RARE PRESENTATION MODEL 1861 SPRINGFIELD RIFLE MUSKET DATED 1861, “10TH NEW YORK ZOUAVES”.

RARE PRESENTATION MODEL 1861 SPRINGFIELD RIFLE MUSKET DATED 1861, “10TH NEW YORK ZOUAVES”. Cal. 58. Standard ’61 Springfield with 40” bbl, square base front sights/bayonet lug, with 2-leaf, 3-position musket rear sight, lockplate dated “1861”. It is mounted in a full-length 1-pc stock and has a 2-5/8” x 1-1/2” brass plate inlet into the right side of the butt, which is inscribed “Geo. F. Tait / 1st Sargent H. Co. / 10th Regt. N.Y. Vols. Inf. / Fortress. Monroe VA 1861”. It is held in place with three round head brass tacks in each end. The bbl and all of the iron fittings retain traces, approximately 20-25%, of an early nickel plating. A 3-ring binder of research material regarding Tait and his career accompanies it. Also included is a copy of Volume 16, The Gettysburg Magazine, which contains a 5-page article by Wiley Sword regarding this rifle and Capt. Tait. Tait enlisted as a 1st Sargent in Company H of the 10th New York National Zouaves. He fought from 1861 to 1863 in a number of battles and was promoted Thanksgiving Day 1861 to 2nd Lieutenant and was presented a sword at the time. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in July of 1862 and to Captain April of 1863. At Gettysburg his company was attached to Meade’s Headquarters as Provost Guard and under Meade’s personal order were directed to help repulse Pickett’s Charge. He was wounded three times, at Gaines’ Mill, Fredericksburg and the Wilderness. The Wilderness wound necessitated the amputation of his leg between the ankle and knee. He was apparently a very popular officer with his troops and it is likely that this rifle was presented as a testimonial of such. CONDITION: Very good to fine, as previously reported. Metal retains 20-25% presentation nickel plating with the balance a dark patina. Wood is sound with the outline of a cartouche and retains most of an old refinish. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with fine pitting. 4-51218 JR1227 (4,500-7,500)

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
	812	$0.00	RARE PRESENTATION MODEL 1861 SPRINGFIELD RIFLE MUSKET DATED 1861, “10TH NEW YORK ZOUAVES”. Cal. 58. Standard ’61 Springfield with 40” bbl, square base front sights/bayonet lug, with 2-leaf, 3-position musket rear sight, lockplate dated “1861”. It is mounted in a full-length 1-pc stock and has a 2-5/8” x 1-1/2” brass plate inlet into the right side of the butt, which is inscribed “Geo. F. Tait / 1st Sargent H. Co. / 10th Regt. N.Y. Vols. Inf. / Fortress. Monroe VA 1861”. It is held in place with three round head brass tacks in each end. The bbl and all of the iron fittings retain traces, approximately 20-25%, of an early nickel plating. A 3-ring binder of research material regarding Tait and his career accompanies it. Also included is a copy of Volume 16, The Gettysburg Magazine, which contains a 5-page article by Wiley Sword regarding this rifle and Capt. Tait. Tait enlisted as a 1st Sargent in Company H of the 10th New York National Zouaves. He fought from 1861 to 1863 in a number of battles and was promoted Thanksgiving Day 1861 to 2nd Lieutenant and was presented a sword at the time. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in July of 1862 and to Captain April of 1863. At Gettysburg his company was attached to Meade’s Headquarters as Provost Guard and under Meade’s personal order were directed to help repulse Pickett’s Charge. He was wounded three times, at Gaines’ Mill, Fredericksburg and the Wilderness. The Wilderness wound necessitated the amputation of his leg between the ankle and knee. He was apparently a very popular officer with his troops and it is likely that this rifle was presented as a testimonial of such. CONDITION: Very good to fine, as previously reported. Metal retains 20-25% presentation nickel plating with the balance a dark patina. Wood is sound with the outline of a cartouche and retains most of an old refinish. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with fine pitting. 4-51218 JR1227 (4,500-7,500) 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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