Lot #1166
Lot #1168

Lot 1167: Rare Civil War Greene Underhammer Breech Loading Rifle

Civil War Greene Underhammer Breech Loading Percussion Rifle

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 4, 2019

Lot 1167: Rare Civil War Greene Underhammer Breech Loading Rifle

Civil War Greene Underhammer Breech Loading Percussion Rifle

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 4, 2019

Estimated Price: $1,600 - $2,500

Civil War Greene Underhammer Breech Loading Percussion Rifle

Manufacturer: Greene
Model: Underhammer
Type: Rifle
Gauge: 53
Barrel: 36 inch round
Finish: blue
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 656
Item Interest: Average
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 97
Class: Antique
Description:

Approximately 4,000 of these unique rifles were manufactured from 1859 to the early 1860s; 900 for a U.S. contract and 3,000 for a Russian contract, with none of the Russian examples known. These rifles are believed to have seen limited action at the Battle of Antietam. The Greene used two bullets at a time, one in front of the powder charge for the actual projectile, and one behind the charge to act as a gas seal. Although the bore appears smooth, it actually has an oval type of rifling invented by London gunmaker Charles Lancaster. It is marked "GREENE'S PATENT/NOV. 17 1857." on the upper tang. The bolt is numbered "3367."

Rating Definition:

Fine, retains 60% plus original blue finish speckled with oxidation/brown patina and some faint traces of original case colors on the hammer with the balance a smooth grey patina. The wood is very fine with some scattered dings and scratches. Bolt is in the closed position, we are unable to determine if it is fully functional.



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