Product Details
S. NORTH, USA.
A RARE AND GOOD .54 'HALL MODEL 1843' CAPPING BREECH-LOADING CARBINE, no visible serial number,
with 21in. barrel rifled with six grooves, fitted with bead front-sight and fixed vee rear-sight, the breech block with centre hammer and marked "U.S. / NORTH / MIDDLTH /CONN / 1848" and operated by a side lever, iron mounted full walnut stock including butt-plate, trigger-guard, three spring retained barrel bands, and a side rib and ring, the stock bears two inspecting officers cartouches near the wrist and the underside of the butt marked "C. CLARK", the carbine has traces of finish to the barrel and is complete with its original rod
Provenance: This carbine was originally made in 52in. smoothbore, on the outbreak of the Civil War it was one of 6424 in store and classed as obsolete. In August 1861 they were sold to a Mr Eastman at $3.50 each with finance by J. P. Morgan. On 5th August Eastman offered the carbines to General Fremont responsible for arming the western army at $22 each this was before the carbines had been purchased. The carbines were then bored out and rifled by W. W. Marston at 75 cents each, the completed carbines were delivered to General Fremont in October 1861. When the story came out it caused something of a stir known as the Eastman / Stevens / Morgan / Hall carbine affair Carbines of this type were issued to the 2nd and 9th Illinois cavalry and certainly to a unit know as Fremont's Hussars who were recognised as the Generals bodyguard they had a notable battle record but were disbanded and Fremont dismissed in disgrace. A rare collector's gun with a colourful history.
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Estimate £700-900