May 28 & 29, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/28/2020
Approximately 300 of these guns were converted to percussion in 1851, with the majority having been Whitney made guns who is believed to have done the conversion. This particular example was made by Springfield in 1817 and has matching dates on the lock and barrel tang. Thinned buttstock with large brass buttplate. There is a rack number of "57" on the top of the buttplate tang. 39" barrel. Appropriate length ram rod. Spring fastened bands. Missing the front band spring. These were known for a long time as "Sea Fencible" and "Coastal Artillery" muskets, however that has since been found to be incorrect. The actual purpose for the conversion with large brass buttplate is unknown. CONDITION: Gun retains a pleasing patina overall with some pitting, most noticeably in the breech area. Markings are clear. Wood is very good with dings and handling marks, repaired section just forward of the lock. Buttplate has a pleasing dark patina to it with numerous small dings. Fine mechanical function. GR
Caliber/Bore
.69 Percussion