3549 SPRINGFIELD M-1808 INDIAN CARBINE.

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 1,000.00 USD
Estimated at 2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Cal. .54 caliber. NSN. 48.25" overall. 33.5" barrel. Pictured and described on pages 92-93 of "THE FUR TRADE". Author, Milton von Damm: "This is a very sought after gun by collectors of early American military arms because it is the first model carbine made in a US Government arsenal. The lock is dated 1808 with US over an Eagle underneath the pan. They were made for The Office of Indian Trade as an American alternative to the standard Northwest fusil. They were too expensive to manufacture and only one order for 1,202 guns was made. The only known Indian distribution was 30 guns being given to Cree Indians as part of a treaty obligation. In 1830, 300 went to West Point as cadet muskets. In 1848 an arsenal inventory of 690 guns were sold at auction. Many were cut down for use a blanket and buffalo guns. This small flintlock fusil has a barrel marked with a P and Eagle head. The furniture fusil has a barrel marked with a P and eagle head. The furniture is brass and 1809 is marked on top of the buttplate. US Model 1807 Carbines are very rare in original flintlock condition. Most survivors were modified during their working life, often as blanket guns with shortened barrels. this gun has been restored and the lock reconverted to its original flintlock from percussion." CONDITION: good. PROVENANCE: Lifelong Collection of author Milton Von Damm. (01-24795/JS). ANTIQUE: $2,000-3,000.