October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/22/2019
During the Civil War, long range sniping came to its fore. The Confederate Army had ordered approximately 250 Whitworth rifles, at a cost of $1,000 in gold per rifle with 1,000 rounds of ammunition each. Many of these documented Confederate "sniper" used rifles were outfitted with a Davidson telescopic sight and were of "2nd Quality" with two barrel bands. It has been noted that Union General Sedgwick fell victim to a head shot from a sniper using a Whitworth rifle on May 8, 1864. Shortly before General Sedgwick was killed he scolded some of his men for ducking gun fire, telling them that "they couldn't hit an elephant at this distance." This particular gun is of the same general style as those used during the Civil War by Confederate sharpshooters, to great effect. Three band configuration with minimal line engraving around the lock, undoubtedly made for use as a military rifle. No provision for a bayonet. Sling swivel on the front band and at the rear of the trigger guard tang. Checkered fore and aft. Matching numbers on barrel and trigger guard. Hexagonal bore with original correct ramrod. There is a lock mounted hammer safety. Crown over "W" on the rear of the lock, marked "WHITWORTH" towards the front of the lock above the safety. "WHITWORTH PATENT" on the top of the barrel, along with the standard "52" Birmingham commercial proofs and serial number. "BEST" is engraved on the trigger guard tang between the two screws. There is a piece of metal, most likely for a nipple protector with split ring and chain, mounted under the front of the trigger guard which appears to be a contemporary add on. The target adjustable front sight and possibly the wrist mounted Vernier rear sight are of a newer vintage. The wrist mounted Vernier sight does show age to it. The barrel mounted rear sight ladder is very plain but appears to have been on this gun for a very long time. Stamped into the bottom of the stock between the front of the trigger guard and forend checkering is "NATCHEZ". The tops of the letters are worn, and bottoms of the letters are sharp. This marking is not original to the gun, nor of the period during which it was in use and has been added in more recent times. CONDITION: Very good with approximately 40% original case colors on breech plug. 10% faded case colors on the lock. Barrel has about 10-15% original brown near the breech, mixed with an even age patina and some very minor pitting. There is a fair amount of original blue on the rear and middle bands. All markings are clear and sharp. Wood is very good with dings and handling marks consistent with age, original untouched checkering is sharp. The buttplate has some pitting, mostly towards the top screw. Ramrod has light pitting. Action is crisp. The bore is dirty with distinct rifling showing some wear. GR