UNIQUE STATE OF VIRGINIA BETHEL BURTON “BROKEN-THREAD PATENT” BREECH-LOADING PERCUSSION TRIALS CARBINE.

This fine, functioning example of the Bethel Burton patent rifle was most likely one of the few submitted for testing just prior to the Civil War. Burton’s design patented December 20, 1859 did not attract US attention, however, the State of Virginia wanted 50,000 firearms made. The start of the Civil War ended this contract and Burton was actually arrested in New York for treason continuing to pursue it. This gun, never previously offered, originated by direct descent from Archibald Witham who was in business with Bethel Burton in the 1860’s. Correspondence between current descendent and curator at the Springfield Armory relate this history and story. The Bethel Burton patent number 26476 utilized a rear bolt action with locking threads, later utilized in the Burton-Ward military rifles made in the 1870’s. This extremely well made rifle has 24″, 54 Cal. bbl with 7 lands and grooves, fixed sights, retained by one iron band. Gun is totally iron mounted, including butt plate, trigger guard and saddle ring bar. His unique 2-piece sliding “Broken-Thread Patent” breech with forward section, with percussion fixed and rotating rear section works perfectly and no doubt fared well in the trials as a contract for 50,000 guns were ordered, though never made due to hostilities. We know of no other examples of this trial gun and a better example would be difficult to find. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall, totally devoid of external markings. But internally many parts numbered “3” which is thought to be SN. Metal is grey/brown overall with scattered staining and pitting. Mechanically, gun is fine and exhibits crisp, well-defined rifling. Stock retains raised grain with some minor storage blemishes with two chips at right rear toe. Fixed rear sight appears a later edition. Hammer still retains some muted case colors. 4-54036 JS (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1420

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Auction: Firearms - March 2015

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	1420	$11,500.00	UNIQUE STATE OF VIRGINIA BETHEL BURTON “BROKEN-THREAD PATENT” BREECH-LOADING PERCUSSION TRIALS CARBINE. This fine, functioning example of the Bethel Burton patent rifle was most likely one of the few submitted for testing just prior to the Civil War. Burton’s design patented December 20, 1859 did not attract US attention, however, the State of Virginia wanted 50,000 firearms made. The start of the Civil War ended this contract and Burton was actually arrested in New York for treason continuing to pursue it. This gun, never previously offered, originated by direct descent from Archibald Witham who was in business with Bethel Burton in the 1860’s. Correspondence between current descendent and curator at the Springfield Armory relate this history and story. The Bethel Burton patent number 26476 utilized a rear bolt action with locking threads, later utilized in the Burton-Ward military rifles made in the 1870’s. This extremely well made rifle has 24″, 54 Cal. bbl with 7 lands and grooves, fixed sights, retained by one iron band. Gun is totally iron mounted, including butt plate, trigger guard and saddle ring bar. His unique 2-piece sliding “Broken-Thread Patent” breech with forward section, with percussion fixed and rotating rear section works perfectly and no doubt fared well in the trials as a contract for 50,000 guns were ordered, though never made due to hostilities. We know of no other examples of this trial gun and a better example would be difficult to find. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall, totally devoid of external markings. But internally many parts numbered “3” which is thought to be SN. Metal is grey/brown overall with scattered staining and pitting. Mechanically, gun is fine and exhibits crisp, well-defined rifling. Stock retains raised grain with some minor storage blemishes with two chips at right rear toe. Fixed rear sight appears a later edition. Hammer still retains some muted case colors. 4-54036 JS (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1420 Click here to view provenance Auction: Firearms - March 2015 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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UNIQUE STATE OF VIRGINIA BETHEL BURTON “BROKEN-THREAD PATENT” BREECH-LOADING PERCUSSION TRIALS CARBINE.