December 13-15, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2022
These muskets were converted by Eli Whitney circa 1815 and delivered to the state of Massachussets. Moller notes that the attribution of these rifles to the Sea Fencibles is a misreading of the SF / V proof, with the SF actually the inspection mark of Samuel Filler, who inspected (at least) one of the lots of rifles. Barrel of appropriate length and caliber, with screw-in percussion conversion, numbered "736", "15", "I", over breech; "MS, eagle head, "P" and "V" proof marks, offset breech. 3 spring retained bands, foremost strap with brass front sight on one overstrap. Ramrod, probably the original, with threaded rear and "U" proof near trumpet head. Bayonet lug on top of muzzle, set approximately 1" back. Sling bows on second barrel band and fore of iron trigger guard. Flat banana lock, converted from flintlock with noticeable remnants of flintlock configuration. Approximately half of the original Eagle proof with olive branch and quiver of arrows remains, rear with a strong "SPRING / FIELD / 1817"; matching 1817 visible on tang. Inside of lock with "D D D / 16" visible on inside of cock, along with various subinspector proofs. Double lock bolts with iron sideplate maked "D". "10" proof visible on stock behind breech tang, and on top of distinct brass buttplate. Iron trigger guard with attachment point for sling bow with double bolts at rear, "D" proof ahead of sling bow. Crisply incised "H" on right side of appropriately thinned stock, oriented to be read horizontally. Distinct brass buttplate with bulge at top. CONDITION: Overall good. Barrel essentially dove grey with an even peppering, with some other handling marks, mostly towards muzzle. Lock has been chemically enhanced, with clear lines around legends. Stock is good with handling marks throughout, including a large sharp missing around mid band (approximately 1" x 3/4"). Some pressure indentations and other associated handling marks, most visible around wrist and sidepanel. One chip on right side of buttplate and a crack on left. Mechanically crisp, bore is excellent with a minimum of oxidation. A very scarce rifle. EMW
Caliber/Bore
.69 Smoothbore
Model
1816 Sea Fencible Musket