Extremely Rare Leman Civil War Era Percussion Militia Rifle

.58 caliber. 33" barrel secured by two flat, spring-retained iron bands. SN: NSN. Bright finish, brass and iron furniture, walnut stock. Flat military style percussion lock marked in two lines "LEMAN/LANCTR. PA" with nocksform of barrel marked similarly with lower line illegible due to pitting. Fixed notch rear sights, brass blade front sight, no provision for bayonet. Crudely made iron trumpet head ramrod appears to be a period of use replacement that is similar in appearance to the real Leman rod. Two-piece triggerguard, S-shaped side plate, buttplate and patchbox all of brass and US Model 1841 "Mississippi Rifle" style. These very scarce military pattern rifles were produced by Henry Leman of Lancaster and were really based on the US Model 1855 rifle, although as a simplified version. He hoped to acquire military contracts during the American Civil War to produce rifles and muskets for the US government. Less than 300 of these rifles were produced, and most references believe that the majority of the guns were re-sold to Pennsylvania arms makers J. Henry & Son and P.S. Justice, who then likely sold them to Pennsylvania militia units. In more than twenty years of collecting and dealing in Civil War long arms this is the only example this cataloger has handled with Mississippi Rifle style furniture and a Mississippi Rifle patchbox. A wonderful and very rare untouched Civil War militia rifle that may have been his original sample or prototype rifle for the run of militia rifles that he produced.

The Collection of Larry Ness

Good to very good. Metal with a deep, dark, untouched brown patina and scattered pitting which is most prevalent at the breech. Markings on lock clear, weaker on barrel. Missing both sling swivels, clean out screw head damaged. Lock mechanically functional, good bore is moderately oxidized with some pitting and retains visible, shallow 3-groove military rifling. Brass with a rich, dark, uncleaned patina. Stock good to very good with strong edges and scattered bumps and dings. Stock with a couple of old chips missing around the tang and a 3.5" sliver of wood missing along the upper edge behind the rear barrel band on the reverse.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Frontier Firearms from the Lifetime Collection of Larry Ness

Extremely Rare Leman Civil War Era Percussion Militia Rifle

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup