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Old 08-22-2017, 01:50 PM
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Default Interesting AM with two interesting firearms

Had an appointment at the Virginia Historical Society down the road from me here in Richmond this AM to inspect two unbelievably rare CS weapons that they have in their Civil War arms collection (one of the finest in the world).

On the L is a Tarpley Carbine, a .52-caliber breechloader mfg'd in 1863 in Greensboro, NC. Between 200-300 mfg of which only 20-30 are known to exist today (VHS example is SN 67) and oddly enough the only CS weapon offered for commercial sale.

The other is a Tallassee Carbine mfg'd briefly in Tallassee, AL in the summer of 1864. Patterned after the CS Richmond Carbine and the Enfield Tower musket the CS Gov't wanted to move carbine production further South in June as Petersburg was besieged (i.e.- The Crater) however logistics and transportation that late in the war prevented hardly any of these from being manufactured. This is one of 10-12 examples known today (a poor-conditioned one brought $90k at auction a few years back).

These are both part of a large collection donated to the Hist Society in 1948 and it was truly a treat to be able to see and handle them today. If you are ever in the area, the Va Historical Society is worth a visit.
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Old 08-22-2017, 02:15 PM
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That Tarpley sure looks unique.



Found some clear action pics.




Last edited by bigwheelzip; 08-22-2017 at 02:28 PM.
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Old 08-22-2017, 02:26 PM
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Thanks for the assist with the pic. It is indeed, a few different variations of the breech-loading mechanism exist (minor variances) as it operates on a hinge. I've attached two images of the top and bottom of the breech.
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Old 08-22-2017, 02:28 PM
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Bottom of Tarpley breech.
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Old 08-22-2017, 02:32 PM
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If those guns could only talk, the stories they could tell.
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Old 08-22-2017, 02:34 PM
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SN 24 that you posted is in much better overall condition that SN 67.
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Old 08-22-2017, 02:37 PM
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I love the simplicity. Absolute minimum necessary to manufacture a simple battlefield weapon.

Thanks for showing them.

Last edited by bigwheelzip; 08-22-2017 at 02:45 PM.
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Old 08-22-2017, 02:50 PM
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I'm curious why you were able to handle these weapons. Were you evaluating, appraising, offering some expertise? Or is today just your lucky day ...?
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Old 08-22-2017, 03:03 PM
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I'm a member at the Hist Society and put in a request that was granted. I did my grad work on CS Richmond Armory and have always had an interest as my grandfather was a CS collector.

Last edited by Valmet; 08-22-2017 at 03:06 PM.
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Old 08-22-2017, 03:49 PM
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Thanks for the post about those rare CS guns. I live about 1/4 mile from a battlefield where 7000 rounds exchanged sides in 20 minutes, and you can just imagine (or not) the smoke, noise, confusion of "Reb's and Fed's" shooting at each other almost point blank across that line.

What I really wonder is about that Tarpley....it is pure simplicity but I sure wouldn't want to be armed with it. I do not see any forearm, wood or otherwise, so I assume that whoever shot that beast must have had severe burns on one hand if firing, loading, firing, loading etc. all the while holding onto that bare barrel!

Is there a piece missing or was that the intent all along...just hold er down, grin and bear it?
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Old 08-22-2017, 03:56 PM
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Of the very few Tarpleys I've seen up close and any images I've encountered I have never seen one with a forearm and all have been as seen in these thread images.
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Old 08-22-2017, 03:59 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Valmet View Post
The other is a Tallassee Carbine mfg'd briefly in Tallassee, AL in the summer of 1864. Patterned after the CS Richmond Carbine and the Enfield Tower musket the CS Gov't wanted to move carbine production further South in June as Petersburg was besieged (i.e.- The Crater) however logistics and transportation that late in the war prevented hardly any of these from being manufactured. This is one of 10-12 examples known today (a poor-conditioned one brought $90k at auction a few years back).
Zounds!

Anybody else here who wouldn't've given it a second thought seeing it on a pawn shop rack?
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Old 08-22-2017, 04:08 PM
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For those interested in such things, I highly recommend getting a copy of "The Breech-Loader in the Service, 1816-1917" by Claude E. Fuller. It's astonishing how many different breechloading firearm designs (both magazine and single shot) were developed in the 1860-1870 period. Fuller's book discusses most of them in detail, and with excellent drawings and photographs provided, but there are probably many others which are not mentioned.
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Old 08-22-2017, 04:20 PM
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Lock plate of Tallassee Carbine
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Old 08-22-2017, 05:10 PM
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Bottom of Tarpley breech.
I'd guess the square hole in the bottom is to allow gas to blow out. I'd think it would be a very leaky design for a non-metallic cartridge carbine. If not in the beginning, then after a few shots.
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Old 08-22-2017, 10:55 PM
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I'm a member at the Hist Society and put in a request that was granted. I did my grad work on CS Richmond Armory and have always had an interest as my grandfather was a CS collector.
Wow, fantastic you got to pull it off. I thought maybe you were researching an article or something. Congratulations on getting to handle these wonderful relics! Very accommodating of the society.

Thanks for indulging my curiosity!
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Old 08-23-2017, 11:00 AM
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Legend has it the tooling from the Tallassee armory is in the Tallapoosa river. It was moved out as Yankee forces neared. Have seen a few of the Columbus,Ga guns. They are rare as well. Thanks for sharing!
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Old 08-24-2017, 01:54 PM
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I'm going back sometime this fall or winter to examine some Cook & Bro. rifles.
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