3337 EXCEEDINGLY RARE PATTERN RIFLE MUSKET FOR THE

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 20,000.00 USD
Estimated at 40,000.00 - 60,000.00 USD
STATE OF VIRGINIA BY HARPERS FERRY. Cal. 69. NSN. Bbl. 34 1/4". This very rare rifle musket was produced by the US Arsenal at Harpers Ferry and exhibits a Harpers Ferry style lock with the same eagle and “US” on the lock as is seen in the M1841 “Mississippi” rifle. There is a large, exquisite silver inlaid oval escutcheon on the right side of the stock that reads “PATTERN RIFLE MUSKET FOR STATE OF VIRGINIA J. A. D. 1856.” The barrel has a bladed sight on step at the muzzle with a bayonet lug approx. 4” behind the muzzle for a saber bayonet. Beginning 3 1/2" up from the breech is a 3 1/2" long adjustable sight. The barrel is round but is faceted on the sides near the bolster. The lock has a Harpers Ferry M1851-style eagle just in front of the hammer. Iron trigger guard, butt plate, side plate, sling swivels, barrel band, and integral band/nosecap. The iron ramrod appears original to the gun. The stock, as one would expect, has no inspector’s marks or arsenal marks. CONDITION: the barrel, lock, and all other iron parts have a dark, aged patina and have never been cleaned. The lock crisply holds both full and half cock. The stock has numerous small dents and dings but no notable damage. Bore is good but a bit dirty. A truly exceptional weapon worthy of the finest Harpers Ferry or Virginia collection. (01-24554/BF). ANTIQUE. $40,000-60,000.