Origional Whitworth Rifle Sold

[DuncNZ]

At a recent Militaria Auction here in New Zealand, an origional Whitworth rifle was sold for $4600 US . These rifles were used by the British army here in New Zealand in the 1840's .
This is the catalogue description and is all I know about the rifle .
.45 caliber Whitworth Muzzle Loading Percussion Rifle .
33" barrel marked "Whitworth Patent " and British proof 52 52 C303 .
Ladder rear sight .
Lock marked " Wheatsheath Crown W Whitworth"
Front barrel band with bayonet lug .
Good walnut stock ,Light age bruising .
Marked "F ↑ 30 32" .
Steel Butt plate .
Leather Sling .
Ramrod .
Action Strong.
Overall length 49¼" . SN 8 ,
Very Good Working Order and Condition .
PS I believe these rifles were from the same batch that the Confederate's purchased in the War Between the States .

 

[Johnny Tremain]

Would have payed that happily.

 

[DuncNZ]

Would have payed that happily.

Actually I believe another 17% Should be added as a Broker's fee.
You would have to live in New Zealand as it has historic significance and is illegal to export.

 

[rickystl]

That's a beauty !! Would have likely brought even more here in the States, especially in that condition. WOW. By the way, the brokers here in the States are getting 23%+.

Rick

 

[ResearchPress]

At a recent Militaria Auction here in New Zealand, an origional Whitworth rifle was sold for $4600 US . These rifles were used by the British army here in New Zealand in the 1840's .
This is the catalogue description and is all I know about the rifle .
. . .
PS I believe these rifles were from the same batch that the Confederate's purchased in the War Between the States .

Thanks for sharing this. The Whitworth Research Project database (originated by the late W.S. Curtis) has a record of this rifle, but no picture - so nice to be able to update the records. Maybe a typo - but 1840's is way too early for Whitworth. He didn't commence work on rifles until the mid-1850s and only really started into the commercial market around 1860. This rifle dates from late 1861.

Although similar to the Confederate purchase rifles, those exported to the US differ in not having a bayonet fitting. Several of these 'commercial pattern military rifles' with bar-on-band bayonet fitting have turned up in New Zealand.

David