GUN FALL 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2017
EXTREMELY RARE CONFEDERATE SCOPED 2ND QUALITY WHITWORTH SHARP SHOOTER'S RIFLE.WHITWORTHSNIPER RIFLEC54452BORE52 bore, .451 cal, with Whitworth's distinctive hexagonal bore. There are 19 SNs known on scoped 2nd Quality Whitworth rifles. This example falls within this range that saw Confederate service, B509 and the highest C619. This gun conforms to the other examples known with "WHITWORTH RIFLE CO MANCHESTER" forward of hammer on lock and Crown over "W" rear of hammer and engraved on trigger guard plate "2ND QUALITY". Bbl marked on left of breech with Birmingham proofs, "52" gauge markings and SN "C544". Matching SNs are also found on lock, trigger guard, breech, major screws, bbl bands and other parts not removed to check internally for SNs. The Japanned brass tube Davidson scope was adjusted for elevation by turning the knurled knob on the right side of the forearm. This loosened the clamp on the left side so the 1-1/2" bar graduated in 1/16" increments could be raised and lowered, pivoting on the rear mount secured by the rear lock plate screw. There is extensive documentation accompanying this rifle, along with correspondence regarding the use of these guns during the Civil War. This gun was originally found with the telescopic sight and mounts missing which were later restored. This gun is just 10 numbers removed from the Whitworth which is part of the Chickamauga National Park Museum (SN C554) which is pictured in Firearms of the Confederacy (1944), plate XXIII and discussed on pages 27 and 28. C544 is in the database of The English Connection by Russ Pritchard and C. A. Huey. This text is the most definitive and recent book on Confederate imports from Britain. This is an extremely rare Confederate sniper's rifle with well defined bore and original Davidson scope with excellent optics. Rifle is accompanied by a battlefield recovered Whitworth bullet with letter of provenance. PROVENANCE: Joe Deserich collection; outstanding estate collection of Confederate and historical arms of Morris Racker. CONDITION: Iron is brown overall with staining and pitting. Gun appears orig and matching with addition of restored scope and mounts. The bbl is proper 33" including internal beveled crown to fit projectile to bore. Stock is sound with old refinish and several large gouges and crack repair at wrist. Restoration was done by master craftsman Louie Parker of Jackson, Missouri. Checkering is worn. Gun was not disassembled, but this gun is well known with old collection history. Ramrod is newer addition. Mechanically sound with crisp well defined bore. Scope has good optics with crosshairs. 51957-23 JS (40,000-60,000)