LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2006 Dec Signature Civil War Auction #642  / 

25551

C.S. Wilson's Breech Loader With Bayonet

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:12,000.00 - 16,000.00 USD
C.S. Wilson's Breech Loader With Bayonet
<B>Published Wilson's Breech Loading Rifle with its Original Numbered Cutlass Bayonet as Imported from Britain by the Confederate Naval Yard in Charleston, South Carolina</B></I>- ran the blockade from Britain into the Confederacy. These extremely rare firearms were modeled after the Pattern 1856/60 Short Rifle and were supplied to the Confederate Navy in very limited numbers. Our specimen is especially desirable as it shares a common marked number with its blade and is thus offered as issued. This exact pair is discussed and photographed at length in <I>Firearms From Europe</B></I> by David Noe, Larry W. Yantz and James E. Whisker (Rochester, New York: Rowe Publications, 1999). The rifle has a 54 caliber bore, is 49" overall length with 33" barrel, the lockplate stamped 1860 with crown behind hammer, breech cover plate stamped "T. WILSON/ PATENT", "A84" and "T.W." stamped on breech-loading receiver, "CSN" and "A 84" stamped on right butt of the stock, 3 proof marks on barrel, two bands, front and rear sights, nipple protector secured with brass chain. This weapon is exceptionally well preserved and retains its canvass and leather sling. All metal elements are lightly toned with good surfaces. The wood has a mellow aged patina with a few dings as expected. Overall fine condition; The cutlass-bayonet is 32.5" overall length, 26.75" blade, all steel metallic elements, rifle barrel fitting on quillon, two-piece checkered wooden grips on hilt, smooth blade lacking fuller, leather scabbard with steel tip and throat. "C.K.C." within shield stamped on ricasso, crown over "S 14" below. Inspector marks on hilt. The reverse of the tang is marked "A84", tying the cutlass to the rifle. Wear to grips, light rusting on basket interior, else very fine condition. A splendid Confederate weapon set with an impeccable provenance. A unique combination with firmly matched serial numbers on the stock and breech of the gun as well as on the bayonet, only two of these ultra rare Confederate Navy rifles are known to exist in museum collections.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Small Collectibles (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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