Iconic Firearms Collections at Auction, Day One

Iconic Firearms Collections at Auction, Day One

Sunday, March 15, 2015  |  10:00 AM Eastern
Auction closed.
Iconic Firearms Collections at Auction, Day One

Iconic Firearms Collections at Auction, Day One

Sunday, March 15, 2015  |  10:00 AM Eastern
Auction closed.
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Description

An Event for the Ages, this highly anticipated fresh to the market offering will be the focus of those passionate about firearms history.12 prestigious collections will be featured.

James D. Julia Inc.


(207) 453-7125
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Pg : 16 of 23

PRESENTATION STATUE HILT SWORD TO COL. JARIUS HALL, HERO OF THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG.

Lot # 1378 (Sale Order: 376 of 563)      

Jarius W. Hall entered service as Lieutenant in June 1861. He moved through the ranks of the 4th Michigan with six promotions, finally becoming its Colonel in late 1864 and later brevetted Brigadier General for "gallant and meritorious service". He was a Major at Gettysburg when he avenged the death of Col. Harrison Jeffords and his brother who both were killed on the second day battle at the "Wheat Field" while trying to save the battle flag of the 4th Michigan. Col. Harrison Jeffords was the highest ranked American officer known mortally wounded by a bayonet (Harry W. Pfanz Gettysburg-The Second Day). The 4th was heavily fought in most battles of the Army of the Potomac and their 3 year term of duty came to an end June, 16 1864. The unit shipped back to Michigan and was commissioned full Colonel and mustered out of service June 30, 1864. The unit was reorganized at Adrian, Michigan where Col. Hall was presented this magnificent sword. Six days after presentation, the reorganized 4th was in Nashville, Tennessee and saw continued service against John Bell Hood's Winter Campaign in Northern Alabama and East Tennessee. Hall would continue to command the unit when it was sent to New Orleans and later to San Antonio for garrison duty where the unit was paid off and disbanded in May of 1866. Statue grips are the highest grade of American swords. This particular sword shows a helmeted Roman soldier with sword and shield wearing lion skin cape on pedestal in full relief. Hilt is decorated in full figured, layered floral sprays and quillon terminates in head of dragon. Scabbard is German silver with raised relief mounts in style of guard. A 2-1/2" x 1-1/2" plaque between top mounts reads "Presented to Col. J. W. Hall by the Commissioned Officers of the 4th Michigan Infantry. Adrian Oct. 8th 1864". CONDITION: Fine overall 32" blade mostly bright, cleaned, 9" patriotic panels still retain frosting with some gold highlights, brass hilt and scabbard mounts show 50% plus gold plating, especially in sheltered areas. German silver scabbard body sound and solid with two dents on opposite sides above drag. Throat and drag are missing screws. There is a hairline crack in neck of statue that does not affect aesthetics. Sword knot is in matching fine condition with light wear and scuffing. Silver presentation plaque is fine, easily read. 4-54468

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HIGHEST GRADE AMES CIVIL WAR FOOT OFFICERS SWORD PRESENTED TO CAPT HENRY F. METZLER, COMPANY E. 71st

Lot # 1379 (Sale Order: 377 of 563)      

Among Ames foot officer swords, this is the highest grade you will find. Hilt has fine chasing and additional engraving to perimeters of knuckle bow and diameter of crown of pommel. This sword exhibits the fanciest, finely detailed etched blade seen on Ames exhibiting extraordinary large coverage with panels about 25" and mottoes on either side "VINCIT AMOR PATRIA" and "AMERICAN GUARD". This sword retains an unique fancy leather scabbard embossed to emulate sharkskin with raised relief gilted scabbard mounts with throat marked "Ames Mfg. Co/Chicopee/Mass". Sword also has an exquisite solid brass scabbard with large engraved patriotic panel terminating with Liberty Cap and panoply of arms. There is an engraved presentation "Capt Henry F. Metzler, Company E. 71st Regiment N.Y.S.M., by the members of his command January 2, 1860". This sword most likely originally was cased which held both embossed leather brass mounted scabbard and fancy engraved solid brass scabbard. The 71st New York State Militia was founded in the 1850's and saw action in some early battles of the Civil War. The 71st remains a militia unit in New York City and provided soldiers for the Spanish American War, WWI, WWII, and the Korean Conflict. This sword shows little if any use and no doubt is among the very finest examples known. CONDITION: Brass scabbard mounts and hilt exhibit most of their orig bright gold plating with scattered areas of staining, especially to soldered areas where raised relief mounts were attached. Often these soldered mounts are missing or restored, however this example is complete, though the 4.25" long gilded foliate soldered decoration is loose at lower end. There are areas of iridescence on obverse of top brass mounts on leather scabbard. 30-1/2" blade retains most of their lustrous 25" etched panels with light areas of staining and oxidation. Sword retains its orig leather buff washer. Grip retains all of its orig sharkskin grip, with typical separation and some light colored areas at the high points as can be seen in photos. 4-48091

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RARE AND UNIQUE SIGNED SAMUEL BELL SAN ANTONIO SILVER MOUNTED BOWIE KNIFE.

Lot # 1380 (Sale Order: 378 of 563)      

This knife is classic in its configuration 13" overall with thick 9" fullered blade that form fits silver sheath with indention for fuller and 4-1/2" beveled sharp top edge. Bell's blade design is unique with one side totally flat and other side saber ground with distinctive fuller and sharpened "false edge". Samuel Bell is no doubt among the finest and most unique craftsmen of Bowie knives known to America and also a noted antebellum silver smith. Though he made his first knives in Knoxville, Tennessee, by 1852 he was making knives in San Antonio. Two of his sons were in the gold fields of California and based on family letters, they were shipping Comstock Silver back home for their father to make knives and sheaths. Son Edward was taking orders for silver mounted knives in California. There is a well-known California Congressional Presentation Bell Knife circa 1862 to Union General R. B. Ayres which is the most likely date of this knife. An article December 31, 1935 in the San Antonio Express underscores the importance and desirability of Bell's Bowie knives during the early years in San Antonio. "In the year 1852, when San Antonio was still a small community of less than 5,000 citizens, Samuel Bell and his two sons, David and James, founded what we know today as The Bell Jewelry Company…The Bells soon became noted for their exquisite craftsmanship, and many a treasured heirloom. In the possession of some of San Antonio's pioneer families represent the handicraft of the Bells… He (Samuel) had a sterner side, and this was devoted to the manufacture of the famous Bowie knife. As in jewelry, a Bowie knife carrying the trade mark of Samuel Bell was considered the best that could be secured. Bell became famous for its fine workmanship, the quality of its materials, and the exquisite pieces of jewelry that were produced here, and such famous men as Robert E. Lee, U.S. Grant and Jefferson Davis are numbered among the customers…." In the recent 2014 monumental Bowie knife exhibit at the historic Arkansas State Museum a majority of the finest American Bowie knives assembled from noted institutions and collectors were displayed. Eight Bell Bowie's of all genres were displayed together and none signed like subject "S. BELL MAKER SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS". There are approximately 25 Samuel Bell made Bowie knives and of these only seven are known with silver handles and sheaths. Samuel Bell's engraving is noted on all these knives though each one is a unique piece of art with varying designs on grip, sheaths, frog buttons and skirted guards. This newly discovered knife is the only example privately owned. As a matter of fact, this is only the second knife noted with signature, city and state. There are three knives known simply signed "S. Bell". The other fully signed knife is in a prominent San Antonio family (see provenance file) with an interesting 1862 history also and will never be sold. If you want the only fully signed Samuel Bell Bowie, this is your only opportunity. Accompanying this knife is a large file of documentation on Samuel Bell and his Bowie knives. CONDITION: Overall very good to fine. Knife is un-cleaned and "as found". Silver grip and sheath have dark patina with numerous small nicks, scratches and dents unaffecting aesthetics or engraving.  Blade still exhibits areas of original polish with old sharpening (knife is extremely sharp). Engraving is all fine and easily discerned. The three initials on one side of grip have been "scratched out" such that they are non-discernible. San Antonio in the maker's mark was also scratched, however marking is still quite discernible. Silver has dark patina and could easily be polished to bright such that makers mark would appear quite crisp. Blade and knife could be polished and restored to "like new" condition which is popular with many collectors today, but not some purists but this is the only example like this. 8-76409

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RARE AND UNIQUE MASSIVE EARLY BOWIE KNIFE "GEORGE YOUNG HIS DAGGER 1825".

Lot # 1381 (Sale Order: 379 of 563)      

George Young must have been a man of huge stature and personage to carry such a knife. The razor sharp double-edged blade is acid etched on both sides with floral design, large thistle and a 6" cornucopia. The blade is 18-1/2" long, with a 3-1/2" median line toward the tip of the blade. Overall the dagger measures 27-1/2", and sports a beautiful massive crown stag handle 8-1/2" long, and 5-1/2" in circumference. The unique style and shaped guard is iron and is in the form of a large Maltese cross to protect the hand in combat. This incredible old knife comes with its orig fitted leather sheath with pinned brass mounts. Scabbard mounts and structure are reminiscent of early American made Bowie knives. Four distinctive designs are also embossed into the leather sheath making the overall effect quite beautiful. Perhaps the most interesting feature of this hefty dagger is the acid etching in the 5-1/2" riband on the blade: "George Young His Dagger 1825" in flowing wave. Below that are the initials "S.E." which possibly denote artist who etched blade. It's interesting to note that the owner personalized his knife and Americanized it too, with the words "His Dagger". Words that are also found on early and rare American powder horns, such as "(name) His Horn". This knife is published in the 2001 Journal of the Antique Bowie Knife Association where this description was taken. It would be interesting to know who George Young was as this knife is dated just prior to Bowie's Sandbar Fight. Regardless, this is a wonderful, impressive weapon that would grace the finest collection or museum. PROVENANCE: Robert Abels Collection, Rick Mack Collection, Bryan Bossier Collection, Greg Martin Auctions, Lot 923, June 26, 2007. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall. Blade retains much of its orig finish with several small nicks in cutting surface, old sharpening, staining and pitting. Tang of blade is peened with good patina, about 1/4" of a pewter cap seal is missing. Scabbard is sound and solid with scuffing and loss of some of its dyed surface as can be seen in photos. There is longitudinal crack in crown stag grip, grip is still sound and solid. Brass mounts are very good with mustard colored patina and staining. 4-54466

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RARE CIVIL WAR CHEVALIER "DEATH TO TRAITORS" UNION BOWIE KNIFE AND ORIGINAL SHEATH.

Lot # 1382 (Sale Order: 380 of 563)      

The motto says it all "DEATH TO TRAITORS" emblazoned in large letters on right side. John D. Chevalier was a well known New York City cutler famous for surgical instruments. Few of his Bowie knives, however, are known of this unique pattern with brass and checkered ebony grip. This well made clip point knife measures 13-1/4" overall with 9" clip-point blade. Norm Flayderman in his text The Bowie Knife Unsheathing an American Legend shows two examples with variant "brass spurs" that fit special scabbard throats. Our example here was made without these brass projections and this is clearly seen in that the orig protective leather washer is still present with no provision for these projections. Flayderman states "the application of slogans such as Death to Traitors is an unusual feature on American-made Bowies. Chevalier was one of the very few to occasionally employ the method". The accompanying scabbard is unquestionably original to this knife and has a distinctive scalloped brass tip. A known sixth plate tintype of Union soldier with this knife clearly shows the distinctive brass tip identical to the one on this knife. Sheath is missing the throat. CONDITION: Very good overall. Markings are excellent as can be seen in photos with only minor losses. Blade is bright/grey with staining and pinprick pitting, old sharpening with several large chips in cutting edge. Blade is still extremely sharp. Ebony grip slabs are very good and well fit. Brass handle and scabbard drag have brass mustard colored patina. Orig serrated leather protective washer still present. Accompanying scabbard is sound and solid still retaining wood liners. though missing throat. 4-54472

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RARE 1836 NEW ORLEANS LETTER CONCERNING "BOWIE KNIFE FIGHT".

Lot # 1383 (Sale Order: 381 of 563)      

This one of the earliest letters noted describing a "Bowie knife". Letter was written January 31, 1836, approximately one month before the battle of the Alamo and the writer also states "I have had numerous applications to join the Texians but have universally refused. It is a good field for adventure and many young men of great respectability have joined them". A portion of the letter reads "You will, as probably all my friends will, be somewhat surprised to hear that I am still in New Orleans - but still I am here - and detained too by the state of Louisiana - as a witness in a case of most aggravated murder as it would be termed in New England - but what is here a daily occurrence. The other young men from New York are also detained with me - I will briefly give you the particulars of it. On the evening on the 7th of January (only two days before I intended to leave the city) I was returning from the theatre in company with my friends Park & Lockwood of New York, we stopped in a moment at the Planter's Hotel. There we saw some eight or ten gentlemen, planters up the river, and one of them a member of the Legislature, pretty merry - one of them by name Washington Whittaker asked the barkeeper for a glass of wine which he refused him at which he (Whittaker) caught up tumblers & decanters standing on the bar and thew them at the barkeeper. They were at the time three men in the bar - they immediately retreated out - Whittaker caught them coming out of the bar & drew a Bowie Knife as it is called here and which is carried by most persons in this part of the country.it is a knife about fifteen inches in length, four inches broad, double edged, each edge ground down as sharp as a razor and weighs usually about two pounds. it is carried in a leather case down the back attached by a loop to the coat collar. A single blow with this knife will easily cut of(f) a man's arm - but to go on with my story - two of the barkeepers escaped one of them received a blow in the forehead - the last one Whittaker caught and stabbed him fifteen or twenty times thro the head-breast-neck and back the last blow went thro his right shoulder blade on the back and came out thro the heart. the man fell down dead and never said a word from the commencement of the fight. We were immediately "subpeonad" under bonds of $5000 for our appearance at court.the trial has twice come up and each time postponed.it is now set down for the 8th of Feby and I hope to God it will then come on. The attorney general assures us that it will. In case it does I shall leave for Connt as soon as it is closed. Altho the evidence in this case will be most positive still I very much doubt whether he is punished at all. Why? because he is wealthy and in fact they never hang any body here - there has hardly a day passed since I have been here and I have not heard of some murders or duels-today is Sunday and is the day that duels are usually fought". CONDITION: Three pages plus address leaf, quarto very good overall, though cracked at several folds. Ink is dark and easily discerned. Soiled on address leaf. About 1/2" hole where letter seal removed. 4-55302

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REGULATION CIVIL WAR CAVALRY GUIDON.

Lot # 1384 (Sale Order: 382 of 563)      

This scarce regulation guidon is conserved and framed and presents beautifully. This pattern saw use from 1863 through the end of the Civil War often used by troops other than Cavalry as markers. This flag is consistent with other regulation guidons measuring about 27" on hoist and 41" on fly. The canton measures about 14" x 16" and has 35 hand painted gold stars on either side measuring about 1-1/4" each. Construction is entirely silk with both hand and machine stitch. This flag did see use unlike many surplus flags offered as is noted by contemporary repair of hand embroidered stitches at crotch of the V. Conservation report accompanies this flag. CONDITION: Flag is very good as conserved being about 98% intact. Conservation report available to interested parties. 4-48076

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RARE & UNUSUAL CIVIL WAR 11 STRIPE AND 33 STAR FLAG.

Lot # 1386 (Sale Order: 383 of 563)      

33 star flag was official at the outbreak of the Civil War representing the State of Oregon which became a state July 4, 1859. Kansas was brought in as a state officially July 4, 1861, so 33 stars adorned the flag at Ft. Sumter when fired upon. This particular flag is well made of light weight blended bunting with cotton stars and hoist. Flag utilizes a sewn-in rope hoist, possibly for ships use. Flag measures 74" on hoist and 104" on fly and was probably longer when orig made. Fly end has numerous contemporary repairs and additions, keeping it in use. This is an unusual Civil War flag that appears to have seen a fair amount of use. CONDITION: Flag is good to very good overall with good colors, areas of soiling, insect damage, fraying and repairs at fly end. Flag has several contemporary repairs and a couple more recent as noted by different thread types. Flag is constructed with a mix of hand stitching and a chain stitch not typical of Civil War flags, though we believe it is of Civil War era origin made with a machine that was quite rare (we have examined at least one documented Civil War Confederate National flag made in Bermuda with the same style of stitch utilizing similar two-ply "S-twist" machine thread). The lack of additional two stripes could potentially represent the 11 seceding states and that could explain the unusual construction as we know of no Civil War flags manufactured in the continental United States utilizing the sewing machine noted. 4-55343

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ABRAHAM LINCOLN MEMORIAL GROUPING.

Lot # 1387 (Sale Order: 384 of 563)      

This grouping contains cabinet card of a bearded Lincoln, a rare 1865 66-page pamphlet "In Memoriam Abraham Lincoln, Buffalo, NY". This volume was printed by Matthews & Warren, Office of the Buffalo Commercial Advertiser, bound in blue wraps with black mourning border. Mounted in same frame with Memorial is a mourning ribbon measuring about 8" l x 3" w. Ribbon consists of a black rosette with central bullion star held by a pinned black ribbon with sewn brass medallion and pasted albumen image of Old Abe which terminates with silver bullion border with fringe. CONDITION: Lincoln cabinet card has chipped upper right corner of mounting board, not unframed to look for imprints but image appears very good with minor staining & soiling. "In Memoriam" pamphlet complete as collated with penciled notes, contents very good to fine with light foxing. Frontice has chip in upper right hand of page. Front wrap missing upper corners with other chips & reductions as can be seen in photos. Rear wrap has about 3" x 2" corner missing. Mourning ribbon appears very good to fine overall. Some fraying & oxidation to bullion tassels at bottom. Image of Lincoln has slightly irregular cut but appears original to device. 4-48092-1

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RARE INSCRIBED CIVIL WAR GROSS ARMS POCKET CARTRIDGE REVOLVER "LT. COL. BENJAMIN PORTER 49TH OHIO".

Lot # 1389 (Sale Order: 385 of 563)      

SN 740. Cal. .25. This rare brass-framed .25 cal. pistol was made in the small town of Tiffin, OH and are rarely offered especially presented to a soldier with good wartime fighting history. Benjamin S. Porter enlisted in August 1861 as a Captain in the 49th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The 49th regiment was organized in the town of Tiffin and undoubtedly soldier Porter knew his fellow townsman, gunmaker Gross. The unit was prominent in the Western theater of War through Tennessee and Georgia campaigns. Captain Porter was wounded at the Battle of Stones River December 31, 1862, while a Major. Major Porter was promoted to Lt. Col. the day after his wounding. This scarce gun conforms to other examples with a 4" rnd bbl, German silver blade front sight, burled varnished grips, spur trigger and 7-shot cyl. Left side of bbl housing marked "GROSS PATENT / 1861" and right side "TIFFIN OHIO". Accompanying this firearm is a German-silver 49th Ohio Infantry ladder badge. CONDITION: Very good overall, complete & matching. Markings discernible as seen in photos including inscription. Bbl & cyl are grey overall with scattered staining & pitting. Brass frame has mustard-colored patina with staining. Stocks are sound, well-fit and retain Mechanically gun functions, though sluggish. Bore retains crisp, discernible rifling. Grips retain most of their orig varnish with small dents, dings & edge wear and are sound & well-fit. Ladder badge missing top bar with attachment, otherwise very good with patina. 4-54467

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CIVIL WAR INSCRIBED COLT M-1860 PERCUSSION ARMY REVOLVER TO GEORGE F. SEAVER, 3RD RI ARTILLERY.

Lot # 1390 (Sale Order: 386 of 563)      

SN 41361. This is a nice example of an all orig and matching rare Civil War produced civilian Colt Army Revolver. Inscription on inside of backstrap reads "LIEUT. G. F. SEAVER RHODE ISLAND ARTILLERY". Seaver enlisted February of 1862 and was stationed on the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina where he saw duty during the bombardment of Ft. Pulaski and its capture. At Buford, South Carolina on February 12, 1863, he was attacked by a Private of his company, Michael Duffy, who inflicted a "dangerous wound" with a knife to his neck. Private Duffy was court-martialed, found guilty and sentenced to death by firing squad. Lt. Seaver was discharged October 28, 1863. His side arm shows honest use with crisp, fine markings, all matching and complete. CONDITION: Gun is very good overall. All SNs match, traces of finish are found in protected areas, though gun is mostly grey/brown with scattered areas of staining and pitting. Safety pins are mostly intact and cyl scene is about half discernible. Stocks are sound, solid, well fit and retain over 90% of their original varnish with edge wear and chipping at left inside toe. Mechanically, gun is sound with crisp, well defined bore. 4-54458

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MASSACHUSETTS ARMS CO. MAYNARD PRIMED PERCUSSION BELT REVOLVER.

Lot # 1391 (Sale Order: 387 of 563)      

SN 205. .31 cal. 6" rnd bbl. Marked "MASS.ARMS CO. / CHICOPEE FALLS" on the top strap. "MAYNARD'S PATENT / SEP 22.1845." is in a circle around an eagle on the primer cover. The number 205 is on the face of the breech and backstrap. The bbl catch is marked "NOV.26.1850". This is an interesting antebellum gun with a hand turned cylinder with release button forward of trigger inside trigger guard. Mass Arms originally using Colt's patent lost a patent infringement case and to continue in business utilized the unusual hand-revolved cylinder as to not to further infringe on Colt. It is known that 200 of this model was sold to abolitionist John Brown for his use in 1857. CONDITION: Gun overall is very good to fine, retaining strong traces of bright blue on bbl with balance grey/plum. Strong traces of case color are found on frame with balance smooth and silver/grey with small areas of pitting. Cylinder has a matching silver/brown color with numerous small dings and scattered pitting. Backstrap and trigger guard retain most of their orig silver with front strap retaining about 25% silver. Maynard door cover retains much of its fire blue with good markings, scratches and areas of pitting. Stocks retain much of their varnished finish. 4-54486

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RARE FREEMAN ARMY MODEL PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

Lot # 1392 (Sale Order: 388 of 563)      

SN 613. Cal. 44. Blue finish with 7-1/2" rnd bbl, small pinched blade front sight with rear sight a groove in the top strap. Top strap is marked with the Freeman patent date and "HOARD'S ARMORY, WATERTOWN, N.Y.". It has a 2-pc hinged rammer with Colt style bayonet latch. It also has the unusual Freeman removable cyl by means of a latch in the right front of the frame. Cyl is unfluted with six chambers. Mounted with 2-pc smooth walnut grips, pencil numbered to this revolver on the inside. SN was observed on right side of butt strap, under the grip, bottom front of frame, cyl, rammer handle & bottom of bbl. Also on the cyl spindle. No further disassembly was effected to check for additional matching numbers. According to Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms there were about 2,000 of these revolvers produced 1863-1864 and although there are no known military contracts they are considered secondary martial arms, likely to have been private purchased for use in the war. These revolvers are rarely ever encountered and when one is discovered they frequently have little orig finish remaining. There are several known variations in the cyl spindle latching system. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching as noted. Bbl retains about 95% orig blue turning a little plum and may have some touched up spots; front sight has been re-attached; frame retains 88-90% glossy orig blue with the loss areas flaked to a medium patina; hammer retains strong, bright case colors; front & back straps are a blue/gray patina. Grips have a couple of minor nicks & scratches and retain most of their orig oil finish. Cyl retains about 85% glossy orig blue with the loss areas flaked to a medium patina. Mechanics are fine, brilliant shiny bore. 4-55321 JR301

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STARR SINGLE ACTION ARMY PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

Lot # 1393 (Sale Order: 389 of 563)      

SN 39503. Cal. 44. Blue finish with 8" rnd bbl, dovetail half moon front sight with rear sight a groove in the hammer nose. Sides of frame have usual Starr address & patent markings. Cylinder is unfluted with six chambers and twelve stop notches. Mounted with uncheckered 1-pc walnut grip with military inspector cartouches on each side. Various parts have small inspector initials, including bbl, frame, top strap & cylinder. There were about 32,000 of these revolvers produced 1863-1865 of which the government purchased about 25,000. According to Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms this was the third highest number of revolvers purchased by the government during the Civil War. Their unusual tip down bbl system made for quick cyl changes or simply removing the cyl for cleaning & maintenance. These revolvers were quite accurate and popular with the troops to whom they were issued. The majority of this model was issued to active Army troops during the Civil War and later were used on the American Frontier. They are rarely found with high orig finish or in good mechanical order. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains 95-96% glossy orig blue with very light muzzle edge wear and some light flaking; rammer handle & pivot retain about all of their orig, bright case colors; frame retains about 80% strong orig blue with the loss areas flaked, not worn, to a medium patina; cyl retains 95-97% glossy orig blue with sharp edge wear at front & rear edges. Does not appear to have ever been fired. Grip has a couple of nicks & dings on bottom and shows light wear and retains a hand worn patina; front & back straps are mostly a gray patina. Mechanics are fine, brilliant shiny bore. 4-55322 JR300

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SCARCE MARTIALLY MARKED ROGERS & SPENCER PERCUSSION ARMY REVOLVER.

Lot # 1394 (Sale Order: 390 of 563)      

SN 4895. Cal. 44. Blue finish with 7-1/2" oct bbl, nickel silver cone front sight with rear sight a groove in the top strap. Top strap has usual "ROGERS & SPENCER / UTICA N.Y" address. Cyl is unfluted with six chambers and revolver is mounted with flared-butt, 2-pc smooth walnut grips that have a crisp "RPB" (Capt. Robert P. Barry) cartouche on left side. There are small inspector initials over various parts including bbl, frame, trigger guard, cyl & bottom of grip. Rammer is hinged 3-pcs with a spring latch at the tip. There were 5,800 of these revolvers produced in 1865 with 5,000 delivered to the Government in April & September 1865. There is no record of them ever having been issued and in 1901 they were sold as surplus to the Bannerman Company who resold them on the open market. By that late date percussion revolvers were out of favor and therefore very few of them saw any hard use. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Overall retains about 98% glossy orig blue with some light muzzle edge wear, a few scratches and a spot or two of flaking; rammer pivot & handle retain strong but faded case colors; cyl retains about 75% glossy orig blue with flaking around the rear edge nipple recesses; hammer retains about all of its dark orig case colors. Grips show light to moderate edge wear with a few light nicks & scratches and retain most of their orig oil finish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore; has been fired but very little. 4-55320 JR299

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EXCEPTIONAL CIVIL WAR SMITH CARBINE.

Lot # 1395 (Sale Order: 391 of 563)      

SN 1296. Cal 50. 21-5/8" bbl. About 30,000 of these well made carbines were made for the Civil War, this is a very fine example retaining most of its orig finish that conforms to the standard configuration of this arm with part oct bbl. This gun is properly iron mounted, case colored & blued. On the left side of breech is marked "ADDRESS/POULTNEY&TRIMBLE/BALTIMORE, U.S.A." and "SMITH'S PATENT/JUNE 23 1857", and also the 3-line markings on the contractor, "MANUFACTURED BY/AM'N M'CH'N WKS/SPRINGFIELD MASS". Among the Union regiments issued this gun were the 7th & 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry, the 3rd West Virginia Cavalry, the 1st Connecticut Cavalry and the 1st Massachusetts Cavalry. These were all good fighting units of the Civil War. CONDITION: Overall very fine to excellent condition, retaining 98% orig blue on bbl with fine bore and crisp rifling, scratching and slight reductions near muzzle. Case colored frame & hammer exhibit over 90% bright case colors with remainder silver/brown. Trigger guard, breech band & buttstock ferrule retain over 90% orig blue. Stocks are fine overall, with some raised grain, no inspector cartouche though sub-inspectors initials "HJ" on stock. A large letter "B" is found externally stamped on bbl& buttstock. Mechanically gun functions well with crisp shiny bore which appears unfired. 4-55390

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EXCEPTIONAL REMINGTON MODEL 1863 ZOUAVE PERCUSSION RIFLE.

Lot # 1396 (Sale Order: 392 of 563)      

Cal 58. 33" bbl. This is beautiful example of the popular Remington Civil War rifle in extremely fine condition. This gun conforms to standard configuration with blued rnd bbl with "VP"/eaglehead proofs and "1863" date on bbl tang. Left side of bbl stamped "STEEL" followed by "RKA" inspector mark, 2-leaf rear sight and distinctive Remington part cylindrical front sight and bayonet lug. This gun is brass mounted with two spring retained bbl bands, nose cap, trigger guard, buttplate & patchbox. These brass components each have small brass inspector's initials being "L", "S", "C", "A" or "B". Stock has two crisp inspector cartouches which appear to read "HDJ" and "BH". This is a fine, complete and original example of the popular brass mounted Remington rifle with beautiful stock and metal retaining much of its original finish with a like-new shiny bore. CONDITION: Very fine overall. Bbl retains 95%+ orig blue finish with areas fading and turning plum. Bore is excellent with crisp, shiny rifling. Lock & hammer retain about 90% of their muted case colors with balance silver/grey. Brass is very good overall with mustard colored patina. Stock is sound and solid with small storage scratches, dings & dents. Inspector's cartouches are crisp as can be seen in photographs. Mechanically gun functions well. This is a fine, complete & original example of the popular brass mounted Remington rifle with beautiful stock and metal retaining much of its original finish with a like-new bore. 4-55391

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IDENTIFIED 14TH KANSAS CAVALRY CIVIL WAR SPENCER CARBINE.

Lot # 1397 (Sale Order: 393 of 563)      

SN 54127. This honest survivor of the Civil War saw use in the Western theater of the war, the 14th saw mostly service against guerrillas and sometimes Indians being stationed in the West. This particular gun SN 51427 was issued to Emmitt C. Gilreath at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, March 25, 1865. Sgt Gilreath was mustered out of service as a Sgt. June 25, 1865 just after wars end and was charged $10 "for arms retained". Ten dollars was not a bad price for a sophisticated repeater like this Spencer; when new it cost the Army almost $20. This is a rare example of a Civil War Spencer with known Civil War usage, war time and after to one man. Accompanying this carbine is a file of Provenance showing solider's record, including issuance of gun. A brief history of the 14th in 1865 reads as follow "On Jan. 1, 1865 the 14th was ordered to Clarksville, Ark., where, with the rest of the 3rd brigade, it guarded the navigation of the Arkansas River and was almost daily engaged with some of the irregular forces of the enemy with which the region swarmed. One of the important services rendered was to succor the wounded soldiers, passengers and crew of the steamer "Annie Jacobs", which had been attacked and disabled by a force under Col. Brooks 15 miles above Clarksville. On another occasion a battalion of the 14th led by Maj. Willetts made a scout 125 miles northeast of Clarksville into the Bear Creek country. In the latter part of Feb., 1865, the regiment was ordered to Pine Bluff, having been assigned to the 2nd brigade, 2nd division 7th corps. While there it was armed with the Spencer carbine, and served dismounted as infantry. Early in May it was ordered to Fort Gibson, Ind. Ter., where it was mustered out June 25, 1865. It will be observed that most of its two years' term of service was spent in the Department of Arkansas and in defending the line of the Arkansas River. Its loss by death during service was 1 officer and 50 enlisted men killed and died of wounds, 2 officers and 106 enlisted men died from disease, accident and other causes. CONDITION: Overall good to very good. Markings are all very good and discernible. There are traces of finish in protected areas, mechanically gun functions, hammer screw is old replacement and front blade sight has been modified with larger brass blade. Stocks are sound and solid with numerous dings, dents, scratches, cracks and areas of erosion, otherwise sound and solid. 4-54460

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EXCEPTIONAL NEW MODEL 1863 CARTRIDGE CONVERSION SHARPS CARBINE.

Lot # 1398 (Sale Order: 394 of 563)      

SN 45032. Cal. 50-70. This Indian War era carbine is in excellent, near new condition and is one of the Civil War model percussion carbines converted starting in 1867. Approx 30,000 Sharps carbines of all configurations were converted after the Civil War with 22_ round bbl, with 3-groove rifled liner, and breechblock converted with cam type firing pin. Guns were restocked and refinished as necessary at the armory, as this gun appears retaining original Civil War markings and patented Lawrence rear sight. Various inspector marks are found on this gun in addition to original Civil War sub-inspector marks, "DFC" in ribbon cartouche is found on reverse side of buttstock. This is as fine an Indian War era cartridge conversion of a Civil War Sharps carbine as you will find retaining most of its orig arsenal finish. CONDITION: Excellent overall. Bbl retains over 95% of its original arsenal bright blue with discernible "New Model 1863_ behind rear sight and inspectors initial "F" on breech. Lock, frame, hammer, loading arm & base plate retains 95%+ of their bright case colors with remainder being muted and silver/gray. Screws also retain most of their orig bright blue. Buttplate is smooth silver/gray with large area of bright case color on top, there is about a 1-1/2" x 1/2" area of rust on back rear right. Carbine ring & base are bright. Buttstock is sound & solid with bright cartouche retaining most of its oiled finish and raised grain. Forestock is sound and solid with excellent oiled finish and areas of raised grain. Mechanics are excellent and crisp. Bore is bright & shiny with crisp rifling. 4-55392

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EXCEPTIONAL CIVIL WAR BURNSIDE CARBINE.

Lot # 1399 (Sale Order: 395 of 563)      

SN 16423. Cal. 52. This is a very fine example of the popular 5th model Burnside carbine. This gun exhibits bright blue finish, bright case colors and crisp cartouches on a raised grain stock. This gun conforms to other guns of this pattern with 21" bbl and about 39" overall. Markings are crisp and as typically found on breech, bbl & lock, as can be seen in photos. This gun was designed by the Civil War general Ambrose Burnside. The cartridge this carbine used was one of the most unique of the Civil War being a "ice cream cone" shaped brass casing though this was still a percussion arm. CONDITION: Very fine and all matching. Bbl retains about 90% of its blue finish though most has turned plum with scattered areas of rust and pitting. The frame, lock and hammer exhibit bright case colors though muted in areas with scattered areas of pitting. The breech lever & backstrap exhibit 95%+ bright brilliant blue. Buttstock is sound and solid with crisp cartouches and some raised grain with scattered tiny scrapes, scratches, dings & dents. Forestock is fine overall with similar cosmetic defects as buttstock. Mechanically sound and bore is bright & crisp. 4-55389

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VERY FINE CIVIL WAR ERA MODEL 1865 SPENCER CARBINE.

Lot # 1400 (Sale Order: 396 of 563)      

SN 3491. Cal. 56-50. Standard Spencer carbine marked "SPENCER REPEATING RIFLE CO. BOSTON. MASS. PAT'D MARCH 6, 1860". Made without Stabler cutoff. It has 20" rnd bbl, 6 lands & grooves, square base front sight with Spencer ladder rear sight with tension spring. Mounted with nicely figured, uncheckered American walnut with standard 2-pc stock with regular Spencer buttplate with trap for cartridge tube. It has a sling bar & ring on left side of wrist and there are two crisp well discerned cartouches also on left side of stock. There is an additional set of inspectors letters "E.A.W." stamped on top of comb. This gun retains bright orig finish and fine stock. This is a fine example of a late Civil War and early Indian War military carbine that generally saw hard use and finding examples in high condition such as this are difficult today. CONDITION: Very fine overall. Bbl retains 95% finish though much is thinning and turning plum, small area of pin prick pitting around muzzle. bbl band exhibits old tool marks, has been painted black with areas of pitting. Lock, frame & hammer retain about 20-30% muted case colors with balance silver/grey with staining and pin prick pitting. Loading arm & breech retain most of their bright case colors in protected areas, the lever overall is cleaned and grey/white. Stocks are sound and well fit, buttstock has several storage dings & dents but cartouches are fairly crisp and well discerned as seen in photos. Mechanically gun functions well with dark crisp bore. 4-55388

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EXCEPTIONAL CIVIL WAR ERA MODEL 1865 SPENCER CARBINE.

Lot # 1401 (Sale Order: 397 of 563)      

SN 6549. Cal. 56-50. Standard Spencer carbine marked "SPENCER REPEATING RIFLE CO. BOSTON. MASS. PAT'D MARCH 6, 1860". Made without Stabler cutoff. It has 20" rnd bbl, 3 lands & grooves, square base front sight with Spencer ladder rear sight with tension spring. Mounted with nicely figured, uncheckered American walnut with standard 2-pc stock, Spencer buttplate with trap for cartridge tube. It has a sling bar & ring on left side of wrist and there are two crisp well discerned cartouches also on left side of stock. This gun retains bright orig finish and fine stock which would be difficult to upgrade. CONDITION: Very fine overall. Bbl retains 80%+ finish though much is thinning and turning plum, scattered areas of staining & pitting. Lock, frame & hammer retain 80% muted case colors with balance silver/grey with staining and pin prick pitting. Loading arm & breech retain most of their bright case colors in protected areas, the lever overall is grey/brown. Stocks are sound and well fit, buttstock has several storage dings & dents but cartouches are fairly crisp and well discerned as seen in photos. Buttplate & magazine retain about half their muted case colors with balance dark grey/brown. Mechanically gun functions well with bright crisp shiny bore. 4-55387

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REGULATION CONFEDERATE MAJOR'S FROCK COAT OF JAMES RATCHFORD, ADJUTANT TO GENERAL JOHN BELL HOOD.

Lot # 1402 (Sale Order: 398 of 563)      

This is no doubt the most historic Confederate uniform we have had the pleasure to auction. This coat comes from direct descent of the Ratchford family. Major Ratchford had a wonderful history orig entering the war as a Lieutenant, being on the staffs of General D.H. Hill and General S.D. Lee until his final assignment in the Atlanta campaign with General John Bell Hood when this coat was worn. There is a published 1998 biography by a Ratchford descendant Memoirs of a Confederate Staff Officer - From Bethel to Bentonville by Evelyn Sieburg and James E. Hansen II. Book was based on Ratchford's diaries and letters. Ratchford, born in South Carolina attended Davidson College where he met Daniel Harvey Hill, a man that would profoundly change his life. When Hill left his position as Mathematics professor at Davidson to become the head of the new North Carolina Military Institute nearby, Ratchford followed. War was declared one year later. The newly appointed Confederate General D.H. Hill appointed Ratchford at age 21 a Lieutenant and Hill's aide. "On June 10, 1861, Ratchford participated in one of the first official battles of the war (Big Bethel), when Confederate troops moving south from Yorktown clashed with advancing Union forces. In this engagement Ratchford received a slight head wound. Following the Battle of Big Bethel, Daniel Harvey Hill was promoted to the rank of brigadier general and Ratchford, at age twenty-one, became a first lieutenant and hill's aide. They remained in Yorktown until late September 1861, moved briefly to New Berne, North Carolina, then returned to Virginia, where the general assumed command of troops wintering at Leesburg. Here Ratchford's duties included carrying flags of truce across the Potomac while opposing generals, sometimes former classmates and friends, met in military parley, and on occasion for breakfast. The spring of 1862 began a period of almost continuous combat for Ratchford. For the next three years he participated in an extraordinary number of military engagements - no less than thirty-five major battles, and a host of smaller skirmishes. He fought with Hill during the 1862 Peninsular Campaign, including the Siege of Yorktown (April-May), the Battle of Seven Pines (May 31-June 1) and the Seven Days' Battles around Richmond (June 25-July 1). Hill's troops accompanied Robert E. Lee's invasion of the North, the Antietam Campaign (September 14-19) and later helped to thwart another Federal move against Richmond, the Battle of Fredericksburg (December 13). the year 1863 began with Ratchford serving as Hill's adjutant in North Carolina, where the general directed regional coastal defensive operations that included the Battle of New Berne (March 13-15) and the Siege of Washington, North Carolina (March 30-April 15). Then, when Lee's second invasion of the North (the Gettysburg Campaign) left Richmond vulnerable to attack, Hill's troops moved to provide necessary protection in skirmishes near Bottom's Bridge (July 1). Service in the West ensued that featured campaigning around Chattanooga, Tennessee, and the Battle of Chickamauga (September). The latter engagement found General Hill wrongfully accused of incompetence by his superior, General Braxton Bragg - an accusation angrily refuted by Ratchford. This incident did, however, result in Ratchford's separation from Hill and assignment to staff duties with other generals. In February 1864, he became adjutant to John Bell Hood and participated in the retreat from Dalton, Georgia to Atlanta (May-July) and the Siege of Atlanta (August-September 1). He also served under General Stephen D. Lee and accompanied him in the desperate Franklin and Nashville Campaign (November-December), which essentially obliterated the Confederacy's Army of Tennessee. After this disaster, Ratchford, along with other exhausted Confederate survivors, made his way to Tupelo, Mississippi, rested for a few weeks, then moved out again - this time for Augusta, to make a last stand against General William T. Sherman, advancing north from Savannah. Here Ratchford found his old friend and commander D.H.Hill, and again became his adjutant. In the face of overwhelming enemy forces, the Confederates, including Hill and Ratchford, continued to retreat, engaging in a series of holding actions across North Carolina and fighting pitched battles at Averasboro and Bentonville. The end came on April 26, 1865, when General Joseph E. Johnston signed final surrender terms at Durham Station, North Carolina - seventeen days after Robert E. Lee's capitulation at Appomattox." Ratchford moved to Texas after the war & was active in Confederate Veteran's activities through the rest of his life, dying in Paint Rock. His obituary in the Galveston Newspaper in 1895 dedicates most of its text to his exploits during the war. General D.H. Hill is quoted "I was glad to hear from one of the most efficient Staff Officers in the Army and one of the bravest in an Army of braves". This r

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FABULOUS EARLY CONFEDERATE 1ST NATIONAL BATTLE FLAG.

Lot # 1403 (Sale Order: 399 of 563)      

This Confederate 1st National has great aesthetics, wonderful motto and early design. Some of the first Confederate flags made exhibited 13 stars, especially those documented made in April just after the firing on Ft. Sumter. With patriotic fervor throughout the South, all 13 slave states were thought to secede, but of course Union forces occupied the border states and the Confederacy was never able to count Kentucky and Missouri as bona fide states even though both produced large numbers of Confederate troops and both had secession congresses. Confederate National flags generally produced after May of 1861 are 11-star. The use of canton on only top stripe is also a rare feature with only about a dozen known flags of this pattern and all early 1861. This flag is entirely hand sewn utilizing best materials available. The cotton stripes and canton are typical dress material and the silk decorated trim the same. The polished cotton double applique stars have finely sewn edges that are folded under, making some of the most unusual, highly tapered "folksy", sharp pointed stars ever seen on a Civil War flag being reminiscent of certain Revolutionary War American flags. The accompanying report lists all other known examples and this particular flag is no doubt the most elaborate and visually appealing of them all. PROVENANCE: Donald Tharpe Collection, Joseph Murphy Collection. CONDITION: Flag measures 34-1/2" on hoist and 53" on fly. Frame measures 63" x 42-1/2". Flag is very good overall with minor staining and tears in two of the four hand-whipped eyelets on hoist. Silk fringe trim is missing on top edge that is found on fly and bottom edge, otherwise complete. Colors are mostly quite vivid and the sky blue color in canton is typical blue found in polished cotton dress lining material of the era. Flag has large file of documents concerning authentication and construction, along with records of a Michigan soldier who was thought to have captured this but we can find no direct connection in our research and the other effects once with this wonderful flag are not here now. 8-76404

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RARE AND HISTORIC CONFEDERATE BOAT FLAG OF THE "CSS TEASER".

Lot # 1404 (Sale Order: 400 of 563)      

The "CSS Teaser" was present alongside the "CSS Virginia" at the famous "BATTLE OF THE IRONCLADS" at Hampton Roads, VA in March of 1862. This is a regulation Confederate boat flag which measures 34" on hoist and 53" on fly. This was most likely the flag flown at this historic naval battle as the flag was captured just a few months later, on July 4, 1862 near Harrison's Landing on the James River. . The crew abandoned the ship, struck the colors and met up with elements of Cobb's Legion, an elite Confederate mounted unit. Company A of Cobb's Legion, the "Richmond Hussars", retained the flag and Captain J. W. Clark of the Hussar's loaned the flag along with four other flags of Cobb's Legion to the Maryland Line Confederate Soldiers Home in Pikesville, MD. The Teaser's flag remained there until the death of the last two residents in the 1920's. Mathias Tunis was the last caretaker at the veteran's home and he gave the flag to his daughter who gave the flag to Margaret J. Manke who donated the flag to the Fall River Historical Society in 1975 where it remained until deaccessed in 1998. A brief history of the Teaser as edited from on-line sources: "Teaser, an 80' boat armed with two cannon was orig purchased by the State of Virginia in 1861, she was assigned to the naval forces in the James River with Lieutenant James Henry Rochelle, Virginia State Navy, in command. Upon the secession of Virginia, Teaser became a part of the Confederate States Navy and continued to operate in Virginia waters. With Lieutenant William A. Webb, CSN, in command, she took an active part in the Battle of Hampton Roads on March 8–March 9, 1862, acting as tender to CSS Virginia. She received the thanks of the Congress of the Confederate States for this action. Teaser was a pioneer "aircraft carrier", serving as a base for an observation hot air balloon; she also became a pioneer minelayer when ordered on June 17, 1862, to assist General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. Under Lieutenant Hunter Davidson, CSN, she was used by the Confederate Naval Submarine Battery Service to plant and service "torpedoes" (mines) in the James River. While engaging USS Maratanza at Haxall's on the James on July 4, 1862, a Union shell blew up Teaser's boiler and forced her crew to abandon ship. When seized by Maratanza, Teaser was carrying on board a balloon for aerial reconnaissance of Union positions at City Point and Harrison's Landing. Ship was repaired and became USS Teaser for remainder of war" and was reconverted to commercial use until 1878. PROVENANCE: CSS Teaser, Captain J. W. Clark, 1900, Mathias Tunis 1920, Elizabeth Tunis Colwill, Margaret J. Manke 1953, Fall River Historical Society, Hot Springs, SD 1975, Sarah Anderson 1998. CONDITION: Flag is very good to fine as conserved. Accompanying conservation report states that insect damage accounted for reductions in the wool bunting of 15-20%. Insect damage occurred when stored at the Fall River County (Pioneer) Museum after its donation in 1975. Apart from the moth damage, fibers are still strong, supple with bright colors as can be seen in photos. Ink markings on hoist are all discernible (CSS Teaser....5 Ft). Custom aluminum, archival museum-style frame with pressure mounted, UV protective plexiglass is excellent. Frame is 63" x 42-1/2" and 3" deep. Interested parties should read the extensive conservation report and the excellent accompanying report by flag historian Greg Biggs. 4-54462

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1.178.0.1875.f3727f4.13.120