April 27-30, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/27/2021
Manufactured in 1870, serial number 31428. Classic configuration of the Model 1866 musket with full length forearm and three barrel bands. 27" barrel, chambered in .44 Henry Rimfire with rear fold down ladder barrel sight graduated to 900 yards. Small square bayonet block with pinned small blade front sight. Sling provisions mounted to middle barrel band and buttstock. Plain straight grain walnut forearm and buttstock with carbine style buttplate. 4 piece metal cleaning rod located in stock. Period silver plated frame engraved with flowing acanthus and rudimentary grape leaves, with a few bunches of grapes. Engraving is not factory but reasonably well executed hand cut work. CONDITION: Very good as period embellished and partially restored. Barrel shows even blue-brown patina. Forearm is fair with scattered bumps, bruises and slight nicks from moderate use. Rear barrel band shows evidence of aggressive removal with chips and tool marks. Engraving is excellent with softening from time but overall crisp. Approximately 5-10% reapplied silver plating remains mostly at the wrist. Hammer and lever case colors are heavily faded turning a pleasing patina. Stock is very good and shows evidence of being sanded and cleaned at one point, shrinkage at the tangs and slightly undersized at butt. Action works appropriately when cycled by hand, bore is very good with strong rifling and some spots of abrasion. This is a good example of an honest, hard used, but well cared for 1866 Musket. EW