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VERY SCARCE LEE FIREARMS CO. SINGLE SHOT CARBINE.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:7,500.00 USD Estimated At:15,000.00 - 20,000.00 USD
VERY SCARCE LEE FIREARMS CO. SINGLE SHOT CARBINE.
Cal. 44 RF. S#. 1758. This rare carbine patented in 1862 was the 1st firearm designed by James Paris Lee. Lee is best known for developing the box magazine, he is the Lee in Lee Enfield. Mfg. in Milwaukee, WI. the Lee is one of very few Civil War arms produced in the west. The U.S. place an order for 1000 carbines. The bbls were sub contracted to Remington & bored for .42 instead of .44 caliber. The entire contract was rejected. By late 1866 Lee had completed 255 carbines with more in process. Sales were to private officers or militia units. Bbl. 21". Blade front sight w/ single leaf rear sight. Action has center mounted hammer with saddle ring & bar on left side. Bbl. swivels to right for loading. Extractor lug is mounted on the right side of bbl. Walnut stock w/ crescent steel buttplate. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: photo-copy info about firearms inventor James Lee & his carbine. CONDITION: metal finish has a faded gray appearance w/ spots of very light pitting. Stock has age darkened finish showing scratches, marks & small dents. Lightly pitted bore retains intact rifling. PROVENANCE: ex-collection of Paul Eseppi. (01-25911/DS). ANTIQUE. $15,000-20,000.