April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
There were over 20,000 Model 1803 rifles produced. 4,000 were made between 1805 and 1807. The second production run was between 1814 and 1819 when a total of 15,703 were produced. This second production rifle is dated 1815. It features a heavy two stage rifled barrel with "US" and eagles head "P" proofs on left side of breech. Flat lockplate is stamped in the center with an eagle and shield stamped with small "US". The tail is stamped "HARPERS / FERRY / 1850" vertically. The furniture is standard brass Model 1803 furniture including a two piece brass patchbox. The walnut half stock has a cheek piece carved on left side and is stamped with "V / JS" along with "V / MH" on left side behind sideplate; this is for inspector James Stubblefield. Each part is stamped with a small score or inspector's mark. This rifle is complete with its original steel ramrod and is accompanied by a complete Model 1803 data sheet outlining all the features and markings on this particular example. CONDITION: Good to very good. All steel components have been cleaned and retain a freckled grey patina with some areas of darker spotting. Markings are excellent. Bore is excellent with deep rifling. Lock is in original flintlock configuration and is strong. Brass have been polished. Stock is very good with a minor chip on left side of barrel tang, a minor crack on left side in front of band on forend, and a small chip replaced towards back of lockplate, otherwise a few scattered marks from use and a light coat of finish added. This is a very nice and clean example of an 1803 with no real issues.
Manufacturer
Harpers Ferry