October 30 - November 2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria, & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2018
Standard production Whitney "Plymouth" rifle. In July 1861, Eli Whitney received a government contract to produce 10,000 such Navy rifles for the Ordnance Department. Named after the USS Plymouth, a naval ordnance testing ship, the weapon is a rifled, .69 caliber, single-shot muzzle loading percussion rifle that saw the majority of its service with the Federal Navy but there are some cases of army infantry outfits using this rifle. 1864 dated lock, 1863 dated barrel. "F.C.W." inspectors mark on the left barrel flat. Rear sight graduated to 1,000 Yards. Original ramrod. This gun is accompanied by an original Ames "Dahlgren" bowie bayonet. Standard Ames, Chicopee Mass marking on the left side of the blade. "USN/ DR/ anchor/ 1863" marked on the right side of the blade. Anchor marking on pommel under scrip "DR" cartouche. Wood grip. No scabbard. CONDITION: Metal surfaces have been lightly cleaned with some areas of light staining. Markings are sharp and clear. Wood is very good with some dings and handling marks, nice cartouche. Fine mechanical function. Bore is fine with strong rifling. Fine mechanical function. Bayonet retains a pleasing patina, has not been sharpened. Blade has some old rust staining. Markings are clear. Wood grip has some dings and shows age. Brass has a pleasing patina.