HISTORIC HARPERS FERRY MODEL 1803 FLINTLOCK RIFLE, FIRST TYPE.

HISTORIC HARPERS FERRY MODEL 1803 FLINTLOCK RIFLE, FIRST TYPE. Cal. 54. SN 3912. 1st type Model 1803 with 33” oct to round bbl with brass front sight & fixed rear sight, the bottom of the bbl has an iron rail, with two iron guides containing an original trumpet head iron ramrod. It is mounted in a 1-pc half stock with distinctive brass band near the tip, brass furniture and patchbox on the right side of the butt. The left bbl flat has the usual markings along with the serial number as does the lockplate which is dated “1806”. A 3-ring binder of research material regarding this rifle and its possible history accompanies it. It is known that in 1808 an elite unit of riflemen was formed which was called the 1st Rifle Regiment and it is well documented that they were issued Model 1803 rifles. This unit accounted itself with great distinction during the War of 1812, fighting in a number of battles. The consignor reports that he purchased this rifle on March 9, 1957 from prominent Kentucky rifle collector, Bill Carr of Detroit, MI. Mr. Carr had reportedly obtained the rifle from a Canadian Indian reservation in altered to percussion condition. At the time it also had a bent lower trigger guard and a corresponding gash in the wood. Mr. Carr reconverted it to original flint condition using original parts and then straightened the lower tang. The speculation is that this rifle was lost in action by the U.S. Rifle Regiment during its operations in Canada during the War of 1812. Included is an original Jan. 29, 1815 letter signed by Major William Bradford, U. S. Army, requesting transfer to a command under Gen. Andrew Jackson. He was thereafter assigned to the 1st U. S. Rifle Regt. and led his M1803 armed men on expeditions in the West. CONDITION: As previously noted, good to very good. Bbl retains an even dark brown patina with usual nicks & dings. Lockplate & hammer are a light gray. Straightened trigger guard has a 1/8” nick & scratch at the edge with a corresponding deeper gash in the wood. Stock has numerous grain checks with some replaced splices along the bbl channel and repaired cracks in the forestock. Brass is bright with a light patina. Mechanics are fine, with strong dark bore. 4-51217 JR1228 (5,000-8,000)

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2004

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
	797A.	$8,050.00	HISTORIC HARPERS FERRY MODEL 1803 FLINTLOCK RIFLE, FIRST TYPE. Cal. 54. SN 3912. 1st type Model 1803 with 33” oct to round bbl with brass front sight & fixed rear sight, the bottom of the bbl has an iron rail, with two iron guides containing an original trumpet head iron ramrod. It is mounted in a 1-pc half stock with distinctive brass band near the tip, brass furniture and patchbox on the right side of the butt. The left bbl flat has the usual markings along with the serial number as does the lockplate which is dated “1806”. A 3-ring binder of research material regarding this rifle and its possible history accompanies it. It is known that in 1808 an elite unit of riflemen was formed which was called the 1st Rifle Regiment and it is well documented that they were issued Model 1803 rifles. This unit accounted itself with great distinction during the War of 1812, fighting in a number of battles. The consignor reports that he purchased this rifle on March 9, 1957 from prominent Kentucky rifle collector, Bill Carr of Detroit, MI. Mr. Carr had reportedly obtained the rifle from a Canadian Indian reservation in altered to percussion condition. At the time it also had a bent lower trigger guard and a corresponding gash in the wood. Mr. Carr reconverted it to original flint condition using original parts and then straightened the lower tang. The speculation is that this rifle was lost in action by the U.S. Rifle Regiment during its operations in Canada during the War of 1812. Included is an original Jan. 29, 1815 letter signed by Major William Bradford, U. S. Army, requesting transfer to a command under Gen. Andrew Jackson. He was thereafter assigned to the 1st U. S. Rifle Regt. and led his M1803 armed men on expeditions in the West. CONDITION: As previously noted, good to very good. Bbl retains an even dark brown patina with usual nicks & dings. Lockplate & hammer are a light gray. Straightened trigger guard has a 1/8” nick & scratch at the edge with a corresponding deeper gash in the wood. Stock has numerous grain checks with some replaced splices along the bbl channel and repaired cracks in the forestock. Brass is bright with a light patina. Mechanics are fine, with strong dark bore. 4-51217 JR1228 (5,000-8,000) Auction: Firearms - Spring 2004 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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