June 9-10, 2017 Premier Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/10/2017
Both Springfield and Harper's Ferry altered a standard Model 1842 with the addition of three groove rifling and the addition of a Model 1855 long range musket rear sight. Altered between 1856 and 1859. They also cupped the ramrod head for mini ball, but this is a standard ramrod head. All metal is in the white. The lock is stamped "U.S." with eagle and "Springfield 1853". Tang is stamped 1853. Left side of barrel is stamped "VP" with eagle head. Has the 400 yard rear sight added with Spanish screw head front. Three barrels bands, sling swivels. Buttplate is stamped "U.S.". Two letter cartouche in oval on left side is visible but not readable. Left side of stock has a "D" carved in it. Bottom of stock is stamped "W. Fields". Walnut stock is in excellent condition with usual abrasions with no cracks. Some light salt and pepper around nipple, otherwise clean finish with brown age spotting overall. Strong, clean, rifled bore. Top comb of stock is unit stamped 14. This is a fairly rare rifle alteration. Re-issued for use during the Civil War. Survival rate is very small and this is a far above average example of this scarce musket. Details on this rifle can be found in the book "American Military Shoulder Arms" by Moller, Vol. III, Pages 198 and 199.
Caliber/Bore
.69 Caliber Percussion