US Model 1861 Navy Rifle by Whitney

American Civil War

.69 caliber. 34" barrel. SN: 8630. Bright finish, steel furniture, walnut stock with two flat, spring-retained barrel bands. Single shot percussion muzzleloading Naval Rifle with 1,000 yard ladder rear sight, front sight blade, saber bayonet lug on right of barrel near muzzle, sling swivels and heavy cupped head ramrod. Lock marked with a small {Spread-Winged Eagle} over U.S. and WHITENY-VILLE forward of the hammer, dated 1864 at the tail. Breech with matching 1864 date. Standard V/P/{Eagle Head} inspections at breech. Tang with serial number. Correct script FCW cartouche on counterpane. Based upon the French Model 1849 Chasseurs de Vincennes rifles for the French light infantry, these large bore, sturdy rifles were produced on contract for the US Navy by Whitney circa 1861-1864 with 10,000 produced. Roughly half saw Civil War service, with the remainder staying in storage at various US Navy yards. In an interesting footnote, at least a handful of these guns were acquired by the OSS during World War II for use by indigenous guerrilla fighters in the Pacific and CBI theaters of operation. This is probably the only example of a Civil War era firearm seeing service during World War II. {ANTIQUE}

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

About Very Good. Bore fair, lightly rusted and moderately oxidized with decent rifling. Metal lightly cleaned with evenly distributed oxidized freckling and some scattered light pinpricking and pitting. Markings all remain legible. Mechanically functional lock. Stock very good with scattered bumps, dings and marks, good edges and lines and a good cartouche.

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Arms, Armor & Militaria

US Model 1861 Navy Rifle by Whitney

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