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Scarce CIVIL WAR Antique US HARPERS FERRY Model 1855 Rifle-MUSKET Branded Dated 1858 w Soldier Graffiti!
Guns International #: 101583198 Seller's Inventory #: 201339
Category: Harpers Ferry Rifles - Civil War Rifles
Seller's Information
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Seller: AncestryGunsLLC
Company: Ancestry Guns LLC
Member Since: 11/3/16
State: Missouri
Zip: 65203
Country: United States
Phone: (314) 707-7373
International Phone: 314-707-7373
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 1467
Total Number of Listings: 29942
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Credit Card, Certified Check, Money Order
Description:
Scarce CIVIL WAR Antique US HARPERS FERRY Model 1855 Rifle-MUSKET Branded
Dated 1858 w Soldier Graffiti!
Here we present an antique Harpers Ferry Armory US Model 1855 Rifle-Musket, manufactured in 1858 in Harpers Ferry, Virginia. The Model 1855 was the first US musket to utilize the .58 caliber Minie ball. The US military was piloting a concept for all U.S. Army troops to have a common caliber, so that logistics would be simplified. The chosen caliber was .58, and it utilized the cutting-edge cone-shaped Minié ball with the hollow base instead of a spherical ball. Also, relatively new and short-lived was the Maynard tape priming system, to which Springfield had purchased the rights. Instead of directly priming the nipple by hand for each shot, the user would simply install a roll of paper percussion caps, and a single cap would be exposed, sheared, and carried by the hammer to detonate on the nipple. Of course, the standard rifle percussion caps could also be used. This system was simply abandoned with the beginning of the American Civil War as arms production was driven by effectiveness and efficiency, resulting in the simplified Model 1861.
Only 5,151 iron-mounted 1855 Rifles had been manufactured when the Harpers Ferry Armory was burned by Confederate forces in 1861. Many of the Model 1855 rifles were destroyed in the Armory fire and nearly all of the surviving rifles saw hard use with Federal and Confederate armies during the Civil War, and as a result any surviving examples of the Model 1855 Rifle are scarce and typically show the effects of hard field service.
This one shows two visible remnants of cartouches on the left stock flat. The butt stock has been branded on each side with the name “J. GOWEN”. Research indicates that there were 13 Union soldiers and 11 Confederate soldiers with the first initial “J” and the last name of Gowen. There are also several other sets of initials scratched into the surface of the walnut stock throughout. It has been bored smooth to approximately .618 caliber sometime during its period of use. This is a fascinating piece and it may still hold more secrets and maybe even some answers!
The overall condition is very good. The action is strong all around. The bore is in good shape. This Model 1855 by Harpers Ferry could just as well have been used by either the Union or the Confederacy based on its manufacture date!
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 40 inches.
Caliber: .61 Percussion
Overall condition as seen in photos.
Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. Delivered directly to your door by express mail!
Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.
ancestryguns
$2685
#201339
SOLD
Antique: Yes