W56HZV-16-C-L568_JA.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL

FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

1. Contracting Activity: The United States Army Contracting Command -Warren (ACC-WRN) is the procuring activity for this action. Attn: CCTA-HSA-N, Warren, MI 48397-5000.

2. Description of Action: Army Contracting Command - Warren proposes to award a new, sole source, firm fixed price (FFP) contract to Antique Gun Room Inc. (CAGE Code 7LBW5), c/o Mr. David Prawdzik, 62 Rte 101A, Suite 8, Amherst, NH 03031, Telephone: 978-764-6070, email: dprawdzik@comcast.net for the purchase of a historic martial handgun collection and associated items. This action will be funded with Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 Operations and Maintenance, Army (OMA) funds in the estimated amount of $599,500. The martial handgun collection contains exceptionally rare pieces not already in the US Army Museums Collection.

Additionally, Section 1, 16 USC 461, declares, “it is national policy to preserve for public use…objects of national significance for the inspiration and benefit of the people of the United States”.

3. Description of Supplies/Services: This procurement is for a historic artifact collection. The resultant contract will be for the purchase of the following Items:

Collection Related to Isaac F. Shepard. Shepard was a command of Colored Troops when he was promoted to General.

His troops were beat up by white troops when they were in town, and Shepard became enraged and went into town and had 3 of the white troops lashed to a wagon and had the color troops whip the white troops. This was reported in local newspaper and elsewhere. Shepard was court martialed and the court martial was dismissed, but his confirmation to General expired. There is also a copy of a letter to Shepard from Gen William Sherman explaining that Lincoln will reappoint him to General. He was also appointed Consul General to Hanchow and Swanton China. Also personal letters home to his wife. A very valuable archive.

1860 Colt Army pistol serial number 20155, it is inscribed Isaac F. Shepard on backstrap. The condition of the gun is excellent; it has thinning case colors on both sides of the frame, and thinning blue finish on the gun.

Also included is an engraved Ames sword presented to Brig Gen Isaac F. Shepard inscribed in the mother of pearl grip. The scabbard is inscribed "Brig. Gen I. F. Sheppard from his friends Boston Nov 29, 1863". The sword is in great condition with generous amounts of the gold gild on the hilt. A holster with Shepards name is on it, and 2 family spoons inscribed. Also included is an archive of commission papers and personal papers including many with presidential signatures of Ulysses Grant. There are orders signed by Edward Stanton. Many CDV pictures, and also a copy of a picture of Shepard holding the sword.

3 A holster with Shepard’s name on it

4 Family spoon

5 Family spoon

6 Number of archival papers

7 Number of CDV

8 Map tube

Model 1799 North & Cheney. This is a very rare 1799 North and Cheney pistol. It is marked serial number 729 under the barrel breach, on breech plug, and inside brass frame directly beneath the breech of the barrel. It also comes with a folder of provenance dating back to 1954 by some of the biggest dealers and collectors including Sam Smith, William M. Locke, Theodore Dexter, Ray McKim, John Malloy, Charles DuPont and Joe Murphy, This is a well known gun that has been around for decades. It is also on the "Frisbee List" of known serial numbers. It is correctly marked North & Cheney Berlin on the bottom of the frame. There is a V on the top of the barrel left side, just in front of the breech plug. The barrel measures 8 5/8". The Ramrod is a l kely replacement, I believe the mainspring was replaced during the period of use. Overall condition is considered Very Good. These North and Cheney’s rarely come on the market.

North and Cheney pistols rarely come on the market and are extremely valuable.

Rappahannock Forge Pistol. It was discovered by Joe Desserik in percussion, and Joe had it reconverted. The gun later belonged to Luke Woods, Bob Sadler and Joe Murphy. It is correctly marked I HUNTER on the barrel and "RAPPA/FORGE" on tail of lock plate. The side plate is marked L.D. No. 50 5T for Albemarle Lancer Dragoons #50, Fifth Troop. The buttcap is marked 3 Rgt. Also included is a copy of Jackson Arms catalog from 1956 with this pistol on the cover.

The hammer has been changed since the 1956 Catalog picture. It has a correct hammer on it now. Overall in very good condition. Ramrod is replaced. These are extremely with less than 10 in existence.

John Miles Officers Pistol. There is an almost identical example of this gun pictured in Historic Pistols by Smith and Bitter on pg 106-107. It is original flint and has a correct period ramrod. It is .58 cal and has a 9 1/4" 3 stage barrel from Oct to round. This specific gun is formerly in the Bob Howard and Joe Murphy collections. The barrel is stamped "PHILDa Proved". The lock plate is stamped MILES. Typical brass furniture. Overall Very Good-Excellent condition.

1805 Harpers Ferry pistols serial number 110, it is dated 1806. This gun is correctly marked with strong barrel markings. It has a even light patina all over the gun. The mate to this gun was sold at Conestoga Auction in 1999. The mate is in percussion, this gun shows no signs of ever having been reconverted. Ramrod is a correct replacement, as are most ramrods. There was a rear sight added to this gun after it left Harpers Ferry. It was in the Bob Howard collection in Texas for many years, sold in 2012 to Joe Murphy. Overall this is a very good example of a rare lock date. At last count there are only 52 known serial numbered 1806 lock dates in existence.

1805 Harpers Ferry Pistol sn 1426. This is a Model 1805 Harpers Ferry pistol, dated 1807, serial number 1426. Very good cartouche "V" over "JS". and the stock makers mark "O / GF". Very strong markings on the lock plate, and above average marking on the barrel. There is some wood repair on the right side of the top of the stock behind the hammer, this repair appears to be done sometime during period of use. Harpers Ferry pistols are highly sought after and this one is a good specimen. The ramrod is replaced.

1808 North Pistol. This is a 1808 North from the 2nd contract. They built 2000 1808's, the contracts were for 1000 each. The round barrel measures 10 1/8". Std .68-.69 caliber. Eagle over U STATES in center of lock, SNORTH over BERLIN over CON.. All of the screws are correctly marked with II or IV. Belthook is correct and the ramrod is replaced. This is a good to very good specimen.

1813 North Army Pistol. This gun was finished bright. SNORTH over EAGLE. U S on each side of the eagle and over MIDDLN/CON. The center of the MIDDLN/CON is partially obliterated. P over US stamped into the .69 cal barrel in front of the breech. Luther Sage cartouche LS in a oval on stock opposite the lock is correct and well struck. All of the screws and side plate and barrel band are correctly marked. The ramrod is original. This is in excellent condition and a top quality specimen i would rate it Very Good - Excellent.

1813 Derringer Maryland Contract 2 pipe. This is a Henry Derringer contract pistol known as Maryland contract. The contract was for the US Government but is referred to as the Maryland contract. They were made 2 ways with 1 and 2 brass pipes for the ramrod. The lock plate is stamped H DERINGER over PHILA. The barrel has a sunken over P struck on the side of the barrel. The barrel is 9 7/8" long and is .56 cal bers. This is a good example of a Derringer Maryland contract pistol.

1814 O E Evans Pistol. There is an almost identical example of this gun pictured in Historic Pistols by Smith and Bitter on pg 106-107. It is original flint and has a correct period ramrod. It is .58 cal and has a 9 1/4" 3 stage barrel from Oct to round. This specific gun is in very good condition. There are 12 known examples of this very rare gun in existence, and they are highly sought after.

1817 Springfield Type I. This is also one of the finest examples of the 1817 Springfield Type I pistol extant. These are very hard to find in this condition. This example appears to have been cleaned but in my opinion it has not been cleaned, the edges remain very sharp. The guns were originally finished in the bright as this one remains. All of the correct Cartouches are present opposite the lock. The ramrod is original in the pistol also. It is.69 caliber with 10 3/4" round barrel, and Gooseneck hammer. All proofs are well struck, sharp and correct. It is dated 1818 on the lock and breech of the barrel. The provenance former Joe Murphy Collection. You won't find a better example of this rare martial pistol, less than 1000 made in all variations, and only 400 ever made of this specific variation. Interesting side note on these historic pistols. The contract for these was revitalized by Robert E. Lee when he was Superintendent of Springfield Armory.

1817 Springfield Type I. This is also one of the finest examples of the 1817 Springfield Type I pistol extant. It is very hard to find in this condition. All of the correct Cartouches are present opposite the lock. .69 caliber with 10 3/4" round barrel, and Gooseneck hammer. All proofs are well struck, sharp and correct. It is dated 1818 on the lock and breech of the barrel. All stampings are clear and sharp, with original ramrod. The gun has picked up patina and remains uncleaned. The provenance is former Raymond Green collection 1998, Joe Murphy Collection.

You won't find a better example of this rare martial pistol, less than 1000 made in all variations, and only 400 ever made of this specific variation. Very rare and seldom seen in this condition.

1817 Springfield Type II. This is a 1817 Springfield Type II pistol with reinforced military Double Neck hammer. It has the standard 10 3/4" barrel in .69 cal ber. It is dated 1818 on Lock Plate and Barrel Breech with the standard V P Eagle proofs on the barrel. It has picked up some very crusty patina that would clean off, but I prefer to leave patina where it is. The wood has very sharp edges and the cartouches are good but slightly worn. Original ramrod also.

1817 Springfield Type II. This model has the reinforced military Double Neck hammer. It has a .69 caliber barrel 10 3/4" long with a 1818 date on the tail of the lock and 1818 on the barrel breech. All the proof marks are very sharp. This gun has very strong cartouches on the flat opposite the lock plate. Original ramrod. Former Joe Murphy Collection. This pistol is very difficult to improve on.

1819 North Army. This is the finest conditioned 1819 North known to exist. It has over 80% original brown on the barrel and thinning brown approx 60%+ on the trigger guard, butt cap and back strap. The barrel band is finished bright with is correct. The edges of the wood are sharp, and there is raised grain on the wood behind the lock. The eagle is well struck and all of the proof marks are correct. There is a condemnation mark in the center of the barrel above the touch hole. For some unexplained reason this gun never had a any cartouche in the stock opposite the lock. It is generally agreed among Martial Pistols collectors that this is the very finest 1819 extant.

1819 Harpers Ferry Pattern Pistol. This is a 1819 MODEL pistol made at Harpers Ferry as pattern pistols for Simeon North to build the contract production. This gun is pictured at the right of page 161 in Historic Pistols by Smith and Bitter. The metal is completely pitted and it has been converted to percussion with the drum alteration. I believe it is a government alteration.

The backstrap is marked HARPERS FERRY 1819. The barrel is marked V over P over Eagle.

The lock has a small Eagle over US, and is dated 1819. I feel a civilian hammer was used to replace the original hammer because the government did not use engraved hammers on its alterations. Provenance is Meade Patterson, Lt. Col R. C. Kuhn, Sam Smith, Jim Wertenberger, Joe Murphy collections. The overall condition would rate as good - . There were a total of 6 of these Model pistols made at Harpers Ferry. The barrel is 10" and is .56 cal.

1819 Harpers Ferry Pattern Pistol. This is a 1819 MODEL pistol made at Harpers Ferry as 2 pattern pistol for Simeon North to build the contract production. The metal is completely pitted and it has been converted to percussion using the cone conversion. The hammer is a correct government conversion hammer. The backstrap is stamped HARPERS FERRY 1819. The barrel is marked V over P over EAGLE. The barrel measures 10". The lock has a small Eagle over US and is dated 1819. This is one of the 6 pattern pistols made at Harpers Ferry.

Condition is average with all the pitting but it is such an extremely rare gun. There is a replaced piece of wood at the bottom of the grip. It has been blended in to fit the wood very well, it is just a slightly different color. Formerly in the Jim Wertenberger and Joe Murphy collections.

1826 North Army. This is a very rare pistol; it is 1 of only 3 known. The 1826 pistols were made for the Navy and therefore have belt hooks. This pistol has no belt hook and was never drilled to accept a belt hook. It is widely believed that Simeon North built a few of these pistols for the Army in search of another contract for these pistols. The lock has U.S. over S.NORTH, and the tail of the lock is dated 1827. There is no P over US stamped in the barrel. The barrel measures 8 5/8". There are no cartouches stamped into the stock opposite the lock. Again this is a very rare gun and it is in very good - excellent condition.

4. Authority Cited: The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is the commercial test program 41 U.S.C. 1901 as implemented by FAR 13.501(a), Sole source acquisitions.

5. Reason for Authority Cited: Finding specific rare historic objects is not easy.

The term “rare” implies the dilemma associated with obtaining objects within a Collections Content Plan and Scope of Collections. The Prawdzik Collection, listed above, is one of a kind due to the rarity of the pieces in the collection and the story behind the pieces themselves. In general, the number of collections containing rare historic objects, in particular firearms are limited.

6. Efforts to Obtain Competition:

The Government does not intend to solicit additional sources for this effort for the

1836 Johnson with Gedney priming device. This is a 1837 dated R. Johnson, converted with the Gedney Self-Priming hammer. The barrel is inspected and proofed "TW / P" along with sub inspectors "S" and "H" along with a "NJ surcharge. The barrel does not show the normal US marking. The right side of the Gedney hammer shows "PAT. MARCH, 15. 1858" and is numbered "181" on the back of the hammer. The stock bears the correct JH and HKC cartouches between the 2 inspector’s marks. Little has been written about these very rare conversions and they are pretty scarce in today’s market. Provenance Herbert and Raymond Green collection sold by Butterfield and Butterfield in 1998, Joseph Murphy collection.

Model 1805 Harpers Ferry Pistol. This is a very good 1805 Harpers Ferry pistol dated 1807, the serial number is 647. The wood has very sharp edges, and the serial number 647 and barrel cartouches are very sharp. This is a very good Harpers Ferry pistol, and they are highly sought after and becoming quite scarce these days. The Eagle with shield over US on the lock plate was very sharply struck. Harpers Ferry over 1807 is well struck also. This gun is correctly marked with a nicely marked "V/CW: cartouche. Barrel stampings are very strong. Ramrod is modern replacement. The barrel measures 10 1/16". 647 is well struck above sunken US, over sunken Eagle over P in a oval. Good + condition.

Model 1805 Harpers Ferry Pistol. This 1807 dated Model 1805 Harpers Ferry pistol has serial number 1681 stamped on the 10 1/16" long barrel, over sunken US, over sunken Eagle over P.

The metal has turned a pleasing dark patina color. This gun is a little unique because it has what I would call deluxe grain wood and has had silver escutcheon embedded in the wrist as if to make it into a presentation of some type. There are similar embedded silver ovals on both sides of the wedge. The lock has Eagle over US, and a dis-dated 1807 on the tail of the lock. Ramrod is replaced. Nice example that would rate very good.

Model 1805 Harpers Ferry Pistol. This is a very scarce 1806 dated Model 1805 Harpers Ferry pistol. It is serial number 105. The 1806 dated lock plates are considered very scarce, there are only 50 known to exist today. The lock has a large Eagle with Shield over US. Harpers Ferry 1806 is stamped on the rear of the lock. The 10 1/16" barrel is marked 105 over, sunken US in oval, over sunken Eagle over P in an oval. The stock cartouche is V over CW. This gun was presented to "Lt AE Mackay 1813 US Ord", in a silver escutcheon placed in the wrist. The grip has had some serious repair but is has been very well done. The ramrod is replaced. I would rate this gun as good.

Model 1805 Harpers Ferry Pistol. 1807 dated Model 1805 Harpers Ferry pistol. Serial number on barrel is 1451 and its is well struck. The barrel is marked 1451 over US in sunken oval over Eagle P in sunken oval. Barrel measures 10 1/16". The lock is marked Spread Eagle with Shields over US. Tail of lock is Harpers Ferry 1807.There is a small repair on the edge of the lock mortise behind the lock and it is very difficult to see. Correct cartouche in the stock opposite the lock. Replaced ramrod. This gun is considered a good + specimen.

1811/1813 North Flatlock Transition. This is a very rare Simeon North Primary Martial Pistol.

This is the transition from the 1811 to the 1813. North built 85 of these Transitions pistols at the beginning of the 1813 contract to use up the round barrels and the "Flatlock" plates marked S NORTH Berlin Con that were leftover from the 1811 contract. The rest of the gun is a 1813 model with Iron butt cap and furniture. Thus the Transition designation. There are only 10 or 12 known specimens today, (see Jeska's Book Early Simeon North Correspondence). This gun was in the famous Dr. Walter D. Peterson Collection for many years. This gun is very well marked with a single and double dot on all internal parts and all screws are also marked. The Eagle on the lock plate is partially obliterated. This gun is an excellent specimen of a very rare variation.

reasons described in Paragraph 5. This effort will be synopsized on the Government Point of Entry (GPE), Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) FedBizOpps website, in accordance with FAR 5.201, “Synopses of Proposed Contract Actions”.

a. Effective competition. As this procurement involves one of a kind items, as stated above in paragraph 5, there is not any competition expected.

b. Subcontracting competition. Due to the nature of the products in this procurement, there are not any subcontracting opportunities

7. Actions to Increase Competition. The Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under authority of FAR 13.501(a). Interested companies, however, may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals. The Government will continue to conduct market surveys to find qualified sources and consider all responses to the synopsis of the requirement.

8. Market Research:

A sources sought notice was posted on Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) on 27 April 2016 for this procurement. Two vendors replied stating they could conserve the items and one vendor asked if replicas were acceptable. However, there was not a contractor that responded stating they could provide the items listed above for the collection.

In March 2016, a team of US Army curators or Subject Matter Experts (SME) conducted market research for each martial handgun using their experience and knowledge of martial hand guns, as well as relevant literature, including pricing guides and past auction catalogs. Their findings revealed that there were not any other sources for these particular items. In addition, they concluded the values of historical objects are usually based on condition, extant, and current market trends.

The following publications and auction sites were used to conduct market research:

Norm Flayderman, Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms and Their Values, Eighth Edition, 2007.

Rock Island Auction James Julia Auction

Confirmation of Survey and Examination: On February 13 and 14, 2016, the following individuals surveyed and examined the martial handgun collection for authenticity and condition:

Christopher J. Semancik, Branch Chief

9. Interested Sources: To date, no other sources have written to express an interest. The notices required by FAR 5.201 will be published and any proposals received will be considered.

10. Other Facts:

a. Procurement history. . N/A. There is no procurement history as the Prawdzik Collection is truly one of a kind and has not been previously procured nor will be procured again.

b. Other facts. A statement of work suitable for competition has not been developed because no qualified alternative sources have been identified.

11. Technical Certification:

I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Typed Name: Dieter Stenger Date: 20160516 Title: Curator Signature

12. Requirements Certification: Include the following statement:

I certify that the supporting data under my cognizance which are included in the justification are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Typed Name: Dieter Stenger Date: 20160516 Title: Curator Signature

13. Fair and Reasonable Cost Determination: I hereby determine that the anticipated cost to the Government for this contract action will be fair and reasonable based on the Independent Government Estimate and past procurement history. The contractor will not be required to submit certified cost and pricing data because the procurement is commercial.

Typed Name: Richard Harris Date: 19 May 2016 Title: Contracting Officer Signature://signed-RH//

14. Contracting Officer Certification:

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief:

Typed Name: Richard Harris Date: 19 May 2016 Title: Contracting Officer Signature: //signed-RH//

Approval

Based on the foregoing justification, I hereby approve the procurement of historical artifacts, with an estimated cost of $599,500.00, on an other than full and open competition basis pursuant to the authority of 41 U.S.C. 1901 as implemented by FAR 13.501(a), Sole source acquisitions, subject to availability of funds, and provided that the services and property herein described have otherwise been authorized for acquisition..

Date: Signature: //signed-RH// Richard Harris Contracting Officer