Back
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$3,000 – $5,000
.50-70. 20.875" barrel length. SN: 641. Bright finish, walnut stock. "1863" dated Springfield lock, breech block dated "1869" over "{Eagle Head}/{Crossed Arrows}/US". Cut down during the period of use with nominally 11" of barrel removed, even more of the forend cut off, the upper band removed, the original front sight removed with a replacement added front sight. Retains rear sight base with added aperture leaf, rather than the original 1868 ladder, swivel swivel stud removed from triggerguard, buttplate removed. Gun heavily worn showing hard use with extreme wood wear, heavy saddle wear and the stock worn through to the point that the ramrod spoon is protruding from the forend. Some old tack holes, with the tacks missing, are present in the stock. The attached tag from Mr. Ness' collection reads: "This 50 cal. Springfield belonged to Chief Joseph. Collected by Col. Nelson Miles, Oct. 5, 1877 Bear Paw 40 miles from Canadian Border, Montana." No additional documentation is provided, although the tag notes that the gun was purchased on 2/24/2000.
The Collection of Larry Ness
Relic condition. Metal heavily oxidized with surface roughness and pitting. Markings in metal remain mostly clear and legible, mechanically functional, fair bore is dark with even light pitting. Stock extremely worn and in relic condition.
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.
To request further details about this lot, please email conditionreports@freemansauction.com
Tim Carey
Associate Vice President, Head of Department, Arms, Armor and Militaria
