June 9-10, 2017 Premier Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/10/2017
This is a very unusual example. First, the high hump lock is devoid of any stamps on the exterior; once lock is removed, you can see the stamp “G.V.R. 1” on the reverse with “S” stamped on mechanism. It appears very old and original, and is case hardened of which approximately 60% remains. Likewise, the inletted wood beneath the side plate appears to be old and original. The barrel is finished in the white and it, too, is sans any markings. The style of the bolster is correct. Rear sight is an 1858 type folding leaf rear with the three and five designation, sans serifs. Barrel bands are finished in the white and the letter “U” is on the forward most barrel band on the right side, middle band with swivel has no “U”, and rear band has perpendicular “U” on left side. Has the brass stock tip with iron screw. The one piece walnut stock shows no sign of any inspector mark, nor does it show any sign of having been removed. Trigger guard has the integral sling swivel. Butt plate has the “U.S.” stamp as seen on page 14 of “C.S. Armory Richmond” by Davies. Patch box is typical. The compartment is plain. Overall, this rifle is in beautiful condition. All metal is in the white, with the exception of the lock and stock tip, which is very clean. This rifle is in near new, almost unused condition. Appears to have all proper aging and inletting. The interior of the lock is unlike any that we could find in the book. It is our summation that it could be an early tool room or prototype Richmond High Hump musket. Three grooved rifled bore is in near mint condition. Very interesting, highly attractive Confederate style Civil War weapon. Condition is un-improvable.