April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
Manufactured by the Lee Firearms Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin between 1864 and 1865. This is one of the very few arms made in the West during the Civil War and very little is recorded. In 1866, Lee had completed a total 255 carbines and 200 more were in various stages of completion. It is speculated that his sales were made privately to officers or militia units. Lee subcontracted his barrels to Remington but due to a misunderstanding, the barrels were bored to an incorrect caliber and rejected by the U.S. government. Following the rejection no further assembly notes were found. There are no visible military inspector stamps, which would coincide with the private sale aspect. Coincidentally, that means there is no data on which battles this carbine may have seen. Features round barrel, dovetail front sight, 500 yard single leaf rear sight, single shot, swing-out barrel for loading. Has a saddle ring in bar and one piece walnut stock. Left side of frame stamped "Lee's Firearms Co. / Milwaukee, Wisconsin / Patented July 22nd, 1862". CONDITION: All of the metal is a pleasing soft brown and gunmetal patina. Stock is very good to excellent, proud to metal, with usual wartime nicks and dents.
Model
Single Shot Carbine.