Lot 126

Sioux Indian Tacked Blanket Rifle 19th Century

Estimate: $1,500 - $2,750

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
The lot features a unique are rare 19th Century blanker rifle attributed to the Sioux Native American Indians of South Dakota. The rifle is a cut down percussion ball and cap exposed hammer rifle showing Belgian Liege Banc d’Epreuves des Armes A’ Feu De Liege proof mark indicating an age of 1810-1893 along with the D Anchor C ( or D/C Anchor) proof mark on the receiver and hammer indicating a manufacture of O.P. Drissen of Liege (also referred to as OP Driessen of Cie). The longarm was likely a P1853 Belgian Enfield that was later traded to an American Indian tribe during the mid-to-late-19th Century Indian Wars era then altered over the years including the brass trade tacks of various sizes and trade canvas wrapping over the barrel. This type of cutdown long gun is commonly referred to as a “Blanket Gun” or “Blanket Rifle” due to the shorter length making it easily concealable under a long coat, saddle blanket, tipi blanket or other coat etc.. The hammer pulls back and releases, sometimes being held into place and sometimes immediately releasing but overall the gun has a nice true finish from honest Indian use. It is possible the firearm was traded to the Natives in Canada. These nice early altered Indian Blanket Guns are becoming more scarce and truly embody the Indian Wars Era. The firearms, likely a rifle or shotgun originally but later used as an all purpose muzzle loader, features a round smooth barrel with original ramrod going into a thin metal cap on the foregrip, iron lock or receiver plate and exposed hammer with D/C Anchor proof mark, barrel with Belgian Liege proof mark, original hardware, brass trigger guard and brass slightly crescent butte stock cap. Measures overall 34 inches in length. Antique firearm does NOT require an FFL or background check.