Firearms
Original, Fully-Functional, & Complete P1853 .577 Cal. Enfield Rifle
Here's a pretty example of the British classic firearm of the mid-1800's, well loved and used here by both sides during our Civil War...the Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle. As my friend Tim Prince of College Hill Arsenal likes to succinctly put it, "The Enfield was in it's day what the AK-47 is today..."--the most widely used, acclaimed, coveted, and copied weapon weapon in the modern world at the time. They were solidly built, had fine craftsmanship, good sighting mechanisms, high accuracy, and very reliable. The Confederacy imported around 300,000 Enfields into the War, and the North imported at least 400,000. This specimen is a nice and affordable example of the type. It is fully-functional, and has all original parts, right down to the Enfield ramrod and sling swivels. No import markings anywhere on the stock or barrel, and has both the Birmingham "*25*25*" barrel proof with the Crown / "TP" / broad-arrow proof, showing it was approved for British military service. The Crown / TP / Broad Arrow proofs are commonly seen on British weapons approved for their military use, but this one was never issued for service (given the void of no other proofs). The stock has a most gorgeous original walnut patina with no cracking visible whatsoever, and extremely few nicks or scratches, despite it's clean combat usage. The British Stock-maker's mark of "W. Pape" is clearly visible upon the backstock opposite the lockplate. The metal is unpitted, with a nice dark metal, uncleaned original patina, and does show clear signs of heavy combat usage, given the powder residue and burn in the nipple/bolster area. It is obviously been fired many times in the line of duty. The nipple on this piece is an original/period nipple, but obviously a replacement after such service, as it is not as pitted or smashed at all from the firing this one saw. A nice, representative example of the famous British Enfield Rifle that was so widely imported and used in our War...
$1195
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Gorgeous Original & Complete LeFaucheux 9mm Pinfire Revolver -- Belgian Liege Marked w/ Clear "LeFaucheux" Mark
Exquisite Engraving, Beautiful Amounts of Original Bluing Remaining, Fully-Functional Double & Single Action
This is a fantastic "officer's-grade" famous LeFaucheux 9mm pinfire revolver. These were a revolutionary revolver of their time in the mid-1800's, as they were the first on mass-scale to utilized encased metallic cartridges for their ammunition. Being of French design and manufacture, they were also a true "status symbol" piece, as any fine gentleman of class and wealth would wish to have a fine imported French piece to "show-off"--kind of like the "Gucci" of their day. No different than today, any fine European-made and imported item was something that bespoke of your status, class, and wealth to all others to see. Even Stonewall Jackson carried a beautiful French Pinfire at his side. Many were imported both prior to, and during the war. I myself have dug 9mm pinfire casings and bullets from Cockrell's Confederate Missouri Brigade battleline at Latimer's Farm, Georgia! Of the pinfire models made, the LeFaucheux model and marked specimens are hands-down the most desirable and collectable. This LeFaucheux specimen offered here is a gorgeous example, having around 50% or more of the original bluing remaining (see the many photo's below). Without any pitting whatsoever, and absolutely untouched and uncleaned, it is a fine example. The action, being both single-action (cock and hold, releasing with trigger) and double-action (pull trigger to cock and fire), is very fine, and works perfectly. The loading gate is intact and very firm--as well as the day it was made. The Belgian proofs ("AF" under crown) and Belgian Leige proofs ("LGE") are crisply visible, as is the "E. LEFAUCHEUX" barrel mark. The wonderful original two sighting apertures are also firmly intact. Exquisite engraving abounds all over the piece, from the frame, trigger guard, right down to the handle screws. The original handles have some beautiful original finish remaining, and only the most minor and expected "honest wear" from service to be found. Even the original lanyard ring remains solidly with the piece. The simple ejector rod has matching remaining bluing, and fits snugly within it's housing--you won't lose this ejector rod anytime soon (most specimens are missing the original ejector rod since they are usually so worn and lose). Not so on this one. Good rifling of 7 lands-and-grooves can be seen all the way down the barrel. What's really enigmatic about this one is that the cylinder appears to be projectile struck right by the end of one of the chambers--you can see how something small impacted by the cylinder chamber front. You look at the pictures and tell me what you think! It looks precisely like a small caliber bullet impact. Acquiring this locally in the Jackson, Mississippi area, many Deep South weapons have a story to tell...if only they could tell them.
Regardless, it is better than most offered today, and nowhere near the $1000+ price you'll get stuck with...
$698
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Beautiful Condition, Very Early-Made (1852) Colt M1849 .31 Cal. Pocket Revolver 5" Barrel
Great Original 1852 Early Production, All-Matching Serial Numbers 49,588, Fully-Functional, Complete, Ample Bluing
Truly the most prolifically used revolver model in the entire War, the Colt Pocket Model Revolver was well-used by both sides by the many thousands. About 184,000 were made and in existence prior to 1861, with another 100,000 being made during the War. No other sidearm model was made in such numbers...none. This was the most commonly used model of revolver used in the South, given that so many were in private ownership prior to the outbreak of the War, and carried from home into service. Best of all, they don't cost but half of what their "bigger brothers" in larger calibers cost! I'd rather have the most prolifically-used revolver for both Johnny and Billy--and save a $1000 or more! This one is a very nice, beautiful displaying specimen--definitely an NRA/Flayderman's "Good" or better condition, and it shows. It's a nice, very early-made 1852 production piece, being all matching serial numbers of 49,588 on the frame, loading lever, wedge, and under the grip. It's the earliest-made Colt Pocket Model I've ever personally had...ever. All of the markings are crisp and clear, including some evident cylinder scene (though most of the scene is worn). Everything is fully-functional in every way, and the bore good, also. Metal has that just toned-down patina where the bluing has mellowed to that flat-black patina, and no pitting. Best of all, the cylinder scene is quite strong on this one! Some very minor "field wear" or holster wear, but very little at that. Even the nipples are all original and in very good condition--not "boogered" or flattened or broke. No cracking on the original original grips, and great original finish remains on the grips. Some remaining bluing and silvering are easily seen on the iron frame and brass trigger frame, respectively. Fully-legible Colt's New York address on top of the barrel. Just a really beautiful displaying, representative example of the famous Colt revolver that really saw the most use in the War. It's one of the much nicer ones I've had in a while. Being an 1852-made piece, it's chances of seeing action in service for the War are almost certain that it did indeed...
$1195
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Good Original Austrian Lorenz .54 Cal. Rifled Musket w/ Original Lorenz Bayonet
1856-Dated , Fully-Functional, Complete (Including Long-Range Flip-Up Sight) , Great Fitting Bayonet
The deal fell-through on this one, so here's your chance at the great pair at a great price! The 2nd most imported weapon of the Civil War--north or south, for that matter--was the .54 caliber Austrian Lorenz rifled musket. Being slightly shorter and lighter than the Springfield's and Enfield's, it boasted the same accuracy and reliability as the previous mentioned weapons, and became a favorite of the Confederate soldier. Here in the Deep South, the .54 cal. Lorenz was heavily used in the Vicksburg Campaign by both sides, but far more so by the Confederates (I've dug a Lorenz barrel exclusively ID'ed to Barton's GA Brigade at Champion Hill, myself.) By 1864, the Lorenz was 2nd in issue to the Enfield in the Army of Tennessee. Though some were imported and re-bored to .58 caliber in the north, most remained in their .54 cal. original state. This one offered here is a nice example of an untouched Lorenz, being complete in every way, and fully-functional. It is dated "856", standing for "1856" for the production year, and clearly was one of the older Lorenz's that the Austrian's emptied out of their arsenals (most European countries delighted in our War, as it gave them a chance to rid themselves of older, sometimes poorer quality weapons at exorbitant prices!) The rifling is still quite crisp and visible all the way down, despite it's clear combat usage, but it could use a good oiling. The bore measures around .55 to .56 cal, typical of the Austrian weapon to be slightly larger than the bullet diameter, and from combat usage. The stock is still a nice, rich dark brown patina, and the metal is actually very good! Usually, Lorenz's have a rough finish to their metal from their poorer quality carbon content and finish, but this one doesn't have that typical pitted look at all to it's metal. Very deep and rich chocolate brown appearance. Very pretty. No pitting to mention on this one--one of the better metal specimens I've had in a long time. All of the parts and pieces are complete, present, and original to the weapon--from the rear long-range flip-up sight, nipple, to even the sling swivels!--excepting the "tulip-nose" style repro replacement ramrod. Only the typical "honest wear" from service can be found anywhere--ding here and there, and a couple of minute cracks in the stock as usual, but nothing you wouldn't expect from just a good old "war horse" with all the right "look" to it to prove it saw real service. The typical Austrian proofs and marks are to be found on the barrel. But best of all is the snug-fitting original Lorenz bayonet. The bayonet is the matching exact patina, all original, and fully-functional as well--the locking ring works perfectly, and fits really snug to the piece. Definitely a Flayderman's/NRA "Good" condition for both. Good luck finding a pair cheaper. Here, you can afford to have one of the most widely used and heralded rifles of the entire war for both Billy Yank and Johnny Reb--with the bayonet!
$998 For Everything
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Beautiful Original Double-Barrel English-Imported Shotgun -- Made By Famous Maker "W. Richards" of London
Fully-Functional, Complete, and All-Original -- Gorgeous Checkering & Silver Oval Inlay In Stock
Thank God there are still gorgeous longarms of the Civil War that are still affordable, and just as "Johnny Reb" as a Leech & Rigdon belt buckle, sword, or (Rigdon & Ansley) pistol! Offered here is a classic Civil War or older double-barrel percussion shotgun made by the famous English gunmaker of "W. Richards". So many of these were imported into America before the war as a staple farm/household weapon across the land. Given the overwhelming lack of weaponry for the South, most Confederate cavalrymen--and indeed, most infantry soldiers during 1861--were armed solely with the shotguns and muskets they brought from home. So many double barrel shotguns have been excavated at cavalry camps and battlesites, and were a staple weapon until the very end of the war. Great early-war original Confederate images show eager and mean-looking Johnny's toting their double-barrels in front of the camera. This one is a beautiful, complete, and all-original specimen, being fully-functional in every way. No damage, cracking, or repairs anywhere on this one--totally untouched and beautiful. The stock retains a wonderful original finish, and the metal is still the dark original case-hardened hue toned-down to a rich cark chocolate color. Only the most minor and expected "honest wear" from being a staple weapon over 140 years old can be found anywhere at all. The "W. Richards" maker's mark can be seen on both lockplates. The action is smooth and still good, and even the original nipples are in good condition. The original ramrod remains beautifully intact. The "London Fine Twist" marking on the spine between the barrels at the top is very clear (the "fine twist" is the process by which the barrels were made.) Take a look at the many pictures below, and you'll see just how sweet this one is. No Civil War weapon or Confederate-themed collection is ever complete with one of these beauties to display and educate just how prevalent these were widely used during the war by the weapon-starved South...
$575
Original Wartime Images of Confederates and their Double-Barrel Shotguns (From "Still More Confederate Faces")
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Beautiful Original Remington "New Model" Army .44 Cal. Revolver
Without question, the .44 cal. Remington New Model Army revolver is one of the most identifiable and quintessential sidearm of the entire war. Though predominantly a Federal-used weapon, many were captured and utilized by Southerners, and became highly-prized weapons if they could get their hands on one. This specimen here is a really nice example of the Remington New Model Army. The sub-inspector marks of "R" & "S" can be found on the barrel as well as the frame in several places, as well as an "S" on the cylinder, and "C" by the trigger. The Remington patent date and address is entirely legible as well. The original wooden grips are in good shape, as is the metal on the piece. Clearly, this piece was well cared for over the many years, and though used, and has NOT been abused at all, as even all the original nipples are present and are not flattened or smashed in any way. The serial number of 141784 is easily seen. The piece is mechanically good, being quite crisp in action, and overall would easily rate an NRA/Flayderman's assessment of "GOOD" condition. Best of all, the rifling is the best I've seen in a Remington! It would shoot rather well today, though I'd never suggest doing so!
What I love best about the Remington New Model Army revolver is that it IS the quintessential sidearm of war--as much as any other revolver--but it doesn't cost $2000+ like a Colt does!
$1075
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Wonderful ID'ed M1860 Spencer Carbine, 1st Vermont Cavalry, Attributed to "K. R. Wintz" or "Wentz"
Complete, All-Original, Fully-Functional, Untouched Condition -- Serial 47,479 -- Double Cartouched
Initials "K R W" Carved Largely Into Stock
Just as with the listed Spencer Rifle below, the Spencer weapon design of cartridge-firing, repeating rifles and carbines truly revolutionized military weaponry in the mid-19th Century. It was a large technological advancement in the art of war--killing men rapidly. It was the terror of the their Confederate opponents, as was quickly realized at the Battle of Hoover's Gap, Tennessee: Wilder's "Lightning" Brigade of Mounted Infantry were armed with Spencer Rifles, and several Confederate brigades assaulted for hours to no avail. This was one of the very few battles where the South greatly outnumbered the Yanks--but the Johnnies quickly complained that the Billie's "had a gun they could load on Sunday, and fire all week..." Heavy casualties and defeat to the Confederates was the result.
This M1860 Spencer carbine is a wonderful piece in so many ways. Not only is it all-original, complete, and fully-functional in every way--being entirely untouched--but is has the unit designation as being from the 1st Vermont Cavalry, thanks to the serial number range. In fact, it is only one number off of one of the ID'ed Spencer's issued to Company D of the 1st VT within the Springfield Research System (number 47478 versus this one of 47479). I will happily provide the future owner with a copy of the serial number ID range with this piece for their records. Better yet, there is familial provenance attributing this piece to a "Karl R. Wintz" or "Wentz", with the initials "KRW" carved large into the stock. Almost certainly, Karl Wintz (or Wentz) was a good German immigrant that took the nice sign-on stipend (or replacement stipend) to fight for the Union, as many desperate immigrants came to this country for the bounty to fight, speaking little to no English. By the tens of thousands did the Federal ranks swell with such immigrants. Many Southerners complained repeatedly over these Yankees--especially as prisoners--who were German and couldn't speak in any intelligible language they could understand. There are multiple Wintz's and Wentz's in the NPS Soldier's and Sailor's System from the North, but no "K R" initials. Don't know if he died in combat or disease, never applied or reached age to receive a pension, or went back to his home country, or the record has been long lost (since the NPS system is based SOLELY upon a soldier or their widow who received a pension, and many records simply don't exist to document anymore). Someone needs to do some homework with the Vermont Historical Archives to see if any specific information about Wintz can be found-out about his history. Since so many Germans had their names "Anglo-sized" and misspelled, you may have to be diligent (i.e.: my wife's family German name is "Rauch", the German word for "smoke"--but upon arriving, it was changed it to "Rick" to be "Anglo-sized" in spelling and pronunciation. So no records of "Rick" exist before the time of the change).
This specimen is clearly in it's original, untouched, complete and fully-functional condition. The typical "honest wear" from actual combat and campaign duty is seen, but there are no repairs or significant damage whatsoever. The stock is still quite good for a "combat veteran", retaining a pretty and dark patina. The metal also has a nice gun-metal gray patina, with very little expected pitting from being in service. Nothing is loose or broken, or repaired at all. Simply untouched from the war. The double cartouches are still quite visible, as is the maker's marking and patent info. Even the sling swivel is still present, and the flip-up rear sight. The loading tube fits snugly still, and the action is nice. The serial number 47479 is easily readable. The 1st Vermont saw battle and action from the beginning of the war to the very end of the war. Formed on November 19th, 1861, they would ride and fight in the eastern theater, through Gettysburg, Cold Harbor, the fall '64 battles, to Five Forks--and about all the "big" battles and cavalry action in between--to the climax at Appomattox itself. This is a wonderful "war horse" weapon--literally--with good provenance, and would be a fine addition to your battle weapon collection. "Righteous" in every way, it is an example of the revolutionary weapon that a Vermont German immigrant used against the South...much to their dismay...
$2595
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