Beschreibung:

.54 caliber. 27.5" round barrel retained by single brass barrel band. SN: NSN. Browned finish, brass furniture, walnut stock. Rifle appears to have been shortened, decorated and modified by Native Americans. Lock with usual "{Spread-Winged Eagle}/US" forward of the hammer with three line "HARPERS/FERRY/1854" marking vertically at tail of lock. Breech with correct Harpers Ferry small "{Eagle Head}/V/P" proofs and small "WW/P" Harpers Ferry inspection. Gun shortened during the period of use, barrel shortened by 5.5", forend shortened between 8" and 9". Patchbox and buttplate have been removed, likely during the period of use as well. Rear sight modified during the period of use and a front sight was reinstalled. Stock was tacked during the period of use but the tacks are now missing. Provenance:The Collection of Larry Ness Condition: Fair to good, showing hard use and missing parts as noted. Metal with a dark, heavily oxidized patina and showing moderate amounts of surface oxidation and some pitting. Markings in metal remain mostly visible, none present in wood. Mechanically functional, bore good, with strong 7-groove rifling and moderate amounts of scattered pitting. Stock heavily worn, with the sharp edges rounded. Wood with numerous deep chips, dings, mars as well as loss along the forend. There is a long, longitudinal crack in the wrist as well.