GUN FALL 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
EXTREMELY RARE CIVIL WAR PRESENTATION 2ND MODEL BURNSIDE SADDLE RING CARBINE.BURNSIDEPRES CARBINE173154Cal. 54. Usual configuration with 21" tapered rnd bbl, pinched blade front sight and 2-leaf, 3-position flip rear sight graduated 100-300-500 yards, made without forearm. Receiver is mounted on the left side with a sling bar and ring. Mounted with highly figured burl walnut stock. Lockplate is marked "BURNSIDE RIFLE CO / PROVIDENCE RI" and the lever latch is stamped "G. PAT. FOSTER / APRIL 10TH 1860". Left side of buttstock is inlaid with an oval silver plate, 3" x 1-1/2", inscribed "PRESENTED TO / 2ND LIEUT. E. K. SHERMAN / CO. C. 2d REGt. R.I.V. / by his friends / OF / PROVIDENCE R.I.". It is interesting that the Captain of this same company had an almost identical presentation to Captain Viall which was sold by Julia's as Lot 2420, March 2011. Edwin K. Sherman entered service when the regiment was first called up June 5, 1861 at Camp Burnside, Providence, Rhode Island. No doubt, the presentation to Captain Viall was that same date as both were among the earliest officers recruited. Viall would go on to become Brigadier General. Edwin Sherman was rapidly promoted through the ranks, becoming 1st Lieutenant June 22, 1861 and then Captain November 28, 1861. The 2nd Rhode Island was prominent at battles of the Army of the Potomac. Lt. Sherman was present at 1st Bull Run where the 2nd Rhode Island fired the opening volley of the battle! He contracted Typhoid Fever during the Peninsula Campaign and later died at Bellevue Hospital in New York City, July 9, 1862. 2nd Model Burnsides are rarely offered and Deluxe presentations are almost unknown, other than the example noted above and SN 593 which was presented by Abraham Lincoln to Senator John Crittenden. CONDITION: Good to very good overall. Metal surfaces are dark grey/brown overall with pitting. Gun appears orig, complete and matching. Obviously this gun was not stored properly and rusted on the non-case hardened portions, but all markings are clear and discernible with exception of patent markings on top of frame which are only partially discernible. Presentation plaque is well fit with silver patina. Stock is sound with storage dings and dents, old sanding and light chipping and one hairline. Mechanics are crisp with pitted rifled bore. 52492-2 JS (7,000-9,000)