S North W.W. Marston Model 1843 Hall 58 Caliber Rifled Carbine 1849 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1580.55
LSB#: 210527BB07
Make: Simeon North, Middletown Ct.
Model: 1843 Carbine
Serial Number: NSN
Year of Manufacture: 1849
Caliber: .58 Cal.
Action Type: Breech-Loading Percussion Carbine Rifle
Markings: The top of the breech is marked “U.S / S.NORTH / MIDL TN / CONN. / 1849”. The right shoulder of the barrel, rear of the rear sight” is stamped with a “JM” cartouche. The left side of the wrist is marked with a “JM” cartouche and the right side with a three letter cartouche that cannot be made out.
Barrel Length: 21”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small pinched blade at the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a V-notch leaf at the rear of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock one-piece walnut with a banded forend, hollowed out space for the installed cleaning rod, straight grip and comb, and a steel buttplate. There are several gashes, scratches, carvings, areas of material loss, and compression. Some of the more notable of these defects are on the bottom left side of the buttstock, the left side of the forend, and bottom of the forend along the edge of the cleaning rod groove. Most of these defects have darkened with age. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate, which shows a thick patina and scattered scratches and scrapes. The stock rates in Good-Plus overall condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark with erosion and pitting and the rifling is visible.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 0% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows a dark mottled patina throughout the metal surfaces. There are several little nicks and dings throughout the metal. The screw heads range from lightly tool marked to slightly disfigured and serviceable. The markings range from clear to faded. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fair-Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: A bit of interesting history about this carbine taken from Flayderman’s Guide, “At the outbreak of the Civil War 5,000 Model 1843s, then considered to be obsolete, were in the U.S. Arsenal in New York. In August, 1861, they were the focus of a scheme that was to become known as the “Hall Carbine Affair,” a notorious Civil War procurement scandal that had the backing of the financier J.P. Mrgan. Purchased from the government arsenal in N.Y. at $3.50 each they were immediately resold (even prior to taking legal title) to U.S. forces under General John Fremont at St. Louis for $22.00 each. Before shipping to Fremont, carbine barrels were rifled to 58 caliber, the majority of the work done by the well-known N.Y. gunmaker W.W. Marston. Although a contributing factor to Fremont’s relief from command, all other parties were ultimately absolved.” This rifle has a neat story and would make an interesting conversation piece to add to your collection. Please see our photos and good luck!