IDENTIFIED CARBINE FROM THE 11th VIRGINIA CAVALRY - GETTYSBURG CAMPAIGN USED

$1,895.00 ON HOLD

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 88-186

This is an arsenal cut down Model 1854 Lorenz .54 caliber rifle-musket. Known as "Razee" carbines in official Confederate correspondence. The carbine measures 41 inches in total length. The barrel is 26 inches long with very good rifling. The rear sight is the regulation elevating type found on specimens designed for flank or light infantry. There is a small square front peep sight. The barrel is gun metal-gray with scattered pitting overall and is heavier at the bolster from firing. The nipple is worn and chipped. The lock plate bears the correct hammer and is marked "860" and has the Austrian eagle at its tail. Condition matches the barrel with light to medium pitting. Again, the pitting is heavier up toward the percussion nipple. A mainspring is extant, but it is broken and could be easily replaced. The trigger guard, whose patina matches the rest of the carbine, retains a sling swivel which has been arsenal modified by removing, repositioning, and braising the loop so it does not rest against the floor plate of the guard but sits 1/2 inch from it-this was done to facilitate the attachment of the over-the-shoulder carbine hook more sensibly! The remaining wide barrel band has been arsenal modified by filing it to suit the shortened and lightened carbine stock and extending 4-inch fore-end. A crude but typical hand forged Confederate ramrod is in place. It is crudely threaded, and this again was arsenal done. The now half stock of Beech wood is in nice condition having been lightly cleaned with a mild abrasive many years back. There are several carvings in the stock which will be explained presently. This, in its time, was a very serviceable rifled carbine and should not be considered 3rd rate.

The carbine walked into a northwestern Virginia gun shop about 2 years ago. It was soon purchased by our consignor, an advanced Confederate collector of over 50 years, who was able, with the help of the gun store owner, to track the gun back to Moorefield, West Virginia and the family of the cavalryman who carried it. Carved into the check piece of the carbine is a 1-inch-high script "VA" above this is repeated a smaller "VA" and "11". Between the cheek piece and the iron butt plate is carved in 1/2-inch letters "J.H." followed by a highly stylized Masonic symbol. This is over "11". The "J.H." and Masonic symbol are repeated again being lightly scratched into the side plate opposite the lock.

"J.H." is trooper John Halterman. Halterman enlisted first in the 17th Virginia Battalion cavalry in March of 1862 at Winchester VA which with the 24th Battalion soon became the 11th Virginia Regiment. His story is that of his regiment's which is as follows: "11th Cavalry Regiment was organized in February 1863, by consolidating the 17th Battalion Virginia Cavalry, one company from the 24th Battalion Virginia Cavalry, and two companies of the 5th Regiment Virginia Cavalry, and two companies of the 5th Regiment Virginia Cavalry. The unit served in W.R. Jones', Lomax's, Rosser's, and J. Dearing's Brigade, Army of Northern Virginia. It was active in the conflicts at Upperville, Fairfield PA, Bristoe and Mine Run. Later the regiment participated in The Wilderness Campaign, the defense of Richmond, and Early's Shenandoah Valley operations. It then disbanded as there were no members of the 11th at Appomattox."-National Archives. His family record says: "He was a Civil War veteran having served through the entire war with Lee and Jackson. He belonged to the 11th Va. Cavalry and was present at nearly all the major engagements, having received three bullet wounds during the war. Born in 1840 he died in 1926". Evidently Halterman took his carbine home where it remained in family hands until recently. A carbine typical of what fighting Confederates were actually carrying into battle.  [pe] [ph:L]

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