3263 HARPERS FERRY MISSISSIPPI RIFLE ALTERED FOR SABER

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 1,250.00 USD
Estimated at 2,500.00 - 3,500.00 USD
BAYONET. Cal. 54. NSN. Standard configuration of model 1841 brass mounted two band rifle, "HARPERS FERRY 1850" marked lock with eagle & "US". 33" barrel dated 1849 and inspected "WCK" (William C. Kirby-inspector at time of alteration) along with original inspection "AW / P". Harpers Ferry armory modified for saber bayonet with added lug, shortening forestock, and cut back front band. Long-range adjustable Enfield-style leaf sight (spanner screw retained) & model 1855-style front sight are characteristic of what George Moller classifies as a type III alteration performed at Harpers Ferry 1858-1860. About 4500 rifles were altered in this configuration with about half being rebored and the reminders remaining in .54 caliber like this fine survivor. This is a fine survivor with a beautiful bore with crisp shiny 7 land and groove rifling. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: copy of pages from George Moller's text detailing this alteration. CONDITION: very good overall, complete and original, barrel cleaned with overall gray metal with pitting at breech. Stock is sound and solid with discernible "WCK" stamped in flat opposite lock along with "JLR" (John L. Reseler, original 1850 inspector) mechanically sound, crisp rifled bore. PROVENANCE: Dr. Fred Novy, ASAC. (01-25310/JS). ANTIQUE. $2,500-3,500.