GUN FALL 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
EXTREMELY RARE 1ST MODEL VIRGINIA MANUFACTORY RIFLE WITH RATTLESNAKE PATCHBOX. VA MFG 1805 NSN 48 Cal. 48. No doubt the most iconic patchbox on any American military arm is 1st Model Virginia Manufactory like this one with 4-pc iron patchbox terminating in rattlesnake's head, rattlesnake's body on lid and "DON'T TREAD ON ME" engraved on either side of lid. Giles Cromwell, in his exemplary text The Virginia Manufactory of Arms, 1975, tells the story of these rare rifles. Only 32 guns are noted by Cromwell in first year of production of this variation and indeed no more than 200-250 were made. There is actually an earlier version rifle made in 1803 and 1804 thought to have a plain brass patchbox, but there are no examples known and only 72 were made. The orig configuration of this gun had 46" bbls. This example has been shortened to 33-1/2" and is no longer rifled in 44 Cal., but is now smooth bore measuring 48 Cal. and converted to percussion. Regardless, only a few are known and this gun is orig and as found. The bbl is marked "1 VA REGt NORFOLK COUNTY". PROVENANCE: Collection of Robert Roughton. CONDITION: Good to very good overall. Gun has a hand worn patina overall with an old varnish or shellac covering metal and wood. Iron overall is dark brown/plum, brass has mixed light mustard to chocolate patinas, all protected by the old varnish. Bbl markings are not totally discernible as seen in photo, but "NORFOLK COUNTY" is quite bold. The lock is missing the "V" in Virginia but other markings are discernible. Patchbox details are easily discerned as seen in photographs. Stock has several long hairlines in forestock, tack repair just below lock and lock mortise is wallowed out, but gun is still functional though it won't hold on half-cock. Ramrod was made for this gun in this configuration with matching patina to stock. 52328-55 JS (4,500-7,500)