GUN SPRING 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2017
EXTREMELY RARE SOUTH CAROLINA SURCHARGED FLINTLOCK MUSKET.WHITNEY CONTRACTMUSKET10769Cal. 69. This Model 1798 Whitney Contract musket is in standard configuration with 42" bbl and South Carolina surcharged examples are not found in the literature including American Military Shoulder Arms, George Moller. Model 1816 muskets were purchased from Whitney in 1834, but not in this 1798 type III configuration that would pre-date the War of 1812. This gun is "as found", complete, though missing ramrod and front band appears to be a contemporary replacement. Lock is marked like other Model 1798's with eagle over "NEW HAVEN" forward of lock and "U.S STATES" in arc rear of hammer. No US proofs or inspector marks, "So CAROLINA." is stamped on lock escutcheon and "28TH / REGT" in large oval cartouche rear of lock escutcheon in stock. Rack number "107" is painted on top of stock, rear of breech and stamped on rear of bbl. CONDITION: Good to very good "as found". Metal is grey/brown with staining, scattered pitting under old varnish that covers entire gun, including stock. Gun appears orig and complete with exception of later fabricated front band with same varnish. Stock was whittled under front band for fit. There is a 1/2" chip of wood missing rear of lock and old pinned wood repair between tang and lock; comb has been shaved on the left side. Accompanying ramrod is a new addition. Functionally fine with smooth bore with pitting. 51357-4 JS (2,000-4,000)