, as it has been in an attic for about 15-20 years where an heir disinterested in guns had stored it. ANTIQUE, no FFL needed. $2,950.00 (View Picture)

**Reduced** 13953 Winchester Model 1885 .45-70 Musket - Citizens Guard of Hawaii- NICE! - Serial number 71638. The Winchester factory records show this was received in the warehouse on August 30, 1895 and shipped the same day. It is listed as having a 32 inch barrel, checkered stock, pinned blade front and Hotchkiss rear sight and 1X grade walnut stocks. The traditional native royal government of the Hawaii faced numerous challenges to their authority during the period 1887-1895. In 1898 the United States finally annexed Hawaii (under dubious circumstances) and in 1959 they became the 50th State. One of the many armed factions in the power struggle prior to annexation was the “Citizens Guard of Hawaii,” desiring association with the United States. Members of this militia group provided their own arms, or sometimes the Guard provided them. The privately owned arms included sixteen Model 1885 single shot .45-70 muskets shipped from Winchester in August 1895, as well as numerous Model 1876 Winchesters. This rifle was used by Pvt. J.W. Manning around April 1897, as a member of Division 4 of the Hana Maui Company, Citizens Guard of Hawaii. A folder with extensive research notes is included with this gun. Action retains about 90-95% of the vivid case colors, and the barrel with about 95-97% original blue finish. Stocks retain most of the original varnish finish, but do show assorted minor dins and bruises of a gun that has been used, not just stored in a safe forever. The bore has sharp and strong rifling, but some slight roughness to, so call it Very good to fine bore. Buttplate is mostly patina. This is from the estate of a past President of the Winchester Arms Collectors Association, who appreciated unusual examples of Winchesters, such as this one. He believed it was a “Deluxe Model” but the M1885 guru Bert Hartman thinks not, so what you see is what you get. This is a really handsome gun, in popular .45-70 caliber, with a great history and story to go with it. It deserves a good home. $6,995.00 Reduced to $5,495.00 (View Picture)

**Reduced** 13932 U.S. Model 1873 .45-70 “Trapdoor” rifle - Serial Number 6468, made in 1874, and undoubtedly among the first of the .45-70 rifles to reach the field. No documented history available on this one, but guns in this range seem to have been spread among the 3rd, 4th and 5th Infantry in the late 1870s. This appears to be all correct, and is a handsome looking rifle. Excellent bore. The very early Model 1873s had a solid front sight (late had the removable blade and pin design). These had no V/P/eagle head proofs until later; the 1873 date on the lockplate, the coarse checkered hammers with no lip; high arch breech block; rear sight graduated 400/1100 with slotless screws; projection on the tip of the thumb piece; and the knurled cleaning rod with flat face. This has about 60-70% old blue finish that may be original, or perhaps an old arsenal overhaul, but the muzzle area has been touched up where a bayonet usually leaves marks. The stock has some dings and scars, the worst being on the left side of the forend above the lower band, but it has a mellow patina that blends nicely with the rest of the stock. Good ESA in oval cartouche (although someone tried to clean it up with a pin or something, but it is a correct original cartouche, not some faker’s addition. Circle P at the trigger guard is obscured by some dings there. There is some heat discoloration on the receiver and tang leading us to believe that the breech tang has been replaced. The lower band has a mix of blue and shiny areas, and it may be a replacement that had been nickel plated at one time, or perhaps is just a part where the blue finish has flaked leaving bare steel, but it would be easy to replace this part if you wanted to. Model 1873 Trapdoors are pretty scarce, as most were recalled after the adoption of the wider receivers and blocks for the Model 1879, and broken up with most parts recycled for use in second class arms with the star suffix in the serial number. Thus, even with a few flaws, this is still a far above average example of a scarce trapdoor rifle with a very low serial number. We handle hundreds of trapdoors every year, but only a handful are true Model 1873s, and this is one of the best we have seen in a long time. ANTIQUE, no FFL needed. $1,395.00 Reduced to $1,150.00 (View Picture)

**HOLD** 13928 U.S. Model 1803 .54 caliber flintlock rifle - Made by Harpers Ferry in 1819. An expert reconversion of this handsome and historically significant arm. These were the first rifled arms built at a U.S. government arsenal, and the first rifles routinely issued to regular troops. This one was made at the very end of their production run, and in typical Harpers Ferry fashion, they were all hand made, not interchangeable. Condition is pretty much as shown in the photos, a really nice representative example showing the expected wear from military usage, but still a good looking rifle. [photos pending]. $5,500.00 (View Picture)

**Reduced** 13925 U.S. Model 1817 flintlock .54 caliber common rifle by S. North - Lockplate marked S. North/Middtn/Conn 1827 with 1827 date on barrel tang. Lasttwo digits of the barreldate appear to be restamped. Believe to be expert reconversion, but may be original flint. The head on the screw holding the mainspring is a bit too thick, causing the lockplate to stand out about 1/16” from seating flush with the barrel. If this were my gun, I would do the small amount of fitting necessary to fix that, but as a consignment piece we do not tinker with client’s property. The bore is about fine, with the seven deep but very narrow grooves sharp and clear. The flats of the lands are mostly smooth, but with scattered light pitting. There is a small crack at the front of the flat panel around the lock, and a nicely repaired chip (about ¼” x ¼”) at the rear. Stock shows assorted handling and storage dings, but has sharp JH and WAT cartouches. The M1817 “Common Rifles” were the first widely procured arms for elite “Rifle” Regiments as opposed to the line Infantry which still used smoothbore muskets, an organizational structure that lasted until the adoption of rifled arms for the Infantry in 1855, and the tactical changes of the Civil War. The name “Common Rifle” comes from the need to distinguish between these, and the new fangled Model 1819 breechloading “Hall’s Patent Rifles” being procured and issued during the same period. Metal parts were lightly cleaned long ago, and now have a pleasing bright finish, but with a coat of dried oil and grease on most areas. This is a far above average example of the Common Rifle. ANTIQUE, no FFL needed. $3,000.00 Reduced to $2,400.00 (View Picture)

**NEW ADDITION** 18383 Swiss Model 1881 .41 rimfire (10.38 x 38Rmm) Vetterli Rifle (Repetier-Gewehr 1881) - Serial number 217657 Receiver marked "[cross]/ Waffenfabrik/Bern/217657/M.81" with matching numbers on other parts. The Swiss Vetterli was the first repeating rifle widely adopted for military service. It was designed by Swiss designer Friedrich Vetterli, the manager of the Neuhausen factory, and adopted in both Switzerland and Italy, using a Winchester type tubular magazine and a bolt system based on the German Dreyse needle fire rifle. Interestingly enough, the Vetterli continued to utilize rimfire ammunition until replaced in the 1890's by the Schmidt-Rubin. It was one of the most advanced military rifles when adopted and one of the most obsolete at the time of its ultimate replacement, but it remained in service for over twenty years during a time of great technological changes. It was also the first repeater to have a self-cocking action and small caliber. Adopted by the Swiss Army in 1868, it underwent several improvements between 1871 and 1879. These culminated in the model 1881. Throughout its service life the Swiss Vetterli's magazine system remained unchanged. Thus, while the U.S. was using the single shot “Trapdoor” system, the Swiss were using a bolt action repeater with a 12 round magazine capacity. The decision to use the .41 caliber (10.4 x 38mm) rim fire cartridge in the Vetterli rifle was just a continuation of the cartridge already proven in the Milbank-Amsler conversions of the Swiss “Federal” rifle. For a rimfire, this round had a relatively high velocity, and flat trajectory, far ahead of the short range, large caliber rounds used in the other converted breach loading cartridges. The Vetterli used dual strikers to ensure ignition in the early rimfire ammunition. Metal parts retain about 95% of the original blue finish, but this has suffered from less than perfect storage, and there is some scattered very fine specks of light surface rust or the finish turning plum. Most of it should clean off with a little work with some WD-40 and a steel wool, perhaps needing a palette knife held at an angle to remove a few spots of the surface rust. Excellent medium brown color walnut stock with good cartouches and original oil finish with some assorted mostly minor storage and handling bruises, the only significant one being on the right side of the wrist and shown in the photo. Bore in the 33 inch barrel is excellent, but since no one has any .41 Swiss ammo you will never shoot it anyway. Overall workmanship reflects the legendary Swiss precision metal working skills. Upper band has stud on right side for sword bayonet, but these could also use a socket bayonet with a cruciform blade. Complete with the original cleaning rod, which is usually missing from these rifles. These were made between 1881 and 1889. This will look a lot nicer after a good cleaning, and be a nice example of 125 year old rifle! Antique, no FFL needed. $550.00 (View Picture)

**NEW ADDITION** 18320 ARGENTINE MODEL 1891 MAUSER RIFLE (SUPERB) - Serial Number C7104 matching throughout, including the cleaning rod. These are 7.65x53mm Mauser caliber (sometimes called 7.65mm Argentine Mauser). These are important milestones as the first of many Mauser models adopted by various South American countries. Marked on the left side of the receiver "MAUSER MODELO ARGENTINO 1891/ MANUFACTURA LOEWE BERLIN" Receiver ring has the crest ground off, per Argentine law after some Argentine rifles showed up in a neighboring country's guerilla forces. Loewe later merged with the Mauser brothers to form Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken (DWM). This rifle is in excellent condition, showing just a bit of finish loss on the sharp edges. Bolt retains nearly 100% of its bright polished finish. Stock is a very pleasing light brown colored walnut. However, the stock has been lightly sanded and the stock given a pleasing glossy finish with the liberty cap cartouche intact. The mirror bright and sharp bore is in the same superb condition as the exterior. This is one of 35,000 made by Loewe in the second year of their contract, and delivered in 1892. From an old pre-1968 collection and not defaced by any import markings. This is among the best looking M1891 Argentine rifles we have had in years. These are usually found in nice condition, but often with mismatched parts. South American military rifles are an attractive collecting specialty, with a wide number of examples, either limited to Mausers alone, or including all types. Most are still pretty reasonably priced, although it may take a while to find some variations, especially in decent condition. (We highly recommend Robert Ball's Mauser Military Rifles of the World to learn more, or Colin Webster’s definitive Argentine Mauser Rifles for the 1891-1909 models and their variants and accessories.) ANTIQUE- no FFL needed. $650.00 (View Picture)

**NEW ADDITION** 17741 Colt Lightning Model Magazine Slide Action Rifle-medium frame- 2nd model .38-40 caliber- NICE! - Serial number 66317 made in 1893. The Colt Lightning was Colt’s serious attempt to break into the long gun business, starting around 1884. The Lightning rifle was offered in three frame sizes: Small for .22 rimfire; Medium for centerfire calibers .32-20, .38-40 and .44-40; and Large for rifle size calibers such as .38-56, .40-60, .45-60, .45-65, .45-85 and .50-95 Express. The latter were direct competitors (although unsuccessful) against Winchester’s Model 1876 and 1886 rifles. The small frame .22 was an excellent boys rifle, and useful for plinking, target shooting and small game hunting. The medium frame models were great companions to Colt’s revolvers in the matching calibers. The large frame rifles were suitable for just about any North American medium or large game animals. Known for its speed, the Colt lightning rifle had a much higher rate of fire than the Winchester lever actions. A total of about 185,000 Lightning rifles of all types were made, nearly half of them the small frame .22 caliber versions. The Lightnings are a somewhat neglected collector niche, receiving more attention now that the Italians are making replicas of them for the Cowboy Actions Shooter market. This is a Second Model medium frame .38-40 rifle that has the four patent dates, and omits the action lock in the trigger guard and adds the sliding breech cover. It has the 26 inch octagon barrel, plain walnut stock with checkered forend. Buttplate is the crescent type. Blade front sight and adjustable rear sight on the barrel. Excellent bore and mechanics. Stock appears to have original finish, with must a few insignificant bruises. Metal parts with average of about 95-97% original Colt factory blue. About 98-99% on the barrel and magazine tube, about 98% on the receiver. Finish on the buttplate has thinned and faded to plum. Blue is mostly beautiful bright to somewhat age dulled. There are a few scratches (including initials AG on left side of receiver), and a couple of the screw slots are buggered a bit (see photos), but overall still a really great gun. Bore is excellent. We sell all guns as collector items only, and they must be approved by a competent gunsmith prior to firing. It will be difficult to find another EARLY Lightning with these features in condition this nice, let alone a nicer one. Not quite minty, but pretty close. ANTIQUE, no FFL needed. $1995.00 (View Picture)

**NEW ADDITION** 17738 Colt Lightning Model Magazine Slide Action Rifle-small frame- early model .22 caliber-  NICE!- Serial number 12596 made in 1890. The Colt Lightning was Colt’s serious attempt to break into the long gun business, starting around 1887. The Lightning rifle was offered in three frame sizes: Small for .22 rimfire; Medium for centerfire calibers .32-20, .38-40 and .44-40; and Large for rifle size calibers such as .38-56, .40-60, .45-60, .45-65, .45-85 and .50-95 Express. The latter were direct competitors (although unsuccessful) against Winchester’s Model 1876 and 1886 rifles.  The small frame .22 was an excellent boys rifle, and useful for plinking, target shooting and small game hunting.  The medium frame models were great companions to Colt’s revolvers in the matching calibers.  The large frame rifles were suitable for just about any North American medium or large game animals. A total of about 185,000 Lightning rifles of all types were made, nearly half of them the small frame .22 caliber versions.  The Lightnings are a somewhat neglected collector niche, receiving more attention now that the Italians are making replicas of them for the Cowboy Actions Shooter market.
This one is a standard configuration rifle with 24 inch octagonal barrel, plain walnut stock with hard rubber butt plate and having only the border lines on the forearm.  Blade front sight and fixed rear sight.  Good bore and mechanics.  Very minor bruising on the tops of the checkered diamonds on the forend.  Butt may have been lightly sanded and refinished, but looks good.  Small, partially repaired chip at the toe of the hard rubber buttplate as shown in the photos.  Metal parts with about 85% brilliant original Colt factory blue, worn on the sharp edges and at the carrying points on the bottom of the frame and the tangs from normal use.  A very handsome example of one of Colt’s important, but often overlooked products.  ANTIQUE, no FFL needed. $1,095.00 (View Picture)

**NEW ADDITION** 18335 CUSTER RANGE- U.S. MODEL 1873 .45-70 TRAPDOOR CARBINE- UNTOUCHED! - Serial number 43053. This is a collector’s prize, a totally honest old gun that has absolutely positively NOT BEEN MESSED WITH! Ever single detail is EXACTLY as manufactured, and unchanged, with one small exception. Somewhere along the way the sliding elevation piece came off of the rear sight. However, everything else is totally matching in condition and wear patterns and uncleaned. The vast majority of trapdoor carbines on the market today are either outright fakes, or accumulations of parts cobbled together by con artists, or otherwise “restored” or enhanced. This is especially true with the highly desirable “Custer Range” guns, which bring huge premiums due to their possible (but in nearly every case unproven) connections with the famous battle where audacity and lack of common sense resulted in one of the greatest military disasters in our history. Although some blame the slow rate of fire of the “trapdoor” as the culprit, there are many other more important factors, which have been argued in a stack of books- beyond what can be covered in this brief description. The “Custer range” includes M1873 carbines up to about 43,700 (circa early 1875)which pretty much was the transition point to where Springfield switched to making mainly rifles. Carbines made up to that point had sufficient time to work their way through the distribution system to reach the 7th (or 1st, 2nd, 5th, 8th or 10th) Cavalry prior to the June 25, 1876 fiasco at the Little Big Horn. The lack of documentation as to what went where is compounded by multiple opinions based on varied understanding of facts and sometimes ignorance or dogma so that anyone who claims to know exactly which guns reached the 7th may be viewed as a prophet or with skepticism. In any case, this carbine has all the correct features: 1873 dated lock, coarse hammer checkering, high arch breechblock, no barrel proofs, stacking swivel on the band, M1873 sight graduated 500/1200 with untouched slotless screws. The stock has faint traces of the oval ESA cartouche, and has the long wrist/short comb, and telltale depressions from the stacking swivel. The buttplate screws have crud in the heads and we will not disturb it to remove the buttplate, but will guarantee that it is a solid butt, and also that this is a genuine carbine stock, not an altered rifle stock. The stock has a mellow old patina and assorted dings and gouges from honest use. The metal parts have little or no finish, but also little or no pitting, although there is some heavy rust towards the muzzle, probably from horse sweat. The rest of the metal is a mix of dull steel gray, staining, light surface rust and a bit of salt and pepper roughness. Bore is fair to good, about what would be expected. The left side of the butt has a name of some sort lightly scratched into the surface. It is NOT “G.A. Custer” but is illegible enough that I get a different interpretation every time I look at it, so you can be the judge of what it might be based on several different shots in the photos. (Maybe Ted Landry, or Jud Ludwig???) This surfaced in California with some other guns with no significant claims as to history or value, and as can be seen from the photos is a totally righteous piece that has never been messed with. Everyone must agree this is identical to the guns that were with Custer on June 25, 1876, although we can argue endlessly about exactly where this one was on that day. A rare opportunity to get one of these! $7,750.00 (View Picture)

**NEW ADDITION** 18441 U.S. MODEL 1861 SPECIAL .58 MUSKET BY COLT - Colt made about 100,000 of these during the Civil War, both for federal contracts and some for sale to states, especially New Jersey. The Model 1861 Special incorporated several improvements over the normal Model 1861 as made by Springfield and a dozen other contractors. The “Special model made the switch to clamping type barrel bands and moving the nipple closer to the bore and offsetting the hammer a bit to accommodate that. All these features were later incorporated into the Model 1863 muskets made by Springfield. The Model 1861 Special was only made by Colt (about 100,000); Amoskeag Manufacturing Company (27,000) and E.G. Lamson/Lamson, Goodnow & Yale (LG&Y) (about 50,000). That makes them relatively scarce compared to nearly 800,000 of the Model 1861 and 1863 types made by Springfield and the other contractors. (Interestingly, the internal lock parts on the M1861 Special are interchangeable with those of the Pattern 1853 .577 Enfield, but not with the M1861 or 1863 Springfields!) This example has a nice bore, pretty bright with smooth but shallow rifling. The exterior is basically a rough brown gun, with overall thick brown patina with light to moderate pitting around the nipple area. The walnut stock is unsanded, but has lots of assorted minor to medium dings and scrapes. The walnut stock is solid with a mellow old patina, including covering a white paint rack number E1 on the left side of the butt. All original and correct, but just not in wonderful condition. Markings are sharp for the Colt markings and 1863 date on the lock, and the V/P/eagle head on the left barrel flat, but the date on the top of the barrel is lost to the pitting there. The breechplug has some scarring from being removed long ago. This would be a decent representative example of a generic Civil War .58 caliber musket, or of the Model 1861 Special. It is not one for the condition collector, and except for the dirty stock will probably not clean up to look any better than it is now. Still, it is a Colt, which adds to the interest and price. ANTIQUE, no FFL needed. $995.00 (View Picture)

**NEW ADDITION** 17487 ARGENTINE MODEL 1891 MAUSER RIFLE (NICE!- FIRST YEAR) - Serial Number C4160 matching throughout, including the cleaning rod. These are 7.65x53mm Mauser caliber (sometimes called 7.65mm Argentine Mauser). These are important milestones as the first of many Mauser models adopted by various South American countries. Marked on the left side of the receiver "MAUSER MODELO ARGENTINO 1891/ MANUFACTURA LOEWE BERLIN" Receiver ring has the crest ground off, per Argentine law after some Argentine rifles showed up in a neighboring country's guerilla forces. The crest area has been neatly polished and the finish touched up to blend in nicely. Loewe later merged with the Mauser brothers to form Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken (DWM). This rifle is in seemingly excellent condition, showing just a couple of extremely minor storage dings and a bit of finish loss on the bottom of the trigger guard and magazine. Bolt retains nearly 100% of its bright polished finish. Other parts with about 98-99% brilliant blue finish. Stock is a very pleasing light brown colored walnut. However, the stock has been lightly cleaned and the stock given a pleasing glossy finish with the liberty cap cartouche intact. They also polished the buttplate bright although it was originally blued. This is one of 25,000 made by Loewe in the first year of their contract, and delivered in 1892. From an old pre-1968 collection and not defaced by any import markings. This is among the best looking M1891 Argentine rifles we have had in years, although admittedly touched up, which is reflected in the price. The sharp and bright bore is in the same superb condition as the exterior. These are usually found in nice condition, but often with mismatched parts. South American military rifles are an attractive collecting specialty, with a wide number of examples, either limited to Mausers alone, or including all types. Most are still pretty reasonably priced, although it may take a while to find some variations, especially in decent condition. (We highly recommend Robert Ball's Mauser Military Rifles of the World to learn more, or Colin Webster’s definitive Argentine Mauser Rifles for the 1891-1909 models and their variants and accessories.) ANTIQUE- no FFL needed. $550.00 (View Picture)

**NEW ADDITION** 18345 MAUSER MODEL 1895 RIFLE MADE FOR CHILE- ARSENAL CONVERTED TO 7.62 x 51mm NATO - Serial number D28 matching on receiver and bolt but other parts mismatched at time of conversion. This one was made by Loewe in Berlin prior to 1899 and is legally an antique and no FFL is required. Tensions between Argentina and Chile led the latter to begin purchasing these rifles in 7 x 57mm Mauser caliber in 1895 to counter Argentina’s recent acquisition of their Model 1891 Mauser rifles. These Model 1895s featured a flush bottom double stack five round magazine instead of the single column of the Argentine model. Several other design improvements were made, including addition of a small lug behind the bolt handle to act as an additional safety feature in case of failure of the primary locking lugs. They have the Chilean national crest on the receiver ring and the side rail is marked MODELO CHILENO, along with the maker. Around 1960, Chile (and many other countries) adopted the 7.62 x 51mm NATO cartridge, along with more modern semi-auto rifles. They also converted many of their bolt action rifles to the new caliber. This alteration is commonly found on the Model 1912 Mausers made by Steyr where they mostly replaced the barrels entirely, and on the Model 1895 Mausers where they bored out the chamber and inserted a sleeve and then rebored the barrels to 7.62mm and cut the new chamber. The receiver bridge was then marked 7.62 over N [for NATO] to indicate the new caliber. Although the Chileans, and the surplus guys who imported these considered them safe to shoot, we believe that this conversion is only marginally safe at best and sell them as collector items only. [for more info on these conversions see: http://dutchman.rebooty.com/1895Chile.html] If you insist on firing this one, it must be approved by a competent gunsmith first, so your estate can go sue him if the rifle fails. Overall this is a good (but not really great) looking example. The stock shows numerous mostly small dings. The metal parts (except the bright finished bolt) have about 98% of a dull gray-black parkerize type finish, but applied over obviously worn and somewhat dinged metal. The bore has strong rifling, but is dark and may clean up, or maybe not. While not sold as a shooter, these are important in the history of South American military arms, both in the original 7mm configuration, and to show the long service life as these were modernized in the 1960s. ANTIQUE, no FFL needed. $375.00 (View Picture)

**NEW ADDITION** 18101 ELI WHITNEY PRE-WAR OF 1812 NEW YORK CONTRACT FLINTLOCK MUSKET- ORIGINAL FLINT - Eli Whitney, the cotton gin inventor, got into the gun making business around 1795 and began work towards what became interchangeable parts. His early efforts were to separate manufacture of each part so that workers with jigs and gauges could make parts to a common pattern. However, these were not truly interchangeable, as skilled craftsmen still needed to do a bit of final fitting and assembly. However, this was a major step towards truly interchangeable parts. Whitney had U.S. contacts to make muskets starting in 1798, and military arms continued to come from his factory (under the management of his sons) well into the Civil War. Around 1808 Whitney made design improvements on muskets including a detachable brass inclined pan, rounded hammer and sturdier stock. New York ordered 4,000 of these muskets which were delivered 1808-1812. Undoubtedly these saw service with New York units in the War of 1812 which were engaged along the Niagara frontier and the Great Lakes. This is one of the ones inspected by John McLean for New York, as indicated by the wavy circle with “V/BY/I.M.” along with a lightly struck N.Y. and sunken oval with P proofmark. This musket is still in original flintlock, not a percussion conversion that has been “reconverted.” Now the bad news: Bubba’s grandpa did not like the barrel bands, so he smoothed off the shoulders on the forend for the middle and lower bands and removed the bandsprings. The rear band has been replaced with a repro part that looks okay. The upper band is probably original, but maybe not. There is no middle band, but you could add one for appearance and with a rear mounted bandsping having the stud, it would stay in place for display. Bore in the 42 inch barrel is pretty good, rusty but not badly pitted. Ramrod is a nice repro. Frizzen spring is weak. Rear one-third of the stock is pretty good with sharp edges, and just a mellow old patina with the expected minor dings of a 200 year old gun. Metal parts have a pleasing dull steel gray look, mixed with stains and a bit of patina. This would be a fantastic wall hanger over a fireplace in a house built circa 1800-1820 as is. For a gun collector or living historian, addition of a middle band would make it visually correct. If you have one of these muskets that has been converted to percussion, or one with a cut barrel then this may provide an opportunity to cannibalize one really good one out of two not so good ones. A real bargain compared to most original flintlock muskets of the early days of our country. And, a neat connection with Eli Whitney and early steps towards “the American system of manufacturing.” ANTIQUE, no FFL needed. $1,350.00 (View Picture)

16851 ARGENTINE MODEL 1891 7.65MM MAUSER RIFLE - Serial Number B5349 matching throughout, including the cleaning rod. These are 7.65x53mm Mauser caliber (sometimes called 7.65mm Argentine Mauser). These are important milestones as the first of many Mauser models adopted by various South American countries. Marked on the left side of the receiver "MAUSER MODELO ARGENTINO 1891/ MANUFACTURA LOEWE BERLIN" Receiver ring has the crest ground off, per Argentine law after some Argentine rifles showed up in a neighboring country's guerilla forces. Loewe later merged with the Mauser brothers to form Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken (DWM). This rifle is in excellent condition, with nearly all the bright polished finisih on the bolt and about 98% original blue except on the sides of the magazine where most of the finish is gone, so figure about 90% overall. The sides of the magazine which have turned steel gray could be touched up with cold blue for a better appearance, although we normally consider such touching up to be inappropriate, this one may deserve an exception. The stock has some large dings and scars alongside the right side of the buttplate and two more on the right side in the receiver area as shown in the photos. Otherwise the stock is excellent with only a few tiny blemishes. Stock is a very pleasing medium brown colored walnut with legible cartouches. This is one of 25,000 made by Loewe in 1892 under the first contract. This is from an old pre-1968 collection and not defaced by any import markings. This is an extremely nice rifle, other than the finish loss on the magazine, and only the fact that some are found in even better condition make this one less nice by comparison. The bore is in the same superb condition as the exterior. This has the early features (lack of wings on the bolt sleeve, short handguard, brass tipped cleaning rod, magazine attachment, etc). South American military rifles are an attractive collecting specialty, with a wide number of examples, either limited to Mausers alone, or including all types. Most are still pretty reasonably priced, although it may take a while to find some variations, especially in decent condition. (We highly recommend Robert Ball's Mauser Military Rifles of the World to learn more, or Colin Webster’s definitive Argentine Mauser Rifles for the 1891-1909 models and their variants and accessories.) ANTIQUE- no FFL needed. $550.00 (View Picture)

**Reduced** 13937 U.S. Model 1866 .50-70 “Short Trapdoor" rifle - [This model not serial numbered.] There is a cryptic notation in Springfield Armory records that 1,019 of these were ready for issue in 1883, but any further specificity on identifying details are mainly speculation and educated guesses. Some encountered are extremely crude and almost certainly work done by Bannerman or his ilk for sale to Boys Brigades or Cadets or military schools. Some, like this one appear to be arsenal quality workmanship but definitely using cut down stocks with the middle band spring inletting neatly filled. A few seem to have new made stocks, or at least no evidence of filled band spring locations. This rifle has the 36 inch barrel accepted as standard for this model, and properly spaced bands (a tad over 19”). Metal parts a dull steel gray except block and strap and the rear sight which have most of their blue/blackened finish. Bore is near excellent pretty bright and sharp, but not shiny brand new. There are traces of acid flux etching of the metal adjacent to the strap and sight which were soldered as well as secured by screws either from the arsenal, or perhaps some later tinkerer, but it looks okay. Good mechanics. The walnut stock has an old oil finish of the arsenal type, with several dark lengthwise streaks running down to the butt, probably from cleaning or storage preservatives long ago which dripped down when the rifle was standing on the butt. This is a scarce, but alas nearly impossible to verify, rarity, so it is priced as a likely non-arsenal conversion. We sell all guns as collector items only, but if your competent gunsmith approves this as safe, it is a handy size and could be a fun .50-70 shooter. $795.00 Reduced to $675.00 (View Picture)

**Reduced** 13934 U.S. MODEL 1870 .50-70 “TRAPDOOR” SPRINGFIELD RIFLE - (Not serial numbered- correct for this model.) A good representative example of this fairly scarce trapdoor. A total of only about 11,531 of these were made 1870-1873, compared to 52,145 Model 1868 or 52,300 Model 1866 rifles. These were very similar to the Model 1868 except for the shorter nose on the front of the receiver, the same length as was later used in the .45-70s. As with the earlier model, the 1870 continued to cut costs by using many parts salvaged from the hundreds of thousands of obsolete .58 caliber muskets on hand. The locks, most stock furniture and the stocks themselves were used with whatever minor modification were necessary. Unlike the first .50-70 rifles, the Model 1870s seem to have used newly made barrels instead of sleeved musket barrels. This rifle has been lightly cleaned to correct “bright” finish on most parts except the action which has its original(?) oil blackened finish, and the trigger and sight retain much original blue. The lock was originally color case hardened but the colors are largely gone and it is now stained and missed with patina. The breechblock is marked simply [eagle head] over U.S., with no model or year. These are usually considered to be replacement blocks, but in a cleaned example like this it is not a big deal. The bore is strong with a few small areas of light pitting but basically sharp lands but some dirt/crud/darkness in the grooves that may or may not clean out. The walnut stock has a mellow old oil finish and five cartouches on the left stock flat, reflecting those originally applied as a Civil War musket and again when assembled into the Model 1870. An expert eye can barely detect evidence that the stock was probably cracked extending back from the trigger, but it is professionally repaired to be almost undetectable. The scarce Model 1870 is missing from many U.S. martial collections, but here is a chance to get a presentable (but not perfect) example at a reasonable price. $1,350.00 Reduced to $1,095.00 (View Picture)

**Reduced** 13931 U.S. Model 1877 .45-70 “Trapdoor” Springfield Rifle - Serial number 80928 all correct original and matching. The model 1877 is a scarce variation for the trapdoor collector, with a combined total of only about 25,500 rifles, carbines and cadet rifles made. Only the carbines were officially designated “Model 1877” but collectors use the term to designate the small range of guns with specific features marking the transition between the early Model 1873 and the improved Model 1879. The 1879 ended up having a slightly wider receiver and breech block, low arch block, better provisions for bleeding gas from a ruptured case, better sights and stronger stock. These changes were implemented gradually throughout the life of the “Model 1877,” so varying combinations can be found. This rifle still has the narrow receiver and block, but the long and deep gas escape. Also the low arch block, omitting the firing pin spring. The rear sight is the stepped M1877 type but the front sight is still the one piece type. The stock has the long comb and short wrist that is a bit thicker. There is a faint ESA over date 187[?] in an oval on the left side and traces of the circle P behind the trigger guard. It still has the 1873 date on the lockplate, and the square tenon on the barrel. This is not a real pretty gun, but it is correct for the collector who cares more about that than looks. It has virtually no finish color left, as it has all turned plum or to patina with some areas of very light rust. The bore is sharp and shiny, but with scattered pinpoint pitting throughout. The stock has three or four scarred areas across the bottom of the forend between the trigger guard and the lower band, almost certainly from the claws on a sling rubbing against the wood. There is a chip alongside the tang that has been glued back in place. A good honest example of a scarce variation. $895.00 Reduced to $775.00 (View Picture)

**Reduced** 13918 U.S. Model 1863 Remington .58 caliber “Zouave” rifle - Widely regarded as “One of the best made and designed military arms of the Civil War era.” Where they acquired the nickname of “Zouave” is unclear, but they are certainly flashy looking, and the Zouaves were famous for their flashy uniforms with fancy trim and outrageous drill routines. (Think of them as the Shriners in the local parade, but with guns.) Probably the flashy appearance of the Zouaves and these rifles got them linked in someone’s mind at some point, at least in folklore if not in fact. These are so handsome that they were the first of the Civil War arms to be made as replicas. Remington had delivered 10,000 of the Model 1841 “Mississippi” rifles during 1850-1854. During the Civil War, the Ordnance Department contracted with Remington for additional “Harpers Ferry” [i.e. M1841 Mississippi] style rifles, along with large contracts for .36 and .44 caliber revolvers, and late in the war for 40,000 Model 1863 .58 caliber rifle muskets, and some of the early “split breech” rolling block carbines. Remington was a reliable maker of good quality arms, and provided the competition needed by the Ordnance Department used to beat down Colt’s constantly escalating prices. There is a lot of conjecture and debate over how many of the “other contracts” were sweeteners for Remington to help keep the revolver deliveries and prices competitive. The Model 1863 “Zouave” is actually a cross between the brass mounted .54 caliber Model 1841s and the later iron mounted Model 1855 rifles in .58 caliber. The “Zouave” used brass mountings, but with simpler bands, and the smaller 1855 style patchbox, but in the post-1855 standard .58 caliber and with a flashy brass handled sword bayonet. An August 1862 contract called for delivery of 10,000 rifles, and after the Holt Commission investigations, that contract was cancelled after 7,500 had already been delivered. Another contract was signed in December 1863 for 2,500 more to permit full delivery of the original number, not for a total of 12,500 as some authors have erroneously stated. Records confirm that 10,000 of these rifles were delivered to Watervliet Arsenal between April 18, 1863 and January 8, 1864 at a cost of $17.00 each. Inexplicably, all 10,000 were still there in May of 1866 and none were ever issued to troops during the Civil War. Finally the entire lot (less 1) were sold to Francis Bannerman in 1901 for 54 cents each, with the brass handled sword bayonets. (Prices have increased since then!) So, theoretically these are U.S. military rifles from the Civil War, even though they never actually were issued, so some collectors can justify passing them up for that reason. Other collectors justify ownership as part of a collection of Remington military rifles, or just because they are so darn handsome to look at! Historically, these were the last percussion rifles ever purchased by the U.S. military (although rifle-muskets were made into 1865.) Note that some authorities claim that Zouave rifles have been recovered at some Civil War battle sites, but I remain skeptical about that. This rifle we are selling is in good-very good condition condition, all matching correct and original. The barrel retains most of the original blue, although it is thinning, dull, and turning to patina. Someone must have put the bands on backwards one time as there are tiny dents from trying to remove them on the adjacent part of the barrel. The brass parts are an mellow golden patina. A few faint traces of case colors on the lock plate, but mostly sark with staining or patina. The unsanded walnut stock has good cartouches, and a variety of handling and storage blemishes, and some chipping alongside the ramrod channel. I think a previous owner may have chemically stripped an old finish from the stock (but not sanded it) and the wood has a dull lifeless look that would be improved greatly with a light rubbed oil finish. The seven groove bore shows some wear and a some light pitting and darkness in the grooves that may or may not clean up much better. We sell all guns as collector items only and they must be approved by a competent gunsmith prior to firing, but I see no reason I would not fire this a few times, just for fun. Overall this is a good representative example of the famous “Zouave” rifle at an affordable price. Admittedly, it is not as handsome as the minty examples that are still fairly common, but you can console yourself with the bundle of cash you save. $1,850.00 Reduced to $1,595.00 (View Picture)

18105 RARE COLT REVOLVING SHOTGUN MODEL 1855, 20 GA/.60 CALIBER- GREAT CONDITION - Serial number 408. Some of the greatest rarities and most visually impressive of all Colt arms are their revolving long arms. This is a case of turning what was a great idea for a handgun into a disappointing failure as a long arm. Most were based on the Elihu Root designed “sidehammer” action which was used for a number of revolving pistols, as well as longarms. The longarms totaled only about 18,300 with more than half those (9,310) being military rifles; 4, 435 carbines and 3,455 carbines. Besides those, only 1,100 revolving shotguns were made, about 700 in 12 gauge/.75 caliber, and only about 600 as 20 gauge/.60 caliber. Thus, this is one of the rarest of the rare, and to make it even more desirable is the superb condition. The Colt Revolving Rifles (and shotguns) used the sturdy side hammer design, and introduced the “creeping” or ratchet style loading lever familiar to anyone who has seen the M1860 Army pistols. These also used an innovative feature where the ratchet to revolve the cylinder was in the back of the heavy duty cylinder pin, which mated with recesses to turn the cylinder. However, these innovations were doomed by the propensity of revolving longarms to spit shavings of lead and burning powder from the cylinder/barrel joint, much to the dismay of shooters trying to grasp the forend. To add further excitement, any slight defect in ammunition might leave sufficient gap for the flash from the chamber being fired to ignite one of the other chambers, resulting in multiple discharge. This was much more hazardous than the mere bits of powder and lead from a “normal” discharge. As additional straws on this overloaded camel, the indexing arrangement was prone to wear, and spring problems with the trigger and lockup were far too common. Beginning production about 1855 was also bad timing, as the Civil War reduced demand for sporting arms and Colt was busy filing order for revolvers and conventional muskets and unable to push the concept of revolving rifles much, except for military sales. The final factor dooming the revolving rifle business was the introduction of metallic cartridges which allowed rapid reloading, negating any claimed advantage of having a heavy, complex, fire-spitting revolving rifle. A rare opportunity to own a very scarce Colt, in superb condition, that will be a centerpiece for any collection or display of colt percussion revolvers. $8,995.00 (View Picture)

18333 Scarce Swiss Milbank-Amsler Infanteriegewehr Rifle Model 1863/1867 - Serial number 518 matching with added rack number 145 on the right side of the barrel and left stock flat. This is a superb example of a key milestone in Swiss military arms- the first model to use the .41 caliber rimfire cartridge (10.4 x 38mmR) which is familiar to most collectors as the Swiss Vetterli cartridge. This action is a flip up type initially designed by an American, Isaac Milbank, and refined and perfected by the Swiss Rudolf Amsler. It was adopted in 1867 as the standard action for converting several models of muzzle loading rifles then in service, all being designated by their original model and the addition of /1867 when modified. This was a modification of the Model 1863 infantry rifle which had been the first Swiss infantry arm that was rifled, although rifles had been used by Jaegers before that. The 1867 Milbank Amsler conversion was also applied to two different sharpshooter models (1851 and 1864) and the 1856 Jaeger and also to a Model 1842/59 infantry musket in .69 caliber (18mm) which used a different cartridge. The breech block is a two part hinged affair lifted by a round, flat, "beaver tail" paddle in a motion similar to the American “trapdoor” although mechanically quite different. Identifying a Milbank-Amsler is relatively easy, the flat, square, blocky two part breech-block is readily identifiable and seldom mistaken for anything else, but they are seldom seen in the collector world and this is the first we have ever found. Condition is spectacular with mirror bright and sharp bore, unsanded stock free from all but a few insignificant tiny blemishes, and about 96-97% original finish on the metal parts. The barrel and some other parts have a deep browned type finish, while others are blued or case hardened. There is one fingerprint size patch of light surface rust on the tang of the trigger guard. A really great example of an unusual early military cartridge rifle. I think that this could be an interesting collecting niche just looking for the different types of actions used to transform obsolete muzzle loaders into breech loading infantry arms. That would include the American Allin trapdoor, the British Snider, the Austrian Wanzel, whatever the French called the “Zulu” type action, etc. Or, just use this as the anchor for the earliest phase of a collection of Swiss military arms. ANTIQUE, no FFL needed. $1895.00 (View Picture)

16866 SHARPS NEW MODEL 1863 .52 CALIBER MILITARY THREE BAND RIFLE WITH 30 INCH BARREL - Serial number C35873 which is in the range of the 6,150 made for use with socket bayonets. This is a nice old gun which has seen military use. (Remember they were fighting the Civil War then, not making stuff to store away in pristine condition for fanatical collectors.) A large number of these rifles were issued to Veteran Volunteer Infantry regiments formed near the end of the Civil War. There is no data for this number, but many nearby numbers were with the 6th VVI in July 1865. Many of the Veteran Volunteers were returnees from Confederate Prisoner of War camps, or soldiers who had been hospitalized but had recovered sufficiently to serve again. Again, there is not certain information where this one was used, but that provides examples of where many similar rifles were used. These were used with socket bayonets that look like a regular .58 caliber musket M1855 bayonet, but have a larger bore in the socket, and are usually marked C&Co. This one is used in overall good plus condition with a mix of smooth brown patina, blue turned to plum and case colors in protected areas and some salt and pepper roughness in others. There is some pitting on the top of the breechblock and adjacent areas and in the chamber from the corrosive effects of the percussion caps used at the time. The wood is sound with a visible (but faint) cartouche and assorted dings and scars of an issued arm. Good mechanics. Bore has strong rifling but is dark and somewhat pitted, especially towards the breech end. This comes with an original Civil War era sling with single hook. The standing loop at the other end looks like it has been reattached, but is fine for display, but like other old leather will NOT stand actual use. Defects include a break across the tang at the forward screw hole (easily welded and reshaped if you want to) and a missing screw from the forend and from the top of the rear sight ladder. Several other screws with buggered heads were replaced by good ones, and the old ones are in the patch box. While not a minty rifle, it is a very nice representative example of the famous Sharps action, in the scarce three band military rifle configuration. $3295.00 (View Picture)

17810 AUSTRIAN MODEL 1895 MANNLICHER 8 X 56MMR CALIBER STRAIGHT PULL CARBINE MADE BY STEYR - Serial number 9415Z, this rifle (also known as the Osterreichisches Repetier-Stutzen M.95) has "W-n 18" marking on the barrel, indicating it was manufactured by Steyr in 1918. Although a few were made after the end of WW1, in 1920 the post-WWI remnants of the Austro-Hungarian Empire finally ended production after the 1919 Treaty of St. Germain limited production at Steyr to small numbers of weapons for newly formed local army and police units. The rifle began life as a stutzen with sling swivels on both the side and bottom to accomodate both infantry (who used the bottom swivels) and mounted cavalry (who used the side swivels). The rifle was later converted from 8x50R (M.93) to the more powerful 8x56R (M.30) caliber in the mid 1930's, and the latter is sometimes called the 8mm M30 Scharfe Patrone. A taller front sight was added to the still-original stutzen dovetailed sight base to compensate for this change, while the rear sight markings were ground off and markings calibrated to the new round were added. Additionally, the sling swivels were removed: the front swivel would have been hinged into the barrel band, and was replaced with a spacer, while the rear swivel was removed and its hole plugged with wood. This is a great example with about 98% of the arsenal refinish blue. The light colored (beech?) stock was refinished at the same time, and has a nice coat of finish with only a few minor dings or bruises. There is a small arsenal wood repair on the left side of the receiver tang. Bore is about fine. From about 1880 to 1900 there was a worldwide fad where many countries adopted straight pull rifle designs. They actually are a pretty good concept, although an unnatural motion nowadays to folks raised on bolt action rifles. Steyr had several models along with the Swiss Schmidt Rubins, the Canadian Ross and the American Winchester Lee Navy to name some of the best known examples. However, mechanical problems and the simpler Mauser and Lee-Enfield type bolt actions doomed them to a relatively brief era of popularity. That would be an interesting collecting niche to specialize in. When Austria was absorbed into the third Reich in the late 1930s, the Model 95 rifles and carbines were withdrawn from service and Austrian troops were issued K98k Mausers. However, the eventual need for all available arms led to the Model 95s being reissued to a variety of Austrian and German second line and support units. The oddball 8 x 56mmR cartridges are still found occasionally at gun shows in their 5 round en-block clips, packed in boxes with German markings. Overall a really handsome example of an unusual episode in martial arms evolution. $250.00 (View Picture)

17800 Swiss Model 1878 .41 rimfire (10.38 x 38Rmm) Vetterli Rifle - Serial number 190244 (Repetier-Gewehr 1878) Receiver marked "[cross]/ Waffenfabrik/Bern/190244/M.78" with matching numbers on other parts. Metal parts with about 80-90% original blue finish on most parts. The top of the barrel between the lower band and the rear sight has thinning finish turning plum and mixed with patina. Excellent medium brown color walnut stock with good cartouches and original oil finish with some assorted mostly minor storage and handling bruises. This one previously lived with a smoker and it reeks of tobacco smoke and has a thin film of crud that needs to be cleaned off and it will look much nicer. This is the standard Swiss Infantry rifle, a bolt action tubular magazine (12 round) repeating rifle from the period when we were still fussing with single shot flopdoor fusils. Admittedly the .45-70 cartridge was good for long ranges, while the .41 rimfire was a pretty puny load. Bore in the 33 inch barrel is sharp and mirror bright, and overall workmanship reflects the legendary Swiss precision workmanship. Upper band has stud on right side for sword bayonet, but these could also use a socket bayonet with a cruciform blade. Complete with the original cleaning rod, which is usually missing from these rifles. These were made between 1879 and 1881. A handsome example of 130 year old rifle! Antique, no FFL needed. $795.00 (View Picture)

17799 TURKISH MODEL 1938 8MM MAUSER RIFLE MADE FROM GERMAN GEW 1888 COMMISSION RIFLE - Serial number 11338, mismatched. We really are not big fans of the myriad Turkish Mauser variations, but got a couple as part of package deals. This could be a very inexpensive collecting specialty with oodles of variations, some more interesting than others. The Turks are noted for their long history of warfare with other groups or nations, and domestic unrest, and thus have been voracious consumers of firearms for centuries. You may recall the Turks “bought American” in the 1860s-70s, and slaughtered Russians with a mix of Peabody rifles for long range fire and Model 1866 Winchesters for rapid close range fire at the battle of Plevna. In 1887 the Mauser brothers convinced the Turks to buy a large number of 11mm Model 1871/84 Mausers (Turkish Model 1887). Their contract very smartly included a clause that specified that if a newer model rifle was introduced the balance of the contract would be filled with the newer model. Thus the Turks leapfrogged into variations of the Model 1889 (in 7.65mm) with the single column box magazine, then the Model 1893 (in 8mm) and then the 1898, but all under Turkish designations and usually in several variations. In addition the Turks received large numbers of Model 1888 “Commission Rifles” from Germany during WW1, and captured thousands of British Lee Enfields during the Gallipoli campaign. In the 1930s the Turks began a program to overhaul their hoarded arms and convert everything into a more or less standard configuration, and standardize on the 7.92 x 57mm Mauser cartridge as the common ammunition. This involved reworking the various guns by replacing barrels, altering or replacing stocks and mashing the metal parts into conformity. Meanwhile, new rifle production continued by AFSA (the Turkish military arsenal) in Ankara, Turkey. Those were the “Model 1938” rifles essentially a 98 Mauser type design with the older style upper band assembly. To thoroughly confuse collectors, all of the rifles being updated were also called Model 1938s, regardless of what they started off as. There is some info on all of these in Robert Ball’s superb Mauser Military Rifles of the World, and one excellent on line source is http://www.turkmauser.com, run by a collector who seems to have an excellent grasp on the subject. This rifle was one of the Gewehr 1888 “Commission rifles” made for Germany to use the “packet” type clips, and then updated in 1905 by the Germans to use conventional “stripper” clips and the improved sharp pointed “S” ammunition. During WW1 a large number of these obsolescent rifles were given to German’s allies in Turkey. As part of the Turkish “Model 1938” conversion program these were restocked and the barrel jackets removed and other changes made to bring them up to the Turkish “standard.” The receiver rings were remarked with the conversion information, in this case ASFA Ankara and dated 1938. Renumbered at that time the serial number on the receiver is 11338, with most other numbered parts mismatched. As Turkish rifles go, this is in above average condition, with the blue finish mostly turned to plum but not rusty or pitted. The stock is relatively free from blemishes and has a pleasing oiled finish, not the usual grease soaked crap wood. The bore is dirty but looks like it should clean to good. No import marks found. Although some people shoot these, we sell all firearms as collector items only, and the must be approved by a competent gunsmith. This is actually one of the more interesting and historic Turkish rifle variations we have seen. $225.00 (View Picture)

16874 INTERESTING CONFEDERATE ID'D (?) MODEL 1795 .69 CALIBER HARPERS FERRY MUSKET DATED 1818 - This is a very unusual gun, with probably Confederate usage (discussed below) which was originally a typical Type III musket with a 42 inch .69 caliber barrel made at Harpers Ferry and dated 1818 on the lock. Note that this was after the official shift to adopt the Model 1816 pattern, but there was a lengthy transition period as old parts were used up, and new standards adopted. Besides the normal manufacturing delays, Harpers Ferry management and workers were an independent bunch, accustomed to doing pretty much as they pleased regardless of the Ordnance Department demands. (See Merritt Roe Smith’s “Harpers Ferry and the New Technology for an excellent discussion of such factors.) In any case, Harpers Ferry essentially made the Model 1795 variations of the French “Charleville” from their founding until the Model 1816 production replaced it, even though Springfield has gone to an improved Model 1812 while the folks on the Potomac simply ignored progress for a few more years. This has the bandsprings ahead of the bands, adopted about 1812, and the nominal 42 inch barrel length, so collectors would classify this as the Harpers Ferry Model 1795 Type III musket. Later in its career, probably circa 1840-1860 it was converted to percussion, possibly for use by the Confederates, or perhaps just some frontiersman in the southern states who had walked home with his militia musket one day and never bothered to return it. The conversion is an extremely crude one, often called a “blacksmith conversion.” It involved plugging the flash hole, then adding a new breech and tang piece that screwed into the breech instead of the old breech plug. The thread indexing was not quite perfect, so the bayonet lug ended up offset 90 degrees to the right from the normal position on the top of the barrel. This new breech is drilled for a nipple close to the center, and the nipple has been broken off long ago. The hammer is a very crudely forged and filed affair, very likely the original flint hammer beaten into the new shape. Although crude and very “folk artsy” looking, it was a relatively simple and effective conversion, sufficient for backwoods hunting or protection needs, but not very sturdy, as proven by the broken nipple. Good mechanics, and both of the fragile bell shaped swivels are intact. Fortunately, this as seen very little use since conversion, with the metal parts a pleasing mix of bright and dull steel silver-gray mixed with lots or light rust spots, and almost no pitting anywhere. The stock is unsanded, with the original sharp edges and crisp script V/ JS (James Stubblefield) on the left flat, along with V over two illegible initials at the very rear, the typical inspectors cartouches. There is also a very lightly scratched “E.F. MEEK” on the flat. The wood has been protected by a very old coat of varnish. There is a small hole added on the top of the wrist for an unknown purpose. A check of the Civil War Solider index turns up only one E.F. Meek, who served in Company I of the 5th South Carolina Infantry. Two other Meeks served in the same company, possibly related family members. E.F. Meek enlisted as a private and his final rank was Sergeant. The 5th South Carolina was from the up country, and served in the thick of the fighting in the eastern theater from Manassas to Appomattox. I can find no documentation on the arms used by the 5th S.C., but in general, their militia was poorly armed and obsolete flintlocks were common, and there was a flurry of activity to convert many to percussion in the early days of the war. There are two other “E. Meek” soldiers from Arkansas and two more from Alabama, but it is impossible to positively certain if the name on the gun is from any of these men. This comes with a bayonet that was found with the gun, which needs a couple of file strokes on the slot to fit. It is a foreign .69 caliber bayonet identical to the U.S. M1835, except for markings. Perhaps this belonged to another solider in the same unit, or got carried home even though it did not fit the gun. In any case, they have been together for several decades, so we are going to sell them together now. This is an excellent example of the late production Model 1795 musket made at Harpers Ferry, with the nifty blacksmith conversion. The name adds considerable interest, and it is highly likely this saw Confederate use in the Civil War, quite possibly by the soldier identified above. $2650.00 (View Picture)

16863 REVOLUTIONARY WAR ERA COLONIAL ASSEMBLED MUSKET, DUTCH LOCK, WITH BAYONET & SCABBARD - Coming from a time when even regulation patterns of arms varied greatly, this one is impossible to neatly categorize as to exact model, let alone place or date of assembly. Firearms were prized possession in the colonies, and parts were salvaged to be rebuilt as long as they were serviceable, with other parts added or newly made to complete a weapon. This was done for individuals by local gunsmiths, for Committees of Safety, or for State militias, and eventually by the newly established federal government. The basic criteria was: Can it be fired at the enemy? If so, it was usually accepted regardless of what was prescribed or desired as a standard arm at the time. While many troops at the end of the Revolution had been equipped with French pattern muskets provided by our ally, or British Brown Bess arms captured from the enemy, many of the troops and virtually all of the short term volunteers arrived, and frequently departed (with or without permission) carrying arms from home. Although we believe this to date to circa 1770-1780 it may actually be from the pre-Revolutionary period. This is the sort of musket that was key to winning our independence, where men determined to be free risked their lives to stand up against the finest and best equipped army in the world. From April, 1775, at Lexington and Concord to Yorktown in October, 1781, farmers, merchants, tradesmen and seamen showed up when needed, bearing arms like this to do their part throwing off the yoke of tyranny of an oppressive government who no longer had the consent of the governed. This is one obviously assembled in the colonies, with the stock made of an inferior quality piece of wood having a large knot in the butt. Exact species is not obvious but it appears to be a lighter tight grained wood perhaps maple or cherry rather than walnut. It now has considerable age patina and is a pleasing mix of light to dark browns. The butt shape is typical of the mid to late 1700s with the rounded wrist lines carried half way to the butt, and a very slight curve downward. There is a “beaver tail” type raised panel bordering the barrel tang. The buttplate (measuring 2” x 4.25”), trigger guard and side plate are cut from sheet iron and crudely formed. The buttplate is held by two small screws and a nail on the tang. The 11” trigger guard is held by three nails. The iron ramrod is held by two thimbles and an entry pipe all made of iron with a bit of decorative filing at the ends. The round barrel is 44 3/8” long with no decorative moldings at the breech. The bore is about .71 caliber, about the average for the period where musket barrels usually ranged from 42-46 inches in length and diameters of .62 to .80. The barrel is held to the stock by three pins. The forend shows evidence of being badly split but has been neatly repaired and the finish blended in expertly and barrel pins replace. There are no markings at all visible on the barrel The lock is probably the best clue for dating this piece, as it seems to be Dutch or Germanic circa 1750. Lock plate is 7inches long and 1 3/8” wide. It is flat, with heavy bevels on the sides and a pronounced tail at the rear. The faceted pan is detachable (as opposed to being made integral with the plate, but not a part that was intended to be removed). There is no bridle for the frizzen. The frizzen spring is delightfully decorated and has a very long tapered finial, and is secured by a screw passing from the inside of the lock. The hammer, top jaw and frizzen are all very wide with angular. There are no markings visible on the lock, and it and all the iron parts have a thick dark patina of an arm that has not been messed with. This is unquestionably still original flintlock, not a reconversion. The forend tip has no cap, just rounded wood, and ends 2.75” from the muzzle. There is a small rectangular bayonet lug on the top of the barrel (which could also serve as a agith although muskets of that era were pointed rather than aimed, and often made without any sights front or rear. This comes with a bayonet that is from the same period, and equally crude. Overall length is about 15 inches with a blade 13.5” x 7/8”. The blade is well forged and the two outer flutes re nicely done but there is no flute at all on the face. The shank is very slim, typical of the early 18th century, and the socket appears to have been damaged and salvaged by adding a thumb screw to lock it in place since there was no room for the usual zig-zag type mortise. This is a loose fit on the muzzle but the thumb screw will secure it in place. It was acquired separately from the musket by the previous owner wants to sell them together and changes of finding another that will fit are pretty slim. The bayonet is unmarked and design elements only suggest that it is an American made blacksmith or salvaged weapon. Robert M. Reilly’s “American Socket Bayonets” shows examples of all sorts of crude bayonet types from this period having some of the features of this one, although no exact matches. There is an old museum or collector inventory mark “B97” in white ink on the blade, but origin is unknown. Few people appreciate that during the revolution the bayonet was still a very effective and feared weapon. In inclement weather the muskets would fail to fire due to damp priming powder which would not light from the few sparks thrown by the flint lock. Indeed, the colonists were chronically short of powder and often had only a few rounds per man, and then were forced to rely on the bayonet for offense or defense. Bayonet charges by masses of infantry across a few hundred yards were effective, and bloody, affairs, if the mere terror of the sight did not convince defenders that they had urgent business elsewhere. Of course the horrors of the battlefield were somewhat tempered by the fact that little medical care was available, and often nearly as deadly as combat due the poorly understood science of the time. Too, many times more men died in cam from typhoid, dysentery, fevers and other diseases than were killed in battle, so the expectations for a long and healthy life were not high in any case. With the bayonet is a leather scabbard having a black tar type finish on the body, and a much newer lightweight brown leather piece at the top, apparently the remnants of a frog added or replaced long ago, with only part remaining. Overall this is a good representative example of the earliest type of American military longarm as used by the Militia in the Revolution. I wish we could be more precise with origins and usage, but survivors are rare in any condition and these just do not fall into standard “model” categories like later issued weapons. A fine starting anchor point for a U.S. military longarms collection. $5700.00 (View Picture)

17740 Colt Lightning Model Magazine Slide Action Rifle-medium frame- 1st model .38-40 caliber- NICE! - Serial number 16717 made in 1886. The Colt Lightning was Colt’s serious attempt to break into the long gun business, starting around 1884. The Lightning rifle was offered in three frame sizes: Small for .22 rimfire; Medium for centerfire calibers .32-20, .38-40 and .44-40; and Large for rifle size calibers such as .38-56, .40-60, .45-60, .45-65, .45-85 and .50-95 Express. The latter were direct competitors (although unsuccessful) against Winchester’s Model 1876 and 1886 rifles. The small frame .22 was an excellent boys rifle, and useful for plinking, target shooting and small game hunting. The medium frame models were great companions to Colt’s revolvers in the matching calibers. The large frame rifles were suitable for just about any North American medium or large game animals. Known for its speed, the Colt lightning rifle had a much higher rate of fire than the Winchester lever actions. A total of about 185,000 Lightning rifles of all types were made, nearly half of them the small frame .22 caliber versions. The Lightnings are a somewhat neglected collector niche, receiving more attention now that the Italians are making replicas of them for the Cowboy Actions Shooter market. This is an early First Model medium frame .38-40 rifle that has only the two 1883 patent dates, and the action lock in the trigger guard and was not made for the sliding breech cover. It has the 26 inch octagon barrel, plain walnut stock with checkered forend. Buttplate is the crescent type. Blade front sight and adjustable rear sight on the barrel plus an unmarked tang sight. The Lyman tang sight was a factory option, but we have not lettered this gun to see if this was factory or a later addition. Excellent bore and mechanics. Stock appears to have original finish, with must a few insignificant bruises. Metal parts with average of about 90-95% original Colt factory blue. About 97% on the barrel, maybe 95% with a bit of thinning on the magazine tube, about 95% on the receiver. Finish is worn thin on the lower tang and at the balance point. Blue is a mix of beautiful bright to somewhat age dulled and starting to turn plum. No finish on the buttplate which has picked up a lot of patina from poor storage. Bore is excellent. We sell all guns as collector items only, and they must be approved by a competent gunsmith prior to firing. It will be difficult to find another EARLY Lightning with these features in condition this nice, let alone a nicer one. Not quite minty, but pretty close. $2995.00 (View Picture)

17798 PORTUGUESE MODEL 1886/89 STEYR KROPATSCHEK RIFLE - Serial number Q940. Made by Steyer in Austria in 1886. Marked on receiver OE.W.F.G. Steyer/ 1886, faint traces of crown over L.Io., and M.1886 due to old arsenal refinish. Receiver, barrel and stock with serial Q940. Bolt mismatched O914 and other numbers. The Steyer Kropatschek is very similar to the German Mauser 1871/84 with a tubular magazine, but the details are slightly different throughout. Caliber is 8x60R Kropatschek, so you probably will not find any ammo. This example had the 1889 modification which added a handguard over the top of the barrel between the rear sight and the middle band, as shown by clearance cuts in the barrel channel for the clips to hold the handguard on. Handguard is missing (as with nearly all of these), leaving this looking just like the original M1886 if you don't spot the additional inletting for the clips. Stock is a nice medium brown walnut having been sanded long ago and picking up only a few tiny blemishes since then. There is a small crack on the left die of the wrist by the receiver tang, but it does not appear to affect strength much. About 90% thinning arsenal refinish blue on receiver and barrel, but the finish is mostly worn off the bands. Bolt and innards of action are nice and bright. Bore is about fine. Complete with the nearly always missing cleaning rod. Overall fine plus condition, much nicer than these are usually found. The 1886/89 model reportedly was sent to colonial outposts to minimize heat wave interference with the sight picture. Portugal had significant colonial holdings in Africa and Asia until early in the 20th century. ANTIQUE- no FFL needed. $650.00 (View Picture)

16873 ULTRA SUPERB M1860 SPENCER CARBINE- ARSENAL UPDATED- VIVID CASE COLORS - Serial number 31838. This beautiful gun was made as a Model 1860 carbine by the Spencer Repeating Rifle Company in Boston, probably in 1864. These were .52 caliber with 22 inch barrels. Roy Marcot’s definitive study “Spencer Repeating Firearms” is the authoritative source for everything regarding Spencers (of all types). The first Spencers to be adopted in early 1863 were rifles, after the personal involvement of President Lincoln. Carbines were ordered, and deliveries began in October, 1863 with 7,000 delivered by year’s end. During 1864 production grew steadily with 27,000 more delivered by the end of 1864. Serial number records indicate that carbines in the 31,000 range were in the hands of units in the field by July 13, 1864 and some were still in service in 1867.

At the end of the Civil War, troops were authorized to purchase their arms, and it is a testimony to the Spencer’s popularity that 8,299 Spencer carbines and 2,844 rifles were purchased. Remaining arms were turned in for repair and storage. Springfield Armory embarked on a program to overhaul and certain types of arms for future issue. This included Model 1860 Spencer carbines which updated to the New Model 1865 configuration. This involved addition of a Stabler cutoff, allowing the Spencer to be used as a single shot while holding the filled magazine in reserve, and also rounding the side of the hammer nose and the top edges of the receiver. The barrels were bored out and liners inserted and rechambered to the improved .56-50 caliber cartridges which gave better range and velocity than the .56-56 cartridges originally used in the Model 1860 .52 caliber carbines. The arms were then totally refinished (blue and case colors) and wood replaced as necessary. Final inspect resulted in new cartouches applied to the butt, the most common one being Erskine S. Allin. Eventually 15,518 Spencer carbines (including both Model 1860 and 1865) were overhauled at Springfield.

This carbine is one of those so upgraded. It was totally rebuilt to new condition, and was never issued after that. The receiver and lock retain 100% of the beautiful color case hardening. The internal parts have similar finish. The buttplate has most of the color case hardening, but there is a bit of rust right at the heel and the magazine tube cap, and the top of the buttplate has a thumbprint size area of very light roughness were it had rusted at some point prior to being cleaned. The lever has some colors, and some turned silvery and some with a dark stained appearance with a bit of light surface rust from fingers working the action. The barrel retains 95-98% of the dark blue finish, thinning slightly and some areas a bit oxidized. The walnut stock and forend are about perfect, razor sharp edges, the lovely raised grain of an unissued martial arm, and crisp ESA in oval cartouche, except there is one area of light scratching on the left side of the butt. This retains the M1860 rear sight. Bore in the three groove relined barrel is about perfect. This is, without a doubt, the nicest Spencer I have ever seen anywhere. While some may view the Springfield Armory overhaul negatively, other will recognize this as confirmation that this was a Civil War used weapon, and the updated to reflect the rapidly advancing technology and fills a collector desire for examples of both the original Model 1860 and the improved Model 1865. The present condition, as overhauled is just beautiful, nearly impossible to improve upon. $4100.00 (View Picture)

16865 U.S. M1816 FLINTLOCK .69 CALIBER SMOOTHBORE MUSKET MADE BY WICKHAM- WITH BAYONET - (Serial number- none) Marine T. Wickham has received credit as the designer of the Model 1816 muskets during his tenure as Purveyor of Public Supplies in Philadelphia. Later he received a contract to manufacture the muskets, and delivered about 16,600 circa 1822-1837. This example bears the markings used on Wickham’s earlier production: M.T. WICKHAM in an arc over PHIDA. The Model 1816 was the standard infantry arm for the U.S. Army from the end of the War of 1812 through the Mexican War in 1846-48, and after conversion to percussion in the 1850s, many Model 1816 muskets served until near the end of the Civil War. They are the last model to be made to non-interchangeable standards, although parts within a given maker were very close, there was not uniformity between the makers. This is a nice representative example of the model, with a pleasing patina so it looks impressively “old.” Good cartouche on the side opposite the lock and ahead of the butt. It does not have the 1850s inspection and grading cartouche usually found on examples converted to percussion. The lock appears to be original flint and the touchhole appears correct as well. The lock is not a tight fit against the barrel, probably the result of a replaced rear lock screw that is a couple threads too long (and slightly bent as well) keeping the lock from seating fully, or blocking the hammer if it is in all the way. Easily corrected with a few file strokes on the tip, but this is a consignment piece and we can not make any alterations. The 42 inch barrel has a dark and rough bore, but you probably don’t want to shoot these old flintlocks anyway. Markings on the metal are legible except the date on the barrel tang which looks like it might be 1832. The full length walnut stock is solid, never sanded, just a mellow patina. Wood behind the barrel is solid, further indication that it was never converted to percussion. There is some chipping and chattering (probably caused by use without a rear lock screw) along the back of the lock inletting. Left side of butt has lightly incised “Depue ‘76” which may have been added during the Centennial celebration of 1876, or even the Bicentennial of 1976 when old flintlocks were brought out to arm celebrants for parades and the like. Or, maybe it indicates ownership by some famous sports star with that jersey number? This musket comes complete with a Model 1816 bayonet which fits, although somewhat loosely. This will be a good representative example of the smoothbore flintlock muskets which lasted from the Revolutionary War until the supremacy of the percussion arms. $3250.00 (View Picture)

14205 U.S. Model 1884 .45-70 "Trapdoor" Springfield rifle - Serial number 499823. This one was probably made about 1890, shortly before the switch to the rod bayonet Model 1888 rifles. A good representative M1884 trapdoor rifle that has an excellent bright and sharp bore. Exterior looks like it is one of the many thousands which were arsenal “cleaned and repaired” after the Spanish American War (and quite likely veterans of that conflict). The stock has been lightly sanded and given a shellac finish which is typical of that overhaul, leaving no traces of the cartouche or circle P. Metal parts have about 95-98% old blue finish, either arsenal or arsenal refinish turned mostly plum, and may or may not look better with some cleaning with steel wool or a palette knife. Breechblock has a more polished glossy blue finish, and may be a replacement but is correct 1884 dated type. Some rust scale on the buttplate tang area. Good mechanics. Excellent bore. One small chip out of the wood alongside the cleaning rod channel. Overall a handsome representative rifle, and likely good shooter. (Remember, we sell all guns as collector items and they must be approved by a competent gunsmith prior to firing.) $895.00 (View Picture)

16869 SHARPS NEW MODEL 1863 SADDLE RING CARBINE, .52 CALIBER PERCUSSION- (BEAUTIFUL!) - Serial number 87928. Probably the most famous cavalry carbines of the Civil War were the percussion Sharps and the cartridge Spencers. This is an absolutely beautiful looking example of the famous Sharps, and representative of the “New Model” carbine models made during the Civil War. The Sharps made prior to 1859 used a “slant breech” but the “New Model” introduced in 1859 used a “straight breech.” By the end of the Civil War some 120,000 of these rifles and carbines had been made and over 100,000 saw military use. The vast majority were carbines, designated as New Model 1859 (roughly 30,000 to 75,000 serial number range); the New Model 1863 (roughly 75,000 to 140,000 range,); and the New Model 1865 (roughly 140,000-145,000). The difference in models is nearly insignificant, but the M1859 and earlier M1863s had patch boxes, and the later ones did not. A clean out screw was added on the NM1863, and a minor sight change made along the way. Basically they are all considered pretty much to be a single model, except by the advanced Sharps addicts. This example is considered to be an early New Model 1863, still having the iron patchbox. Exact date of manufacture is probably early in 1863, as carbines in the mid 80,000 range were being issued to Union cavalry regiments in April-June 1863. This is a truly beautiful gun, with vivid original color case hardening colors on all the parts that were finished that way. Although collectors admire the broad spectrum of gray, blue, violet and browns from that finishing method, they are merely a happy by product, not an intentional outcome of the manufacturing process, and the eventually will fade or wear if exposed to sunlight or moisture or abrasion. The stocks are superb, unsanded with crisp original cartouches and subinspector markings as shown in the photos, and only the original oil finish. Stocks are about perfect without even the usual handling and storage dings. Now the bad news- the barrel was changed at some point, probably in a military arsenal, but perhaps later, as the serial number on the barrel, 87529 does not match the receiver. Also, the barrel shows much light pitting on the surfaces hidden by the forend, and a small amount on the sides and top from the rear sight to and the receiver. The barrel finish appears to be original on the forward part, but touched up on the rear area at the time it was changed. There is a small patch of rust on the left receiver flat, and a tiny amount on the receiver ring and a few specks on the rear bas of the saddle ring bar. Overall say about 99% original finish, except the barrel which has about 96-98% old mixed finish remaining. The six groove bore is bright and sharp except for some light pitting for the first couple of inches. Overall, despite the changed barrel, this as handsome a Civil War Sharps carbine as most collectors will ever see anywhere, with blazing case colors and perfect wood. $5250.00 (View Picture)

16870 CIVIL WAR JOSLYN MODEL 1864 SADDLE RING CARBINE .52 CALIBER - Serial number 4797, all matching. The Joslyn was a brilliantly simple design, with a side swinging breechblock that used a wedge type extractor to remove the fired case. There were three basic models, the first being the Model 1855 in .54 caliber, firing a paper cartridge ignited by a percussion cap placed on a nipple in the breechblock. In 1862, the first cartridge model was made, substituting a firing pin for the nipple, and chambered for the Spencer rimfire cartridge (either the .56-56 or .56-52 types would work), with about 3,600 made. This was followed by the Model 1864 (about 12,500 made) differing from the M1862 mainly in having a spring loaded latch to hold the block in the closed position, a protective ring around the firing pin, and use of iron instead of brass furniture. This carbine is the Model 1864, made in 1864 and undoubtedly reaching the field late that year. The following Cavalry units are listed in John McAulay’s superb “U.S. Military Carbines” as having the Model 1864 Joslyn carbines: 2nd California; 4th & 8th Indiana; 2nd Kentucky; 4th Missouri; 1st Nebraska; 11th Ohio; 9th Pennsylvania; 13th Tennessee; 2nd & 3rd West Virginia; 1st Wisconsin, and the 3rd and 5th U.S. Colored. I believe that the 1st Colorado Volunteer Cavalry should be on the list as well. (The M1864 Joslyn action became the basis for Springfield Armory’s Model 1865 Joslyn RIFLE, the first breechloading rifles made there, the with 3,0007 made in early 1865 but delivered too late for combat use.) This is an excellent looking example with about 90-95% old dark blue finish. The walnut stock has a few assorted storage and handling dings, and a darkened oil finish, and show signs of having been scraped clean at one time, removing the cartouches. The three groove bore is bright and sharp. Lockplate marked JOSLYN FIRE ARMS Co., STONINGTON, CONN, 1864. Rear of breech block marked B.F. JOSLYN’S PATENT, OCTOBER 8th 1861, JUNE 24th 1862. During the French arms buying frenzy in 1870-1871 (when they were short on arms to surrender to the Germans in the Franco-Prussian War) the U.S. Army basically sold off most of its surplus Civil War era arms. The long list included sale of some 6,600 of the Joslyn carbines to the French. Many were captured or seized by the Germans and eventually sold to Belgium, and some have found their way back to the U.S. I believe that this carbine is one which was sold to France after the Civil War, and that it was lightly refinished sometime after that. In any case, this is an extremely nice example of an important Civil War saddle ring carbine model. $3100.00 (View Picture)

16868 U.S. CIVIL WAR SMITH SADDLE RING CARBINE- SUPERB MINT, BEAUTIFUL! - Serial number 19629. This is as nice as they come and you cannot improve upon this one! And a rare variation for the advanced collector! The federal armies purchased 31,002 Smith carbines during the Civil War. They are a very simple, sturdy and reliable design. A plunger located ahead of the trigger is pushed up to disengage the flat spring latch that holds the carbine in the ready position, and then it simply folds in half, hinged below the chamber. The opens the chamber in the center, and a rubber (or sometimes brass) cartridge with a .50 caliber lead bullet at the front is loaded into the chamber and the barrel is snapped shut. The rear of the cartridge has a tiny hole in the back which allows the flash from a separately loaded percussion cap to reach the powder in the cartridge and fire it. With good ammunition this was a popular and reliable cavalry arm. However, some ammunition had holes a bit oversize and if carried with the bullet end up in the cartridge box, some of the powder would eventually drain out through the flash hole, so that cartridge may not fire properly (if at all). Smith carbines were used in all theaters of the war, with the Army of the Potomac, on the western campaigns, with Sherman to the Sea, and with troopers fighting the Sioux on the northern plains, and even a few were used by the Navy in the Mississippi flotilla. These are handsome carbines, with a deep blue barrel, color case hardened receivers, and blued trigger guards. Buttplate and band are dull gray, not color cased or blued. On this example about 99% of each remains, with a small patch of rust on the heel of the buttplate, and a tiny amount of finish loss where the saddle ring had rubbed the receiver. Bore as nice as the outside. The walnut stock is about perfect with only a few of the most minute handling and storage dings or bruises present and appears to have an old varnish finish rather than the usual mere dipping in linseed oil. Letter B stamped on the left barrel flat, and on the right side of the stock at the wrist and tiny letters GP(?) on the left side of the wrist. The normal military inspector cartouches were LFR on the barrel flat and script JH and LFR in ovals on the stock. This almost certainly makes this one of the few Smith carbines sold commercially via Schuyler, Hartley & Graham in 1864, as mentioned in Flayderman’s description. In any case, it is just an utterly superb example of this great gun for someone looking for a beautiful example and the commercial sale feature is an added feature that may delight the truly advanced collector. $4750.00 (View Picture)

16738 BRITISH INDIA PATTERN 1842 .75 CALIBER PERCUSSION SMOOTHBORE MUSKET - This is a very close copy of the regulation British Army Model 1842 musket, the main difference being the addition of the hook or grip on the trigger guard, much like those used on some of the rifles of the period, while the regulation Army pattern just had the guard and a straight tang. This has the .75 caliber smoothbore barrel 39 inches long, held to the stock by three flat keys and the upper swivel screw and tang screw. (Tang screw is missing). This has the standard fixed rear sight and the front sight/bayonet lug. Barrel has London proofs. Barrel has a smooth brown patina. Bore is dark and rusty, but not heavily pitted. Lock has the East India Company rampant lion marking. Lock has some staining and patina mixed with dull steel gray color. The full length stock is solid, and seems heavier that expected, so it may be a replacement made of teak or some species other than English walnut. Small age crack .in the raised area behind the lockplate. Loock seems to function properly. Only markings other than the barrel proofs and lock plate lion are several numbers[?] in local script scratched onto the forend tip, trigger guard and stock. These 1842 smoothbores were the standard infantry arm, and also used by the East India Company raised colonial forces until replaced by the rifled Pattern 1853 arms. The latter, using the greased Minie ball ammunition resulted in the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. Although many other factors were involved (caste system, dislike of British rule, regional hatred, and religious hatred) the spark was provided by the issue of the Pattern 1853 Enfields. Rumors were spread that the bullets were greased with lard (pig fat) or beef fat, thereby offending Moslems and/or Hindus respectively. At that time there were some 400,000 colonial troops and only 40,000 British troops in India, the former mostly armed with the Model 1842 or earlier muskets. Within about 2 years the British put down the revolt and regained control of India. Overall, a big, handsome, old looking musket of the type that was instrumental in ensuring English control over much of their vast empire. This is probably one of the guns which came back from the arsenal palace in Nepal. $725.00 (View Picture)

**Reduced** 13922 U.S. Harpers Ferry Model 1795 (type III) flintlock musket dated 1814 - This is a very unusual gun, which was originally a typical Type III musket with a 44-45 inch .69 caliber barrel made at Harpers Ferry. However, during its period of use, it had a salvaged Brown Bess .75 caliber barrel installed, 44 ¾” long, with English proof marks and a faint LONDON on the top. The moulding rings at the breech were filed or ground off and some other minor fitting was done to barrel and stock to make them work. The wear patterns for the barrel show that it has been mated to this stock and band spacing for a very long time, so this is not just a parts gun assembled in recent years. One can speculate that it may have been hurriedly assembled around the time the British captured Washington and burned the Capitol on August 24, 1814, using whatever parts could be salvaged from muskets returned from the front, perhaps at Harpers Ferry but more likely other locations. Afterwards it would probably have been issued for militia service. The left stock flat has a faint V over two illegible initials at the very rear, the typical inspectors cartouches. There is another faint script marking immediately behind the rear lock screw but it is also illegible, probably a cartouche from time of original manufacture. Near the tail of the flat is a deeply stuck CP which is probably a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania property marking related the period after the barrel was replaced. The stock appears unsanded since it left service, but there is a an age crack on the butt and another along the upper rear edge of the lock, but neither is in danger of spreading. The ramrod is about 2.5 inches short, but is a period piece. The middle band is an incorrect replacement and the tit is broken off the middle band spring. Metal parts have a mix of smooth brown patina with areas of rougher rust and the barrel has a lot of light pitting under the old patina. Original flintlock, not a reconversion. A good representative example of a War of 1812 musket, and the type of makeshift repairs that were done to provide arms to troops at that time. Good mechanics, and swivels are intact (although the band swivel is part of the replaced middle band). $1,995.00 Reduced to $1,695.00 (View Picture)

16708 U.S. Model 1898 .30-40 Krag SADDLE RING CARBINE (Restoration Project) - Serial number 113962. made in 1898. This is an original M1898 carbine with the short M1896 style stock, but without the beveled area around the bolt handle, so it is definitely the M1898 carbine stock, not a cut down rifle stock. The serial number is close to some documented carbines, but data is extremely sparse, and mixed with rifle numbers when these were made during the hectic days of the Spanish American War right after the switch from the M1896 to the M1898 models. Although Flayderman reports the serial number range on the M1898 carbines as between 125,000 and 135,000, the SRS research in official documents has turned up references to them between about 112,800 and 139,000. Unfortunately, Bubba’s old deer carbine was not shooting as well as he liked, so his local gunsmith installed a new barrel on it, made from a M1903 barrel, as was the case with thousands of Krags in the 1920s-1950s. But the good news is that the bore is excellent, and the length is 22.5 inches instead of the regulation 22 inches, so it could be dressed up a bit at the muzzle after you remove the ramp type sight. Action has been buffed lightly and reblued nicely. Stock is excellent at first glance, with faint but legible JSA/1898 cartouche and circle P. However, close inspection reveals that it is cracked on the right side down into the butt, and another back from the trigger guard into the butt. This is clean, dry wood and will be very easy to repair with a bit of glue or epoxy. Another crack in the usual Krag weak area on the right side back from the magazine inletting. One large scrape about 1” x ¾” on lower right side of the butt, otherwise just the expected assorted minor dings and scrapes of an issued arm. Unlike so many carbine stocks, this one has NOT been drilled for sling swivels. Rear sight is the correct M1896 style, but it is marked with the rifle graduations, not the slightly different markings for a carbine. No barrel band, but S&S has repros available, and they also have repro M1896 carbine type handguards. The saddle ring has been removed, but the bar is intact. With a bit of stock repair work, addition of a band and handguard and reworking the barrel to add a correct style front sight and trimming the length this can be a good representative example of the scarce M1898 Krag carbine. Only about 5,000 were originally made, and most of those were later updated with the longer M1899 carbine stocks to be used with the later M1898/1901/1902 model rear sights. A correct M1898 carbine is an extremely scarce gun, and seldom found on the market. While it would be nice to have a 100% correct original, this will fill that gap in your collection at a bargain price. ANTIQUE, NO FFL NEEDED. $795.00 (View Picture)

14926 U.S. MODEL 1877 .45-70 SPRINGFIELD TRAPDOOR CARBINE (restored) - Serial number 126205 made early in 1880, the year that nearly 15,000 carbines were made. There is no data for this specific serial number, but it is in a range that is almost exclusively carbines, including many issued to Indian Scouts in 1885 or one of the regular cavalry regiments in 1886. However, that provides no verifiable history on this one, only opportunities for tantalizing speculation. This one has been arsenal updated at some point, accounting for the 1884 dated breechblock, grooved trigger, and Buffington sight. Subsequently the barrel was replaced with a cut down rifle barrel, probably by a civilian owner. However, the stock, buttplate, trigger guard and saddle ring bare all appear original to the receiver and each other and are correct carbine parts. The saddle ring itself was missing and a repro has been added. The rear sight is a correct M1884 Buffington marked ”C” for carbine on the ladder. The barrel shows wear pattern that indicated a M1890 sight protector band had been installed for a long time. The barrel, however, is a rifle barrel that has been cut to the proper length and even tapered at the muzzle, but the crown is not quite correct and the front sight (a correct original carbine base and blade) were silver soldered in place, but it is not quite the invisible fit of original Springfield Armory workmanship. From a few feet away it is convincing, and a couple drops of black paint to hide the tiny solder seam would make it hard to detect. Bore is fine to excellent with sharp lands and just a bit of very minor roughness in the grooves. Metal parts with about 60-70% original (or arsenal overhaul) blue, mixed with, and turning plum. Walnut stock does not have any cartouches and is probably a field replacement which is quite common as many carbine stocks were broken in service. There is a small hole near the butt, probably from a soling swivel that could be easily filled. There is a crack on the tip forward of the bandspring caused by the larger diameter rifle barrel being pressed into the stock which was inlet for the more rapidly tapering carbine barrel. The barrel band hides a small hole where a previous band had been secured with a pin or screw- nothing exciting, but we don’t want you to be surprised. The is a strip about an inch wide and 7 inches long on the right side of the forend where the wood color is lighter than the rest of the stock- not sapwood, but some sort of bleaching from sunlight or chemicals. It could be blended in with stain if you wanted to do that. Overall, this is a good representative M1877 .45-70 “trapdoor” carbine that is mostly correct, and not just a chopped down rifle that someone tried to fake into a carbine. If the barrel was correct, the price would be about 50% higher, so this is a significant saving for a collector eager to save some money and willing to accept a bit lesser quality item. It displays well, and had been on loan to a museum exhibit on the Cavalry in the West for several months last year. $1300.00 (View Picture)

16360 Swiss Model 1878 .41 rimfire (10.38 x 38Rmm) Vetterli Rifle (NICE!) - (Repetier-Gewehr 1878) Serial number 153629. Receiver marked "[cross]Waffenfabrik/Bern/153629/M.78" with matching numbers on other parts. Metal parts with about 98-99% original blue finish on most parts. Excellent medium brown color walnut stock with good cartouches and nice old oil finish with only a couple tiny storage bruises. There is a crack (about 6” long) on the left side of the forend just above the escutcheon but it does not affect strength and can be ignored or easily fixed if you want to. This is the standard Swiss Infantry rifle, a bolt action tubular magazine (12 round) repeating rifle from the period when we were still fussing with single shot flopdoor fusils. Admittedly the .45-70 cartridge was good for long ranges, while the .41 rimfire was a pretty puny load. Bore in the 33 inch barrel is sharp and mirror bright, and overall workmanship reflects the legendary Swiss precision workmanship. Upper band has stud on right side for sword bayonet, but these could also use a socket bayonet with a cruciform blade. Complete with the original cleaning rod, which is usually missing from these rifles. These were made between 1879 and 1881. An extremely handsome example of 130 year old rifle! Antique, no FFL needed. $950.00 (View Picture)

16217 Brazilian Model 1894 7 x 57mm Mauser Carbine (scarce) - Serial number 3774, mismatched. (Stock has a matching number, but in my opinion it was restamped recently). These scarce carbines were reportedly made by Loewe, DWM or FN from 1894 to 1901. Even Robert Ball’s definitive study Mauser Military Rifles of the World (4th edition) does not have a good production figure, but they are scarce, and this is the first I have seen in at least 20 years. Brazil adopted a minor variation of the Spanish Model 1893 rifle in 1894, and then in later years adopted successively more modern Mauser designs. This is a scarce model missing from most collection of South American military arms. Condition is about what you would expect for an arms issued to the cavalry where it would slap against sweaty horses, or spend months patrolling in the steaming jungles of the Amazon rain forest. The metal has some light roughness but no heavy pitting and may have had some touch up done on the dark blue/black/patina/gray finish. Parts numbers are mixed, but all in similar condition. Bore is dark with moderate rifling, and probably fair at best. Walnut stock has assorted nicks and dings and stains. The cavalry swivel on the wrist is intact, and there is a sling slot in the butt that may be original, or a later arsenal alteration. Good clear markings, which have been highlighted with white filler, which may have been done by the importer as the photo provided by Century for Ball’s book is of a carbine in similar condition with the white filler. A rare opportunity to own a scarce Mauser model. $750.00 (View Picture)

4143 U.S. Model 1884 .45-70 Springfield "trapdoor rifle"- lots of finish- great bore - Serial number 445028- Metal is in great condition with about 90% color case hardening on the breechblock and tang, and about 90% original blue on the other parts. However, this came from the old Stembridge Gun Rental collection and was probably rented for use in some of the movies where these were placed in the hands of various extras and bit actors who made up the vast armies in virtually all of the Civil War and cowboy theme movies. Unfortunately, the Hollywood riff-raff did not care much about guns then (especially when they could buy brand new trapdoors by the case for about $25 per rifle!). As a result of heroic battle scenes or mere carelessness, the stock has picked up a lot of minor, some medium and two major dings. Large ones are on left side of stock just below the rear lock screw, and a gouge out of the lower left side on the forend behind the lower band. With some careful soaking, steaming, and a light sanding and some filler in the two big boo boos this will be a very handsome specimen. SWP/1889 cartouche is mostly visible and good circle P. Bore is about excellent but needs a good cleaning. Excellent mechanics. Comes with a sling that is from some foreign rifle, but sort of looks like a trapdoor sling. M1884 Buffington rear sight has a piece broken off the bottom of the slide (S&S has repro slides for $35). Overall a god looking rifle as is, and it will look better with the stock fixed up a little and be an excellent representative example of the classic Indian War era .45-70 “Trapdoor” with an interesting Hollywood connection to boot. $895.00 (View Picture)

15080 "Custer Range" U.S. Model 1873 .45-70 Trapdoor Carbine - Serial number 21264 made at Springfield Armory in 1874, long before Custer’s June 25, 1876 unsuccessful foray against the Sioux at the Little Big Horn. At least eleven carbines with serial numbers in the 21,000 range are listed as unserviceable arms turned in by Benteen and Jackson in the 2nd Quarter of 1877, and three other nearby numbers were recovered at Slim Buttes, so this is in a primary Custer range. Although there is no proof that this one was there, or even nearby, it is nice to be able to get one with even the slim possibility. U.S. military arms are not made at arsenals and then set aside for collectors to “ooh and ahh” over a hundred years later. The guns are made to arm the troops to go out and kill the enemy. Once issued, they are eventually returned and, as needed, they are repaired or updated and sent back out to be used some more. While it is nice to find totally original and unaltered arms, those which have seen service and have been updated are also fine collector pieces. This trapdoor carbine was made in 1874, and still retains the original barrel with no proof marks, and it is a genuine carbine barrel, not a cut down rifle barrel. The bore is about good, with the shallow rifling well worn, but otherwise not bad. The remaining parts are of mixed vintages, the result of later overhauls, or perhaps parts switching by owners after it left military service. The lock is not dated 1873, and the breechblock is a slightly later M8173 with the “low arch” but still the narrow width. Guard bow is genuine carbine type with no provisions for a sling swivel. The rear sight is the M1884 Buffington type, with the “C” for carbine marking, and the 1890 sight protector band is used. The Buttstock is a later M1877 type with the trap in the butt for the tools, and the long comb, and the wide inletting for the M1877 and later receivers which were a bit wider, but the narrow receiver fits in them with just a slight gap on the sides. It has two excellent cartouches, SWP/1880 and SWP/1890 and also two good circle P proof marks behind the trigger guard. I am not sure of the meaning of the double cartouches, but suspect it may be addressed in Al Frasca’s excellent research. The saddle ring bar is original, but I believe the ring is an old replacement that looks a bit thin to me. The metal parts have a consistent smooth mostly brown patina with scattered hints of a plum tone. No real rust or pitting, just finish turned to patina. The butt trap has an original M1877 ruptured cartridge extractor, and a three piece cleaning rod. I think the latter is a reproduction, but it is hard to tell on these. If you wanted to return this closer to the original configuration, it would not be hard to find a 1873 dated lock, and early hammer and M1873 carbine rear sight and band. Of course, finding a real M1873 stock will be nearly impossible, but some people do win the lottery and maybe you will get lucky too. We have had a half dozen other trapdoor carbines, but this is the first “Custer range” gun we have had. This is from a very advanced collector who is thinning his collection out a bit. $4950.00 (View Picture)

1087 MODEL 1892 .30-40 KRAG RIFLE PROJECT - Serial number 23399 with good JSA 1895 cartouche. This is an ongoing restoration project of mine which needs to have a forend made to finish it up, and a M1892 handguard (original or repro), a magazine cutoff and a M1896 front sight blade. This is an UNMODIFIED M1892 stock (although cut off at the band) and M1892 UNMODIFIED receiver which has never had the notch added for the bolt stop when M1892 rifles were upgraded to M1896 configuration. The barrel is a regular M1896 with the crowned muzzle (it was flat on the M1892). We include an upper band which has been modified to add a cleaning rod guide to duplicate the appearance of the ultra rare M1892 band. The stock has the correct straight toe, with the thin, no-trap buttplate and very good legible JSA 1895 and circle P. It also has the letter “J: near the cartouche, which I believe is a Span-Am era overhaul marking, but I do not know the location. Initials WFP lightly scratched on the bottom of the stock ahead of the trigger guard but not very noticeable. Correct oval head large buttplate screw, but like most Krags, the finish is gone from the buttplate. It does not have any of the usual cracks or damage in the action area, but is good and solid. It is cut at the lower band, but the end of the cleaning rod groove is clearly visible, and it was never enlarged for the 1896 filler strip. It had some ugly varnish stripped without harming the markings, and has the expected assorted minor dings and scrapes of an issued arm. Restoration of the stock would involve splicing a new forend piece in place, with a groove for the cleaning rod. This is not a hard job, but requires some patience and skill, and I have not had time to do it. No cleaning rod or handguard are included, but S&S sells nice repros. Front sight blade and magazine cutoff are easy to find. The action is marked on the left side 1894 SPRINGFIELD ARMORY 23399 and the receiver parts are a mix of gray, silver, black and dull steel colors. Bolt is dull steel gray color that matches nicely with the other parts. Bolt is the (scarce) correct type for this serial number range with the cut on the rib, and the gas escape hole located closer to the front like the earlier square rib bolts. Bolt sleeve is late 1892 type with pinned safety but not knurled. Extractor is a M1896 that has been altered to remove the bolt stop pin, so it looks like the M1892. Exposed parts of the barrel with about 85-90% blue turning plum. Barrel has some moderate pitting between the M1892 rear sight and the receiver that will be hidden by the handguard. Bore is dark and worn and rough, but no cavernous pitting. You could square off the muzzle face to end up with a very good approximation of the M1892 Krag appearance. Normally I would not encourage such extensive restorations, but the number of unmodified M1892 rifles is miniscule, and few collectors will ever be fortunate enough to own one, so this may be as close as you will get. Antique, no FFL needed. $1450.00 (View Picture)

14811 COMMIE BLOC "FENCING MUSKET" - Obviously patterned after the Mosin Nagant, but then altered with a block of wood resembling an AK style magazine added to the bottom, these were used for teaching bayonet fighting. The spring loaded tip can be depressed about 4 inches into the barrel, similar to a pogo stick. This is a fairly common approach, and I have seen fencing muskets with the same concept from Sweden and England as well. The U.S. used bayonets with passed spring steel blades, and later switched to "pugil sticks". Just collecting "fencing musket variations would be neat specialty with probably several dozen variations from all over the world to chase down. These may be East German as some are marked "MODELL 4.853" which sounds German to me. Overall excellent condition (except for some scattered light surface rust that should clean up). Complete with original excellent sling. Still legal in Kalifornia, but may be next on their ban list. Non-firearm, no FFL needed. Photo shows a typical example, but this is one we were going to keep and is nicer than the one in the photo. $95.00 (View Picture

13631 TRAPDOOR SPRINGFIELD FENCING MUSKET (TYPE IV) - Serial number 281480. (Flayderman 9A-394) Bayonet fighting was considered an essential skill prior to and during World War I. To avoid costly damage to newly adopted Model 1903 rifles (and the troops who would use them) the U.S. Army provided "fencing muskets". Obsolete .45-70 “trapdoor” Springfields cut to the same length as the Model 1903 rifle, with hammers, sights, and sharp corners removed. A flexible spring steel bayonet with a rounded tip was used. Early Fencing Muskets made between 1906 and 1909 used socket bayonets and are called “Type III” by collectors. About 10,000-12,000 of the later “Type IV” made between 1909 and 1916 using flat blade bayonets with two mounting rings, like this one. We often have the bayonets for these on the edged weapons page. This is in about average condition with numerous scars, nicks dings and gouges from hand to hand combat training. Sharp SWP/1880 cartouche and circle P show that good condition rifles were butchered to make fencing muskets. Sear, springs and bridle from the interior of the lock were stripped by previous owner. Barrels are supposed to be filled with lead, but it is often found removed, as is the case with this one. Bore has some crud at the muzzle that should clean up, and the rest is mirror bright! Breechblock camshaft ground flush at time of conversion, but someone out a small screw into the remains of the shaft so you can open the block to determine the full serial number. Stock has been drilled through in three places with 1/8” diameter holes, probably to facilitate mounting on a wall. Two of the holes are at the bandspring locations (and the springs removed). Other is in the butt visible in the photos, but all are easily plugged. If you want to risk being struck by lightning for desecrating a historic old gun, this could be turned into a reenactor “carbine” with a very little bit of work. The distance between the breech and the rear hole for the fencing bayonet is 21 inches, just an inch short of the 22 inch carbine barrel length. You would need some internal lock parts, hammer, cam latch, extractor, front sight and, if desired, a saddle ring and bar, nearly all available from S&S on our links page. A very unusual addition to a collection of M1903 Springfields, or trapdoors, or bayonets. In fact, there are a dozen or more different "fencing muskets" from various countries that would make an interesting collecting niche to pursue. $395.00 (View Picture)

12945 Italian M1870/87/16 6.5mm bolt action Vetterli-Mannlicher Rifle - Serial number XX1585 made in 1883 at Torre Annuziata arsenal, (which operated until about 1900). Originally made as a single shot Vetterli rifle firing the 10.35 x 47mm rimmed cartridge, the model 1870 rifles were altered in 1887 to add a Vitalli type box magazine, much like the Dutch and their Beaumont-Vitalli rifles. In WW1, shortages of arms led the Italians to further alter these rifles by lining the bore to use the 6.5x52mm Carcano cartridge and replacing the magazine with a Mannlicher type magazine. This conversion was only marginally safe for the old black powder loads, and they were generally issued to second line troops, or colonial infantrymen. Some of the rifles served with the Italian forces in North Africa in WW2, (those defeated by Haille Selassie's spear wielding Ethiopian tribesmen). Lug on side of barrel for sword/knife bayonet. Barrel flats marked TORRE ANNUZIATA/ 1883 on one side and serial number XX1585 on the other. Walnut stock has been lightly sanded during the period of it service and now has an old military oil finish. Large semi-legible roundel on the left side, probably from the time of last conversion. Right side has deeply struck serial number MT 3565. Metal parts with about 90-95% arsenal refinish on most parts, bolt finished bright, and just thin traces of blue on the magazine. Stock is sound and has only the expected handling and storage dings, nothing to get excited about. We have seen a number of these over the years and this is probably the best of them all, and the ONLY one we have ever seen complete with the cleaning rod. Good mechanics and dirty bore which may or may not clean up to be very good. (We definitely recommend that this rifle NOT be shot!) Unlike the later Mannlicher-Carcanos of WW2, these are not encountered very often. A good representative example of this important early European military bolt action rifle. Antique, no FFL needed. $325.00 (View Picture)

4340 U.S. M1866 .50-70 "Second Allin" Rifle - About 52,000 Model 1866 rifles were made at Springfield Armory between 1867 and 1869 by converting Model 1863 (Type 2) muskets. Musket barrels were bored out smooth then sleeved to .50 caliber and an opening cut in the breech for the hinged Allin breech block. The block and hinge had a black case hardened finish, the rear sight and trigger were blued, and remaining parts were finished bright. The Civil War stocks were internally altered to make room for the extractor and ejector mechanisms. These had a weak extractor mechanism and were not popular with troops. However, they proved the great value of the breechloader at the "Wagon Box fight" against the Indians in 1867. As the first widely issued breech loading centerfire infantry rifle made at Springfield and used by the U.S. Army, these are a major milestone for arms collectors. During the Franco-Prussian War about half of the Model 1866 rifles were sold to the French and later destroyed, making the number of surviving rifles about the same as the number of M1903A4 sniper rifles made. This is an excellent example that is uncleaned and will look better with a careful cleaning, unless you are one of the "I like original rust" types. The bore is excellent plus. Block and hinge retain about 50% of the darkened finish. Balance of metal parts motsly dull steel gray with some light staining or patina forming. One tiny patch of light pitting on the left side of the lower band and a bit of roughness around the outside of the muzzle where it rested in the blocks in an arms chest. The unsanded walnut stock is absolutely magnificent (except on area) with crisp sharp edges, and excellent circle P behind the trigger guard. No cartouches. Only a very few very minor handling or storage dings. However, there is one area about 1 inch square on the lower left side of the forend that must have been burned or gouged and was smoothed down many years ago. The rifle displays nicely anyway as this is on the side normally against the wall, but it is there and probably could not be filled in to make it less of a problem. Despite that this is a darn nice gun, among the top 10% of this model we have encountered over the years, and priced well below what it would be if it were perfect. Antique, No FFL needed. $1795.00 (View Picture)

**HOLD** 5651 WARD TAPE PRIMER CONVERSION OF M1816 MUSKET - Really scarce item, but really rough condition. (Flayderman 9A-269). This was a standard M1816 .69 caliber smoothbore flintlock musket made by Asa Waters in Milbury, Mass in 1826. The Ward conversion involved fitting a new percussion breech with a nipple, and installing a special hammer that had a small milled out section to hold Maynard type tape primers. When the hammer was cocked, a small star shaped wheel would feed a fresh primer section aligned for the hammer to hit on the nipple. Sources differ on total numbers produced, ranging from an estimated total of 151 to Flayderman's figure of maybe 300 on a New York state contract in 1857 and 100 more for federal use. In any case, I have only seen about 5 of these in my life (including those at Springfield and in the Fuller Collection). This example has the correct cone type front sight and unique rear sight but is missing the primer cavity door. All metal parts are heavily rusted, pitted, and pretty well frozen in place. Lock has two bright spots cleaned up to read the maker marks. Walnut stock is dark and weathered, but solid and has good traces of cartouches. Ramrod is not fully seated (sticks out about an inch past the muzzle). Undoubtedly a battlefield relic from the early days of the Civil War, or an item that languished in some barn for decades. Really rough, but really scarce. I was hoping to salvage the sight and some of the mechanism to restore the Ward in my collection, but decided to leave this one intact. Wish it were nicer, but seldom seen for sale in any condition. $995.00 (View Picture)

**STOLEN BY PERSON IN PORTLAND, OR AREA, or possibly a long haul trucker. $500 reward for return of this item or information leading to arrest and conviction of the thief, who got several other antique arms from other dealers by credit card fraud... $100 reward if you are first to spot this on an auction site.** 12036 U.S. MODEL 1863 TYPE II .58 CALIBER RIFLE MUSKET - Made at Springfield in 1864 and so marked on the lockplate. Barrel date not visible. Excellent bore. This is a good representative example of a .58 caliber Civil War musket, although not in the best condition. Basically a "brown gun" except for the trigger guard which has about 90-95% arsenal blue and must have been taken from a trapdoor (parts are identical except for being left bright on the M1855-1870 and blued on the M1873-1888 trapdoors. Otherwise all original and correct parts. Stock has been broken through he wrist and repaired long ago, but is not real tight and should be redone with epoxy which will make it stronger than the original wood. The stock has been sanded, but not badly. Metal parts (except trigger guard) mostly have a layer of brown patina/rust, with some light pitting under some areas, most notably around the nipple. Displays okay as is, or could be polished up with 320 emery cloth if you prefer the original bright look. The M1863 (type 2) which is sometimes called the M1864, was the highpoint in the development of the rifle musket for Infantry use, and the next year was replaced by the first of the Allin breechloding "trapdoors." The M1863 (Type 2) differed from the M1863 only in having the rounded bands retained by band springs instead of merely screw clamps. The M1863 differed from the M1861 which had flat bands retained by bandsprings, and the nipple bolster set out a bit further and having a clean out screw instead of an angled flash hole, and used a "swell" in the ramrod to hold it in place instead of a screw plate. All the .58 rifle muskets fired a 500 grain (little over 1 ounce) soft lead Minie ball with a hollow base. When the 60 grains of black powder was ignited by the flash from the percussion cap, the expanding gasses expanded the rear of the Minie ball to engage the rifling. Sights are provided for 100, 300 and 500 yards, but masses of troops could be engaged at ranges up to 1,000 yards. With a rate of fire of about 3 rounds per minute, and its long range, the .58 caliber rifle muskets forced dramatic changes in tactics from the massed formations used for the preceding several hundred years. Many collectors have a musket from the Civil War as a logical starting point for a collection of "modern" military rifles. This one comes with a good quality reproduction sling. Civil War muskets are getting more expensive but this one is affordable (due to the flaws) and has the potential to be much nicer after the stock has been repaired properly. $995.00 (View Picture)

Restoration Projects!

 For those of you who have thoughtfully stashed away some stocks and hardware (or stocks and bonds with which to invest in stocks and bands) here are some prime candidates for restoration. Some of these rifles were converted to sporters many years ago when no one was interested in collecting "surplus" military  rifles and everybody was busy turning them into cheap deer rifles. While many people butchered the stocks and cut off barrels and refinished things, a few considerate (or lazy) people merely chopped off the stock and threw away all the useless bands and stuff. These rifles are very easy to restore if you have an appropriate stock and bands.

**NEW ADDITION** 16876 U.S. MODEL 1892 KRAG RIFLE (UNMODIFIED!) RESTORATION PROJECT - Serial number 8115 made in 1895. This is an exceptional find! Among the scarcest of all U.S. martial small arms are the Model 1892 Krag rifles which had the cleaning rod under the barrel. Only 24,562 were made before they began making the Model 1896, and there was an aggressive, long term campaign to recall and convert Model 1892 rifles to the 1896 configuration. Virtually all the M1892 rifles saw service during the Spanish American war, with normal attrition there. Based on over 20 years collecting U.S. arms, I see unmodified M1892 Krags as infrequently as M1903 Rod bayonet Springfields and about as often as Gas Trap Garands or Pedersen devices. My guess is that perhaps 50 or so examples of each of these scarce models are in private hands, with maybe the same number in museums. This is an unrestored rifle that escaped modification to M1896, but got molested by Bubba so he would use it as a deer rifle. The action has NOT been modified for the hold open notch, and it has the correct matching numbers on the sideplate, gate and follower. Ejector pin is the correct later round type. The barrel is the correct original unmodified M1892 type with flat (uncrowned) muzzle and the original M1892 front sight blade (with wider lower part than the sighting part of the blade) still in place. Bore has strong but worn rifling, and is dirty with little roughness, about average for a Krag. The bolt assembly is a later M1898 type but M1892 bolts are not too hard to find (except for the square back cocking piece and the extractor without the hold open pin). Safety is missing. The flat tab on the bottom of the hinge pin is broken off, but the pin is the same for all Krags and easily replaced. Metal parts have some blue and the receiver is mix of blue, silver-gray, etc and I suspect that Bubba touched things up with some cold blue, but no polishing or anything real bad. The stock is the correct original M1892 stock with the channel and hole for the cleaning rod in (what is left of) the forend. It may be possible to salvage this, even though the forend has been rounded off at the lower band shoulder, and rounded on the edges where the handguard fits. A good wood worker can build a new forend, and piece it in about 2 inches back from the lower band, and possibly add strips above the grasping grooves. This work would be justified as the rest of the stock is good, including the original flat butt (not the curved toe as modified in 1896) with the correct original flat (solid- no trap) buttplate still in place. Finding an original unmodified M1892 Krag stock is probably impossible, so it is best to try to salvage this one. There is a small chip in the toe, visible in the photos. Faint traces of a cartouche, and a “J” which was an early arsenal inspection marking, but I forget which one. Based on the scarcity of original M1892 rifles, this rifle, when restored, will make a good filler in a collection unless you get very rich and very lucky and find a totally correct original. $1,195.00 (View Picture)

**NEW ADDITION** 12219 M1898 KRAG BARRELED RECEIVER - Serial number 425588. Receiver has nearly all of the mottled gray-black case hardened finish, but Bubba needed a deer gun, so he wacked the barrel off at 26 inches and added a nice ramp front sight. Not able to hit anything anyway, he decided he needed a scope, so he drilled and tapped four holes in the left side of the receiver for one of the old Weaver side mounts. Bore has strong rifling, but is somewhat dark and rough. A great candidate for cutting back to 22 inches and making a Krag carbine for reenactor use. What you see is what you get- no bolt or loading gate/follower but sideplate, trigger and ejector are still there. $79.00 (View Picture)

16708 U.S. Model 1898 .30-40 Krag SADDLE RING CARBINE (Restoration Project) - Serial number 113962. made in 1898. This is an original M1898 carbine with the short M1896 style stock, but without the beveled area around the bolt handle, so it is definitely the M1898 carbine stock, not a cut down rifle stock. The serial number is close to some documented carbines, but data is extremely sparse, and mixed with rifle numbers when these were made during the hectic days of the Spanish American War right after the switch from the M1896 to the M1898 models. Although Flayderman reports the serial number range on the M1898 carbines as between 125,000 and 135,000, the SRS research in official documents has turned up references to them between about 112,800 and 139,000. Unfortunately, Bubba’s old deer carbine was not shooting as well as he liked, so his local gunsmith installed a new barrel on it, made from a M1903 barrel, as was the case with thousands of Krags in the 1920s-1950s. But the good news is that the bore is excellent, and the length is 22.5 inches instead of the regulation 22 inches, so it could be dressed up a bit at the muzzle after you remove the ramp type sight. Action has been buffed lightly and reblued nicely. Stock is excellent at first glance, with faint but legible JSA/1898 cartouche and circle P. However, close inspection reveals that it is cracked on the right side down into the butt, and another back from the trigger guard into the butt. This is clean, dry wood and will be very easy to repair with a bit of glue or epoxy. Another crack in the usual Krag weak area on the right side back from the magazine inletting. One large scrape about 1” x ¾” on lower right side of the butt, otherwise just the expected assorted minor dings and scrapes of an issued arm. Unlike so many carbine stocks, this one has NOT been drilled for sling swivels. Rear sight is the correct M1896 style, but it is marked with the rifle graduations, not the slightly different markings for a carbine. No barrel band, but S&S has repros available, and they also have repro M1896 carbine type handguards. The saddle ring has been removed, but the bar is intact. With a bit of stock repair work, addition of a band and handguard and reworking the barrel to add a correct style front sight and trimming the length this can be a good representative example of the scarce M1898 Krag carbine. Only about 5,000 were originally made, and most of those were later updated with the longer M1899 carbine stocks to be used with the later M1898/1901/1902 model rear sights. A correct M1898 carbine is an extremely scarce gun, and seldom found on the market. While it would be nice to have a 100% correct original, this will fill that gap in your collection at a bargain price. ANTIQUE, NO FFL NEEDED. $795.00 (View Picture)

1087 MODEL 1892 .30-40 KRAG RIFLE PROJECT - Serial number 23399 with good JSA 1895 cartouche. This is an ongoing restoration project of mine which needs to have a forend made to finish it up, and a M1892 handguard (original or repro), a magazine cutoff and a M1896 front sight blade. This is an UNMODIFIED M1892 stock (although cut off at the band) and M1892 UNMODIFIED receiver which has never had the notch added for the bolt stop when M1892 rifles were upgraded to M1896 configuration. The barrel is a regular M1896 with the crowned muzzle (it was flat on the M1892). We include an upper band which has been modified to add a cleaning rod guide to duplicate the appearance of the ultra rare M1892 band. The stock has the correct straight toe, with the thin, no-trap buttplate and very good legible JSA 1895 and circle P. It also has the letter “J: near the cartouche, which I believe is a Span-Am era overhaul marking, but I do not know the location. Initials WFP lightly scratched on the bottom of the stock ahead of the trigger guard but not very noticeable. Correct oval head large buttplate screw, but like most Krags, the finish is gone from the buttplate. It does not have any of the usual cracks or damage in the action area, but is good and solid. It is cut at the lower band, but the end of the cleaning rod groove is clearly visible, and it was never enlarged for the 1896 filler strip. It had some ugly varnish stripped without harming the markings, and has the expected assorted minor dings and scrapes of an issued arm. Restoration of the stock would involve splicing a new forend piece in place, with a groove for the cleaning rod. This is not a hard job, but requires some patience and skill, and I have not had time to do it. No cleaning rod or handguard are included, but S&S sells nice repros. Front sight blade and magazine cutoff are easy to find. The action is marked on the left side 1894 SPRINGFIELD ARMORY 23399 and the receiver parts are a mix of gray, silver, black and dull steel colors. Bolt is dull steel gray color that matches nicely with the other parts. Bolt is the (scarce) correct type for this serial number range with the cut on the rib, and the gas escape hole located closer to the front like the earlier square rib bolts. Bolt sleeve is late 1892 type with pinned safety but not knurled. Extractor is a M1896 that has been altered to remove the bolt stop pin, so it looks like the M1892. Exposed parts of the barrel with about 85-90% blue turning plum. Barrel has some moderate pitting between the M1892 rear sight and the receiver that will be hidden by the handguard. Bore is dark and worn and rough, but no cavernous pitting. You could square off the muzzle face to end up with a very good approximation of the M1892 Krag appearance. Normally I would not encourage such extensive restorations, but the number of unmodified M1892 rifles is miniscule, and few collectors will ever be fortunate enough to own one, so this may be as close as you will get. Antique, no FFL needed. $1450.00 (View Picture)