December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/11/2024
3rd model musket manufactured in 1870. Standard 27" round barrel with 24" magazine tube, 2-line Winchester address, barleycorn front sight, 900 yard graduated rear ladder sight. Plain walnut musket forend with 3 bands. Straight grip stock with brass tool trap butt plate. Matching "3289" partial serial numbers stamped in the stock channel and inside of butt plate. Lower tang is also stamped "LSM" followed by a "27 / C / 2" rack number indication ownership by the Louisiana State Militia. The militia was largely made up of freed African Americans and supported the post-Civil War Republican state government during Reconstruction under the command of former Confederate General James Longstreet. They acquired several hundred Winchester muskets along with Enfield rifles, using them in skirmishes with Pro-Democrat, former Confederate forces. The violence escalated in 1873 at the Colfax Riot over the disputed 1872 gubernatorial election. The next year the Crescent City White League overtook the State House during the Battle of Liberty Place, during which 300 of the Winchester muskets were captured. With the threat of federal troops from President Grant the violence ceased and the captured arms were returned. CONDITION: Very good overall. Barrel and hands have faded to a plum patina with some older cleaned oxidation spots and freckling throughout. Receiver exhibits a very pleasant mellow golden patina with a few areas of discoloration. Hammer retains faint traces of case color, the lever faded to gray with cleaned oxidation spots. Loading gate displays significant portions of original nitre blue. Stocks have a nice age darkened appearance, some scattered impressions present along with a split running on the left side of the wrist. Lower tang screw hole is stripped. Fine bore with some mild black powder oxidation spots. Crisp mechanics. A rare, interesting piece of Reconstruction history.
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