3016

RARE 1861 DATED NEW ORLEANS COOK & BROTHER

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:10,000.00 USD Estimated At:20,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
RARE 1861 DATED NEW ORLEANS COOK & BROTHER

INFANTRY RIFLE. Cal. 58. S#243. A fine New Orleans Cook & Brother rifle representing one of the most highly sought after Confederate long arms. A scant 1,000 were made in all configurations and only a handful of rifles are known among collectors today. This rare Cook & Brother rifle is in standard configuration for a New Orleans produced rifle with a 33” Damascus barrel showing a clearly visible twist on its surface. It has an attached lug for a saber bayonet and the rear sight missing. No discernible marks are seen on the barrel except internal “P79” assembly marks on the barrel as well as the breech plug. Lock plate is marked "COOK & BROTHER, N.O. 1861" and a Confederate First National flag is stamped behind the hammer. All brass furniture, including the New Orleans style 2-piece trigger guard. Barrel bands appear to be original Cook & Brother bands, but are not matching. Nose cap is serial numbered 5114 and front band is serial numbered 4915. The rear band is not numbered, which is often seen on some New Orleans made guns. Cook & Brother Manufacturing was a short-lived enterprise in New Orleans as the city fell to Union forces early in 1862, and the production machinery was moved to Athens, GA where the bulk of arms production occurred. Cook & Brother rifles are visually attractive weapons, but they did not hold up well in the field as many parts & pieces of these guns are scattered relic finds on early battlefields. Complete all matching examples are almost impossible to find. This example was likely missing parts when discovered and has been painstakingly fully restored using original Cook & Brother parts. CONDITION: very good overall. Barrel is especially nice showing little pitting at the breach with smooth gray/plum patina. Lock has mottled gray patina with very good markings. Braised bayonet stud is a restoration, as is the rear sling swivel & lock screws. The front sling swivel is missing. All brass parts have a pleasing mustard patina. Rifle is mechanically functional and has a discernible rifled bore. (01-22072/BF). $20,000-25,000.