May 28 & 29, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/28/2020
A total of 350 of these rare guns were made for the state of Connecticut. This example is dated 1858 at the rear of the lock with the typical "E.WHITNEY/ N.HAVEN" mark ahead of the tape primer door. Long range rear sight has broken spring. The barrel is unmarked, as is proper, with the exception of a number stamped approximately 2 - 1/2" from the muzzle (73). Pewter nose cap. Brass Enfield style lock screw escutcheons with rounded edges. As to be expected, there are no sub-inspectors markings on this gun. There is a "24" stamped into the left side of the butt which is a little faint, possibly for the 24th CT. Correct seven groove rifling as only found on the Whitney produced barrels. The buttplate is unmarked as are the middle and front bands, which is correct. The rear band is a replacement with a "U" mark on it, and is of a slightly different color. CONDITION: Metal surfaces have been lightly cleaned at some point with areas of pitting most noticeably on the bands. The rear sight has a dark patina. Lock markings are sharp and clear. Pewter nose cap is loose. The front lip of the hammer has a 1/4" chip out of it. Bore has strong rifling. Wood has some dings and handling marks with a very minor but well done repair at the rear of the lock cavity. Fine mechanical function. All in all a very presentable example of an extremely limited production gun. GR
Caliber/Bore
.58 Percussion