SN&WTC US Model 1861 Contract Rifle Musket with Western Costume Company Ownership Mark

American Civil War

.58 caliber. 40" round barrel secured by three clamping, spring-retained barrel bands. NSN. Bright finish, iron furniture, walnut stock. Single shot percussion muzzleloading rifle musket with M1861 three-leaf rear sight, Barleycorn combination front sight and socket bayonet lug, sling swivels and straight shank tulip head ramrod. Lock marked with a {Spread-Winged Eagle}/U.S. forward of the hammer and in three horizontal lines S.N.&W.T.C/FOR/MASSACHUSETTS and dated 1863 at the tail. Breech of barrel dated 1863 as well. Upper left breech with typical V/P/{Eagle Head}. Barrel without the expected LFR inspection found on most SN&WTC contract rifle muskets. Obverse of barrel stamped W.C.CO. below the rear sight, the ownership mark of long time Hollywood costume and prop furnisher Western Costume Company. Counterpane of stock with two crisp script inspection cartouches, the RPB of Robert P Beals and the second the WHR of William H Russell. An additional small block letter WHR is stamped at the tail of the counterpane behind Russell's cartouche. Neither inspectors are noted in Daum & Pate's book to have inspected Norris & Clements produced Rifle Muskets, but their information is not 100% complete either. However, considering that the barrel lacks the usual LFR mark typically found on these guns and that the gun was owned by Western Costume Company, it is reasonable to assume it is a composite assembly, although it remains in very nice condition and has secondary interest and value as a movie prop that may well have been involved in such classics a "Gone with the Wind". {ANTIQUE}

From the Lifetime Collection of Robert G. Paulsen

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Very Good as assembled. Bore good to very good with moderate oxidation and good rifling. Metal cleaned with some lightly scattered freckles of oxidation and some light pitting which has been softened by the cleaning. Markings remain clear and legible throughout. Mechanically functional lock. Stock fairly crisp with good lines and edges and two fine cartouches. Wood shows some scattered bumps and dings and a small chip out of the tim of the forend 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 [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

To request further details about this lot, please email [email protected]

October 17, 20, 21, or by appointment. Please contact the Auction Specialist for details.

Mr. Tim Carey

Associate Vice President, Head of Department, Arms, Armor and Militaria

[email protected]513.666.4984

Mr. Carey joined Cowan’s, a Freeman's company, in 2021 and is a 40-year veteran of the sporting arms and outdoor recreation industry. Carey joined Cowan’s from Griffin & Howe at Hudson Farms in Andover, N.J., where he was responsible for the acquisition, appraisal, and consignment of top-tier firearms consignments from important makers such as James Purdey & Sons of London, Beretta, Caesar Guerini, B. Rizzini, Bertuzzi, Renato Telo, and Anderson Wheeler.

Mr. Tim Prince

Senior Consulting Specialist, Arms, Armor & Militaria

[email protected]312 280 1212

Tim Prince has more than 30-years of experience in the field of antique and collectible arms and is a nationally recognized expert in the area of Civil War small arms. A long-time researcher and author, Tim has been a contributing author to two major books about Civil War firearms, including The English Connection: Arms, Material and Support Furnished to the Confederate States of America by Great Britain (2014) and Confederate Shotguns and Southern Agent Marked Shotguns (2017). He was also a major contributor to the recently updated Blue Book of Antique American Firearms & Values – 2nd Edition (2019) as well as the 2010 updates to the Civil War Collector's Price Guide - 12th edition. Over the last decade Tim has authored more than 50 articles on 19th century collectible and military arms, which have been published in such varied publications as Civil War News, North-South Trader, and Military Antique Collector. Since 2016 has appeared as a featured appraiser in the field of Arms & Militaria on the popular PBS television series Antiques Roadshow. He is a member of the American Society of Arms Collectors and currently serves on the board of directors of that organization. He is also a member of and formerly served on the board of directors of the Society of American Bayonet Collectors. Tim is a life member of the Ohio Valley Military Society, the Tennessee Military Collectors Association, the Alabama Military Collectors Association, is a member of the Company of Military Historians and is a member of numerous other colleting groups and societies. He is the owner of College Hill Arsenal, a web based antique and collectible arms retail web site, specializing in the American Civil War and related military items. Tim has engaged in the business of buying, selling, researching, and appraising antique and collectible arms and associated military items for some three decades. Since 2016 he has also served as a senior Consulting Specialist in the field of Arms, Armor & Militaria for Cowan’s Auctions, a Freeman's Company.

We are open for pick-up Monday-Friday: 10am-4pm.

For questions about shipping or packing, please contact [email protected] or see our Shipping/Packing page.

SN&WTC US Model 1861 Contract Rifle Musket with Western Costume Company Ownership Mark

American Civil War

From the Lifetime Collection of Robert G. Paulsen

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

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

Arms, Armor and Militaria

SN&WTC US Model 1861 Contract Rifle Musket with Western Costume Company Ownership Mark

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup