May 28 & 29, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/28/2020
Only 282 of these guns were produced in Danville, Virginia. The guns were delivered to the Danville Arsenal between May and September of 1862. Unrecognized by many authorities, there are actually two variations of these guns (although it is noted in Dr. John Murphy's book on Confederate Carbines & Musketoons). The first variation has a "P" proof on the side of the barrel. The second is completely unmarked externally, which in this catalogers opinion points to one of the 2 later deliveries in September of 1862. This gun is of the seldom seen 2nd variation. The side plate has a great dark color to it due to the high copper content of the brass. As is normal, the side plate is of a different shade than the receiver. Correctly marked internally with Roman numerals. Usually these guns have a 22 - 1/2" barrel, however this gun has a 21" barrel which appears to have been this length for a very long time. The dovetailed front sight is missing. Period carved into the right side of the stock are the initials "J.R.H.", most likely the Confederate Cavalryman to whom the gun was issued. CONDITION: The gun retains a pleasing patina overall with a nice pleasing patina to the brass and some light surface rust and minor pitting on the barrel. Some traces of blue on the breech block. The tail end of the lower tang is broken but the piece is present. Bore is worn with some rust and pitting. Fine mechanical function. Wood has some dings and handling marks as to be expected. There is a "C S" stamped into the top of the buttplate which appears to have been done a long time ago, but is not original to the gun. The stock to receiver fit has a gap, looks like the tangs were slightly bent at one time. There are some stress marks in the brass upper tang. All in all a very presentable example of a hard to find Confederate breech loading carbine, in the scarcer unmarked configuration. GR
Caliber/Bore
.54 Paper Cartridge
Manufacturer
Keen & Walker