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Allen & Wheelock Drop Breech .41 RF SN: 563

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:750.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Allen & Wheelock Drop Breech .41 RF SN: 563
Historic Civil War Ironclad inscription. This is a very rare, Civil war era, Allen & Wheelock single-shot, drop breech rifle in .41 RF cal. 26" part octagon barrel. Only 1500-2000 of these rifles were made 1860-1871 in many calibers and variations. Adjustable notch rear sight graduated from one to ten on the side of the frame. Two line address, and patent date on top of the barrel. Serial number on lower tang (Faint) Cleaning gear compartment in butt. Walnut stocks. Bore is fair to good with rifling present. Action works fine. Wood is very good minor scratches/dings. The case hardened frame has turned a gray/brown patina. Same for the barrel with dull blue remaining. The left side of the frame is inscribed "J.C. Cooper Stmr. (Steamer) Keokuk from Dick". The U.S.S. Keokuk was a Ironclad Steamer launched Dec, 6 1862. She was sunk on April 7, 1863 in the first battle of Charleston harbor. She was struck with ninety shells. Her Quartermaster was awarded the Medal of Honor in this action. The National Archives will have the crew list. Inscription is of the period, faint, but readable. A rare rifle to begin with, with possible affiliation to a Civil War Ironclad that was sunk in action makes it super rare. There was also a Mississippi River steamboat named "Keokuk" (listed in Frederick Way's Packet Directory). Interestingly, the other Keokuk sank in 1865 under circumstances resulting in claims of negligence, followed by legal action that eventually led to a ruling by the US Supreme Court. NRA condition-Very Good. Antique firearm.