3017 CONFEDERATE 1863 COOK & BROTHER SHORT RIFLE.

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This item SOLD at 2023 May 14 @ 10:20UTC-4 : AST/EDT
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 10,000.00 USD
Estimated at 20,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD

Cal. 58. S#3150. All of the long arms produced by Cook & Brother of New Orleans seem to have a low survival rate, despite the fact over 7,000 were produced. Cook & Brother made 2 models of rifles; a 33” standard infantry example and a 24” carbine, like the example offered here. The 24” carbine is referred to in the literature as a musketoon, artillery carbine, or a short rifle. John Murphy and Howard Madaus, in their exemplary 2002 text CONFEDERATE CARBINES AND MUSKETOONS, explain the configuration and history of these weapons that were first made in New Orleans, and later in Athens, Georgia, as with this example. This example has a standard configuration with 24” Damascus barrel that clearly shows the twist. Barrel has fixed front & rear sights with a serial number that can be seen on the top right near the breech, and “PROVED” is stamped on the left of the breech. Lock is particularly nicely marked with a well-defined Confederate First National flag behind the hammer & "COOK & BROTHER", "ATHENS GA" & "1863" along with the serial number “3150” forward of the hammer. There are all matching serial numbers on every part normally numbered, including the barrel, both barrel bands, nose cap, lock, lock screws & tang screw. CONDITION: very good overall, complete and all original, with exception of sling swivels & ramrod. Lock & barrel show a smooth gray iron patina overall with cleaned areas of pitting at breech, along with brown/plum color. Stock has overall hand worn patina with an old glued and pined wrist repair which doesn't affect the overall aesthetic. Lock is functional but only holds on full cock. Rifling is exceptionally well defined. (01-22073/BF). $20,000-25,000.