3128

MASSIVE CIVIL WAR PERIOD SNIPER RIFLE IDENTIFIED

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
MASSIVE CIVIL WAR PERIOD SNIPER RIFLE IDENTIFIED
TO THE 116th PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. Cal. 44. NSN. Bbl. 32 1/2". Extremely heavy octagon barrel with tube sight at the muzzle and a peep sight at the barrel tang. Barrel is marked on the top facet "WESSON. HARTFORD CT CAST STEEL". The barrel is stamped 4" from the breech "116th P.V.V.". There is also a fine bullet starter held to the muzzle with 4 pins. The breech has engraved foliate decoration similar to the decoration on the hammer. The plain backaction type lock is stamped "A.F. SPENCER". Iron trigger guard, buttplate, and ramrod thimbles. Brass tipped wooden ramrod is likely not original to the gun. Walnut stock. The 116th Pennsylvania was primarily recruited from Irish immigrants in the Philadelphia area. They were assigned to the Irish Brigade in August of 1862. They were heavily engaged at the Battle of Fredericksburg, Battle of Chancellorsville, Battle of Gettysburg, Battle of Cold Harbor, and the Siege of Petersburg, as well as other major and minor battles. CONDITION: barrel has a lightly mottled, medium gray patina, as does the other iron parts of this fine rifle. The action functions very well and holds both full & half cock. Wood shows expected dents & dings but has no major issues. Very good bore with strong rifling. The bullet starter has a similar patina to the rest of the gun and functions perfectly. (01-24150/BF). ANTIQUE. $4,000-6,000.