January 26, 2018 Gold Rush, Western & Native American
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/26/2018
A true Native American Indian-altered Potsdam musket, shortened to carbine dimensions. Round steel barrel with shortened barrel and added crude steel front sight and small notched copper rear sight, breech still has visible date of 1834. Tang screw is absent, walls at muzzle show considerable wear from use, and slit is visible behind rear sight, apparently from a previous front sight. Heavy brown patina and wear on barrel and percussion lock. Lock has traces of Potsdam markings and shield around hammer face almost completely worn away from honest use. Barrel retained to shortened stock by thin sheet steel band, dovetailed at joint. Original brass serpentine sideplate and triggerguard. Stock shows considerable saddle wear on underside of forend, Native American make-do repairs on both sides of tang, and a tack-decorated cross composed of nine tacks on the right side of the butt as well as one in front of the lock on the right side. Tacks show a dark patina with heavier patina around edges. Holes have been drilled behind wrist and directly in front of the barrel band for a sling, and have the edges worn smooth from use. Buttplate has been removed and stock shortened, butt shows age cracks and considerable wear from use. This gun is one of the few real Native American Indian altered and used firearms. It shows an honest patina overall with signs of considerable use and abuse. Probably from a musket imported for the Civil War that eventually fell into the hands of Native Americans. Displays very well and has an "as found" homogeneous look and patina.
Condition: (Good).
Item Dimensions: 41"L.