Tools of the Buffalo hunting trade

[PJ Hardtack]

Looks like the cartridges might be paper patched 50-90s .... ?

[JimBob]

Looks like the cartridges might be paper patched 50-09s .... ?

If you're refering to the 2nd picture the rifles a .50-70.That outfit just sold for $86,250 in Julia's March sale.It has a pretty well documented history and chain of possession.

[PJ Hardtack]

JimBob - you sure?

The rifle may well be a documented 50-70, but the cartridges sure look longer than my 1-3/4" 50-70s. The Gov't 425 grease groove bullet doesn't stick that far out of the cases, but was also loaded with 473 paper patched bullets.

The 2-1/2" 50-90 used both a 425 grease groove bullet and a 473 paper patched bullet - "Cartridges" by Herschel C. Logan, Sellers and other references.

[JimBob]

JimBob - you sure?

The rifle may well be a documented 50-70, but the cartridges sure look longer than my 1-3/4" 50-70s. The Gov't 425 grease groove bullet doesn't stick that far out of the cases, but was also loaded with 473 paper patched bullets.

The 2-1/2" 50-90 used both a 425 grease groove bullet and a 473 paper patched bullet - "Cartridges" by Herschel C. Logan, Sellers and other references.

Here's the sale bill description PJ

http://jamesdjulia.com/auctions/div_catalog_320_search.asp?search=lots&do=Search&SValue=1699

[Steel Horse Bailey]

This is pretty interesting.  Julia has made a nice pile of money on this rifle alone. 



About 6 years ago, I borrowed the picture (see original post, group #2) from the James Julia site.  They had recently sold it for  $75,000 at the time, 2006.  Now, here comes JimBob with the listing showing that the set has sold AGAIN, and this time for $86,250 in March.  (2011? 2012?)

Anyway, the Julia Auctions have done pretty well on this rifle!  Does anyone know what the "sales fee" is? 

[PJ Hardtack]

JimBob

Yep - 50-70 rifle and 50-70 cartridge belt. I found it interesting that the barrel lacks the [Old Reliable] logo. Gotta check Seller's book to see if that was typical of production in that era or if it might be rebarreled.

[JimBob]

PJ-

I think the angle the picture was shot at distorts the length of the cartridges.If I remember correctly the "Old Reliable" barrel stamping doesn't show up till circa 1876.That rifles a little earlier than that.