IDENTIFIED HISTORIC CUSTER BATTLEFIELD PERCUSSION MUSKET.

IDENTIFIED HISTORIC CUSTER BATTLEFIELD PERCUSSION MUSKET. Cal. 69. NSN. Indian used Model 1842 pattern Springfield musket dated “1851” on lockplate. It has been cut to blanket length with a 23” rnd bbl, sawed at an angle with a large silver brass bead at muzzle. Stock has been reduced to carbine length with one orig band and is decorated with brass tacks, having a star pattern on left side of butt & a lightning bolt pattern on right side. Forestock is decorated with small, medium & large brass tacks. It is accompanied by an overhauled leather scabbard, probably for a Henry rifle that now measures about 30” in length with a large addition of a crude buck stitch laced patch on bottom. There are the remains of a maker’s mark near the top that is only partially legible but appears to be J&H Hamley but second line is clear “ASHTON DT”. It is certain that the scabbard was acquired after the Battle of the Little Big Horn as there are no known leather workers in South Dakota at that time who signed their work. Also accompanying, and more importantly so, is a signed & notarized letter from Elizabeth Talbot, dated Jan. 4, 1931, Spokane, WA. The letter states, “To Wit, My family was raised on the Standing Rock Reservation in South Dakota. Our neighbor (sic) across the road from us was a Sioux Chief called Nick Blanket. My father acquired this 1851 U.S. Springfield in an acquisition (sic) trade involving pinto ponies with Chief Blanket. Chief Blanket told us it was one of three from the Battle of the Little Big Horn he had, which he had fought in. The Chief said that the Lightning Bolt pattern tack gun mark were Koo’s (sic) than Kills. The Scabbard marked J. & H. Hamley – Aston (sic) D.T. has always been with the gun & should remain so. I remember this gun & case as a child beside the Chief’s fireplace in his shack – To My Nephew – Colin Sherman”. Note: The J. & H. Hamley Co. was formed in Ashton, Dakota Territory in 1883 and South Dakota became a state Nov. 2, 1889. CONDITION: Fair. No orig finish remains with metal being a worn, mottled, silver/brown patina with most of the legend worn from lockplate. The eagle is completely obliterated which is a frequent occurrence with Indian guns. Stock is well worn with a crack on left side panel & another behind lockplate and retains a dark, hand worn appearance with heat crazed finish consistent with close proximity to a fireplace or stove. Mechanics are fine. Scabbard is extremely worn, dark & sweat stained. Brass tack decorations on bbl end are completely worn through from having ridden many years under a stirrup leather. 4-59071 JR408 (5,000-15,000)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2006

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
	1299	$0.00	IDENTIFIED HISTORIC CUSTER BATTLEFIELD PERCUSSION MUSKET. Cal. 69. NSN. Indian used Model 1842 pattern Springfield musket dated “1851” on lockplate. It has been cut to blanket length with a 23” rnd bbl, sawed at an angle with a large silver brass bead at muzzle. Stock has been reduced to carbine length with one orig band and is decorated with brass tacks, having a star pattern on left side of butt & a lightning bolt pattern on right side. Forestock is decorated with small, medium & large brass tacks. It is accompanied by an overhauled leather scabbard, probably for a Henry rifle that now measures about 30” in length with a large addition of a crude buck stitch laced patch on bottom. There are the remains of a maker’s mark near the top that is only partially legible but appears to be J&H Hamley but second line is clear “ASHTON DT”. It is certain that the scabbard was acquired after the Battle of the Little Big Horn as there are no known leather workers in South Dakota at that time who signed their work. Also accompanying, and more importantly so, is a signed & notarized letter from Elizabeth Talbot, dated Jan. 4, 1931, Spokane, WA. The letter states, “To Wit, My family was raised on the Standing Rock Reservation in South Dakota. Our neighbor (sic) across the road from us was a Sioux Chief called Nick Blanket. My father acquired this 1851 U.S. Springfield in an acquisition (sic) trade involving pinto ponies with Chief Blanket. Chief Blanket told us it was one of three from the Battle of the Little Big Horn he had, which he had fought in. The Chief said that the Lightning Bolt pattern tack gun mark were Koo’s (sic) than Kills. The Scabbard marked J. & H. Hamley – Aston (sic) D.T. has always been with the gun & should remain so. I remember this gun & case as a child beside the Chief’s fireplace in his shack – To My Nephew – Colin Sherman”. Note: The J. & H. Hamley Co. was formed in Ashton, Dakota Territory in 1883 and South Dakota became a state Nov. 2, 1889. CONDITION: Fair. No orig finish remains with metal being a worn, mottled, silver/brown patina with most of the legend worn from lockplate. The eagle is completely obliterated which is a frequent occurrence with Indian guns. Stock is well worn with a crack on left side panel & another behind lockplate and retains a dark, hand worn appearance with heat crazed finish consistent with close proximity to a fireplace or stove. Mechanics are fine. Scabbard is extremely worn, dark & sweat stained. Brass tack decorations on bbl end are completely worn through from having ridden many years under a stirrup leather. 4-59071 JR408 (5,000-15,000) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2006 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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