ARIZONA SWORDS ARIZONA SWORDS
Enfields-Revolvers-Muskets
CLICK BELOW BUTTONS TO SEE AVAILABLE ITEMS
Beware of fake and misrepresented edge weapons.
Click above to see examples of known fakes!
***********************************************************************************************************
CLICK IMAGES TO SEE MORE PHOTOS
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
******************************************************************************************************************************
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* 24 * 24 * 
F279. CONFEDERATE 1853 ENFIELD RIFLE - DOUBLE MARKED SINCLAIR, HAMILTON & COMPANY ON STOCK AND OVAL SHC MARKED BARREL: During the Civil War, a large number of 1853 Enfield Rifle Muskets were supplied by the Sinclair, Hamilton & Company. This Confederate 1853 3-band Enfield is in excellent condition with double Crown SHC marks on the stock and the rare Oval SHC mark on the barrel. The stock has expected ding, but no major issued; the metal has an even deep rich brown patina, and the rifling is strong. The action properly functions and hold in both half and full cock, and the nipple and protector are original as is the ram-rod. The barrel is proof marked * 24 * 24 * and has the rarely seen Oval SHC stamp. The lock is dated 1861. This is an early Enfield that no doubt saw action. $2900.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F314. LONDON ARMOURY COMPANY BRITISH MILITARY CONTRACT P-1853 ENFIELD RIFLE: The London Armoury Company was established in 1856 with the sole intention to produce military pattern arms for the British War Department, as well as for the export market. The high quality, interchangeable part guns from L.A.C. were very desirable acquisitions for both the US and CS during the American Civil War, and both sides attempted to arrange to buy as many of these first-class muskets as possible. London Armoury P-1853 Enfield rifles of any type are very difficult to find, and those with any Civil War provenance or markings are particularly hard to located and extremely desirable. British military contract London Armoury P-1853s are relatively rare as well, due to the limited production of the gun when compared to the total numbers of Enfield rifles acquired by the British military during the 1860s. Early contract dated guns, made in 1861, are particularly hard to find in decent condition as the London Armoury guns were designated as a “First Class’ arms by the regular army and often saw hard use. This London Armoury P-1853 Enfield Rifle Musket is a scarce example of an early produced British military gun dated 1861. It is clearly marked in two lines on the lock 1861 / L.A. Co. with the usual (British Crown) / VR to the rear of the hammer, and the British Crown Arrow mark. The lock, which properly function, is plain, without engraved boarder lines and has a plain hammer without feathers. The breech of the gun is marked with a pair of L.A.C. marks, as well as the usual British military Proof, View & Definitive Proof and inspection marks of a Crown over the number of the inspector. The barrel has the original L.A.C. marked rear site; original barrel bands; front site; all which have a pleasing plum-brown patina. The ram-rod is original to the gun, as are the sling swivels. The bore has good rifling with no pitting. The stock shows the usual minor scattered bumps, dings, dents and handling marks you expect to find on a 150-year-old military long arm, but no breaks or repairs. It retains crisp checkering at the wrist and forearm and shows minor handling wear, and is stamped with the round London Armoury Company mark: LONDON ARMOURY / BERMONDSEY around the date 1861 in the center on the buttstock. There is also a silver wrist escutcheon with the engraved Old English script initials WSS; however, it unknown to whom these letters belong. This is a 100% complete and correct example of a scarce London Armoury Company produced Pattern 1853 Enfield rifle musket. It is a very desirable gun to add to any collection of British military long arms; Enfield rifle collection, or Confederate guns. The gun is in wonderful condition and is extremely attractive. Shipping & Insurance is included. $2100.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
CLICK THE ABOVE PHOTOS TO SEE THE ORIGINAL COLLEGE HILL ARSENAL DESCRIPTION
F319: CONFEDERATE
IMPORTED PATTERN 1858 ENFIELD NAVAL RIFLE WITH MATCHING NUMBERED RAMROD: I purchased this
Confederate rifle from Tim Prince of (College Hill Arsenal) and have provided a hyper-link to his original listing so you can read
a detailed description. The Pattern 1858 Naval Rifle was
in many respects similar to the standard Pattern 1856 rifle, but with a few
minor cosmetic differences and one major performance difference. The P1858 was
a brass mounted rifle, instead of iron mounted, and had the rear sling swivel
attached to the front bow of the trigger guard, rather than being screwed into
the toe of the stock. The P1858 retained the 1,100-yard rear sight and 33”
barrel of the P1856 rifles, but the barrel was much heavier and was rifled with
5 grooves instead of the 3 used on the P1856 rifles. The heavier
barrel and improved rifling pattern made the P1858 rifles more accurate than
the P1856. The heavier barrel also dissipated heat more effectively, resulting
in less change to the point of aim / point of impact after repeated firings.
This barrel and rifling pattern were so successful that the British military
adopted the heavier, 5-groove barrel for use on later production Pattern
1860 Short Rifle in 1860, superseding the earlier Pattern 1856 rifles. The
gun remains in about GOOD+ to NEAR VERY GOOD condition
when grading by NRA Antique Arms standards, which translates to “Confederate
Very Good” due to the hard use Confederate long arms tended to see. As noted,
the gun has the engraved Confederate inventory number 823 on
the tang of the brass butt plate with the matching inventory number engraved on
the shank of the ramrod. It is difficult to explain how incredibly rare it is
to find a Confederate numbered Enfield that retains its original matching
numbered ramrod. Only a very few such Enfields of all pattern survive today. As
would be expected, the standard JS / {ANCHOR} inspection mark
is found on the lower wrist of the stock, behind the trigger guard tang. There
is also a weak {CROWN}/B/SA/T behind the trigger guard
indicating that the gun was produced by a member of the Birmingham Small Arms
Trade. The name of the contractor who produced the gun, Thomas Turner, is
stamped in the toe line of the stock and reads T TURNER. All of the
markings in the wood remain fully legible but all suffer some weakness and
smearing due to wear on the stock. The rifle is clearly marked on the lock
plate with the typical English {CROWN} to the rear of the
hammer and TOWER / 1861 forward of the hammer. The interior of
the lock is marked with a small TT (Thomas Turner) over the
mainspring and with the file slash mating mark | | | on the
top edge of the plate. The same mating mark appears on the necks of both the
lock mounting screws and the breech plug tang screw, as well as under the
barrel. The lock functions on the full cock position, but the half cock notch
is damaged as is the nose of the sear, so the hammer will not hold at the half
cock position. The skirt around the hammer nose is also chipped and damaged
from heavy use. The lock has a mostly smooth, moderately oxidized appearance
with a mottled brown and gray coloration, showing some scattered surface
roughness and some light pitting. An original “Snap Cap” (percussion cone
protector) is present, attached by an iron split ring to the trigger guard
sling swivel and is complete with the original and correct pattern flat,
teardrop shaped brass chain. The steel cone protector is in place at the end,
but most of the original leather padding is missing. The markings on the lock
remain deeply struck and are fully legible. The barrel of the rifle was marked
with the standard Birmingham commercial provisional proof, definitive proof and
view marks, as well as a pair of 25 gauge marks, indicating
.577 caliber. However due to heavy oxidation and moderate pitting in the breech
area from heavy use, the markings are mostly illegible. The bottom of the
barrel is marked with the mating mark | | | as well as with
the initials of the master contractor Thomas Turner, TT. The
barrel is also marked by the Birmingham barrel maker who delivered it to
Turner, BEASLEY BROS. The barrel has a thickly oxidized and
untouched patina and a rich chocolate color with some tiny flecks of trace blue
scattered here and there. The barrel is mostly smooth forward of the rear
sight, with some scattered surface roughness and light pitting over this
portion of the barrel. The breech and bolster area show moderate to heavy
pitting and significant wear and erosion due to substantial use. This is the
result of the extremely caustic nature of the percussion cap flash. The bolster
also shows an old, brazed repair to shore it up and potentially to fill an area
of blow out. The repair is very old and is typical of many of the coarse and
simple repairs made to Confederate arms that saw substantial use. The
percussion cone (nipple) is heavily worn, battered and damaged as well. The
bore of the rifle retains the original and correct pattern 5-groove rifling,
and rates about GOOD. The rifling remains visible along the
entire length of the bore, although it is weak near the muzzle. The bore is
heavily oxidized as well, matching the exterior of the barrel, and shows
moderate pitting along its entire length. The gun lost its original rear sight
at some point during its lifetime and quality reproduction Pattern 1853 Enfield
Rifle Musket sight has been attached to the barrel in the correct position. The
original front sight remains in place near the muzzle of the rifle. The
original bayonet lug, which accepts the Pattern 1859 Type II Cutlass Bayonet,
is in place on the barrel, near the muzzle. The lug is marked with the mating
number 61, which would have been found stamped on the pommel cap of
the cutlass bayonet that had been fit to the rifle. The gun retains both of its
sling swivels, but the two screw protecting doughnuts on the ends of the Palmer
patent barrel band tension screws are missing. This is not uncommon. As noted,
the original Enfield short rifle ramrod is present in the channel under the
barrel and is numbered to the gun. The rod is full-length but has damaged
threads on the end. The brass furniture has a dull golden patina that is quite
attractive. As noted, the butt plate tang is engraved with the Confederate
inventory control number 823, which remains full visible, although some minor
impact marks make the “8” look somewhat like a “3”. The engraving style with
the flat top on the “3” makes it quite clear that the first number is in fact
an “8”. The stock of the rifle rates about NEAR VERY GOOD.
The stock is full-length and solid with no breaks or repairs noted. There is
some wood loss behind the bolster due to “burn out”. This would be expected on
any percussion rifle that shows as much erosive pitting in the breech and
bolster area and matches the balance of the gun perfectly. The stock shows
moderate wear with some softening of the sharp edges and hard lines but does
not appear to have been sanded. There are some tiny surface chips of wood
missing around the edge of the lock mortise and around the rear edge of the
breech plug tang. None of this is significant or major but is mentioned for
exactness. The stock shows the numerous scattered bumps, dings and impact marks
from actual use and service, but no abuse or significant damage. Again, the
stock wear matches the overall wear and use indicated on the balance of the
gun. Overall, this is a solid and very scarce example of
a real Confederate Naval contract Pattern 1858 Naval Rifle. With
only about 20 CS numbered Pattern 1858 Naval Rifles known with numbers under
1,000, these are very scarce examples indeed. That fact that this gun retains
its original matching numbered ramrod is almost unbelievable for a gun that saw
four solid years of war. This gun can be directly tied to a specific contract,
a specific blockade runner and a specific port of entry on a specific date.
Rarely can that much specific information be directly attached to Civil War used
long arm. The only detraction at all is the replacement rear sight and adding
an original rear sight to the gun would make it 100% period and correct. This
is a great Confederate gun that saw heavy use and has a really wonderful,
untouched look. Rarely to real Confederate Naval Rifles appear on the market
for sale, and this is a solid and very attractive example that you will be
proud to own and display. Shipping & Insurance included. $9300.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F333. CONFEDERATE - PATTERN 1856 SHORT RIFLE – "COMMERCIAL VARIANT": This Confederate Pattern 1856 Short Rifle is referred to as a "commercial variant" because of the brass butt plate and the four - groove barrel. The original bayonet bar with the extended key was period removed, but you can still see its silhouette, and there is no rear site. The barrels dark patina indicates this gun has been this way for a long time and is totally original to the period. The stock is all original and never sanded, and the Sinclair, Hamilton, & Company viewers mark “Crown over block “SH” / “G3” is forward of the butt stock, and on the flat opposite the lock is a faint second Confederate mark: Script “J.C” within and Oval. The lock is marked TOWER 1862 with a CROWN and no British proof marks. The action holds in both half and full cock positions, and the nipples is period original, and the rifling is strong. There are no sling swivels. “Crown over block “SH” / “G3” are not often seen on Pattern 1856 rifles and is very unique. Shipping & Insurance included. $2200.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F362. CONFEDERATE “K” & "JS ANCHOR" MARKED - NUMBERED P-1853 ENFIELD: During the early days of the war, Confederate purchasing agents secured contracts for the British P-1853 Enfield Rifle Musket, and according to Confederate Chief of Ordnance, Josiah Gorgas’s, some 70,980 Long Enfield Rifles were purchased from the beginning of the war through the end of 1862. These numbers only account for Confederate central government purchases, and not those purchased by states or by profiteers. The majority were purchased from S. Isaac, Campbell & Company or Sinclair, Hamilton & Company. They had several contracts with the Confederacy to deliver P-1853 Enfield Rifle Muskets, with the typical contract terms requiring 30,000 stands of arms to be delivered over a six-month period. Sinclair, Hamilton & Company appears to have received at least five of these Confederate central government contracts for P-1853 Enfield Rifle Muskets. The second of these contracts for 30,000 P-1853 “Long Enfields’ is the one represented by the guns with the JS / (ANCHOR) inspection mark, along with the engraved butt plate tang inventory control numbers. These numbers ran from 1-10,000 in three series. The first series had no suffix after the number, while the second series of 10,000 had an “A” suffix under the inventory number and the third series of 10,000 had a “B” suffix. Sinclair, Hamilton & Company acquired their arms through “Five Furnishers.” The London furnishers were the longtime gunmakers EP Bond and Parker, Field & Co, with James Kerr receiving a tiny portion of the contract (only 500 guns). The balance was delivered by the Birmingham firms CW James and W.C. Scott & Son. The furnishers often marked the guns delivered with a large single letter on the upper comb of the stock: B for Bond, F for Parker, Field & Co, J for James, K for Kerr and S for Scott & Son. An October 31, 1861 dated letter from Sinclair, Hamilton & Co. notes that the contract was divided between the furnishers as follows:
CW James: 10,000
Scott & Sons: 8,000 guns
E.P. Bond: 6,000 guns
Parker, Field & Co: 5,500 guns
James Kerr:500 guns
Kerr represent slightly less than 2% of the total delivered. To date only 6 of the 500 P-1853s delivered by James Kerr under this contract have been noted. Of the 6 known specimens, 2 are marked CARR / LONDON on the lock, three have blank unmarked locks, and one is marked 1861 / TOWER. Two of the guns are the obsolete “Type II” P-1853 Enfield rifle musket with solid barrel bands retained by springs, and the other are the typical “Type III” Enfield pattern arms. Due to the very small delivery total and extremely low survival rate, James Kerr furnished, P-1853 Enfields are extremely rare and the hardest examples to locate! It is often missing from even the most advanced collections of Confederate imported Enfields. This gun is in attic condition and is complete with the original numbered ram-rod, barrel bands and sling swivels, but missing the rear site blade. The butt plate and ram-rod are serial number 5945 and the letter “K” is stamped in the stock forward of the butt plate tang. The JS Anchor stamp is all gone. Sometime with magnification I think I can see a faint outline, but then I see nothing. Shipping & Insurance included. Shipping & Insurance included. $8,600.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
|
|
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
BARREL PROOF MARKS
F364. PATTERN 1856 ENFIELD 2-BAND RIFLE: The Pattern 1856 Enfield 2-band rifle was purchased by both the North and South during the Civil War, and without certain markings it is hard to know which side carried this gun. It is complete with all original barrel band, sling swivels, adjustable real site, steel butt plate and trigger guard, and ramrod. The lock is TOWER marked and dated 1861 with a CROWN and no British governments markings, and properly functions in both half and full cock; and the nipple is original. The stock has expected dings and bumps and is complete with no breaks, and is maker marked T. TURNER. Also, to the real of the trigger guard and swivel is stamped a faint CROWN and B S A for the Birmingham Small Arms Company Limited (BSA). All the steel has the same matching plum-brown patina. The barrel rifling is gone and is a smooth bore, which is common for a gun that saw heavy use. The barrel proof marks for this gun are not on the side, but on the underside of the barrel. Shipping & Insurance included. $1700.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F371. WHITNEY NAVY REVOLVER - 2ND MODEL, 4TH TYPE: This is a Whitney Navy percussion revolver. The Whitney Navy was a 6-shot, .36 caliber, single action percussion revolver that was manufactured from the late 1850s through the early 1860s. Some 33,000 Whitney Navy revolvers were produced during the production run, with many seeing US government use. The US Army acquired 10,587 of the revolvers between 1861 and 1864 and the US Navy purchased an additional 6,226 between 1863 and 1865. The state of New Jersey purchased 920 Whitney Navy revolvers in 1863, but 792 of those guns were subsequently resold to the US Army in 1863 and 1864. A number of Whitney Navy revolvers also appear to have been acquired by the South and saw service during the American Civil War. Some were purchased prior to the outbreak of hostilities and many more after the conflict started. These later production guns were no doubt obtained through a combination of capturing weapons and purchasing the guns surreptitiously from secondary retailers rather than Whitney. At least two-dozen Whitney Navy revolvers are known to have been repaired for use by the 4th Virginia “Black Horse” Cavalry, and a handful of identified Whitney Navy revolvers with Confederate provenance exist was well. It is not surprising that the revolver found favor on both sides of the Mason-Dixon line. This Whitney Navy revolver is all original and complete with matching numbers. The serial number "23867 A". The number is stamped on the cylinder, loading lever and underside of the barrel, and on the grips. The cylinder scene is weak but visible under magnification, and the grips are original and complete, and the action is tight and cycles best when pointed downward. Shipping & Insurance included. $1400.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
“Z”
F379. RARE! - CONFEDERATE CAPTURED, CLEANED & REPAIRED NEW MODEL SHARPS, UNION RECAPTURED AND POST WAR CONVERTED TO .50-70 CARBINE: This is an extremely rare Civil War & Post War Sharps Carbine. It originally started as a New Model Sharps and was issued early in 1865 to union troops, was Confederate captured and went through the Clean & Repaired process, butthen Union recaptured and later converted to .50 – 70 in 1868 for Indian War use. The serial number on this gun is C19440. C19358 went to the 15th New York Cavalry and C19543 went to the 8th New York Cavalry, so it is likely this gun when to one of those two units, which where both fighting in Virginia during the advance on Richmond. This Sharps Carbine went through the Confederate C&R (clean, repair) process and has the inspection mark “Z” on the underside to the rear of the trigger tang. This mark is associated with Captain Louis Zimmer, who was involved with Confederate clean and repair operations at Richmond. It is unknown exactly what work was done on the gun during the C & R process, and I doubt the gun was ever reissued to Confederate troops as Richmond fell. The gun is in amazing condition. The barrel is marked New Model 1863 to the rear of the site with faint HARTFORD CT mark to the front. The SHARP maker mark is on the front of the lock with the correct marks on the opposite side. The barrel retains 98% + original finish and has a bright 6-grove bore, and there is a good amount of case-coloring on the gun. The stock is in near-mint condition and there is the post-war cartouche that was applied when the gun was converted to .50-70. There is a small chip on the forearm of the stock, but otherwise also near-mint. From February 1868 to October 1869, approximately 32,190 carbines were switched over to the .50-70 cartridge. The carbines were immediately sent to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments in the West. This is an amazing example of a Sharps Carbine which saw action in Virginia during the Civil War, was Confederate captured and Union recaptured, and later converted to .50-70 for Indian War Service. Shipping & Insurance included. $7700.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F385. RARE - CONFEDERATE HOLSTER & MARTIALLY MARKED SAVAGE NAVY REVOLVER: Confederate holsters are rare to find, and it is even more uncommon to find one for a Savage Navy Revolver. I purchased this directly from Tim Prince of (College Hill Arsenal) and just love its look! The holster is brown leather; complete with the flap, and has the complete back belt loop, but missing the retention button. It is worn at the hammer location and at the bottom where the barrel is visible. The Savage Navy revolver has an even brown patina; is missing the front site; properly cycles; has original grip which have a carved cross over the original cartouche, but does not hold in the full cock position. Shipping & Insurance included. $3900.00
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
)
Michigan Cavalry Soldier armed with an Allen & Wheelock Revolver, Colt Carbine & Saber
F388. ALLEN & WHEELOCK CENTER HAMMER ARMY REVOLVER - 3RD VARIANT: The Allen & Wheelock Center Hammer Army percussion revolver was manufactured in rather limited quantities, with production estimated by most published arms historians at only about 700 guns. These estimates are based primarily upon the “serial numbers’ of known surviving examples. However, for a gun with production figures so low, the survival rate of the revolvers appears relatively high, leading some to assume that the “serial numbers’ were relay batch or assembly numbers and do not really indicate total production. In fact, many have long believed that the total production was likely 3 to 4 times the published estimates. No matter how many were actually produced, we do know that 536 were purchased by the Federal government in 1861. Nearly all those guns were subsequently issued to the 2nd & 3rd Michigan Volunteer Cavalry regiments. As these revolvers were purchased on the open market, they were not marked with any US military sub-inspection or final inspection marks (including cartouches), as are found on the guns acquired via official Ordnance Department contracts.
The Allen & Wheelock Army Revolver was a .44 caliber, six-shot, percussion single action revolver that had a 7-inch half-octagon/half-round barrel and a unique ratcheting loading lever that formed the trigger guard of the revolver. The revolvers had a blued finish with color case hardened hammers and loading levers/trigger guards. The grips were two-piece walnut that were usually varnished but appear to have been oil finished on some extant examples. The guns were made in three distinct variants, which help the collector to categorize and date them chronologically. The earliest guns used a complicated and fragile “hinged pawl” action. This produced a smooth action but was expensive and time consuming to produce and difficult to repair. These guns also had the hammer mounted on the screw that secured the side plate and entered through the right side of the frame. This made disassembly very difficult. The final feature of the 1st variant revolvers was that the cones (nipples) were screwed into the cylinder from the inside of the chambers; a very unconventional feature. The 2nd variant revolvers retained all the mechanical features and designs of the 1st variant but had cones (nipples) that were installed in the conventional fashion, from the rear of the cylinder. The 3rd variant revolvers used a pin that was cast into the right side of the frame to provide a pivot for the hammer to rotate on, with the screw that secured the side-plate entered from the left side of the frame. This made the revolver much easier to disassemble and repair. These guns also utilize a simplified internal action that was cheaper and easier to produce. The guns were normally marked in two lines on the left side of the octagon portion of the barrel with the name, address and patent information about the gun, however, these stampings were often quite light and as a result are usually only partially legible. Since Allen was the ultimate “cheap skate” it was not uncommon for the company to use the same dies to mark different models of guns, even if the die did not quite fit in the space where the markings were to be placed. This resulted in Allen revolvers that often have letters and/or numbers missing from the name and patent information stampings, since the die simply did not fit in the area where it was stamped. It seems fairly certain that the guns were not “serial numbered” per-se but were marked on major parts with assembly numbers. The numbers were usually placed on the left side of the frame (under the grip), on the inner surface of the loading lever, on the rear of the cylinder, on the cylinder arbor pin and inside both wooden grip panels. This gun is an 3rd variant example. It has a plum-brown patina; is fully functional; has original grips; is maker marked and an is assembly number 339. Shipping & Insurance included. $1900.00*****************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F395. CONFEDERATE ALTERED - HARPERS FERRY 1842 MUSKET - 1845 DATED: This 1842 Harpers Ferry musket is Confederate altered to the size of a 2-band rifle, and once had a Confederate blade site. It is in attic-found condition and has not been cleaned and is all original! The stock is rough with a few splits in the stock near the left side of the barrel, but the wood is strong and not loose. The lock properly functions in both half & full cock position and is dated the same as the barrel;1845. The ramrod is originally for an 1860 Springfield rifle, but was shorten and treaded at its bottom, not just cut down. On the top of the barrel, you can see two groves for a Confederate blade site, which is long gone. There is also is saddle wear on the underside forward of the trigger guard. Shipping & Insurance is included. $995.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F399. COOK & BROTHER LOCK - CONFEDERATE ARSENAL REPAIRED - “G” MARKED, SERIAL NUMBER BUTT PLATE, JS-ANCHOR MARKED PATTERN-1853 ENFIELD RIFLE: This is a “G” marked, serial numbered butt plate and JS-Anchor marked 1853 Enfield that was arsenal repaired with a Cook & Brother lock and a replaced PRITCHER barrel. This work was most likely done at the Macon Georgia armory. The “G” marked is faint as a result of the stoke being armory refurbished; the butt plate serial number is 1449, and the JS Anchor is readable. The original lock was replaced with a Cook & Brother lock, which has the Confederate flag is date 1863, Athens Ga. and is serial numbered. The main spring is missing as well as one internal screw, which I believe can be replaced making the lock proper function. The original barrel most likely sustained battle damage and was replace with a replacment PRITCHER barrel as is evident by the vice clamp marks. Also, the nipple cone was modified to match up to the Cook & Brother hammer. The original serial number places this gun within the Gladiator range. A Gladiator range serial number butt plate Enfield is rare, even more unique is one that was Macon arsenal repaired with a replacement barrel and a Cook & Brother lock. Shipping & Insurance included. $5500.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F427.ENGLISH - BRITISH PATTERN 1855 ROYAL ENGINEER’S CARBINE - ROYAL SAPPERS & MINERS CARBINE, WITH LANCASTER’S OVAL BORE: In January of 1852, the British Board of Ordnance began taking the first tentative steps towards designing what would eventually become the Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle Musket. It was the knowledge that a smaller bore rifle musket was necessary to stay competitive with the armies of Europe. The submissions by the various makers were all different calibers and with different patterns of rifling and each used a bullet of their own design, with only constant that the bullet weight was to be about one ounce, a weight considered the minimum for an effective infantry musket. Lancaster’s submission was his “oval bore” design. This was a mechanical rifling system that from all appearances was a smoothbore design. However, the bore was very slightly oval in cross-section with a minor axis of .543” and a major axis of .557” at the breech, which was slightly reduced to .540” and .55” at the muzzle. The bore itself twisted along the length of the barrel, creating mechanical rifling similar to the systems that would be subsequently patented by Sir Joseph Whitworth and Westley Richards. The pitch of the rifling also increased along the length of the bore, in other words the rifling spun slower at the breech and more quickly at the muzzle. The oval bore rifling performed very well in the trials, as did the five-groove design of Wilkinson and the 3-groove design submitted by Enfield. These experimentations resulted in what would become the basic design specifications for the Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle musket: a 39” barrel secured by three-barrel bands, with a .577” bore, rifled with 3-grooves with a 1:78 rate of twist, weighing in at slightly more than 9 pounds including the socket bayonet, which would incorporate a locking ring. It was further specified that the lock would include a “swivel” (stirrup) so that the mainspring did not bear directly upon the tumbler as it did in earlier designs. The specification regarding a rear sight remained somewhat open to discussion, as several designs had been submitted, several of which were quite good. Interestingly the rifling pattern was not completely established either, for although the initial specifications called for the three-groove bore of Enfield design, the performance of the Lancaster and Wilkinson pattern rifling left significant doubt in the minds of the Small Arms Committee as to whether the correct decision had been taken as to the style of rifling to be use. A bullet design, which was a collaboration of William Pritchett and William Metford, was adopted for use in the nominally .577 bores of the guns. In January of 1853, an order for 1,000 of these newly specified rifle muskets, 500 with one pattern or rear sight and 500 with another, was placed, in order to begin real field trials of the weapon. In the end the sight designed by Charles Lancaster became the rear sight that we are familiar with on the Pattern 1853 Enfield today. The result of the committee’s lack of confidence that they had “chosen wisely” regarding the rifling system was readily apparent in early 1853, when Wilkinson and Lancaster were both asked to submit Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle Muskets that conformed exactly to the pattern as was newly adopted, with the only exception being the rifling of the bores, which were to be of the two makers’ patent designs. In June of 1853, the trials of the three rifling systems began and the Lancaster oval bore shot better than either of its competitors. Initially, Lancaster asked to have his guns fired with his own cartridges that used specially sifted powder. However, it was soon discovered that the standard British military service load with standard service powder and the 530 grain Metford-Pritchett bullet shot better in the Lancaster gun than his own specially designed cartridge! Wilkinson insisted on using his own proprietary cartridge as well and did not acquiesce to the use of the standard service load during testing. The result of testing the three systems at 500 yards, aimed at a 6’ foot target resulted in the Lancaster rifling system placing all shots in a 4’ group, while the Enfield rifling could only keep 75% of the shots on target at that distance. The Wilkinson system fared far worse, failing to reliably keep shots on the 6’ target at 200 yards! The results of the testing were so promising that an additional 20 oval bore P1853s were ordered from Lancaster for further evaluation by the Committee on Small Arms. In addition, it was decided to issue the available 3-groove P1853s very sparingly, in the event that Lancaster’s system was eventually adopted over the Enfield 3-groove bore. To further indicate that the decision was not yet set in stone, it was ordered that all P1853s in the production pipeline (some 20,000 contract arms) be made smoothbore, pending the final decision regarding the rifling pattern. The additional testing in August of 1853, shooting at distances of up to 800 yards, again showed the superior accuracy of the Lancaster design. However, two issues had raised concerns among the nay-sayers who supported the Enfield pattern rifling. The first was that the increasing spiral of the bore was complicated and difficult to produce, which would make it harder for the various arms contractors (as well as R.S.A.F.) to manufacture the Lancaster patent barrels. The second concern was that the relief at the breech, being slightly larger than the muzzle, could allow a loaded bullet to move forward when the arm was in service, leaving an air gap between the bullet and the powder charge. It was feared that this gap might create an unsafe situation resulting in increased pressures and a burst breech when the gun was fired. Lancaster subsequently performed tests with bullets that were not fully seated, which proved that this fear was unwarranted. However unfounded, the concern would affect further testing of the Lancaster system and in some ways conspired to help it fail.
In late August, five trial P1853 Enfields were set up at Enfield with Enfield made, Lancaster patent barrels. The barrels had a minor axis of .577” and a major axis of .587” and has the standard 1:78” rifling pitch. The barrels did not have the breech relief of the Lancaster made barrels, nor did they use progressive twist rifling, so the rate of twist remained constant through the length of the bore. These five rifles were tested against Lancaster’s submissions and were found to be sorely lacking, with the Lancaster produced rifles placing 99 of 100 rounds in a reasonable group on a 300-yard target, and the Enfield produced oval bores missing the target entirely 68 times at the same distance! Amazingly, this additional confirmation only resulted in additional testing, with the Board of Ordnance’s decision-making process moving with all the speed of a receding polar ice cap! This fourth series of tests of the Lancaster system in 1853 again proved that the oval bore rifling was superior not only to the conventional 3-groove rifling employed at Enfield, but also to the Enfield made version of the oval bore. In these tests, the Enfield “oval bore” showed a tendency to “strip” after a significant amount of firing, what a modern shooter would refer to as the bore being “shot out”, with the rifling being worn beyond the point of serving its purpose. While the Lancaster made rifles did not show this tendency, it was implied that since this defect existed in the Enfield made arms, that “production quality” oval bore rifles, not produced with the same precision as Lancaster’s trial rifles, would suffer the same fate. Thus, a fifth set of tests were performed in November 1853, this time eliminating the Enfield made oval bores and once again putting the Lancaster oval bore in a head-to-head competition with the 3-groove Enfield. This last series of tests for 1853 showed that even Lancaster’s well-made guns, after a significant amount of firing, began to “strip” as the Enfield made versions had. The report noted that no visible (or even measurable) deterioration was noted, but that after repeated firing the accuracy of the guns gradually eroded. It appears that the Small Arms Committee was performing the tests with the same five trials rifles that had been supplied that summer, and it was likely at this point that thousands of rounds had been fired through the guns. Amazingly, this report resulted in a new series of tests in early 1854. This sixth test required more than 1,000 rounds to be fired from a single Lancaster oval bore rifle musket versus a standard Enfield P1853. As had been discovered in the final testing at the end of the previous year, the Lancaster system began to “strip” and the accuracy degraded over time. The reason for the failure could not be discovered, and as the oval bore system was so much more accurate than the 3-groove system when the bore was new, the supporters of Lancaster’s design lobbied for another test (the seventh) in February of 1854, with the results being the same. At this point, it appears that serious pursuit of the Lancaster rifling system by the Small Arms Committee was abandoned. However, only a year later, Lancaster’s design was adopted for limited production and issue to the Royal Engineer Corps, as the Pattern 1855 Royal Engineer’s Carbine, or more commonly as the Royal Sappers & Miners Carbine, with Lancaster’s Oval Bore. So, as we can see the oval bore concept was far from dead and still had several supporters with the small arms and ordnance communities. The Pattern 1855 Royal Engineer’s Carbine looks very much like the Pattern 1856 Enfield “Short Rifle” at first glance. The brass mounted rifle had a 31.5” round barrel, secured by two clamping barrel bands and was nominally 48” in overall length. A bayonet lug to accept a saber bayonet was mounted to the barrel, near the muzzle. Like most variants of the shorter “Enfield” pattern long arms, the lower swivel was mounted in the toe of the stock and the upper swivel was attached to the upper band. While the 1.5” difference in length between the barrels of the Royal Engineers “Sappers & Miners” carbine and the Pattern 1856 short rifle is not immediately noticeable, the mounting of the rear sight “backwards” from the conventional direction on the Lancaster guns is a quick identifying feature. Due to Lancaster’s control of the patent, he managed to be the only contractor to produce the military contract Royal Engineer’s Carbines from their adoption through November of 1858. After that time, contracts were let to the various Birmingham and London makers who could produce the gun. However, the guns were never acquired in large numbers as their issue was to a very specific and small branch of the British military. Despite the limited production for British military use, the outstanding accuracy of the Lancaster design found favor with the British “Volunteer” movement.
Offered here is a GOOD condition example of a scarce Pattern 1855 Royal Engineer’s Carbine. The gun is clearly marked on the lock, in two engraved lines: C. LANCASTER’S / PATENT. The barrel is further engraved: 151 NEW BOND ST LONDON. The barrel measures 31.75”; the top of the barrel is stamped with the usual London commercial view, proof and definitive proof marks, as well as the gauge mark 25, indicating a nominally .577 bore. The “carbine” has the correct pattern leaf rear sight that is mounted in reverse with the 1000-yard graduations on the bottom of the leaf, so they are seen by the shooter when it is lifted. The original front sight, an improved version of the standard military “block and blade” sight, is present near the muzzle. The saber bayonet lug is of the correct Pattern 1856 “Type I” pattern with a .75” key forward of the main lug. The exposed iron surface shows light pitting, but it is under a deep brown attractive patina. The lock has a slightly mottled plum brown and gray patina, with double boarder line engraving that remains clear and sharp, as does the engraved Lancaster information. The lock is mechanically excellent and functions perfectly. As noted, the original rear sight and front sight are present, as is the original bayonet lug, the original full-length ramrod and both sling swivels. Even the original screw protecting “doughnuts” are present at the ends of the tension screws for the two Palmer pattern clamping bands. All of the brass furniture from the buttplate to the nose cap has a smooth patina that matches the balance of the gun well. The stock is in about VERY GOOD condition and is made from an attractive and nicely figured piece of walnut. The stock is solid, full-length, and complete and free of any repairs, breaks, with a few hair-line cracks near the butt-plate. The stock retains very good line and edges and does not appear to have been sanded. Overall, this is a very attractive, 100% complete and correct example of a commercial or “Volunteer” version of the Pattern 1855 Royal Engineer’s Carbine. Shipping & Insurance included. $1700.00
*****************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F430. LOUISIANA PURCHASED 1853 ENFIELD RIFLE – CONFEDERATE ARSENAL MODIFIED COMBAT SHOTGUN: During the Civil War, the South recovered weapons and other military items off the battlefield to be refurbished and reused. For those weapons being restored to original condition, the Clear & Repair system in Richmond was utilized. However, there was another earlier system established to convert some guns for a purpose other than originally designed. Many full-sized guns were cut-down and smoothed bored making them into shotguns to use buck & ball ammunition. Buck-and-ball was a common load use by Confederates and consisted of a large caliber lead musket ball combined with three to six buckshot pellets. This was not a post-war conversion, but done early in the war. This Enfield is one of the rare ones purchased by the State of Louisiana. These did not have serial numbers, but were stamped with a six-point star with a circle L in the center, and the mark is found on the underside of the stock to the rear of the trigger guard. The stock on this gun is cut back to the first band. The barrel is reduced to 30 1/4 inches and smooth bored, and the rear site was removed and a notch was cut for a front site. There is no rear swivel, and the lock is marked with a Crown & 1861 over TOWER and it properly function. A Louisiana surcharged Enfield is rare in any condition, and at the December show in Franklin, I saw a full-size example priced for $14,000. This is available at a much more reasonable priced. Shipping & Insurance is included. $1995.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F431. CONFEDERATE – TRIPLE (OVAL-SHC) MARKED PATTERN 1853 ENFIELD RIFLE: This is a Triple Oval SHC marked Confederate Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle. The Oval SHC viewer mark is believed to be the last used by Sinclair Hamilton & Company and appears on gun with a CROWN / 1862 / TOWER lock. The marks are found forward of the butt plate tang, the flat side opposite the lock, and on the stock above the top barrel band. The top mark is the hardest to find since soldiers often placed their hand in this area. There is a fourth place to look for this mark, and that is on the barrel, but that mark is extremely rare and to date, I have not found a 4-marked Oval SHC example. The Enfield is in untouched original condition and properly functions. There is some missing wood as a result of a knot in the walnut stock, which is original. This would never be found on a British Government inspected rifle, but since these guns were being sent to the South, it did not matter and shows they where just making guns as quickly as possible to meet the need. Shipping & Insurance included. $3300.00 ******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
“Z”
F437. COLT SPECIAL RIFLE - CONFEDERATE CAPTURED “Z” MARKED CLEANED & REPAIRED: This is an 1864 dated Colt Special Rifle, which was Confederate captured and has the letter “Z” on the underside, forward of the trigger tang, which means this gun went through the “C&R” Clean & Repair at the Richmond Arsenal/Artillery Work-shop and inspected by Lous Zimmer. The lock is dated 1864 and Colt marked; however, during the C&R process much of the mark was buffed off. The barrel is marked STEEL and dated, but just as with the lock much of the date was removed during the C&R process. The stock is in fine to excellent condition, the bore has strong rifling, the lock properly function, and the rear site is complete. Shipping & Insurance included. $2400.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F446. COLT MODEL 1851 NAVY REVOLVER – 1861: This is a Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver; Serial Number 109757; (Manufacture Year – 1861. The serial number matches on all parts to include the cylinder, the guard, backstrap, lower received, barrel and loading lever, but not the wedge, which is 722. This number is so close that it might be a factory error. The frame looks to be factory plated indicating it may have been acquired by the Navy; this was done to protect it from salt water corrosion. The grips and all screws are original, and the gun is tight. The action properly functions and it hold both half and full cock, and cycles correctly. The Colt maker mark on the top of the barrel. The cylinder scene is all but gone and there is some gun power pitting, and the rifling is strong. Shipping & Insurance is included. $1600.00
*****************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
“Z”
F453. CONFEDERATE “Z” MARKED CCR BURNSIDE CARBINE: This is a 5th model Burnside Carbine, which was Confederate captured and has the letter “Z” on the underside, forward of the trigger tang, which means this gun went through the “C&R” Clean & Repair process at the Richmond Arsenal/Artillery Work-shop, and inspected by Lous Zimmer. The stock is in good condition with some wood lose near the hammer tang. The metal has a mottled gray patina; The lock properly functions; the bore is bright with strong crisp rifling; both the sling swivel and carry ring are present; and the front and rear site are original. The lower and upper receiver has matching serial number 33724. The “C&R” inspection letter “Z” is to the rear of the trigger tang. Shipping & Insurance included. $2700.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
“Q”
F454. CONFEDERATE CAPTURED “Q” MARKED CLEANED & REPAIRED - 1862 - SPRINGFIELD RIFLE: This is an 1862 dated Springfield rifle which was Confederate captured and has the “C&R” Clean & Repair inspection letter “Q” on the underside, forward of the trigger tang. The "Q" stamp is very strong and visible without magnification. The lock is dated 1862 Springfield and properly functions. The stock is complete with no issues and has a set of initials carved on the flat side opposite the lock. “GWB” & “gwb” however, this is not enough information to identify the Confederate soldier who carried the gun. An original bayonet was attached to the gun and is included. Shipping & Insurance included. $2600.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F458. CONFEDERATE PURCHASED JS-ANCHOR MARKED KERR REVOLVER: With the outbreak of the American Civil War, Caleb Huse (the South’s primary purchasing agent in England) engaged the London Armory Company to produce all the Kerr’s Patent revolvers that they could for delivery to the Confederacy. It is believed that nearly all the L.A.C.’s output of Kerr revolvers from April of 1861 through the close of the Civil War were produced on contract for the Confederacy, with about 9,000 pistols produced and shipped to the south during that time. The estimate regarding revolver production is based upon the extant examples with Confederate provenance or marks, which tend to primarily exist in the 1,500 to about the 10,000 serial number range. To date, at least three separate Confederate government contracts have been identified for the purchase of Kerr revolvers. Two were army contracts, and one was a 1,000-gun contract for the Confederate Navy. One of the standard indicators of CS importation and usage of a Kerr revolver is the presence of the JS / (ANCHOR) inspection mark that is found on the front of the wooden grip of the pistols, below the grip frame tang. This is the inspection mark of John Southgate, who acted as a “viewer” (arms inspector) for the Confederacy. The Kerr’s Patent Revolver offered here is in FINE+++ condition and is serial numbered 8632 on the right side of the frame and on the cylinder; with the London Armoury Co mark on the right side of the frame by the grip; alternating (Crown) / V and (Crown) / GP London commercial proof marks found between the chambers of the cylinder; and L.A.C. along with the commercial London view and proof marks of a (Crown) / GP and (Crown) / V. on the barrel. The walnut grip is in outstanding condition and has a clean JS/Anchor stamp. The gun properly cycles and the hammer locks. Shipping & Insurance included. $5900.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F466. CONFEDERATE INVENTORY NUMBERED JS-ANCHOR MARKED PATTERN 1853 ENFIELD: The British Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle Musket, marked with the Confederate JS / {ANCHOR}, was one of the most iconic arms to see service with the Confederacy during the American Civil War. The stock on this gun is complete with expected bumps and dings, and has the initials “C F W” carved on the right side of the stock. There are 5 Confederate soldiers listed in the Civil War data base with these initials; however, there are no other indicators on the gun to help with a positive indentification and thus the identity of the soldiers is unknown. On the underside of the stock forward of the trigger guard is the faint outline of a Crown over something, and below that is the faint outline of the JS – ANCHOR. This mark is barely visible without proper lighting & magnification, but there it is! The lock is marked CROWN / TOWER over 1861 and properly functions, and has the original nipple protector and chain. The brass butt plate has the number 3586, but the period ramrod in unnumbered. All the metal has matching deep brown patina. Shipping & Insurance included. $6500.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F469. CONFEDERATE BROWN LEATHER HOLSTER & 1858 - HARTFORD COLT 1851 NAVY REVOLVER: Prior to the outbreak of the Civil War, many of the Confederate states purchased Hartford Colt 1851 Navy revolvers in preparation for hostilities. Unfortunately, Colt archive records are incomplete and it is difficult to know where many of these early guns were shipped. However, sometime they are discovered with an original Confederate brown-leather holster supporting the fact it was a Confederate carried revolver. I purchased this from Brian “Rebel Relic” Akins who told me it was discovered in Tennessee. It is a Hartford Colt 1851 Navy revolver, serial number 89744: production year 1858. It is a steel frame gun with matching serial number on all parts except the period replaced wedge and the unnumbered steel backstrap. The original grips have been period checkered with a diamond in the center on both sides. The action is soft, but properly function and holds in both half and full cock positions. The brown-leather Confederate holster is in near-mint condition and has form fitted to the revolver. It is complete with a re-enforced toe and near 100% original stitching. The flap is complete and secures to a brass stud, and the backstrap is held in place with five brass rivets. The high quality of the holster may indicate it belonged to an officer, and would be priceless if the revolver were a Griswold or other Confederate made gun. Shipping & Insurance included. $2500.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
|
|
) |
) |
) |
) |
F472. HARTFORD COLT MODEL 1851 NAVY REVOLVER - STEEL FRAME - 1861: This is a Hartford Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver, Steel Frame, produced in 1861. The serial number 100630 is marked on all parts to include the wedge, cylinder, and frame. It has an even chocolate brown patina; properly functions; has original grip and is tight. Included is the Colt Historical letter which documents this gun was shipped on May 3, 1861 to J.P Moores Son, New York, New York in a lot of 25 guns. More then likely this revolver was carried by an officer from the state of New York. Shipping & Insurance included. $2900.00
*****************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
|
|
) |
) |
) |
) |
F481. AUSTRIAN M1854 TYPE I LORENZ RIFLE MUSKET: This is example of the desirable Austrian Model 1854 Lorenz Rifle Musket in very nice condition. The Lorenz was the third most used rifle musket during the American Civil War, with US purchases in excess of 250,000 and documented CS purchases of at least 100,000. In general, the US purchased most of their Lorenz rifles in 1861 and 1862, initially receiving the oldest guns in the Austrian military inventory. Many of these guns underwent modification or repairs in Belgium on their way to the US. Often, they were also supposed to be re-bored to the standard US .58 caliber during the refurbishment process. Most of the CS Lorenz purchases were made from early-1862 through the end of the war and were .54 caliber. The importance of the .54 caliber Austrian M1854 Lorenz to the Confederacy might best be illustrated by the huge number of Austrian Rifle Cartridges that were imported by the Confederacy from both Austria and England.
This Lorenz is complete and original to include the ramrod. The gun is in GOOD + original condition and is very attractive. This Lorenz variant is an Austrian K.K. Army surplus gun that has a cheek rest on the reverse of the stock, the fixed-range block rear sight. The block sight and nominal .54 caliber bore has been considered the quintessential “Confederate” variant according to the old-time collectors and Civil War Arms researchers. The gun has a dark bore with no original groves, it is either shot out or bored out for Buck & Ball. The lock is very clearly marked with the {Austrian Eagle} to the rear of the hammer and 860 to the front, indicating that it was produced in 1860. The initials “J W” are faintly carved in the stock. Shipping & Insurance included. $1600.00
*****************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
“T”
F482. ORIGINAL CONFEDERATE PATTER 1853 ENFIELD RIFLE, BATTLE FIELD RECOVERED & C&R “T” MARKED: This is an original purchased Confederate Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle with a faint Sinclair Hamilton & Company viewer mark to the rear of the trigger tang, and a “T” Clear & Repair inspected mark forward of the trigger tang. The rifle was Confederate recovered off a battlefield; sent back to Richmond and went through the C&R Clean & Repair system. The steel has a pleasing brown patina; all barrel bands are original; the lock property functions with a repaired bolster; the ramrod isoriginal; but the rear site is gone and it is smooth bored. I have noted that all the rifles and carbines I have seen with the “T” inspection mark have been refinished with a lighter, almost maples, finish. Shipping and Insurance included. $3200.00
*****************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
*****************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
CLICK THE ABOVE ICON TO READ THE COMPLETE HISTORY
F491. 2ND ILLINOIS CAVALRY ISSUED & IDENTIFIED - COLT MODEL 1861 NAVY REVOLVER: This is a VERY GOOD+ to LOW FINE condition example of the scarce Colt New Model Navy Percussion Revolver, better known to collectors as the Model 1861 Navy Revolver. It has a documenting that it was shipped to the United State Navy Department; Commanding Officer; U.S. Navy Yard Boston, Massachusetts on December 20, 1861 in a lot of 200 guns. It would later be sold or transferred to the Army, and issued on 01 July, 1864 to Private Henry C. Stover; Company “C” 2nd Illinois Cavalry Regiment as documented in the Springfield records and confirmed by the 2nd Illinois Cavalry Regiment files at the National Archives.
The Model 1861 Navy was the pinnacle of Colt’s percussion revolver production and blended some of the best features of both the popular Old Model Navy (aka Model 1851) and New Model Army (aka Model 1860) revolvers into one pistol. The gun was .36 caliber, as implied by the name “Navy”, with a six chambered cylinder and had a 7 ½” round barrel. The loading lever was of the Model 1860 Army “creeping style” and for all practical purposes the front half of the revolver was a scaled down version of Model 1860 Army in .36 caliber. The rear portion of the revolver was pure “Navy” with the classic Model 1851 grip frame and grip angle, which would live for generations as the pattern for the grip design of the classic Colt Model 1873 Single Action Army.
The Model 1861 Navy was more streamlined than the earlier Model 1851 variant and the new loading lever was a significant improvement over the older toggle action design. While the revolvers were not purchased in huge numbers by the US government during the American Civil War, they did serve in reasonably large numbers, proportional to their production. Only 38,843 of the pistols were produced during its production run from 1861 to 1873, with less than 28,000 being manufactured before the end of 1865. Most sources place US government purchases at about 2,000 guns, but based upon recorded serial number data, more were purchased on the open market, as well as by the various states and by individual soldiers.
According to the Springfield Research Service serial number record books, several Model 1861 Navy revolvers were reported in the hands of troopers from Companies F & L, 13th Illinois Cavalry during 1864. These guns are scattered in the serial number ranges of 2496 – 4324, 7636 – 12482 and 16001 – 16236. Model 1861 Navy revolvers also show up in the records of the 2nd Illinois Cavalry (Companies C & D, scattered from 4255 – 7709), the 9th Illinois Cavalry (Company D) and the 10th Illinois Cavalry (Company B). Colt Model 1861 Navy revolvers are also listed among the small arms issued to Company L of the 2nd KY Cavalry (US), and Company E of the 11th Ohio Cavalry. The members of Company M, 1st Arkansas Cavalry privately purchased a handful of the pistols as well. This wide range of serial numbers and issue of the pistols clearly indicates that many more of the revolvers were purchased by the states and saw use during the war than the 2,000 Ordnance Department purchased and inspected revolvers.
The fact that a minimum of three Illinois Volunteer cavalry regiments were at least partially armed with the revolvers suggests that Illinois may have made a significant purchase of the revolvers directly from Colt or other sources such as the U. S. Navy or Ordnance Department. At least one delivery of 50 “New Model” Navy revolvers to the state of Illinois is contained within surviving Colt documents.
This Colt New Model 1861 Navy Revolver is in VERY GOOD+ to LOW FINE condition and is serial number 4403, placing its production in 1861 with all serial numbers matching to include the wedge. The grips are tight to the backstrap and no doubt are original and will have an ink numbered with the last three digits of the serial number inside the backstrap cut out.
The lower left front of the frame reads COLT’S / PATENT, and the side of the cylinder is marked COLT’S PATENT No 4403. The naval battle scene roll engraved on the cylinder is worn, but visible, and the top of the 7 1/2” round barrel is marked with the standard one-line New York address:
— ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW – YORK U. S. AMERICA —
The gun does not bear any government inspector marks; however, the lack of these markings does not in any way mean that the gun did not see Civil War service. As noted, the Colt letter documents its shipment the U. S. Navy, and the Springfield records and files at the National Archives documents its use by Private Henry C. Stover; Company “C” 2nd Illinois Cavalry Regiment as discussed above.
The gun is tight and essentially untouched except for the replaced screw above the wedge, and is basically a plum-brown gun. It shows scattered freckles of oxidation and darkening here and there and some freckled areas of minor surface roughness, with some pinpricking and light pitting around the muzzle and of course on the face and rear of the cylinder. The frame has more of a mottled gray patina, which is lighter than the plum brown tone that is prevalent on the barrel and cylinder.
The cylinder retains about 65%+ of the Ormsby roll engraved Republic of Texas vs. the Mexican Navy battle scene. The cylinder retains all six original cones (nipples), and most of the safety pins are present on the rear of the cylinder.
The bore of the pistol rates about VERY FINE++. It is partly bright, with sharp rifling. The pistol is in FINE mechanical condition and functions as it should. The revolver times, indexes and locks up correctly and the action retains a nice, crisp feel to it. The brass frame has an attractive golden color. There is no silver-plated finish on the grip frame and was probably never plated. The gun was likely produced with the “military finish” which included a lower level of polish to the metal resulting in a duller blue, skipped the silver-plating process for the brass parts and utilized oil finished, rather than varnished wood grips. The one-piece walnut grip is in about VERY GOOD++ condition and is free of any breaks, cracks, or repairs. The edges remain crisp but the lower right leading edge does show a small missing chip.
Overall, this is a relatively crisp, well-marked and mechanically fine example of one of the less commonly encountered Colt revolvers from the American Civil War period. With less than 39,000 produced, and less than 28,000 of them produced before the end of 1865, these guns can be hard to find compared to the approximately 200,000 Colt Model 1860 Army revolvers and approximately 215,000 Colt Model 1851 Navy revolvers produced. The 1861 Navy production only equaled about 19% of Colt 1860 Army production and 17% of Colt 1851 Navy production. As such, they are about five times rarer than the more commonly encountered Colts of the era. By that logic, the guns should be five times as valuable as their more numerous brethren! This is a very nice example that presents well and has a nice, honest, and attractive appearance. The gun will be a wonderful addition to your collection of Civil War era secondary martial revolvers and is a gun you will really enjoy displaying with your collection.
Henry C. Stover was from Bath Illinois and enlisted on 31 July 1861 as a Private, and on 12 August 1861 mustered into Company “C” Illinois 2nd Cavalry. His Muster Cards show he was present with Company “C” Illinois 2nd Cavalry July 1861 to April 1863; Detailed as an Orderly for Colonel Keppner, Memphis Tennessee May 1863 to Dec 1863; Detached service Fort Pickering – 3rd Regiment, United States Colored Heavy Artillery (1st Tennessee Heavy Artillery) Nov to Dec 1863; mustered out 1 Jan 1864 and discharged in order to reenlistment to continue service as Orderly for Colonel Keppner, Memphis Tennessee until April 1864. In May 1864, Stover returns to Company “C” Illinois 2nd Cavalry to June 1865; after which he is listed as a deserter in August 1865; but later Mustered Out in November, 1865 while in San Antonio Texas. A review on his pension file shows he sustained two line-of-duty injuries: 1 April, 1862 he was kicked in the head by his horse, which led to the loss of hearing and his left eye, and on 2 November 1862, at Bolivar Tennessee, his great (large) toe was shot off in battle while guarding a forage train. Included is the original Colt letter, a copy of the Springfield records, and a history binder complete with copies of the soldier’s muster sheets and pension file. Shipping & Insurance included. $4800.00
*****************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
.jpg', 'DSC_00132028229', 'width=1109,height=774,toolbar=no,menubar=no,status=no,scrollbars=no,resizable=no')) |
) |
) |
F493. 4TH MODEL TRANTER REVOLVER: This is a Tranter Patent 4th Model, single trigger percussion revolver. The 4th Model Tranter revolver, which were introduced in 1856, used a single trigger and had what would today be called a conventional “double action” lock. It had a 6-inch barrel with a .54 caliber bore; a 5-round cylinder; and a one-piece checkered walnut grip. Dating Tranter revolvers based upon their serial numbers is somewhat problematic, as frames were sometime produced in advance and the guns completed at a later date. What we do know is that the “T” serial number suffix came into use around serial number 2200, sometime between 1854 and 1856. Most of the New Orleans retailer marked Tranters appear in the 8,XXX to 11,XXXT-suffix range and are most likely from the 1856-1860 production period.
This revolver is in very nice condition and is serial number 9769 T, which falls within the New Orleans retailer range. It is complete and properly functions with near-perfect grips with a small chip at the top on the right side. The bore has strong rifling and it is London retailer marked on the top and Tranter marked on the frame and loading lever. Overall, this is an attractive example of a large frame 54-bore 4th Model Tranter percussion revolver. The gun is 100% complete and original in every way. If you have been wanting to add a very nice condition Civil War era Tranter revolver to your collection, this revolver offers the opportunity to purchase a likely Confederate imported gun. $2800.00
******************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
CLICK THE ABOVE ICON TO READ THE COMPLETE HISTORY FOLDER
F494. 9TH VERMONT COMPANY “A” - PATTERN 1853 ENFIELD RIFLE: This 3-band Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle is in excellent condition with a smooth even patina on all metal parts and a deep rich finish on the stock. The 1862 TOWER lock properly function and all parts are original. The rear site is complete, and both sling swivels and ramrod are original to the gun. The stock is very nice with only minor wear and marked on the right side of the stock “A” (Company A) “68” (Rack Number) “9 VT” (9th Vermont Infantry), and an “A” on the left side. The 9th Vermont Infantry initially entered the war with older muskets, but the entire regiment, with all their weapons, was captured at the Battle of Harpers Ferry during the 1862 Maryland Campaign. Only after being exchanged, paroled, and reconstituted were they issued new Enfield Rifles in February 1863. Since there are no names or initials carved on the stock, an identification of soldier number 68 can only be made by looking at the rosters for Company A in the order of enlistment dates. Utilizing the Civil War data base and examining all entries for this unit, it is easy to eliminate officers, and musicians and soldiers who deserted or were discharged prior to February 1863. It is a high probability Private Patrick Sheehe was issued this Pattern 1853 Enfield rifle. He enlisted on 12/29/1863 as a Private. On 12/29/1863 he mustered into "A" Co. VT 9th Infantry; he deserted on 3/12/1865 but rejoined on 5/1/1865 and returned into "A" Co. VT 9th Infantry; and he was Mustered Out on 12/1/1865. The history of the unit is included with the gun, and Shipping & Insurance is free. $3100.00
*****************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
F496. REMINGTON NEW MODEL REVOLVER: This is a Remington New Model Revolver, serial number 18690, which was produced April 1863. It has a faint government martially stamped cartouche on the right-side grip and sub inspection marks on the frame, and its serial number falls between 18374 issued in 1864 to Company D 10th Ohio Vol Cav and 18987 issued in 1864 to Company I 4th Wisc Vol Cav. There is little doubt this gun was issued and saw action, but the unit is unknow. The gun surfaced in Illinois which might make it a Wisconsin gun. It is fully functional and holds both half & full cock and its timing is correct. The metal has a gray-brown patina with traced on original blue on the underside of the barrel. The grips are tight and have never been removed, ands all screws are original. Shipping & Insurance included. $1900.00
*****************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
|
|
) |
) |
) |
F497. SAVAGE NAVY REVOLVER - MARTIALLY MARKS: The Savage “Navy” self-cocking revolver is one of the weirdest, and possibly most ungainly handguns of the Civil War era, but also has one of the most recognizable profiles. The .36 caliber, 6-shot revolver had a 7” octagonal barrel and an innovative ring-cocking action and a moving gas seal cylinder. The gun featured a unique ring-shaped cocking lever inside the heart shaped trigger guard, which was used to advance the cylinder and cock the hammer. The shooter could then fire the gun with the traditional trigger. The gun was the final version of a family of self-cocking revolvers that were built upon the “Figure-8” design of JS North. Beyond its unique action, the gun was revolutionary in that was a “gas seal” revolver. The cylinder moved forward when the action cocked, and a recess in the chamber mouth engaged the tapered forcing cone at the rear of the barrel. The effect was a gas seal between the chamber and the barrel, which practically eliminated the loss of gas and pressure from the usual gap between the barrel and cylinder. This meant that the gas created from the ignition of the powder charge was more effectively converted into propulsion for the bullet. This increased the velocity of the bullet for a given powder charge over convectional revolver designs, which allowed much of the propulsive force to escape in the space between the cylinder and the barrel. With the coming of the Civil War, the need for revolvers outweighed any misgivings that the military may have had about the design, and the coveted contracts were almost immediately forthcoming. The state of Massachusetts procured 285 of the Savage revolvers early in the conflict. Additional arms were sold to military outfitters and New York based arms retailers like Schuyler, Hartley & Graham and William Syms & Brothers. Both of these companies sold Savage Navy revolvers to the US government during early 1862, for as much as $25 per gun. The Savage Revolving Firearms Company secured its first official US military contract directly with the US government on October 16, 1861. This contract called for Savage to deliver 5,000 pistols between October 1861 and March 1862 at the price of $20 per revolver. Another contract was received from the government in November of 1861 to supply an additional 5,000 revolvers, at $20 each, between November 1861 and May of 1862. Savage completed their initial contract in a timely fashion, but had trouble delivering the guns for the second contract on the agreed to schedule. The second contract was temporarily voided by the Ordnance Department, but after negotiating with Savage, an agreement was reached where the 4,500 guns from that contract would be delivered at the lower rate of $19.00 per pistol. The deliveries under the second contract were completed by July of 1862. Of the approximately 20,000 Savage “Navy” models produced during the Civil War, the US Ordnance Department took delivery of 11,384 of the guns, and the Navy took delivery of 1,126. The balance of approximately 8,500 guns were offered for civilian sale. The pistols saw significant field service during the war, and were issued to at least twenty-six different US cavalry regiments and were listed among the arms of some half dozen or more Confederate cavalry regiments. US volunteer cavalry regiments that were issued Savage Navy revolvers included the 6th, 10th & 13th Illinois, the 5th & 15th Kansas, 11th Kentucky, the 3rd, 4th & 7th Missouri, 7th New York 3rd Ohio, 7th Pennsylvania, 1st & 2nd Wisconsin, 1st Vermont and the Potomac Brigade. The revolvers were also issued to the 1st through 9th Missouri State Militia Cavalry. The two regiments who carried the most Savages on their ordnance rolls were the 4th Missouri State Militia Cavalry with 714 and the 2nd Wisconsin with 400.
This example of the Savage Revolving Firearms Company “Navy” Revolver is in GREAT condition overall. It is an extremely crisp and tight; 100% complete and correct; retains all original nipples; has a light brown-gray patina; and an outstanding set of original martially inspected grips that are correct and fit tight to the gun. These .36 caliber, six shot revolvers also had a reputation for being very temperamental mechanically, and finding one that is in perfect mechanical working order today is quite difficult. This pistol is mechanically excellent and functions exactly as it should in every way. As is typical of Savage Navy revolvers, the gun is serial numbered on the frame, under the grips and on the barrel under the loading lever. In this case, the serial number on the rearward portion of the right grip frame, under the right grip is 673. The matching serial number 673 is present on the bottom of the barrel. The top strap of the revolver is clearly marked in three lines: SAVAGE R.F.A. Co. MIDDLETOWN, CT / H.S. NORTH PATENTED JUNE 17 1856 / JANUARY 10 1859. MAY 15 1860. The markings are often light on these revolvers, so it is nice to see one where it is deep, crisp, and very clear. This revolver was recently discovered in Illinois and is fresh to the market. Shipping & Insurance is included. $2700.00
*****************************************************************************************************************************
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
) |
|
) |
) |
) |
|
|
) |
) |
F500. CONFEDERATE CAPTURED & CARRIED STAR CARBINE: About 20,000 Starr percussion Carbines in .54 Caliber were bought by the Union during the Civil War, most of which were issued to Western troops. This weapon has a dropping breach, similar in action to the Sharps, and was rated as better in government tests, and was produced by the Starr Arms Company located in Yonkers, NY. They had a brass buttplate and barrel band, and the iron parts were blued with case – hardened lock and frame. They were all serial numbered with the lock marked STARR ARMS CO/ YONKERS. N.Y. The barrel is stamped STARR ARMS CO YONKERS, N.Y and the breech is stamped STARR’S PATENT / SEPT. 14th 1858. This is serial number 8292, which is close in range to the guns issued to the 3rd Arkansas cavalry (USA). However, there are several carvings on the gun that indicated it was Confederate captured and carried by a Southern cavalry soldier. The walnut stock has normal nicks and scratches seen with a carried gun and a brown patina, but there are several carvings commonly associated with the Confederacy: three Confederate flags carved into the left cheek stock, one with 6 stars, and there is an additional Confederate flag carved forward of the trigger. Additionally, there are three different sets of initials: “J S” “I M” and “B B B.” The initials "J S" are faint, with the S carved in reverse, and an unknown carving before these initials. On the opposite side are the initials “I M” and “B B B.” The Arkansas 1st Cavalry (Confederate) did have soldiers with these initials, but a positive identification is extremely difficult without more information. The bore is bright with strong rifling, and the action is mechanically perfect. Shipping & Insurance included. $2300.00
*****************************************************************************************************************************
****************************************************************
Remittance by Mail
Send to:
Arizona Swords
530 E. McDowell Road, Suite 107-160
Phoenix, AZ 85004
****************************************************************
Contact Number: (602) 245-4721
© 2004 Arizona Swords azswords.com. All rights reserved in all media.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
