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The Special Contract with Britain for the US Firm of Robbins & Lawrence of Windsor, Vermont, to Produce Enfield Rifles for British Forces for their Crimean War (mid-1850's)

100% Original, Fully-Functional, NO BRITISH MARKINGS, with Multiple, Clear Usage Signs, Markings, Alterations, and Soldier's Initials Pointing to Southern Usage!

Tim Prince of College Hill Arsenal did NOT have to twist my arm very hard at all for me to "step-up to the plate" and nab this one! As he--or ANY serious Civil War foreign weapons, US-made RARE firearms collector, or Enfield aficionado will attest to...you RARELY SEE THESE for sale! And to find one WITHOUT British markings (indicating British purchase, usage), and thus only staying HERE on our continent....you see a "Windsor" US Enfield Type II Pattern 1853 rifled musket maybe ONCE or TWICE a year offered for sale! This is the first one I've had the chance to buy that really "talked" to me....as it has some clear "Johnny Reb" qualities and characteristics. But best of all, this baby is 100% solidly original, BEAUTIFUL (given all saw HEAVY service in combat), with NO DAMAGE or REPAIRS, complete with it's original full-length Type II swelled-shank, jag-head ramrod, and the enlarged upper barrel band for the swelled ramrod shank--the CHIEF characteristics of the "Type II" Enfield rifle. The gorgeous stock has NO chips, and hardly one hairline crack to even find ANYWHERE upon it. No massive bolster-burnout WHATSOEVER, but enough around the bolster and nipple to 100% PROVE WITHOUT DOUBT that this weapon indeed was "fired in anger" during the Civil War. The metal bears NO PITTING whatsoever (excepting the light firing evidenced by the bolster), and with a "smokey" and "steely" grayish patina and appearance to all the metal (the fading of the original case-coloring). The standard "WINDSOR" and British Victoria's Crown marking on the lockplate are 100% legible and clear, with the "1858" as well. Again, with NO BRITISH PROOFS or MARTIAL MARKINGS, we know this one was NOT amongst those shipped to the UK and the Crimean War. This is one of the less than 8,000 that were left over here. The British were caught rather "off-guard" by the Crimean War in the 1850's, and were in dire need of rapid supplies of their finest, modern rifle respected the world-over....the Pattern 1853 Rifle. At that time, it was the Type II Pattern 1853 rifle (later by the end of the 1850's, the type III would come to replace the Type II's, and thus why the VAST majority of Civil War-used P53 Enfield's are Type III's, without the enlarged upper barrel band, and un-swelled ramrod shank, solid barrel bands, etc.) So the British contracted with Robbins & Lawrence (R&L) Company of Windsor, Vermont (as well with other international firms in Belgium and France) to produce the P53 Type II Enfield Rifled muskets. Robbins & Lawrence were specifically picked by the British because of R&L's interchangeable parts production ability. In fact, much the British machinery and tooling they were using to make their P53's themselves had been purchased by Robbins and Lawrence for the the Royal Small Arms Factory! Thus, R&L quickly got the "nod" and contract to produce orders anywhere between 30,000 and 60,000 US-made Enfield P53's for the Crimean War usage.

R&L spent wads of cash for setting-up their production capacity to meet these production needs...but the Crimean War ended so quickly that only 10,400 were ever delivered to the UK, and a remaining balance of less than 6,000 were sitting within R&L's inventory. These remaining specimens, as well as the production equipment--and indeed, the business of R&L failed, and were sold-off at auction. Much of the machinery, parts, half-completed weapons, and other complete weapons in inventory did end-up being purchased by the famous Whitney Arms Company. Some (if not most or all) of these Windsor's were apparently bought by individual state militia's, under the Militia Act of 1808, and ended-up in state arsenals just prior to the outbreak of the Civil War. This specimen SHOWS that apparent case, as it bears matching rack-numbers of "31" on both the brass buttplate tang, and on the stock behind the barrel tang. As well, there is a clear inspector's initial's marking of "LEF" and a classic "Federal Eagle" stamping on the barrel breech where you'd see you typical US or British proof marks. Thus, this clearly was purchased by some state Militia or Arsenal, bearing such obvious rack-numbering and "Eagle" marking.

And this is where the "southern flavor" to the weapon REALLY comes in! And...by the way...we have 100% EXISTING ID'ed Windsor Enfield Rifles, and IMAGES of the "Rome Light Guards" of Rome, Georgia, all being issued WINDSOR ENFIELD RIFLES (feel free to visit their small, but very nice museum/historical society and see for yourself!!!) So we KNOW that JOHNNY REB had and used these most rare Windsor Enfields!!! The weapon's original rear, long-range sight was replaced with a CLEARLY, CLASSIC "Johnny Reb" simple and 100% period replacement "tombstone" rear sight. As well, the original front sight standard block and raised tip aperture is replaced with a simple, crudely-formed "pinched" metal sight--again, 100% period. Either Johnny Reb did this....OR, this was an incomplete weapon sold at auction when R&L sold their incomplete pieces in inventory. But THIS IS NOT THE HANDYWORK of ANY Federal Arsenal, or the very HIGH STANDARDS of quality and production of Northern industry. NOT....AT....ALL. THEN we have the archetypically classic Confederate MISSING COMPLETELY sling swivels...and not just the swivels taken off...but the large Type II upper band having the swivel attachment completely shaved/sanded off! NOT YOU TYPICAL FEDERAL CRAFTSMANSHIP. And to really put the final "Southern spice" to it, the Civil War soldier's LARGE hand-engraved initials of "ITD" loom large and clear upon the backstock of the weapon--and act that would literally lead to PUNISHMENT of a Federal soldier during the Civil War--but a common practice evidenced by almost every Confederate weapon ever seen and used.

100% Original....100% Untouched beauty...100% ULTRA-RARITY and COLLECTABILITY...topped with all the SOUTHERN FLAVOR you savor. GOOD LUCK finding a WINDSOR ENFIELD...one that was NOT British-used/marked...and one that was CLEARLY a Civil War "southern-spiced" specimen. Your typical one or two a year you find for sale run $3500 to near $5000....BUT NOT HERE at CHAMPION HILL RELICS!

Someone needs to look at the "Rome Light Guards" Confederate records and rosters for a name with the initials "ITD" !

Oh yes....this is the REAL-DEAL, my friends. Not only is it considered by almost every collector as one of the most aesthetically beautiful, quality-manufactured revolvers (made by the world-famous LONDON ARMOURY, no less) of its day, but its clear Confederate associations, with our knowing that thousands were purchased by the Confederate Government during the war. But this one has the 100% and exclusive "JS/Anchor" CS importation mark of that of John Southgate, the chief English weapon's inspector hired by Caleb Huse and the Confederate Government. John Southgate, a British London Armoury viewer/inspector, took a "leave of absence" from the London Armoury in 1861, and was solely employed through Caleb Huse and the Confederate government as their Chief Inspector/Viewer of British purchased weaponry. So there's no "guessing" whether this one was a CS-purchased weapon or not!

Now, my friends....those of you out there who are well-read and experienced with Kerr's KNOW that you almost ALWAYS find them in the .44 caliber variety--RARELY is EVER do you run across the .36 caliber version, though both were designed and produced from their first production. James Kerr was the inventor/designer of the Kerr revolver, being the superintendent of the world-renown London Armoury. The first patent for the Kerr was granted on April 14, 1857, but several further improvements were made before "mass production" began by 1860. Almost ALL of the .36 caliber Kerr's you will find--which are UNWORLDLY RARE to encounter over here--were typically early production pieces, as both the British and Confederate demand for a heavier caliber weapon lent Kerr to mainly focus on producing the larger .44 caliber version. This weapon originally came through my good, personal friend in Florida, who'd father-in-law had it in his family--having it passed down to him--then given to my friend to sell to pay for his mother-in-law's medical (and sadly, later funeral expenses). A wise collector scooped this rare beauty up, and I am proud to have the opportunity to offer this piece for sale on his behalf to you.

The weapon is 100% original...100% complete...100% fully-functional in EVERY WAY. There is NO DAMAGE or REPAIRS whatsoever. the original checkered grips are superb, with virtually no dings or rubbing and NO DAMAGE or REPAIRS whatsoever. The "JS/Anchor" mark is CLEARLY VISIBLE upon the grips under the trigger guard, where all JS/Anchor markings are found on Kerr's. The font, anchor-motif, and their sizing are exactly as they should be (I measured personally), so no question in my mind regarding it is 100% legit (I've seen two .44 cal. Kerr's recently with the most OBVIOUS faked "JS/Anchor" markings--which make me want to PUKE on the spot every time I see them.) All of the markings upon the piece are COMPLETELY CLEAR and VISIBLE, from the "LONDON ARMOURY" marking on the side of the frame, the London proofs upon the cylinder and side of the barrel, to the "L.A.C." (London Armoury Company) marking on the side of the barrel, to all of the matching "Kerr's Patent No. 11011". The metal patina is ENTIRELY UNPITTED, UNDAMAGED, and UNTOUCHED, with a rather "smokey" appearance from the faded original blued finish. As the many quality pictures below show, the weapon is simply GORGEOUS.

Now we know (through the "Firearms from Europe" Civil War reference book) that it is "estimated" that "7,000 to 7,500 Kerr revolvers" were "purchased by the Confederate government", and both the "Firearms from Europe" book, and other collectors "ESTIMATE" that the patent number range for "Civil War Kerr's" to be between 3,000 and 10,000. Of course, I've had other "experts" claim lower--AND higher patent numbered CS-purchased Kerr's. I have personally seen two JS/Anchor marked Kerr's that I know are 100% legit, that were in the 2,000 serial range (making sense, that they were pre-war production Kerr's that Caleb Huse bought off the shelves of local London retailers right at the war's outset). I also have seen two Kerr's come straight out of antebellum homes in Selma, Alabama Confederate estates that another world-renown dealer acquired, and they were numbered well into the 10,000 patent range. But as you experienced and wise collectors out there know the old saying about "opinions"...and those "old sayings" don't become "old sayings" without a darn good reason! Everybody GOT ONE. And when you ask for the PROOF or FACTS, do you ever have them produce them? Rarely, to say the least. PLEASE don't get me wrong--I ONLY EVER want to know the FACTS, TRUTH, and PROOF regarding ANY facet of our beloved forefather's and the War Between the States. It is the greatest honor to understand, know, and promulgate the FACTS for generations to come. It only honor's our forefather's who sacrificed SO MUCH--on BOTH sides. And I heartily welcome any and all new evidence to prove/disprove any of the "myths", "opinions", and other areas where we simply just don't have the physical, tangible records in existence surviving today.

What real, tangible "facts" that are IN EXISTENCE (since Kerr did not keep serial/patent number or other production records that are known to survive and exist today), are the following: that there are (1) 100% Confederate specimens straight out of Selma, Alabama, acquired and accepted in the collecting community as CONFEDERATE WARTIME IMPORTS, that are in the mid 10XXX range. (2) We also have the famous "Pratt List", of Company H, 18th VA cavalry, their revolver serial number report in early/mid-1864, listing MULTIPLE Kerr's with patent/serial #'s of 99XX. What I was specifically told by by several WELL-RESPECTED and EDUCATED collectors and dealers was very logical, sound deduction (since we DO NOT have records to support anyone's "opinion" that 11XXX is "too late for the Civil War"), that since we KNOW for a fact that 99XX Kerr's were already IN THE FIELD of COMBAT SERVICE by the famous Pratt List of the 18th Virginia Cavalry, we know (working the timeline of the Pratt list backwards) it took weeks for the Kerr's run through the blockade to be logistically sent through all the armories, supply-chain, etc, until FINALLY being specifically issued IN-HAND to a Confederate combat trooper in the field. We also know that the blockade runners took many months, on average, to make their voyage from England (once they were loaded in England, and had the opportunity to slip out of harbor, since the US navy had intercepting vessels waiting and watching off-shore to try to intercept suspected CS shipments). The ships laden with CS cargo almost always had to stop in Bermuda or Havana to unload their cargo out of their large merchant vessels, dock the supplies/weapons, then await to be RE-LOADED into a smaller, much faster, true "runner" ship that could out-run and maneuver US warships awaiting their departure literally from Bermuda and Havana harbors, and of course, the tricky LAST RUN into actual CS waters to MAKE LAND safely! Thus, 99XX Kerr's could only logically have been produced in 1863 (yes, perhaps very late December 1863--MAYBE January of 1864 AT LATEST), in order for them to take all that time and effort to safely get from England, through Bermuda/Havana, re-loaded, then run again safely to port in CS waters past the many US blockading ships, and FINALLY reach Pratt's company of Virginian's. Many times, blockade runner ships would wait for weeks for the right tide/moon opportunity out at sea to make the run close into CS waters--and then have to wait and find a "hole" to slip past of through the US armada.

We also know for a fact that 3XXX is the accepted patent range beginning of "wartime" (1861) production Kerr's. And thanks to the Pratt List, we know as late as the very end of 1863/very early 1864 is within 99XX production range, thus we see an annual production rate of 2,600+ Kerr's produced every year during the war years. So, as was described to me--and I logically concur with these known facts and deduction--is that 1864 production Kerr's easily were within the 10XXX to 11XXX production range, given that 99XX (assuming the VERY latest being January/February 1864) plus another 2000+ during 1864, puts this weapon's 11011 Patent number right where it should be---a piece made during the war! Because of what we do know for "fact" and logical deduction that makes perfect sense to me and others, is that this weapon was produced BEFORE the END of the Civil War. Given that it is in such WONDERFUL condition, this weapon clearly saw little or no combat service at all--and may never have left the docks of Bermuda, Havana, or even England (because again, the condition is soooo nice, that it never had a chance to see hard campaign/combat service.) Regardless, the argument over "Civil War period Kerr patent numbers" is easily answered with me and others.

There isn't a man alive who can refute the Pratt list...refute the production rates...refute the truth in how long and hard it often took for the weapons to LEAVE England in a large vessel for optimizing their load capacity, usually going to either Bermuda or Havana to be unloaded AND RE-LOADED into smaller, true, fast-running "blockade-runners", and all the troubles with the blockade-runners being un-caught and finding a safe time, tide, weather conditions THROUGH the Federal enstrangling blockade, into a safe Confederate port or shore. NONE OF THIS can be refuted. Unless someone can produce new documentation from the period stating precisely the last Kerr patent shipment was and their numbers, everything is PURE OPINION. And I shall be the VERY FIRST to WELCOME any NEW DOCUMENTATION of the period that will enlighten and educate the historical and collecting community about any facet of the War.

Buy the REAL-DEAL and the FACTS! The fact (and condition it is in) that it is a RARE, LATE PRODUCTION .36 caliber Kerr alone (forget the JS/Anchor marking) has a market value of well over $3000 to begin with! And you know to find one with a legit JS/Anchor marking means at least $1000 more to see on any British weapon.

Do the math, and you'll see this one is PRICED even LOWER than most of the "common" .44 caliber Kerr Revolvers!

EXTENSIVE (Reams Thereof) Historical Documentation, Research, Pedigree of the Weapon and the Soldier

Killed During the Assaults with General Barksdale's Mississippi Boys, the 21st Mississippi Successfully crossing Plum Run, Engaging Hand-to-Hand combat With Watson’s Battery I, 5^th U.S. Artillery and John Bigelow’s 9^th Massachusetts Battery--Finally Beaten back by the 39th NY Infantry Regiment

The model 1842 Harpers Ferry, .69 caliber musket pictured below, was recovered on the Gettysburg Battlefield shortly after hostilities ended there in July of 1863. It is known to have been “picked from the field” in or near the now famous Peach Orchard. This wonderful relic belonged to Sergeant James McLaughlin who was a member of Company I (Sunflower Guard), 21^st Mississippi Volunteer Regiment. Sergeant McLaughlin took part in this battle and was killed in action on July 2, 1863. His name next appears on the regiment’s hospital casualty list for the battle as “killed on the field at Gettysburg.”

The provenance of this musket is a remarkable story. At one time, it was in the possession of Mr. George Lower who was the owner of the Gettysburg Sutler, R.D. #2, Biglerville, PA. 17307. Mr. Lower stated that he had acquired the gun from a “local picker” who had purchased it at a local estate auction as a Gettysburg recovered relic. In the early part of 1977 and unaware that the soldier's feint markings were on the weapon so that it could be identified, Mr. Lower traded the gun to Mr. Charles D. Rhodes III for a rare N.Y. belt buckle and belt. During a telephone conversation on September 30, 2002, Mr. Rhodes stated that in about 1978, after owning the gun for about a year, he was examining it closely when he discovered the soldier's feint writing on the stock opposite the lock. If the gun is held across your lap with the lock facing the floor and the stock to your left, faint writing can be seen when the gun is rotated just right into a bright light. Just to the viewer’s right of the plate you will see an inscription which reads “Jas McLaughlin” up to the first barrel band. Further up and above this band is the letter “I” and still further up is “MVM”. If one were to view the gun from an upright position, this writing would appear upside down. The writing is SO VERY FEINT, but IS LEGIBLE upon turning into the right light and reflection....after all, he markings are on the fore-grip of the stock where your hand would naturally hold the rifle most of the time, plus remember the weapon WAS a combat-used weapon before Gettysburg, seeing many battles for James McLaughlin, THEN after being killed, the weapon was sitting outside on the battlefield for a period of time, and then stowed-away to be in "attic" condition, so the writing is UNDERSTANDABLY very feint. Upon seeing this writing, Mr. Rhodes began his quest to find the original owner of this fantastic weapon.

Mr. Rhodes did extensive research and wrote to ALL the states that participated in the battle looking for the name James McLaughlin. Every state responded back to him with four having the name on their rosters – Louisiana, Florida, Massachusetts, and Mississippi. Louisiana and Florida were ruled out because “MVM” on the gun did not correspond. Massachusetts was ruled out because they had no James McLaughlin at Gettysburg. Mississippi however (the 21st Mississippi, Company I) , did have a Sergeant James McLaughlin who was killed in action on July 2, 1863 as General William Barksdale’s Mississippians attacked Federal positions along the Emmitsburg Road sometime after 7:15 P.M. on that evening. The 21^st Mississippi was the only regiment that succeeded in crossing Plum Run behind the Trostle Farm and was involved in hand to hand combat with Watson’s Battery I, 5^th U.S. Artillery and John Bigelow’s 9^th Massachusetts Battery. Only when the 39^th New York Infantry arrived and re-captured the U.S. 5^th Artillery from the 21^st Mississippi were the Confederates driven back toward their originating positions.

James McLaughlin was originally from Nova Scotia, Canada and was Cajun. He immigrated to Mississippi and eventually became caught up in the “Southern cause”. He was originally a member of the Mississippi Volunteer Militia. The 21^st Regiment was originally organized about July 2, 1861 as the 1^st (Brandon’s) Battalion Mississippi Infantry, Companies A to I, some of which had previously been in state Militia service--which is THE REASON WHY the "MVM" on McLaughlin's weapon stands for "Mississippi Volunteer Militia". About September, 1861, Companies K and L were added and the designation changed to the 21^st Regiment Mississippi Infantry. McLaughlin joined as a private on July 2, 1861 in Sunflower County, Mississippi and Captain Humphreys enrolled him with his term of service listed as for “the war”. He reported for duty on August 9, 1861 in Lynchburg, Virginia at the age of thirty years old. At some point in time prior to the Gettysburg battle, he attained the rank of Sergeant. He is listed as “present” at every engagement until being listed as “killed on the field at Gettysburg” on the regiment’s hospital casualty list after the battle.

Years after the battle in the 1870s and 1880’s, remains were disinterred from the battlefield, placed in mass burial boxes, and returned to the South for burial. James McLaughlin is now buried in the Gettysburg Section in Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia. Below is a recently placed stone in Hollywood Cemetery near the location of his final resting place. Mr. Rhodes eventually sold the gun to Mr. Donald Deluca in September of 1979 who in turn placed it for sale at The Horse Soldier in Gettysburg as a consignment item. The current owner purchased it there at The Horse Soldier on September 10, 2002.

A signed and notarized letter from the current owner, WITH all the documentation below, shall accompany this incredible, priceless piece of Gettysburg/Confederate history. The owner tried taking dozens of photo's in different angles, lighting, reflections, etc, and as he put it, "outside of taking to a professional photographer" and possibly doing "negatives" of the writing, it is virtually impossible to take pictures clearly of his name and company/unit marking. But IT IS THERE, and YOU CAN SEE IT. The best pic I got was where you can see the "Mc" of "McLaughlin"....it's just that hard to photograph (I outlined the "Mc" out of his full name "McLaughlin").

But it is all there...the next owner will see it, and know that the mark is 100% legit, being so old and faded, with the history/pedigree of the piece.

Rarer Still Being a BARNETT of LONDON produced Pattern 1856 British Enfield Carbine

Exclusive CS Viewer & Importation Mark of John Southgate, London, Employed by the Confederacy as Chief Inspector of all purchased weapons out of England

Purchased Directly from Larry Hicklen by one of the TOP PRIVATE COLLECTORS in the Franklin, Tennessee area (the collector's name shared with future buyer)

Well....I can finally say that I am starting the "parade" of the "killer" relics I've been touting about! WHEW! ("About time!" I can hear many of you saying out there!) This one is a particularly gorgeous and ultra-rare Confederate piece that has literally just about EVERYTHING "going for it"--outside of a direct Confederate cavalryman's ID to it (though the CS cavalryman's initials of "JWE" are perfectly carved clear upon the stock! Too bad we don't know who he was....). This "killer" Confederate imported weapon was so graciously given to me for consigning for sale to you, from my very dear and spiritually-close friend in Franklin, Tennessee, who is without hesitation, one of the top collectors around! (His name is withheld for what should be obvious reasons, but will be shared with the future buyer.) He purchased this piece directly from the legendary "Godfather" of the relic dealership industry, Mr. Larry Hicklen, several years back. This weapon has a lot of 'splainin' to be done to describe all the rarity and beauty of this Confederate imported and used weapon, so let's get right down to it!

To begin, it is a classic--but EXTREMELY RARE and HIGHLY SOUGH-AFTER by Confederate Cavalrymen--original English-made Pattern 1856 Cavalry Carbine, having the full-length 21" barrel with 3 lands-and-grooves rifling seen clearly all the way down the barrel (see picture of barrel breech below). These weapons were heavily sought-after for Confederate importation, as Confederate horsemen were so POORLY EQUIPPED throughout the entire War (why most CS cavalrymen started-out with brought-from-home shotguns, muskets, cut-down shotguns and older .69 cal. obsolete smoothbore muskets cut-down for cavalry service--many of whom NEVER received "proper" and modern military-grade cavalry carbines or weaponry the entire war--and the Confederacy's lack of military-grade carbines at the outset of the war, coupled with their inability to produce enough QUALITY or QUANTITY of their own Southern-made carbines). As noted in the "Firearms from Europe" Civil War Reference book, "thousands of these British carbines, including both cavalry and artillery models, were imported by the Confederacy. These arms were highly regarded by Southern horsemen for their accuracy. Having an abundance of carbines available, Northern importation was small, with only 200 Enfield Cavalry Carbines ....and an additional 50 carbines....were purchased." The weapon bears what appear to be ALL ORIGINAL WARTIME PARTS. The GORGEOUS, untouched, original-finished stock bears no structural damage WHATSOEVER---NOT EVEN A HAIRLINE CRACK can I find!!! It has VERY FEW dents or dings from it's clear combat and campaign service with it's Confederate horse-soldier, as you can see in the many fine photographs below. Only one small area near the top barrel band on the lockplate-side shows that tell-tale Cavalryman's "rubbing" spot--where whether in a carbine saddle boot or sling, it gently rubbed that tiny area from the continual riding--ONLY PROVES this baby SAW REAL ACTION IN THE FIELD! Let alone, the trooper's initials "JWE" clearly in period carved font upon the stock. The original, standard P56 Carbine rear sight base of three steps for distances of 100, 200, and 300 yards is solidly present, with the yardage numbers crisp and clear. In fact, ALL of the markings upon this weapon are 100% CRISP and CLEAR! From the London barrel proof at the barrel's breech, to the "BARNETT LONDON" lockplate marking, the "JWE" soldier's initials, and last--and most importantly--the exclusive Confederate inspection/viewer's proof stamping for importation of "JS/Anchor", being determined as that of the viewer John Southgate, a British London Armoury British viewer/inspector, who took a "leave of absence" from the London Armoury in 1861, and was solely employed through Caleb Huse and the Confederate government as their Chief Inspector/Viewer of British purchased weaponry. And this is where a lot of the "coolness" and rarity comes into play!

As you will notice, the original P56 swivel ramrod and assembly for the "T"-shaped ramrod is missing. This is NOT uncommon, as the rigors of combat proved too much for an adrenaline-rushed cavalryman trying to maneuver the ramrod's swivel assembly to rapidly reload UNDER FIRE--and *POP* comes-off the simple metal "LUMP" (as even the "Firearms from Europe" reference book calls it!) that held the ramrod/swivel assembly to the bottom of the barrel. YOU CAN SEE the traced outline of where that "lump" of metal once held the original swivel assembly under the barrel! Whoever "JWE" was, he clearly lost (while riding) or chucked the broken-off assembly, and replaced it with what clearly appears to be a period-made, crudely forged, and simple full-length carbine ramrod with small conical nose--yet another classic, archetypical "Johnny Reb-made-do" replacement and fix to keep his prized weapon in service! In fact, it is believed by some collectors that the cavalrymen popped the swivel assembly off ON PURPOSE, because of how it cumbersomely slowed the time in which the horseman could get the ramrod in it's fixed swivel position to ram another load as quickly as possible...all in the face of his enemy in heated, close-quarters combat (Billy Yank usually had FAST BREECHLOADING carbines or REPEATING carbines!) This piece also has the extremely desirable, rare, and collectable distinction of being a Barnett of London-made specimen--a private famous London gunmaker. This ain't your "run-of-the-mill" Enfield with "Tower" ! The "BARNETT / LONDON" maker's marking upon the lockplate is VIVIDLY clear. All of the metal bears the identical appearance and patina--being a rather frosted mix of faded bluing/case-hardening wearing through to silvery metal. NO PITTING of ANY NOTE except for the slight bolster wear--once again proving that it was indeed FIRED IN ANGER against its hated enemy in blue. But the wear, as seen in the pictures, is extremely minor. No chipping or "burning" of the wood stock or mortise at all around the bolster, once again confirming how light the wear is. The action is CRISP and FULLY-FUNCTIONAL in every way, of course. These P56 Cavalry carbines were never produced to have sling swivels, of course, and thus had a sling-ring and bar upon the backstock, which the two main lockplate screw-heads in the backstock served as the anchoring for the sling-ring bar itself. The sling-ring bar on this specimen appears to be 100% original, but again, it may be a Confederate-made replacement, as where the bar attaches to the rings being anchored under the screw-heads is very crudely cast. Could be the original British casting, and was just not finished as "pretty" as they normally would for their own Government's standards--again, Caleb Huse was DESPERATELY having sub-contractors produce and literally SLAP-TOGETHER weapons as fast as they could to ship to the Confederates waiting so desperately in the field. But again, the bar was explained as being original/period by Mr. Hicklen to the buyer when first would, and I 100% whole-heartedly believe so, as well. The only "damage" one could ever point to on this piece is sooo minute--where the hammer screw literally had half of the screw-head break-off. The screw is still 100% FIRMLY AFFIXED and fully-functional, but somewhere in it's service in the field, Johnny Reb "JWE" used a little too much forced when trying to unscrew the hammer to clean his carbine!

The last super-cool and supremely rare facet of this weapon is not just that it is a JS/Anchor, 100% no-doubt-in-the-world Confederate purchased and used weapon, but that it is of the rarely encountered JS/Anchor specimens where the marking is NOT under the stock behind the trigger-guard, but like several known, existing examples surviving today in top collector hands, the JS/Anchor marking is on TOP of the rear of the stock in front of the brass buttplate. After one of my usual, lengthy conversations of "enlightenment" with Mr. Tim Prince of College Hill Arsenal--my personal long-time friend, a true future EXPERT not only in 19th century US weapons, but European 19th Century weapons as his forte--he just sold an identical example of the JS/Anchor marking being atop the stock, in front of the brass buttplate, also with NO buttplate alpha-numeric markings, just as is with this specimen offered for sale. The piece he sold was one under consignment from a man who is currently co-authoring the eagerly-anticipated "update" regarding "Firearms From Europe" and their importation/usage in the Civil War. And there are several more documented examples exactly like this on other carbines as well as P53's. The theory is that as the war dragged-on, and the demand and time-constraints became so needful, that John Southgate just simply viewed/inspected the weapon "on the go", and wasted no more time with hand-carved, matching alpha-numeric numbering on the buttplates, ramrods, and bayonets (for rifles), and just simply stamped his approval right where his boss Caleb Huse always put his "CH/1" marking, and where you do find some of the CS Sinclair, Hamilton, & Company import markings, the "Anchor S" CS import marking, and even the script "JS" encircled CS import marking. Within the ramrod channel, you find the typical "\ III" Roman Numeral marking, as WELL AS two sub-contractor markings--one being that of "S. CLIFTON" (clearly legible) and the other "C. HAMPTON" (a couple letters slightly smudged--after all, the ramrod channel is circular, and they were using flat stamps against curved surfaces!) As Tim Prince explained, are the markings of a range of possibilities: the assembler, stock-maker, ramrod maker, etc., WHOMEVER Barnett of London had doing the work on the piece for them

WHEW! What a distinctly RARE, BEAUTIFUL, and 100% Confederate P56 Enfield Carbine THIS IS!!! Now I'll let the pictures do the talking for me!!!

Good luck finding a JS/Anchor Confederate Cavalryman's, made by BARNETT of LONDON, anywhere this nice...anywhere near this price....

There really is NO DEBATE over the true ICONIC status of the Colt M1860 .44 cal. Army (or M1851 Navy) revolver within not just the great cataclysmic of our entire history--the Civil War--but even in terms of their usage and status after the war, with great association with further service in the West. I mean, seriously--ever see a MOVIE that was Civil War or Western-themed, and DID NOT have a COLT IN IT?!?! From Clint Eastwood, John Wayne, to even Ronald Reagan, they all had a COLT at their side! Those magic four letters.....C-O-L-T.....to this very day represent a legacy of history and the reputation of the finest production and quality of firearms. Who makes the US M-16 today? COLT, of course! I think you get my point.

This absolutely GORGEOUS, all-original, early/mid-war production (1863), 100% complete, flawlessly mechanical-functioning specimen has it all going for it. Besides all the original case-coloring remaining--including some of the opaque "skin" bluing in spots--it far exceeds the 30% minimum remaining finish requirement set-forth for a classification as "FINE" condition by Flayderman's Guide to American Antique Firearms. But better yet, the weapon bears ALL the MARTIAL INSPECTOR MARKINGS you could EVER DREAM FOR! From the double-cartouched grips (though feint from actual campaign and service wear to be expected, they are quite visible), to the "G" and "W" and "D" martial sub-inspector markings upon the cylinder and frame. The Colt maker's mark and address atop the barrel is CLEARLY LEGIBLE. The weapon has NO DAMAGE....NO REPAIRS....NO RE-FINISHING whatsoever. Not a chip or crack to even mention on the beautiful deep original finished walnut grips. Every original nipple crisp and not boogered or batted to death AT ALL. Nothing but "righteous" beauty abounds. Just SPECTACULAR! The weapon bears ALL-MATCHING serial numbers of 101628, including the original wedge! The cylinder scene and "Colts Patent" on the cylinder is classically extremely light, being the typical "light-strike" in the roll-stamping process (which is so common, since women and children were assigned such jobs with Colt, as the men were off to war, and only men held the skilled labor positions...how deeply imparted the roll-stamping was depended upon the strength of the woman or child rolling it in the press by hand! Which is WHY THE SERIAL NUMBER, the "G" and "W" martial sub-inspector's marks on the cylinder are knee-deep and crystal clear--because a MAN stamped it by hand into the cylinder! It's not cylinder wear that the scene and "Colts Patent" are light...FYI...). I ran a quick check of the serial number, and by-gum, if all the other 101XXX serial numbered logged weapons in the Springfield Research System were issued to the 10th Ohio Cavalry! And what's REALLY cool about this 100% US Government inspected, marked, and issued Colt revolver, it clearly did go to cavalry use...as the trooper carved a "tunnel" underneath the bottom brass part of the frame in order to string-through a piece of leather/rope, so that he would not loose it while riding HARD into BATTLE!!! FAN-TASTIC! The 10th Ohio Cavalry saw EXTENSIVE COMBAT SERVICE (history of the unit shown below in pics), especially of great note within the ENTIRE Atlanta Campaign, and then through the Carolina's campaign in 1865. But despite it's combat service, you can see just how GORGEOUS this weapon still is--including the crisp rifling, and again, all-original nipples without burnout, boogering, batting, nor breech or muzzle burnout, either. This Yankee trooper kept his Colt in FINE condition, indeed!

This FINE, ICONIC BEAUTY--both North AND South (and WEST!) deserves a good home...and at a good price...and yes, you get the copy of the Springfield Research System serial number range match for you with the revolver!

Oh yeah....another clearly Confederate M1842 .69 caliber musket from the climactic Battle of Gettysburg! Coming straight from an old Adams County family (specifically from Josephine Friend, as old tag relates), my buddy from Florida picked this one up AT THE GETTYSBURG SHOW this summer!!! [Yes: Adams County is WHERE Gettysburg is!] This old war relic was picked-up off the debris left after the nearly 200,000 men left--with 50,000+ casualties behind. It was then tucked away in a barn for decades upon decades. Clearly, much of the stock remains, with the upper and lower barrel bands, and the weapon is actually still FULLY-FUNCTIONAL! But where the forestock is missing, there is a VERY GOOD REASON: look where the small forestock was, and you shall find TWO DISTINCT, CATASTROPHIC barrel cracks, obviously where the weapon blew when being fired (and thus, the wood forestock and middle barrel band would have cracked at least, if not completely blow-off). Which got me thinking....I bet that Johnny carrying this gun might have had MULTIPLE ROUNDS in the barrel when it went-off--something like that to cause such stress for the barrel to loose it's integrity and fail/crack. I tried to stick an M1842 ramrod down there, my friends...and as you'll see in one of the pictures....IT DOESN'T GO ALL THE WAY DOWN! It stops about 7" short! SOMETHING is DOWN THERE!!! X-Ray, anyone??? Sure wish we knew who "HS" was in the Army of Northern Virginia....but his name, history, and fate shall remain a mystery forever.

But his KILLER relic from that most cataclysmic, epic, bloodiest battle of ALL US MILITARY HISTORY can be yours...

This is the classic, most recognizable rifled longarm of the entire Civil War. Much like the Colt is for sidearms, the Model 1861 and Model 1863 rifles (so often just called "Springfields", since that was THE US arsenal that designed and produced the weapon to begin with) are the quintessential longarms that everyone thinks of when they think of the Civil War--and again, as proven by every Hollywood movie imaginable! What we have offered here a such a very pretty, representative example of the M1863 made under government contract by the firm that produced them was Alfred Jenks & Sons. Since the Springfield Armory did not have the production capacity to produce all the longarms required to supply the million s of men in Blue, a multitude of private sub-contractors were employed to fill the overwhelming demand for modern rifled longarms for the Union. Though the lockplate bears the "Bridesburg" name, and is often just called that in the collecting community, it is actually just the town in Pennsylvania it was produced in--again, the firm that produced them was Alfred Jenks & Sons, who had production facilities not only in Bridesburg, but Philadelphia. They would produce under US contract a total of 98,464 of the Model 1861 and 1863's, beginning production immediately in 1861, all the way through 1865.

This 1864-dated specimen is in Flayderman's/NRA "VERY GOOD" condition (which, by the way, the Flayderman's latest 11th edition evaluates a mere "GOOD" condition specimen at $850), being 100% ORIGINAL, with NO REPLACEMENT PARTS or BROKEN PARTS on the weapon. The original full-length, threaded ramrod is present, as is one of the sling swivels. The entire weapon is 100% UNTOUCHED--NO rewroking, NO repairs, 100% "as-is" from the day it was brought back home from the war by the Federal soldier who CLEARLY utilized this weapon in combat. It is in "Attic VERY GOOD" condition, meaning the metal and wood are BOTH in a beautiful, untouched state, where the metal is unpitted with a gorgeous dark "attic" patina, and the original walnut dark finish to the walnut stock is very nice and again, untouched. This weapon was NO-DOUBT utilized in active campaigning and combat service, as exhibited with the bolster wear. Being a fellow reenactor, you now that is something that can NOT be faked or occur any other way, than through firing corrosive black powder and percussion-cap many, many hundreds of times in short succession (especially since this was made and issued in 1864). My guess is that it got immediately shipped from Pennsylvania into Grant's Army of the Potomac, and saw all the fury of fighting in Virginia, from the Wilderness to Petersburg, then the eventual Appomattox downfall. The US Government's inspector's cartouche is seen clearly upon the backstock of the weapon, yet again proving this was bought, inspected, and THUS ISSUED into the field. It bears the expected and true "honest" and REAL field/combat service wear (the nipple, a few nicks, dings, scratches) from it's real combat use, as well as the bolster chip missing in the stock/bolster area--again, from the combat usage (whether the soldier chipped it by being struck by a projectile, or chipped while cleaning it since the black powder residue weakens and eats at the wood, or by the SHEER STRESS of firing to such that the chip occurred--regardless, it all 100% substantiates it was REALLY USED IN COMBAT....it "saw the elephant"....and more than once!) Yeah, the small rear-sight is missing...but that was common for the soldiers to loose or purposely remove them in the field, as the M1861/63 flip-up sights were very inaccurate and impractable (believe me...I've live-fire shot in competitions with them, and their accuracy in the mere 3 settings was only very little help!) But for $20, you can throw a rear sight on there, if it makes you happy!

At THIS PRICE, when do you get a chance to get a "righteous", true "war veteran" M1861/63 martially-marked rifle this pretty, and this cheap?

Offered here is indeed what many consider THE most iconic Confederate-manufactured longarm produced during the war, the Richmond Rifle, given that these were the finest longarms that the Confederacy ever produced themselves. And for good reason: once secession of Virginia was finalized, all of the remaining manufacturing and arsenal stock and equipment (that wasn't burnt or damaged after the John Brown Raid and Federals forced-out) of the Harpers Ferry US Arsenal was transferred to the new Capitol of the Confederacy....Richmond. Given that Harpers Ferry possessed the finest arms manufacturing equipment outside of the Springfield Armoury, this gave the Confederacy their finest manufacturing equipment to produce their finest-made rifled longarm. Though they could never produce the quantity they so hoped and desired for, they at least produced the quality they needed. In terms of collectability, the earlier the date of production of a Richmond, the more valuable and rare--which is precisely what you are offered here! This is the Type I, 1861-dated, earliest-of-the-early produced specimens. Just by looking through your Flayderman's Guide to American Antique Firearms, you can see that a mere "FAIR" condition specimen is valued at $7000! (See the valuation and evaluation pages from Flayderman's copied below). And this sweetie offered here is definitely a Flayderman's/NRA "GOOD+" condition. It is 100% complete, right down to the original sling swivels, ramrod, and rear long-range flip-up sight. The markings upon the very distinct "high-hump" lockplate of "RICHMOND, VA" and at the rear, the vertically-stamped "1861" are CRYSTAL CLEAR. Of course, the reason for the "high-hump" is that these were all parts and pieces from the machinery at Harpers Ferry Arsenal to produced the US Model 1855 Maynard Primer firing-system rifle, but the Confederates needed these fine rifled weapons as fast as possible, and the Maynard Primer firing system proved to be quite inferior, and thus the lockplate blanks were never finished to house the Maynard Primer firing system. Everything you see appears to be 100% original--even coming through the inspection through two full-time dealers--WITH the following caveats (well, YEAH, there's a "catch" at this price for a gorgeous Richmond!): The stock has indeed been truly PROFESSIONALLY "stretched" from the rear barrel band forward, but upon inspection, not only can you NOT tell physically with the naked eye (which is how well of a job they did), but the replacement fore-stock they used appears to be obviously original, with matching grain pattern, wear, color, fit, etc. The rear sight is 100% original, though not a M1855 rear sight--but this has been seen on existing Richmond Rifles--again, early-war desperation forced them to put on, or later in the war when the original fell-off, to put whatever sight on there that was available. The brass nose-cap is your CLASSIC Richmond/CS-made very crudely casted and finished nose-cap--you can see the mold imperfections/voids from the gas bubbling in the poorer craftsmanship of the foundry workers who were so hurriedly being pushed to get weapons made and out the door to the Army of Northern Virginia. The barrel is your classic .58 caliber M1855 barrel, with good rifling, legible "V/P/Eagle" typical barrel proof that you expect on an 1861 Richmond, and the action is CRISP and FULLY-FUNCTIONAL in every way. The iron buttplate bears no US stamping, as is also common. The original ramrod is 100% full-length and fully-threaded. The metal has a beautiful, mellowed grey patina, and the walnut stock the most gorgeous dark/reddish finish with VERY LITTLE WEAR, SCARS, BUMPS, BRUISES....NO STRUCTURAL CRACKING and NO DAMAGE. Again, VERY LITTLE bolster and/or field and combat wear, so we got VERY lucky with this one. Outside of the "stretched-stock"--which, by looking at the many fine photo's below, you'd NEVER NOTICE if I DID NOT TELL YOU--this original, sweet, iconic Confederate-made rifle is priced WAY, WAY, WAY below it's current market value.

All the beauty, history, and Confederate class....for so little....go find one any better any cheaper somewhere else?

Here's a HONEY OF A DEAL for a HONEY of a Starr Army .44 cal. revolver! This truly "minty" beauty is in such eye-appealing FINE+ condition, being 100% complete, unrepaired, original, fully-functional in every way, and with LOADS of original case-coloring/bluing left upon the unpitted metal. And the walnut grips are about as equally as fine in condition, having no damage, repairs, cracks, or big chunks or splinters---she's ALL GOOD! There is well beyond the 30% Flayderman's minimum requirement of original case-coloring/bluing to meet the "FINE" condition requirement. All of the markings are fully legible, from the Starr's Patent stamping on one side, to the Starr Address on the other side--even the martial sub-inspector's "B" marking on the trigger guard. The all-matching serial numbers of 55809 are also easily found. The rifling is still good, and with the excellent mechanical crisp action, this weapon could operate and fire as well today as the day it was made! Just look at all the pictures below for this beauty, and you'll know exactly why it's indeed " a keeper!"

"US N. STARR" in Sunburst Motif, "MIDDTN / CONN / 1835", and "NWP / P" Barrel Proof

OH YEAH! Got to LOVE a FINE flintlock! Every red-blooded American alive has an attraction--some guttural affinity--for what is an iconic American weapon....the flintlock musket. Whether from our days of securing our Independence as a Nation, or our great pioneers like Lewis and Clark, Daniel Boone, Davy Crocket--everyone is attracted to the mere appearance of a real flintlock musket. Even women (who would normally turn their head and nose in disgust) will openly (if not secretly) admit they are beautiful pieces that display wonderfully. Offered here is a truly FINE and rather MINTY all-original, complete, and fully-functional Nathan Starr contract-made M1816 Musket, dated 1835, and with ALL MARKINGS 100% CRYSTAL CLEAR and KNEE-DEEP as the day it was made! It is a Type III Model 1816 configuration, and was among the 15,530 made under contract by Nathan Starr between the years of 1829 through 1840. Absolutely NO DAMAGE...NO REPAIRS....NO MISSING PARTS....she's all "righteous" and in stunningly beautiful condition given that it is precisely 175 years old! Only the most minor bump, bruise, or ding to be found anywhere. No structural cracking or any detracting facets whatsoever. The walnut stock with its original finish is simple gorgeous, and the metal is essentially pit-free, and has it's wonderful "armory-bright" original finish to it. Lock, stock, and barrel, this is simply a collector's-grade example of a supremely beautiful and iconic American weapon.

Truly one of the most revolutionary weapons ever designed and produced during the Civil War was the Spencer repeating Rifle and Carbine. Being personally tested by President Lincoln on the front lawn of the White House, it was clear to all that this weapon was a "war-changer". The Confederates quickly learned this reality--in very bloody ways--by 1863, when mass-production and issuance of the weapons were hitting the field of combat. They found that theYankee's had a new gun that, "they could load on Sunday and shoot all week..." as one poor Johnny Reb said at the 1863 early Battle of Hoover's Gap. This absolutely beautiful, FINE condition example of the Model 1860 Spencer rifle is a true beauty, as well as revolutionary piece of the war's history--but it's also a dead serial range match for issuance to the 8th Indiana Cavalry, who fought EXTENSIVELY here in the Western Theater. These weapons were issued by 1863, and well in time for the 98 day continual fighting and action of the Atlanta Campaign of 1864. The 8th would even then participate in the late 1864 Tennessee thrust by Hood. This weapon has the most beautiful, untouched wood and metal--completely unmessed with since the war. Much of the metal still retains good potions of the original blued/case-coloring, especially on the lockplate, areas of the barrel and the barrel bands (meeting the minimum 30% requirement by NRA/Flayderman's for "fine" condition). No pitting to speak of, or detracting factors whatsoever to the faded and otherwise still great remaining case-coloring on the metal parts. Even both original sling swivels are present with the piece! The long range sight is missing, however, but you can buy an original to slap on there easily if you so desire. Not expensive or hard to find. The 1860 Spencer patent stamping atop the barrel is 100% legible, as is that low serial number 8073 behind the breech. The action works FLAWLESSLY, and with a good bore, this one is a real "shooter"! The walnut stock has NO structural damage, chips missing, or detracting factors whatsoever, with great amounts of the original luster of the original finish. Only the most minor and expected field and combat service wear to be found anywhere--and it's VERY FEW and far between, as you will see in the many close-up pictures of this fine weapon below. I'd truly rate it at the lower-end of the "FINE" scale--and the pictures will do the talking for me! The original 7-shot loading tube is present, of course, complete and intact, and functions wonderfully. The trooper even added a little "flair" with the addition of a small silver rectangle inlay--though what was inscribed on it is illegible today (too bad!!!)

A fantastic, representative example of one of the most revolutionary, deadly, and indeed, "war-changing" weapons of the Civil War, in such beautiful complete and original condition, and ID'ed range match to the 8th Indiana Cavalry to boot! Check this price out! No sticker shock here!!!

20,000 M1816's Converted, Rifled, and Given Long-Range Sights and Ramrods between 1856-1858

100% Complete, 100% Original, "FINE" Condition, Fully-Functional Specimen w/ Visible Cartouche

In the hopes of acquiring more "modernized" military weapons for the US Arsenals and armies in the 1850's, the Government ordered numerous contractors to convert older .69 caliber smoothbore muskets into what was then believed as the most technologically advanced firing system--the Maynard Primer firing system (as well as a few other mechanical or auto-priming systems). Like the US Model 1855, the Frankford Arsenal was charged with converting some 20,000 M1816's into Maynard Tape Priming systems, which were performed by the famous Remington Firearms Company between 1856-1858. Many specimens appeared to have been purchased by New Jersey, as most specimens today bear the "NJ" marking, as this one does. However, under the 1808 Militia Act, many others were purchased by other states--including Southern states (I've had one CS ID'ed specimen before, and another one yet to list!) This is a 100% original, complete, untouched, FINE condition, fully-functional specimen with excellent mechanics, great bore, and very clear markings. This piece bears the legible "Remington's Illion, NY 1858 US" on the back of the lockplate, with the "1857" barrel date on the tang (typical, that the barrel was re-bored for rifling in 1857, and the weapon re-fitted/assembled with the new lockplate firing system in 1858). There is NO DAMAGE, NO REPAIRS, NO REPLACEMENT parts upon this beauty, and both the metal and wood are in so very good condition. The metal has an untouched faded "steely" grey patina and softened hue and has NO PITTING whatsoever, NOR HAS EVER BEEN CLEANED. The "NJ" mark is seen where the barrel proofs would be found (and only the "NJ" mark should be here-not any US arsenal proofs since NJ bought it.) The somewhat "coned-nose" original Remington conversion ramrod for fitting and ramming a conical rifled minnie' ball is perfectly splendid, and full length and threaded. The standard Remington conversion long-range flip-up sight and elevator are perfect--graduated out to 800 yards. The martial inspector's cartouche is present upon the backstock. NO CHIPPING or wood loss ANYWHERE. NO DETRACTING FACTORS whatsoever. Even both original sling swivels are PRESENT!!! Gorgeous original walnut finish to the stock--just look at the many fine pictures below, and they'll do all the selling for me.

A truly rare conversion musket, heavily employed during the war by both sides, as the few rifled military-grade weapons available at the outbreak of the war in 1861 made rifled weapons the most highly sought-after weapons, both north and south. You'll be hard-pressed to "upgrade" from this fine specimen....far rarer than a M1855, and FAR CHEAPER, TOO!

Not only is this a truly FINE condition, FULLY-FUNCTIONAL Double Action specimen of the famous Pre-War Starr Model 1858 Army .44 caliber revolver with ALL-MATCHING low serial numbers 6557....but it comes with the extremely rare-to-find original BULLET MOLD!!!! I've never even owned one of these molds before. I've seen a few around....but not bloody often! The weapon is absolutely GORGEOUS with slick metal, having the most pleasing dark plum patina--that mix between faded case-coloring and natural softening of the patina with age. NO DAMAGE--NO REPAIRS--NOT EVEN A CHIP OR CRACK on the luscious intact walnut grips. No dents, dings, or scratches on the metal, either, with 100% VIVID and CRISP Starr patent stamping on one side of the frame, and Starr maker's mark on the other side. Just look at the many photographs below.....the pictures will do the telling and selling for me!!! What's great is that it is still FULLY-FUNCTIONAL on both the single action AND double action setting--which is done with the moving of the small "toggle" switch on the backside of the trigger itself. This feature of the M1858 Starr Army was a most unique feature of design--but often did not work properly in the field (much to the dismay of their users!), and eventually is the reason why when Starr designed the Model 1863 as it's successor, they dripped the dual-action ability, and made it a simple single action. So, it's hard to find a M1858 Starr Army today that still isn't functional or "finiky" as they were notorious to be even back then--let alone 140+ years later today! And the bullet mold....JUST THE ICING ON THE CAKE!!!

You won't find a nicer specimen AND bullet mold anywhere near this price....go look and see for yourself!!!!

This supurb example of the British's exquisite and high standard quality craftsmanship, beauty, and functionality is exhibited in this fine, 100% original, complete, and fully-functional .36 caliber rifled pocket pistol made by the famous Lewis & Tomes Company of London. The Maker's marking is VIVIDLY clear and crisp, seen atop the barrel, as well as the British proofs, the plethora of fine engraving adorning the entire piece--including the "serpent's head" hammer, having the eyes and features of a serpent's head on the hammer. The piece is in FINE condition in every facet, being completely original, complete, and fully-functional. The fold-down trigger deploys once cocked (as design), and the action is perfect. The handle is nearly perfect in every respect--nary a scratch nor dent--no cracks of chips at all. A beautiful silver inlay is within the backstrap part of the wooden grip, with initials carved into it. So fine is the condition that the barrel screws in and out with EASE to this very day. Under the grip is a small functional cap to a silvered inlayed compartment to hold one's nipples for the piece--still intact and fully-functional. Total length of the pistol is exactly 7", with barrel length of about 3.5" long. Exported here to the States, these were highly-prized, extremely expensive weapons compared to their domestically-made simplistic cousins. They were intended for the "upper class" of society--a status symbol of one's wealth and standing, given that owning the finest European items (just like today) was all about status symbols to one's personal wealth and standing in society.

Spectacular Civil War (or Pre-War) Cadet Enfield-Style Musket, Bayonet, & Belt Rig

Complete with belt, cap box with ornamental brass oval attachment, original cadet belt buckle and keeper, bayonet scabbard and bayonet for the Enfield-style .44 caliber Cadet Musket. This phenomenal collection of pre-war or wartime Cadet gear came out of North Carolina, and was within the famous Bill Beard collection for years. The fantastic Enfield-style copied .44 caliber fully-functional, all-original, and complete musket is in very good + condition. It is still fully-functional in both positions, having all the original parts and pieces complete, right down to the ramrod, and a nice cloth and leather-ribbed sling. Being a Belgian-made miniature copy of the Enfield Rifle, you can see the clear and vivid Liege proof on the top of the barrel. No repairs or damage. The original bayonet fits well, and has it's own metal scabbard upon the original cadets belt rig. A cap box with ornamental brass oval attachment on the flap are with the rig. No ID, unfortunately, but if it came out of North Carolina, and BILL BEARD HIMSELF liked it enough to put it in his collection, you know it's gotta be good. So many Southern states had a plethora of military school across the South, who would give up her young sons to defend her soil to the bitter end. The boys would trade-in these small cadet muskets for the real death-wielding weapons, and employ them, and all their training, upon a thousand battlefields dotted across the Southland. The honing of their fighting skills would be executed in full fury from Virginia to Texas. No more parade-ground drills and inspections.

Really cool, rare to see grouping. It would make for a great conversation piece. I've got a copy of the letter of authenticity from Will Gorges and it's provenance through Bill Beard.

The Most REVOLUTIONARY Technological Advancement Weapon of the War (Some Even Argue a "war-changer")

VERY EARLY Serial # 11932--Serial Range ID to Either the 10th Michigan Cavalry or 3rd Michigan Cavalry

Simply BEAUTIFUL original M1860 Spencer Carbine, being complete and fully-functional, having serial number 11932--thus being ID'ed by the serial number issue range to either the 10th Michigan Cavalry Regiment or 3rd Michigan Cavalry Regiment. And guess where I found it? From a gentleman just a few miles south of the Michigan border, no less! We know the serial ranging by the surviving record of known Spencer Carbine serial numbered pieces issued, thanks to the outstanding database assembled by the Springfield Research System. A copy of this serial range information will be passed along to the future owner of this fine weapon. The Spencer design of cartridge-firing, repeating rifles and carbines truly revolutionized military weaponry in the mid-19th Century. It was a MASSIVE technological advancement in the art of war--killing men rapidly with repeating/reloading rifled longarms. It was the terror of the their Confederate opponents, as was quickly realized at the Battle of Hoover's Gap, Tennessee: Brig. Gen'l Wilder's lone "Lightning" Brigade of Mounted Infantry were armed with Spencer Rifles, Spencer Carbines, and even a few Colt Repeating Rifles and Carbines....and faced the HEAVY ATTACKS of SEVERAL Confederate brigades for hours....but to no avail for Confederate success. This was one of the very few battles where the South greatly outnumbered the Yanks--and given all the battles where the South was outnumbered as WON, this should have been the easiest victory yet--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. These Spencer carbines would be heavily issued and engaged in 1864, not only by cavalry, but many Federal companies and regiments of infantry using them to great effect. Many companies within each regiment of Sherman's army in Georgia would be armed with these, and act as powerful skirmisher units ahead of the main bodies of infantry, engaging the Confederates with a small force that yet had incredible firepower, pinning their adversary's strength--and their heads--down.

This example offered here is an NRA/Flayderman's "Very Good" to even bordering "Fine" condition specimen, being a gorgeous display piece. It has a most beautiful metal and wood appearance you could ever hope for. Good dark-grey metal, where the bluing has that perfect just-toned-down dark patina. Essentially nick and ding free everywhere on the metal, and only the most minor, but expected light service wear on the stock (nick, ding, hairline crack). So VERY NICE! Again, very minor...just enough to let you know it was a REAL "combat veteran". And the rifling proves exactly the same--visible rifling ALL THE WAY DOWN THE BARREL, though slightly lightened from actual combat service, so we KNOW this one shot "hot lead in anger" down-range at it's butternut-clad foe! The action is perfect in every way, and literally could be fired and operated today about as well as the day it was made--especially with the original long-range rear flip-up sight and elevator intact. It is THAT GOOD. The original loading tube just as fine, with good spring tension remaining. Original long-range flip-up sight is spectacular--every yardage number is as crisp and clear as the day it was made. I'm not sure how you could possibly find a better condition specimen with ID'ed serial range anywhere near this price. I'll let the many pictures below do the "selling" for me. Good luck finding another M1860 Spencer this nice WITH serial range match data anywhere under $3000, anywhere, anytime. And the cool thing in the SRS data is that a few Indian Federal Scouts ended-up being issued some of the Spencer Carbines in the 1870's out west--once again proving that this technology was WAY ahead of it's time, and was still as lethal and handy well almost 20 years later!

Serial # 111766--only other 111XXX Serial Numbered Colt Army revolvers Were Issued To the 1st Alabama US Cavalry!

This absolutely GORGEOUS, all-original, early/mid-war production (1863), 100% complete, flawlessly mechanical-functioning specimen has it all going for it. Besides all the original case-coloring remaining--including some of the opaque "skin" bluing in spots--it far exceeds the 30% minimum remaining finish requirement set-forth for a classification as "FINE" condition by Flayderman's Guide to American Antique Firearms. But better yet, the weapon bears ALL the MARTIAL INSPECTOR MARKINGS you could EVER DREAM FOR! From the double-cartouched grips (though feint from actual campaign and service wear to be expected, they are quite visible), to the "H" and "HH" and "D" martial sub-inspector markings upon the cylinder and frame. The Colt maker's mark and address atop the barrel is 100% CRISP AND CLEAR--as fine as the day it was stamped. The weapon has NO DAMAGE....NO REPAIRS....NO RE-FINISHING whatsoever. Not a chip or crack to even mention on the beautiful deep original finished walnut grips. Every original nipple crisp and not boogered or batted to death AT ALL. Nothing but "righteous" and UNTOUCHED beauty abounds. Just SPECTACULAR! The weapon bears ALL-MATCHING serial numbers of 111766, except the original wedge which has a serial number of "2710". NOT at all uncommon to see how the smallest and most-used part of the weapon gets lost in the field, and the soldier, officer, or trooper with it has to find a replacement! The cylinder scene and "Colts Patent" on the cylinder is classically extremely light, being the typical "light-strike" in the roll-stamping process (which is so common, since women and children were assigned such jobs with Colt, as the men were off to war, and only men held the skilled labor positions...how deeply imparted the roll-stamping was depended upon the strength of the woman or child rolling it in the press by hand! Which is WHY THE "H" and "HH" martial sub-inspector's marks on the cylinder are knee-deep and crystal clear--because a MAN stamped it by hand into the cylinder! It's not cylinder wear that the scene and "Colts Patent" are light...FYI...). I ran a quick check of the serial number, and by-gum, if all the other 111XXX serial numbered logged weapons in the Springfield Research System were all issued to the 1st US ALABAMA Cavalry! Very, VERY interesting....

This FINE, ICONIC BEAUTY--both North AND South (and WEST!) deserves a good home...and at a good price...and yes, I can get you a copy of the Springfield Research System serial number range match for you with the revolver!

Crisp Markings, Belgian Marked (so either a Contract-Produced Piece, or made byt hte French & SOLD through the Belgians), 100% Compete, Fully-Functional, GORGEOUS Condition!!!

Unknown Quantity Purchased by Confederates--USED by Brig. Gen'l Cockrell's Missourian's (CS) and Brig. Gen'l Green's Arkansans (CS), as well as Morgan's CS Cavalymen & Marmaduke's CS Cavalrymen

Boy, if you've been looking for a real representative Civil War-used musket--one used both North & South--and don't want to pay a MORTGAGE PAYMENT to buy it, then YOU'VE FOUND YOUR MUSKET! It's so pretty, it's even got TIGER-STRIPING in the stock in places! This beautiful, classic, CS and US imported original French Model 1842 LARGE CALIBERED (.70/.71 cal.+) smooth bore musket was made OR either SOLD under contract through the Belgian Government, as the crisp Liege Belgian marking atop the barrel attests to [Note: Belgium was used by both the North & South to "funnel" weapons from original countries of purchase/production, as the Europeans tried to remain as "neutral" and "off the radar screen" politically with both the North & South--"walk the line" between both, and REAP-IN ALL THE MONEY THEY COULD FROM BOTH SIDES! Thus, many imported French, Austrian, etc, weapons made in those countries are found bearing Belgian marks--only proving their Civil War purchase and usage with all the "subterfuge" and "sneakiness" going on with the countries trying to appear "neutral" and not make either the North or South mad by doing business with BOTH at the same time!] This weapon is the PERFECT re-enactor's weapon, especially for those wanting to portray a "Western Theater" or "Trans-Mississippi" impression, as we KNOW EMPIRICALLY by dug specimens, accounts, bullets and bullet molds, and surviving ID'ed specimens, that Confederates in Brig. Gen'l Cockrell's famous CS Missouri Brigade, Brig. Gen'l Green's Arkansas brigade (both here in the Vicksburg Campaign--and I've DUG their French stuff!), as well as John Hunt Morgan's cavalrymen (who usually cut them down for carbine usage), Marmaduke's CS Cavalrymen, and various other local units (I've got an ID'ed CUT-DOWN TEXAS CAVALRYMAN'S SPECIMEN RIGHT NOW!!!) We also know that with the US Chief Purchasing Agent for imported weapons, Herman Boker, that over 100,000 of these were purchased for use and issue for Federal Forces. Which is why I, as an AUTHENTIC living historian, have used this musket in doing school speeches, tours, etc (BUT NEVER FIRED IT...ONLY DISPLAY PURPOSES). The weapon is 100% complete and fully-functional, with crisp maker's-markings on the lockplate, the vividly clear Belgian proof atop the barrel, with ABSOLUTELY NO STRUCTURAL DAMAGE, NO REPAIRS, and NO "MONKEY-BUSINESS". Good bore, and with an authentic replacement nipple, would be a great "shooter" and/or re-enactor's musket. NO BOLSTER/NIPPLE burn-out or chipping. Very little but the extremely light expected field and service wear (ding or scratch here or there). Even the original SLING SWIVELS and RAMROD are present! Does have old European rack-numbering and marking seen clearly in large numbers and "X" letter upon the stock.

Just a perfect, representative example of a Civil War-used musket b BOTH Billy Yank and Johnny Reb that you can save your hard-earned money on over a Springfield, Lorenz, or Enfield!!

Well Over the Mere 30% Minimum Original Case-Coloring Threshold for "FINE" Condition

100% Complete, Fully-Functional, Undamaged, EXTREMELY EARLY PRODUCTION Serial #1831

It's weapons like this that make my job EASY!!! Why??? JUST LOOK AT IT FOR YOURSELF!!! It does all the selling for me!!! This is indeed a BEAUTIFUL Savage "BEAST"! Everyone--from children to women, or novices who know nothing or care less about Civil War or antique revolvers--will ALWAYS stop to stare at a Savage Navy Revolver! All thanks to their most impressive, unique, OVER-SIZED design and distinctive form. At nearly 15" in TOTAL LENGTH, this gorgeously-designed .36 caliber "Navy" revolver is a real "savage"-looking and formidable-appearing sidearm! The classy, massive trigger-guard with the most unique cocking finger ring, and then trigger, with the center-fire hammer coming over the top and through the top of the frame into the nipple of the cylinder are all a part of the allure to these elegant weapon. This one is 100% COMPLETE, UNDAMAGED, CRISPLY & FULLY-FUNCTIONAL in every way, with LEGIBLE Savage maker's mark and patent info stamped clearly onto the top of the frame. The very early production serial number of "1831" is VIVIDLY seen and found just behind the most scrumptiously beautiful walnut grips. About 20,000 of these were produced, beginning in 1861 through the mid 1860's, and thus THIS SPECIMEN is UNQUESTIONABLY an 1861 production specimen--and without little doubt, must have been immediately purchased and employed either by the government or personal soldier/officer, despite the lack of martial cartouches. REMEMBER: the hard-and-fast moving winds of war forced both sides to scramble for ANY modern serviceable weapon, and the US Department of War did not make common practice of inspection and cartouches for such until much later in the war. With more than the meager 30% minimum requirement by the NRA/Flayderman's requirement to meet the "FINE" condition, this piece has SIGNIFICANTLY MORE ORIGINAL CASE-COLORING all over the weapon, including areas of the original opaque "skin" of the bluing. Even all of the nipples are present in in fine shape. It is THAT kind of NICE!

Flayderman's Latest 11th Edition "Guide to American Antique Firearms" has the "FINE" evaluation price at around $4000....you don't need to pay THAT HERE!!! Go ahead and find one BETTER and CHEAPER!!! Good luck...

I'll shut my big mouth now, and just let the weapon do all the talking for me from here on out!!!

Clearly Pre-War or Early-War Specimen, thanks to the KNOWN CS Issued Tranter Patent/Serial Numbers from the Famous "Pratt List" of Co H, 18th VA Cavalry

Oh so pretty...oh so historic...and amongst the finest-made and rarest Confederate-imported and used handguns of the War....the British Tranter revolver--along with the Kerr, Adams, and Webley--were the most highly-prized and sought-after sidearms of not just the Confederacy....but the entire world. These revolvers were considered the finest-made, highest quality, combined with the most elegant style and beauty, handguns in existence in the mid-19th Century. Offered here is a stunningly gorgeous specimen of the approx. .36 caliber (80 Bore in English measurement) 3rd Model double-trigger Tranter revolver, being a pre-war or early-war production specimen, bearing the Patent Number of 11,847, which is well before the known CS issue and usage range as evidenced by the famous "Pratt List" of the type and patent numbered sidearms of Company H, 18th Virginia Cavalry in early 1864 (Pratt's troopers had Tranter's in the 15,XXX Range in early 1864--see portion of the Pratt List below). It is a well known fact, thanks to the Pratt List from the 18th Virginia, ID'ed specimens in existence surviving today (such as the 45th Alabama Captain's Tranter shown in the "Civil War Firearms from Europe" reference book), even by DUG specimens from battlefields and camps, and by existing surviving advertisements in Southern n wartime ewspapers advertising them for sale, such as the March 10th, 1863 "Richmond Times Dispatch" listing of , "FINE ENGLISH REVOLVERS...Just Received from England...Six Tranter's Fine Revolving Pistols, 80 and 120 Bore. Price $220 each. H. E. Nichols, Columbia S.C." We also have specifically Southern retailer purchased and marked specimens, such as ones marked by the famous Hyde & Goodrich and A.B. Griswold firms--both in New Orleans--and even T. W. Radcliffe of Columbia, South Carolina. [NOTE: if you don't own your own copy of the "Civil War Firearms From Europe" reference book yet.....LET ME KNOW and I'LL SELL YOU ONE!!! ]

This FINE original specimen bears no retailer's name or maker's marking atop the flat--indicative typically that it was manufactured for sale to a private retailer so they can stamp it, if they so chose to, OR to be specifically exported here into the War for the South, as has been seen on exported pieces here to the South on Confederate ID'ed specimens. Both the metal and wood are in BEAUTIFUL condition in about every facet--from the exquisite, fine hand-engraving and scrollwork upon the frame (sides, top, bottom, backstrap), to the superb checkered grips. Everything you see is 100% original and in EXCELLENT mechanical functional order, with the advanced safety design of the spur trigger to cock the "neckless" hammer, and the trigger to release it. As well is the original safety pin system--all technologically advanced for their day and age when designed and produced. All of the checkering on the wood....all of the exquisite engraving upon the metal....all the multiple Birmingham proofs upon the cylinder....are ALL crisp, undamaged, and with LOADS of case-coloring all over the metal surfaces. Even much of the opaque, blued "skin" to be found in spots on the metal. All of the original nipples are present, and in excellent shape, with the deeply-grooved and sharp rifled bore. This beauty could operate and fire as well today as the day it was made! The only drawback is that the loading lever is missing--but that is it! You can get a replacement if you so choose, but you don't need to, as the cylinder pin would act as a rammer to load (and was done so in combat--one makes do with what one has to "adapt and overcome" when facing life and death in the heat of a battle!)

Try finding one of these historic, iconic, rare, and Southern-spiced beauties somewhere else for anywhere near this price!

Gorgeous, Rare CS Imported British 2-Band Naval Rifle

Exclusive, Rare CS Chief European Ordnance Agent Caleb Huse Encircled "CH/1" Marking

BEAUTIFUL Overall Condition--VERY EARLY DATED Specimen (1861)

No need to guess or hope this Enfield was a Confederate specimen...the rare and exclusive mark of none-other than the Confederacy's Chief Ordnance Officer abroad, Caleb Huse, is vividly seen marked atop the stock behind the lockplate. And to find it on a far rarer, more desirable and collectable British "Naval" 2-band Rifle (5 lands and groove rifling), puts this weapon at a premium in the Confederate collecting arena. Becoming a true favorite of both the common Confederate infantryman--and MOST SOUGHT-AFTER by Confederate cavalry--this shorter, lighter, yet highly accurate and finest rifled firearm in the world at the time was the "cream of the crop" of Confederate imported weapons from abroad. They were SPECIFICALLY DEMANDED by such legendary cavalrymen as Nathan Bedford Forrest himself, as well as J.E.B. Stuart. This piece is in absolutely GORGEOUS, fine condition, as you can tell in the many photographs below. The original stock finish is stunningly beautiful--and almost flawless in every regard--barely a blemish, nick, scratch. Only one minor crack that is totally NON-STRUCTURAL. The metal retains a beautiful, rich and dark plum-like patina over almost all the surface areas. The piece appears to have all original parts, right down to the ramrod. The barrel bears the classic Belgian proof and "25" gauge marking--once again as I've discussed before, the British already had the Belgians under subcontract work producing Enfields and Enfield parts, and the barrel is one of those. The rest of the weapon is British, especially with a fine British stock-maker's mark of "E & G HACKETT", noted Gun & Rifle Makers , located at 34 Lower Loveday Street, from 1861-1870 in England. Though typically these Naval rifles would have all iron mountings, this one sports an original brass nose-cap--another one of those classic 1861 frantic early-war specimens where the Confederates were desperately making orders that overwhelmed the British gunmakers and sellers, forcing them to "slap-together" weapons as fast as they could and fill the orders--and fill their pockets with their new "cash-cow" industry, thanks to the outbreak of our Civil War! All of the markings are clear and legible, from the "TOWER 1861" and Victoria's Crown on the lockplate, to the Belgian proofs on the breech of the barrel. Even the "CH/1" and stockmaker's markings are quite visible. The action works splendidly on this baby, and the 5 lands-and-groove rifling is seen clearly all the way down the rusty/dusty 33" barrel. With the long-range rear flip-up sight and nipple protector on the chain, you can't ask for much more.

And at a price you won't find anywhere else, this one will be a happy addition to someone's collection!

$2195 LAYAWAY

Click On Thumbnails Below For More Pictures

It is just a 100% SUPERB, "righteous" representative example of a Confederate classic firearm of the most desirable kind and quality....both with the soldiers back then, and the astute collector today. And priced as low as a meager, average .31 cal. Colt Pocket Revolver!!! (Which were made by the HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS!!!!) Someone is gonna LOVE the beauty, quality, and SAVINGS on this rare CS-beloved beauty!

Stalwart & Stern--but so young--Confederate Cavalryman with His Adams Tucked in His Belt

Per Flayderman's Guide to American Antique Firearms, Only 3 Specimens Like This--With Un-engraved Cylinders, Only 5-Stop Slots on the Cylinder, All Serial Numbered Under 500, Have EVER Been Encountered by the Most Famous and Legendary Collector and American Antique Firearms Authority Himself (Norm Flayderman)

And what more would you expect from Champion Hill Relics? You KNOW I love my relics SUPER-FINE, SUPER-RARE, and truly HISTORIC! You are indeed looking at what is now only the 4th KNOWN-TO-EXIST example of the UNWORLDLY RARE Series I Manhattan Pocket Revolver Variant. The Manhattan Pocket Revolver, being a 5-shot, .31 caliber weapon was produced to compete against the Colt Pocket revolver, and production began in 1858, and ended in 1862. There were two series of this model produced, with a total production quantity of about 4800. They were designed with fanciful engraving upon the frame, backstrap, bottom, and cylinder, with the cylinder having 10 stop-slots, and coming either in 5 or 6 shot cylinders, with multiple barrel lengths....HOWEVER....as noted in Flayderman's Guide (see his description listing below), he has only personally accounted for "three examples of an unusual variant of this Series....with 5-shot, plain, un-engraved cylinders having only 5 stop slots; all with serial numbers under 500 (including an engraved presentation-inscribed [meaning, ID'ed with owner's name] model. Rare and worth premiums." And as any of you know about Flayderman....he never uses the words "rare" nor "worth premiums OFTEN or LIGHTLY!

This jaw-dropping beautiful specimen offered for sale here is in magnificent condition, complete with all original parts, crisp, fully-functional mechanics, and as you can see in the many photo's below, both the wood and metal over the entire piece is truly stunningly gorgeous. Loads of case-coloring/bluing....NO PITTING....NO DAMAGE.....NO REPAIRS....NO CHIPPING OR CRACKING....NO APOLOGIES or DETRACTING FACETS....100% fully-legible "MANHATTAN FIREARMS / MANUFG. CO. NEW YORK" maker's-mark address atop the barrel, with knee-deep stamped and matching serial numbers "86", making this a VERY EARLY, pre-war made specimen. The most elegant and fanciful floral engraving upon the sides of the frame, as well upon the bottom of the grip frame, and on the backstrap are 100% VIVIDLY CRISP and CLEAR. Truly a "jaw-dropping" weapon, in terms of both its RARITY and BEAUTY.

Not much more to be said...only the many pictures below to showcase this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own such an amazingly gorgeous and unworldly-rare ever produced by an American firearms manufacturer during the 19th Century...let alone just before the War! And only priced at what you see plain Colt Pocket Revolvers (which they made over 280,000 of!!!!)

Original and Complete--Right Down To Original CS Cotton Webbed and Leather-Strapped Should Sling!

I can say this much about this super-fine Richmond Rifle....you won't find one finer for sale! Or at LEAST anywhere near this price! This beauty is finally (and sadly) being let go from my good friend's collection out of Missouri. His original acquisition of this piece was through the late, great "Titan" in our dealership arena, Mr. Jay Collier of BlueGreyRelics back in 2002...and had an appraised minimum value of $17,000 BACK THEN!!! (See appraisal listed below in photo's). This weapon truly has EVERYTHING going for it--right down to the price. For those not so well known with the Confederate-manufactured Richmond Rifle, these were the finest longarms that the Confederacy ever produced themselves. And for good reason: once secession of Virginia was finalized, all of the remaining manufacturing and arsenal stock and equipment (that wasn't burnt or damaged after the John Brown Raid and Federals forced-out) of the Harpers Ferry US Arsenal was transferred to the new Capitol of the Confederacy....Richmond. Given that Harpers Ferry possessed the finest arms manufacturing equipment outside of the Springfield Armoury, this gave the Confederacy their finest manufacturing equipment to produce their finest-made rifled longarm. Though they could never produce the quantity they so hoped and desired for, they at least produced the quality they needed. In terms of collectability, the earlier the date of production of a Richmond, the more valuable and rare (outside of extremely rare 1865-dated specimens). And those with TRUE RICHMOND STOCKS combined with the early production date of 1862, also command the highest premium. That is indeed what this specimen here is. We know this with clear inspection of the milled housing for the lockplate, where there is NO SLOTTING for the M1855 Maynard Primer Lockplate firing system (see the many pictures showing and describing the difference pictorially below). It is well noted that the CS Arsenal Richmond Manufactory utilized existing captured stocks (as well as other parts) until they ran-out somewhere around mid-1862, and they had to mill their own. According to Flayderman's Guide and confirmed sources, the stocks--at least in "blank" form (unfinished) were made and shipped out of Georgia to Richmond. This piece is 100% complete, fully-functional, with VERY GOOD rifling (matching the quality on the outside, as obviously, this weapon is in FAR too good of condition to have seen any real combat service--NO BOLSTER WEAR WHATSOEVER, no chipping, no cracking, no missing pieces, no replacement pieces, etc). It's complete right down to every last screw, sling swivel, the iron Richmond-made and unmarked (as it should be) buttplate, and best of all...that GORGEOUS and RARE CS cotton-webbed and leather-strapped shoulder strap! The sling ALONE with worth a couple grand!!!! And it is as equally beautiful, original, and solid as the weapon it came with. This one is a "transitional medium-hump" specimen, coming off of the "high-hump" early specimens. Underneath the barrel (under the area of the sight) is also the classic early Richmond "t" slot that is clearly visible. The bands bear the RICHMOND "U" stampings, and the VP/Eagle barrel breech proof is legible, but feint. There is no pitting or damage to this piece whatsoever. As you can tell, the stock is absolutely, mouth-watering BEAUTIFUL, with an equally fine patina to all of the iron parts. It obviously was extremely well cared-for, and kept clean and professionally cared for to have such an appearance today. The brass nosecap has been set-back 1/4" with a period copper rivet, rather than a screw--got me as to why this was done at the manufactory or by the soldier! I have included BOTH APPRAISALS of Mr. Damon Mills AND Jay Collier, as well as some really cool historical detailed information about the production and history of the Richmond Rifle, which includes detailed schematics of the stock and stamping machinery.

As Flayderman's Guide to American Antique Firearms describes and ascribes the value to this "Type II" 1862-dated specimen,"...these also bring a permium over the more often seen styles...". Flayderman places the generic "Very Good" condition price appraisal at $25,000...and that's WITHOUT the ORIGINAL CONFEDERATE SHOULDER SLING! Need I say any more?

Superb 6th-Plate Ambrotype Image & Remington 1857-Dated Maynard Primer & Rifled Conversion .69 Musket, Including Original Bayonet

Attributed to Sgt. T. N. Cady, Co. A, 1st South Carolina Battalion Sharp-Shooters

Ahhhh....the quality and readily available items that the so very wise and astute few (and wealthy enough!) had to pick and choose from back four, five, and six decades ago! This ID'ed image and rare Remington .69 caliber rifled conversion musket, it's original bayonet, AND 6th-Plate fully-cased Ambrotype image of Sgt. T. N. Cady, of Company A, 1st South Carolina Battalion Sharp-Shooters comes from my old attorney's collection (he's now in his early 80's) from North Carolina..."back in the day" when this in the 1940's, '50's, and even '60's, these family heirlooms were plentiful, cheap, and even as as told to me--WERE OFTEN GIVEN AWAY as mere "junk", since it was everywhere back then...just "old things" that people didn't appreciate the value and historical significance of. The weapon of Sgt. Cady is one of the most unique conversion of antiquated M1816 .69 caliber smoothbore flintlocks and/or cone-conversion muskets into the new, believed to be "technologically-advanced" firing system of the Maynard Primer auto-priming configuration (like that of the M1855 US Rifle), and would also RIFLE the .69 caliber bore, replace the old M1816 ramrod with a new conical-based ramrod, AND the addition of a long-range rear flip-up sight graduated up to 800 yards. It is 100% ORIGINAL, 100% COMPLETE (right down to original nipple, ramrod, both sling swivels, rear sight--you name it), having NO DAMAGE or REPAIRS of any kind, bearing only the most minor, but expected true service wear, with NO bolster burnout (they didn't se a whole lot of combat in the SC department they were assigned and stationed in--just minor skirmishing along the SC coast--see unit history below). No structural damage or cracking WHATSOEVER. The metal has a beautiful and untouched faded and browning patina from being left untouched for nearly a 100 years before being acquired, and has been WELL LOVED and MAINTAINED since my friend acquired it. Looming LARGE upon the right-side of the stock is the massive hand-carving of his name "T. N. Cady" in the classic "Johnny Reb" tradition. The Remington Ilion,, NY maker's mark address and "1857" date are vividly clear upon the lockplate. Though all of these conversion were to back to the US Frankford Arsenal, and most after that to the State of New Jersey, THIS BABY didn't get grabbed under the 1808 Militia Act to New Jersey--but to South Carolina instead (obviously!) under the same 1808 Militia Act of State Arsenals required to acquire and maintain military equipment available for their own militia's. His image is stunningly CRYSTAL-CLEAR, being a beautiful fully-cased Ambrotype image 6th-plate sitting pose of Sgt. Cady in his dress frock coat, bearing his clear infantry stripes and cuff and collar piping of blue that the photographer painted-on with blue paint/wash. Behind the image upon the back of the case is the cursive writing signature of "Sgt. T.N. Cady 1st SCV" (the South Carolinians were very PROUD and particular to always designate their unit abbreviates as "SCV", standing for South Carolina VOLUNTEERS--to show their patriotic status that they were indeed VOLUNTEERS and NOT CONSCRIPTS, fighting for their state and the South's independence by free-will and sacrifice. Sgt. Cady appears on the records of the 1st SCV Sharp-Shooter's Battalion during their time of formation in 1862 (the unit was assembled in Columbia, SC in the summer of 1862. The unit was attached to the Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, and fought in two small battles at James Island and Coosawhatchie. Later, the unit would be merged and absorbed into the 27th South Carolina by September 1863. Sgt. Cady would spend some time in a local Confederate hospital in Columbia in 1862, and would later receive a pension after the war (see all the National Archives and other historical documentation on Sgt. Cady and his unit below).

100% Original, 100% Complete, 100% Fully-Functional w/CRISP Markings & Excellent Remaining Bluing

I like my weapons RARE, "MINTY" CONDITION, and ones that speak with a "SOUTHERN ACCENT"! Offered here is the stunningly beautiful, rare Civil War imported British-made Webley "Wedge-Frame" 5-chamber larger .38 caliber (roughly--the Brits did their bore sizing in metric units different that our US standard inches) revolver. Once you peruse all of the pics below, you will come to the same conclusion...my God, IS THIS GUN GORGEOUS!!! And boy, is it ever!!! Being 100% original, complete, unrepaired, undamaged, fully-functional in every way, with well over the minimum NRA/Flayderman's requirement of 30% original bluing for "FINE" condition assessment, this weapon is in jaw-dropping condition and eye-appeal. The brothers Philip and James Webley were responsible for a number of differing revolver patents and production models in England during the mid 1800's. Both brothers basically operated independently of each other, and marketed/sold their weapons independently as well. In 1859, the son of Phillip--Thomas Webley--joined his father's firm. In 1861, they began production and marketing for this new-style "wedge-frame" revolver, that was to copy the style of the US Colt's "wedge" to affix the barrel frame to the rest of the weapon's frame, and the Colt-style loading lever. Previous barrel attachments and loading levers were more like the traditional British styles of the Adam's, Kerr's, and Tranter's. This is what makes this weapon so EASY to spot, even though the frame, handle, and general weapon styling appears so similar to the Tranter's, Adam's, and Kerr's. This spectacular specimen has absolutely NO PITTING WHATSOEVER, and the crisp plethora of Birmingham proof marks not only on the barrel, but with each individual chamber cylinder on the outside. They also did a really cool thing that was awfully helpful to a shooter in combat, which was to also have each chamber NUMBERED on the outside, so the shooter could be in the middle of a fire-fight, and see what chamber he was coming up on--thus knowing how many shots he had already fired, and how many were left!!! Pretty handy info to know in the heat of battle!!! It's a double-action weapon, of course (like the vast majority of British revolvers), and the action is PERFECT. The barrel has great rifling still all the way down. The original checkered grips with fanciful single-screw attachment and inlay are PERFECT--not a SCRATCH, not a BLEMISH, not a CHIP.....just PERFECT! The Webley Patent number is seen clearly in full upon the side of the frame, being Patent Number 5,253---a very low serial/patent number, and clearly an early-war production specimen. This particular specimen does NOT have the P Webley & Son maker's marking on the top frame flat, as it was obviously marketed or ordered as a gun to be exported, or to sold to another retailer (as was common in England with British-made weapons--the retailer who ordered them would have the weapon maker leave it blank so the retailer could put their own stamping on it if they wanted, or just not have the buyers know to go directly to the maker to get them at wholesale lower prices!)

We know for a fact that these weapons were imported specifically by the South and Southerners during the war and used in combat, as they appear on official inventorying records surviving today (the 2nd Virginia Cavalry has recorded patent numbered specimens that were accounted for), and there are existing photographs of Southern soldiers with them, as well as ID'ed Southern specimens proving their usage for the South in the War. Though obviously in small numbers, this clearly makes them a highly-prized and rare weapon today for the collecting community--just as they were certainly a highly-prized weapon back during the war, being considered amongst the finest revolvers made in the world at that time (as most British weapons and their quality were considered the BEST in the world) for a Southern Officer or cavalryman to carry.

It'll be HARD to upgrade upon the quality of this specimen. I've seen better, yes--and some with their original cases--but you'll pay THOUSANDS to get them.

But not here at Champion Hill Relics! All the beauty and history...for so little...