FULLY IDENTIFIED SERGEANT’S WEAPONS GROUPING, 1ST NEW YORK MOUNTED RIFLES.

FULLY IDENTIFIED SERGEANT’S WEAPONS GROUPING, 1ST NEW YORK MOUNTED RIFLES. This group consists of three weapons (carbine, pistol, and sword) that date to the war service of Sgt William H. Armstrong of Troop B, the 1st NY Mounted Rifles (NYMR). The 1st NYMR (sometimes designated as the 7th NY Cavalry) was in service during the entire war from July 1861 to July 1865. The list of expeditions and engagements is too long and numerous to detail. William Armstrong enlisted as a Pvt in Troop B on Oct 1, 1861 in New York City. He served the entire war, being promoted through the ranks to Cpl, Sgt, 1st Sgt, and 2nd Lieutenant, but not being mustered as 2nd Lt. He mustered out in July 1865 in Richmond, VA. Both the Spencer carbine and Colt Army pistol have engraved German silver plaques applied to the pieces indicating ownership and service details. The engraving on the German silver plaques appears to date to just after the Civil War, likely being added to commemorate Armstrong’s service. All three items have an extremely old coating of dull nickel plating that is beginning to darken with age. The nickel had aged to a pleasant gray color and is not openly apparent at first review. The combination of the nickel coating and German silver plaques suggest that the items might have been displayed together, perhaps at a Union GAR Hall. The model 1860 4 screw Colt .44 caliber Army percussion pistol has some darkened rust patina on about 6” of bbl. Bbl near muzzle is worn down slightly from years of holster wear. There is an approx. 3” long German silver plaque inset and tacked into left grip that reads “Sergeant W. H. Armstrong / 1st N.Y.M.R. ’61-65”. The gun’s serial numbers are mismatched from frame, bbl assembly and cyl, but this is the way the gun was actually used and all the numbers are extremely close. Cyl is marked with SN 128xx, bbl assembly with SN 1034x, and frame with SN 1039x. Gun supports the claims that actual used guns had parts swapped, while only the mint guns have matching serial numbers. The group’s Model 1860 Light Cavalry sword is maker marked by “Emerson & Silver / Trenton, NJ”. Blade is “US” surcharged with inspector’s stamp “J.M.”. No date can be seen, but the orig leather washer is present and appears to be hiding the marks. Blade shows condition consistent with use and has a center area with old pitting. Leather grip and wire wrap are orig and present in excellent condition. “J.M.” inspector mark is also present on the sword’s hilt capstan. Scabbard is old gray nickel with selected darkening and light rust. The Model 1860 Spencer carbine, SN 57xxx, is a late war carbine. Government documentation shows that the 1st NYMR were issued the Spencer carbine right near the end of the unit’s service. This carbine has been nickel-plated with all exterior plating having turned a pleasing dark rust patina. Carbine’s federal inspector marks (two sets near the ring bar) are showing and can be seen, but are beginning to fade. Rear sight appears to have been missing for some time. ON the carbine’s left side of the stock is inset a German silver plaque (4-1/2” x 1-1/4”) with tacks, engraved “Sergeant W. H. Armstrong / 1st N.Y.M.R. ’61-65”. This is a very unique and rare, fully identified weapons grouping to a single soldier that served in the mounted service through the entire war. CONDITION: All three weapons have varying degrees of nickel plating remaining. Spencer carbine is very good and above average overall with most metal surfaces with plating missing being brown and pitted. Bbl address is discernible. Bore is very good with strong rifling. Inspector cartouches are still visible on buttstock. Stock retains traces of orig varnish with scattered nicks, scrapes, and gouges. Colt Army is sound and functions mechanically. Markings are all discernible, including part of cyl scene, which is visible under plating. Cavalry saber has very good grip with good patina to brass. Blade is gray and cleaned with areas of pitting. Nickel plating on scabbard is consistent with color on carbine and pistol. Commemorative plaques on carbine and pistol are uncleaned and exhibit good patination. 4-32929 JS257 (6,000-7,500)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2007

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
	1375	$7,475.00	FULLY IDENTIFIED SERGEANT’S WEAPONS GROUPING, 1ST NEW YORK MOUNTED RIFLES. This group consists of three weapons (carbine, pistol, and sword) that date to the war service of Sgt William H. Armstrong of Troop B, the 1st NY Mounted Rifles (NYMR). The 1st NYMR (sometimes designated as the 7th NY Cavalry) was in service during the entire war from July 1861 to July 1865. The list of expeditions and engagements is too long and numerous to detail. William Armstrong enlisted as a Pvt in Troop B on Oct 1, 1861 in New York City. He served the entire war, being promoted through the ranks to Cpl, Sgt, 1st Sgt, and 2nd Lieutenant, but not being mustered as 2nd Lt. He mustered out in July 1865 in Richmond, VA. Both the Spencer carbine and Colt Army pistol have engraved German silver plaques applied to the pieces indicating ownership and service details. The engraving on the German silver plaques appears to date to just after the Civil War, likely being added to commemorate Armstrong’s service. All three items have an extremely old coating of dull nickel plating that is beginning to darken with age. The nickel had aged to a pleasant gray color and is not openly apparent at first review. The combination of the nickel coating and German silver plaques suggest that the items might have been displayed together, perhaps at a Union GAR Hall. The model 1860 4 screw Colt .44 caliber Army percussion pistol has some darkened rust patina on about 6” of bbl. Bbl near muzzle is worn down slightly from years of holster wear. There is an approx. 3” long German silver plaque inset and tacked into left grip that reads “Sergeant W. H. Armstrong / 1st N.Y.M.R. ’61-65”. The gun’s serial numbers are mismatched from frame, bbl assembly and cyl, but this is the way the gun was actually used and all the numbers are extremely close. Cyl is marked with SN 128xx, bbl assembly with SN 1034x, and frame with SN 1039x. Gun supports the claims that actual used guns had parts swapped, while only the mint guns have matching serial numbers. The group’s Model 1860 Light Cavalry sword is maker marked by “Emerson & Silver / Trenton, NJ”. Blade is “US” surcharged with inspector’s stamp “J.M.”. No date can be seen, but the orig leather washer is present and appears to be hiding the marks. Blade shows condition consistent with use and has a center area with old pitting. Leather grip and wire wrap are orig and present in excellent condition. “J.M.” inspector mark is also present on the sword’s hilt capstan. Scabbard is old gray nickel with selected darkening and light rust. The Model 1860 Spencer carbine, SN 57xxx, is a late war carbine. Government documentation shows that the 1st NYMR were issued the Spencer carbine right near the end of the unit’s service. This carbine has been nickel-plated with all exterior plating having turned a pleasing dark rust patina. Carbine’s federal inspector marks (two sets near the ring bar) are showing and can be seen, but are beginning to fade. Rear sight appears to have been missing for some time. ON the carbine’s left side of the stock is inset a German silver plaque (4-1/2” x 1-1/4”) with tacks, engraved “Sergeant W. H. Armstrong / 1st N.Y.M.R. ’61-65”. This is a very unique and rare, fully identified weapons grouping to a single soldier that served in the mounted service through the entire war. CONDITION: All three weapons have varying degrees of nickel plating remaining. Spencer carbine is very good and above average overall with most metal surfaces with plating missing being brown and pitted. Bbl address is discernible. Bore is very good with strong rifling. Inspector cartouches are still visible on buttstock. Stock retains traces of orig varnish with scattered nicks, scrapes, and gouges. Colt Army is sound and functions mechanically. Markings are all discernible, including part of cyl scene, which is visible under plating. Cavalry saber has very good grip with good patina to brass. Blade is gray and cleaned with areas of pitting. Nickel plating on scabbard is consistent with color on carbine and pistol. Commemorative plaques on carbine and pistol are uncleaned and exhibit good patination. 4-32929 JS257 (6,000-7,500) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2007 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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