November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
A total of 38, 200 were made between 1817 and the early 1840s by H. Deringer, R. & J.D. Johnson, N. Starr, and S. North. This example is one of 7,200 made by North between 1824 and 1829. The name "Common Rifle" came about during their period of use to differentiate it from the Hall's Patent breechloading rifles that were simultaneously issued. The rifle features a round rifled steel barrel, originally browned and fitted with front sight and rear notched sight, not made for use with a bayonet. Top of breech marked "US/P(in cartouche)/JN", tang dated 1824. Flat lockplate stamped "U.S./S. NORTH" in center with rounded tail section stamped "1824/MIDN. CON." vertically. Features include brass pan and reinforced cock. Standard Model 1817 plain steel furniture, including 3 barrel bands, flat sideplate, triggerguard with rear spur with integral sling swivel, and buttplate, stamped "U.S." Plain walnut full-length stock with oval-shaped side-opening steel patchbox on right side of buttstock. Stamped on left side, behind sideplate, with inspector's cartouche. Very good condition, barrel retains a spotted brown patina with some light freckling and scattered marks from use, marking excellent. Lock very good with a dark brown patina and some freckling, markings very good, showing some light wear. Appears to be in original flintlock configuration. Steel furniture retains a dark brown heavy spotted patina with some scattered marks, one lock retaining screw replaced. Stock good with some small losses around lockplate and scattered mark from use, cartouche is has been dented. Patchbox has some deep freckling and a dark patina. This is an well-marked example of an early U.S. military rifle.