105 of 262 lots
105
Rare \"Benton\" Screw Long Range Sight for Type I Harpers Ferry 1841 Rifle Alterations
Estimate: $1,000-$1,500
Sold
$600
Live Auction
Arms, Armor and Militaria
Location
Cincinnati
Description

Rare "Benton" Screw Long Range Sight for Type I Harpers Ferry 1841 Rifle Alterations

American Civil War

Screw adjustable moving aperture rear sight for Type I alterations of the US Model 1841 "Mississippi Rifle" performed at Harpers Ferry in fiscal years 1854 and 1855. Blued metal 2.25" tall by .75" wide, with a base cut for a dovetail mortise .5" by .7". Marked 200 on the base of the fixed notch and 3.., 4.., 5.., 6.. and 7.. along the left side of the ladder. A total of 1,631 1841 rifles were altered with this rear sight, with many later being re-altered to the more conventional long base ladder rear sight as the "Screw Pattern Sight" was delicate and easily broken. A rare part that is almost never seen for sale and absolutely necessary to restore a Type I Harpers Ferry alteration rifle if the sight is missing.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

The Collection of John Vagnetti

Condition
Fine. Retains much of the thinning and dulling blue with some oxidized freckling present, and remains complete and fully functional.