GUN FALL 2015
The live portion of this session begins on Monday, October 5, 2015.
EXTREMELY RARE EARLY NEW ORLEANS COOK RIFLE. COOK & BROTHER RIFLE 197 577 This is an extremely early and extraordinarily rare product of Cook & Brother Manufacturing of New Orleans. There are no more than 4 or 5 examples known of these classic 33" Damascus barreled rifles with factory patchboxes. These early Cooks made in 1861 and so dated have interesting early features such as the stubby, distinct Cook hammer, saber bayonet lug with rail SNd to match gun and large fixed iron block front sight with inset dovetailed brass blade. Rear of hammer the lock is marked with the earliest version of Confederate First National flag and "COOK & BROTHER N.O. 1861" is found forward of hammer. The bbl is also marked "COOK & BROTHER N.O. 1861" rear of adjustable long-range rear sight. John Murphy and Howard Madaus in their monumental text Confederate Rifles and Muskets discuss these rare New Orleans rifles at length. We are only aware of possibly one other example of this extremely rare New Orleans rifle with patchbox which is in private hands. PROVENANCE: Damon Mills 2004; Collection of Jim Maconkey. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall. Metal overall brown with pitting. Markings are mostly discernible as can be seen in photographs. SNs found externally on lock, screws, bayonet lug and bbl bands. Stock is sound and solid with a well disguised and expert wrist repair. Soldier's name is scratched into buttstock and is only partially discernible. Rear sling swivel and brass blade to front sight are possible restorations, but match gun very well. Mechanically gun is sound and functioning with crisp well defined rifling in bore. 49442-11 JS (25,000-35,000)