October 30 - November 2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria, & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2018
Well under 2,000 of these muskets were made between 1862 and 1863. These were second-class arms of lesser quality and Whitney used the name "Manton" to associate them with the well-known English gunmaker, and to distance himself from them. Many of these were purchased by the State of New York and were issued during the Draft Riots of 1863 in New York City. Howard Madaus affirms that possibly 1,074 “MANTON” arms were sold in 1863 to the firm of Fitch & Waldo of New York City. Proper "G.W.Q." inspectors mark on the left barrel flat, "V/P" on the top flat of the barrel. "B/32" lightly marked on the top of the barrel approximately 1 1/2 inches back from the front sight. 3 groove rifling, which was introduced by Whitney in 1863. Unmarked buttplate and stock. Gothic "MANTON" on the undated lock plate. Whitney pierced aperture rear sight. Pewter nose cap. Proper flat front and rear bands are "U" marked. The middle band is a rounded incorrect replacement, but has a matching patina to the gun. Tulip head ramrod. This gun is accompanied by a standard US marked model 1855 socket bayonet in a later Trapdoor era steel scabbard. CONDITION: All metal surfaces retain an even age patina, showing wear. Markings are clear. Rifling is sharp. Good mechanical function. Stock has numerous dings and scratches, with some old chips out at the front of the lock and along the ramrod channel. There is a hole in the right side of the stock from having been mounted somehow between the middle and rear bands, although it does not go all the way through. There are however grooves in the bottom of the barrel from the screw that was clearly in the hole. Matching assembly numbers on breech plug and rear of barrel. Vent clean out screw does not seat all the way, possibly replaced. Nipple may be an older replacement as well. Bayonet retains a pleasing patina with some minor rust and pitting.
Accessories
Bayonet with scabbard