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THBTurner Percussion Rifle With Bowie Bayonet
About Seller
6270 Este Ave.
Cincinnati , OH 45232
United States
With offices in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Denver, Cowan’s holds over 40 auctions each year, with annual sales exceeding $16M. We reach buyers around the globe, and take pride in our reputation for integrity, customer service and great results. A full-service house, Cowan’s Auctions specializes in Am...Read more
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| $500 | $50 |
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| $100,000 | $10,000 |
About Auction
LiveMay 3, 2017 - May 5, 2017
Cowan's Auctions dawnie@cowans.com
View Full Catalog (450)
- Lot Description
.56 caliber, 27.75" octagonal barrel, half-stocked with under barrel rib. Damascus finish, walnut stock checkered at the wrist with raised cheek rest on reverse. Iron mountings, Swiss Schutzen-style buttplate and scrolled pistol gripped triggerguard tang. Foliate engraved percussion lock and hammer, double set triggers. Liege proof marks on upper left barrel flat. Elevation adjustable rear sight, dove tailed front blade. Steel ramrod with brass tip. Bayonet bar at muzzle to accept a saber bayonet. The rifle is similar to the rifles generally referred to a "Turner Rifles" by Civil War collectors.
These guns were target rifles used by the Turners, or Turnverein Societies, which were nationalistic German-American gymnastics (athletic) clubs. Many were recent immigrants to the US, arriving in the late 1840’s and early 1850’s. When war broke out in their newly adopted land, many Turnersrushed to enlist, and often sought out units comprised of their own members. The most famous Turner regiments were the 9th OH volunteer infantry (raised in the Cincinnati area) and the 17th MO volunteer infantry, known as the Western Turner Rifles raised in the St. Louis area. The 20th NY was also a Turner regiment. Although these units were raised in specific areas, they drew Turner’s from all over the US, including cities like Baltimore and Philadelphia, as well as those in the Mid-west and West. Many of these men arrived in camp with their own personal weapons. Usually they arrived with civilian-style percussion target rifles, both half-stock and full-stock, in calibers that were typically between .42 and .45. While the styles and variations of the rifles were quite wide ranging, the two features that were typical of these guns were the addition of sling swivels (uncommon on civilian rifles) and a large lug to accept a saber bayonet (almost never encountered on civilian guns). The saber bayonets were typically very large, often featuring Yatagan or Bowie-style blades, in the range of 18”-24" and with cast brass hilts.
This rifle has the bayonet bar and is accompanied by a shortened or otherwise modified bayonet that fits it well. Accompanying binder of documentation relates that the rifle was acquired from the family of the soldier who carried it, and claims a connection to the 20th NY, the United Turner Rifles. However, no name is provided nor any supporting provenance to support the claim. The binder provides general information about the Turners and 20th NY.
Very good, retaining much of the original, but faded, browned faux Damascus finish. Mechanically functional, fine bore. Iron mountings with smooth brown patina. Engraving remains crisp on lock, triggerguard and fore-end cap. Hammer spur repaired. Stock very good with expected wear, nicks and dings. Bayonet bar appears to be a more recent addition/replacement. Bayonet appears to have been shortened, as it is much shorter than typical examples and the blade has been chemically aged. The locking spring is a replacement as well. While similar Turner bayonets are known that are associated with the 20th NY, this one is not quite like any known example.Condition
- Shipping Info
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SHIPPING. At the request of the buyer, Cowan's will authorize the shipment of purchased items. Shipments usually occur within two weeks after payment has been received. Shipment is generally made via UPS Ground service. Unless buyer gives special instructions, the shipping method shall be at the sole discretion of Cowan's Auctions, Inc.. Cowan's is in no way responsible for the acts or omissions of independent handlers, packers or shippers of purchased items or for any loss, damage or delay from the packing or shipping of any property.
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