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16-05-01
16-05-01 … LOT OF THREE USMC EAGLE HEAD SWORDS … Three examples of one of the most intriguing patterns of US Marine swords. This style of abstract eagle head sword was first imported by American military goods dealers in the Philadelphia area from their German suppliers starting roughly in the 1820s. The initial imports were iron hilted, but the style was popular and the US merchants started copying the hilts in easier-to-work brass. The style was adopted by the US Marine Corps for its musicians in the 1820s and issued in two different lengths. These solid-brass hilted eagle pommel swords were unidentified for many years until Norm Flayderman turned up sketches of swords in the work books of the Widmann Sword Factory in Philadelphia. The books were brought by a workman of Widmann’s to the Horstmann Company after Widmann’s death in 1848 when Horstmann incorporated the Widmann operation into his own. In those sketches are the Marine Corps Sergeant’s sword and the Marine musicians sword made in two lengths: The were titled in the book the “Marine Music” sword and the “Marine Music, Boy” sword. Both show our stylized solid brass eagle heads, and blade configurations. Here is a nice group of three such swords showing some variations and the overall common elements of the USMC swords. The blades are all single edged, slightly curved, and have a central fuller. The left sword has a relatively flat knuckle guard, wide ferrule with a rivet, and a simple band on the eagle’s face between beak and eyes. The leather pad is still in place and the ricasso is fairly short. The blade shows some light etching or engraving of military trophies and floral motifs and is 27 inches. The middle sword has a more articulated eagle head with detailed feathers and eyes. The guard is round in profile and the ricasso a bit wider, showing the German maker’s mark of a stamped king’s head, usually associated with Weyersberg. Blade is 26 inches. The underside of the guard has the dealer’s mark: “W.H. Horstmann / & Sons” in two lines. It comes with the remnants of a leather scabbard. The sword on the right has the more abstract eagle head form, a stirrup hilt guard and down-turned langets. It, too, preserves the leather pad, and has a Horstmann stamp on the under side of the guard in two cartouches reading, “W.H. Horstmann / & Sons” and “Maker.” Blade 25 � inches. Some collectors wait decades to find one of these pattern swords. I have obtained three variants from three different sources, and am offering them as a collection for “one money”. All three, a collection ready-to-go, priced less than three common Civil War cavalry sabers … noco … for ALL THREE … $2,650.00
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16-05-02 … ARTILLERY SHELL JACKET … Regulation issue Civil War light artillery shell jacket. Very good condition with just a couple of minor wear spots in the lining. Typical blanket-weave type lining with plain white sleeve linings still showing the three dots of a maker’s size-three stamp and a US Sub-Inpector’s stamp indicating it was received and inspected by the government for issue. (Size 3 is large … Size 4 is the largest) The other sleeve shows the ink stamp of “Chrisdie,” the legendary costume company that purchased tons of surplus Civil War uniforms for use as rentals to theatrical companies, thus preserving them for future generations. The jacket preserves eight of its original small size eagle buttons on the front and one on each side of the collar. These are still easy to obtain and with a needle and thread you can have this fully fitted out again very quickly. The color of the jacket and trim is still excellent and it shows off extremely well. The previous owner outfitted the jacket with a pair of original Indian War artillery first-sergeant chevrons. I have left them in place since they look so good. A very showy regulation issue jacket. … noco … $1,975.00 SOLD
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16-05-03 … BULLET MOLD FOR A MERRILL RIFLE OR CARBINE … One of the scarcest military bullet molds of the Civil War is this one for the Merrill. It shows some age spotting to the brass, and use … but is still operable and still has the sprue-cutter in place. In 45 years of collecting this is the first I recall owning. The pictures tell the story, all but how long it will take you to find another … bjj … $595.00 SOLD
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16-05-04 … COVERED CANTEEN … Regulation 1858 pattern smooth-sided Yankee canteen. Most of the time when these show up out of an estate they are stripped and rusty. This one preserves its original brown wool cover, has just some minor staining and wear, no holes. Part of the original cork is still in the spout and a piece of the original strap is with it, too. Not bad after 150 years! Friendly priced at … aej … $225.00 SOLD
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16-05-05 … BULLSEYE CANTEEN WITH STRAP AND STOPPER … An even better preserved example. This is the corrugated or “bulls-eye” pattern that was introduced in 1862 for its greater strength. The cover is a ribbed brownish-gray wool, with minor stains along the raised edges under the cover, and a good, full-length strap. Has an original stopper with chain. Very hard to find complete bullseye canteens with cover, strap, and stopper in this 21st century … cge-140329 … $485.00 SOLD
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16-05-06 … PISTOL CARTRIDGE BOX WITH ARTILLERY INSIGNIA … Gaylord marked pistol cartridge box. Good mid-war and mid-sized cartridge box for the .36 and .44 caliber revolvers that were standard issue to mounted troops. This one shows some finish loss from flexing and use, but “E. Gaylord/ Chicopee / Mass.” stamp is crisp and very visible on the reverse. Gaylord was one of the big contractors for leather gear and this would be a nice addition to fill out a Gaylord marked belt rig. Slight repair to the one side of the latch tab. The crossed cannon are nice and showy, but are old reproductions added by an early collector. The internal friction panels to hold the cartridge packs are still in place … noco … $225.00
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16-05-07 … 1822 DATED CONVERTED NORTH 1819 PISTOL … Simeon North made 10,400 of these pistols from about 1819 to 1823. Originally made in flintlock, these .54 cal. pistols featured a sliding safety to the rear of the hammer and swivel rammer assembly that kept the ramrod from being lost, always a consideration for a pistol that might have to be reloaded while dodging enemy fire. Ours is nicely marked “B. North” over and eagle flanked by a “U.S.” and over “Middltn. Conn.” A clear 1822 date is visible under the safety, and the barrel shows deep US inspector proof marks. Even overall brown tone to the metal. Good wood with minor rubs though no visible cartouches. Hammer will cock to one click and fire but has no half cock. The pistol was converted to percussion by the side-lug method and the rammer assembly was removed and the lug reduced so as not to get in the way of the ramrod. These impressive, well-built pistols. The alteration is typical of those done to update the pistol and keep it in service, likely in the hands of a militia group though it is not hard to imagine it being carried west into the early battles on the plains and the Texas war of independence. A bargain at … bjj-01350 … $395.00
SOLD
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16-05-08 …SHARPS CARBINE WITH PATCHBOX … New Model 1859 iron-mounted Sharps. The quintessential Civil War breech loading carbine. Straight breech .52 caliber. The metal is a smooth, silver gray with scattered areas of age browning. Crisp maker and patent marks on frame and barrel. Tight fit of the wood to the metal. Super inspector cartouches in the wood on the offside above and below the sling bar. Both sights in place. Sling ring is missing, but the sling bar is there. Crisp action and good bore. Serial number 71328, toward the end of the New Model 1859 range that Flayderman runs up to around 75,000 and is replaced the by New Model 1863. The name “W. Logan” is neatly carved on one butt flat. There are over 130 Union soldiers with that name so I will let you start the process of narrowing it down. I just don’t have the energy. 100% original, 100% complete and mechanically perfect. Good rifling. A nice solid gun, and cavalry arms don’t get any more classic than a Sharps…. sn71326 … abjj-prs … $2150.00 SOLD
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16-05-09 … AMES DRAGOON SABER DATED 1839 … The US 1833 pattern dragoon sabers were modeled on the British. The blade is single edged, quill-backed, and retained in the hilt by a spanner nut in the pommel. The hilt is brass with three branches, back-strap and quillon, with a ferrule at the bottom. The grip on ours is very good, with just light wear to the original brown leather wrap and the original narrow twisted wire binding in place. Smooth blade, generally bright mixed with silver, and some dark spots, mostly accumulating to a darker gray area on the left at the tip. The blade has a very legible dry-etched “United States Dragoons” motto over leafy branch midway down. At the ricasso is a clear, though slightly lighter, “N.P. Ames / Cutler / Springfield / 1839.” Ordnance and inspector marks on the hilt: “MPL” on the inside of the guard and “WS” on one face of the quillon, with a matching “WS” on the drag of the scabbard. The scabbard has both rings, he throat, and the drag in place. The scabbard is solid, but above the drag on one side is a dent that does not obstruct the tip but did produce a slight opened crack, this probably explains the darker area near the tip of the blade. This is a key regulation U.S. cavalry saber that fits not only an edge weapons collection but one devoted to early western expansion and wars on the plains. Many times rarer than Civil War cavalry sabers but priced only marginally higher … gej … $1,050.00
SOLD
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16-05-10 … COLT NAVY REVOLVER … Perhaps the best looking percussion revolver ever made, the Colt Navy has been a collector’s favorite forever. This one is serial number 174691, matching throughout, giving it a nice mid-war production date of 1863. Excellent wood grips with tight fit to the frame and backstrap, just slight thumb rubbing to the top left. Slightly mottled gray frame, barrel showing a deep pewter tone and silver gray along the edges. Crisp barrel address. Legible Colts Patent stamps, serial numbers and Colt cylinder stamp and number. The cylinder has no scene left and shows numerous small dings from handling and use (the cylinder is the high point in laying a gun down and takes most of the abuse.) Nipples are not battered down and the action is good. A darn good example at a fair price and nicer than most seen at shows these days … ad-veg … $1,650.00
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16-05-11 … COLT POCKET NAVY … Collectors originally termed these .36 caliber pocket revolvers the “Model of 1853,” then later the “Model 1862 Pocket Navy,”. Ongoing research indicates they are likely 1865 models, made up until 1872, and the preferred name is now, the “Colt Pocket Model of Navy Caliber,”. Pocket caliber is .31. Navy caliber is .36. The new name avoids the debated first date of production, and gets the facts in. The production was fairly limited, roughly 19,000 pieces and they have a significant place in Colt history as the last of Colt’s percussion revolvers. Ours has matching serial numbers including the wedge 7398. The loading lever is not numbered which is proper on this gun. Barrel is 4.5 inches and 36 caliber. The grips are very good, just a couple of wear spots to the butt cap, with a tight fit to the metal. The brass has a medium, untouched tone. The gun cocks fine but lacks a hand, hence the cylinder does not index when cocked. I will leave this bit of gunsmithing for you. The frame shows some light traces of case color and the barrel shows some blue mixed with plum brown, showing silver gray on the edges of the barrel. Clear barrel serial number, Colt patent stamp is clear on the frame. Retains faint remnants of the stagecoach holdup cylinder scene. A nice early western gun, designed to give the pocket revolver more of a wallop, and a key part of a Colt collection. The wedge is loose and I’ve tightened it with a scrap of crumpled paper. A very handsome Colt … noco … $750.00
SOLD
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16-05-12 …UNDERHAMMER PISTOL BY CASE, WILLARD & CO. … Eight inches overall length with a four inch barrel. Octagon to round barrel. About .41 caliber. Curly maple stock and grip. Front and rear sights, brass back strap, no trigger guard, as is typical for the type. Marked on the top strap: �CASE WILLARD & CO. / NEW HARTFORD CONN.� in two lines, along with a �CAST STEEL / PATENT� stamp in two lines on the left of the octagonal frame. Mechanically good, nipple not battered, a bit of rust on the cup of the hammer. Small chip of wood out next to the hammer at right. These pistols were simple, rugged, and popular for their streamlined design that made them easy to conceal in a boot top, waistband, or vest. The bottom-mounted hammer also gave them a clearer line of sight in aiming and the front and rear sights on this one shows accuracy was a consideration. A nice early American percussion pistol that would look great with a frontiersman or keel boat display as an example of a serious defense weapon. Very attractive with the brass trim and curly maple grip. Ca 1845. … cbe … $595.00
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16-05-13 … SECONF MODLE MERRILL CARBINE … Cleverly designed breech-loader using a lever and plunger system. Merrill produced some 14,495 of these .54 caliber carbines and, according to Flayderman, Civil War government purchases were �substantial.� Here�s a decent �second type� made without the patchbox and using rounded side-buttons on the latch of the breech lever and a serial number of 14,245. The Merrill 1858 patent date on the lever is sharp, as is the 1863 lock plate date, eagle forward of the hammer, and Merrill maker and patent stamps, just a tad light at the upper left and bottom edge of the lower line. The mechanism is good. The bore is excellent. The brass has a mellow, untouched patina. Both sights, the barrel band, and the sling bar and ring are in place. The barrel is a smooth plum brown mixed with bits of silver gray, and there are faint traces of case color on the lock plate. A set of initials, �CWH� is carved above the side bar. It might be possible to come up with some potential matches with cavalry men by cross referencing these against regiments armed with Merrills, but I leave that to the next fellow. Various other small dings and scratches, along with an �A� carved in the left butt flat. Merrills saw heavy service on both sides. I have personally owned two carried by Virginia Confederates. The 1st and 5th NY Cav., the 11th and 17th PA Cavalry, among Federal units had them, and I even owned one carried by a Virginia Trooper in Ashby’s Cavalry some years ago. One of the classic Civil War cavalry carbines, and a product of Baltimore as well. … afjj … $2150.00
SODL
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16-05-14 … MODEL 1861 SPRINGFIELD PATTERN CONTRACT / 1863 SAVAGE RIFLE MUSKET … The Savage Revolving Firearms Company made some 25,540 Springfield pattern 1861 rifle muskets on contracts with the US government from 1862 to 1864. This is a VERY good example in the bright with clear “1863, US/Eagle, and Savage R.F.A. Co. / Middletown, Ct.” lock plate markings. The barrel bears a matching 1863 date, V/P/eaglehead proofs, and a N.J. state ownership stamp, all as crisp as the lock markings, with just a little lightness at the upper left of the “N.” Sights, bands, springs, swivels and rod all in place. Crisp action, nipple not battered down, no burn out to the wood. Scattered small gray spots overall. VG bore. Still has some color on the rear sight. Wood is very good: scattered dings and dents, but no cracks. No federal cartouche which is proper on a New Jersey owned weapon. Has some gouge lines in the wood which may have obliterated a NJ wood stamp which we usually see on NJ owned muskets. The NJ is vivid on the barrel. A nice looking rifle musket with a good mid-war date. … a-17275 … $1495.00 SOLD
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16-05-15 … VIRGINIA FULL STOCK KENTUCKY LONG RIFLE … Virginia made full-stock Kentucky rifle. 40 inch octagonal barrel, is roughly 44 caliber. Rifle is overall 55 inches long. Barrel is retained by three pins, the upper with triangular escutcheon plates, the lower two with diamond shaped escutcheons. Rear buckhorn sight in place one the way up the barrel. Front sight blade is copper. Percussion conversion lock with a more recent side lug, nipple, cleanout screw and lock screw. Double line border engraving on the lock plate with some light floral engraving at the front and a scene of two ducks in flight at the rear. Floral motifs engraved on the hammer may have been intended to match these designs and indicate the hammer is likely original to the conversion. A very clear �RICHMOND Va.� stamp is visible at the bottom edge of the lock plate. The dealer�s name above it is partially obliterated but seems to read �[�]ES & Co.� with a preceding letter that is a �D�or �P.� The offside shows a crude square brass escutcheon plate for the lock screw and a short crack leading aft from it. The wood is generally very good, with attractive tiger-stripe graining and a full cheek rest. Has brass buttplate and recurved trigger guard with curved handrail. The double set triggers indicate the gun was made for precision shooting. Any southern gun is sought after in the collecting world, a Virginia �Kentucky� is especially tough to find. All original except for the Hickory ramrod. … noco … $1250.00
SOLD
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16-05-16 … TRUMP COOKIE TIN … I have owned this old time cookie tin for years… long before anyone ever thought Donald Trump would run for president. It’s been on a book shelf across from my desk since Hector was a pup. Well with this year’s election, the big name on the tin, the fuss about Trump railing against Oreo cookies for baking outside USA, TV comedians making Jokes, and Hydrox cookies changing their label to tout Made in America… I figured it was time to market this advertising treasure. I don’t know if the old time Trump Cookie people have any connection to Donald, but its a fun play on a name regardless of your politics. About seven inches tall, and a fun antique display item. … noco … $125.00 SOLD
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16-05-17 … PAIR OF INFANTRY FIRST LIEUTENANT SHOULDER STRAPS … Standard size medium blue velvet center straps with gilt bullion borders and classic Civil War open back, or “raw-back” construction. Great color to the velvet and the bullion. The jacqueron twisted edge wire border inside, outside, and bordering the bars is in place (just one tip a bit up on the end of one bar.) Some fraying and loose threads along the outer edges of the straps shows these were sewn on a coat at some point. First lieutenants were the middle rank of an infantry company’s three “line officers”… and all three served on the front lines. These are real combat officer’s insignia and would make a great addition to an officer’s display or collection of insignia. Or if you have a single breasted frock coat that is bare, here are the straps to complete it. (The tintype we show to illustrate their use is not included.) … b-chk-160430 … $465.00 SOLD
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16-05-18 …RIBBED BRASS POWDER FLASK… A beat-up 1860s era brass bag shaped powder flask with a deep bronze patina on the body and ribs and grooves imitating drapery. Brass collar, spout, and thumb piece with spring are in place. There are some dents, the seams have opened slightly and one carrying ring is missing, but it is a good display piece. I don’t have Riling’s flask book at hand for a reference number, but it would go well with period hunting gear or a Johnny Reb shotgun…. noco … $39.00
SOLD
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16-05-19 …UNION OFFICER’S EAGLE BELT PLATE WITH MATCHING KEEPER … Nice officer’s private purchase 1851 pattern sword belt plate. This was the regulation belt plate (buckle) for sword belts, whether worn by officers or mounted troops, or NCOs. Officers purchased their own plates on the commercial market. The commercial die strikes, like this one, were much nicer than the government issued examples. The difference in quality is clear. Ours retains its original keeper (hasp) with its matching bench number, numbered so to keep the two pieces together during final hand fitting and finishing. The tongue is the medium wide variety. Excellent on all fronts. … age-160430 … $295.00
SOLD
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16-05-20 …MATCHED US BOX PLATE AND EAGLE PLATE SET … Original set of plates for the Civil War infantry cartridge box rig. Here we have an oval US cartridge box plate, used to help keep the box flap down even when unlatched, and a round eagle shoulder belt plate, worn on the cartridge box sling. These were regulation accoutrement plates worn throughout the war, though the government started issuing rigs in 1864 that did away with them. Both plates are stamped brass with iron wire loops on the reverse set into a lead solder fill. Both have nice mellow patinas with just some minor wear on the high points, as is to be expected. They came together and match well, the eagle plate being maybe a hair darker, and would dress up that box rig immensely, returning it to its regulation configuration. Don’t waste your money on aged reproductions or ones that keep you up wondering about. Buy a real set and sleep at night. Guaranteed original for the next thousand years. Both plates for… abe+abe-lipt … $395.00
SOLD
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16-05-21 … RICHARDS PATENT MESS SET … One of the most sought pieces of soldier’s personal effects. Mess gear was issued at first to recruits by the various states and later by the Federal government. Added to the mix was a variety of commercial patent utensils promising ease of use and convenience in storage. This is an example of the highly popular Richards patent knife, fork and spoon set stamped out of steel with the knife as one piece and the fork and spoon another, each with a folded flange to let them interlock so as not to be separated or lost in the haversack. Each element is clearly marked with the Richards patent stamp including the Boston location and patent date of July 23, 1861, showing that Mr. Richards knew a good opportunity when he saw one and wasted no time in taking advantage of the large and growing market of new soldiers heading off to save the Union. Excellent condition overall … noco … $450.00
SOLD
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16-05-22 … 1851 Colt Navy Revolver Made in 1863 … One of the best looking and most popular percussion revolvers, the .36 caliber Colt Navy is a key weapon in any CW collection. Ours has smooth metal with grey patina shifting to brown. Clear barrel address and Colt patent and caliber markings on lower frame and trigger guard. Edges lightly worn. No scene on the cylinder, which is gray with some brown and some spotting and minor pitting. Small dings around the right side of the wedge where someone tapped too aggressively while removing it. Tight wood to metal fit. Excellent grips. Medium tone to the brass. Action fair … it cocks and indexes but not crisply. Front sight in place. Serial number 169580 throughout except for the loading lever and cylinder which bear #7317. This is unquestionably a wartime marriage of two damaged Colts which were repaired in the field. The fulcrum screw in the loading lever is replaced with a peened over pin, done during the period. A favored sidearm of both north and south during the Civil War … ex-szym… … $1,050.00
SOLD
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16-05-23 … English Box-Lock Flintlock Pistol by Gill … Near fine condition … These were the British derringers of the early era: small pocket pistols that could be carried discreetly for self-defense by gentlemen in town, travelers, and even the military officer: Stephen Decaturhad a pocket pistol something like this when he shot a Barbary pirate he was wrestling with in a close-quarters boarding action. Plain, flat-sided grips with some dings and handling marks, but no breaks. 6 ¼ inches overall, about.45 caliber. Nice marking of “Gill” (the well known British arms maker anddealer) between some rudimentary flags, etc., on the side plate. Short turn-off barrel with lug enables the pistol to be tightly loaded at the breech, meaning it can fire a “forced ball” with much greater power at short range than you would think. Faded blue on the steelgiving a stronger purple toward the muzzle and mixing with gray toward the back. A nice little gun … noco … $525.00
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16-05-24 … Identification Disc of Samuel T. Dow, 15th New Hampshire / Served Two Hitches …
The 15th NH was one of the regiments recruited for nine months service in late 1862. Many understood the duty was to be auxiliary service to enable troops already in the field “to strike the rebellion a staggering and fatal blow,” the regimental historian’s words. Such was not the case. These 9 month regiments frequently found themselves in as deadly circumstances as any. Samuel T. Dow resided in Northwood and was 22 when he enlisted on 9/12/62 as a private and mustered into Co. D of the 15th NH on 10/8/62. The regiment was assigned to the Department and Army of the Gulf, where it became part of the 19th Corps and found itself taking part in the siege of Port Hudson from late May until early July, 1863. It took part in several assaults and lost 30 of its men killed or mortally wounded during its service. At some point Dow acquired this WAR OF 1861/ EAGLE disc and had the following brief information stamped on it: S T DOW/ CO D/ 15th REG/ NHV. Dow survived to muster out with the regiment 8/18/63. He either liked army life, or the prospect of a bounty, and reenlisted in the 18th New Hampshire as a sergeant in Co. I on 2/28/65. This was a late war regiment that served in the 9th Corps during the Petersburg Campaign, losing 1 officer and 4 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded. Dow’s luck held, however, and he survived once again to muster out on 7/29/65 … zfbe-17184-150806 … $750.00
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16-05-25 … REGULATION UNION ARMY FORAGE CAP … No piece of Civil War cloth is more recognizable than the Union forage cap or “bummer” cap. Worn by every branch of service, these caps were originally intended for fatigue purposes, but quickly became standard headgear for campaign, battle, and parade. Here is a nice “Type-I” in collector parlance, with a sloped visor and slightly narrower crown than the “Type-II” versions. Some scattered moth nips, but on the whole a very fine specimen. The crown is adorned with real brass insignia to indicate a soldier belonging to Company C of a second regiment of infantry. I do not know if the insignia was attached in 1864 or 1964. This cap came from the famed Denis Reen collection. He began collecting in the 1960s and if any of you old-timers know the history on Denny’s cap let me know. One standing loop of the chinstrap sections is missing and that end of the strap dips down if not tucked up, but the friction buckle and other loop are in place and the surface of the strap and the visor have just enough wear for an issued cap. Most of the brown polished cotton side lining on the interior is gone and the previous owner tacked a piece of clear plastic in place to preserve the pieces of the crown lining in place. The sweatband is present and VG, along with the buckram stiffener. We have run a line of thread across the interior of the cap from side button to side button to refresh the original curvature of the visor. Easily removed if you wish. This is an old collector trick for display. This cap displays like a million bucks and would dress up any collection. This is one of the nicer examples I have seen in a while …
noco … $2,350.00
SOLD
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16-05-26 … MACE, READING, PERCUSSION PISTOL … Large bore percussion single shot pistol by Mace of Reading, England. Elegantly engraved lock with sliding hammer safety. Lock shows a deep pewter color with no corrosion and the barrel is a faded blue turned light plum brown, showing traces of what was probably a faux-damascus bluing. Bag shaped checkered grips with a clipped-corner rectangular thumbplate in silver. Nicely engraved… Even the bolster and side screw are engraved. A couple of minor dings around the lock mortise, original(?) horn-tipped ramrod. These are often called overcoat pistols from their convenient size for carrying, but became popular as “coaching” pistols when the road system improved enough to permit travel by coach rather than horseback. Highwaymen were still a threat to travelers, and this pistol was a good defense weapon. Ca 1845. VG++ … noco … $895.00
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16-05-27 … REVOLUTIONARY WAR VINTAGE FLINTLOCK PISTOL … A true 1770s period flintlock horse or belt pistol perfect for display with Revolutionary War officer’s or dragoons effects. Much more desirable than the similar 1800 era pieces. This is a high quality Irish pistol made by Lewis Alley a famous and lauded gun maker who worked from 1769 to 1783 when he died as a result of being thrown from his horse. The lock is nicely signed Ls. Alley. The gun is overall VG condition. 100% original (except for replaced ramrod), 100% complete, mechanically fine. One tiny stress crack forward of the lock. Octagon barrel is 9.5 inches long and roughly .60 caliber. Overall length is just north of 15 inches. The Alley family of Irish gun makers is well known and documented in the United Kingdom. UK collectors seek out any pieces made by the Alley family. This fine pistol is an excellent example of a very early Alley family member. See his January1770 newspaper ad reproduced above. … noco … $1850.00
SOLD
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16-05-28 … ALLEN AND THURBER 10-INCH BARREL PISTOL … This pattern gun is sometimes referred to as a pocket rifle. The ten-inch barrel on this single-shot percussion pistol shows the limitations involved in calling it a “boot pistol,” as many collectors do. The fact is that these pistols were popular in the 1840s for their simple and sturdy construction with center-mounted hammers. The barrel length, along with the front and rear sights shows a concern for accuracy, and the simple, unadorned receiver and simple bag grips show an effort to make the gun cheap as well as reliable. Smooth gray metal with some age brown spots and scattered gray, good action. Octagon-to-round barrel with minor dings, clear Allen & Thurber barrel stamp, and a batch number “14” (not generally taken to be a serial number in sequence for the production run.) A classic early American handgun of the 1840s. Roughly 36 caliber … zEjjxz … $695.00
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16-05-29 … PAIR OF SMALL “LONDON” FLINTLOCK PISTOLS … Not exactly a pair, but they came together, look good together, and are offered together. Each is just under six inches long overall. Both are roughly 38 caliber but one is slightly larger. Both are metal-stocked, both are marked “London,” in different lettering, and both are likely to be Belgian impositions intended to cash in on the desire for British-made guns. These are modeled on the boxlock “Queen Anne” pocket pistols that remained popular into the 1830s. Our left pistol has some cursory floral engraving on the butt and sideplates, along with “London” in partial script on the right barrel flat of the octagon-to-round barrel and what looks like “GRLEII” on the left flat, which is probably meant to pass for “Grice” to the non-English speaking buyer in a hurry to snap up a bargain. The jaw screw on this one has a shiny head which may simply be from handling, or may indicate it was replaced. The other gun is marked “London” on the left flat and “SEGLAS” on the right, which is an attempt to suggest “Segalas'” one of the best known English gunsmiths of Queen Anne style pistols, and they have done a bit more engraving on the sideplates, including part of a trophy of arms amid the floral motifs. These are both original and functional pistols, but were intended to deceive the unwary buyer of the time. The Seglas marked gun has no half cock, but does have the full. Neat little pair of 200+ year old pistols … noco … $1,150.00
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16-05-30 … WELL WORN COLT ARMY WITH MIXED NUMBERS … A good representative example of the 1860 Colt Army .44 Cal. Revolver, the standard sidearm of the Union cavalryman. The U.S. government purchased more than 120,000 of these pistols during the war and many others were privately purchased. Ours is numbered 86543 on the frame and butt, giving it an 1863 date of manufacture. The barrel assembly, however, is numbered [?]5565 and the cylinder is #889[?] Since the parts were interchangeable it is not uncommon to find a gun with mixed numbers as a result of a wartime rebuilding of a damaged gun using parts from other unserviceable weapons. The condition on all parts certainly match one another which would indicate mixing of parts during the guns period of service. The back strap and barrel have identical patina and light pitting. The frame is smoother due to the fact that it was case hardened. The wood to metal fit of the grips is tight, and the action is good. A key US martial arm and an essential weapon in a Civil War or cavalry collection. Mechanically good … noco … $1,150.00
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16-05-31 … STARR DOUBLE ACTION NAVY REVOLVER … One of the scarcer Civil War revolvers. In contrast to their army revolvers, the Starr company made only about 3,000 of their double-action .36 caliber Navy revolvers and they are correspondingly hard to find. They are easily recognizable as the nipples are angled away from the cylinder unlike the 44 caliber examples. A self-cocking revolver that does not have a single-action function, these were made from 1858 to 1860. Ours has smooth metal with a faded plum finish that displays nicely and even shows a touch of case on the hammer. Matching serial numbers 2717 on the cylinder, frame and hammer, along with legible standard Starr maker and patent stamps. A later rack or inventory number “556” is stamped on the right lower frame below the manufacturer stamp. The grips are in excellent shape and have a tight fit to the metal. I see no inspector marks, but Flayderman notes that despite the government’s purchase of 2,250 out of about 3,000 made, very few show up with inspector cartouches. A nice example of a scarce US martial percussion revolver … noco … $1,695.00
SOLD
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16-05-32 … ALLEN AND WHEELOCK 3rd MODEL SIDE HAMMER PISTOL … Allen and Wheelock made these side-hammer pistols in limited quantities between 1858 and 1861, with fewer than a thousand of each variation made. This one is .36 caliber with a 6-inch barrel. The metal is a smooth dull gray overall, but with some faint faded blue turned plum brown scattered about. The 1857 and 1858 patent dates are crisp on the octagonal barrel side flat. Likewise, the cylinder scene of animals in a forest is very visible, so there is little wear to the metal. The front sight is in place and the action is good. The loading/rammer assembly, with its characteristic catch on the rear of the trigger guard functions fine. The grips are good, though with one chip out of the heel of the butt on the left rear. These are nice pistols with a hint of that overly-clever Victorian age engineering that we love. A good pistol from a classic American arms maker … VFEJM … $875.00
SOLD
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16-05-33 … 1864 PROVIDENCE TOOL MUSKET … 1864-dated example of a Springfield pattern 1861 US rifle musket produced on contract by the Providence Tool Company. It took time for the various contractors for the 1861 pattern rifle muskets to get into production so even while the Springfield Armory was changing to the 1863 and 1864 patterns the contractors were mostly delivering the 1861s. The Providence Tool Co. of Rhode Island supplied about 70,000 of these guns in 1864 and 1865. This has a smooth gray and brown barrel with clear barrel proof and view markings at the left breech and an obliterated barrel date. Partially rubbed maker’s stamp forward of the hammer, but no doubt who it is. Has the distinctive double line “US” on the butt plate which is peculiar to Providence Tool muskets. A little corrosion around the nipple and on the bolster from actual firing. Slight rounding to the edges of the wood from handling, but the remains of an inspector’s cartouche on the offside is barely visible. Sights, bands, springs, swivels and ramrod in place. The rear sight even shows a little original blue and is the early style with little back step on the base. An Enfield nipple protector is attached to the lower swivel. It came with the rifle and I have left it in place. Clearly an issued and field-used rifle, and a nice solid example of the classic Civil War infantry long arm … ark-hjj … $1,050.00
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16-05-34 … EARLY AMERICAN ARTILLERY OFFICER’S SABER … Very attractive gilt brass mounted American saber with tricolor blade. Brass mounted US sabers are generically called artillery sabers from the use of gold as a branch of service color by early artillery units, but in fact a gilt brass mounted saber could be used by many officers and branches of service- and just about anyone in the militia. This is real horseman’s length, measuring 37 inches overall with a 31 inch blade. The knuckle guard, pommel, and backstrap are deeply cast and chased with wonderful detail of beaded roundels, swirls and leaves. The bone grip is intact, with no cracks, and shows engraved ribbing and banding. The langets feature a US flag/shield in an oval, with fifteen stars, surrounded by a Latin motto: “PARTA TUERI,” loosely translated as “safeguard what you have obtained,” i.e. liberty and independence. The hilt is loaded with original gilding and it matches the scabbard, which shows just some rubbing on the top edge between the upper mounts, where it would rub against a wearer’s side, and below the second mount, on the flats, about where it would rub against a horse’s flank. The blade has a good edge and point, but the real strong point is the well preserved tricolor blade with blued, gilt, and dry point etched panels down two-thirds of its blade. There is some rubbing of the blue on the high points and a bit of fading with some brown coming up from underneath, but it preserves much of the foliate decoration, displays great, and will show even better with a little oil on it. This is one of the most impressive American sabers I have had recently. It dates to the era of the War of 1812 with its fifteen-star US shield and motto, and would make a worthy addition to any US edged weapons collection. One of my favorite finds this year … ark-a … $1,850.00
SOLD
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16-05-35 … SNY BUCKLE AND BELT … Early war puppy-paw style stud back SNY plate. These were issued early in the war to some of the New York volunteer regiments when states still had charge of recruiting and did much of the equipping of their regiments. Medium patina with a little of the original gilt showing around the edges of the “Y.” Nice bridle leather belt with flat C-clasp brass retainer or keeper. One small piece of the belt broke out above a fastening hole and was glued back in place by the previous owner. This could be more neatly done and better disguised, but does the trick and the belt is solid. These plates are fairly tough to find these days and should not be confused with the arrow-back versions that seem to date to 1863 and later and were for the most part restricted to national guard troops within the state. This is the classic early stud-back plate circa 1861. A good example of an early war volunteer plate … noco … $950.00
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16-05-36 …RARE UNMARKED 1864 DATED MUSKET / A LONG KNOWN MYSTERY … Unmarked US model 1861 rifle musket. Dated 1864 on the rear of the lockplate, and 1863 on the barrel flat. These muskets show up from time to time and an example is illustrated without comment on page 29 of Hartzler, Yantz and Whisker’s book on the model 1861. No one knows for sure who made these, but suspicion has settled on Whitney, who was happy to supply “good and serviceable arms,” particularly to states such as Connecticut, whose inspectors did not use gauges (this by his own testimony.) The result was that he was able to cut some corners and use a variety of parts from different sources, including rejects from other makers, that likely would not have measured up to Federal standards for quality or interchangeability. Ours follows the usual pattern of having just an 1864 date behind the hammer, a V/P/eagle barrel proof and some other markings, in this case a “v” and an “m.” There is also a visible “1863” date on the barrel flat. Some letters and numerals stamped in the wood are likely company, rack or unit numbers. Sights, swivels, bands, springs and rod are in place. Mechanism is good. Pleasing brown tone to the wood and to the barrel with some gray coming through at the edges of the bands, hammer, and bolster. Some faint blue to the early style stepped rear sight. Nipple shows use and there is an old chip out of the wood behind it and below the hammer. Some scattered dings and divots, a bit of wear to the top of the barrel channel. No visible cartouches. A scarce variant on the Springfield Model 1861 Rifle-Musket … hej… $1,250
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16-05-38… Marston / Western Arms Pocket Revolver: Nice Six-shot Marston Pocket Revolver with Western Arms Co. trade name as the barrel legend: Has 4.5 inch round barrel. W.W. Marston made about 13,000 of these handy revolvers from 1858 into the early 1860s. Ours bears serial number 10,609. Pocket revolvers became very popular during the Gold Rush and in the years before the Civil War as the west opened up. They were carried for personal defense in the rougher environs of big cities like San Francisco. By 1861 they were prolific, and many a Civil War recruit was furnished one by loved ones at home concerned for his safety. This is the Seventh type with the Western Arms Co. NY barrel markings on a round barrel. Super wood grips and smooth metal overall with a silver-gray patina and sharp markings, good mechanism. I have always liked early US pocket revolvers- tons of different styles and variations. Everyone was trying to be a Samuel Colt! Overall VG condition. 100% original except for loading lever catch. 100% complete and mechanically perfect. … $665.00
SOLD
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16-04-40 … INCREDIBLY EFFECTIVE LIGHTED MAGNIFYING GLASS / PERFECT FOR INSPECTING ANTIQUES … You have undoubtedly seen collectors at the shows running around with one of these magnifying glasses in their hand. There’s a good reason … they are SUPER! Months ago I bought one for myself and loved it. Then the local guys wanted one and I bought another half dozen for them at $25 each at the next show … Then I bought another one for me when I arrived at a show and discovered I’d left mine at home. I figured with as many as I was buying at retail, I might as well buy them in bulk and sell them at the shows and on the web page. These are absolutely essential for anyone buying antiques at shows or auctions. The intense illumination from the twelve LED light sources and 2x magnification exposes “artificial age” such as cold-blue on metal or amber shellac on wood. Shine this light and you will see if someone has “aged” or repaired the item you wish to buy. The magnification accompanied by the intense illumination reveals cracks and repairs that the naked eye cannot pick up. Requires 3 AA batteries (not included) … $25.00
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I am always interested in buying ANYTHING from the American Civil War… Guns, Swords, Civil War Muskets, Knives, Uniforms, Flags, Medals, Badges, Diaries, Letters, Autographs, Buttons, photographs, tintypes, daguerreotypes, Insignia, Camp Items, Battlefield Relics, canteens, Drums, Etc… Call 419-842-1863 and ask for Dave Taylor.
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