3007

FINE CONFEDERATE BILHARZ MUZZLELOADING CARBINE.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:4,500.00 USD Estimated At:9,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
FINE CONFEDERATE BILHARZ MUZZLELOADING CARBINE.

Cal. 68. S# 70. This example is of a rare Confederate carbine made in Pittsylvania Courthouse, VA. This gun is a copy of the US Model 1855 carbine. These carbines typically came w/ pewter nosecaps & sometimes early S# w/ brass nosecaps, such as this one. Gun is serial numbered internally "70" w/ assembly marks & cryptic letter "F". These guns were made in small quantities & typically saw very hard use w/ no discernible markings & poor stocks. This example has seen hard use but cared for & has well defined “P" stamped on breech. Long mistakenly referred to as D. C. Hodgkins carbines & so listed in the early texts. Murphy & Madaus in their definitive 2002 text "Confederate Carbines and Musketoons", dedicate a chapter to this manufacturer. CONDITION: very good overall. All matching & original, metal cleaned w/ gray patina, pitting at breech. Barrel is smoothbore showing no remaining rifling. Sound stock w/ fanciful initials carved, hand worn patina, crack opposite lock. Mechanically fine, smooth bore. PROVENANCE: ex-John Schardel collection, Dallas, TX. (01-20185/JS). ANTIQUE. $9,000-12,000.