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/Auctions...
/Premier Firearms Auction #83

Premier Firearms Auction #83

September 10, 2021 to September 12, 2021

This auction has ended.

/Auctions...
/Premier Firearms Auction #83

Premier Firearms Auction #83

September 10, 2021 to September 12, 2021

This auction has ended.

Auction Time Summary

Preview DayThursday, Sep 9th10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

SESSION IFriday, Sep 10th9 AMLots 1 through 688

SESSION IISaturday, Sep 11th9 AMLots 1000 through 1706

SESSION IIISunday, Sep 12th9 AMLots 3000 through 3670

To Be Sold At Auction

Preview Day Thursday Sept 9th
Open at 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

SESSION I - Friday, Sept 10th
TIME: Commencing at 9 a.m. selling between Lots 1 and 688
SESSION II - Saturday, Sept 11th
TIME: Commencing at 9 a.m. selling between Lots 1000 and 1706
SESSION III - Sunday, Sept 12th
TIME: Commencing at 9 a.m. selling between Lots 3000 and 3670

Phone: 1-309-797-1500

Email: [email protected]

Rock Island Auction Company
7819 42 Street West
Rock Island, Illinois, 61201, USA

Phone: 1-309-797-1500

Toll-Free: 1-800-238-8022

Email: [email protected]

Rock Island Auction Company - Rock Island

7819 42nd Street West

Rock Island, IL, 61201, USA

Page 1 of 2

Showing 1-50 of 54 results

Lot 31

Winchester Model 1895 Lever Action NRA Musket

Manufactured in 1912. These N.R.A. muskets were made to comply with the specifications of the National Rifle Association of America's "any military arm" matches with special 24 inch barrels, Krag style rear sights, and special flat buttplates. It has standard markings including a Winchester factory oval proof on the receiver ring above the "30/1903" caliber marking. "NRA" is stamped on the left side of the chamber. Fitted with a beaded blade W.F. Sheard front sight and a folding ladder rear sight graduated to 2,000 yards. Mounted with a finger grooved forearm and straight grip stock with the flat NRA style buttplate. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a leather sling. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 30-03

Price Realized:

Lot 127

18th Century American Flintlock Smooth-Rifle

This rifle is documented in "A Smooth - Rifle from somewhere East of Reading, Pennsylvania" by George Shumway in the "Longrifles of Note" section of "Muzzle Blasts" magazine from June of 1993 in which he notes the similarities between this rifle and rifle no. 11 in "Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in Its Golden Age" by Kindig. Both are smoothbore guns and are very similar, similar enough to clearly be by the same maker per Shumway. The rifle comes from the Lehigh Valley east of Reading, Pennsylvania, and is dated to the 1760s-1770s by Shumway. It has a tapered octagon barrel with smoothbore, traditional blade and notch rifle-style sights, and no signature. The lock is also unmarked and has a stepped tail and beveled edges. The furniture is all brass. It has a plain single trigger. The wooden patch box lid appears to be original and has some light incised carving and three small grasping slots. The lightly figures stock has nice molding along the ramrod channel, attractive carving at the ramrod entry pipe and upper tang, shaped tear drop flats, scroll carving at the front of the comb, a nice cheek rest, and attractive raised relief and incised carving on the left side of the butt.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 48

Price Realized:

Lot 128

William III Period Flintlock Musket with Plug Bayonet

English flintlock muskets from the reign of King William III (r. 1689-1702, also known was William of Orange) very rarely come for sale on either side of the "pond." This musket is even scarcer in that it is pictured and discussed on pages 52-53 of "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume I: Colonial and Revolutionary War Arms" by George D. Moller and has his discreet "GDM" collection marking by the toe. Moller lists it as manufactured in the 1690s. While most English muskets from William's reign still had back/dog catches, this musket is part of a group that did not. The lightly rounded lock plate has a fairly straight profile, terminates in a pointed teat, and is the distinctive WR cipher of William III. The lock is bridleless and is secured by three screws passing through the lock without the use of a side plate or washers. The barrel has a rounded blade front sight, simple incised band at the transition point, Ordnance markings at the breech, and a deeper "RC" mark on the upper right flat slightly ahead of the vent. The stock has simple sheet brass ramrod pips, no entry pipe, a simple iron trigger guard, and a brass buttplate on the rounded butt. A wooden ramrod and a plug bayonet with a 18 1/4 inch blade with 6 1/2 inch false edge and wood handle with a hanging staple are included. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 75

Price Realized:

Lot 129

British William III Period Matchlock Musket with Forked Rest

This musket is pictured and discussed on pages 36-37 of "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume I: Colonial and Revolutionary War Arms" by George D. Moller. He list it as a "William III period (1688-1702) English matchlock musket. Its configuration is typical of British military muskets of the late 17th century. (Robert Nittolo Collection.)" Moller also states: "There is a round red wax seal under the forearm, forward of the trigger guard. This appears to be an Ordnance seal designating this musket as a pattern to be followed in the subsequent manufacture of muskets. The barrel is smoothbore, has no sights, and has a smooth transition from round to octagon. The top has an early Ordnance proof/view stamp. It has a serpentine side plate with three screws securing the convex lock which has a pointed teat at the tail, a fence, and a pan cover with a long arm. The furniture is iron and includes two sheet iron forend bands, a ramrod entry pipe, trigger guard with bulbous finial, blank oval wrist escutcheon secured by two screws, and an sheet buttplate. The stock has raised flats, a raised "bar" around the upper tang with a divided box stamp, and a rounded butt. Includes a forked musket rest. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 78

Price Realized:

Rare and Desirable Documented Large Bore Henry E. Leman Flintlock Northwest Trade Gun

Lot 130

H.E. Leman Flintlock Northwest Trade Gun

This exact trade gun is pictured on page 392 of "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume II: From the 1790s to the End of the Flintlock Period" by George Moller. Most Northwest Guns are around 20 bore (.62), but this one is 16 bore (.69). Moller states, "The large-bored fusil described here is attributed to Leman's contract of April 1 or December 1, 1857. Leman attempted to inform the government that the Indians preferred smaller-bored arms, but the government insisted on this caliber. These large-bored fusils were unpopular with the Indians, and no additional large-bored arms of this type were ordered." Aside from the larger caliber, it is essentially a standard mid-19th century Northwest Trade Gun in form and has the over-sized trigger and iron trigger guard and classic serpentine side plate. The barrel has a small blade front sight, two banded transition points, the sitting fox over "PA" cartouche at the breech followed by "*H. E. LEMAN * LANCASTER PA," false English proofs on the upper left flat, and a "HEL" and "P" on the upper left at the breech. The lock has the sitting fox and "PA" cartouche over "H. E. LEMAN/LANCASTER PA" at the center, light scroll and border engraving, military style cock with reinforced neck, and corresponding robust frizzen. The forend band, two ramrod pipes, side plate, and buttplate are brass. The stock is rather plain aside from the well-shaped raised tear drop side flats and tang plateau. A circled animal design is on the left side of the buttstock. The ramrod has a shotgun style brass tip. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 69

Price Realized:

Lot 131

Hudson Valley Flintlock Fowling Piece

This fowling piece or fowler from c. 1760s-1770s has no visible maker's marks, but the interior of the scroll engraved English style lock is marked "B-HOMER." Benjamin Homer (1731-1776) and his son Benjamin Perrott Homer (born 1761) were merchants in Boston per Smith and Bitter in "Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock, 1760-1845." They note: "A number of New England and upstate New York fowlers are known with B. Homer imported locks." The proofs on the barrel are somewhat unclear but appear to be the early Birmingham private proof and view marks. These long smoothbore hunting guns were popular in the northern colonies during the late colonial era and into the American Revolutionary War and doubled as service weapons for many militiamen. Some where shortened and modified to take bayonets. This gun has a low rounded brass blade front sight and a groove cut at the breech for a rear sight. The furniture is brass and has some nice early styling, including the trigger guard which has spear shaped finials and a rounded profile. The stock has very nice flame figure, particularly in the forend, and has a somewhat straighter and lighter profile than the earlier fowlers and fine molding that flows into the raised relief carved floral patterns at the ramrod entry point, barrel tang, and rear of the trigger guard as well as nicely shaped flats with rounded points. George Moller's small "GDM" collection mark is by the toe. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 70

Price Realized:

C. Gumpf Signed Engraved Smoothbore Flintlock American Long Rifle with Sweitzer Lock

Lot 132

C. Gumpf Signed Smoothbore Flintlock American Long Rifle

George Moller noted this as a "trade rifle." His tiny "GDM" collection mark is ahead of toe plate. The gun is certainly more plainly built than others signed by Christopher Gumpf, a gunmaker in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, from 1791 to 1834. The barrel has a smoothbore and appears to have been shortened and bored out smooth in the period. It has low profile rifle style sights, decorative floral and wavy line engraving in the midsection, "C Gumpf" signed on top, a stamp on the upper left at the breech that appears to be "CH," and a decorative dot pattern at the breech. The flat lock is signed "SWEITZER" at center (Z horizontally inverted as seen on others) and has a lightly stepped tail with simple engraving. It is equipped with adjustable double set triggers and has brass furniture. The four-piece patchbox has piercings on the finial and side plates, light engraving, "2 W H" (2 probably a J) inscribed on the lid, and a release button on the heel of the buttplate. The toe plate is an interesting design with scalloped edge and three "key-hole" piercings. Silver oval inlays are pinned on the wrist and the shallow cheek rest, and there is a pinned brass plate with wavy line and dot patterns pinned on the left side of the butt. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 50

Price Realized:

Documented Historic 17th Century Dunster Armoury British Doglock Musket

Lot 135

Documented 17th Century British Doglock Musket

This musket is featured on pages 48 and 49 of George Moller's "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume I: Colonial and Revolutionary War Arms" and has his small "GDM" collection mark twice by the toe. He dated it to c. 1650-1670 and indicated the "FL" markings on the barrel and stock are for Colonel Francis Luttrell, the owner of Dunster Castle in Somerset. He notes that the initial may have been added sometime in the 1681-1689 period that Luttrell was colonel of the local militia regiment and then King James's forces at Exeter. The castle was owned by the Luttrell family dating back to 1376. In 1643, after the start of the English Civil War under the leadership of Thomas Luttrell, the castle was surrendered to overwhelming Royalist forces under the command of the Marquess of Hertford who established a garrison there. In 1645, Colonel Francis Wyndham surrendered the castle to the Roundhead Army. A Parliamentarian garrison remained there until 1651 when the castle was returned to the Luttrell family. In 1665, the Duke of Monmouth led a protestant revolt against James II, and Colonel Francis Luttrell formed a militia to repel the invasion; however, his men were untrained and lacking the will to fight threw down their weapons and fled. By 1688, his loyalty to the despotic King James declined, and he supported William of Orange. He raised the regiment that became known as The Green Howards'. It's believed that probably at this time muskets from the armory were branded with the initials FL (Francis Luttrell). It was a common practice of armories to confirm ownership and ensure their return. The armory was not large, and the number of muskets is estimated to have been only 30 to 60. Very few of them survive aside from a few that remained in the castle. The two-stage, smoothbore barrel has a post front sight, two girdles at the transition point, the "FL" marking and a "crown/G" on top at the breech, and a grooved rear sight. The lock has a removable pan and the distinctive catch of the doglocks. The frizzen and tail of the lock have sculpted accents. The furniture is simple and consists of a single sheet iron ramrod ferrule and trigger guard secured by a screw up to the barrel tang at the front and a nail at the rear. Both sides of the butt have the "FL" stamps. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 78

Price Realized:

Lot 136

Engraved Late 17th Century H. Dunkley Flintlock Sporting Gun

This sporting gun is pictured and discussed on pages 24-25 of "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume I: Colonial and Revolutionary War Arms" by George D. Moller and has Moller's "GDM" collection mark discreetly stamped near the toe. He notes that Henry Dunkley is listed as active from the 1660s to 1680s which is confirmed in Blackmore's "Gunmakers of London, 1350-1850." The lock is signed "H DVNCKLEY" along the lower edge at the center and has excellent scroll engraving inhabited by an eagle mask on the plate and a hound on the cock. The cock has pierced elements providing reinforcement to the swan-neck style. The plate is flat with beveled edges on the forward section and steps down to a rounded tail with a floral design and pointed teat. The smoothbore barrel has a brass blade front sight set back from the muzzle and a rampant lion stamp on the breech. The ramrod pipes and buttplate are brass, and the trigger guard is iron with decorative finials. The stock has nicely shaped flats and a rather robust butt. A wooden ramrod is fitted below the barrel. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 78

Price Realized:

Very Scarce Documented Early 18th Century British Contract Dutch Flintlock Musket

Lot 141

Documented Early British Contract Dutch Flintlock Musket

This rare musket is featured on p. 286-288 of "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume I: Colonial and Revolutionary War Arms" by George D. Moller and has his "GDM" stamp discreetly marked near the toe. He lists it as probably of Dutch origin and as believed to have been purchased in the early 18th century by the British, possibly one of the 10,000 muskets procured in 1706. Many of the non-standard muskets were sent to the colonies, and similar muskets are known to have been used during the French & Indian War and American Revolution. The barrel has a prominent bayonet lug/front sight near the muzzle, banded transition points, two rampant lion markings, a crude "crown/V" marking, and another illegible marking. A storekeeper mark is on the right side of the butt, and the underside of the butt has a carved "FH" marking while the left side has a lightly carved "I0" marking. The lock is unmarked and has the classic "banana" profile. The furniture is all iron and includes a classic Dutch style sideplate, grooves in the trigger guard bow, and decorative finials on the buttplate and trigger guard. A black leather sling is fitted to the sling swivels, and a wooden ramrod is fitted beneath the barrel. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 80

Price Realized:

"US" Surcharged American Assembled "Charleville" Pattern Flintlock Musket with Prussian Style Lock and Bayonet

Lot 142

"US" Surcharged "Charleville" Pattern Flintlock Musket & Bayonet

George Moller noted this musket as an American-made musket with a Prussian lock, circa 1778-1783. Similar examples are shown in the "American-Assembled Muskets" section of his book "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume I: Colonial and Revolutionary War Arms." His "GDM" collection mark is discreetly stamped at the toe. This musket is an interesting mix of parts. The barrel and furniture are from a French musket, but the lock appears to be from a Prussian Model 1740 musket. These parts were assembled and stocked in the U.S. and likely used during the American Revolution. The lock has a "US" surcharge mark in the grooves at the tail, and the barrel has "US" on top, "65" on the upper left, and a light "63" marking on the upper tang (Mle 1763 or M1763). An unclear but fairly deep marking is situated above the vent and may be a condemnation mark. The barrel has a bayonet lug on top, and a rounded brass blade front sight is fitted on the rear of the upper barrel band. A modern brown leather sling is fitted to the sling swivels on the mid barrel band and front of the trigger guard, and an iron trumpet head ramrod is fitted under the barrel. The included socket bayonet is over-sized. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 72

Price Realized:

Fine, Documented State of New Jersey Marked U.S. Frankford Arsenal/Remington Maynard Priming System Conversion Model 1816 Percussion Rifle-Musket with Bayonet

Lot 175

New Jersey U.S. Remington Maynard Conversion Rifle-Musket

Using Maynard primer locks and percussion bolsters supplied by Remington Arms Co., Frankford Arsenal converted Model 1816s flintlock muskets to percussion ignition as well as rifled the bores from 1856 to 1859. This example is dated "1858" on the lock tang and has the standard U.S./Remington markings on the lock. The buttplate tang is marked "US" and "10." The State of New Jersey "NJ" marking appears on the left side of the barrel at the breech. New Jersey received approximately 2,000 of these conversions. The letter "B" is stamped on top of the barrel at the breech. The rear sight has a folding leaf graduated from 600 to 800 yards on the left branch and a base graduated from 1 to 4 on the left side. The left stock flat is stamped with the letter "V" along with an oval inspection stamp. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a "US" marked socket bayonet, iron ramrod with trumpet head and leather sling. This exact rifle-musket is pictured on pages 43 and 45 and the model is discussed on pages 42-52 in George D. Moller's "American Military Shoulder Arms, Vol. III." Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 69

Price Realized:

Lot 314

Engraved, Gold Inlaid, and Carved Goellner Percussion Shotgun

Goellner was active around the 1820s-1840s. The barrel has a brass blade front sight and "GOELLNER A SUHL" surrounded by scrolls in gold inlay. It is dated 1827 on the underside of the barrel. The lock has "GOELLNER A SUHL." in gold inlay as well and border, scroll, and storm cloud engraving and a bestial hammer design. The trigger guard and trigger mechanism are interesting. Pulling the trigger without squeezing the tail of the trigger guard only allows the hammer to drop to half-cock; thus, the trigger guard effectively serves as an early grip safety. The brass furniture has some attractive floral engraving, and the stock has a contrasting horn cap, checkering on the grasping section and wrist, a cheek rest on the left, and attractive relief floral carving. "47" is marked on the forend near the tip.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 69

Price Realized:

Significant Documented, Engraved, and Carved Long American Flintlock Smoothbore Hunting Gun Attributed to Hans Jacob Honaker of Virginia with Sideplate Inscribed for A. Moode on Sept. 15, 1789

Lot 1097

Hans Jacob Honaker Attributed Flintlock American Smoothbore Gun

This long rifle styled smoothbore hunting gun or "smooth rifle" is documented in Shumway's "Rifles of Colonial America Vol. II" as no. 145 on pages 610 and 616. It is described as an important and "unusual piece." He notes, "I believe that this gun was made by the same hand that made the Brass Barreled Rifle, No. 103, and that makes each of them all the more worthwhile to study." Shumway further notes: "The decoration and architecture of this gun are outstanding and unusual. The cheek-piece is long, with a wedge-shaped edge decorated with incised lines and carving. At the rear end of the cheek-piece is a step, similar to that present on rifle No. 103. Between the step and the butt-plate is a relief-carved design in the shape of a flower-pot with flowers. Surrounding the barrel tang is a beaver-tail design in relief, and at the end of this is a fan with a distinctive edge treatment. . .This gun is an example of colonial American creativity in design, done most likely in the third quarter of the 18th century. By the 1790's there were established trends in rifle architecture and decoration which would have made this piece appear out of fashion." He also notes that he believes the gun is of Southern origin, that the lock is typical of the English locks imported in 1740-1775, and that the sideplate is an old replacement. The included display board states it is "attributed by Wallace Gusler" to "Hans Jacob Honaker, Frederick County, VA." and dates it to circa 1770. This smoothbore is also pictured and discussed in multiple included articles by Wallace Gusler listed below. In the "The Step Toe Group" in "Muzzle Blasts" from May 2004 it is illustrated along with the brass barreled rifle, and a group of 14 other related guns which he states originate from the lower Shenandoah Valley in what is now Rockridge and Botetourt Counties. The gun is also featured in "One Rifle Gun with Brass Box moles & wipers. . .[sic]" where it is listed as by an unknown maker but attributed to Botetourt County, Virginia, c. 1775 and noted as having an overall length of 6 ft 9 3/4 inches and a 4 foot 6 inch barrel. The brass barrel rifle is discussed in the article "One brass riffle gun & bullet moules. .[sic] ." in the included May 2003 issue of "Muzzle Blasts" and "Early Rifles of the Shenandoah Valley" from the American Society of Arms Collector's Bulletin, both also by Gusler. The brass barrel rifle is dated 1771 and is one of the oldest American firearms with a hinged patch box which suggests this gun is as well. The long barrel is octagon to hexadecagon to round in profile with a girdle at the transition to round and has a hooked breech similar to high end European sporting guns of the era and is equipped with blade and notch sights like a rifle. As noted before, the lock is an English export lock with scroll engraving. The furniture is all brass and is general unembellished though the patch box finial has scalloped edges and some light engraving. The stock has nice moulding along the ramrod channel, some "track line" notches on the bottom ahead of the lock, traces of carving at the ramrod entry pipe, tear drop flats, beavertail and fan carving at the barrel tang, nice carving at the front of the comb, a floral pattern along the bottom of the butt, light carving and "trackline" notches at the patch box finial, additional "tracklines" on the edges of the butt and the cheekpiece, the noted unusual flower pot and flowers raised relief carving behind the cheekpiece, and a line and notch pattern along the bottom of the butt from the trigger guard tail to the toe of the buttplate. The sideplate is inscribed "A Moode Sptr 15th 1789." No documentation directly related to the identity of Moode is known.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 57

Price Realized:

Lot 1109

German-Dutch Wheellock Musket with Spanner

This musket is pictured and discussed on pages 41-42 of "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume I: Colonial and Revolutionary War Arms" by George D. Moller where it is noted as "very similar to arms made in Aix-La-Chapelle in the 1650s and known to have been sold to other German and Swiss states. Aix-La-Chapelle, or Aachen in German, is located in western Germany, contiguous to the borders of Holland and Belgium. Germany near present-day borders of Holland and Belgium." Moller also notes that the only external mark with a "T" and an unclear stamp on the barrel at the breech, and an "HI" cartouche is marked on the underside of the barrel. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials are marked three times at the toe of the stock. The smoothbore barrel has a blade front sight, dovetailed notch rear sight, long sighting rib that runs from breech to muzzle, side ribs running for 14 inches forward from the breech, and the noted markings above. The flat lock has a rounded teat at the tail and no markings. The lock screws have stag-horn washers. The iron trigger guard has a scooped out section below the trigger, and the trigger plate also incorporates a safety at the rear. The full-length stock appears to be beech with a dark finish and has later sheet brass ramrods pipes, forend cap, and buttplate; a thumb rest groove on the right, nine notches below on the wrist, and an attractive "perch-belly" profile. An iron spanner is included. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 69

Price Realized:

Documented French and Indian War Era British Marine/Militia Pattern Brown Bess Flintlock Musket with Grice 1759 Dated Lock, Unit Marking, and Matching Unit Marked Bayonet

Lot 1110

Documented British Grice Marine/Militia Flintlock Musket

British "Marine or Militia" muskets, manufactured c. 1756-1762, are described on pages 241-243 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms Volume I" with this exact musket photographed on pages 241 and 242. The book states, "Most marine or militia muskets were made to satisfy the increased demand for arms resulting from the Seven Years' War [AKA French and Indian War]. These muskets were similar to contemporary Short Land Pattern muskets but had a lower degree of finish and were produced without unnecessary furniture, such as wrist escutcheons, lower thimbles, and forend caps." Features a top mounted bayonet lug, crown over "GR" marked at the center of the lock, "GRICE/1759" at the tail of the lock, and "ABD/3/53" British unit markings on the buttplate tang (no solid information relating to the markings found at this time). "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes socket bayonet unit marked with the same "3/53" as on the gun, and leather sling. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 80

Price Realized:

Very Scarce Documented French & Indian War Era British Flintlock Light Infantry Fusil with 1759 Dated Farmer Lock and Bayonet

Lot 1111

British Flintlock Light Infantry Fusil Dated 1759 with Bayonet

This light infantry fusil is pictured and discussed on pages 247-250 of "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume I: Colonial and Revolutionary War Arms" by George Moller. He notes: "The light infantry companies, along with grenadier companies (who were considered to be the army's elite), served on the flanks of the regular infantry. The light infantry were the army's skirmishers and could serve to turn an enemy's flank during an offensive. Defensively, the light infantry carried out patrols and countered enemy skirmishers. The Light Infantry fusil was issued to some of the light infantry units raised during the Seven Years' War. It was not issued to the light infantry during the American Revolution." Light infantry were less encumbered, trained for faster marching and maneuvers, and were meant to be able to quickly engage and counter the enemy. They were also employed as scouts and for small scale raids. This fusil was manufactured during the French & Indian War (1754-1763) that pitted the United Kingdom and its American colonies against the French and their Native American allies. A young George Washington's actions are often credited with causing the outbreak of the war which began over land disputes in the Ohio Country. The victory of the British expanded their territory past the Appalachian Mountains all the way to the Mississippi River as well as north with the take over of Canada and helped set the stage for the tensions that led to the American Revolution. Thus, this rare fusil is connected with the chain of events that led to the founding of our country. The fusil is essentially a lighter, smaller bore musket, but it does not actually share components with the normal Brown Bess. Like the Bess, the front sight doubles as the bayonet lug, and the barrel has Ordnance proofs at the breech along with a "2" and crown and letter mark (barrel maker). The lock has the Georgian cipher and inspector mark at center, engraved double line borders, and "FARMER/1759" marked on the tail. The cock has a "1" on the base. The furniture is brass. The side plate has an "I" marking and a "JC" marking just behind the tail. There is a storekeeper mark on the right side of the stock and two additional markings behind the trigger guard tang. Includes a leather sling, a metal ramrod with trumpet head, and a socket bayonet. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 69

Price Realized:

Lot 1113

Pre-Revolutionary War Potsdam Model 1740 Flintlock Musket

The lock is signed "POTZDAMMAGAZ" at the center and "S+D" at the middle of the lower beveled edge. Per George Moller in "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume I: Colonial and Revolutionary War Arms", the latter indicates it was manufactured before 1775 while the arsenal was owned and operated by Splittgerber & Daum, the most powerful company in Prussia. The barrel has a bayonet stud on the bottom near the muzzle, a rounded brass blade front sight, and Spandau proofs at the breech. The furniture is brass and is robustly built. The side plate and buttplate tang are marked "179." The wrist escutcheon has the cipher of Frederick II of Prussia (r. 1740-1786). The trigger guard and buttplate have spire style finials, and the stock has raised relief spear head style carving and molding and the "cow's foot" style butt. A "4X" marking is on the left flat, and Moller's faint "GDM" collection mark is by the toe. It has a heavy iron ramrod and an old leather sling. The socket bayonet is unmarked and is a very tight fit. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 72

Price Realized:

Rare Documented South Carolina Marked Pre-Revolutionary War Dutch Type I Flintlock Musket with Bayonet

Lot 1114

South Carolina Marked Dutch Flintlock Musket

This musket is pictured and discussed on pages 382-384 "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume I: Colonial and Revolutionary War Arms" by George Moller and has his "GDM" collection mark discreetly stamped at the toe. He classified this musket as a Dutch Type I from c. 1741 and indicates these muskets were possibly purchased by the British and shipped to their American colonies in 1754 and 1756. The barrel has a bayonet stud on the bottom near the muzzle, a rounded blade front sight, and "F:119" and "So. CAROLINA." marked on the breech section. The lock is signed "CORBAVLE IEVNE" on the lower edge below the frizzen spring. Moller indicates he believed this was the marking of Godefroi Corbau the younger who was active in Maastricht c. 1717-1750. The inside has an "IL" marking. The furniture is all iron, and a black leather sling is fitted on the swivels mounted through the forend and front of the trigger guard bow. "IM" is inscribed on the long buttplate finial. Given this musket dates to before even the French & Indian War, may have been imported for use in that conflict, and was later owned by South Carolina for its militia's use, this musket likely saw considerable use in several conflicts, including the French & Indian War, American Revolution, and War of 1812. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 75

Price Realized:

Lot 1115

Prussian Model 1740/73 Flintlock Musket with Bayonet

This musket is pictured and discussed on pages 429-432 of "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume I: Colonial and Revolutionary War Arms" by George D. Moller, and Moller's "GDM" collection mark is discreetly marked by the toe. The lock plate is marked "POTSDAMMAGAZ" and "D S E" indicating that it was manufactured under the direction of the firm David Splitgerber Erben under the leadership of Splitgerber's son-in-laws at the Potsdam Arsenal in 1775-1795. They were the successors (erben = heir) of Splitgerber & Daum, Prussia's largest mercantile firm in the 18th century. The wrist escutcheon has the cipher of Frederick the Great further narrowing the production range to 1775-1786. The trigger plate has a "W" mark, and there are some slightly obscured eagle proof marks and an incomplete cartouche on the barrel. It has primarily brass furniture including the distinctively shaped brass ramrod pipes, a Prussian serpentine style side plate, and long, sculpted trigger guard. It is fitted with a nearly full length stock with "cows foot" butt, a long sculpted buttplate tang, and sling swivels with a black leather sling. The barrel is fitted with a brass blade sight on top and bayonet stud on the bottom, and a steel trumpet headed ramrod and socket bayonet are included. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 74

Price Realized:

Documented Pre-Revolutionary War Dutch Type II Flintlock Musket with Bayonet

Lot 1116

Documented Dutch Type II Flintlock Musket with Bayonet

This musket is pictured and discussed in "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume I: Colonial and Revolutionary War Arms" by George Moller on pages 385-388 and has Moller's discreet "GDM" collection mark by the toe. He lists it as a Dutch Type II musket and indicates it is probable that this musket was part of the 18,000 muskets purchased by Great Britain in Holland in 1741. He noted previously that some of these muskets may have been shipped to the American colonies during the French & Indian War. Thus, this musket may have seen use in the French & Indian War and American Revolution as well as subsequent conflicts. It has a bayonet lug on the bottom of the barrel, no front sight, a "wedding" band ahead of the breech section, "C:1001" on top of the barrel at the breech, a flat lock plate with beveled edges and "banana" profile, non-bridled frizzen, no lock markings, brass furniture, "IN" neatly carved on the left side of the butt, black leather sling, and a socket bayonet. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 79

Price Realized:

Rare Documented Revolutionary War Era J.G. Erttel of Amsterdam Dutch Four Band Type IV Flintlock Carbine

Lot 1117

J.G. Erttel of Amsterdam Dutch Type IV Flintlock Carbine

This carbine is pictured and discussed on pages 400-403 of "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume I: Colonial and Revolutionary War Arms" by George Moller and has his "GDM" collection mark in tiny letters by the toe. The lock is signed "AMSTERDAM" and "J.G.ERTTEL" along the edges above and below the frizzen spring respectively. The younger Johann Georg Erttel (or Ertel) was named for his father, an armsmaker in Dresden. Moller indicates he took over Pierre Joseph Thirion's shop in Amsterdam when the latter died in 1752. Other sources indicate he did so by marrying Thirion's widow, Anne, and that Erttel died in 1794. The ramrod, barrel, and wrist escutcheon are all marked "No 3." The barrel also has the Amsterdam control mark. The furniture is all brass, and the front band has an integral ramrod pipe. It is fitted with a 19th century black leather sling. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 72

Price Realized:

Very Scarce Documented Revolutionary War Era Twigg Silver Mounted Flintlock Officer's Fusil with Bayonet

Lot 1130

Twigg Silver Mounted Revolutionary War Era Officer's Fusil

This exceptional officer's fusil is pictured and discussed on pages 243-246 of "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume I: Colonial and Revolutionary War Arms" by George Moller. British officers were traditionally equipped with spontoons and sergeants with halberds even after these arms became obsolete in warfare. They were used as a sign of rank and to direct their men. Privately purchased fusils were used by some officers during the French & Indian War. They became more widespread during the American Revolution but are rare and valuable additions to any collection of arms from the era. Since officer's arms were a sign of their status, they are often finely mounted, carved, and engraved. George Washington forbid the carrying of fusils by Continental Army officers as he did not want his officers distracted from directing their men. The silver hallmarks on the buttplate and trigger guard tang include the "b" date code for 1777 and an "I-K" silversmith mark (likely John King). John Fox Twigg (1732-1790) was one of the greatest late 18th century English gunmakers. The convex lock plate is signed "Twigg" in script with scroll accents and has light border engraving. The 20 gauge (.62 caliber) barrel has a small bayonet stud on the underside for a socket bayonet, a silver front sight with flush inlaid "spider" base, "Twigg" signed in script with scrolling accents followed by "LONDON" on the sighting flat which has an engraved border and finial, London proof and view marks flanking Twigg's "crown/IT" maker's mark on the upper left at the breech, and a nice border at the breech edge. The upper tang is also engraved with scroll and floral designs. The furniture is silver. The four ramrod ferrules have banded designs. The sideplate has scroll, martial, and border engraving and has a screw in the tail in addition to the two lock screws. The wrist escutcheon has a shell finial on top and an urn on the bottom. It is engraved with a coat of arms over the motto "PRO-ARIS-ET-FOCIS" (For Hearth and Home or For Altar and Hearth), a widely used motto. The trigger guard has a classic acorn finial, quiver of arrows along with a bow and club on the bow, and scroll and border designs on the tang. The buttplate has scroll, classical arms, and border designs on the tang. The richly finished stock has raised shell and scroll carving around the barrel tang. The ramrod has a silver tip. Includes a loose fitting bayonet. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 62

Price Realized:

Lot 1135

British Sea Service Brown Bess Flintlock Musket

This musket is pictured and discussed on pages 235-240 of "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume I: Colonial Era and American Revolutionary War Arms" by George Moller and has his discreet "GDM" collection stamp in tiny letters near the toe. He notes the lock dates the musket to after 1777-1778. The lock has the Georgian cipher at center, a small "B&S" (Blair & Sutherlands, c. 1799-1811) marking below the Ordnance mark, and "TOWER" at the tail. The barrel has the front sight/bayonet stud set back from the muzzle, a "B" on the upper right in the breech section, Ordnance proofs on top at the breech, and a "*/IW" marker's mark on the upper left at the breech. The furniture is all brass. On the Sea Service muskets, there are no forend caps and no ramrod entry pipes. The front ramrod pipe has a retention spring to secure the steel ramrod. Sling swivels are fitted to the trigger guard and between the ramrod pipes, and a black leather sling is mounted. There is a light "crown/TA" after the flat side plate, and a storekeeper mark is on the right side of the butt. The right side also has a neatly carved "B No 5" marking, and the left side has "6," "BC," and "38" in slightly cruder carving. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 78

Price Realized:

Lot 1138

Austrian Model 1767 Infantry Flintlock Musket

This is one of the rarer 18th century muskets and are particularly hard to find in the U.S. This model was replaced in 1774, and the Austrian arsenal in Vienna struggled to keep up with the needs of the Austrian army making the totals produced over seven years limited. One of the key characteristics of these muskets is the stud behind the cock and the corresponding shape of the rear of the cock itself that prevent over cocking and help stall the cock in the fired position. The musket has a small stud front sight that doubles as the bayonet lug. The barrel is secured by three barrel bands, and the front band has the distinctive integral large ramrod ferrule. A leather sling is fitted to the swivels on the middle band and trigger guard. George Moller's "GDM" collection mark is near the toe. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 75

Price Realized:

Lot 1148

U.S. Springfield Model 1795 Flintlock Musket with Bayonet

The Model 1795 Musket represents many firsts in U.S. martial arms including the first standardized and official model of musket manufactured for the U.S. military and was based on the French "Charleville" Model 1766 muskets widely used during the American Revolution. This model saw heavy use during the War of 1812, making exceptional examples like this one incredibly difficult to find. In fact, the consignor noted this as the best known Model 1795 and indicated it is featured in James Whisker's book "The Northern Armoury: The United States Armoury at Springfield, Massachusetts 1795-1859" on page 103. Type III Model 1795s are dated from 1809 to 1814 making this an early example given it is dated "1809" on the tail of the lock and the buttplate tang. The lock has a script "US/eagle/SPRINGFIELD" at the center. The top of the barrel is stamped "US," and the left side of the barrel is stamped with "P/eagle head/V" proofs. The trigger plate is marked "RS." The stock has "J" and "J/S" marks by the trigger guard tang and a faint "US" mark on the left flat. The socket bayonet has a broad arrow mark on the blade and "I" on the collar.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 69

Price Realized:

Lot 1151

1817 Dated Model 1816 North Carolina Marked Flintlock Musket

This example appears to be an early pattern/transitional North Carolina state contracted Model 1816 musket made before official Armory production of the "Type I" Model 1816 muskets commenced. These early Model 1816s are described on pages 408-416 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms Volume II". The top of the barrel is marked "N. CAROLINA" and "US". The lock has no maker marking and is dated "1817" at the rear with an "eagle/US" at the center. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes socket bayonet (slightly undersized, will not mount) and leather sling. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 69

Price Realized:

Rare Documented One of Two Known Prototype Serial Number 1 Schalk Percussion Rifle-Musket with Bayonet

Lot 1207

Prototype Schalk Percussion Rifle-Musket

This exceptionally rare prototype George Schalk rifle-musket along with its bayonet is pictured and identified in George D. Moller's "American Military Shoulder Arms, Vol. III" on pages 570-574. Per Moller, this rifle-musket is only one of two prototypes fabricated by George Schalk, a German immigrant who settled in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, in 1854 where is made fine sporting rifles along with high quality violins. Schalk made the two prototypes for Rufus A. Wilder in the summer of 1861. Both prototypes have survived and are numbered 1 and 2. This example is no. 1, and, like no. 2, is incomplete. Note both barrel bands are drilled for retaining screws, but the stock has not been drilled for screws. Wilder invented several of the features demonstrated on the prototypes which he offered to the U.S. government. The design was turned down likely due to the Union's high demand for Springfield pattern rifles at the outbreak of the Civil War. The included sword socket bayonet mounts to the underside of the barrel. The way in which the bayonet mounts to the rifle is highly innovative. As Moller notes, "The bottom location eliminates the twisting effect caused by the weight of a heavy side mounted bayonet, when the arm is being aimed. Because of the bayonet's location, the ramrod channel was moved to the left side of the forestock. An extension of the bayonet catch stud, brazed to the underside of the barrel, also engages a corresponding mortise in the upper band, to prevent its rotation. The front sight is mounted on this band." It also features a modified Model 1817 rifle lock, German style tangent leaf rear sight, and "G SCHALK POTTSVILLE 1861" stamped on top of the barrel. The barrel, trigger guard, buttplate and barrel bands were browned. The lock, hammer, breech plug and side plate were casehardened. The number 1 is stamped on the lock plate, side plate, several screws, barrel tang, barrel, barrel bands and buttplate tang. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 58

Price Realized:

Lot 1213

Civil War Colt Model 1861 Special Percussion Rifle-M

These Muskets were manufactured throughout the Civil War under contract with the Union and state governments. An estimated 100,000 muskets were manufactured by the end of the war. This model is based on the Enfield Pattern 1853 and has many features incorporated in the Springfield Model 1863. This 1864 dated example has the standard markings and features, including an "F.C." inspection mark on the left at the breech.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 58

Price Realized:

Outstanding Documented Chiseled, Relief Carved, and Silver Mounted Neapolitan Miquelet Smoothbore Sporting Gun by Camerchioli, Matteo Fonzo, and Lupi Dated 1827

Lot 1325

Neapolitan Miquelet Sporting Gun

At first glance, this miquelet appears to be Spanish in origin given the Madrid style stock, and it was identified as Spanish when it was featured on page 536 of "The William M. Locke Collection" by Frank Sellers and page 146 of the 1971 "Antique Arms Annual" in the article "William M. Locke and His Collection" by R.L. Wilson. The Italian and Spanish gunmakers had a lot of overlap in style in this period, but incredible chiseled steel is a feature strongly associated with the Italian masters, and this gun certainly has plenty of amazing metalwork. This incredibly ornate sporting gun has a sunken golden "M FONZO" maker's mark on the breech end of the barrel, and Matteo Fonzo of Naples appears to have been active from the late 1790s to the 1840s. Additionally, the inside of the lock is signed "CAMERCHIOLI" and dated "1827," and the inside of the bow is signed and dated "Lupi/incise/1827." Camerchioli's identity remains unknown, but former owner and renowned arms and art collector Peter Tillou indicated that Gaetano Lupi was a Neapolitan silversmith who died in 1852. The overall quality of the combined work is extraordinary, and this fine sporting gun certainly ranks among the finest of all Italian arms extant. It was attributed as produced for Carlo Filangieri, Prince of Satriano, Duke di Taormina (1784-1867) by Tillou. Filangieri's father, Gaetano Filangieri, Prince of Satriano, was a Neapolitan lawyer, art historian, and Enlightenment philosopher. Naples was the capital of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. The younger Filangieri was an accomplished soldier, military leader, statesman, and reformer. He was defensive of his fellow Neapolitans, and killed General Franches in a duel after the Frenchman insulted the Neapolitans. He fought under Napoleon and Joachim in the French and Neapolitan armies, inherited the title of Prince of Satriano in 1819, supported the Constitutionalists, commanded the Neapolitan army in 1831 at the request of King Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies, put down a rebellion in 1848 and 1849 and was therefore granted the title of Duke of Taormina, served as a governor of Sicily until 1855, and was briefly Prime Minister and Minister of War under Ferdinand II's successor, Francisco II. He was ordered to leave Naples and traveled to Marseilles and Florence. He died at his villa of San Giorgio a Cremano not far from Naples. The octagon to round barrel is nicely patterned Damascus and has a silver blade front sight, double wedding band transition, dished rear sight, and floral engraved tang. The two silver barrel bands have sculpted masks of the same face with varying expressions on the bottoms, pierced acanthus patterns on the sides, and rope patterns across the tops. The rear is followed by a silver sling swivel. The front band's mask has its eyes and mouth down turned as if flinching, and the rear has the eyes open and teeth clenched and bared suggesting anger. They may represent a man tense in preparation of firing his gun and flinching at its ignition or may represent Pluto given the other decoration. The silver trigger guard has floral patterns, a scene based on the sculpture "The Rape of Proserpina" by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (c. 1621-1622) showing Proserpina being abducted and taken to the Underworld by the Pluto in an oval panel on the bow, and a green-man mask at the rear of the grip extension. The lock is very ornate and has a graceful curving shape with beveled edges. The lyre shaped frizzen has a chiseled siren, possibly Parthenope. The battery face is serrated. The city of Naples was previously the colony Parthenope, named after her, after she and the other sirens were defeated by Orpheus. He defeated them by playing and singing better than the sirens and thus saved Jason's crew. Parthenope flung herself into the sea, and her body was said to have washed ashore and to have been buried in a tomb at the future site of Naples. The pan has acanthus fences, and the frizzen spring also has foliate and scroll accents and a roller. The mainspring has light engraving at the tips. The cock has a pierced, acanthus and floral bridle, an impressive spread wing eagle backed by foliate designs for a neck, and sculpted floral blues, a fluer-de-lis, and leaf patterns on the jaw. The lock plate itself has floral patterns engraved under the pan and a swan and foliage at the rear. The silver heel plate has foliate finial, an oval panel scene with Procris, a leashed dog, and a small winged figure on a podium with a torch in one hand and another small object in the other, "Procri" inscribed below the scene, floral border engraving on the back of the plate, a bloom engraved around the screw, and a floral finial. The tales of Procris and Cephalus, her husband, vary significantly, but they generally involve each of them being jealous and concerned about the fidelity of the other. In some version s of the myth, she was given the mythical dog Laelaps who never failed to catch its quarry and a javelin that never missed, by Artemis, both of them she gave to her husband as part of their reconciliation. While trying to spy on her husband when he was out hunting because she still worried of infidelity, he mistook her for a wild animal and killed her with the javelin. The winged figure may be Zephyr or Aura who were suspected by Procris to be the lover of Cephalus in various tellings. Even the smaller details that are out of sight are ornate. Note the silver trigger plate has an engraved border and a floral finial, and the trigger is also finely shaped and terminates in a scroll. The beautifully carved walnut stock has attractive molding along the forend and the fluted butt, a raised relief carved lion mask disgorging acanthus at the ramrod entry point, checkering in the grasping area, classical figures and floral patterns ahead of the side flats, a pair of seated classical figures pouring water or possibly wine on the left flat in a panel with a serrated background, domed silver grotesque masks serving as screw washers, a small cat above the floral carving at the rear of the side flats, floral blooms and acanthus on top around the barrel tang, an intricate relief and raised relief carved bust that appears to represent Neptune (note the small trident) or possibly Pluto, additional raised floral carving at the front of the butt incorporating a monkey on the right and a bird on the left, an alternating textured pattern along the bottom of the butt, and a sling swivel set in a silver floral bloom. The ramrod slides into an enclosed channel or tunnel rather than a usual open groove and is iron with a trumpet shaped head. Provenance: The Robert M. Lee Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 69

Price Realized:

Lot 3084

Smoothbore Flintlock American Long Rifle

This smoothbore rifle or "smooth rifle" is pictured and described in "Rifles of Colonial America Vol. II" by George Shumway as rifle no. 95 and was also discussed as part of his "Longrifles of Note" series in the February 1980 issue of Muzzle Blasts. Both sources attributed it as George Schroyer Sr.'s work c. 1775-1790. Both the book and the article list the caliber as smaller than .54, so the barrel may be "coned" at the muzzle and smaller caliber for most of its length. In Shumway's subsequent book "George Schreyer, Sr. & Jr., Gunmakers of Hanover, York County, Pennsylvania," he notes that several of the guns he featured in "RCA Vol II" "certainly were not all made by the same hand, and attribution to Schreyer does not now seem suitable. . ." He suggests some of these previously Schreyer attributed guns were the work of gunmakers from Reading, Pennsylvania, where Schreyer worked before he moved to Hanover, possibly including Wolfgang Hachen (Haga). The barrel has rifle style blade and notch sights and is not marked. The Germanic lock is also unmarked. It has a single trigger. The furniture is brass. The stock has attractive molding along the forend terminating in a raised relief floral fluer-de-lis style pattern at the ramrod entry pipe, additional fluer-de-lis at the barrel tang, shapely tear drop flats, scroll carving at the front of the comb/wrist, raised molding along the bottom of the butt, mix of beautiful incised and raised relief carving along the left side of the butt including a small crosshatch panel under the cheek rest and sweeping scrolls at the butt. While no longer believed to have been Schroyer's work, some of the carving is certainly consistent with his early work, and all of the carving is of extremely high quality and clearly done by a talented artisan. The wooden patch box lid has been carved with a matching fleur-de-lis design.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 54

Price Realized:

Revolutionary War Era 1779 Dated East India Company Wilson Windus Pattern 1771 Brown Bess Flintlock Musket and Bayonet with Massachusetts Militia Markings

Lot 3085

East India Company Windus Pattern 1771 Musket with MS Marking

Richard Wilson's first contracts with the East India Company date back to 1733, and business with the company was carried on by the firm long after his death. These "Windus" muskets were manufactured for the EIC before the British military adopted the similar sized India Pattern. Aside from the configuration, these muskets have EIC markings and Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Windus's "crown/W" inspection marks on the barrels and locks. Some of these 1779 dated muskets are known to have ended up with New England militia units after likely being captured from EIC ships. The East India Company used the short Model 1771 (Windus Pattern) muskets to arm their infantry in the late 18th century. Some of these muskets were taken from an East India Company ship captured by American privateers. The Smithsonian included one of these muskets in their "On the Water" exhibit as part of a discussion of American privateers attacking East India Company ships during the War of 1812. Given that these muskets all seem to date to the late 1770s, they may have even been captured during the American Revolution and used by the Massachusetts militia during both the fight for independence and the War of 1812. Privateers were more important to the American war effort than they are often given credit for. Gunpowder, firearms, and other scarce and crucial supplies were captured from British supply ships and merchant vessels by privateers. Over 3,000 British vessels are believed to have been captured during the war. The Continental Army and various militia units depended on captured goods, especially early in the war. New England and the East India Company had a contentious relationship in the Revolution and War of 1812. The patriots that participated in the Boston Tea Party dumped over 340 crates of EIC tea into the harbor in response to the Tea Act which gave the company a monopoly on the tea trade with the colonies and the taxes on that tea that were part of the Townsend Act. Their ships, laden with valuable cargo including firearms and gunpowder, were prime targets for American privateers during both wars. The markings on this one indicate it was used by Massachusetts. The barrel has the East India Company heart bale mark on top along with "WILSON 1779" followed by "to MS," London proof and view marks flanking Wilson's "*/RW" maker's mark on the left at the breech, "1779" over the EIC bale mark on the tail of the lock and "WILSON" at the center, brass furniture, EIC bale mark on the right side of the butt, a brown leather sling, and a socket bayonet with the EIC bale mark, "WILSON 1779", "MS," and the "Baker" spring catch and a leather scabbard. The spring is also known as the "Indian Spring" and has been credited to Ezekiel Baker of Baker Rifle fame. George Moller's discreet "GDM" collection mark is by the toe. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 75

Price Realized:

Lot 3087

Late 17th Century French Matchlock Musket

This musket is pictured and discussed on pages 37-38 of "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume I: Colonial and Revolutionary War Arms" by George D. Moller. The toe has a "GDM" Moller collection mark. He notes, "This musket generally resembles the French military matchlock muskets described and illustrated by St. Remy in his Memoires d'Artillerie, published in 1697." It utilizes a crossbow style "tickler" lever trigger and has a "trigger lock" that has the trigger acting against a spring that automatically brings the serpentine back away from the pan when the trigger is released. The lock has a rounded profile, a pronounced teat at the tail, and a manually opened pan cover with a fence. The smoothbore barrel is two-stage and has a simple girdle at the transition point. The breech section is inscribed with "NEVFCHASTEL" in large letters on top behind a v notch dovetail mounted rear sight, and the round section has a simple blade front sight set back from the muzzle. Moller indicates the underside of the barrel has a Suhl control mark on the bottom. Moller references the multiple "Neuchatels" of France as potential locations for this musket's use. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 72

Price Realized:

Documented Germanic Wheellock Musket with Combination Spanner/Powder Measure

Lot 3088

Germanic Wheellock Musket & Combination Spanner/Powder Measure

This massive musket is pictured and discussed on pages 39 and 40 of "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume I: Colonial and Revolutionary War Arms" by George Moller. He dates it to between the late 16th-century and the mid 17th-century and notes that the only markings are "AX" engraved inside the lock at the tail and a deep but illegible cartouche on the bottom of the barrel. It is 64 1/4 inches in overall length. The barrel has a bead sight on the cannon style muzzle, double bands at the transition point, a dovetailed notch rear sight with decorative finial, and lined border on the breech plug. The large lock has some simple scroll designs on the wheel. The iron trigger guard is a rougher version of the finger groove style used on German wheellock sporting rifles, and the full length stock has a sheet iron band at the muzzle and no side plate or buttplate. A spanner with an adjustable powder measure in the handle is included. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 74

Price Realized:

Documented Revolutionary War Attributed American-Made Short Land Pattern Flintlock Musket with Bayonet

Lot 3090

Revolutionary War Attributed American Flintlock Musket & Bayonet

This musket is pictured and discussed on pages 166-167 of "American Military Shoulder Arms - Volume I: Colonial and Revolutionary War Arms" by George Moller. He lists it as an "American-Made Short Land Pattern Musket" and notes it is built from British style components of American manufacture and may have been made for a Committee of Safety, to fill a state contract, or for private sale to a militiaman during the Revolutionary War. The furniture is similar to a Short Land Pattern Brown Bess, but simpler. Note, for example, the lack of a sling swivel hole in the trigger guard, absence of a wrist escutcheon, and plainer ramrod pipes. Moller identified the stock as cherry. The only markings that have been found on this gun are a small "SC" marking inside the lock and George Moller's discreet "GDM" stamp near the toe. Includes a socket bayonet. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 80

Price Realized:

Lot 3099

U.S. Springfield Model 1795 Type I Flintlock Musket

The Type I Springfield Model 1795 muskets are particularly hard to come by. This one has an "NC" mark on the barrel suggesting use by North Carolina's militia and is dated "1803" on the buttplate tang. The consignor indicated this musket came from Allen Kelly's collection and referenced page 103 in the "The Northern Armoury: The United States Armoury at Springfield, Massachusetts 1795-1859" by Daniel Hartzler and James B. Whisker. The Type I muskets were manufactured until 1806 and include variations over those years. This musket has a bayonet lug on the bottom near the muzzle, brass blade front sight on the rear of the upper band, "US" along with the "P/eagle head/V" marks and a "T" at the breech in addition to the "NC" mark noted above, the eagle and shield motif with the eagle looking to the viewer's right over a script "US" at the center of the lock, "SPRINGFIELD" in a horizontal arch at the tail of the lock, removable iron flash pan, "II" assembly marks visible on the frizzen and frizzen spring screws, sling swivels on the middle barrel band and the stud that passes through the trigger guard finial, teats on the trigger guard finials, a small "U" marking just behind the trigger guard, a "WC" mark and intertwined "US" script cartouche on the left stock flat, and an iron ramrod with trumpet head.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 69

Price Realized:

Lot 3100

US Surcharged English India Pattern Brown Bess Flintlock Musket

India pattern Brown Bess muskets imported for U.S. use in the early national period are discussed on pages 3 and 4 of "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume 2: From the 1790s to the End of the Flintlock Period" by George D. Moller. His discreet "GDM" collection mark is found on the toe of this musket. He notes that in 1799 and 1800, 9,440 British muskets were imported to Philadelphia and placed in the Schuylkill Arsenal. Some of these were likely from the Revolutionary War, but others were clearly imported new. Moller notes that Dewitt Bailey indicated that the Ordnance Department in the U.K. intended to switch back to the New Land Pattern Muskets and may have been exported some of their India Pattern muskets prior to the Napoleonic Wars. He further states: "There are very few early India pattern muskets with 'US' markings in American collections." He clearly got his hands on one. This India Pattern musket has the usual front sight that doubles as the bayonet lug, Ordnance proofs on top at the breech, "US" marked on the barrel at the breech and the tail of the lock, the standard Georgian cipher and "TOWER" markings on the lock, "TK" (Thomas Ketland?) and two inspection marks behind the trigger guard, a small "TC" mark on the left flat, a leather sling, metal ramrod with trumpet tip, and a socket bayonet with scabbard, "666" looking mark on the collar, and a "Baker" securing spring. The spring is also known as the "Indian Spring" and has been credited to Ezekiel Baker of Baker Rifle fame. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 78

Price Realized:

Early Production M.T. Wickham U.S. Model 1816 Flintlock Musket with Scarce Historic Gloucester Brigade New Jersey Markings

Lot 3109

New Jersey Marked M.T. Wickham U.S. Model 1816 Flintlock Musket

Many Model 1816 muskets were used during the Texas Revolution, various conflicts with Native Americans, the Mexican-American War, and even into the Civil War. This undated example has the early "M.T. WICKHAM" in an arc over "PHILA" lock marking. "S.N.J." marked on top of the barrel ahead of the breech and on the left stock flat. "F", "P" and "US" marked at the breech. "V/GF" marked on the left stock flat. "GLOUCESTER BRIGADE" stamped alongside the trigger guard finial and on the underside of the buttstock. Includes a Watervliet Arsenal leather sling. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 69

Price Realized:

Lot 3122

U.S. Nippes Maryland Attributed Flintlock Musket with Bayonet

This exact Daniel Nippes flintlock musket is described and photographed on pages 217-218 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms Volume II", in which it states, "A musket attributed to Daniel Nippes, which is stamped with 'M' on the barrel, denoting Maryland state ownership, appears to have been made in the 1815-1820 period, because it has the low-comb stock introduced at Springfield Armory in late 1815." It shares similarities with 1808 U.S. contract muskets made after the Springfield Armory pattern with otherwise minor differences. The top of the barrel is also marked with a raised "P" in a sunken oval. Marked twice with a "W" on the left stock flat. Includes a socket bayonet marked "XX" at the base of the blade with "Moller" written in black marker on the socket, leather sling, and wood tampion. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 69

Price Realized:

Lot 3133

William Jenks Muzzle Loading Rifle

This is one of less than 100 of these distinctive rifles manufactured in the late 1830s. Very, very few are extant today making them incredibly difficult to find and acquire. This is the first we have had the pleasure of cataloging, and we may not see one again for a very long time. It is documented on pages 478-481 of "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume II: From the 1790s to the End of the Flintlock Period" by George Moller and has his discreet "GDM" collection mark by the toe that looks like a government inspector mark. Moller's introduction to the rifle provides excellent details. He wrote: "No contract or delivery information has been located regarding these rifles, but all observed examples bear the inspection and proof markings of U.S. inspectors James Harris and Nahum W. Patch, which indicate at least limited government procurement. Because Ordnance Department procurement for the army during this period is well documented in the National Archives, and because no mention is made of these rifles in those records, it is speculated that a small number may have been procured for firing or shipboard trials by the U.S. Navy, of which a great deal less is known during this 1838-1840 period. It has also been speculated that a quantity of these rifles were procured by the Republic of Texas in 1840. Information in Texas documents concerning the procurement, transportation, and issue of 250 Jenks arms refers to 'rifles' and 'carbines' at different times. It is possible that both were included." The rifle has a brass blade front sight, bayonet lug on the underside near the muzzle followed by the "fishtail" bayonet retaining spring, "U" notch rear sight, three barrel bands with a ramrod ferrule on the front band and "5" marked on the right of the rear bands, a leather sling fitted to the swivels on the middle band and front of the trigger guard, "J.H." and sunken "P" at the breech, "CHICOPEEFALLS CO./MS." on the rear of the distinctive back action lock, oval "JH" cartouche on the left flat, another faint cartouche by the buttplate tang (likely "NWP" based on Moller's writing), and rather slender walnut stock. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 62 smoothbore

Exceptional Documented U.S. Springfield Model 1816 Type II Flintlock Musket with Bayonet

Lot 3134

Documented U.S. Springfield 1816 Type II Flintlock Musket

Model 1816 muskets were primarily used in conflicts with various Native American groups after the War of 1812. They were also used into the Mexican-American War era and the Civil War, generally after being converted to percussion. Model 1816 Type II muskets are described on pages 421-423 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume II" with this exact musket photographed on all three pages, in which the first caption states, "The salient visual feature of the Model 1816 (Type II) musket is the lower sling swivel's location on the front branch of the trigger guard bow." The top of this same musket is also photographed on page 409 in which this musket is used as an example to describe the serial numbering system used at the national armories from c. 1817 to the late 1830s. Features a top mounted bayonet stud towards the muzzle, brass blade front sight on the rear strap of the front barrel band, "Z 58" marked on top of the barrel at the breech, diamond shaped condemnation punch mark on the left of the barrel at the breech above "P/eagle head/V" proofs, "1829" date marked on the barrel tang, "SPRING/FIELD/1830" marked at the rear of the lock (indicating a replacement) and "eagle/US" at the center, circled script "ET" (Elisha Toby) inspector cartouche ahead of circled script "A/3" classification stamp, and "RC" marked ahead of a circled script inspection cartouche behind the lower tang. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes US socket bayonet, leather sling and wood tampion. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 69

Price Realized:

Lot 3304

Queen Anne Era British E. Nicholson "Doglock" Musket

Queen Anne's reign as the monarch of England, Scotland, and Ireland laseted from 1702 until her death in 1714. She was the first to reign as queen of Great Britain following the Acts of Union. Muskets like this one would have been used by her forces in the War of the Spanish Succession which spanned her reign. The flat lock plate has Queen Anne's "AR" cipher at the center flanked by Ordnance marks and is signed "E/NICHOLSON" behind the dog catch. The lock is not a "true doglock" given it has a half-cock notch on the tumbler, but many English flintlocks in the early 18th century retained the dog catch on the locks as an additional safety feature. The inside of the bridleless lock has a "crown/3" marking. The barrel has a bayonet stud/front sight, Ordnance proofs, and an "EN" maker's mark. The stock has been cut back at the forend tip to allow the mounting of a socket bayonet which became widely adopted in the period. The furniture is brass and is generally very simple aside from the bulbous finial on the trigger guard. The wood ramrod has a brass tip. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 80

Price Realized:

Rare King's Regiment of Foot Iron Mounted British "Pre-Brown Bess" Flintlock Musket with Bayonet

Lot 3306

Iron Mounted British Brown Bess Flintlock Musket with Bayonet

These are often called "Pre-Brown Bess" muskets. Though these muskets are very rare, a few are known, including the example at West Point, and another Pocock marked musket for the King's Regiment of Foot is featured on page 22 of "Red Coat and Brown Bess" by Anthony D. Darling and noted as a: "Long Land Service Musket made c. 1724 with original steel ramrod for regiments on the Irish Establishment. It is iron mounted with typical land pattern furniture. . .The barrel is marked Pocock C3 No 22. John Pocock was colonel of the 8th, or King's, Regiment from 1721 until his death in 1732. The butt tang is engraved MAJrs COMPy, indicating the Major's or third battalion company." This musket is marked "POCOCK C3 No 4" on the barrel and "MAJrs COMPy" on the buttplate tang indicating it was used by the same company. Colonel John Pocock fought during Queen Anne's wars and was promoted to colonel in 1707 and took over the regiment of Lord Strathnaver in 1710 and fought during the War of the Spanish Succession. He also took over Boron Hotham's Regiment of Foot in 1720 and led it as Pocock's Regiment of Foot in 1720-1721 before taking command of the King's Regiment of Foot. Years later, this regiment served in North America following the French & Indian War and into the American Revolution and fought in Canada and in the west before returning to England in 1785. Another 1720s musket with different regimental marking can be seen on page 58 of "The History of Weapons of the American Revolution" by George C. Neumann. That musket also has the iron forend tip band and an iron ramrod. These are the early 1718 pattern muskets with iron furniture rather than the brass fittings that later became standard. Much of the furniture is rather similar to the more common brass mounted Long Land muskets, but the ramrod pipes a simpler, and the trigger guard is a much different design with spire pointed finials. The buttplate finial tip and top of the wrist escutcheon also have small teats. In addition to the markings noted above the barrel has a stud front sight that doubles as the bayonet lug, ordnance proofs, and has been fitted with a notch rear sight on the upper tang. The bridle-less lock matches the barrel and is marked "WILSON/3/4" on the tail and has the Georgian cipher at the center and a heart shaped stamp on the interior. The forend has an iron band at the tip and the classic bulbous swell at the ramrod entry-point. There is wavy carving around the barrel tang, and the stock flats have raised tear drop flats. The buttstock is heavy and has a rounded "ogee" profile on the "handrail" comb and pronounced grooves that gives the wrist an elongated appearance. A leather sling is fitted to the sling swivels mounted through the forend and front of the trigger guard, and a socket bayonet is included. Geoge Moller's faint "GDM" collection mark is near the toe. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 78

Price Realized:

Rare Documented 1740 Dated British Long Land Pattern Type I Brown Bess Flintlock Musket with Bayonet

Lot 3312

British Long Land Brown Bess Flintlock Musket with Bayonet

This musket is pictured and discussed on pages 215-218 of "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume I: Colonial and Revolutionary War Arms" by George D. Moller and has his discreet "GDM" collection mark twice near the toe. The "banana" profile lock has the Georgian cipher at the center along with an Ordnance mark and "TOWER/1740" at the tail. The barrel has a bayonet stud/front sight and faint markings at the breech that include "51." The stock has "E~D" neatly carved on the left side, a storekeeper mark on the right, and a small inspector stamp behind the trigger guard. The furniture is brass. It has a wood ramrod with brass band at the tip, a socket bayonet, and a black leather sling. These muskets were the main British infantry arms of the 18th century. Being dated 1740, this musket may have seen use in several historically significant conflicts, including the Jacobite Rising of 1745, French & Indian War/Seven Years War, and American Revolution. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 80

Price Realized:

Fine British Short Land Pattern Brown Bess Flintlock Musket Marked Griffin with Bayonet

Lot 3313

British Short Land Pattern Brown Bess Flintlock Musket & Bayonet

This French Revolutionary Wars era (1792-1802) commercial musket rather than a Ordnance piece and has London proofs flanking a "*/RW" maker's mark on the left at the breech and a "TL" (possibly "IL") followed by two dots and "LONDON" on top. It was likely used by one of the volunteer units raised to defend against a possible French invasion. An over-sized bayonet lug is fitted near the muzzle. The lock is signed "GRIFFIN." The furniture is brass, and the walnut stock has no visible markings. A leather sling is fitted to the sling swivels and a "35" marked socket bayonet is included. It fits the barrel but not the lug. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 79

Price Realized:

Lot 3314

1761 Dated British Royal Artillery Flintlock Carbine

This carbine is featured on pages 251 of "American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume I: Colonial and Revolutionary War Arms" by George Moller and categorized as a Type I Royal Artillery Carbine. He notes that some of these carbines may have been captured by the Patriots during the American Revolution and references a letter written by Benjamin Franklin and dated May 27, 1776, in which he notes 1,000 carbines with bayonets had been captured at sea and landed in Boston. It is signed "IORDAN" and dated "1761" on the lock which also has the engraved Georgian cipher and an Ordnance mark. The barrel has a small front sight that doubles as the bayonet lug, faint "ROYl ARTILLERY" marking on top, and a "flower/RI" maker's mark on the left at the breech. The stock has brass furniture similar to the Land Pattern muskets but scaled down, and Moller's discreet "GDM" collection mark is by the toe. It has a later iron ramrod with trumpet head in place of a wooden ramrod and is fitted with a black leather sling. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 72

Price Realized:

1779 Dated East India Company Flintlock "Brown Bess" Style Fusil with 1786 Stock Carving and Bayonet

Lot 3316

1779 Dated East India Company Flintlock Fusil with Bayonet

This light infantry or artillery style fusil is essentially a lighter version of the famous Brown Bess musket and was made by John Twigg in 1779 for the East India Company. The lock has "1779" and the East India Company "4/V/EI/C" heart logo on the tail and "TWIGG" signed at the center, a small "W" mark under the pan, and "NI" on the inside. The barrel similarly has the heart logo and then "TWIGG 1779" and has London proof and view marks flanking "crown/IT" on the left at the breech. The stud front sight is also the bayonet lug for the appropriately scaled down socket bayonet. The stock has the heart logo followed by "MW Iunr 1786" (January 1786) on the right side of the comb, what looks to be "AC" or "DC" behind the trigger guard tang, and George Moller's "GDM" collection mark discretely by the toe. A black leather sling is fitted to the sling swivels. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 69

Price Realized:

Lot 3318

Early Dutch/Germanic Flintlock Musket with Bayonet

This early 18th century musket has a convex, "banana" lock with a bridle-less pan, a leaf frizzen spring finial, and a "GSB/rooster" maker's mark on the nose under the frizzen spring. This mark is shown on page 117 of "Der Neue Stockel" by Heer and noted as for Georg Sigmund Boessel of Suhl, circa 1680-1725. The barrel has a bayonet stud/front sight, thin band and then "wedding band" at the transition points, and "D 116," "178/8." and "13" in an oval marked at the breech. With the lock removed, a deep "IK" mark and a shallower "LB" in a heart mark are visible. The former is similar to marks 3431 and 3432 on page 664 of the above reference and noted as found on rifles from Zella c. 1748. The barrel tang is raised and grooved to act as a rear sight. The furniture is all iron. The trigger guard and buttplate finials have long bulbous spire designs similar to other German/Dutch muskets from the first half of the 18th century. The stock has some attractive flame figure, carved "teardrop" flats and barrel tang carving, "HM" and "YT" hand marked on the bottom of the butt, and an "HZ" in a circle marking at the toe along with the "GDM" markings from the collection of George D. Moller. It has an iron ramrod. A socket bayonet, tampion, and modern leather sling are also included. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 69

Price Realized:

Lot 3320

J.G. Jones Marked Yeomanry Type Flintlock Musket

This musket was manufactured in the early 1800s and likely meant for arming a British yeomanry unit during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. The lock has the Georgian cipher at center and "J.G. JONES" at the tail. Jones's identity is not clear. There were several John Jones gunmakers in England at the time. The barrel has a bayonet stud/front sight and Tower private proofs. The furniture is brass. The buttplate has "14" on the heel (probably a rack number).

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 75

War of 1812 Era Ketland & Co. British India Pattern Third Model Brown Bess Flintlock Musket

Lot 3321

Ketland British India Pattern Third Model Brown Bess Musket

Thomas Ketland Sr. was a successful Birmingham gunmaker and sold firearms and other products from 1760 until his death in 1816. Thomas Ketland, in partnership with William Walker, had a contract with the British Ordnance Department from 1799-1812 for manufacturing of these muskets. The barrel has a bayonet stud/blade front sight, and "RW" barrel maker mark between two deep Birmingham proofs at the breech. "KETLAND/& Co." marked at the center of the lock. Top mounted bayonet lug. Full length stock mounted with two sling swivels and brass fittings. Illegible two letter cartouche on the left stock flat, and two small illegible marks behind the lower tang.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 75

Price Realized:

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