GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
LOT OF TWO U.S. MODEL 1841 PERCUSSION RIFLES MADE BY ELI WHITNEY NEW HAVEN, CONN.ELI WHITNEY1841NSN58Cal. 58. 1) 33" bbl fastened by two bands. Bright and case color finish. Straight grain American walnut stock. Bbl has no provision for bayonet but has been bored out from 54 to 58 cal smooth bore for use in the Civil War. Bbl has brass front sight and fixed rear sight. No proof marks or date are visible at bbl breech. Lock is marked "E.Whitney" in front of hammer and "N.Haven 1848" behind hammer. Stock has remnants of 3 acceptance cartouches on left side opposite lock, one of which is "WAT" in an oval. Top of buttplate tang is stamped "US". Brass patchbox is unmarked. 2) 33" bbl fastened by two bands. Bright and case color finish. Straight grain American walnut stock. Bbl has no provision for bayonet but has been bored out from 54 to 58 cal smooth bore for use in the Civil War. Bbl has brass front sight and fixed rear sight. Bbl has "US" over "SK" over "VP" proof marks at breech. Bbl also has "STEL" along with a small "H" inspector mark on left side of breech. "H" inspector also on sideplate. Lock is marked "E.Whitney" over "US" in front of hammer and "N Haven 1848" behind hammer. Stock has 2 cartouches on left side, opposite trigger, one of which is "WAT" in oval. Buttplate has "US" stamped on tang. Patchbox is not marked. Trigger guard is not marked. CONDITION: 1) Good. Bbl is a rough brown patina with some bright finish remaining towards the muzzle and at breech. Nipple is heavily stained. Lock and hammer have silver/gray patina with some roughness and clear marks. Stock is very good with numerous handling marks overall. Stocks have been lightly cleaned. Cartouches are light but legible. Buttplate, patchbox and trigger guard, along with bbl bands, have been lightly cleaned long ago and now have a mellow yellow patina. Steel ramrod has brass tip and nice dark gray patina. 2) Very good. Bbl has considerable bright finish remaining with dark brown staining overall, especially at muzzle and in front of rear sight. Bbl proofs are clear, although "US" is somewhat washed out. Lock is a silver/gray patina with sharp marks. Hammer is a silver/gray patina. Stock is very good with legible cartouches. Stock has been lightly cleaned and has a few handling marks overall. Brass parts have a mustard patina. Ramrod has a steel/gray patina with some staining. Brass tip is mustard patina. A chance to start a collection of "Mississippi" rifles which saw service in the Mexican War, the Texas frontier, and the Civil War. 49716-1 TEP (2,000-3,000)