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Frontier Firearms from the Lifetime Collection of Larry Ness
|
- Sale 1987
Live
| Cincinnati
Jun 8 | 10:00 AM EDT
Live
| Cincinnati
Sale 1987
| Cincinnati
| Cincinnati
Estimate$1,000 – $2,000
.58 caliber. 27.75" round barrel with single flat brass spring retained barrel band. SN: NSN. Browned finish, brass furniture, period shortened walnut stock. Lock with two-line "E. WHITNEY/US marking forward of the hammer and marked N. HAVEN/1851 at the tail. Barrel with Harpers Ferry small "V/P/{Eagle Head}" proofs and "WW/P" inspection and no visible date on the tang. U.S. on buttplate tang, traces of illegible cartouches on the counterpane. A composite gun that seems to be all Whitney with the exception of the Harpers Ferry barrel which has been rebored and re-rifled to .58 caliber with 3 grooves and had a long range rear sight added that is now missing. A crude fixed notch rear sight has been added and a brass blade front sight has been dovetailed into the barrel 2" from the muzzle. Both appear to be period of use additions. The original brass triggerguard bow has been replaced with a crude iron one, again likely from the period of use. Stock shows indication of Native American use with numerous tack holes that are now missing the tacks leaving empty holes and some shanks in the wood. The forend also shows significant saddle wear between the barrel band and lock. The barrel has been shortened 5.25" with the forend cut back roughly 18" and the upper band removed. Many of early modified Harpers Ferry 1841 Rifles that were equipped with long range rear sights and bayonet lugs were sent to St. Louis Arsenal in the years prior to the Civil War, from which the were issued to see use against the Native Americans during that period. Thus, the barrel certainly makes sense to have been out west to be potentially acquired by Natives for use. A very cool, period composite rifle, clearly shortened for use on horseback and showing real world signs of heavy Native use.
The Collection of Larry Ness
Fair to good. Well worn, heavily oxidized metal with a dark brown patina, scattered surface roughness and some pitting. Mostly visible markings, mechanically functional lock, fair bore with visible rifling and heavy pitting. Stock very worn, shortened with bumps, dings, mars and areas of chipped and slivered loss.
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.
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Tim Carey
Associate Vice President, Head of Department, Arms, Armor and Militaria
