Interesting turn

[Steel Hayes]

I had an appraisal done on my smoothbore, just for insurance purposes and found out some interesting history on it.
it’s a .58 cal smoothbore (I’ve posted it before), it was made in Vermont in 1858 by Wales Carlton, he had a contract with Springfield to bore out rifled barrels and attach them to his breech for former slaves that had made it north before the war.
Only one other is known in existence, appraiser put the value at $2300, not bad for a $200 investment.
Figured I’d share a bit of history with everyone.

 

[hanshi]

Thanks for sharing. That has to be the most interesting smoothbore I've seen.

 

[MAPMFF]

Cool piece!

 

[Steel Hayes]

Thank you for the compliments.
It’s discovering the history, that’s what makes collecting firearms worth everything.

 

[Polecat_Tom]

Very nice especially knowing the history.

 

[2 shots]

very nice. is makers name on barrel or frame??

 

[Newaygo77]

That’s a very cool piece.

 

[Steel Hayes]

very nice. is makers name on barrel or frame??

On the barrel
Initials stamped on the breech under the sear.

 

[2 shots]

thanks

 

[springfield art]

View attachment 166393
I had an appraisal done on my smoothbore, just for insurance purposes and found out some interesting history on it.
it’s a .58 cal smoothbore (I’ve posted it before), it was made in Vermont in 1858 by Wales Carlton, he had a contract with Springfield to bore out rifled barrels and attach them to his breech for former slaves that had made it north before the war.
Only one other is known in existence, appraiser put the value at $2300, not bad for a $200 investment.
Figured I’d share a bit of history with everyone.

If it has a specific slavery connection, that's real history!

 

[toot]

a great piece!