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. Tang dated 1825. Flat lockplate stamped "U.S./S. NORTH" in center with rounded tail section stamped "MIDLTN./CONN./1826" 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. Good condition, barrel retains a spotted brown patina with some spotting freckling and scattered marks from use, markings not visible. Lock very good with a dark brown patina and scattered freckling, markings very good, center of lockplate has some spotting, lock has been professionally reconverted. Steel furniture retains a dark brown heavy spotted patina with some scattered marks. Stock good, as refinished and cleaned, with scattered mark from use. Patchbox has some deep freckling and a dark patina, does not close completely. This is a nice example of an early and quite uncommon U.S. issued rifle.
Model
U.S. Model 1817 Common Rifle