December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/12/2024
William Mussmann (also spelled Mussman in some documents) is recorded in included pension documents as an officer in the German army prior to his immigration to the United States. He enlisted soon after immigrating on September 7th, 1861 and served as a First Lieutenant in the 6th Battery of the Indiana Light Artillery, his discharge listing him as part of the 4th Battery. Eyewitness statements in the pension records note Mussmann became ill of heart disease and other ailments on a hard march in either Kentucky or Tennessee. He resigned on December 10th, 1862. His original discharge is included with this lot. He passed away in 1873. Also included is 1861 copy of "The Hand-Book of Artillery for the Service of the United States" by Captain Roberts signed on the inside cover by Mussmann. Although unnamed the associated included Colt 1851 Navy revolver was manufactured in late 1861. It features an octagon barrel with New York address, cone front sight, hammer notch rear, large trigger guard, and 1-piece smooth walnut grips. Matching numbers observed throughout. His "1862" dated Ames cavalry saver with scabbard is also included. CONDITION: Good overall. Revolver displays an honest gray, freckled patina. Grip straps exhibit a mottled mellow patina. Grips are fine with light wear and impressions. Bore has defined rifling and black powder abrasions throughout. Fine mechanics. Frame screws appear replaced. Sword is fair, the hilt exhibiting a dark untouched patina, the grip splitting and worn. Blade has a dark, freckled patina. Scabbard retains significant portions of flaking plating, the balance drifting to chocolate brown. Artillery manual if fair, the spine starting to fail along with other wear and fading. Discharge was backed with cloth long ago and shows heavy creasing and some staining. A nice Civil War group containing both documents and arms.
Accessories
Sword, Archive