First Model, late 1850s, .50 caliber breechloader, 20 in. barrel with octagonal breech, 36.75 in. overall length, walnut stock, all iron mountings, primer mechanism under hinged lid on right side, patchbox stamped MAYNARD PATENTEE / SEP 22, 1845 / MAY 27, 1851 / JUNE 17, 1856, frame stamped MAYNARD ARMS CO. / WASHINGTON on right and MANUFACTURED BY / MASS. ARMS CO., CHICOPEE FALLS on left, fixed front sight and folding rear sight on the tang. The right side of the stock is marked by two soldiers with "WR," and "W. W. Anthony"; the left side of the stock is carved with "T J WEBB." The initials here are entirely too cryptic to research, however the full names might be those of two Tennessee soldiers captured at Fort Donelson on February 16, 1862. A Private William W. Anthony was in Co. "K," 3rd (Clack's) Tennessee Infantry while Thomas J. Webb was a private in Co. "F," 32nd Tennessee Infantry. There were other soldiers with these names, of course, and further research might or might not yield another pair serving together.

Private Collection Durham, North Carolina

Working action; generally smooth toned surfaces; wear to maker's stamps, especially on the patchbox lid; walnut stock intact with signs of normal use. Fine condition.

$2,000 - 4,000