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Rare Experimental Springfield 1847 Musketoon with Self Priming Mechanism

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,250.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Rare Experimental Springfield 1847 Musketoon with Self Priming Mechanism
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Estimate: $6500 - 13000
This experimental Springfield 1847 Musketoon has an action fitted with a unique Gedney designed primer mechanism. The lock plate has a cut out for the primer mechanism which runs through the hammer. A spring releases the primers The lock plate is marked "SPRING/FIELD/1855" vertically behind the hammer and the eagle over "US" is marked in front of the hammer. The barrel tang is dated 1851. The smooth bore barrel has the "V/P/eagle head" marking on the left side at the breech. It has a 9 1/4 inch ring bar with ring on the left side, brass mountings with the front sight integral to the front barrel band, and swivel iron ramrod and without sling swivels, all features found on the Model 1847 Cavalry Musketoon. The buttplate tang is marked "US". The left stock flat has a clear cartouche on the highly figured burl walnut stock.
BBL: 26 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 69 bore
Finish: bright/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition: Fine. The barrel is mostly a dull silver gray with crisp markings and minor pitting (more prevalent towards the breech). The lock plate retains 40% of the nitre blue finish and the hammer is a mottled gray patina. The brass is taking on an attractive smooth dark mustard yellow patina. The stock is very fine with a crisp cartouche and some minor dings and scratches and chipping along the ramrod channel. Writer is aware of similar Gedney devices on other types of U.S. muskets, but has never seen one on an 1847 Springfield musketoon; possibly one-of-a-kind!