Rare 1861 Dated New Orleans Cook & Brother Infantry Rifle.

01-22072

Cal. 58
S#243

New Orleans Cook & Brother rifle is one of the most highly sought of Confederate long arms. only about 1000 were made in every configuration and only a handful of rifles are known among collectors. This rare Cook rifle is in standard New Orleans configuration, 33” Damascus barrel with clearly seen “twist” in its surface and having an attached lug for a sword bayonet, rear sight missing. No discernible marks are seen on barrel except assembly marks internal on barrel and breech plug “P79″. Lockplate is marked “COOK & BROTHER, N.O. 1861” and Confederate 1st National flag stamped at tail. Brass furniture including New Orleans style 2-piece trigger guard.

Cook and Brother Manufacturing was short lived in New Orleans as the city fell early in 1862 and machinery was moved to Athens GA, where bulk of production occurred. Cook rifles are beautiful weapons but did not hold up well in the field as many pieces of these guns are scattered relic finds from early battlefields. Complete all matching examples are almost impossible to find. This example was missing parts when found and has been fully restored using original Cook parts.

ANTIQUE