November 17 & 18, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/17/2021
A wonderful opportunity to own a piece of early American history with a great pairing of personal and military effects of Brigadier General Moses Porter. Porter was born in 1756 in Danvers, Massachusetts to Benjamin and Sarah Brown Porter and died in 1822 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is best described by his epitaph on his tombstone which reads "An ardent patriot, a brave and honorable soldier, an unassuming and virtuous citizen, a generous and faithful friend. He served his country with distinguished ability and reputation, from the commencement of the Revolutionary war till he expired, full of years and honors, on the 14th of April, A.D. 1822 AE 66". Porter started his military career in 1777 with 6th Massachusetts Regiment where he saw action at the Battle of Saratoga serving with Benedict Arnold in the important victory over General Burgoyne and the British. He then participated in the Battle of Springfield, which ended in the British abandoning their New Jersey Campaign. His service record reads like a history of the United States with participation in Bunker Hill, Brandywine, Germantown, and Valley Forge, just to name a few conflicts. The consignor has done extensive research on this important individual with enough information for a book. With the lot is included several framed commissions and originally, as the consignor has stated, once included one signed by George Washington (the consignor has provided a copy in the packet). The remaining original commissions include one signed by Thomas Jefferson and two signed by James Madison which all nicely framed and under glass. Porter later participates in the Northwest Indian Wars and many battles in the War of 1812, which the consignor has well-documented data of his service in these conflicts. This man, while not an everyday name in history, knew and associated and supported those who would someday become stalwart names in the establishment of this country. This offering includes some of the personal effects of this great patriot including his custom pair of US Model 1805 Harper's Ferry flintlock pistols with round smoothbore .54 caliber barrels with "US", "(Eagle) / P" touchmarks, one serial numbered "1024" and the other "1280". Guns are made in the English style with walnut stocks and brass furniture including brass buttcaps with checkering covering grips, and buttcap straps. Both guns have crisp inspector's marks that look to be "V / J S". Original flintlocks are marked with "(Eagle) / US", "Harper's Ferry", and dated "1807" at rear of locks. Both guns have silver thumbpiece with initials "MP" in script. It is unknown why the difference in serial numbers but these two guns are definitely made to be a pair and are rare in their own right. Experts estimate only 200 to 300 examples of these pistols exist today. The pistols come in a double over-the-pommel style leather flap holster with brass tipped bases. Further articles include a Federal period mahogany veneer over pine chest with Bohemian cut glass decanters - eight large and one small decanter (one missing) plus wrapped accessories. Also Porter's leather-covered campaign trunk with his initials in brass tacks and a plate with Porter's name as a Brigadier General. The trunk contains a linen vest with four original uniform buttons of the 1st Regiment, Light Artillery attached and two additional unattached buttons, copy of a portrait of Moses Porter as a Colonel from the Danvers, Massachusetts Historical Society Collection, a 1927 pamphlet from Danvers (Massachusetts) Historical society with an article about Porter and a Book of "Mess Regulations" written by Moses Porter with his name written in pencil in it which the consignor believes is authentic. Also included is a small and unusual table with a padded area used for an unknown purpose. This lot contains a tremendous compilation of a very historically important man. CONDITION: The pistols are in good to very good condition with pistol number 1024 having a overall aged patina with barrel having some small surface pits and has faded to a plum brown color. The wood has some discoloration around lock from ignition and front brass band has an almost unnoticeable repair. Checkering and cartouches are sharp with brass hardware turning an aged golden patina. Lock missing flint with original hardwood ramrod. Dark bore with crisp mechanics. Pistol number 1280 mirrors pistol number 1024 in almost every respect except there is no restoration and there is a slight stress fracture in wood on right side from trigger to lockplate. Pistols are in excellent condition for their age. Holsters are in good condition with some light surface cracking and original black finish. The decanter set is in good condition with some flaking and missing pieces of the veneer. The commissions are all framed under glass and signatures are clear with some fold lines and some discoloration. The trunk has some damage to hinges and latch with leather showing its age with cracking and water damage evident, but wood and framework remains solid. The vest is solid other than missing buttons(provided) and a few age stains. The regulation book remains in good condition with some staining and writing starting to fade slightly. The unusual table/stool with unknown purpose has padded area with some tears and exposed stuffing and has a broken latch lid. A great lot for the American History enthusiast! DLM
Item Dimensions: Both: 17" x 6" x 3"
Accessories
Wood Chest, Leather Chest, Small Desk, Three framed documents, Portrait
Caliber/Bore
(Both) .54 Smothbore
Manufacturer
(Both) Harpers Ferry
Paperwork
Box of paperwork and research
Serial Number
(A) 1024 (B) 1280