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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$5,000 – $8,000
.50-70. 24" barrel secured by a single barrel band. SN: NSN. Bright finish, iron furniture, smooth walnut stock. U.S. Model 1870 Rifle shortened to "carbine" with barrel cut from 32.5" to 24" and forend cut back as well with the upper barrel band removed. As with all Model 1870s the gun uses a recycled Civil War period Springfield lock plate, with this one dated 1864. Breech block marked "1870/{Eagle Head}/{Crossed Arrows}/US". No other visible markings. Rifle retains the Model 1870 folding ladder rear sight and a dovetail notch was added near the muzzle for a replacement front sight that is now missing. Sling swivel missing from tirggerguard bow. The gun shows hard use and wear and is profusely decorated with brass tacks with a few missing and many damaged from years of handling and use. The tacks in the butt have a deep, uncleaned bronze patina while the ones in the forend which are touched and handled more often have a dull golden appearance with some green verdigris. The entire gun appears to have been painted gold at one time, a common practice for Civil War era items that were collected and displayed in GAR Halls, so this gun may have spent some time in the collection of a similar place. A substantial piece of wood is missing from the toe line of the stock and appears to be the result of a bullet strike or other catastrophic damage. The damage occurred at some point prior to or during the period is was in use by Native Americans, as this damaged areas is heavily tacked as well. With so many guns on the market purporting to be "Indian Used" most have to be looked at with a jaundiced eye. This gun is completely untouched and appears to be completely "right as rain" with a wonderful appearance and patina.
The Collection of Larry Ness
Good. Gun with a thick, untouched and uncleaned rich brown patina with moderate surface oxidation and strong traces of old, period of collection gold paint. Gun shows heavy use and wear, consistent with a true frontier, Native used firearm. Mechanically functional, hammer screw replaced, poor bore is dark, heavily oxidized and pitted with weak rifling. Stock heavily worn and heavily decorated with tacks, as noted. A large piece of wood missing from the toe line from the period of use. Nailed repair to the wood behind the action, wood with numerous bumps, dings, marks, mars and associated hard wear.
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.
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Tim Carey
Associate Vice President, Head of Department, Arms, Armor and Militaria
