GUN FALL 2016
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 4, 2016.
EXTREMELY RARE HEAVY BARRELED CIVIL WAR UNION SCOPED SHARPSHOOTER RIFLE. JAMES & FERRIS SINGLE SHOT NSN 44 Cal. 44. 31-1/2" oct bbl marked on top flat "JAMES & FERRIS, UTICA" with an additional mark "C. B. HOLDEN". Mounted with 39" brass scope, typical of Civil War with small field of vision. Brass patchbox has Massachusetts State seal engraved, most likely when sold by Cyrus B. Holden, circa 1861 of Worcester, Mass. James & Ferris were known makers of fine heavy bbl match rifles and Civil War sharpshooters rifles with "telescope sights". This gun is most interesting in that it most likely saw Civil War service in that percussion nipple has been converted to a musket cone and contemporary replaced un-engraved hammer has been made to strike it properly. There are photographs of soldiers armed with such weapons, including soldiers of the 1st Massachusetts Sharpshooters. There is an example of a very similar weapon on display at Gettysburg National Park Museum and note photograph here of numerous soldiers with fairly identical guns, though ours has had the starter filled and removed. The 1st Massachusetts sharpshooters are among the few units of the Civil War that utilized heavy barreled guns, such as this one which weighs just over 15lbs, and most interesting that the Massachusetts State seal is found on this gun, more closely tying this gun to that unit. 1st Massachusetts had 39 casualties in the war, serving in almost every major battle of the Army of the Potomac during the war; note the identical rifle held by solider on their Gettysburg monument where the unit was engaged near Devil's Den. This is a fine example of a rarely offered Civil War sharpshooters rifle. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall. Sound and solid with good surfaces. Rear adjustable scope mount has detached right ear and replaced screw. Scope is missing front lens and cap, though still retaining the "lollipop" style aperture instead of crosshairs. Brass retains smooth light mustard patina. Scope body also has a smooth copper/chocolate colored patina. Steel is overall grey with good edges and markings. Stock is sound and well fit, retaining much of its orig thinning varnish. Mechanically, gun functions well including adjustable trigger pull. Bore is clean with crisp rifling. 50815-1 JS (8,000-12,000)