November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
1862 dated Richmond Armory Type III low hump rifle musket with 40" barrel in .58 caliber with 3 groove rifling, square base blade front sight, and 3 leaf folding rear sight. Full length tulip's head ramrod, possibly the original. Barrel is marked with VP Eagle head proof on left barrel flat above woodline and retains extremely faint traces of barrel date near breech. Lock is marked "C.S" / "RICHMOND, VA." ahead of hammer and is dated "1862" behind hammer. Inside of lock mortise has the correct mule's foot feature with no provision for Maynard tape primer arm. 1 piece plain walnut stock and forearm in proper configuration with brass nosecap, iron barrel bands featuring an off center "U" marking, and a brass buttplate. Accompanying this musket is a folder containing notes and research with a typed chain of provenance and purchase history that traces the musket to Charles F. Hitzelberger, who Hartzler Collection notes states carried this musket. Charles F. Hitzelberger was born in 1829 and did 2 tours of duty, enlisting in the First Maryland Infantry in May 1861, and mustering into Confederate service for 12 months in join. The unit needs no introduction, fighting at First Bull Run and playing a key role in the Confederate victory, earning is commander a battlefield promotion to General. In Spring 1862 the 1st Maryland served in Jackson’s Valley Campaign, fighting at Front Royal and Cross Keys, followed by the Peninsula Campaign with service at Gaines Mill and Malvern Hill. It disbanded in August 1862, with many of its men going into other units. Hartzler’s notes indicate Hitzelberger may have intended to join a company under Edmund Barry in the new 1st Maryland, but instead journeyed to Louisiana, where an uncle had business interests, returning in 1864 to serve in the Provost Martial’s Department in Richmond. He could have carried the musket at either point. The 1862 dated locks with low hump and beveled front edge came into production in March 1862, giving time for its issue for service on the Peninsula. Hitzelberger passed away in 1899. Also included in the folder are notes regarding configuration, photographs of the musket, research regarding Hitzelberger’s service, and a copy of pg. 178 of "A Band of Brothers" by Daniel D. Hartzler, where this gun is featured. CONDITION: Excellent for its age, with a speckled brown patina formed throughout with well protected areas such as underneath barrel bands retaining their original polished finish. Brass assemblies are a pleasant mellow patina. Stock is excellent with minor handling marks and no major signs of distress. Mechanically crisp. Bore is frosted with crisp rifling.
Paperwork
Folder of Research