KERR CONFEDERATE MILITARY TARGET RIFLE.

KERR CONFEDERATE MILITARY TARGET RIFLE. Cal. 451. This Kerr rifle is 53″ overall with a 37″ bbl with Kerr patented 6-groove rifling. Muzzle is countersunk to facilitate loading, not unlike patented Whitworth rifles that also came through the blockade to the South during the Civil War. On top of the bbl just behind the sight is SN 649. The highest known SN is 800. Marked on the breech on top of bbl “KERR’S PATENT”. To the left of the “Kerr’s Patent” markings are various London proofs and “LAC”, which stands for London Armory Company, and an oval mark which reads “Regis’d / 10 May 1861”. The various London proofs, registration marks and “LAC” are quite discernible, however the Kerr patent mark is mostly obliterated due to firing of gun, only “KER” is easy to read. The rest of the bbl, as you get away from the breech, retains fair quantities of orig blue finish, though muted in areas with scattered nicks and dings. Bore has good Kerr rifling that appears fairly bright though gun has seen use. Lock is marked with a crown over “VR”. Forward of hammer on lock is marked “1862 / L.A. Co”. Lockplate markings are discernible but light, as can be seen in photo. Lockplate is gray with salt and pepper pitting. Hammer has been cleaned, has signs of heat, scale and salt and pepper pitting. Triggerguard and bands are smooth and brown with bands retaining some orig finish. Buttplate is smooth and brown with some pitting. Original rear sight appears to be standard 1853 Enfield sight but with more refined graduations and a SN 702. Stock is well made of seasoned and quality wood and comes to within 1-1/4″ of muzzle and has no provision for bayonet. The correct ramrod has a removable brass tip. Confederate purchasing agents acquired at least 20 of these rifles as indicated in a C.S. General Josiah Gorgas report dated February 3, 1863 and published in the official records by IV, Volume 2, page 382. Additional Kerr rifles were acquired by the Orphan Brigade of Kentucky. 11 special target rifles were given to Major General John Breckenridge by an English friend. The General presented them to his old command. The number of Kerr rifles made were small and therefore Confederate use of the Kerr rifle was quite limited. CONDITION: As described above. 39018 JS53 (7,500-10,000)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2009

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
	2513	$12,075.00	KERR CONFEDERATE MILITARY TARGET RIFLE. Cal. 451. This Kerr rifle is 53″ overall with a 37″ bbl with Kerr patented 6-groove rifling. Muzzle is countersunk to facilitate loading, not unlike patented Whitworth rifles that also came through the blockade to the South during the Civil War. On top of the bbl just behind the sight is SN 649. The highest known SN is 800. Marked on the breech on top of bbl “KERR’S PATENT”. To the left of the “Kerr’s Patent” markings are various London proofs and “LAC”, which stands for London Armory Company, and an oval mark which reads “Regis’d / 10 May 1861”. The various London proofs, registration marks and “LAC” are quite discernible, however the Kerr patent mark is mostly obliterated due to firing of gun, only “KER” is easy to read. The rest of the bbl, as you get away from the breech, retains fair quantities of orig blue finish, though muted in areas with scattered nicks and dings. Bore has good Kerr rifling that appears fairly bright though gun has seen use. Lock is marked with a crown over “VR”. Forward of hammer on lock is marked “1862 / L.A. Co”. Lockplate markings are discernible but light, as can be seen in photo. Lockplate is gray with salt and pepper pitting. Hammer has been cleaned, has signs of heat, scale and salt and pepper pitting. Triggerguard and bands are smooth and brown with bands retaining some orig finish. Buttplate is smooth and brown with some pitting. Original rear sight appears to be standard 1853 Enfield sight but with more refined graduations and a SN 702. Stock is well made of seasoned and quality wood and comes to within 1-1/4″ of muzzle and has no provision for bayonet. The correct ramrod has a removable brass tip. Confederate purchasing agents acquired at least 20 of these rifles as indicated in a C.S. General Josiah Gorgas report dated February 3, 1863 and published in the official records by IV, Volume 2, page 382. Additional Kerr rifles were acquired by the Orphan Brigade of Kentucky. 11 special target rifles were given to Major General John Breckenridge by an English friend. The General presented them to his old command. The number of Kerr rifles made were small and therefore Confederate use of the Kerr rifle was quite limited. CONDITION: As described above. 39018 JS53 (7,500-10,000) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2009 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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