3136 NICELY CARVED IDENTIFIED CIVIL WAR MUSKET

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 1,000.00 USD
Estimated at 2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
“WILLIAM H. SHEPPARD 1864”. 142ND PENNSYLVANIA. Cal. 69. NSN. National Armory percussion conversion of model 1816 Asa Waters 1829 dated contract musket. Musket has survived in honest, complete, “as found” condition with bayonet. Crudely but legibly carved in the stock is soldier’s name “Wm. H Sheppard 1864”. William Henry Sheppard had service in the 142nd PA starting mid-1862, transferring January 1st 1864 into the Veteran Reserve Corps, where he stayed until July of 1865. Members of VRC were allowed to keep their guns, so personalizing this weapon makes sense. Regardless, this is a fine original Civil War musket with a soldier-carved name in the butt. Standard configuration, 42” proved barrel, lock marked: “US / A. WATERS” & “MILBURY / 1839”. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: small file of research including service records & history of the 142nd who had very heavy casualties Fredericksburg, action at Chancellorsville & light action at Gettysburg. CONDITION: very good overall; smooth iron patina; stock is sound with two discernible inspection cartouches. Complete and original, with exception of reproduction ramrod. The accompanying bayonet fits well. Mechanically fine, with smooth, clear bore. PROVENANCE: from Old Gettysburg Collection of Pennsylvania associated guns according to consignor, purchased from Brendan Synnamon in Gettysburg. (01-23568/JS). $2,000-3,000.