May 28 & 29, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/28/2020
Made by the A.H. Waters Armory in Milbury, Massachusetts in 1859 to early 1860s. Total production of 1,500 of which 900 were purchased by the U.S. Ordnance Department in 1863. 35" round barrel with three barrel bands. Single shot .53 caliber percussion with unique rifling invented by London gunmaker Charles Lancaster. Underhammer bolt action mechanism. The bolt must go through two motions, and priming is done by placing a percussion cap on the nipple located on the bottom of the rifle forward of the trigger guard. Blue with iron fittings, and case hardened hammer. Upper tang marked "GREEN'S PATENT/NOV. 1857". Serial number is located on bottom of the bolt. This is the first bolt action firearm to by adopted by the U.S. Ordnance Department. A small quantity of these rifles were sold commercially through William Read & Sons in Boston Mass. No military inspection stamps or cartouches have been observed on this specimen (serial no.4005) possibly being one sold through William Read & Sons. CONDITION: Fine with mostly a brown/grey patina overall. Wood is excellent showing modest wear. Bore is excellent plus, bright and clean. Underhammer will not stay on cock, possibly a broken spring. -MKS-
Caliber/Bore
.53 Percussion
Model
Breech Loading Rifle