November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/3/2017
In the book titled "Political Campaign Torches" by Herbert Collins, Smithsonian Institute 1964, page 20 figure six is listed as a "Rifle Torch 1860 and 1880". It is a wooden replica of a Civil War musket attributed to the "Wide Awakes" of 1860. It is composed of wood with metal fittings with a common swivel type torch that attaches to barrel. This model features the iron trigger guard and hammer, flat steel bands, wood stained stock. Barrel is painted silver. Rifle is in excellent, all original condition with no cracks and a large majority of the original finish. Tin torch is all original, with swivels and a tin cover over muzzle. The torch itself is similar to figure 40 on page 32, which is listed as "Tin Torch Model 1884". Given the model of torch, this is most likely rifle torch Model 1880 patented by G.D. Smith. These rifle torches were widely used mid-to-late 19th century at political rallies and nighttime parades. there are numerous illustrations of these famous torch light parades, one of these is featured in a Harper's Weekly illustration October 13, 1860; the illustrated London News, October 15, 1864 for the Lincoln election; Harper's Weekly, October 17, 1868 "Boys in Blue"; there is an advertisement for these campaign torches from N. Meanes, New York City, September 9, 1876; and a advertisement for the Smith Musket Torch, Troy, New York September 25, 1880. These are extremely important memorabilia rarely seen today in superb condition.