ITEM # 500V
.58 caliber percussion, 36" round barrel, rifled, with an about very good bore. Metal surfaces are overall dull pewter color with overall minor, and a few moderate, pits. Lockplate and hammer, as well as bottom metal is a mix of gray and brown patina. The American walnut sporting style halfstock is equipped with an iron forend tip, one wedge retains the barrel. The stock itself is unmarked and rates very good plus, there is minor oxidation staining at the butt from the iron buttplate. Affixed to the right side of the butt is a silver oval monogram plate engraved: "Union Continental/A. R. Ketchum/1861/M. Fillmore Comm'd't". The top flat of the barrel is marked "P. Smith" below which appears to read "RLEEADC", likely some manner of abbreviation, it is not readily legible due to pitting. The gun is fitted with a standard military style front sight with a folding three leaf rear sight, which is very similar to contract muskets of the day. There is a steel under rib and steel ramrod. The gun wears what appear to be original swivels. The "Union Continentals" were basically a home guard unit comprised of males over the age of 45 from upstate New York, particularly Buffalo. They were commanded by Millard Fillmore. They would frequently march at the head of the columns of New York companies of volunteers departing for the war; and would parade with returning companies. One of their other duties was to march with funeral processions, and did so at many prominent funerals for New York heroes. They were the guard of honor when Abraham Lincoln's remains lay in state at Buffalo's St. James Hall. It is very likely that "A. R. Ketchum" was either a member of the guard or an honorary member of the guard, having this rifled musket presented to him. (1958-86) {ANTIQUE} (500/800) SOLD FOR $1092.50 |
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