Looking for information on a number of old firearms

[Bruce McAskill]

Gentlemen, A friend who owns a local gun shop has a number of black powder firearms I am try to get some information on and maybe a value.

The first would be a Harpers Ferry 1842 Musket dated 1861. It is complete and all original with the cleaning rod. The stock has a few dings but no cracks. Over all in very good shape. What might the value be on this one?

The second is a flintlock fowling piece. Again in very good shape. The side plate is stamped with the name Edwin Hunt. I am looking for information on it and a possible value.

The third is a pair of miss matched 1960 Colt revolvers. Both are well worn but the actions work and one loading rod is missing as is one of the wedges. I would say these are more likely parts guns and as such would not have to much value at all.

The last one is a single shot percussion pistol marked H. Aston and U.S.
dated 1849. As the hammer is missing as is the ramrod I would also say this would be a parts gun.

Thanks for any help on these.

Information

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[Patrick Chadwick]

Bruce, your first action should be to get hold of the latest edition of
"Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms"
ISBN 0-87349-313-3

My 8th edition, P461, indicates a value range from $850 (good condition) to 2750 (fine). So you need to go very, very carefully - this is a real collector's item with a price that will be enormously sensitive to condition and originality.

Flintlock fowling piece - common enough as wallhangers. Very rare in good shooting condition (I'm still looking!). Could you post a picture?

1960s Colt revolvers - I haven't a clue about value. I would also tend to say- parts guns only, unless the bores are very good.

1849 percussion pistol by H. Aston. From Stoeckel: Henry Aston of Middletown, Ct. Recorded 1844-50. Came from England (1819) and worked for Simeon North. Awarded government contract for 30000 of the Model 1842 pistol.

Sounds like this might be one of the contract pistols. Again, picture needed!
Again, see Flayderman 8th edition P. 289 $675 (good) to $2200 (excellent).
And again, condition and originality are everything for such a collector's item. But worth more than the typical parts gun.

Bruce, you know the old saying that has been repeated over and over on these forums - buy the gun and not the story! So take a very well-filled wallet, block your ears to any story-telling; look, think, and look again - and good luck!

Patrick

[Bruce McAskill]

Patrick, Thank you for the reply. The Colts are both 1860 originals and not 1960's. I hit the wrong number. I will ask my friend if he can take some pictures of these old firearms and if so I will post them. I have not yet found any information on Edwin Hunt. I would assume he made firearms here in the US or in England. Thanks again.

[Patrick Chadwick]

Re Edwin Hunt: I could not find any info, or I would have presented it.
Re 1860s Colts, not 1960s. That makes it very different!

Patrick

[gew8805]

Definitely need pictures of the "Harpers Ferry 1842 Musket dated 1861". The M1842 was not made after ca. 1854. It may be dated 1851? As suggested above, Flayderman's Guide is the best source for pricing on all of the guns you list, be sure that you have the most recent edition.

As far as the Colt revolvers and the Aston M1842, while they may be missing parts, you may be surprised at the value - proceed carefully when evaluating original antique firearms.

[gew8805]

I might also add that parts for these guns are highly desirable for restoration and can be expensive, as you will find when you try to restore them. This is a two edged sword and cuts both ways. It makes the value of these guns higher than you may think. Below is the best, most reasonable source for original or high quality reproduction parts for original guns:

Lodgewood

[Bruce McAskill]

gew8805, Thank you for the link. The Harpers Ferry is an 1842 .69 cal. smooth bore. The side plate has the eagle and a date of 1861 behind the hammer. I am trying to get photos of all of the firearms and post them here.

[Mike Haas]

gew8805, Thank you for the link. The Harpers Ferry is an 1842 .69 cal. smooth bore. The side plate has the eagle and a date of 1861 behind the hammer. I am trying to get photos of all of the firearms and post them here.

Bruce - John Zimmerman is a working Gunsmith in Harpers Ferry, WVA. He's in his late 70's and hard of hearing and a grumpy "OF" but he'll know the rifle. I'll try to get his Phone # for you. I don't think he has a Computor.
Also Daniel Hartzler, of New Windsor, Md (Funeral Home Director) and Author on multiple books on Historical BP weapons is an amazing source of info on Maryland area and ERA weapons.
I'll try to get a phone # for him as well and I know Danny is "on line". If your close to Maryland I'll be glad to personally introduce you to both men..prearranged times for them..I'm free anytime.

Meanwhile..try this link.

The Traditional Muzzleloading Association :: Index

[Mike Haas]

gew8805, Thank you for the link. The Harpers Ferry is an 1842 .69 cal. smooth bore. The side plate has the eagle and a date of 1861 behind the hammer. I am trying to get photos of all of the firearms and post them here.

Heres a link to/about John Zimmerman.

Civil War rifles and Muskets by John Zimmerman - Gunsmith

[topaz]

Hunt john/.joseph ..... london also Birmingham 1767 hope this helps