GUN SPRING 2018
The live portion of this session begins on Wednesday, March 21, 2018.
SCARCE AND EARLY PRODUCTION CONFEDERATE COOK & BROTHER ATHENS, GEORGIA CAVALRY CARBINE INSCRIBED TO SAMUEL ELLYSON, 3RD VIRGINIA CAVALRY. COOK & BROTHER CARBINE 2865 52 Cal. 58. This scarce 1863 dated Cook & Brother carbine is in standard configuration of other examples with 21-1/8" rnd bbl, brass mounted with captive swivel ramrod. John Murphy and Howard Madaus, in their exemplary 2002 text Confederate Carbines and Musketoons explain configuration and history of these carbines. Being copies of Enfield carbines survival of Cook Brother carbines in complete orig condition are quite scarce and this example has fine overall aesthetics with good patina and surfaces. This gun has matching SNs "2865" found on most every part externally including bbl, bands, nose cap, lock, lock screws and tang screw. Gun appears completely orig with Pvt. Ellyson's name nicely carved on left side of buttstock "S. W. ELLYSON / CO. F 3d VA / CAV." The carving is impeccable and no doubt orig and contemporary to the war. The well executed letters were at one time filled with a colored wax that much has chipped away since the war. National Archives records show that Samuel Webster Ellyson was mustered into Company F, 3rd Virginia Cavalry, August 29, 1862 and was paroled at Appomattox April 18, 1865. The 3rd Virginia Cavalry fought with distinction under J.E.B. Stuart and Fitzhugh Lee's command. 3rd Virginia was a hard fought regiment, Ellyson entered service just in time for the Battle of Antietam which was fought September 17. The 3rd took place in all major battles of the Army of Northern Virginia. At the Battle of Gettysburg the 3rd Virginia fought at the East Cavalry Field and J.E.B. Stuart praised Fitzhug Lee for his command there and he was soon promoted to Major General. The 3rd Virginia had only 3 men surrender at Appomattox, the rest escaping to Lynchburg, Virginia and disbanding April 11, 1865. Ellyson was paroled April 18, 1865 and this carbine with little doubt saw almost every major engagement he was involved. PROVENANCE: Charles M. Glenn, Jr. (who acquired it as a young boy in 1928 from a childhood friend in trade for an ice cream cone); Ben Michel Collection. CONDITION: Very good coverall, appears all orig and matching. Rear sling swivel appears orig to Cook manufacture, but much darker patina than the other brass. The carbine ring is also unusual and copper but appears orig. Markings are especially sharp and carved ID is easily discerned. Stock is sound and solid with a 3-1/2" inset rear of bbl above lock. Stock has an old varnish finish which shows craquelure in areas. The inset repair noted should be professionally restored as this is such a fine and historic carbine, that few survived. Mechanically functional with discernible rifling in pitted bore. 52863-6 JS (25,000-30,000)