GUN SPRING 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2017
EXTREMELY RARE AND FINE CONFEDERATE MAKER MARKED MORSE CARBINE, GREENVILLE, SC.MORSECARBINE1033/95554Cal. 54. There are no more than 3 or 4 "MORSE" maker marked Confederate brass framed carbines and this is no doubt among the best examples. This gun was once part of the exemplary Confederate carbine collection of Don Bryan and is pictured on pg 60 of Arming The Glorious Cause, James Whisker & Dan Hartzler, 1998. This gun has mixed SNs with breech number "1033" which we believe is the highest SN known on a Morse. Matching assembly number "VI" is found on breech and frame. Gun was not disassembled as it appears "as found" and orig including ramrod and cleaning jag. Other known examples of maker marked guns are also SNd above 1000. These guns were issued to South Carolina Cavalry and most are in well used condition. This example shows honest use and saddle wear, but retains beautiful, smooth well patinaed surfaces in relatively excellent condition for a Confederate long arm. This example conforms to other examples known with 20" rnd bbl and about 40" overall. You'll not find a finer example of this popular brass framed Confederate carbine. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall. Metal surfaces are overall smooth with light staining. Frame has smooth mustard colored patina with crisp makers marking. Stocks show old refinishing with excellent grain and color, well fit, scattered small dings, dents and cosmetic blemishes, small chip on right side of forestock at breech. Action is crisp with fine bright bore with well defined rifling. 51571-3 JS (25,000-35,000)