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Rare Set of Breech-loading Carbines, by L. Conroy

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:4,500.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Rare Set of Breech-loading Carbines, by L. Conroy
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Exceedingly Rare Set of Breech-loading Carbines, by Loughlin Conroy, New York City, and possibly Nimschke engraved. Two of these carbines were protected by U.S. Patents dated Dec. 1867 and June 1869, and were twice submitted to small arms boards for consideration, first at the New York State trials in 1868, then before the U.S. Army Board meeting in St. Louis, MO, in 1870. In an article by Gerald Denning in the American Society of Arms Collectors Bulletin 40:34-44, entitled ''Rare Pairs, Gentlemen of invention, we salute you!'', Mr. Denning states that the engraving was ''apparently executed by the famed arms engraver, Nimschke, whose shop was located a few doors from Conroy's in New York.'' (1) The first carbine is approx. 50 cal., 22.75'' round barrel, with brass frame, triggerguard, buttplate and single brass band. Left side of frame is marked ''L. Conroy, N.Y./Pat. Dec. 31, 1867.'', and in script ''New Model 1869'' in scroll. Right side of frame and upper tang are marked in small letters ''L. Conroy, N.Y./Pat. Dec. 31, 67/June 15, 69''. Breech and upper tang are also engraved in typical Nimschke style. (2) The second carbine is mentioned as Conroy's workshop model and not a working firearm, ''intended by the inventor to keep from going into production with unresolved problems.'' (Pictured in Denning's article as Plate 24.) 21.5'' barrel, unmarked frame and buttplate, no forend. (3) The third iron framed model is approx. .45 cal., 22.25'' round barrel, with one barrel band and typical Nimschke style engraving at top of buttplate. Both sideplates are marked ''L. Conroy, N.Y.'' in small letters. Top of tang is stamped ''L. Conroy, N.Y./Pat. Dec. 31, 67/June 15, 69''. Rear sight is marked ''R.S. Lawrence/Patented/Feb. 15th, 1869'' (common to Sharps rifles and carbines). Mr. Denning lists this third ''magnificent companion piece'' as displaying ''many sophisticated design improvements, and with the exception of the earlier trials rifle, is the only iron-framed model known to me.'' (See page 106, ''Digest of Patents relating to Breech-Loading and Magazine Small Arms'', by V.D. Stockbridge, N. Flayderman, Publisher, 1963; and the article ''Conroy Rifles'', by Ed Hull, page 20 of the Gun Report Magazine, July 1984 {copies included}.) Considering their age and rarity, all three carbines are in good to fine condition, showing a varying degree of workmanship from Conroy's workshop model to the example with design improvements. Only a few of Loughlin Conroy's patent arms are known to exist. Est.: $9,000-$12,000. (Antique)