LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 December Civil War Auction #674  / 

72398

FIRST MODEL CONFEDERATE BREECH CARBINE

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
FIRST MODEL CONFEDERATE BREECH CARBINE
<B>FIRST MODEL CONFEDERATE MORSE METALLIC CARTRIDGE .50 CALIBER BREECH LOADING CARBINE.</B></I> Serial # 135 , matching, the gun being numbered on the underside of the breech block and the frame just forward of the trigger guard. This innovative carbine was invented by George W. Morse and manufactured with machinery captured by the Confederates form the Harpers Ferry armory at the State Military Works in Greenville, South Carolina. It is estimated that 1000 of these carbines were produced with the vast majority being issued to South Carolina militia troops although some are known to have found their way into the hands of regular Confederate forces. They were generally deemed to be too fragile for the demands of the battlefield and did not find favor with those who were issued them. The breech block release is an old well made replacement. And the toggle lever on the left side of the breech block is missing but the action functions perfectly without it. The breech block displays the three distinctive cut outs on each side, unique to the first model. Most notably the butternut butt stock has been cut on a diagonal 4” behind the wrist, quite probably for shipping, many years ago. It has been repaired by inserting 2 wooden pins in the forward section with corresponding holes drilled in the butt section to accommodate them. Grain matches perfectly and both pieces are unquestionably original. Should be properly restored . The triangular brass insignia crudely inlaid on the left side of the butt stock is probably fraternal and was probably added during the period of use. Retains both original sights with the brass front sight on a mortised steel base. The gun was purchased in Greenville, S. C. in 1965 and had been held by the previous owner since 1922. The original letter, of course, accompanies the gun. A very rare first model Morse carbine that can readily be restored to an exemplary specimen. <BR><BR><B>Condition: </B></I>Barrel with untouched dark patina and some scarred surface, very nice with no pitting. Excellent bore, mechanically perfect. Wood with the already noted modification has nice color and condition., just a couple of small chips at the back of the forestock next to the frame and a small hole drilled 4 ½” back from the nose cap, apparently for a swivel. All brass with wonderful untouched patina. The cleaning rod is a correct well made replacement and the cleaning jag is missing from the buttplate aperture.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Requires 3rd Party Shipping (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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