3019 EXTREMELY RARE BENJAMIN FLAGG SOUTH CAROLINA

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This item SOLD at 2023 May 14 @ 10:22UTC-4 : AST/EDT
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 7,500.00 USD
Estimated at 15,000.00 - 20,000.00 USD

CONTRACT MUSKET. Cal. 69. S# 70. This is only the 3rd example of the Benjamin Flagg marked Asa Waters South Carolina 1849 contract percussion musket we can document. George Moller in his “American Military Shoulder Arms” shows SN 66. These preceded the Palmetto Armory contract by one year and Flagg would continue in Columbia, SC supervising assembly of Palmetto muskets for William Glaze. Musket conforms to national armory Model 1842 with exception of use of reconfigured 1840 flintlock plate stamped with small eagle over small “U.S.” with scroll engraving & rear of hammer “B. FLAGG & CO / MILLBURY / MASS.” & “1849” at tail. 58" overall, 42" smoothbore barrel numbered “7” on bottom, inspection initials found on most metal parts. 0.7” German silver over thumb plate is engraved “70” which is highest number currently known of the 100 guns purchased. More detailed contract data is contained in Moller and 1999 John Ewing article that copies accompany this lot. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: 1999 John Ewing article. CONDITION: very good overall, iron patina, light pitting, sound and solid, stock with one crack on right side between front bands unaffecting aesthetic. Mechanically fine, smooth dark bore. PROVENANCE: Dr. Fred Novy collection. (01-23106/JS). ANTIQUE. 15,000-20,000.