April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
This rifle features iron mountings, blued finish, case hardened hammer, trumpet ramrod, and walnut stock. Approximately 1,500 were manufactured and sold to state militias by William Read & Sons of Boston. Approximately 900 were bought by the US Ordnance Department and delivered in March of 1863, which accounts for the first 1,500 rifles. There was also a contract to Russia for 3,000 rifles but it does not appear any were ever made as none have been found. Considered a secondary Martial Civil War arm. This model features three barrel bands, sling swivels, military style ladder rear sight, case colors underhammer ring, one piece walnut stock, military style buttplate, straight pull bolt. Stamped on tang "GREENES PATENT NOV 17 1857". No military inspector stamps. CONDITION: Near mint, having seen little to no use. Bright case colors on hammer. 90% bright factory blue on trigger guard. Bright blue on barrel bands. 95% blue barrel and frame with brown patina starting to come through. Stock has a few usual nicks. Fine, well defined rifled bore. Very scarce mid-Civil War produced militia rifle that is virtually unknown to most collectors. It would be hard to improve upon condition.
Caliber/Bore
.53 Percussion