RARE ENGRAVED & INSCRIBED NEW HAVEN ARMS VOLCANIC CARBINE.

SN 11. Cal. 41. Usual configuration with 21″ oct bbl, integral magazine, German silver front sight and an orig adjustable Volcanic rear sight in the top flat of receiver. Top flat of bbl has the New Haven address and “1854” patent date. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut buttstock that has straight grip and crescent brass buttplate. Receiver & buttplate tang are engraved in early Volcanic style with light foliate arabesque patterns and a ribbon on the left sideplate engraved “T.R. Phelps / NEW YORK”. Left side of lower tang has the SN “11” which number is also found on left side of lever loop, inside top tang channel of buttstock, on heel of buttstock and inside buttplate tang. No additional disassembly was effected to check for other matching numbers. Magazine follower is a replacement. The engraving patterns and the inscription are very unusual but undoubtedly are authentic and orig to this carbine. An identically engraved Volcanic pistol is pictured on p. 23 of the book The Henry Rifle, Quick. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good, all matching. No orig finish remains with the steel parts a mottled medium brown patina; receiver & buttplate retain a medium to dark mustard patina with a few light nicks & scratches. Buttstock is sound with usual light handling nicks & scratches, some oil staining around the tangs and retains most of an old applied finish. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with good shine & scattered pitting. 4-50742 JR1 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1000

SUPERB HOGGSON ENGRAVED MODEL 1860 HENRY LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 6065. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Usual configuration with 24-1/4″ oct bbl that has integral magazine and late style, square back German silver front sight with fixed sight in rear seat and no dovetail on receiver. Mounted with very highly figured, uncheckered American walnut buttstock with late style brass buttplate that has pointed heel and small trap containing an orig 4-pc brass & steel cleaning rod. Buttstock has a deluxe high gloss finish. Receiver and buttplate tang are engraved by Samuel Hoggson in his typical patterns with a bird dog on point on left sideplate and excellent foliate arabesque scrolls elsewhere with a fine stippled background. Both front side flats are engraved with Mr. Hoggson’s distinctive large flower blossom and the engraving is all surrounded by a double border. Engraving patterns extend over the top of the receiver, around rear edge of receiver, top tang and buttplate tang. SN is found in usual places, top flat of bbl between rear sight & receiver, left side of lower tang under the wood, top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Round portion of bbl, under the loading sleeve is marked with assembly number “789” with matching number on rear face of loading sleeve. This exact rifle, identified by SN, is pictured on pg 30 of The Henry Rifle, Quick with credit to the Tommy Rholes Collection. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Bbl & magazine tube retain 75-80% strong orig blue with the balance a blue/gray patina; receiver & buttplate retain strong edges showing only light wear around bottom of receiver and overall retains a medium to dark mustard patina; hammer retains moderately faded case colors; lever is mostly a gray to brown metal patina. Buttstock is sound with light nicks & scratches and overall retains about 95% bright varnish finish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with scattered light pitting. 4-50617 JR5 (40,000-60,000) – Lot 1001

EXTREMELY RARE IRON FRAME MODEL 1860 HENRY LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 90. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Fine iron frame Henry with 24-1/4″ oct bbl that has integral magazine, early round top German silver front sight and an orig 1000 yard Henry ladder rear sight without stop screw. Top flat of receiver has an additional sight seat. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut buttstock that has straight grip and first type iron buttplate with round heel and large trap containing a 4-pc iron & hickory cleaning rod. This rifle has all the attributes of early Henrys with the first type round top German silver front sight, small bbl address, sharp radius on top rear edge of receiver, deep radius on bottom front edge of receiver, small loop finger lever without latch, small trigger pin, a slight perch belly stock and the round heel on the buttplate. According to the book The Henry Rifle, Quick, there were fewer than 400 iron frame Henrys produced with the highest number known being “355”. At the writing of this book, March 2008, Mr. Quick reported that there were only 89 known iron frame rifles, 16 of which had duplicate serial numbers with brass frames. SN was observed in the usual places, on top bbl flat between rear sight & receiver, left side of lower tang under the wood, inside top tang channel of buttstock and inside buttplate tang. Round part of bbl under loading sleeve has assembly number “183” with matching number on rear face of loading sleeve. This exact rifle, identified by SN, is pictured on pg 30 of The Henry Rifle, Quick with credit to the Tommy Rholes Collection. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching including all stock & buttplate screws. Bbl & magazine tube retain 75-80% glossy orig blue with sharp edge wear on oct part with some scattered chemical spotting and wear on magazine tube at the carry point; receiver retains about 10% flaked orig blue with the balance having flaked to a medium gray/brown patina; hammer retains moderately faded case colors and the lever mostly a gray patina. Wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and overall retains about 90% strong orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. Cleaning rod has had the jag tip altered, otherwise is fine. 4-50616 JR7 (100,000-200,000) – Lot 1002 – test

RARE ENGRAVED EARLY HENRY MODEL 1860 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 1633. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Early rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl that has integral magazine, altered orig German silver front sight and fixed rear sight in the bbl seat with an empty seat in the top flat of the receiver. Mounted with nicely figured, uncheckered American walnut buttstock with straight grip and early style brass buttplate with round heel and large trap with a corresponding large recess underneath to accommodate a 4-pc hickory cleaning rod, which is not present. Left side of buttstock has a factory sling swivel with corresponding loop on bbl. This rifle has early features including the perch belly stock, round heel on the buttplate, small tab cartridge follower, small finger loop on the lever and small trigger pin. Left side of buttstock, between sling swivel & buttplate is branded with the large intertwined initials “PS”. SN is found in the usual places on the top flat of the bbl between the rear sight and receiver, left side of lower tang under the wood, top tang channel of the buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. All of the receiver & buttplate screws are also matching numbered. Round portion of the bbl under the loading sleeve has the assembly number “408” with matching number on rear face of loading sleeve. Receiver & buttplate tang are most unusually engraved in a style like known factory engraved Volcanic pistols & carbines. Engraving consists of extremely well-executed foliate arabesque patterns with very detailed shading and square & dot patterns on the raised area forward of the sideplates. Engraving extends over the top of the receiver, top tang and buttplate tang with a foliate type pattern on each side of the receiver at the rear edges. A Volcanic pistol with nearly identical engraved patterns is pictured on p. 23 of The Henry Rifle, Quick. There are numerous other examples of identical engraving on Volcanic arms found in several other publications including The Winchester Book, Madis, Winchester Engraving and The Book of Winchester Engraving, Wilson. No examples of this engraving pattern have ever been previously seen by this cataloger on a Henry rifle. This rifle was produced in about 1862 or 1863, during the height of the Civil War when few engraved rifles were ordered, and in fact special ordered rifle were discouraged. The Henry factory was having trouble keeping up with demand for standard model orders. In addition, by this time the majority of known engraved Henry rifles were engraved by Samuel Hoggson, L.D. Nimschke or one of the Ulrichs, all of whose work was much finer and more detailed. Therefore it seems likely that this rifle may have been for an employee or someone of lesser importance. It is also a possibility that the engraving was applied at a later date. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Bbl & magazine tube retain small amounts of bright orig blue in the gullets with the balance having turned to a smooth, even plum patina; receiver shows light sharp edge wear around the bottom edges with the other edges sharp & crisp and overall retains a dark mustard patina; buttplate has a matching patina; lever & hammer are a dark plum patina. Buttstock is sound with nicks, dings & scratches and retains 85-90% strong orig varnish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with fine frosty pitting. 4-50652 JR4 (25,000-40,000) – Lot 1003

LATE CONTRACT MARTIALLY MARKED HENRY MODEL 1860 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 9250. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Standard late Henry rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl that has integral magazine, late style square back German silver front sight and 900 yard Henry ladder rear sight. Top flat of receiver is without dovetail. Mounted with uncheckered, nicely figured American walnut buttstock that has straight grip and late style crescent brass buttplate with pointed heel and small trap containing an orig 4-pc brass & iron cleaning rod. Left side of wrist is stamped with the tiny inspector initials “A.W.M.”. Left side of buttstock has a factory sling swivel with corresponding sling loop on the bbl. SN is found in usual place on top flat of the bbl between rear sight & receiver, left side of lower tang under the wood, inside top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Screws are all orig type Henry screws. Round section of bbl, under loading sleeve, is marked with assembly number “2255”, with matching number on rear face of loading sleeve. Accompanied by a Springfield Research Service letter which identifies this rifle, by SN, as having been issued to Pvt. John W. Williamson of Company H, 3rd U.S. Veteran Volunteer Infantry. Pvt. Williamson re-enlisted in the 3rd Veteran Volunteer Infantry on March 14, 1865 at Philadelphia and was discharged at Springfield, IL on March 13, 1866. His prior service was with the 29th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry from July 1861 – July 1864. The 3rd Veteran Volunteer Infantry was organized in early 1865 with the intention that they would become “shock troops” armed with breech-loading repeaters. The surrender of the Confederacy in April of 1865 left them with little to do except garrison & guard duty around Washington, D.C. until they were mustered out of service. A condition of enlistment in this unit was that at the expiration of honorable service the individual troops could retain their arms & accouterments. Most of them apparently did so and these Henry rifles are usually found showing heavy wear with little orig condition. Pvt. Williamson was born in Philadelphia, PA. According to The Henry Rifle, Quick, the U.S. military purchased 1,731 Henry rifles in two different batches with the second type falling generally within the 7000-9000 serial range and it is believed that there were about 600 rifles in this order. These late martial Henrys are usually overlooked by collectors as the only identifying martial feature were the tiny initials on left side of the wrist. These initials were usually lightly struck, were very tiny and most often are worn away. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Bbl & magazine tube retain strong blue in the gullets and sheltered areas with the balance a strong blue/brown patina; receiver & sideplates show lightly worn edges with a few nicks & scratches and retain a dark mustard patina; buttplate is matching patina. Buttstock is sound with a hand worn patina and traces of orig finish showing through, possibly cleaned a long time ago. Mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with scattered fine pitting. 4-50573 JR2 (35,000-50,000) – Lot 1004

FINE LATE CIVIL WAR ERA HENRY MODEL 1860 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 8612. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Standard Henry rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl that has integral magazine, late style square back German silver front sight and 900 yard Henry ladder rear sight. Receiver is without dovetail in the top flat. Mounted with very nicely figured, uncheckered American walnut buttstock that has straight grip and crescent brass buttplate with pointed heel and small trap containing an orig brass & iron 4-pc cleaning rod. Left side of buttstock has a factory sling swivel with corresponding loop on left side of bbl. SN is found in usual places, top flat of bbl between rear sight & receiver, left side of lower tang under the wood, inside top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Round section of bbl, under the loading sleeve, is marked with assembly number “1755” with matching number on rear face of loading sleeve. All screws are orig Henry type screws. There were about 11,000 Henry rifles produced between 1860 and the end of the Civil War, the vast majority of which saw service during the war. The U.S. military purchased 1,731 of them with the others being privately purchased. Regardless of their martial status these rifles that fall within the Civil War era SN ranges are rarely ever found with high orig finish. Subsequent to the Civil War the Henry rifle was extremely popular on the American frontier and continued in service in equally harsh circumstances. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Bbl & magazine tube retain 30-40% strong orig blue with the balance turned to plum color; receiver & sideplates retain strong edges, showing only light wear and only a couple of very tiny nicks & scratches and retain a wonderful dark mustard patina; buttplate is matching patina; hammer retains faded case colors; lever is a plum patina. Buttstock is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retains about 70% orig finish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with a few scattered spots of pitting. 4-50560 JR3 (30,000-50,000) – Lot 1005

MODEL 1860 HENRY LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 8010. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Standard rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl that has integral magazine, modified orig square back German silver front sight and 900 yard Henry ladder rear sight with no seat on receiver. Bbl has five lands & grooves. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut buttstock that has straight grip and brass buttplate with sharp heel and small trap. Left side of buttstock has a factory sling swivel with corresponding loop on the bbl. Buttstock shows a very pronounced “Henry bump” below the sling swivel and another bump on left side of wrist. SN is found in usual places, on top bbl flat between rear sight & receiver, left side of lower tang under the wood, inside top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Round portion of the bbl, under the loading sleeve is marked with assembly number “718” with matching number on rear face of loading sleeve. Majority of the approx. 11,000 Henry rifles produced during the Civil War saw extensive service throughout the war and later on the American frontier, usually under very harsh circumstances with limited maintenance and are rarely found today in orig configuration with any orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine, all matching. Bbl & magazine tube retain thin blue in sheltered areas of the gullets with the balance of the bbl & magazine tube a mottled blue/gray patina; receiver & buttplate show moderate wear with light scratches on sideplates and a couple of small dings on top edge of each sideplate and overall retain a medium to dark mustard patina; hammer retains faint, dark case colors and the lever is a gray metal patina. Stock has a hairline back of the top tang, otherwise is sound with light nicks & scratches and a few bruises around the toe with a series of small gouges on right side and overall retains a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with fine pitting. 4-50543 JR6 (20,000-35,000) – Lot 1006

SECOND MODEL 1860 HENRY LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 2838. Cal.44 RF Henry. Usual configuration with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, integral magazine, slightly altered German silver front sight and 900 yard Henry ladder rear sight without retaining screw for the slide. Receiver has a dovetail for rear sight in top flat. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock & first type brass buttplate with rnd heel & large trap, containing 3-pcs of an orig 4-pc hickory cleaning rod. SN is found in the usual place on top flat of bbl between rear sight & receiver, left side of lower tang under the wood, inside top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Rnd section of the bbl, under loading sleeve has the assembly #”537″. Rear face of loading sleeve has only the numbers “53”, obviously an assemblers mistake. The 2 bevel head buttplate screws are matching numbered to this rifle. Top tang wood screw is a replacement and the other 2 tang screws are unnumbered. This rifle has several early features, including the sharp radius at top rear frame, small trigger pin, small bbl address, small finger loop in the lever & round heel buttplate. It has the larger follower tab with milled flat section in the receiver. About 13,000 Henry rifles produced during the Civil War period of which the Union Army purchased 1,731 which are marked with inspector initials. The vast majority of the remaining rifles were either private purchase or state purchased to arm individual units. Regardless, these rifles usually saw hard and continuous service throughout the Civil War and later on the American frontier until they were supplanted by the advent of the more efficient repeating center fire arms which used easily reloadable cartridges. These rifles are rarely found today in completely orig configuration with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Good to very good, all matching except screws as noted, although they are orig Henry screws. Bbl & magazine tube retain thin blue in the gullets, stronger toward the muzzle with the balance of the steel parts a blue, gray patina. Loading sleeve has several small dings on each side. Receiver & sideplates show light edge wear with a few fine nicks & scratches and retain a medium to dark mustard patina, buttplate has a matching patina. Stock is sound with nicks, scrapes and dings and retains about 75% of an old refinish. Mechanics are fine. Strong bright bore with scattered pitting. 4-50571 JR55 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1007

VERY RARE WINCHESTER CUSTOM ENGRAVED 1ST MODEL 1866 SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 13284. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Very early 1st model ’66 carbine with 20″ bbl, full magazine, integral front band/sight & 500 yard 2-position flip rear sight. Left side of receiver has a staple, missing the saddle ring. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock & crescent rifle buttplate with trap containing an orig 3-pc brass & iron cleaning rod. Bottom of the stock & forearm band have tiny European sling loops. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is stamped with the SN along with a tiny assembly number “788”. Matching SN is also found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe buttplate. Rear face of buttplate is stamped “HB / 5”. Top flat of receiver is engraved “WEBER = RUESCH IN ZURICH.” Receiver & side plates are wonderfully engraved in intertwined foliate, leaf & vine patterns with spectacular herringbone borders. Receiver ring is engraved in a beautiful flower blossom. Engraving patterns extend over the top tang. Receiver & buttplate are wonderfully silver plated. Screws are all Henry type with thick, square heads. This carbine is the very early type with flat front side panels on the receiver and has the Henry & King’s patent bbl address. According to The Henry Rifle, Quick, the highest numbered Henry rifle known was “14312” and the lowest numbered Winchester model 1866 known is “12476”. This carbine has a number of Henry features including the sloping radius at the top rear of the frame, 2-screw top tang, Henry style screws, small loop finger lever and the Henry bbl address. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, all matching. Bbl & magazine tube retain a thin brown patina with no trace of blue which indicates they may have orig been brown finished. Bbl bands retain 30-40% blue. Receiver & buttplate retain 75-80% strong silver plating which was applied after the engraving. Stock is sound with a few light nicks & scratches, a small gouge by the left heel and overall retains about 95% orig varnish. Top front wood tang screw hole is stripped. Mechanics are fine. Bright, shiny bore with a few scattered spots of pitting. 4-50619 JR57 (35,000-50,000) – Lot 1008

EARLY HENRY MARKED WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 21016. Cal. 44 CF. Standard grade rifle with 24 1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, standard front sight and Henry-style 900 yd ladder rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent brass buttplate with trap. Top flat of bbl has the Henry & King’s patent markings. Buttstock & forend cap have factory sling swivels. Top tang channel of buttstock is marked with the last three digits of the SN, which number is also found inside toe of buttplate. This rifle is one of the early examples with the SN on the face of the lower tang instead of concealed under the wood. This feature is usually found on slightly later production 66’s. It is unusual to find one of these early ’66 rifles with any orig finish. They immediately succeeded the Henry rifles of Civil War fame and given the great demand for repeating firearms on the American frontier usually saw continuous very hard service under very adverse conditions, usually with little or no maintenance and are rarely found today with any original finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Bbl and magazine tube retain about 85% original blue turning plum. Receiver retains sharp edges with small vice marks on the front side flats and overall shows a wonderful, even medium to dark mustard patina with a couple of small scratches and a battered screw. Buttplate & forend cap are matching patina. Wood is sound with nicks and scratches and a small gouge on the forearm and overall retains a light added finish. Mechanics are crisp, strong bore with good shine and fine pitting in the groves. 4-50618 JR15 (20,000-35,000) – Lot 1009

SCARCE EARLY WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 19331. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Standard grade carbine with 20″ bbl, full magazine, integral front band/sight and two position carbine flip rear sight; left side of receiver has a staple end ring. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent brass rifle buttplate with trap. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the serial number and the inspector initials “CC”. Top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe buttplate have matching SN to the rifle. Bbl address contains Henry’s and King’s patents and is completely legible. These early ’66 carbines were the first repeating short arms available to the American public and were in great demand on the American frontier during the Great Westward Expansion. They saw continuous hard service under extreme conditions usually with little or no maintenance and are rarely found today with any original finish. They are especially difficult to find with a fully legible bbl address. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine, all matching. Bbl and magazine tube retain traces of original blue in the most sheltered areas, being mostly a smooth, even, dark plummy chocolate patina; receiver & side plates retain strong edges, showing only light wear and retain a wonderful, smooth dark mustard patina. Screw heads retain generous amounts of orig blue; receiver & side plates also show only two or three small scratches on each side; buttplate is a matching patina. Stock has a saddle ring wear halo on the left wrist with a few small chips in the same area. Wood is sound with light nicks and scratches and retains a dark hand worn patina with light added finish. Mechanics are fine. Strong, sharp, dark bore with moderate pitting. 4-50651 JR18 (12,500-22,500) – Lot 1010

LATE WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 167411. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Standard grade carbine with 20″ bbl, full magazine, barleycorn front sight and 1873-marked carbine ladder rear sight. Left side of receiver has a staple & ring. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock and steel carbine buttplate with trap containing an orig three piece brass & steel cleaning rod. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number “849”, which number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this carbine as having been received in the warehouse Jan. 8, 1889 and shipped Sept. 7, 1889 to Order number 1669. This carbine is somewhat a rarity in that by the time it was shipped in 1889 in rimfire caliber there was a great variety of center fire arms available on the market. It is believed that the vast majority of these late rimfire caliber rifles & carbines were sold to Mexico, Central & South America where the cartridge was still popular. In addition, most of these late production 66’s were either produced as, or converted to, center fire. Those ’66 rifles and carbines shipped south of the border that have been repatriated are usually in deplorable, relic condition so to find one of these late 66’s with high original finish is quite a rarity. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine, all matching except buttplate which is original to this carbine; Bbl and magazine tube retain traces of orig blue in sheltered areas being in overall smooth, plummy brown patina; Receiver & side plates have a few small dings & light scratches and overall retain a wonderful medium mustard patina; Lever & hammer retain traces of silvered case colors; Buttplate is a dark patina. Wood is sound with light nicks and scratches and a couple of small bruises and retains a worn patina. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with moderate fine pitting. 4-50620 JR16 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1011

LATE WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 164762. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Standard grade carbine with 20″ bbl, full magazine, barleycorn front sight and 1873-marked carbine ladder rear sight. Left side of receiver has a staple & ring. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock and steel carbine buttplate with trap. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number “22”, which number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe buttplate. Top of barrel, over chamber area is marked “44 R.F.” and carrier is marked “44 CAL”. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this carbine as having been received in the warehouse Aug. 26, 1887 and shipped April 6, 1888 to Order number 6539. The letter additionally states that there is a “2nd gun with this serial number — Musket, received in warehouse on December 18, 1891, Shipped from warehouse on December 18,1891, Order number 17095”. This carbine is somewhat a rarity in that by the time it was shipped in 1888 in rimfire caliber there was a great variety of center fire arms available on the market, rendering this cartridge obsolete. It is believed that the vast majority of these late rimfire caliber rifles & carbines were sold to Mexico, Central & South America where the cartridge was still popular. In addition, most of these late production 66’s were either produced as, or converted to, center fire. Those ’66 rifles and carbines shipped south of the border that have been repatriated are usually in deplorable, relic condition, so to find one of these late 66’s with high original finish is quite a rarity. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, all matching. Bbl and magazine tube retain 75-80% original finish turning plum with strong blue in sheltered areas; receiver and side plates retain sharp edges with a few light scratches and a series of small nicks on the left side plate and overall retain a fine medium mustard patina; lever, hammer and buttplate retain a dark patina. Wood is sound with numerous light nicks, dings and scratches, a few small bruises and overall retains a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine. Strong bright bore with a few scattered spots of pitting. 4-50531 JR17 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1012

EXTRAORDINARILY RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 DELUXE TAKEDOWN SMALL BORE LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 186221. Cal. 22 Short. Exceedingly rare rifle, one of only a few known, with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Receiver is color case hardened and has sgl set trigger with the tapered pin takedown feature. Mounted with 2-3X center crotch, flame grain American walnut with H-style checkered forearm and horn fleur-de-lis insert serpentine grip buttstock that has crescent buttplate without trap, although the buttstock is drilled for a trap. Left side of lower tang is marked with assembly number “481”, “XXX” and “22”. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in caliber 22 with oct bbl, set trigger, checkered stock with pistol grip and case hardened, received in warehouse July 29, 1885 and shipped same day to Order #19471. Although the takedown feature is not mentioned in the letter there is no doubt that this is an authentic takedown rifle. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were only 19,552 of these scarce small bore ’73 rifles produced in the period 1884-1904. Deluxe versions of this rifle are so rare that they are not even mentioned by Mr. Flayderman and The Winchester Book, Madis, only briefly mentions deluxe & takedown versions. It is this cataloger’s contention that there are only a small handful of deluxe color case hardened takedown ’73 small bore rifles extant. The ’73 rifles in caliber 22, being rare to begin with, were, in their period of use, considered to be a lady’s or boy’s rifle and usually saw very hard service with little care or maintenance and are rarely found today with any orig finish or shootable bore. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Bbl & magazine tube retain 96-97% strong orig blue with faint sharp edge wear and some minor spots of surface discoloration; inside magazine tube is extremely fine and appears to be original; receiver retains about 80-85% orig case colors, moderately faded on sides with some light chemical spotting, strong colors in sheltered areas especially on left side; top & bottom edges have turned dark; hammer retains strong, bright case colors and the lever faded colors on sides, turned silver to dark on outer faces; buttplate retains mottled silver patina. Stock has a hairline in the wrist adjacent to the tang screw, otherwise wood is sound with numerous small nicks & scratches, a couple of small bruises in the checkering and overall retains most of its orig piano varnish finish, turned dark from hand wear at carry point on forearm. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. These small bore ’73s are rarely ever found with bright bores. This rifle is suited for the most advanced collection or museum exhibit. 4-50548 JR22 (35,000-50,000) – Lot 1013

SCARCE SPECIAL ORDER DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 252817. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Beautiful deluxe ’73 with special order 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, rocky mountain front sight and flat top altered semi-buckhorn rear sight. Receiver is color case hardened and has single set trigger. Mounted with 3X flame grain burl American walnut with H-style checkered forearm and black insert, serpentine grip buttstock that has crescent buttplate with trap containing a reproduction 5-pc brass and iron cleaning rod. Buttstock and forend cap have factory sling swivels. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number “1069” and “XXX”. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in cal 44 with 26″ oct bbl, set trigger, checkered stock with pistol grip and case hardened, received in warehouse May 28,1888 and shipped the next day to Order number 8200. It is unusual to find a rifle of this era with high orig finish. They were usually exposed continuously to the harsh elements with little or no maintenance. In addition long exposure to the ultra-violet rays of the sun rapidly fades case colors. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Bbl and magazine tube retain 97-98% strong orig blue with the magazine tube turning a little plum; receiver and side plates retain most of their orig case colors, lightly to moderately faded, very bright in sheltered areas; lever & hammer retain strong case colors moderately to heavily faded on outer faces of lever; Buttplate retains 30-40% faded case colors, mostly on the tang with the faces turned silver. Wood is sound with a series of small gouges on left side of forearm, otherwise just a few nicks and scratches and overall retains about 90% bright piano varnish finish. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore. 4-50519 JR29 (25,000-35,000) – Lot 1014

FINE DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 170637. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Third model deluxe ’73 with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight, semi-buckhorn rear sight and Lyman combination tang sight. Mounted with beautiful 3X, center crotch, flame grain American walnut with H-style checkered forearm and black horn fleur-de-lis insert serpentine grip buttstock that has crescent buttplate with trap containing an orig 4-pc brass and iron cleaning rod. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle with oct bbl, plain trigger, checkered stock with pistol grip and case hardened, received in warehouse April 29, 1885 and shipped May 2, 1885 “with one other arm to Order number 20386”. Left side of lower tang is marked with the assembly number “215” and “XXX”. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. This rifle was produced during the period of the Great Western Expansion when hunting and self-protection arms were an absolute necessity and were working tools. Arms of this period usually saw continuous hard service under extreme conditions and are rarely found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 90% strong orig blue mixed with scattered patina, fine sharp edge wear and some light, fine scrapes on the bbl; receiver retains about all of its orig case colors, lightly to moderately faded, bright in sheltered areas, thinner on top & bottom edges with two small scratches and some fine pinpricks of surface rust. Lever and hammer retain strong case colors, bright to brilliant in sheltered areas, turned silver on outer faces of lever; buttplate retains moderately faded case colors; dust cover is orig and retains 85-90% bright orig blue. Wood is sound with light nicks and scratches, a few chipped diamonds in the checkering and overall retains most of its orig piano varnish finish with some dark hand wear on the wrist and carry point of the forearm. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 4-50587 JR19 (25,000-35,000) – Lot 1015

SCARCE SPECIAL ORDER DELUXE WINCHESTER 2ND MODEL 1873 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 30863. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Fine deluxe ’73 with 24-1/4 oct to rnd bbl, button magazine, ivory bead Beach’s combination front sight, short semi-buckhorn rear sight with checkered edges and a thick base sporting tang sight with 4″ staff. Mounted with highly figured, flame grain, center crotch American walnut that has early style checkered forearm and straight stock with crescent buttplate with trap. Receiver is 2nd type with attached rail mounting and impressed thumbprint dust cover. Left side of lower tang under the wood is marked with the assembly number “105” which number is also found, in pencil in the top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle with 1/2 oct bbl, plain trigger, checkered stock, peep & Beach sights, 1/2 magazine and case hardened, received in warehouse Sept. 28, 1878 and shipped June 27, 1879 to Order number 15979. There is another ship date of Oct.2, 1878, Order #13242 which is crossed out. This rifle was produced at a time when business or pleasure was conducted from the back of a horse, wagon or buggy which exposed these firearms to the harsh elements usually with little maintenance. Firearms of this era are rarely found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains 85-88% orig blue showing sharp edge wear on the oct section and thinning on the rnd section. Receiver and side plates retain about 80% orig case colors, moderately to heavily faded, stronger on the left side, turned silver on the bottom; lever & hammer retain strong case colors, faded to silver on outer faces of lever. Forearm has about a 3″ repaired crack by the bbl channel at the left front end, otherwise wood is sound with light nicks and scratches. Buttstock retains about 95% strong, orig piano varnish finish and forearm retains most of a restored finish. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore. 4-50521 JR28 (22,500-32,500) – Lot 1016

RARE SPECIAL ORDER DELUXE 1ST MODEL WINCHESTER 1873 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 19029. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). 1st Model ’73 that has mortised receiver with 2nd type impressed thumbprint dust cover, 26″ heavy oct bbl, 1″ across the flats, full magazine, German silver Rocky Mtn. front sight and very rare Freund Bros.-type full buckhorn rear sight. Receiver is color case hardened and has sgl set trigger. Top tang has a thick target base combination tang sight with spiral knurled barrel. Mounted with beautiful 2-3X center crotch, flame grain American walnut with early style coarse checkered forearm and straight stock that has crescent buttplate with trap. Buttstock & forend cap have factory sling swivels. Left side of lower tang, under the wood, is marked with assembly number “79” and “XXX”. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Accompanied by a Winchester Gun Museum letter addressed to renowned collector & dealer, the late Paul Sorrell, of Beaumont, TX. Letter states that the records list this rifle with 26″ heavy oct bbl, case hardened, checkered stock and set trigger, shipped July 12, 1876, no other information listed. 1st Model ’73s in and of themselves are rare, deluxe specimens are extremely rare and special order features as found on this rifle are exceedingly rare. PROVENANCE: Paul Sorell; Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine, all matching. Bbl & magazine tube retain blue in sheltered areas being mostly a smooth, even, plummy patina; receiver retains traces of case colors in sheltered areas, mostly having faded to silver; lever & hammer also retain traces of case colors. Wood is sound with light nicks & scratches and retains about all of a very old restored finish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-50640 JR21 (20,000-35,000) – Lot 1017

SCARCE SPECIAL ORDER DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 148059. Cal. 38 WCF (38-40). Special order deluxe ’73 with rare 28″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Receiver is color case hardened and has sgl set trigger. Mounted with very highly figured, center crotch, flame grain American walnut with H-style checkered forearm and black horn fleur-de-lis insert, serpentine grip buttstock that has crescent buttplate with trap. Left side of lower tang, under the wood, is marked with the assembly number “5380”, “XXX” and an “R”. It also is marked “38” which apparently indicates the caliber and the “R” represents the crescent buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in caliber 38 with 28″ oct bbl, set trigger, checkered pistol grip stock and case hardened, received in warehouse May 7, 1884 and shipped same day to Order #12250. This rifle was produced during the height of the great westward expansion when repeating firearms were in great demand. Hunting and self protection firearms were necessary tools and most all business and pleasure were conducted from the back of a horse, wagon or buggy which exposed these firearms continuously to harsh elements, usually with little maintenance. Few of them are found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Bbl & magazine tube retain 96-98% strong orig blue turning a little plum with wear only on the very sharp edges and outer radius of the magazine tube; receiver & sideplates retain most of their orig case colors, strong & bright in sheltered areas, fading elsewhere; lever & hammer retain strong case colors, turned silver on outer faces of lever; buttplate retains 50-60% faded case colors with pitting on heel & toe. Wood is sound with a couple of bruises on forearm and light nicks & scratches elsewhere and overall retains nearly all of its orig bright piano varnish finish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-50642 JR20 (20,000-35,000) – Lot 1018

RARE 1ST MODEL 1ST TYPE WINCHESTER 1873 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 1612. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight and short, semi-buckhorn rear sight with checkered edges. Receiver is 1st type with mortised 1st type, raised thumbprint dust cover and has a single set trigger. Mounted with nicely figured, uncheckered American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate with trap that contains an orig brass and iron four piece cleaning rod. Left side of lower tang is marked with the assembly number “108”, which number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle with 24″ oct bbl and set trigger, received in warehouse July 30, 1874 and shipped Aug. 3, 1874. 1st model 1st type ’73 rifles are in and of themselves very rare and those with high orig finish are exceedingly rare. They were the first successful center fire repeating rifles, produced in the era of the Great American Westward Expansion when any repeating firearm was in great demand. They were the successor to the rimfire Henry & Model 1866 Winchesters and were substantially more efficient with re-loadable cartridges cases. They usually saw continuous service under extreme conditions usually with little or no maintenance and are almost never found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Bbl retains 92-94% strong orig blue with sharp edge wear and some scattered fine surface etching; there are also a series of four small circles etched in the finish toward the muzzle along with a couple of other wear spots, all of which show medium patina; magazine tube retains about 95% orig blue turning plum; receiver and side plates retain 80-85% orig blue, strong in sheltered areas with fine spots of surface rust and a cleaned area on the left front side flat; lever & hammer retain faded case colors. Wood is sound with light nicks & scratches on the buttstock and a series of long scratches on the forearm; buttstock retains 70-80% orig finish showing heavy heat crazing; forearm is a hand worn patina. Hammer is not solid in safety notch, otherwise mechanics are fine. Brilliant shiny bore. 4-50767 JR27 (17,500-27,500) – Lot 1019

RARE 1ST MODEL WINCHESTER 1873 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 21853. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4″ rnd bbl with half nickel front sight and short semi-buckhorn rear sight with checkered edges. Receiver is first type with mortised impressed thumbprint dust cover. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate with trap. Left side of lower tang, under the wood has the assembly number “1068” with matching number in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle with rnd bbl and plain trigger, received in warehouse Oct. 5, 1877 and shipped Dec. 3, 1877 to Order #10763. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Bbl and magazine tube retain 96-97% strong orig blue with a few small scattered spots of surface discoloration and a few light scratches on the bbl; Receiver and side plates retain 60-65% orig blue with the balance having flaked, not worn, to a light patina. Hammer retains strong, bright case colors and the lever strong colors on the sides, faded on the outer faces; buttplate is a mottled silver brown patina. Stock has a series of bruises on the left wrist, otherwise with normal nicks and scratches and overall retains 95-97% strong orig finish. Forend cap retains 95-96% glossy orig blue, as does the dust cover. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore with one or two spots of surface rust. 4-50549 JR26 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1020

*RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 SADDLE RING TRAPPER CARBINE.

SN 579080. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade carbine with rare 15″ bbl, full magazine, barleycorn front sight & 900 yard carbine ladder rear sight. Left side receiver has a staple & ring. Mounted with nicely figured, slab sawed American walnut with straight stock & carbine buttplate with trap. Left side of the buttstock heel is stamped “WF R 40″, no indication of the meaning of this mark. Receiver is 3rd type with integral rail & 3rd type dust cover. Accompanied by a Buffalo Bill Historical Center Museum letter, which identifies this carbine in 44 cal with 15” bbl, shipped on June 1, 1904. Also accompanied by a Department of the Treasury, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms letter which exempts this carbine from the purview of the National Firearms Act which allows it to be sold as a curio under the laws & regulations governing such sales. It is rare to find a trapper carbine in completely orig, serviceable condition. Most of them were sold to Central & South American users where they saw hard & continuous service in jungle conditions, some are still in use today. Generally those trapper carbines which have been repatriated to the U.S. show their extreme hard use and are usually in near relic condition. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine, bbl & magazine tube retain 10-15% orig blue in the most sheltered areas with the balance a plummy brown patina. Receiver also retains blue in sheltered areas with the balance a plummy brown patina & a halo from the saddle ring. Forearm has a hairline on the right side below the bbl channel at the receiver, otherwise wood is sound with light nicks & scratches, some oil staining around the receiver & tangs and overall retains about 90% of a fine, old restored finish. Mechanics are fine. Strong bore with decent shine & moderate pitting. Cleaning rod is fine. 4-50753 JR58 (20,000-35,000) – Lot 1021

*WINCHESTER 3RD MODEL 1873 SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 611744. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade carbine with 20″ bbl, full magazine, barleycorn front sight and 2000 yd carbine ladder rear sight. Left side of receiver has a staple and ring. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock and carbine buttplate that has a trap. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this carbine in cal 44, received in warehouse Oct. 12, 1906 and shipped Oct. 16, 1906 to Order number 77863. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbl and magazine tube retain 97-98% crisp orig blue; receiver retains about 95% strong orig blue with light sharp edge wear, some minor flaking and a halo from the saddle ring; lever & hammer retain virtually all of their brilliant orig case colors; buttplate retains virtually all of its orig case colors, brilliant on the tang, lightly faded on the face, showing wear on the heel. Stock has a small bruise and a couple small scratches and retains about 98% strong orig finish; forearm has a few light scratches and a couple of nicks and retains most of its orig finish with a raised grain appearance on all the wood. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant shiny bore; may be unfired. 4-50506 JR30 (20,000-35,000) – Lot 1022

Revised: 3/7/2014

Please Note: The caliber is 44 WCF not mentioned in the catalog.

WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 270779. Standard grade carbine with 20″ bbl, full magazine, barleycorn front sight & “1873” marked carbine ladder rear sight. Receiver is third type with milled rail and third type dust cover. It has a staple and ring in the left side. Mounted with very highly figured, streaky, uncheckered American walnut with straight stock and carbine buttplate that has a trap. This carbine was produced in about 1888 when the west was still wild and these carbines were extremely popular. They usually saw continuous hard service in a saddle scabbard or wagon box under very harsh circumstances and are rarely found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl and magazine tube retain about 92-93% strong orig blue with some plum overtones; receiver retains 93-95% strong orig blue with light edge wear and a few small spots of surface rust; the area behind the hammer slot has some very fine pitting; hammer retains moderately faded case colors and the lever is a brown patina; stock has a couple scratches on the left wrist, otherwise wood is sound with light handling and storage nicks and scratches and overall retains most of its orig oil finish; mechanics are crisp; strong bright bore with light pitting. 4-50544 JR268 (12,500-17,500) – Lot 1023

RARE FULL NICKEL WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 189964. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade carbine with 20″ bbl, full magazine, barleycorn front sight & 1873 marked carbine ladder rear sight. Left side of receiver has a staple & ring. Mounted with highly figured, uncheckered, shell grain American walnut with straight stock & carbine buttplate with trap containing an orig 3-pc nickel plated brass & steel cleaning rod. Full nickel finish guns such as this were usually for wild west showmen or trick shot artists. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains about 80% strong orig nickel showing wear around the rear sight at the carry point. Magazine tube retains about 95% strong orig nickel with some very minor flaking. Receiver & side plates overall retain about 75-80% orig nickel with fine flaking & two cleaned areas on the left side with the balance of the nickel strong & bright. Buttplate retains about 75% orig nickel. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore. 4-50746 JR46 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1024

RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 OPEN TOP LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 27687. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full 1st type magazine with threaded flush cap, Rocky Mountain front sight & orig short, semi-buckhorn rear sight with checkered edges. Receiver is one of the rare rifles without a dust cover and has single set trigger. Left side of lower tang has the assembly number “405”, which number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock & inside toe of buttplate. Tangs also have a sub-assembly number “67”. About the time this rifle was produced there appeared to have been a problem with burst primers & ruptured cartridge cases. If such an incident occurred with the dust cover closed the escaping gasses would bulge or rupture the side plates, disabling the rifle. For a couple of years Winchester made 1873 & 1876 rifles without dust covers so that should a cartridge rupture the gasses would escape upward and not damage the rifle. Apparently there was an improvement in cartridge design, along with complaints from customers about trash & dirt in the receivers so Winchester resumed standard practice of installing dust covers. During the years when dust covers were not standard, a dust cover could be special ordered and installed at the factory. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate with trap. Left side of lower tang, under the wood, have assembly numbers “405” top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate have matching assembly number. The Model 1873 was Winchester’s first repeating center fire rifle and was introduced during the height of the great westward expansion of Manifest Destiny when any repeating firearm was in great demand, especially the much more reliable center fire arms. The ’73, along with its companion Colt Single Action Army revolver, were credited with winning the west. These early rifles were virtually all sold for use on the western frontier and almost universally saw very hard service. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine, all matching. Bbl retains 40-50% mottled silver blue; magazine tube retains 40-50% strong blue with the balance a brown patina; receiver retains 50-60% thin orig blue, mostly on the sides with the top & bottom a mottled silver brown patina; lever, hammer & buttplate are a grey metal patina; stock has a short crack in the wrist at the receiver, otherwise wood is sound with usual nicks, dings & scratches, a series of bruises by the buttplate tang, a gouge in the comb & a chip out of the forearm with a couple gouges in the forearm and overall retains a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine; strong, dark bore with sharp rifling. 4-50638 JR297 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 1025

RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 SMALL BORE LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 188205. Cal. 22 Short. Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, silver bead express front sight and replacement Marlin-style semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock that has crescent buttplate without trap. Buttstock appears to be an old replacement as the condition does not match the rest of the rifle and there appears to have been an assembly number removed from the top tang channel. Buttplate is also a replacement that has an assembly number in the toe while no assembly number is on the lower tang. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in 22 caliber with oct bbl & plain trigger, received in warehouse July 29, 1885 and shipped Aug. 3, 1885 to Order #22288. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were only 19,552 of these scarce small bore ’73 rifles produced in the period 1884-1904. The ’73 rifles in caliber 22, being rare to begin with and during their period of use, were considered to be a lady’s or boy’s rifle and usually saw very hard service with little care or maintenance and are rarely found today with any orig finish or shootable bore. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine plus. Bbl retains about 90% strong orig blue with sharp edge wear, turning plum in a few areas; magazine tube retains blue in sheltered areas with the balance being a smooth, even, plummy brown patina; inside magazine tube is fine and may have some replacement parts; receiver & sideplates retain 85-88% glossy orig blue, thin and turning gray on top & bottom front edges with sharp edge wear and candy striping on right side; lever & hammer retain faded case colors. Buttstock is sound with a few small gouges on left side and a black stain down right side and overall retains a dark worn patina; forearm is sound with a couple of small nicks & scratches and retains about 60% orig varnish. Mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with a ring about mid-point. 4-50556 JR23 (7,500-12,500) – Lot 1026

RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 LEVER ACTION RIFLE WITH ATLANTA POLICE MARKING.

SN 286762. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine with half nickle front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Receiver is third type with milled rail and third type dust cover. Left side plate is engraved “24 / Atlanta Police”. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate with trap. Buttstock and forend cap have factory sling swivels. A brief internet search disclosed a site which stated there were 125 of these rifles purchased by the Atlanta Police Department and that they are the only known Winchester rifles that will letter as having been engraved for a police department. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl retains about 88-90% orig blue turning plum; magazine tube retains about 96-97% plummy blue finish and the forend cap about 85% orig blue; receiver retains 80-85% orig blue, strong and bright in the more sheltered areas, dull and turning plum on the more exposed areas; hammer retains strong case colors and the lever faded case colors, mostly a silver/brown patina; stock has a cracked toe with light nicks and dings and shows 75-80% orig varnish with a hand worn patina; mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore with only a couple spots of light pitting. 4-50639 JR261 (6,000-9,000) – Lot 1027

RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 OPEN TOP LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 27807. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full 1st type magazine with threaded flush cap, half nickel front sight & orig short, semi-buckhorn rear sight with checkered edges. Receiver is one of the rare rifles without a dust cover and has single set trigger. About the time this rifle was produced there appeared to have been a problem with burst primers & ruptured cartridge cases. If such an incident occurred with the dust cover closed the escaping gasses would bulge or rupture the side plates, disabling the rifle. For a couple of years Winchester made 1873 & 1876 rifles without dust covers so that should a cartridge rupture the gasses would escape upward and not damage the rifle. Apparently there was an improvement in cartridge design, along with complaints from customers about trash & dirt in the receivers so Winchester resumed standard practice of installing dust covers. During the years when dust covers were not standard, a dust cover could be special ordered and installed at the factory. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate with trap. Left side of upper and lower tang, under the wood, have assembly numbers “442” & lower tang has assembly number “661”. Buttstock, apparently a period of use replacement is without assembly number. Buttplate has a third assembly number not matching any of the previously listed numbers. The Model 1873 was Winchester’s first repeating center fire rifle and was introduced during the height of the great westward expansion of Manifest Destiny when any repeating firearm was in great demand, especially the much more reliable center fire arms. The ’73, along with its companion Colt Single Action Army revolver, were credited with winning the west. These early rifles were virtually all sold for use on the western frontier and almost universally saw very hard service. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle with oct bbl and set trigger received in warehouse Jan. 21, 1878 and shipped Jul. 15, 1878 to order number “12405”. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Good. No orig finish remains being an overall smooth brown patina. Stock has a filled gouge on each side of the comb, a couple small bruises by the toe & a chip out of the forearm; stock also has a small crack in the toe, otherwise wood is sound and retains a light refinish on the buttstock & a dark hand worn patina on the forearm; set trigger needs adjusting, otherwise mechanics are fine; strong dark bore with sharp rifling. 4-50581 JR296 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1028

RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 SPECIAL ORDER SMALL BORE LEVER ACTION RIFLE WITH COLOR CASE HARDENED RECEIVER.

SN 344299. Cal. 32 WCF (32-20). Standard grade rifle with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, gold washed Beach’s style combination front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Receiver is color case hardened, small bore type with stepped receiver ring. Receiver retains 50-60% orig shellac. Mounted with “extra finish” uncheckered American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate without trap. Standard bbl length for model 1873 rifles was 24″ and very few cal 32 rifles were made with color case hardened receivers. By the time this rifle was made, Winchester had pretty well standardized with blued receivers and color case hardened receivers were special order. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain 96-97% strong orig blue with only sharp edge wear and a couple of small nicks in the edges; receiver & sideplates retain about all of their orig case colors, stronger and brighter on the right side, a little more faded on the right front & left side; hammer retains bright case colors as does the lever on the sides, fading on the faces. Wood is sound with a few light handling and storage nicks with some dulling on the forearm about the carry point and overall retains about 96-97% orig finish on the buttstock and about 60% on the forearm. Mechanics are crisp; strong bright bore with a few scattered spots of pitting. 4-50586 JR266 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1029

WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 SPECIAL ORDER LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 248055. Cal 38 WCF (38-40). Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, button magazine, half nickle front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Receiver is small bore style with a stepped receiver ring and has milled rail with 3rd type dust cover. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate that has a trap. This rifle was produced in about 1887 during the height of the Indian wars and the great westward migration of Manifest Destiny when any repeating arm, especially center fire rifles were in great demand. The model 1873 was the first successful center fire repeating rifle to gain popularity and widespread distribution. These rifles were daily use working tools and usually saw extensive hard service under extreme conditions and are rarely found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains 93-95% strong orig blue with sharp edge wear and some light losses around the muzzle. The loss areas are a dark patina. Receiver and sideplates retain about 70% thinning orig blue mixed with medium patina; lever and hammer retain faded case colors, being mostly a brown patina on the outer faces; wood is sound with usual handling and use nicks and dings, a bruise on the forearm and small gouge on the stock and overall retains 80-90% orig varnish; mechanics are crisp; bright shiny bore with some light orange peel pitting. 4-50523 JR265 (4,000-7,000) – Lot 1030

SCARCE 1ST MODEL WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 15008. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Scarce 1st model carbine with 20″ bbl, full magazine, integral front band/front sight and Lyman 6A two leaf folding rear sight. Receiver is 1st type with mortised top containing a 2nd type dust cover with impressed thumbprint. Left side of receiver has a staple & ring. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock & carbine buttplate with trap. These early 1873s, upon introduction were immediately purchased and put into service on the American frontier by the frontiersman & pioneers moving west during the great westward expansion of Manifest Destiny. This was a time of major Indian fighting when saddle guns were most in demand, especially center fire repeaters. They usually saw continuous hard service and tremendous inclement weather on a daily basis and are rarely found today in orig configuration with any orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Good. No orig finish remains with the metal overall being an even, smooth dark brown patina. Stock has a hairline on the back of the top tang; some minor grain checks near the buttplate and shows considerable battering & saddle bow wear on the forearm, otherwise wood is sound with a dark hand worn patina; a few of the receiver screws are replacements. Mechanics are fine; strong dark bore with good rifling. 4-50527 JR298 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1031

RARE SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 SMALL BORE LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 201503. Cal. 22 Short. Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4″ rnd bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Inside magazine tube appears to be original. Left side of bbl & receiver have small British proofs. Mounted with nicely figured, slab-sawed, uncheckered American walnut with straight stock & smooth steel shotgun buttplate. Bottom of stock is branded with the large initials “PHC”. Under the buttplate is a small rectangular piece of paper inscribed “Property of A Entwistle” with identifying information about the rifle. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in caliber 22 with rnd bbl, plain trigger, received in warehouse April 14, 1886, converted to shotgun butt May 25, 1886 and shipped same day to Order #6750. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were only 19,552 of these scarce small bore ’73 rifles produced in the period 1884-1904. The ’73 rifles in caliber 22, being rare to begin with, were, during their period of use, considered to be a lady’s or boy’s rifle and usually saw very hard service with little care or maintenance and are rarely found today with any orig finish or shootable bore. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good. Bbl & magazine tube retain a smooth, even plum patina with traces of orig blue in sheltered areas with scattered light surface rust; right side of chamber area of bbl has two small dings; receiver & sideplates retain 50-60% thin orig blue with fine surface etching; hammer retains dark case colors; lever & buttplate are a blue/brown patina. Wood is sound with the buttstock having a series of light scratches on both sides and overall retains about 70% orig varnish; forearm shows light nicks & scratches with a dark hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine, worn dark bore with visible rifling. 4-50545 JR24 (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1032

SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 112091. Cal. 38 WCF (38-40). Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4 bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight & semi-buckhorn rear sight. Receiver is small bore type with stepped receiver ring and has a single set trigger. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock & smooth steel shotgun buttplate. Left side of lower tang is marked with the assembly number “1276” & an “S”. There is also an obliterated assembly number. Top tang channel of the buttstock has the matching “1276” assembly number & “38”. Matching assembly number is also found inside toe of buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in Cal. 38 with 26″ oct bbl and set trigger, received in warehouse Feb. 23, 1883 and shipped April 7, 1883 to order number “3541”. This rifle was produced at a time when the west was still pretty wild and repeating arms were daily working tools. Arms of that era are rarely found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl retains about 90-92% strong orig blue with only sharp edge wear & a couple small dings on the edges; magazine tube retains blue in sheltered areas, being an overall plummy brown patina; receiver & side plates retain 60-70% thin orig blue, mostly from flaking not wear; lever & hammer retain faded & darkened case colors; wood is sound having been lightly cleaned and retains a light oiled finish; hammer will not hold in the half cock notch, otherwise the mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore. 4-50525 JR299 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1033

*SCARCE WINCHESTER SMALL BORE MODEL 1873 SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 601564. Cal. 32 WCF (32-20). Standard grade carbine with 20″ bbl, full magazine, barley corn front sight and 900 yard carbine ladder rear sight. Receiver is small bore third type with stepped receiver ring and machined rail with a third type dust cover. Left side of receiver has a staple & ring. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock and carbine buttplate without trap. Very few 1873 carbines were made in cal 32. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl retains about 70% orig blue turning plum with some chemical streaking on the left side about mid-point; magazine tube retains about 95% orig blue with some light surface spotting; receiver and side plates retain 60-70% dull orig blue with light surface spotting and edge wear, turning brown on the bottom; lever and hammer retain traces of case color, stronger on the hammer; wood is sound with a few light nicks and scratches, a couple small gouges on the forearm and retains about 95% orig finish; mechanics are crisp; strong bore with moderate pitting. 4-50580 JR269 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1034

SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 56891. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade rifle with 28″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight & orig short semi-buckhorn rear sight with checkered edges. Receiver is 2nd type with attached rail and 3rd type dust cover. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate with trap. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter that shows this rifle with 28″ oct bbl & plain trigger, received in warehouse Aug. 26, 1880, shipped Oct. 8, 1880 to order number 22362. This rifle was produced during the height of the Indian wars when outdoorsmen & hunters ordered the extra length bbl because of their inherent accuracy with the black powder cartridges. Firearms of that era usually saw extensive hard service under very harsh circumstances and are rarely found today with any orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain traces of orig blue, being an overall smooth dark brown patina; left side of the receiver & left side plate have a couple spots of scattered pitting; wood is sound with usual nicks & scratches and retains a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine; strong bore with light to moderate pitting. 4-50601 JR300 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1035

RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 SMALL BORE LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 341829. Cal. 22 Short. Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, Rocky Mtn. front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut that has straight stock & crescent buttplate without trap. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were only 19,552 of these scarce small bore ’73 rifles produced in the period 1884-1904. The ’73 rifles in caliber 22, being rare to begin with, were considered to be a lady’s or boy’s rifle and usually saw very hard service with little care or maintenance and are rarely found today with any orig finish or shootable bore. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fair to good. Only traces of orig finish remain on the receiver with the balance of the metal a cleaned gray metal patina; side flats of bbl forward of the forend cap have vice marks. Wood is sound showing considerable battering & heavy wear and retains an old refinish. Hammer is not solid in safety notch, otherwise mechanics are fine, worn dark bore with traces of rifling. 4-50535 JR25 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1036

*VERY LATE WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 702589. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade carbine with 20″ bbl, full magazine, square base front sight and three leaf express rear sight. Left side of receiver has a staple & ring. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock and carbine buttplate with trap. This is a very late production carbine from the late 1920’s or early 1930’s. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fair to good. Bbl & magazine tube retain blue in sheltered areas with the balance of the metal a dark brown patina with fine frosty pitting over the receiver & side plates; stock has several grain checks and a nail in the comb, shows heavy and hard use with an old restored finish; forearm has a crack on the left side and shows hard use with a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine; strong bore, dark in the grooves. 4-50505 JR301 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1037

SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 205201. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade carbine with 20″ bbl, full magazine, barleycorn front sight and 1873 marked carbine ladder rear sight. Left side of receiver has a staple & ring. Receiver, lever, hammer, buttplate, magazine tube and bbl bands appear to have been nickel finish and the bbl blue. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock & carbine buttplate with trap. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this carbine with nickel finish, received in warehouse May 1, 1886 and shipped May 6, 1887 to order number 17923. A note in the records states “May 3, 1887, all nickel except barrel”. With the nickel finish it is very unlikely that this carbine would not have been ordered or purchased by a working cowboy or anyone in law enforcement. It probably was a gift to someone for a special occasion or perhaps by a wild west showman. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fair to good. Receiver retains 10-15% orig nickel, mostly on the bottom tang & left side; lever & hammer retain traces of nickel with the balance of the metal a gray metal patina with light to moderate pitting, heavy on right side of receiver; wood shows nicks & scratches with three small filled holes on left side of the buttstock & forearm, a bruise on the buttstock, a filled area on the forearm where it meets the receiver and a hairline in the wrist and overall retains a dark hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine; worn dark bore. 4-50529 JR302 (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1038

EXTREMELY RARE DELUXE MODEL WINCHESTER 1876 SADDLE RING CARBINE INSCRIBED TO ANTONIO C. HESING/CHICAGO/E.U.A.

SN 22581. Cal. 45-75. Rare nickel trim 2nd model ’76 carbine with 22″ bbl, full length forearm, barleycorn front sight & orig reverse mounted, 1000 yard ladder rear sight. Receiver is 2nd type with attached rail & 3rd type dust cover. Left side plate is engraved “ANTONIO C. HESING / CHICAGO / E.U.A.” Receiver, bbl band, fore end cap and buttplate are nickel finish. Mounted with exceptional 3-4X, center crotch, flame & burl grain American walnut with H-style fine checkered forearm & horn fleur-de-lis insert serpentine grip buttstock that has carbine buttplate without trap. Buttstock has a recess under the buttplate but not sufficiently deep for a cleaning rod. Left side of receiver has a stud & ring. Left side of lower tang under the wood is marked with the assembly number “1482”, “XXX” & a “C”. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock & inside toe buttplate. The “C” indicates carbine. Accompanied by a Winchester Gun Museum postcard dated April 18, 1972 over the signature of T.E. Hall, Curator, which identifies this carbine in Cal. 45-75 with checkered pistol grip stock & nickel trim, shipped March 15, 1882, no additional information listed. Also accompanied by a letter on Chicago Historial Society letterhead over the signature of Herbert G. Houze, Curator of Weapons & Military History. Mr. Houze states that there is very little information regarding Mr. Hesing other than that he was mentioned as the publisher of “The Staats Zeitung”. In the second paragraph Mr. Houze states “There is evidence (largely unsubstantiated) that he was a strong supporter of Mexican President Porfiro (sic) Diaz. This hypothesis is supported by the inscription on the rifle “E.U.A.” which is Spanish for “Estados Unidos de América” which is translated to “United States of America”. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine, all matching. Bbl retains a thin blue/gray patina with a few scattered spots of light surface discoloration; receiver, side plates & carrier retain 65-70% orig nickel with most of the losses from flaking, not wear; right front side flat has a small spot of wear; hammer retains strong, bright case colors; lever retains traces of case colors being mostly a brown patina; buttplate retains 30-40% orig nickel with the balance flaked. Wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retains most of its orig fine hand rubbed oil finish. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant, shiny bore. 4-50621 JR59 (35,000-50,000) – Lot 1039

SCARCE WINCHESTER MODEL 1876 SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 43285. Cal. 45-75. Standard grade carbine with 22″ bbl, full magazine, barleycorn front sight and 1876 marked carbine ladder rear sight. Receiver is 3rd type with milled rail and 3rd type dust cover. It has a stud and ring in the left sid. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with full length forearm, steel nose cap and single band. Buttstock has straight grip and carbine buttplate. Although this carbine was not purchased by the Canadian Northwest Mounted Police, it is very close to those serial ranges. This was a very popular carbine in its day, being the first carbine to handle the large bore cartridges. They usually saw very hard service and are rarely found with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl retains 65-70% orig blue, strong in sheltered areas; receiver sideplates and dust cover retain 65-70% orig blue, strong and bright in sheltered areas showing heavy flaking on the left sideplate and right front flat; lever and hammer retain strong case colors, turned a little dark and faded to silver on outer faces of lever; stock is missing a sliver by the top tang, otherwise wood is sound and retains an old restored finish; mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore. 4-50679 JR264 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1040

SCARCE WINCHESTER MODEL 1876 “BIG 50” LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 8649. Cal. 50-95 Express. Standard grade rifle with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, combination front sight, short, orig semi-buckhorn rear sight with checkered edges and a thick base sporting rear sight that has 4″ staff. Receiver is second type with attached rail and second type dust cover with impressed thumb print. Dust cover is engraved “WINCHESTER EXPRESS / .50 CAL. 95 GRS.” Chamber area of the bbl on the top flat is marked “.50 CAL. EXPRESS”. Receiver also has sgl set trigger. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate that has trap containing an orig 5-pc brass and steel cleaning rod. Buttstock and forend cap have factory sling loops. Standard bbl length for 1876 rifles was 28″ except for the 50-95 which was standard with 26″ bbls. Rifles in this caliber were very popular with north woods and Rocky Mountain hunters for moose and bear and anything else that crossed their paths. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. bbl and magazine tube retain 75-80% orig blue with fine surface etching over the top 3 and 2 side flats; magazine tube also has some fine surface etching; receiver, sideplates and dust cover retain about 80% orig blue, thin on the front side flats; hammer retains strong case colors and the lever faded case colors on the sides, faded and turned dark on the outer faces; wood is sound with a few nicks and scratches and retains about all of its original oil finish; mechanics are crisp; brilliant shiny bore. Cleaning rod is fine. 4-50641 JR267 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1041

WINCHESTER MODEL 1876 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 11395. Cal. 45-75. Standard grade rifle with 28″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight and 1876 marked ladder rear sight. Receiver is 2nd type with attached dust cover rail and 3rd type dust cover. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate with trap. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in cal. 45-75 with oct bbl and plain trigger, received in warehouse Oct. 7, 1880 and shipped Apr. 11, 1881 to order number “25107”. This rifle was produced and shipped during the height of the Indian wars on the western frontier and likely would have seen service out there under extreme conditions probably with minimal maintenance. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Bbl retains about 50% thin orig blue with the balance a brown patina; magazine tube is mostly a brown patina; receiver & side plates retain 50-60% thin orig blue, stronger in sheltered areas; lever & hammer retain traces of faded case colors; stock has a series of small dings on the left wrist along with a larger bruise, otherwise is sound with a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine; very bright shiny bore. 4-50592 JR382 (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1042

WINCHESTER MODEL 1876 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 18574. Cal. 45-60. Standard grade rifle with 28″ oct bbl, full magazine, replacement ivory or bone front sight and a replacement Kentucky rifle-style, fine “V” notch, long rear sight and a thick base, spiral knurled, combination tang sight. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate with trap. Receiver is 2nd type with 3rd type dust cover. This rifle appears to have been manufactured in about 1881 during the height of the Great Westward Expansion and the Indian wars. Very likely this rifle would have seen frontier service under harsh circumstances with little maintenance. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Good to very good. Bbl retains 60-65% dull orig blue with the balance a brown patina; magazine tube and forend cap are mostly a brown patina; receiver retains 30-40% thin, dull blue with the balance a brown patina; stock has two cracks near the buttplate and a gouge in the left wrist, otherwise wood is sound and retains 50-60% orig finish and a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore, would make a good shooter. 4-50597 JR384 (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1043

WINCHESTER MODEL 1876 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 10743. Cal. 45-60. Standard grade rifle with 28″ rnd bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight with screw and an 1876 marked ladder rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate with trap. Receiver is 2nd type with attached dust cover rail and 3rd type dust cover. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms museum letter which identifies this rifle in cal. 45-60 with rnd bbl & plain trigger, received in warehouse Oct.1, 1880 and shipped Nov.2, 1881 to order number “22717”. This rifle also was produced during the height of the Indian wars and likely would have seen hard service on the American frontier, probably with little maintenance. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Good to very good. Bbl & magazine tube retain blue in sheltered areas being mostly a mottled plummy patina with some fine pitting on the magazine tube; receiver & side plates retain 50-60% thin orig blue, stronger in sheltered areas; stock has a chip at the receiver with nicks, dings & scratches and retains a fine hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine; strong bore with good shine. 4-50593 JR383 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1044

WINCHESTER MODEL 1876 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 7247. Cal. 45-60. Standard grade rifle with 28″ oct bbl, full magazine, replacement bone or ivory front sight and 1876 marked ladder rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate with trap. Receiver is 2nd type with attached dust cover rail and 3rd type dust cover. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle with rnd bbl, plain trigger, “lid” (which means dust cover), received in warehouse Jan. 21, 1879, changed to “45-60 octagon” and shipped April 5, 1880 to order number 19528. Apparently this rifle had been manufactured in a less desirable caliber which did not sell immediately so when the order for a cal. 45-60 rifle came in they simply changed the bbl & carrier and shipped it. This rifle was produced during the height of the Great Westward Expansion and Indian wars and undoubtedly saw service on the frontier. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Good. No orig finish remains with the bbl and magazine tube a smooth chocolate brown patina; receiver & side plates are a matching patina with some fine pitting on the left side plate; wood is sound showing moderate to heavy wear with nicks, dings, scratches & a few gouges and overall retains a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine; strong dark bore with very fine pitting. 4-50585 JR385 (2,500-3,500) – Lot 1045

EXTREMELY RARE WINCHESTER DELUXE MODEL 1886 LEVER ACTION SHORT RIFLE.

SN 106787. Cal. 45-90. Very rare short rifle with extremely rare 23″ oct bbl, 5-cartridge magazine, Lyman ivory bead sporting front sight, semi-buckhorn rear sight and Lyman combination tang sight. Mounted with about 3X center crotch, flame grain American walnut with H-style checkered forearm and capped pistol gripped stock that has smooth steel shotgun buttplate. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number “846” and an “S”. The “S” indicates shotgun butt. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock & inside toe of buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in cal 45-90 with 23″ oct bbl, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, Lyman front and rear sights, 5 cartridge magazine and shotgun butt “As per sketch”, received in warehouse Oct. 30, 1895 and shipped the same day to Order number 23424. Also accompanied by a copy of the shipping records book page with the entry for this rifle highlighted. Deluxe ’86 rifles are not uncommon however those with the special order features of this rifle are extremely rare. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Bbl retains 97-98% strong orig blue with light sharp edge wear, a couple of small nicks and a few tiny scattered spots of surface discoloration; magazine tube retains about 99% strong orig blue and the magazine cap about 60% orig case colors; receiver retains 60-70% orig case colors, lightly to moderately faded on the sides, more heavily faded on the top and mostly turned silver on the bottom; hammer retains bright case colors and the lever faded case colors, bright in sheltered areas; buttplate retains about 75% thin blue. Stock has a tiny hairline back of top tang, otherwise wood is sound with a few light nicks and scratches and overall retains about 98% bright, orig piano varnish finish on the buttstock and about 90% on the forearm, showing wear only at the carry point. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant shiny bore, show very little, if any use. 4-50532 JR38 (30,000-50,000) – Lot 1046

SCARCE WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 48446. Cal. 50 Express (50-110). Standard grade carbine with 22″ round bbl, full magazine, square base front sight and a 3-leaf platinum line carbine rear sight. Receiver has a stud & ring in left side. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock & carbine buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this carbine in caliber 50-110 with Winchester Express rear sight, received in warehouse Oct. 17, 1890 and shipped same day. Order # not indicated. Any 1886 saddle ring carbine is to be considered scarce but those with color case hardened receivers in caliber 50 Express are very rare. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain most of their orig finish with strong blue in sheltered areas and the balance turned plum; receiver retains most of its orig case colors on the sides & top, brilliant in sheltered areas, especially around the saddle ring stud and right rear gullet, moderately to heavily faded elsewhere; bottom is a dark patina; lever retains strong colors on sides & inside the loops, faded to brown on outer faces; hammer retains dark case colors; wood is sound with some oil staining around top tang, a few light nicks & scratches and retains a fine, professionally restored finish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with a few scattered spots of pitting. 4-50623 JR10 (25,000-35,000) – Lot 1047

EXTREMELY RARE SPECIAL ORDER DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 LEVER ACTION SHORT RIFLE.

SN 10897. Cal. 45-70. Wonderful half nickel deluxe ’86 with rare 22″ heavy oct bbl, full magazine, gold washed Beach’s combination front sight, “1876” marked ladder rear sight and a Lyman combination tang sight. Top flat of bbl is fully matted with caliber marking on left top flat. Receiver, forend cap & buttplate are factory nickel finish. Mounted with 2-3X center crotch, flame grain American walnut with 8-3/8″ H-style checkered forearm and black insert serpentine grip buttstock that has smooth steel shotgun buttplate. Left side of lower tang is marked with assembly number “2890” and “XXX” with an “S”. The “S” signifies shotgun buttplate. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in caliber 45-70 with 22″ matted oct bbl, plain trigger, checkered stock with pistol grip, Lyman sporting sights, shotgun butt and half nickel. Received in warehouse Dec. 3, 1887 and shipped two days later to Order #1874. Early 1886 rifles with this many and unusual special order features are extremely rare. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine, all matching. Bbl retains about 85-88% orig blue mixed with light patina; magazine tube has a small cleaned spot and retains about 90% orig blue; receiver, overall retains 65-70% orig nickel turning milky; forend cap retains about 85% orig nickel and the buttplate is mostly polished metal with light pitting on the heel. Stock has a hairline back of top tang, otherwise wood is sound and retains a restored finish. Mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with scattered light pitting and a light ring about 1″ from muzzle. Altogether an extremely rare and desirable ’86 rifle. 4-50538 JR11 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 1048

SCARCE WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 77399. Cal. 50 Express (50-110). Standard grade carbine with 22″ round bbl, full magazine, square base front sight and 2000 yard carbine ladder rear sight. Receiver has a stud & ring in left side. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock & carbine buttplate. Left side of buttstock is hand inscribed “J.S.L.” / “1893”. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this carbine in caliber 50-110, received in warehouse June 16, 1893 and shipped same day to Order #19791. Any 1886 saddle ring carbine is to be considered scarce but those with color case hardened receivers in caliber 50 Express are very rare. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 95% strong orig blue, turning a little plum; receiver retains most of its orig case colors lightly to moderately faded on sides and top, turned silver on bottom; lever & hammer retain faded case colors turned very dark on outer faces of lever. Wood is sound with a few light scratches and retains a hand worn patina. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with a couple of small scattered spots of pitting. 4-50517 JR9 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 1049

WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 76393. Cal. 45-90. Standard grade rifle with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered nicely figured American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in caliber 45-90 with oct bbl & plain trigger, received in warehouse March 7, 1893 and shipped June 5, 1894 to Order #14672. Standard grade rifles are substantially more common than deluxe & special order rifles but are rarely found with high orig finish. They were a working tool and usually saw hard service with little or no maintenance. The era of this rifle was when business & work were conducted from the back of a horse, wagon or buggy which necessitated these rifles being exposed continuously to hard service and the elements. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain 97-98% strong orig blue with a few small scattered spots of surface rust; receiver retains virtually all of its orig case colors, brilliant on sides and top, moderately to heavily faded on bottom; lever & hammer retain brilliant case colors on sides; right side of lever & outer faces are moderately faded; buttplate is faded to silver with brown patina. Wood is sound with a few scattered light nicks & scratches, shows dulling at carry point on forearm, otherwise the wood retains about all of its strong orig factory finish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 4-50622 JR12 (12,500-17,500) – Lot 1050

RARE SPECIAL ORDER 1ST MODEL DELUXE WINCHESTER 1886 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 4215. Cal. 45-90. Rare deluxe ’86 with 26″ oct to rnd bbl, button magazine, half nickel front sight with screw & replacement modern semi-buckhorn rear sight. Receiver is color case hardened and has sgl set trigger. Mounted with 3-4X flame grain American walnut with H-style checkered forearm and black insert, serpentine grip buttstock with smooth steel shotgun buttplate. Left side of lower tang is marked with assembly number “106”, “XXX” and “S”. The “S” signifies shotgun butt. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in caliber 45-90 with half oct bbl, set trigger, checkered stock with pistol grip, half magazine and shotgun butt, received in warehouse April 29, 1887 and shipped May 6, 1887 with one other Model 1886 to Order #17045. Special order ’86s are scarce and 1st Model special order rifles are extremely rare. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine, all matching. Bbl retains 60-70% orig blue with sharp edge wear and what appears to be “saddle scabbard wear” with some light discoloration on bottom of round section; receiver retains about 70% faded case colors on sides & top, turned silver on belly; bottom tang colors are strong & bright. Wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches; buttstock retains about 95% strong, orig piano varnish finish; forearm shows moderate wear with dark staining on lower half and retains about 50% orig finish. Mechanics are fine, slightly frosty bright shiny bore. 4-50602 JR13 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1051

SPECIAL ORDER DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 113360. Cal. 45-70. Fine deluxe rifle with 26″ oct to rnd bbl, 2/3 magazine, ivory bead Marbles front sight and rifle style ladder rear sight. Mounted with beautiful center crotch, flame grain American walnut with H-style checkered forearm and capped pistol grip buttstock with Winchester hard rubber buttplate. Left side of lower tang is marked with assembly number “383”, “XX”, an “S”, and an “R”. The “S” and “R” signifies rubber shotgun buttplate. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in caliber 45-70 with 1/2 oct bbl, plain trigger, checkered stock with pistol grip, 2/3 magazine and shotgun butt with rubber buttplate, received in warehouse Sept. 25, 1897 and shipped the same day to Order number 16986. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Bbl and magazine tube retain about 95% strong original blue with sharp edge wear and some thinning over the chamber area. Receiver retains 30-40% fading case colors with the balance turned silver. Lever & hammer also retain faded case colors, stronger on the hammer. Wood is sound with a slight touch up on the bottom rear edge of the forearm. Buttstock & forearm have a few minor nicks and scratches with a bruise in the checkering on the wrist and overall retains about 96-98% crisp org piano varnish finish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 4-50643 JR14 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1052

*WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 BIG 50 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 121429. Cal. 50 EX (50-110). Standard grade rifle with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, Marbles No. 3 gold bead front sight & a replacement semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate. These big 50 rifles were very popular among North American, Canadian & Alaskan big game hunters. They are capable of taking any North American big game including the big bears of Alaska. This caliber was also particularly favored by English sportsmen for hunting in India & Africa where it was also capable of taking about any of the major dangerous game of those continents. Rifles chambered in this caliber usually saw hard service and are frequently found showing very hard use. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fair to good. Bbl retains 65-75% orig blue showing wear over the chamber area & sharp edges; receiver, lever, hammer & buttplate are mostly a gray metal patina; wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retains a smooth hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine; brilliant shiny bore; would make a great shooter. 4-50631 JR303 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1053

*WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 141739. Cal. 45-90. Standard grade rifle with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight with screw & altered to flat top semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate. This rifle appears to have been produced in 1906 when subsistence hunting & self-protection were still a necessity. These big bore rifles were greatly favored by hunters in the north woods, Rocky Mountain region, Canada & Alaska, for their capability to take any North American big game, up to and including the great Alaskan Brown & Polar bears. These standard grade rifles were working tools and frequently saw very hard service under harsh circumstances. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl retains 85-88% orig blue turning plum in areas; magazine tube retains about 95% strong orig blue; receiver retains 60-70% orig blue, strong on the right side around the loading gate, thin on the left side and worn to gray on the top & bottom edges; lever & hammer retain faded case colors turned brown on outer faces of lever; stock has a couple gouges, otherwise wood is sound with the stock retaining about 90% orig varnish and the forearm a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore. 4-50632 JR306 (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1054

WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 120606. Cal. 40-82. Standard grade rifle with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight & semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate. These standard grade rifles were daily use working tools for hunting and self-protection and were favored by lawmen for their accuracy & long range capability. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain 93-95% orig blue with some slight browning on the magazine tube; receiver shows 25-30% shadowy case colors with the balance faded to shiny silver; wood is sound with light handling & use marks and retains about 95% orig varnish, dull on the wrist & carry point of the forearm. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore. 4-50554 JR305 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1055

WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 79875. Cal. 40-82. Standard grade rifle with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in caliber 40-82 with oct bbl & plain trigger, received in warehouse June 23, 1893 and shipped the next day to order number 20105. These standard rifles were daily use tools, primarily hunting weapons & self-protection arms. They usually are found with little or no orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Bbl retains about 90% orig finish turning a little plum with sharp edge wear; magazine tube retains strong blue in sheltered areas being mostly a plummy blue patina; receiver retains 50-60% faded case colors, mostly on the left side with the balance a mottled silver patina; stock has a series of small gouges & bruises on the right side with nicks & scratches elsewhere and retains a dark hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine; strong shiny bore with scattered pitting. 4-50537 JR304 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1056

WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 73344. Cal. 45-90. Standard grade rifle with 26″ bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight & semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered, slab-sawed American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in cal. 45-90 with oct bbl and plain trigger, received in warehouse Dec. 17,1892 and shipped Oct. 28,1893 to order number 3063. At the time this rifle was made the west was still wild and hunting & self-protection were a way of life. Arms of that era usually saw very hard service and are rarely found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: About good. Traces of orig finish remain in the most sheltered areas, generally being a smooth gray metal patina; stock has a grain check on the left side, otherwise wood is sound with normal handling and use marks, shows heavy wear with a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine; strong bright bore with a few scattered small spots of pitting. 4-50584 JR307 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1057

FINE ANTIQUE WINCHESTER MODEL 1892 SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 144240. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade carbine with 20″ bbl, full magazine, square base German silver front sight and 900 yard carbine ladder rear sight. Left side of receiver has a staple & ring. Mounted with uncheckered, exceptionally figured American walnut with straight stock and carbine buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this carbine in caliber 44, received in warehouse Aug. 17, 1900 and shipped Aug. 24, 1900 to Order #68770. Also accompanied by a letter dated Aug. 4, 1980 on Rifle Ranch letterhead, J.S. (Jim) Wilkinson, of Prescott, Arizona, addressed to Frank Weymouth of the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, Prescott, Arizona, wherein this carbine is identified by serial number. Body of the letter states that in about 1950 Roy Dunlap of Tucson, gunsmith & author, purchased wooden cases of Winchester rifles from the Customs warehouse in Nogales, which turned out to be Model 1892 saddle ring carbines. He speculates that they were on the way to Mexico, possibly for Pancho Villa when they were confiscated by Customs where they remained for many years. Mr. Wilkinson states he purchased several of these “rifles” from Mr. Dunlap and resold them but kept the one with the most beautiful wood for his own collection and at the time of this writing it was unfired; signed “Jim Wilkinson”. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection; Frank Weymouth Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, new & unfired. Overall retains 98-99%+ crisp orig finish with bright blues and brilliant case colors; right side of receiver has a series of small nicks apparently from the adjacent carbine’s saddle ring stud while in the crate during transport. Buttplate retains 97-98% strong bright blue with only a small spot of wear on the heel and another on the toe. Buttstock has one small nick, otherwise retains virtually all of its crisp orig oil finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, unfired. 4-50625 JR41 (15,000-20,000) – Lot 1058

RARE FIRST MONTH OF PRODUCTION WINCHESTER MODEL 1892 SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 2624. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade carbine with 20″ bbl, full magazine, barleycorn front sight and 1873 marked, 900-yd carbine ladder rear sight. Left side of receiver has a staple & ring. Mounted with uncheckered, slab sawed American walnut with straight stock & carbine buttplate. Bbl band is thick 1866-73 style. Early ’92 carbines are one of the more difficult Winchester arms to find in orig configuration with orig finish. These light, quick little carbines were instantly adopted for use on horseback & throughout the Western frontier. They usually are found in near relic condition, so to find such an early one with orig finish & in shootable condition is a rarity. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 90-92% orig finish, turned a little dull on the bbl with a couple small scratches & turning slightly plum on the magazine tube. Front band retains about 95% orig blue & the forearm band about 40% thin blue. Receiver retains about 90% orig blue, strong on the sides & receiver ring, faded on the top rear edges & thinning on the belly. Top tang is mostly a blue/brown patina. Hammer retains moderately faded case colors & the lever traces of colors. Buttplate is a gray metal patina. Wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches, a couple of bruises and overall retains a wonderful, smooth hand worn patina. Mechanics are crisp. Bright, shiny bore with a few scattered spots of pitting. 4-50557 JR61 (7,000-10,000) – Lot 1059

*RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 1892 SADDLE RING TRAPPER CARBINE.

SN 852145. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade carbine with rare 14″ bbl, full magazine, square base front sight with a drop of solder added to the blade & a 2000 yd carbine ladder rear sight. Left side of receiver has a staple & ring. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain gumwood stock and forearm with straight grip & carbine buttplate. Accompanied by a copy of page 41, section III of the Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives Firearms Curios or Relics list which lists this carbine by SN as being exempt from the controls of Class III items. It can now be sold as a curio under the laws & regulations governing the sale of ordinary firearms. Trapper carbines are quite scarce in the US with the majority of them having been sold for use in South and Central American countries. The majority of those repatriated to the U.S. have been in deplorable, near relic condition. So to find one in completely orig configuration, in usable condition is a rarity. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good. Bbl & magazine tube retain a dark blue/brown patina with stronger blue in sheltered areas. Receiver is a brown patina with fine surface etching. Lever & hammer retain traces of blue, being mostly a brown patina. Buttplate is in identical condition. Wood is sound with nicks, scratches & a few dings and retains a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore. 4-50579 JR49 (5,500-7,500) – Lot 1060

RARE FIRST WEEK OF PRODUCTION WINCHESTER MODEL 1892 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 931. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine half nickel front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in Cal. 44 with oct bbl and plain trigger, received in warehouse Aug. 4, 1892 and shipped Aug. 11, 1892 to order #2989. These early ’92s are rarely ever found in high orig finish. Immediately upon production they were accepted by the buying public & pressed into service where they became simply working tools for hunting & self defense. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Bbl retains 98-99% strong orig blue with a few tiny nicks on the top flat about mid point. Magazine tube retains about all of its orig finish, turning plum. Fore end cap retains 97-98% strong orig blue. Receiver retains about 98% orig blue with only very faint sharp edge wear, a small scratch on the bottom and some light thinning on the top right rear edge. Hammer retains brilliant case colors & the lever bright case colors on the left side, dark colors on the right and outer faces. Buttplate case colors have turned silver. Stock has a series of small nicks on the left wrist, otherwise wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches. Buttstock retains about 98% strong orig finish and the forearm about 70% orig finish, slightly darkened with hand wear around the carry point. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant, shiny bore. May have been fired, but if so very little. 4-50646 JR60 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 1061

WINCHESTER MODEL 1892 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 92918. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight with screw and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter that identifies this rifle in cal 44 with oct bbl & plain trigger, received in the warehouse May 10, 1898 and shipped Nov. 19, 1898 to Order number 15518. While standard grade rifles are substantially more common than special order or deluxe rifles they are much less common with high original finish. These light little rifles were the working tools of their day and usually saw very hard service. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 98% strong orig blue with only a small spot or two and very faint sharp edge wear. Receiver retains 95-96% glossy orig blue with a few fine scratches, some minor flaking and a scattered small spot or two of light surface rust; hammer retains bright case colors; lever retains bright case colors on the sides & sheltered areas; buttplate retains most of its orig case colors, moderately to heavily faded. Wood is sound with a few small nicks, a scratch on the forearm and retains about 99% orig finish. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore. 4-50636 JR39 (7,500-12,500) – Lot 1062

FINE ANTIQUE WINCHESTER MODEL 1892 TAKE-DOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 16597. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, take-down, altered Lyman hunting front sight, semi-buckhorn rear sight & Lyman combination tang sight. Mounted with 1-2X, uncheckered American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle as a take-down in caliber 44 with oct bbl & plain trigger. Received in warehouse Sept 15, 1893 and shipped Sept 17, 1894 to order #19339. As is found on this rifle, early take-down models were frequently fitted with “extra finish” wood. The buttstock & forearm on this rifle are highly figured, suitable for a deluxe or special order rifle. It is unusual to find a standard grade ’92 with high orig finish. They were the working tool of their era for both hunting and self protection, generally seeing continuous hard service under harsh circumstances often with little or no maintenance. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbl retains about 98% strong orig blue with only faint sharp edge wear. Magazine tube also retains about 98% orig blue with the only losses around the magazine band from take-down action. Receiver retains 93-95% crisp orig blue with faint sharp edge wear & most of the losses from candy striping on the sides. Take-down ring retains about 95% strong orig blue. Lever & hammer retain bright case colors, faded on the outer faces of lever. Buttplate is a cleaned metal patina. Wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retains most of its strong orig finish, possibly with some light added finish on the buttstock. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant shiny bore shows very little use. 4-50633 JR47 (7,500-12,500) – Lot 1063

*VERY RARE SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER MODEL 1892 LEVER ACTION SHORT RIFLE.

SN 173210. Cal. 38 WCF (38-40). Standard grade rifle with very rare 22″ oct bbl, full magazine, Lyman ivory bead front sight, missing the bead and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Left side of receiver has a carbine staple & ring. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with the short rifle 8-3/8″ forearm and straight stock with smooth steel shotgun buttplate. Accompanied by a Winchester Gun Museum postcard dated June 3, 1975 addressed to Mr. Rholes over the signature of curator T.E. Hall which identifies this rifle in caliber 38 with 22″ oct bbl, plain trigger, shotgun butt, sling ring and Lyman front sight, shipped Nov. 13, 1901. Such short rifles are quite scarce and the special order feature of the sling ring and shotgun butt make it very rare. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Bbl retains about 95-96% orig blue with light sharp edge wear and a few scattered spots of surface discoloration; magazine tube retains 96-98% strong orig blue; receiver retains about 90% orig blue with sharp edge wear and a halo from the saddle ring with candy striping on both sides; bottom of receiver is mostly worn to bare metal and there are some small spots of rust on top right rear edge; top tang is about 50% blue/gray patina; lever & hammer retain dark case colors, turned silver on outer faces of lever. Wood is sound with light nicks & scratches and retains most of its orig varnish with heat crazing and cloth patterns in the finish from apparently being exposed to heat & humidity while wrapped in cloth. Mechanics are fine, brilliant shiny bore. 4-50624 JR40 (5,000-7,500) – Lot 1064

*RARE LATE SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER MODEL 92 TAKEDOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 964649. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, half magazine, takedown with ivory bead combination front sight & flat top rear sight. Bbl has late style markings. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut buttstock and a very fancy, highly figured forearm. Buttstock has a straight grip with crescent buttplate. This being a rather late rifle, made in about 1926, it was probably someone’s hunting rifle that could be easily transported when disassembled. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain 98-99% strong orig blue and the forend cap about 95% orig blue; takedown ring shows about 90% bright blue with the loss areas flaked to a medium patina; receiver retains 88-90% strong orig blue with sharp edge wear and the loss areas flaked to a medium patina; lever & hammer retains 98-99% bright orig blue and the buttplate is mostly flaked to a dull blue patina; wood is sound with only very few light nicks & scratches and retains 97-98% strong orig varnish with some minor dulling on the forearm at the carry point. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore; has been fired, but very little. 4-50634 JR312 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1065

ANTIQUE SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER MODEL 1892 TAKEDOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 133396. Cal. 38 WCF (38-40). Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, takedown, with globe front sight, semi-buckhorn rear sight & vernier tang sight with 3″ staff. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate. These early ’92s were eagerly sought by cowboys, ranchers, law enforcement, outlaws & just about every frontier citizen. They were the successor to the model 1873 and chambered the same short cartridges compatible with most handguns of the day. They usually saw continuous hard service, frequently with limited or no maintenance and are rarely found with much orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain 97-98% crisp orig blue with a few small nicks; takedown ring retains about 96-97% strong orig blue; receiver shows only light sharp edge wear with a few small nicks & scratches on both sides; bottom of the receiver has some very fine flaking; lever & hammer retain bright case colors, lightly to moderately faded on outer faces of lever; buttplate retains about 95% orig case colors, moderately faded; stock has a series of small chatter marks on the right side by the buttplate and other small nicks & scratches and overall retains about 95% orig finish. Mechanics are crisp; brilliant shiny bore, shows very little use, loading gate retains most of its orig fire blue. 4-50635 JR308 (4,000-7,000) – Lot 1066

SCARCE ANTIQUE SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER MODEL 1892 CARBINE.

SN 44221. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade carbine with 20″ bbl, full magazine, square base German silver front sight & 900 yard carbine ladder rear sight. Receiver is special order without staple & ring. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock & carbine buttplate. This is an unusual carbine in that the staple & ring were standard on carbines and had to be special ordered without them. Obviously Winchester just used a rifle receiver with carbine parts. Very likely this carbine was ordered by a hunter who didn’t want the noisy saddle ring on his hunting gun but did want a short handy rifle for short range hunting. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: About fine. Bbl retains strong blue in sheltered areas turning plum over most of the bbl; magazine tube retains about 95% finish with some area turning plum; receiver retains 10-15% orig blue with the balance worn to a silver brown patina; lever & hammer retain strong case colors, faded and turning dark on outer faces of lever; buttstock has a gouge in the left wrist with a series of moderate dings, scratches & a bruise and retains about 85% orig finish; forearm, possibly an old replacement, shows a hand worn patina. Mechanics are crisp; bright shiny bore. 4-50578 JR310 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1067

ANTIQUE WINCHESTER MODEL 1892 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 41832. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight with screw & semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter that shows this rifle in cal. 44 with oct bbl & plain trigger, received in warehouse April 20,1895 and shipped Jan. 9,1896 to order number 4344. These early 1892s were greatly desired as the successors to the venerable Model 1873 and chambered the same cartridges which were also compatible with most hand guns of the day. They usually saw continuous hard service under adverse circumstances and are rarely found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Good. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 90% plummy brown patina with sharp edge wear; receiver retains traces of blue in the most sheltered areas being mostly a smooth plummy blue/brown patina; wood is sound with a fine hand worn patina and may have been waxed, possibly lightly sanded. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore with scattered light pitting. Would make an outstanding Cowboy Action shooter. 4-50595 JR311 (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1068

ANTIQUE 1ST YEAR PRODUCTION WINCHESTER MODEL 1892 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 3426. Cal. 38 WCF (38-40). Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front & semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate. These early ’92s were eagerly sought by folks from just about every walk of life, especially on the American frontier where these handy, light rifles were a substantial improvement over their predecessors; the model 1873. For the cowboys, outlaws & lawmen, they were greatly desired because they chambered cartridges compatible with most hand guns of the day. These rifles were daily use working tools and usually saw very hard service under harsh circumstances. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Good. No orig finish remains being an overall smooth brownish/silver patina on the bbl & magazine tube and a gray metal patina on the receiver; lever, hammer & buttplate are also a gray patina with some light pitting on the buttplate tang; stock is missing a sliver & chip by the top tang with a short hairline back of the top tang, otherwise wood is sound and shows a dark hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine; strong bright bore with light orange peel pitting. 4-50583 JR309 (1,000-1,500) – Lot 1069

VERY RARE 1ST MODEL DELUXE WINCHESTER 1894 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 4176. Cal. 38-55. Rare 1st model ’94 in very rare deluxe configuration with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, button magazine Sheared front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Receiver has the exposed guide screw heads found only on the very early ’94s. These screws retaining the cartridge guides were attached toward the rear end of the guide that proved to be not very effective which allowed the guides to loosen. After a short production run the guide screws were inserted internally at about midpoint on the guide rails which system remains in production today nearly 120 years later. Left side of receiver is factory engraved with the intertwined initials “AJS” in Old English style. Mounted with 2-3X center crotch, flame grain American walnut with H-style checkered forearm and capped pistol grip buttstock that has Winchester hard rubber buttplate. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number “1820”, “XX” and “RB”. Matching assembly is also found in top tang channel of buttstock. Left side of upper & lower tangs, under the wood are also stamped “R.F. ENEWOLD” in tiny letters and again in larger letters on rear face of buttstock under the wood. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter and a Cody Firearms Museum records office worksheet which identifies this rifle in caliber 38-55 with 24″ oct bbl, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, stock 1″ short, 1/2 magazine, shotgun butt with rubber buttplate and engraved “AJS” on frame, received in warehouse April 8, 1895 and shipped the next day to order #9338. These early ’94s are rarely found with high orig finish. They were the first Winchesters chambered for the “new” higher velocity cartridges in a handy, lightweight rifle. They saw immediate acceptance from the buying public and have been employed as hunting & self defense arms ever since. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran, R.F. Enewold was Robert F. Enewold of Reno, NV who was known to have regularly stamped firearms that passed through his shop with his name. A picture in the referenced publication on page 141 shows an identical stamping tothe one on this rifle. A Google search disclosed reports of several other firearms bearing the identical stamps. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Bbl retains about 95% orig blue with sharp edge wear, a few small nicks & slight dulling. Receiver retains 65-70% orig blue with candy striping on the sides and thinning over the top & bottom. Hammer retains bright case colors and the lever bright case colors in sheltered areas. Wood is sound with usual nicks & scratches, a few light bruises in the checkering & overall retains about 95% orig varnish. Buttplate has a couple small chips in the toe not affecting the wood. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore. 4-50558 JR45 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 1070

SCARCE DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1894 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 10686. Cal. 38-55. Beautiful deluxe ’94 with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, Lyman ivory bead hunting front sight, full buckhorn rear sight and Lyman combination tang sight. Mounted with about 3X plus center crotch, flame & burl grain American walnut with H-style checkered forearm and capped pistol grip buttstock that has crescent buttplate. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number “2408” and “XXX”. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. The number in the top tang channel is correct and orig but, unusually stamped upside down. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in caliber 38-55 with oct bbl, plain trigger and checkered stock with pistol grip, received in warehouse Nov 21, 1895 and shipped Nov 26, 1895 to order #1022. Also accompanied by a copy of a page from the Winchester shipping records with the entry for this rifle highlighted. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching. Bbl and magazine tube retain 98-99% strong orig blue with only faint sharp edge wear around the muzzle and one or two tiny nicks. Receiver retains 96-97% strong orig blue with light sharp edge wear, some minor flaking and slight thinning on the bottom at the carry point. Lever & hammer retain brilliant case colors, lightly faded on outer faces of lever. Buttplate retains 95-96% bright to brilliant case colors. Wood is sound with a few light nicks and scratches and overall retains about 98% crisp, orig piano varnish finish. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant shiny bore, may have been fired but if so, very little. 4-50750 JR43 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1071

RARE DELUXE ENGRAVED WINCHESTER MODEL 1894 TAKE-DOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 17725. Cal. 30 WCF(30-30). Unusual, early deluxe ’94 with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, take-down half nickel front sight with screw and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Receiver has light foliate arabesque scroll engraving on both sides with matching patterns on top edge, receiver ring and top tang with fan patterns around the lever plate opening. Left side of receiver has been drilled and tapped for receiver sight. Mounted with about 2X flame and shell grain American walnut with H-style checkered forearm and checkered straight grip with crescent buttplate. Lower tang is without assembly numbers & neither does the buttstock or buttplate have assembly numbers. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in caliber 30 with oct bbl, plain trigger, fancy checkered stock, take-down and “engraved: $1.60”, received in warehouse May 15, 1897 and shipped same day to order #7310. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains 98-99% crisp orig factory blue & the magazine tube about 95% strong orig blue with losses from take-down around the magazine band. Receiver retains 95-96% glossy orig blue with only sharp edge wear and a few small, very light scratches. Hammer retains dark case colors & the lever brilliant case colors on the sides, fading on the outer faces. Both sides of take-down ring have small dents and it appears that it may have been refinished. Buttplate retains about all of its strong orig case colors, lightly faded. Wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches. Buttstock retains most of its orig piano varnish finish. Forearm retains 60-70% orig varnish finish with touch up varnish on the rear 1/3. Mechanics are fine. Brilliant shiny bore shows very little use, if any at all. Given that this rifle was shipped in 1897 and was manufactured in 1895 it probably was a factory exhibit piece for the intervening two years. 4-50576 JR48 (12,500-17,500) – Lot 1073

*CUSTOM WINCHESTER MODEL 1894 LEVER ACTION CARBINE.

SN 312810. Cal. 30 WCF (30-30). Spectacular custom carbine with orig 20″ bbl, full length forearm with horn schnable tip and two bands with European style sling loop through the forearm. Square base front sight & European style 2-leaf, 1 folding, 1 standing rear sight. Receiver is without stud & ring. Mounted with very highly figured European walnut, uncheckered forearm with about 34-line per inch checkered, capped pistol grip buttstock that has European style shadow cheek piece and serrated horn buttplate. Buttstock has a European style narrow sling loop on the bottom. Receiver, lever, middle bbl band and front sling loop are French gray finish and spectacularly engraved with full coverage, incredibly fine, foliate arabesque patterns and various small border patterns. No indication as to the artist or where the work was accomplished, but it appears to be European in origin. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this carbine in 30 cal. with plain pistol grip stock and no sling ring, received in warehouse August 14, 1906 and shipped the next day. Repaired and returned March 12, 1907. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Overall retains virtually all of its custom metal finish. Wood is sound and retains about all of its beautiful custom oil finish. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant, shiny bore. 4-50626 JR56 (5,000-10,000) – Lot 1074

EARLY DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1894 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 20041. Cal. 38-55. Second year production 94 with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, gold bead Sheard front sight, flat top rear sight & locking Lyman combination tang sight. Mounted with 2-3X burl & flame grain American walnut with H-style checkered forearm and capped pistol grip stock with crescent buttplate. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number “3653” & “XXX”. Matching assembly number is also found on rear face of buttstock along with “94” & inside toe of buttplate. These early 94s are rarely found with deluxe configuration, they were simply too expensive for the ordinary working man to afford. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in cal. 38-55 with oct bbl, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock and Lyman rear sight received in warehouse Mar. 11, 1897 and shipped same day to order number “4083”. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain 60-70% thin orig blue turning to medium patina on the magazine tube; receiver retains 60-70% thin orig blue on the sides with the top & bottom edges worn to bare metal; lever & hammer are also a gray patina; buttstock has a crack in the toe through the bottom buttplate screw hole, otherwise wood is sound showing heavy use and retains a dark restored finish with dark oil staining around the wrist. Mechanics are fine; strong bore with good shine, frosty in the grooves. 4-50599 JR313 (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1075

ANTIQUE WINCHESTER MODEL 1894 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 14742. Cal. 25-35. Second year production model ’94 in a newly introduced caliber. Rifle has 26″ rnd bbl, full magazine, express front sight & semi-buckhorn rear sight. Left side of bbl, receiver & bolt have British proofs. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock & smooth steel shotgun buttplate. The model 1894 introduced in 1894 and was originally chambered only for the 32-40 & 38-55 cartridges. The 25-35 was introduced in 1895, the same year this rifle was produced. This rifle was special ordered with the shotgun butt and, as is apparent, was exported to England, probably as a small game rifle for an English sportsman. It likely would have been used in India or Africa for camp meat or other small trophy game. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain 97-98% strong orig blue with one area turning plum on magazine tube; receiver retains about 95% strong orig blue with sharp edge wear, a few light nicks & scratches and the loading gate retains about 90% fire blue; lever & hammer retain strong case colors, turning brown on outer faces of lever; buttplate retains 75-80% orig blue with spots of surface rust, showing wear at the heel & toe; stock has three small gouges at the bottom with a series of small nicks, otherwise wood is sound and retains about all of its professionally restored finish. Mechanics are fine; strong bright bore. 4-50547 JR314 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1076

*WINCHESTER MODEL 1894 TAKEDOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 168999. Cal. 32-40. Standard grade rifle with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, takedown, with half nickel front sight with screw & semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with very nicely figured, uncheckered American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate. This rifle would likely have been someone’s hunting rifle that could have easily been transported in the disassembled configuration. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains 95-97% strong orig blue with only sharp edge wear, a few minor scratches and one small area of light rust just forward of the rear sight; magazine tube retains 95-97% orig blue with some minor surface discoloration; receiver & takedown ring retain about 93-95% orig blue with a lightly cleaned area on the right side & light sharp edge wear with some very fine scratches on the left side; lever & hammer retain strong case colors on the sides & sheltered areas, having mostly faded on the outer faces; buttplate retains smokey case colors; stock has a few nicks & scratches with a small gouge on the wrist and retains about 95% bright orig varnish with some dulling on the wrist; forearm shows wear on the carry point and retains about 70-75% orig varnish. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore. 4-50559 JR315 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1077

*SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER MODEL 1894 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 259976. Cal. 38-55. Standard grade rifle with 26″ oct bbl, button magazine, half nickel front sight with screw and semi-buckhorn rear sight partially filed flat. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains 97-98% strong orig blue with only faint sharp edge wear; receiver retains about 95% strong orig blue showing edge wear and thinning over the top & bottom; lever retains bright case colors on the sides with faded case colors in sheltered areas, turning silver on outer faces; hammer retains dark case colors, buttplate retains most of its orig case colors, moderately to heavily faded; wood is sound with a few small nicks on the left side and light nicks & scratches elsewhere and retains about 95% orig varnish. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore. 4-50637 JR386 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1078

*LATE WINCHESTER MODEL 94 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 1085765. Cal. 25-35, Standard grade rifle with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, ivory bead combination front sight, slot blank in rear seat & a locking Lyman combination tang sight. Mounted with very nicely figured, uncheckered American walnut with straight stock & crescent butt plate. It appears that this rifle was produced in about 1932, just near the end of rifle production. These rifles are reasonably scarce especially in orig configuration with orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 98-99% crisp, orig factory blue; forend cap retains about 99% orig blue; receiver, lever & buttplate retain 10-15% orig blue with the balance having flaked, not worn, to a dark patina and shows light sharp edge ware; wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches, a little heavier on the forearm, with the butt stock retaining about 95% orig varnish and the forearm about 92%; mechanics are crisp; very bright shiny bore. 4-50649 JR376 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1079

*PRE-WWII WINCHESTER MODEL 94 SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 820414. Cal. 32-40. Standard grade carbine with 20″ bbl, full magazine, square base front sight & 2000 yard carbine ladder rear sight. Left side of receiver has a stud & ring. Mounted with nicely figured gum wood stock & forearm with straight grip & carbine buttplate. Gum wood is one of Colt’s experiments with wood other than walnut. Although there were quite a number of carbines produced with gum wood stock & forearm it apparently was not enthusiastically received by the buying public and ultimately discontinued. Gum wood is somewhat more soft and lighter than walnut and therefore much more easily damaged. Those arms fitted with gum wood are usually found with only fair condition wood. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain 97-98% strong orig blue with a couple small spots of surface rust; receiver retains 50-60% orig blue with the loss areas flaked, not worn, to a medium/dark patina; right side of receiver has two to three small scratches and shows very fine sharp edge wear; wood is sound with a few small nicks & dings and retains a dark walnut stained finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore; appears to be new & unfired. Bolt face retains virtually all of its orig factory blue and loading gate about all of its orig fire blue. 4-50522 JR318 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1080

EARLY 1ST YEAR WINCHESTER MODEL 1894 SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 4666. Cal. 32-40. Standard grade carbine with 20″ bbl, full magazine, German silver front sight on a square base & 900 yard carbine ladder rear sight. Left side of receiver has a stud & ring. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock & carbine buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this carbine in cal. 32-40, received in warehouse Aug. 27, 1895 and shipped March 14, 1896 to order number 7533. The Model 1894 was Winchester’s fist model made especially for smokeless powder cartridges. It was introduced in calibers 32-40 & 38-55 only with other calibers following in 1895 and later. The Model ’94 became the single most popular lever action firearm in history with several million produced by the end of the 20th century. There are claims that the Model ’94 has killed more game than all other center fire rifles combined. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Good. Traces of orig finish remain in the most sheltered areas with the metal overall being a smooth plummy patina with an area of light rust on the bbl over the address area; wood is sound with nicks, dings & scratches; buttstock retains most of a fine old restored finish; forearm is a dark hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore. 4-50743 JR316 (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1081

*POST-WAR WINCHESTER MODEL ’94 CARBINE THAT BELONGED TO TEXAS RANGER GENE GRAVES.

SN 1309231. Cal. 30 WCF (30-30). Standard carbine with 20″ bbl, full magazine, ramp front sight with hood and semi-buckhorn rifle rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered, slab-sawed American walnut with long wood forearm and straight stock that has serrated steel buttplate. Accompanied by a 4″ x 2″ manila string tag with hand written notation “MODEL 94 WIN. / PRE-WAR II CARBINE / “GENE GRAVES” / CAL. 30 W.C.F. / MFG. DATE.-1941″. Also accompanied by a small string tag, marked on one side “DPS 25593 / ISSUED / 1954” and on the other side “TEXAS / RANGER / WITH / BLUE CARD”. Overwritten in ink is “MFG 1941”. Both tags are very old and yellowed with wrinkles & creases. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains 95-96% strong orig blue with a few light scratches and sharp edge wear. Wood is sound with a long scratch on the buttstock, a few light nicks & bruises with a larger bruise on forearm and overall retains most of its orig factory finish. Mechanics are fine, brilliant shiny bore. 4-50667 JR491 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1082

*PRE-WWII WINCHESTER MODEL 94 SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 947568. Cal. 32 WS. Standard grade carbine with 20″ bbl, full magazine, ivory bead front sight & 2000 yard carbine ladder rear sight. Left side of receiver has a stud & ring. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock & carbine buttplate. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 98-99% strong orig blue; receiver retains 93-95% dull orig finish from flaked blue; lever & hammer retain about 60% orig blue; wood has a few nicks & scratches, is sound and retains most of its orig finish. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore with a little roughness in the grooves. 4-50594 JR317 (1,000-2,000) – Lot 1083

*WINCHESTER MODEL 1895 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 26620. Cal. 40-72. Standard grade rifle with 26″ oct bbl, half nickel front sight with screw and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered, nicely figured, slab sawed American walnut with black insert, schnable tip forearm and straight stock with crescent buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in cal. 40-72 with oct bbl and plain trigger, received in warehouse May 19, 1900 and shipped Mar. 2, 1903 to order number 179426. This rifle is chambered for a cartridge that was very popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s as a hunting cartridge, especially for big game such as elk, moose and bear. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good. Bbl retains 96-98% strong orig blue with faint sharp edge wear and a couple tiny nicks; receiver retains 88-90% orig blue, strong in sheltered areas showing light wear elsewhere; wood is sound with light handling and use nicks & scratches with the buttstock retaining about 95% orig varnish and the forearm mostly a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine; very bright shiny bore. 4-50680 JR387 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1084

SCARCE MARTIALLY MARKED 1ST MODEL HOTCHKISS SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 303. Cal. 45-50. Standard carbine with 24″ rnd bbl, rectangular base blade front sight and 1400 yd carbine ladder rear sight. Bbl has the usual “VP” & Eagle proofs with a tiny “U.S.” over the chamber area. Left top side of receiver has the usual markings. Mounted in a 1-pc, nicely figured, uncheckered American walnut stock with single band & nickeled brass forend cap with recesses for two pieces of a cleaning rod which are not present. Left side of stock has a stud & ring and a crisp “ESA” (Erskine S. Allin) cartouche over the date “1878”. Trigger guard is 1-pc and it has a musket style buttplate without trap. Right side of the stock has the rotating cutoff/safety. Accompanied by Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this Hotchkiss as a “musket”, U.S., received in warehouse May 24, 1879 and shipped same day to order #14221. The letter actually states that it was shipped May 24, 1897 which is obviously a dyslectic mistake by the typist, which was verified by phone. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were about 6,419 1st model Hotchkiss arms produced in three styles, sporting rifle, musket and carbine. The first model had the lowest production of all the Hotchkiss arms and are rarely found with high original finish as they were all issued and used by the Cavalry during the Indian Wars period. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Appears to be new and unfired. Overall retains virtually all of its spectacular orig factory finish with bright blue and crisp new wood. Bolt body and interior action remain bright metal and the forend cap retains virtually all of its orig nickel. Buttplate retains virtually all of its brilliant orig blue. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant shiny bore, appears to be unfired. This is likely the finest 1st Model Hotchkiss carbine extant. 4-50533 JR42 (10,000-20,000) – Lot 1085

SCARCE WINCHESTER MODEL 1885 LOW WALL SINGLE SHOT RIFLE.

SN 74910. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade rifle with 28″ tapered oct #1 weight bbl, Rocky Mtn front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Receiver is color cased hardened. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with black insert, schnable tip forearm and straight stock with crescent buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in “44 W caliber”, 28″ oct #1 bbl and plain trigger. Received in warehouse Nov 9, 1898 and shipped May 12, 1899 to order #27934. While low wall rifles are not uncommon, finding one in .44 cal is quite scarce, especially one with high orig finish. These small, light rifles were simply hunting rifles and usually saw continuous hard service, frequently with little maintenance. Exposure to the ultra violet rays of sunshine also rapidly fades the case colors. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine plus. Bbl retains about 95% strong orig blue with a few spots of pitting toward the muzzle and very light sharp edge wear. Receiver retains most of its orig case colors, strong and bright on the sides and top, more faded on the tang and bottom & overall retains 75-80% orig factory lacquer. Breech block also retains bright case colors. Lever & hammer retain dark case colors and the buttplate, faded case colors. Wood is sound with light nicks & scratches and 2 small circles on the buttstock and overall the buttstock retains about 98% orig finish. Forearm has numerous light nicks & scratches and retains about 90% orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore with a few scattered spots of pitting. 4-50630 JR44 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1086

WINCHESTER MODEL 98 SALUTE CANNON WITH AMMUNITION.

SN 20590. Cal. 10 ga. Blank. 12″ Blued steel bbl is in Japanned cast iron carriage. Bbl is marked “Not for Ball”, with Winchester information, and SN “20590”. Sides of carriage are embossed “W. R. A. Co.” “TRADEMARK” “MADE IN U.S.A.”. Cannon comes with two full boxes of Winchester black powder blanks. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Excellent. Bbl retains 90% blue with light freckling overall. Carriage retains nearly all of its orig black Japanned finish. 4-50785 MGM154 (1,500-2,000) – Lot 1087

RARE WINCHESTER ADVERTISING 5-PANEL SETS, 10 PANELS IN ALL.

Rare double sided Winchester advertising panels that came from the company in 5-panel sets. These panels are all very nicely framed with one side visible, suitable for gun room display. They measure about 41″ x 20″ vertical images all in nice glass fronted wood frames with archive sealed back sides. Eight of the 10 panels exhibit Winchester rifles including the Models 90, 94, 02, 03, 04, 06, self loading rifles and 95. The other two panels show various rifle cartridges and are framed in barn wood. All 10 panels are on a gray/green background with large red “WINCHESTER” at the top with black lettering and a color image of the various rifles and cartridges. One set is from the August 3-9, 1922 series which has 3-panels with the Model 94, 95 & self loading rifles with cartridge panels on each end as pictured on pg. 129 of the book Winchester Rarities, Webster. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Images are all fine with a few spots of minor foxing and some minor water staining on two of the 22 rifle panels. Frames are all generally fine. A rare opportunity that seldom comes along. 4-50783 JR503 (5,000-7,000) – Lot 1088

IMPORTANT WINCHESTER MODEL 1897 DOUBLE-W CARTRIDGE BOARD IN ORIGINAL FRAME.

SN 905. Very Fine cartridge board with history to a Muskogee, Oklahoma hardware store. Overall dimensions are 57-1/4″ x 40″ with 49″ x 32″ exposed image. Board has 182 cartridges, shot shells & bullets and ten glass top primer & cap tins. Center image is by famous artist A.B. Frost depicting two North Woods hunters and their dead bear with one hunter standing and the other sitting on a log with both their rifles leaning on the log. Left center of the board has the image of a flying mallard drake and right center a bull moose head. This board was discovered in the mid-1960s in a hardware store in Muskogee, Oklahoma and purchased by Johnnie Smith of Fort Smith, Arkansas in about 1965. He sold it to Mr. Rholes in about 1990. Accompanied by a hand-written letter from Mr. Smith to Mr. Rholes detailing this information. Paper backing has a black & white label exhorting the owner to display it in a prominent spot. Paper backing also has SN 905. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. This cartridge board hung in Tommy’s office for many years and was a personal and family favorite. CONDITION: Very fine. Board is completely intact with all orig cartridges present and only one having been reattached; all the ammunition is lightly oxidized but fine; bullets show no white oxidation; paper patches are dark brownish color; images are lightly faded but very sharp with the red lettering still clean & sharp, only moderately faded, with light soil and fly specks. Frame is fine with some of the gold jesso lining lightly faded. Orig paper backing is dark brown but completely intact as is the label. 4-50778 JR494 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1089

DESIRABLE LOT OF MISCELLANEOUS WINCHESTER PARTS, SIGHTS & SCREWS.

Small cabinet contains large number of miscellaneous Winchester tang screws; 4-1/2 sets deluxe swivels for late lever action & bolt action rifles; three deluxe swivel bases; 1-1/2 set orig sling hooks; large numbers of misc. screws and plug screws; several 92, 94 and other firing pins; a 73 bolt, 73 timing springs, a case colored hammer; checkered steel buttplate; a late plastic buttplate, saddle ring staples, studs & rings; Winchester forearm escutcheons and a few parts for Model 1890 and a pre-war M-70 safety, also includes several of modern sling swivels & studs; ’73 parts consist of a lever, carrier, carrier arm, lever lock, hammer stirrup, a 3rd type dust cover with catch and a trapper carbine forearm. Small compartmented plastic parts box with bbl bands, 2 hammers, 4 forend caps, loading gates, a fixed style tang sight, 2 magazine followers, 2 magazine plugs, a set of sling hooks, and a variety of screws. Also accompanying are 3 1886 magazine tubes with 1 spring, 2 small bore takedown tubes, probably for Model 1892s, 6 other magazine tubes of various diameters that appear to be for 1892s and a 22 cal. magazine tube with 2 bands. In addition there is a carbine butt stock with buttplate that is extremely fine and a rifle buttstock with crescent buttplate that is fine. There is also a matching carbine forearm and bbl band and 8-3/8″ rifle forearm for short rifle and a 7-3/4″ rifle forearm, along with 4 magazine springs. In addition there are 8 sections of Winchester style cleaning rod, 4 of which appear to be reproduction. Additionally, approx. 30 rifle & carbine rear sights & tang sights, front sights, elevators and tang sight apertures. As follows is a nearly complete list. 1) Two 1886 Lyman combination tang sights; 2) Another 1886 Lyman tang sight with sight disk; 3) Four 1892/94 locking Lyman combination tang sights; 4) Five orig 1873/76 short semi-buckhorn rear sights with checkered edges; 5) One 900 yd Henry ladder rear sight; 6) One orig & one reproduction 1876 marked ladder rear sights; 7) One 3-leaf platinum line carbine rear sight; 8) Three 1873 marked carbine ladder rear sights; 9) Three 2,000 yd carbine ladder rear sights; 10) Five misc. open rear sights; 11) One Model ’03 rear sight; 12) About twelve misc. front sights, including one ivory bead hunting front sight and several German silver Rocky Mountain front sights and a large number of front sight bases and parts; 13) About 20 elevators; 14) Five front sight hoods; 15) About fifteen tang sight apertures; 16) About six slot blanks; 17) Three sets of Lyman 17A front sight inserts in orig cans; 18) Two globe front sights; 19) Several tang sight screw sets; 20) Other reproduction sights & parts. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Parts and sights are generally fine. Some of the older screws are slightly damaged. Forearm is worn and oil stained. Additional stocks and forearms appear to be fine. 4-50790, 50790-2 JR482 (4,000-7,000) – Lot 1090

LATE FULL 2-PC BOX OF WINCHESTER 44 RIMFIRE HENRY CARTRIDGES.

1920s-30s 2-pc box of 44 flat RF Henry cartridges with medium green label and a picture of a cartridge with grease groove on the lid. It is referred to as a “full wrap” box with orange wraparound end labels and a large red “W”. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good. One end label is still sealed. Labels show light wear and light soil being mostly intact. Box is solid except for a small break in the top edge of one end. Ammunition is fine. 4-50788 JR473 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1091

LOT OF NINE BOXES OF FRANKFORD ARSENAL CAL 45 REVOLVER CARTRIDGES.

Great lot of orig military issue Colt Single Action Army revolver cartridges; including eight full boxes and one partial with seven different dates of manufacture. Dates are 1 box 1873; 2 boxes 1874; one box 1875; one box 1877; one full box and one partial box 1878; one box 1880 and one box 1884. Obviously the box dated 1873 is the first year for the Colt Single Action Army and one of the most rare. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: All full boxes are extremely fine with most wrapped in plastic and still sealed. The partial box is missing the entire top and contains two orig inside primed copper case cartridges. 4-50786 JR477 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1092

LOT OF EIGHT BOXES HANDGUN AMMUNITION BY WINCHESTER AND OTHERS.

1). Full box Winchester 38 WCF similar to a box of 44 WCF pictured on p. 66 of One Hundred Years of Winchester Cartridge Boxes, 1856-1956, Giles & Shuey. Label is nearly identical, but with a 38 WCF cartridge line drawing, without headstamp. Box has a red band marked on one end “38 CAL. / WINCHESTER C.F.”. 2). Two boxes of Winchester 44 WCF, 3rd type boxes with line drawing of headstamped cartridge on the green & black label with kraft color band that has the line drawing of a Winchester Model 1873 Saddle Ring carbine. One box has a slightly darker label than the other and the band is reversed on the one with darker label. 3). Full box Winchester 44 RF Short cartridges. Box has green label with line drawing of cartridge with graphics in an arch at the top and the Oct. 24,1871 patent date. Center of label is marked “SHORT / FOR PISTOLS”. Box has an orange band printed on both sides and one end “44 SHORT. R.F.” 4). Two 2-pc boxes Remington UMC 45 S&W Schofield ammunition. Boxes have blue labels with black lettering and the red Remington/UMC trademark dot. Both boxes are marked on the ends “BLACK POWDER”. 5). One full box UMC 44 WCF ammunition. Box has medium green & black label with matching color band and is still partially sealed. Box has rnd corners with the line drawing of cartridge on top. 6). Full 2-pc box of western 44 WCF ammunition. Box has a medium green label with black printing and the “western” trademark red & white diamond in the center. It has a full red band with black printing and is still mostly sealed. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: 1. Box is open but full and wrapped in plastic, so ammunition was not examined. Label shows several areas of wear with light soil. Red band is missing about 3″ on one side. 2). One box is sealed showing moderate wear with light soil. The open box has one sealed end showing very little wear and light soil with some light foxing. Both boxes are sealed in plastic, so ammunition was not examined. 3). Fair to good. Label shows considerable wear but is still completely legible. One side of the band is intact with orange band missing only a few small chips. Box appears to have one broken corner in the lid. Sealed in plastic, so ammunition was not examined. 4). Both boxes are open, one with scotch tape around the band which is also missing about 40% of the band. Top label of that box shows two cleaned areas with heavy soil. Lid has three repaired corners.Ammunition is fine. The other box is wrapped in plastic showing only a little wear with moderate soil and missing about 1″ of its band. Ammunition was not examined. 5). About good. Label is completely intact showing light fading. Band is open on one side and one end. Ammunition was not examined. 6). Very good. Label shows very light wear with moderate soil. Band has bug damage around the bottom edges on both ends and one side, not affecting the printing. Sealed in plastic, so ammunition was not examined. 4-50787 JR478 (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1093

LOT OF ABOUT 32 TWO PIECE BOXES OF MOSTLY WINCHESTER RIFLE AMMUNITION.

1). Six boxes of 50-110 Express cartridges: Five boxes are by Winchester, one with orange label, one rare box with blue label, a very scarce rnd corner box with armored primers, a scarce box of factory shot cartridges with orange label and tiny red & white overlabel “chilled shot”, another rnd corner box of virgin primed brass and a UMC box containing eleven rounds of 50-115 Bullard with unmarked heads & nine rounds of UMC 50-110 H.V. 2). Seven boxes mostly Winchester 2-pc boxes of 1886 ammunition: Two orange label boxes of 33 cal, one square corner box 45-90 with red side label, one rnd corner box UMC 45-90 with pale green label and rnd seal on the back, one rnd corner box Winchester 45-85, one rnd corner box Winchester 40-82 and one square corner blue label box 45-70. 3). Six boxes mostly Winchester 2-pc boxes 1876 ammunition: Three Winchester boxes 45-75, two square corner and one rnd corner, one Winchester rnd corner box 40-60, one UMC box 40-60 and one square corner UMC box marked on the side label, on the line drawing of the cartridge “.50-95 COLT’S / NEW LIGHTNING MAGAZINE / EXPRESS”. 4). Four orange label, one purple label & one green label 2-pc boxes Winchester ammunition for Model 1895 Winchesters: One 40-72, one 405, one 35 Winchester, one 30 Gov’t 06 and a green label box of nineteen rounds 30-40. Purple label box of 30-40 appears to be sealed. 5). Five 2-pc Winchester boxes of ammunition for Model 1894 rifles: Two orange label boxes, one for 25-35 and the other for 30-30, one red label rnd corner box for 30-30 and one green label square corner box for 32-40. 6). Three 2-pc 50-rd boxes ammunition for 1892 rifles: (A) Green label square corner box of 32-20 by Winchester. (B) Square corner box western 25-20 86gr, green label, yellow band. (C) Remington UMC rnd corner box 25-20 kraft colored box, label and band. Box mostly sealed. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: 1). Boxes are generally good showing light wear & tear with light to moderate soil. Blue label and shot cartridge boxes are extremely fine. 2). Boxes are fair to very fine, a couple with tape. Ammunition is all fine. 3). Boxes are generally good to fine with a couple of blown corners, moderate fading and light to moderate soil. The box of 50-95 shows a bright label with edge wear and one blown corner in the lid. All 6 boxes are sealed in plastic, so ammunition was not examined. 4). The four orange label boxes are fine, none sealed, the 405 box heavily faded. Green label box heavily faded and soiled. Orange label boxes are wrapped in plastic, so ammunition was not examined. 30-40 box has a small tear on one bottom end moderately to heavily faded with light soil. Purple label box appears to be very fine with yellowing to the box body and light to moderate soil. 5). 25-35 box appears to be sealed, lightly faded on top label. 30-30 box open with one blown corner in the lid showing moderate fading and heavy soil, fine ammunition, red label box is open but fine, green label box has moderately faded top label with yellowed box body and light foxing. Three boxes sealed in plastic, so ammunition was not examined. 6). (A) Top label lightly faded with moderate soil. One end of band on bottom missing. Ammo fine. (B) Label lightly faded, one corner and both ends of lid repaired, yellow label fine, ammunition fine. (C) Box moderately soiled with bug damage on one corner. 4-50789 JR479 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1094

EXTREMELY RARE FULL BOX OF NEW HAVEN ARMS “MILITARY” 44 RIMFIRE HENRY CARTRIDGES.

This box was produced during the Civil War Era, 1863-1865, and very few survive intact today with orig ammunition. This box is the type referred to as a “military” box with “wide 4s”. Box is 2-pc style made from kraft colored cardboard with medium green label and black printing with fancy border. This box is also known as the 2nd variation military box. PROVENANCE: Ray T. Giles Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Label is complete showing light wear in a few areas where it apparently was in a lower level in the orig case and rubbed against the bottom of the box above. Box is completely sound with light water staining around the bottom and light soil. An extremely rare and hard to find orig box. Box is sealed in plastic so cartridges were not examined. Cartridges are all correct and orig “Raised H in circle” headstamp, short case, flat bullet. 4-51035 JR461 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1095

RARE FULL 2-PC BOX OF 44 RF HENRY CARTRIDGES WITH BOX MARKED FOR THE MODEL 1866.

Very rare box with pea green label and black lettering with line drawing of a 44 Rimfire cartridge with grease groove, overstamped “44 FLAT”. Top of the label has arched graphics with October 31, 1871 patent date. Center of the label is printed in very large lettering “WINCHESTER RIFLE MODEL 1866”. Box has a matching pea green band with black lettering, marked on each end “.44 FLAT R.F.”. According to One Hundred Years of Winchester Cartridge Boxed 1856-1956, Giles & Shuey, this is the only known label specifically directed to the Model 1866. According the referenced publication this box was produced 1898-1905. PROVENANCE: Ray T. Giles Collection. CONDITION: Good to very good. Label has a couple of small chips and a few light wear spots which do not overly affect the graphics. Band shows light water staining with fading on one end and missing about 2″ on one side. Label & band are lightly to moderately faded with moderate soil. Box is sealed in plastic and cartridges were not examined but are guaranteed to be correct & orig. 4-51036 JR460 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1096

Revised: 2/27/2014

Please Note: Catalog states “Factory sealed in plastic wrap”. It should say “Factory sealed and in plastic wrap”.

FULL SEALED BOX OF UMC 44 RUSSIAN CARTRIDGES.

Orig 2-pc box that has light blue label with black lettering and the line drawing of a Smith & Wesson, 1st Model, Russian Single Action Revolver. Box is covered with plaid paper and an orange band. PROVENANCE: Ray T. Giles Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Top label is lightly faded but completely intact with 3 or 4 small spots of wear, not affecting the image or writing. Band has a couple small breaks but is intact and box is factory sealed in plastic wrap. 4-51037 JR458 (4,000-7,000) – Lot 1097

RARE FULL 2ND TYPE WINCHESTER BOX OF 44 WCF CARTRIDGES.

Extremely rare 2-pc box with 2nd type label. There are only 2 or 3 first type boxes known making this type box the earliest available to collectors. This orig 2-pc box is constructed from kraft colored cardboard, with medium green top label that has the line drawing of the earliest style 44 WCF cartridges with exposed grease groove on the bullet and no headstamp. Drawing is overstamped “MODEL / WINCHESTER / 1873”. Label wraps over one end and is marked “44 / WINCHESTER MODEL, 1873. / CENTRAL FIRE”. These boxes were produced in the period 1876-1877 and very few survive today in any condition, let alone undamaged. PROVENANCE: Ray T. Giles Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Box is completely intact. Label is also extremely fine with strong bright green and crisp black lettering with a few wear spots just as it would have come out of the case from the factory. End label is completely intact with one small ding in the top edge. Paper wrapping on the box is slightly yellowed. Box is sealed in plastic, so cartridges were not examined but are guaranteed to be correct & orig. 4-51038 JR459 (4,000-7,000) – Lot 1098

SCARCE FULL SEALED BOX OF 45 COLT CARTRIDGES BY WINCHESTER.

Two piece 1920s box of 45 Colt cartridges with bright green top label with black lettering and full wrap orange end labels with black lettering and a large red “W” on each end. Box is Kraft colored cardboard with half moon cuts on each side. This was the last of the 2-pc boxes produced by Winchester and remained in production until about 1940. Top label reads “For Colt Double Action and Single Action Army and New Service Arms”. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Top label shows a couple of small spots of light soil also with some extremely minor, light wear. Orange wrap-around labels are very lightly faded but completely intact with very light wear on the bottom with light soil. Box is lightly yellowed. Undoubtedly this box was removed from a case of these cartridges in recent years. 4-50314 JR323 (3,000-4,000) – Lot 1099

RARE NEW HAVEN ARMS NO. 1 POCKET MODEL TARGET VOLCANIC LEVER ACTION PISTOL.

SN 1661. Cal. 31. Blue & silver finish with rare 6-3/8″ oct bbl that has integral magazine and pinched post front sight, with fixed rear sight in the top flat of the frame. Top flat of bbl has the New Haven address and Feb. 14, 1854 patent date Frame is silver plated gun metal (bronze) with typical sparse factory engraving consisting of shaded foliate arabesque patterns which extend over the top of the frame, around the hammer slot and down the back strap. Mounted with 2-pc smooth walnut grips matching numbered to this pistol. SN is on the left side of the butt strap and inside each grip. No additional disassembly was effected to check for other matching numbers. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms There were only about 225 No. 1 pistols produced with 6″ bbl. Of these 225 guns produced in this barrel length, few could have survived in such high condition. Our company has sold several of the finest Volcanic collections in past ten years and only had two examples in 6”(SN 502, 553), and neither close to this condition. While these pistols are occasionally encountered they are rarely ever found plated & engraved with any appreciable amount of orig finish. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl & magazine retain 75-80% glossy orig blue with light surface rust; receiver, sideplates, front & back straps retain 88-90% strong orig silver with sharp, clean edges; hammer retains dark case colors and the lever 50-60% orig blue turning brown. Grips show light edge wear with some minor dings on the bottom edges and overall retain about 97-98% crisp orig varnish. Mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with pitting in the grooves. An exceptionally rare, high condition Volcanic. 8-76377 JR167 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 1100

RARE VOLCANIC ARMS NAVY SIZE LEVER ACTION PISTOL.

SN 1740. Cal. 41. Usual configuration with 8″ oct bbl that has integral magazine with full ribs and German silver pin front sight. Fixed rear sight is in the dovetail on top flat of frame. Mounted with smooth 2-pc walnut grips matching numbered to this pistol. Top flat of bbl has the 3-line Volcanic Arms company name and New Haven address. The silver plated gun metal (bronze) frame and side plates are factory engraved in standard patterns which consist of light foliate arabesque scrolls with foliate patterns on the top three flats and down the backstrap, all without shaded background. Serial number is found on the right side of butt strap, under the grip, inside each grip and right side of lever. No additional disassembly was effected to check for additional matching numbers. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms, there were only about 1,500 of these pistols produced during the period 1855-1857. Although these pistols had a short production life their place in history is well documented as being one of the close predecessors of the venerable Henry Model 1860 lever action rifle which ultimately evolved into the Winchester dynasty. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl & magazine retain 50-60% orig blue mixed with flaked medium patina and some fine pinprick pitting on the loading sleeve; frame & side plates retain 15-20% thin silver plating with the exposed gun metal a dark mustard patina; frame & side plates show sharp edges with very little wear; right grip has a hairline near the toe, otherwise grips are sound with nicks & scratches, a couple small gouges on the left side and retain about 90% orig varnish. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore with 3 or 4 small spots of pitting. 4-50322 JR326 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1101

VERY RARE SMITH & WESSON NO.1 LEVER ACTION PISTOL.

SN 248. Cal. 31. All steel pistol with 4-1/8″ oct to rnd bbl that has integral magazine and full ribs with tiny pin front sight and pinched post, v-notch rear sight on top flat of frame. Mounted with bag-shaped smooth rosewood grips that are matching numbered to this pistol. Top flat of bbl has the Smith & Wesson, Norwich, CT. address with Feb. 14, 1854 patent date on the left side flat and “CAST-STEEL” on right side flat. Frame and side plates are nicely engraved in typical volcanic patterns consisting of foliate arabesque scrolls without background shading. Top side flats and top of receiver ring are nicely engraved in foliate pattern with a flower blossom and leaf patterns on the backstrap. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were about 1,200 of these scarce pistols produced 1854-1855. Very few survive today and of those extremely few are completely orig with any orig finish. CONDITION: Good, all matching including grips. Bbl & magazine retain about 50% orig brown finish showing sharp edge wear; frame, side plates and grip frame show a gray metal patina; grips are sound with a couple of light mars and retain most of their orig varnish. Mechanics are fine, lever is a little loose; strong frosty bore. 4-50323 JR327 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1102

EXTREMELY RARE FULL NICKEL ENGRAVED HENRY MODEL 1860 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 9389. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Usual configuration with 24-1/4″ oct bbl with integral magazine, late style square back German silver front sight and late style 900 yard Henry ladder rear sight. Mounted with very unusual deluxe, uncheckered American walnut buttstock with straight grip and late style crescent buttplate with sharp heel and trap that contains a 4-pc brass & iron cleaning rod. SN was observed in the usual places, on top flat of bbl between receiver & rear sight, on left side of lower tang under the wood, inside top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. The rnd portion of the bbl, under the loading sleeve is marked with assembly number “91”. The matching assembly number is also found on rear face of loading sleeve. Receiver is engraved by Samuel Hoggson with a bird dog on point on left side surrounded by very well-executed foliate arabesque patterns and a dbl border. Right side of receiver is engraved with a large panel of intertwined foliate arabesque patterns which are also on the top three flats of the receiver, around rear edge and on top tang. Buttplate tang is engraved to match. Left side of buttstock & left side of bbl are mounted with factory installed sling swivels. This rifle, identified by SN, is pictured full length, both sides, on pp. 174 & 175, and closeup photos of left side on pp. 149 & 176 with credit to the Norm Vegely Collection in the book The Henry Rifle, Quick. Mr. Quick, in the referenced publication, states that plated & engraved rifles were common in the early production of this model but as the Civil War progressed “the manufacture of specially embellished and plated rifles declined. At the peak of production, during the Civil War, it has been reported that the company discouraged the placing of such special-feature orders.” A copy of the referenced book accompanies this rifle. This rifle would have been produced in about 1865, probably just around the end of the Civil War. It seems likely that it would have been ordered by someone of importance or as a presentation for a high ranking military officer or civilian official. Regardless, it is a most rare & unusual Henry rifle with deluxe wood. CONDITION: Very fine plus, all matching. Overall retains about 90% strong orig nickel with some light wear on the carry point on the bottom of the magazine and edges of the receiver. The loading sleeve shows areas of flaking to bare metal which has turned to a dark patina. Stock has a repaired chip at the top left side of the tang, at the receiver, otherwise wood is sound with light nicks & scratches and a series of tiny gouges & scratches by the left heel and retains a wonderful hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with scattered pitting turning dark in the grooves. 4-50317 (75,000-125,000) – Lot 1104

HENRY MODEL 1860 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 9662. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Standard Henry rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl with integral magazine, replacement brass front sight and a replacement 900-yd Henry style ladder rear sight. Top flat of bbl has a large Henry’s patent 2-line address and serial number in the usual place, back of the rear sight. Matching serial number is also found on left side of lower tang under the wood, inside top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Round section of bbl, under loading sleeve, is marked with a nearly microscopic, spurious assembly number “2973” versus usual sized font and there is no corresponding assembly number on rear face of loading sleeve. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent brass buttplate with trap. Buttplate is late style with pointed heel. Left side of buttstock & bbl have sling swivels with a recognizable “Henry bump” below the buttstock swivel. Side plates appear to be replacements or at least repaired as the left side plate has numerous welding or forging blow holes around the bottom edge. Lever & magazine follower are replacements. Lever is probably from an 1873 rifle and is too short to engage the lever latch. Round part of the bbl, under the loading sleeve has been cleaned bright which apparently obliterated the assembly numbers. There is a ring in the bore, near the muzzle which likely caused a bulge which seized the sleeve, preventing it from rotating. Loading sleeve and sight sleeve may be old, period of replacements. Tang screws and buttplate screws have been cleaned but appear to be orig type Henry screws. CONDITION: Fair. No orig finish remains with the bbl and magazine tube being a mottled gray/brown patina; receiver & side plates show heavy wear with rounded edges and the aforementioned blow holes in the left side plate with heavy scratches in the right side plate and overall retains a dark mustard patina; stock has two hairlines back of top tang, otherwise the wood is sound with nicks, dings and scratches and retains most of a very old refinish. Mechanics are a little loose but functional; strong, frosty bore with the aforementioned ring near the muzzle. 4-51008 (7,500-12,500) – Lot 1105

EXTRAORDINARY REPRODUCTION MODEL 1860 HENRY LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 2112. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Usual configuration with 24-1/4″ oct bbl that has integral magazine, slightly modified early style German silver front sight blade and 900 yd Henry-style ladder rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered American walnut buttstock that has straight grip and 1st type brass buttplate with rnd heel & large trap; serial number is found on the top barrel flat between the rear sight & receiver, left side of lower tang under the wood, top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Rnd portion of bbl, under loading sleeve is marked with the assembly number “2032” with matching number on rear face of loading sleeve. All three tang screws and both buttplate screws are matching numbered to the rifle. Buttplate screws are bevel head type. Rifle has several early features including small bbl address, sharp radius on top rear of receiver, slight perch belly stock and rnd heel buttplate. This rifle appears to be the product of the late Ron Kudrick of Reno, Nevada, who was known to have expertly produced many Henry rifles in the recent past that have consistently fooled the unwary. This rifle is so expertly made that it would deceive most collectors. PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. Douglas Sirkin. CONDITION: Very good to fine, all matching incl screws. Bbl & magazine tube retain a mottled brown patina and may have been orig brown finish; receiver & side plates retain sharp edges with tight metal to metal fit, and appears to have been polished a very long time ago and now retains a dark brass patina; buttplate is a matching patina. Buttstock is sound and retains an old refinish. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore. 4-49738 JR36 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1106

FINE & RARE ENGRAVED WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 SADDLE RING CARBINE WITH IVORY STOCK & FOREARM.

SN 44316. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Usual configuration with 20″ bbl, full magazine, integral front band/front sight and 2-position flip rear sight graduated 100-300-500 yards. Mounted with uncheckered solid ivory with carbine forearm and straight stock with crescent buttplate that has a trap. Inside toe of buttplate has last four digits of matching SN. Receiver & buttplate are silver finished and engraved in very distinctive L.D. Nimschke style with very large panel on left sideplate depicting an Indian on horseback wearing full headdress escaping with a woman in a long dress across his saddle. In the background is a man standing in front of a log cabin firing a gun toward the escaping Indian. Background has a large fir tree and various other forms of vegetation all surrounded by flowing, intertwined foliate arabesque scrolls with pearled background. Left rear side of the frame is engraved with a narrow ribbon. Raised area forward of the sideplate is engraved in distinctive wheat chaff patterns with an elliptical shape in the center. Right side is engraved identically but with an empty panel in the center. Both front side flats have identical empty ribbons surrounded by foliate arabesque patterns. Top of the receiver is engraved with a large flower blossom and various other patterns with distinctive matching patterns on the top & bottom tangs. Bottom of the carrier is engraved in Mr. Nimschke’s distinctive 4-petal flower blossom inside a sweeping diamond shape with spider web patterns at each corner. The area between the timing screws is engraved in reverse images of foliate arabesque patterns with a rectangular panel between the screws stamped “L.D.N”. The “N” has been dbl struck. Most unusually the bbl bands are engraved on each side. These exact patterns on both sides of the receiver, the area between the timing screws, top of the receiver back of the ejection port, top & bottom tangs and the flower blossom atop the receiver are all pictured on p. 57 of L.D. Nimschke Firearms Engraver, Wilson. These depictions in the book are reproductions of Mr. Nimschke’s smoke pulls as compiled from the Nimschke archives by Mr. Wilson. Mr. Nimschke’s notation in the right side smoke pull is “Septbr. 1869” with another indecipherable notation. this carbine appears to have been produced in 1870. An extremely rare and extraordinary find. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain a smooth blue/brown patina with some mottling on the bbl toward the muzzle; receiver & sideplates retain 30-40% orig silver finish with traces of silver down in the engraving; hammer retains strong, bright case colors; lever is a gray patina. Stock has a couple of age lines parallel with the stock recess with a couple of others in the forearm, otherwise ivory is completely sound showing very little wear and overall retains a fine, mellow ivory patina. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with moderate pitting. 4-51483 JR172 (60,000-80,000) – Lot 1107

VERY RARE ENGRAVED WINCHESTER EARLY 3RD MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 36463. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Beautiful, special order ’66 with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, thinned half nickel front sight and 900 yd reproduction Henry ladder rear sight. Mounted with about 2X, flame grain, uncheckered, tiger striped American walnut buttstock with burl grain forearm and straight stock, that has crescent brass buttplate with trap. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with numbers “34”, a “B” and “XX”. Last four digits of matching serial number are found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Buttplate also has matching #”34″ inside the toe. Receiver, forend cap & buttplate tang are spectacularly engraved by an unknown artist from the period of this rifle. Engraving is of the highest quality with a few similarities to some patterns incorporated in engravings by John Ulrich, but only a few. Whoever the artist happened to be, was very talented and equal to, or superior to, the masters of his day in the 19th century. There is a possibility that this rifle could have been engraved by Gustave Young, as there are some similarities to his work. A diligent search, under magnification did not disclose a signature. Engraving consists of nearly full coverage intertwined foliate arabesque patterns with open counterpoint panels and a rope style border on top & bottom edges on both sides reminiscent of Gustave Young. Left side has a very elaborate flower blossom and leaf patterns just above the lever screw. Front side panels are identically engraved with open counterpoint panels that have a small flower blossom in the center and foliate patterns at each corner. The area below the loading gate on the right side has a very unusual spiral pattern. Matching patterns extend over the top of the receiver and top tang with elaborate foliate sprays on the receiver ring and behind the hammer slot. Bottom of the carrier is engraved in Moorish patterns. Forend cap, possibly an old replacement is engraved by a different hand. Buttplate tang is engraved by the same hand as the receiver. Regardless of the forend cap, this is an extraordinary example of the engraver’s art. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain blue in sheltered areas being an overall chocolate brown patina showing light edge wear, a few small nicks and three or four small areas of pitting; receiver & buttplate retain a wonderful aged brass patina showing moderate edge wear; wood is sound with numerous small nicks, scratches and light bruises and overall retains about 80-85% orig varnish, showing wear on the forearm at the carry point. Mechanics are fine; dark bore with sharp rifling and scattered pitting. 4-50388 JR439 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 1108

FINE ENGRAVED WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 109705. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Usual configuration with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight and 900 yard ladder rear sight. The 2-line Winchester & King’s Patent address is completely legible. Mounted with very nicely figured, uncheckered American walnut with straight stock & brass crescent buttplate with trap. Bottom of stock & forend cap have factory sling swivels. Last four digits of matching SN are in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Receiver is very nicely engraved by master engraver, L.D. Nimschke, in distinctive large sweeping foliate arabesque scrolls with pearled background. Left sideplate has an empty scalloped edge panel with stars in the border and the right side has full coverage foliate arabesque patterns. The vertical raised land area before the front flat on each side is engraved in geometric patterns. Engraving extends over the top of the receiver with a foliate spray forward of the ejection port and matching spray behind the hammer slot. Bottom of receiver has distinctive foliate patterns between the timing screws and a beautiful hunter star on the carrier. Forend cap & buttplate tang are engraved to match. Engraving is certainly old and appears to be by Mr. Nimschke but has been heavily cleaned and possibly draw filed and buffed which eliminated much of the orig detail. Therefor we cannot positively state the engraving is from the hand of L.D. Nimschke. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain blue in sheltered areas being mostly a cleaned thin blue/gray patina; receiver shows moderate edge wear and it, along with the buttplate and forend cap, retain a smooth medium mustard patina. Wood is sound with a few, very light handling & storage nicks and retains about all of a fine refinish. Mechanics are crisp, strong dark bore with fine pitting and a shallow ring about 2″ from muzzle that did not bulge the bbl. 4-41516 JR486 (12,500-17,500) – Lot 1109

INSCRIBED WINCHESTER 4TH MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 158654. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Standard rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight & short semi-buckhorn rear sight with checkered edges. Left side plate is engraved with three old English letters that appear to be “TFR”. Mounted with nicely figured, uncheckered American walnut with straight stock, iron forend cap & crescent iron buttplate with trap containing an orig 4-pc brass & iron wiping rod. Lever is too short to reach the butterfly latch, probably a replacement from an 1873 rifle. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number “2081”, which number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock & inside toe of buttplate. CONDITION: Very fine plus, all matching. Bbl & magazine tube retain 88-90% strong orig blue with some light flaking turned to patina; forend cap retains about 80% blue turning plum; receiver has good strong edges showing light wear with a fine medium patina and the loading gate retains 65-70% orig fire blue; wood is sound with usual light nicks & scratches and a couple small gouges on the forearm with traces of orig finish under a fine hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with light pitting.   4-51508 JR295 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1110

BEAUTIFUL ENGRAVED WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 156251. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Beautiful 4th Model ’66 with 24-1/4″ rnd bbl, full magazine, Marbles #2 ivory bead front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent steel buttplate with trap. Forend cap is also of steel. Receiver is spectacularly engraved in the style of the Ulrichs with full coverage on sides, consisting of incredible intertwined foliate arabesque patterns with very fine stippled background and fine chip & zig zag borders. Left sideplate is engraved with the large rnd vignette of a Mexican eagle and fine crosshatch pattern at the front edge of the raised area. Right sideplate is engraved with an empty rnd counterpoint panel with matching intertwined foliate arabesque patterns. Both front side flats have small empty counterpoint panels. Engraving extends over top & bottom of receiver, top tang, forend cap & buttplate tang. Top rear edge of receiver on each side of hammer slot is engraved with a shell pattern and the bottom with a sunburst pattern. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is stamped with the assembly number “2297”. Top tang channel of buttstock is without an assembly number and the buttplate has the assembly number “58” inside the toe. This exact engraving pattern is pictured on a carbine on p. 87 in Chapter III “Model 1866 and the Ulrichs” of Winchester Engraving, Wilson. This engraving could not be directly attributed to any specific Ulrich, but it has all the appearances of Ulrich shop engraving, possibly one of the apprentices. The engraving is old with good strong patina and a fine pitted surface. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl retains about 50% blue with the balance a plum patina; magazine tube retains about 95% strong blue; receiver shows light to moderate edge wear with crisp clear engraving; lever & hammer retain faint case colors turned silver-brown on outer faces of lever. Wood is sound with nicks & scratches and retains most of an old restored finish. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with good shine and light to moderate pitting. 4-41518 JR487 (17,500-27,500) – Lot 1110a

CUSTOM ENGRAVED WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 37330. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Usual configuration with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, homemade front sight and 900-yd Henry style ladder rear sight. Mounted with replacement, uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate with trap. Left side of lower tang has a soldered repair which mostly obliterates the assembly number, leaving only a “0” visible. Buttstock is without assembly number and inside toe of buttplate has the assembly number “5192”. Receiver, forend cap & buttplate are very nicely engraved in Ulrich style with nearly full coverage foliate arabesque patterns and the round vignette on the left sideplate engraved with a Mexican eagle. Engraving extends over top & bottom of the receiver with small shell patterns in three different locations. Carrier is engraved with a large hunters star. Forend cap and buttplate tang are engraved to match. Forend cap appears to have a steel plug where a factory swivel would have been and which is engraved in a flower blossom. While this engraving is not of any of the Ulrichs’ quality it is still fine engraving and can deceive the unwary. CONDITION: Very good. Bbl shows rounded edges and it, along with the magazine tube retain a mottled, artificially aged patina; receiver, forend cap & buttplate also show moderate to heavy wear and show a medium mustard, artificially aged patina; wood is sound and retains all of its custom finish. Mechanics are fine; strong, dark bore. 4-50362 JR379 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1112

SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER 3RD MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 133330. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight and short, semi-buckhorn rear sight with checkered edges. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate. Top tang channel and inside toe of buttplate have last four digits of matching serial number. Receiver, forend cap and buttplate are nickel finish. Frequently it is found that such bright finished rifles were ordered by wild west show men and women, and exhibition shooters. They are also found to have been prize rifles for shooting contests. CONDITION: Fine plus, all matching. Bbl & magazine tube retain traces of orig blue in the most sheltered areas being an overall smooth, chocolate brown patina, apparently from long term storage; receiver retains about 70% strong orig nickel with numerous small nicks & scratches and wear on the bottom; forend cap retains 70-75% orig nickel and the buttplate about 25%; wood is sound with nicks & scratches and a few light dings with one long scratch on the buttstock and overall retains an old restored finish. Mechanics are fine; very strong dark bore. 4-50389 (7,500-12,500) – Lot 1113

FINE ENGRAVED WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 128572. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, homemade brass front sight and musket style ladder rear sight with exposed tension spring. Mounted with uncheckered, slab sawed American walnut with straight stock that has crescent brass buttplate with trap. Buttstock and forend cap have factory sling swivels. Top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate have last four digits of matching SN. Receiver is beautifully engraved, probably by one of the Ulrichs, with the vignette of a running bull elk on the left side surrounded by foliate arabesque patterns with pearled background. Right side is engraved to match with a large sweeping pattern terminating in a 7-petal flower blossom. Front side panels are identically engraved with matching patterns. Engraving extends over the top of the receiver, top tang, sides of the forend cap and buttplate tang. This rifle is one of the rare ’66s that will letter from the Cody Firearms Museum. Records show that it is a rifle, engraved with silver finish. Received in the warehouse June 15, 1875 and was shipped July 15, 1876 to Order #2654. This rifle was produced in 1875 but not shipped until 1876. This was a period when the west was still wild and the Indian wars were continuing. (Remember George Armstrong Custer?) Even though center fire rifles and handguns had been in use 3 or more years, any repeating arm was in great demand, especially after the Custer fiasco, and these rimfire rifles were still being put to use throughout the American Frontier. Later, after the center fire arms had taken over, these rimfire arms were sold into Mexico and South America where the cartridge was still popular. They are rarely found today with any orig finish. CONDITION: Very good, all matching. Bbl retains a cleaned metal patina with fine spots of surface rust; magazine tube is a plummy brown patina; receiver retains traces of original silver plating on the bottom tang, under the lever area and hammer slot, otherwise it is a medium to dark mustard patina; forend cap and buttplate are matching patina; stock has a dressed gouge by the buttplate tang with a few other light nicks and dings, otherwise wood is sound and retains a restored oil finish; mechanics are fine; strong dark bore with moderate pitting. 4-51512 JR270 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1114

WINCHESTER 4TH MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 156270. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Standard rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, altered front sight and early, short, semi-buckhorn rear sight with checkered edges that has been filed flat. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent steel buttplate with trap; forearm cap is also of steel. Left side of lower tang, under the wood, is marked with the assembly number “2218” with matching assembly number in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. There were about 20,000 of these late ’66s in three different configurations, made at the end of production with steel forend cap & buttplate, several of which were manufactured for center fire cartridges. This rifle appears to have been produced in 1882 very near the end of production for this model. There were only about 13,800 more models 1866 rifles, carbines and muskets produced by 1898 when the last batch was assembled. By the time this rifle was made the center fire cartridge had taken over and there was little demand for arms that chambered rimfire cartridges. The majority of these late ’66s were either converted to center fire or shipped to Mexico and South America where the rimfire cartridge was still popular. Those arms that went south are almost universally found in near relic condition. CONDITION: Very good, all matching. Bbl and magazine tube retain traces of orig blue in sheltered areas being an overall dark brown patina with scattered spots of surface rust and a small cleaned area on the magazine tube; rcvr & side plates retain strong edges with a few light nicks & scratches and show a medium to dark mustard patina; forend cap & buttplate retain traces of orig blue being mostly a brown patina with rust pitting on the heel & toe; stock has a crack back of the top tang and another in the toe, otherwise wood is sound with a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine; worn dark bore with a ring about 6″ in front of the chamber 4-51010 JR378 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1115

SCARCE DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 135098. Cal. 32 WCF (32-20). Beautiful deluxe rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, button magazine, half-nickel front sight & semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with highly figured, center crotch American walnut with H-style checkered forearm and straight grip with smooth steel shotgun buttplate. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number “5077”, “XXX”, “32” & an “S”. This rifle will letter from the Cody Firearms Museum records office as it is found here except the records show that it had checkered pistol grip stock versus the currently mounted checkered straight stock. The assembly numbers found on the buttstock & buttplate show that this stock is orig to this rifle and that the records entry is obviously a mistake. Receiver is small bore style with stepped receiver ring and milled rail with 3rd type dust cover. In addition to being scarce deluxe configuration, this rifle is additionally scarce in that it has a color case hardened receiver in Cal. 32. This rifle was produced in about 1883 when the west was still wild and firearms were working tools. Hunting was a way of life as well as using a rifle for self-protection. Most of the firearms of that era generally saw very hard & continuous service under harsh circumstances and are rarely found today with high orig finish. Undoubtedly this rifle was owned by a gentleman hunter or perhaps a lady. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains 95-97% strong bright orig blue; receiver retains 40-50% orig case colors, strong & bright on the right side, more muted on the left side with the balance a smooth plum patina; wood is sound with minor nicks & scratches and retains about 95% of orig piano varnish finish that has been waxed; buttplate retains 90-92% bright orig blue with wear at the heel & toe with some fine pitting. Good mechanics, bright shiny bore with one little area of light rust about mid-point. 4-51486 JR291 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1118

*WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 3RD MODEL LEVER ACTION MUSKET.

SN 571049. Cal 44 WCF (44-40). Standard 3-band musket with 30″ bbl, full magazine, square base front sight/bayonet lug and 900 yd musket ladder rear sight. Mounted with very nicely figured, uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock & carbine/musket buttplate with trap. There were about 721,000 Model 1873 firearms produced and according to the referenced publication only 5% were muskets. Extrapolation of those figures shows that there were only about 36,000 muskets produced. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbl & magazine tube contain 98-99% strong orig blue and the receiver 88-90% glossy orig blue with the loss areas flaked, not worn, to a light patina with some light candy striping. Lever retains most of its orig case colors, strong on the sides, turning silver on the outer faces. Hammer retains brilliant case colors. Wood is sound with a couple of very minor storage & handling nicks and retains virtually all of its brilliant oil finish. Loading gate retains about all of its bright fire blue. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Appears to be unfired. 4-47828 JR117 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1120

SCARCE INSCRIBED HALF NICKEL WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 75600. Cal. 38 WCF (38-40). Standard grade second Model ’73 with 24- 1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, combination front sight, orig, short, semi-buckhorn rear sight with checkered edges & thick based sporting rear sight with 4″ staff. Receiver is small bore style with stepped receiver ring & attached rail with 3rd type dust cover. Side plates, lever & buttplate are nickel finish and it has a single set trigger. Left side plate is inscribed, in period script, “Geo. W Green / Pgh. Pa Feb. 21st 1883”. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate that has a trap containing an orig four piece brass & iron cleaning rod. Buttstock & forend cap have factory sling swivels. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the number “1292”. Top tang channel of buttstock is marked with the assembly number “3003”, which number is also found inside toe of buttplate. This rifle will letter from The Cody Firearms Museum as a rifle in 38 Cal. with oct bbl & set trigger. It was received in the Warehouse Oct. 19,1881, “returned October”, received in warehouse again on Nov. 16,1881, order number “29774” with another shipping date of Nov. 12, 1882, order number “984”. Undoubtedly it was during one of theses returns that the nickel finish was applied to the side plates, lever & buttplate, and very likely the rifle was factory refinished at that time. However there is no record of this work being done. Regardless, close examination leads this cataloger to believe that all of the finishes are factory orig. CONDITION: Very fine, plus. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 95% strong factory blue, turning a little plum on the magazine tube; receiver retains about 95% orig blue with a few areas turning plum; side plates & lever retain about all of their strong nickel with fine pimpling; buttplate retains about 90% orig nickel with some flaking & pimpling; Wood is sound with usual light handling & storage nicks & scratches and retains a mostly hand worn patina. Set trigger needs adjusting otherwise mechanics are fine; brilliant shiny bore. 4-51490 JR289 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1121

SCARCE SPECIAL ORDER DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1876 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 13584. Cal. 45-60. Scarce special order ’76 with 26″ special order oct to rnd bbl, full magazine, German silver Rocky Mountain front sight, 1876 marked ladder rear sight and a thick base, sporting tang sight with 4″ staff. Receiver is 2nd type with attached dust cover rail and 3rd type dust cover. Mounted with very nicely figured, 1-2X, American walnut with early style checkered forearm and horn fleur-de-lis serpentine grip buttstock with special order checkered steel buttplate. Left side of lower tang is marked with assembly number “99”, “X” and “S”. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. The “S” apparently stands for shotgun butt. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in cal. 45-60, in 26″ half oct bbl, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, shotgun butt, checkered buttplate and case hardened, received in warehouse Feb. 5, 1881 and shipped Feb. 11, 1881 to order number 23795. The model 1876 was Winchester’s first big bore, high power rifle and was greatly sought after for use on the western frontier and north woods hunters. They were additionally very popular with English hunters in India and Africa and are rarely found today with high orig finish. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, all matching. Bbl retains 88-90% strong orig blue with only light sharp edge wear on the octagonal section with some minor chemical cleaning on each side of the muzzle; magazine tube retains about 95% orig blue turning a little plum; receiver & side plates retain about 90% orig case colors, strong and bright in sheltered areas, moderately faded elsewhere, turned silver in the bottom front recess; right side plate has two small areas of pitting; lever & hammer retain faded case colors, turned dark on outer faces of lever; stock has a crack left side of top tang, otherwise wood is sound and retains about all of a fine restored finish with freshened checkering; buttplate retains about 95% orig case colors, strong & bright on the tang, lightly to moderately faded elsewhere. Mechanics are fine; very bright shiny bore. 4-50394 JR436 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 1125

WINCHESTER MODEL 1876 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 44859. Cal. 45-75. Standard grade rifle with 28″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight and “1876” marked ladder rear sight. Receiver is 3rd type with integral rail and 3rd type dust cover; mounted with nicely figured, slab sawed, uncheckered American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate that has trap containing an orig 4-pc all steel cleaning rod; buttstock and forend cap have factory sling swivels. This rifle was produced in about 1884 during the height of the Great Westward Expansion when repeating arms were in tremendous demand. The model 1876 was the first “big” caliber available to this market and therefore was very popular on the frontier until the advent of the more modern high power cartridges chambered by Marlin in their Model 1881 and then by Winchester in the model 1886. Only about 63,871 of these scarce rifles were produced in the period 1876-1898 making this one of Winchesters lowest production lever action rifles. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbl retains 95-97% strong orig blue with only faint sharp edge wear, a few spots of minor flaking and a few scattered spots of surface discoloration. Magazine tube retains 92-93% orig finish, turning a little plum with two fingerprint sized spots of surface etching; receiver, side plates & dust cover retain 98-99% strong orig blue with some very minor, light surface dulling on the left side, showing only faint sharp edge wear; lever & hammer retain dark case colors; buttplate retains 97-98% crisp orig blue. Wood is sound with a few minor nicks and retains about 98% crisp orig finish. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant shiny bore; may be unfired, bolt face and loading gate retain virtually all of their orig finish. Cleaning rod is fine. 4-50200 JR32 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1126

SCARCE SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER MODEL 1876 BIG 50 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 9776. Cal. 50 Express (50-95). Standard grade rifle with 22″ rnd bbl, button magazine, Lyman ivory bead hunting front sight & orig, short, semi-buckhorn rear sight with checkered edges. Bbl & receiver have British proofs. Receiver is 2nd type with attached rail and 2nd type dust cover with impressed thumb print. Dust cover is engraved “WINCHESTER EXPRESS / 50 CAL 95 GRS”. Chamber area of the bbl is marked “50 CAL. EXPRESS”. Left side plate is engraved “JNO. RIGBY & CO. / 72 ST JAMES STT. / LONDON.”. Mounted with uncheckered, nicely figured, straight grain American walnut with straight stock and smooth steel shotgun buttplate. Top tang has a very unusual custom sliding stalking safety. This safety undoubtedly was installed by Rigby. It consists of a sliding thin metal plate with checked rnd button which slides forward engaging a notch in the rear edge of the hammer when the hammer is at half cock, thereby preventing the hammer from being drawn to full cock. Mounted with nicely figured, uncheckered American walnut with straight stock and smooth steel shotgun buttplate. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number “733” which number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock. Left side of hammer spring lug is marked with a large “S” which indicates it was to have shotgun buttplate. These 50 Cal. rifles were extremely popular with British big game hunters in both India & Africa and are usually found in poor condition with little orig finish. CONDITION: Very good, all matching except buttplate which is unnumbered but without doubt orig to this rifle; bbl retains about 60% orig blue mixed with fine surface rust from poor storage; receiver retains about 60% orig blue mixed with light surface rust and flaking, all from poor storage; hammer retains brilliant case colors & the lever bright case colors on the sides, faded & dark on the outer faces; buttplate retains about 75% bright orig blue; stock & forearm have a few nicks and dings with light handling and storage marks and retain nearly all of their orig oil finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Shows very little use, just poor storage. 4-51497 JR285 (6,000-8,000) – Lot 1127

CUSTOM ENGRAVED WINCHESTER MODEL 1876 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 50109. Cal. 45-60. Fine custom rifle with special order 22″ oct to rnd bbl, button magazine, replacement ivory blade front sight, modern 1876 marked ladder rear sight and a modern sharps-style tang sight with windage slide. Mounted with custom straight grain American walnut that has early style coarse checkered forearm and straight grip that has crescent buttplate with trap. Receiver appears to have been an open top style that had a dust cover rail added which is now missing and the screw holes filled but the recess at the rear of the ejection port for the dust cover catch is still present. Receiver, forend cap & buttplate are gold washed. They are also nicely engraved in Conrad Ulrich style consisting of very fine foliate arabesque patterns with extremely fine pearled background. Engraving extends onto the bbl over the chamber area. Altogether a very fine and attractive custom rifle the would make an outstanding Cowboy Action shooter. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Bbl, lever & hammer retain most of their custom blue with a cleaned area near the muzzle; receiver retains 88-90% custom gold wash; forend cap & buttplate retain most of their custom gold wash; wood is sound and retains about all of its fine custom oil finish with crisp checkering. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore. 4-50363 JR381 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1129

WINCHESTER MODEL 1876 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 41918. Cal. 40-60. Standard grade, third model rifle with 28″ oct bbl, full magazine, slightly altered Rocky Mountain front sight and orig 1,000 yard ladder rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate with trap. This rifle appears to have been produced in 1883 at a time when the west was still wild and hunting & self protection were still a way of life. The model 1876 was Winchester’s first big bore rifle. Up to that point the only available repeating rifle was Winchester’s Model 1873, which was chambered for the short range, low power, smaller cartridges. The model 1876 was extremely popular throughout the American frontier, north woods, the Northwest Territories & Alaska. The cartridges chambered in this rifle were capable of taking any of North America’s big game. They usually saw hard service and are rarely found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: Roger & Gerald Wilde Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Bbl retains 70-75% thinning orig blue turning plum; magazine tube retains about 30% blue turning brown & receiver about 75-80% orig blue mixed with brown patina; all with a heavy coating of old dried oil; lever retains traces of case colors & the hammer about 75% faded case colors; wood is sound and retains most of an old refinish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-51500 JR286 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1130

SCARCE DELUXE INSCRIBED WINCHESTER MODEL 1876 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 24296. Cal. 45-60. Second model deluxe ’76 with 28″ oct bbl, full magazine, combination front sight, semi-buckhorn rear sight & thick base sporting rear sight with 4″ staff. Receiver is 2nd type with attached rail & third type dust cover and has single set trigger. Left side plate is engraved in large letters “U.S. Weaver”. Mounted with nicely figured, 2-3X American walnut with H-style checkered forearm & horn fleur-de-lis insert pistol grip stock that has crescent buttplate with trap that contains an orig 4-pc brass & iron cleaning rod. Left side of lower tang is marked with the assembly number “972” & “CF”. Matching assembly number is also found inside toe of buttplate. Although the buttstock is without assembly number there is little doubt that this is the orig buttstock, or at least one that has been with the rifle its entire working life. Buttstock and forend cap have factory sling swivels. This rifle appears to have been produced in 1882 and was Winchester’s first big bore lever action rifle. It’s only competition was the Marlin model 1881 which at that point had not yet obtained wide distribution. The model ’76 was chambered for several big bore cartridges capable of taking any North American game & most Continental, Asian & African big game. It is well recorded that Pres. Theodore Roosevelt was fond of the ’76 rifle and used it on many of his hunting expeditions to Africa & the Western U.S.. CONDITION: Good. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 30% blue in sheltered areas, being mostly a brown patina; receiver retains traces of orig case colors being mostly a dark grey metal patina; wood is sound showing very heavy wear with nicks and dings and retains a hand worn patina. Set trigger needs adjusting, otherwise mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with a little orange peel pitting. 4-51491 JR287 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1131

SCARCE WINCHESTER MODEL 1876 OPEN TOP LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 2437. Cal. 45-75. Standard grade rifle with 28″ oct bbl, full magazine, broken front sight and very rare platinum line, 7-leaf express rear sight. Receiver is open top style made without provision for a dust cover. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain, American walnut, straight stock and early style crescent buttplate with trap and thick heel. Lever is also early style with a pin on top of the front web which passes through a hole in the lower tang to engage the trigger safety to ensure the bolt is closed before the rifle can be fired. Forend cap has a factory sling eye and the buttstock has a hole on the bottom where the corresponding sling eye was removed. Open top rifles in both models 1876 and 1873 were produced for a very short period of time. It is reported that at that time there was a weakness in cartridge cases which caused them to rupture and if the dust cover was closed, would bulge the side plates. Apparently Winchester produced these rifles without dust covers which would allow escaping gases to blow upward instead of outward. After many complaints the ammunition problem was corrected and Winchester returned to supplying rifles with dust covers. Any rifle or carbine with an open top could returned it for a dust cover. This rifle was recently discovered in South Africa where many of the known rifles with 7-leaf sights have been found in recent years. Undoubtedly this rifle would have been some white hunter’s medium game rifle in the late 19th & early 20th Centuries. CONDITION: Fair to good. No orig finish remains, being an overall medium silver brown patina consistent with long exposure to the outdoors. Wood is sound, showing heavy wear and retains a cleaned, hand worn patina with a few black streaks down the right side of buttstock. Mechanics are fine; worn dark bore with good rifling. 4-50390 JR435 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1132

WINCHESTER DELUXE MODEL 1886 “BIG 50” LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 93906. Cal. 50 Ex (50-110). Scarce ’86 in a rare caliber with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, Lyman front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with spectacular 3X, center crotch, flame grain American walnut with H-style checkered forearm and black insert, serpentine grip stock with crescent buttplate. Left side of lower tang is marked with the assembly number “380” and “XXX”. Matching assembly number is found in top tang channel of buttstock. Accompanied by a Winchester Gun Museum letter which identifies this rifle in caliber 50-110 with oct bbl, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock with Lyman hunting front sight and rear sight with disc. It shows drop of 4″ (on the stock). It was shipped Nov. 1, 1894 and returned for rework March 16, 1903. The 4″ drop is a very rare feature, especially for a “Big 50”. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl retains a medium plum/brown patina with some spots of light discoloration and a few small nicks & scratches. Magazine tube retains about 90% thinning blue/brown patina with some minor surface rust about mid-point. Receiver is mostly a smooth dark gray patina with traces of silvered case colors; lever, hammer & buttplate are mostly a blue/brown patina. Wood is sound and retains about all of an extremely fine professionally restored finish. Mechanics are crisp, strong bright bore with some scattered spots of light pitting. A fine, rare “Big Bore” ’86. 4-51513 JR170 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1133

DELUXE SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 99351. Cal. 45-70. Beautiful Special Order Deluxe rifle with 26″ oct to rnd bbl, half magazine with Lyman silver bead front sight & 3-leaf platinum line express rear sight. Mounted with 3-4X center crotch, flame grain American walnut with H-style checkered forearm & black insert pistol grip stock with a replacement hard rubber buttplate. Buttplate is from a Remington rifle or shotgun with the Remington logo in the center. Stock & forend cap have sling eyes. Left side of lower tang, under the wood, is marked with the assembly number “536”, “XX” and “RB”. The “RB” stands for “rubber buttplate”. Matching assembly number is found in the top tang channel of the buttstock. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum worksheet which identifies this rifle in caliber 45-70, half oct bbl, plain trigger and checkered, shotgun, pistol grip buttstock with half magazine, Winchester Express and Lyman rear sights with half magazine and sling & swivels; received in the warehouse 4-1-1895 and shipped same day to Order #9267. A note under the remarks section shows “changed to 5-3-1895 #11478”. This apparently refers to the shipping date & order number. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbl retains 95-97% strong orig blue with several small scratches on the bottom; magazine tube retains about 98% orig blue; receiver, lever, hammer & forend cap retain virtually all of their brilliant, orig case colors, showing only light sharp edge wear and some light fading on the belly. There is a small replaced chip on the grip, otherwise wood is sound with a few light handling & storage nicks & scratches and retains virtually all of its orig piano varnish finish. The entire rifle appears to have a coating of old dried oil or may have been displayed over a fireplace with a smoke coating, all of which will clean extremely well. mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore; shows very little use, if any. 4-51511 JR272 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1134

SCARCE WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 100197. Cal. 45-90. Standard grade carbine with 22″ bbl, full magazine, square base front sight and 1000 yd carbine ladder rear sight. Receiver is color case hardened and has a stud and ring in the left side. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock and carbine buttplate; buttstock & forearm band have narrow, European style sling loops added. This carbine was produce about 1895 at a time when the West was still a little wild and business & pleasure were conducted from the back of a horse, wagon or buggy. Firearms, at that time, were working tools and usually saw daily use under harsh circumstances, frequently with little or no maintenance and are rarely found today with high orig finish. In addition the ultra-violet rays of the sun rapidly fades case colors on prolonged exposure which further degrades the collectability of those firearms. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Bbl and magazine tube retain 98-99% strong orig blue, slightly dulled; receiver retains virtually all of its bright orig case colors, lightly faded on the left side, top and bottom edges; brilliant on the right side & in sheltered areas. Hammer retains bright case colors and the lever brilliant colors on the sides, strong in sheltered areas turning silver on the outer faces; buttplate retains 65-70% faded case colors, stronger on the tang. Wood is sound and may have been lightly cleaned with oil finish added. Buttstock is missing a small sliver by the top tang at the receiver. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant shiny bore. 4-50198 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1135

WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 DELUXE LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 9911. Cal. 45-90. Fine early rifle with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, Rocky Mountain front sight and “1876” marked ladder rear sight. Mounted with 2-3X flame grain American walnut with H-style checkered forearm & black insert pistol grip stock with full checkered hard rubber buttplate. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number “2876”, “XXX” & “S”. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock and in pencil inside the special hard rubber buttplate. This rifle was produced in about 1887 at a time when the west was still wild and these big bore rifles were still in great demand for both hunting & self protection. Most likely this rifle belonged to a more affluent rancher or businessman and was his hunting rifle. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Bbl and magazine tube retain 92-93% orig blue showing a little sharp edge wear with some areas turning plum. There is a small cleaned area back of the front sight with some very fine pinprick pitting and a chemical spot over the chamber area; receiver retains about 50% faded case colors, mostly on the right side with the balance a light silvery brown patina; hammer retains strong case colors, dark on top edge; lever retains bright case colors on the sides and in sheltered areas turning brown on the outer faces; stock has a short hairline back of top tang, otherwise wood is sound with usual light nicks & scratches and retains about 95% strong, orig piano varnish finish, dull at the carry point at the forearm. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with some very fine pitting. 4-51505 JR284 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1136

SPECIAL ORDER DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 10451. Cal. 40-82. Rare special order ’86 with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight with screw and a 3-leaf platinum line express rear sight. Top flat of the bbl is full length matted with the 2-line bbl address rolled through the matting. Caliber marking is on top left flat over chamber area to accommodate the matted top flat. Mounted with very nicely figured, 2-3X, burl & flame grain American walnut with H-style checkered forearm and black insert serpentine grip buttstock and crescent buttplate. Receiver has sgl set trigger. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with assembly number “1125” and “XX”. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of the buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Receiver, forend cap & buttplate are all nickel plated. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter identifying this rifle in caliber 40-82 with matted oct bbl, set trigger, checkered pistol grip stock with Lyman sights and “nickel trims”, received in warehouse Nov. 12, 1887 and shipped same day. Such early ’86s with special plated finishes are extremely rare and were likely ordered as a gift to an important person or for use by a trick shooter or a Wild West show man. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain about all of a professionally restored finish with magazine tube turning a little plummy; receiver retains about 85% strong orig nickel with some light spotting on the left side and showing wear on the bottom; lever & hammer retain faded case colors turned brown on outer faces of the lever; forend cap retains about 60% orig nickel and the buttplate about 70%. Bolt may have been refinished. Stock has a repaired sliver at the top left side of the wrist, otherwise wood is sound with nicks, dings & scratches showing moderate wear and retains most of an old restored finish. Mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with fine pitting. 4-41531 JR488 (9,000-12,000) – Lot 1137

WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 DELUXE LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 9897. Cal. 40-82. Fine deluxe ’86 with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight with screw and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with about 2X flame grain American walnut with H-style checkered forearm and black insert, serpentine grip buttstock with crescent buttplate. Left side of lower tang is marked with assembly number “1032” with matching assembly number in top tang of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Buttplate is 1st type with turned down toe. CONDITION: Fine plus, all matching. Bbl retains about 95% strong orig blue with a couple of dings on the sharp edges over the chamber area with minor touch-up on those spots; magazine tube retains about 90% thinning orig blue; receiver retains about 30% smoky case colors, mostly on the left side with the balance turned silver; left side of receiver has several small nicks; hammer retains faded case colors with a couple of spots of bright colors; lever is mostly silvered case colors, turned brown on outer faces; buttplate appears to have some spots of heat coloring. Wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and has most of an old added finish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with a few scattered spots of pitting. 4-51498 JR171 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1138

WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 52189. Cal. 40-65. Standard grade rifle with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with very nicely figured, uncheckered, slab sawed American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate. This rifle was produced in about 1891 at a time when business was still being conducted from the back of a horse, wagon or buggy and hunting was a way of life. Additionally, self-defense was also part of life’s equation at that time. These rifles were simply working tools and were exposed to continuous harsh conditions and are rarely found with high original finish. In addition, exposure to the ultra-violet rays of sunshine rapidly fades case colors. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbl retains 96-98% strong orig blue with only sharp edge wear and a couple of small nicks. Magazine tube retains 95-96% orig blue turning a little plum with a series of small scratches about mid point. Receiver retains nearly all of its orig case colors, brilliant on the sides & tangs, lightly to moderately faded on the top & bottom edges and overall retains most of its orig factory lacquer. Lever & hammer retain strong bright colors on the sides, fading on outer faces of lever. Forend cap retains strong bright case colors and the buttplate retains faded case colors. Wood is sound with a few tiny nicks and retains virtually all of its bright orig factory finish. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant shiny bore; may be unfired. 4-50199 JR31 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 1139

*CUSTOM ENGRAVED LIGHTWEIGHT WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 TAKEDOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 159012. Cal. 33 WCF. Fine custom rifle, probably by Griffin & Howe, with 24″ lightweight tapered rnd bbl, half magazine, takedown, with Lyman ivory bead hunting front sight on pedestal and flat top rear sight. Mounted with exceptional, custom French walnut with widely checkered semi-beavertail forearm and straight stock with deep shadow cheekpiece and steel buttplate with trap. Receiver, forend cap & takedown ring are beautifully deep engraved with full coverage foliate arabesque patterns that have a fine shaded background. Takedown ring is engraved in scallop patterns. Buttplate is also engraved to match at the heel & toe with full hand checkered face. Trigger is also hand checkered and screws are nicely engraved. Bottom of the stock has an empty silver initial plate. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains about 99% beautiful custom finish to both metal & wood. Stock has a couple of minor nicks, otherwise retains its beautiful oil finish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 4-50281 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 1140

SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 DELUXE “BIG 50” LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 94917. Cal. 50 Express (50-110). Fine special order rifle with 26″ oct to rnd bbl, button magazine, express front sight with silver bead, 3-leaf platinum line express rear sight and Lyman combination tang sight. Mounted with 2-3X flame grain American walnut with H-style checkered forearm and black insert serpentine grip buttstock that has smooth steel shotgun buttplate. Left side of lower tang, under the wood, is marked with the assembly number “425”, “XX” and “S”. The “S” indicates shotgun buttplate. Matching assembly number is found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Left side of bbl, left side of frame & bolt have small British proofs. Most of the English marked 50 caliber 1886 rifles will be found with 20-24″ bbls, rarely with the orig standard 26″ bbls. These Big 50 caliber rifles were great favorites with the British big game hunters in both India & Africa where they usually saw very hard service and are rarely found in orig configuration with any orig finish. CONDITION: Fine plus, all matching. Bbl retains about 85% orig blue with scattered spots of pitting and fine surface etching; receiver retains smoky case colors on right side with the balance having turned silver, also with some fine surface etching, primarily on the left side; hammer retains dark case colors and the lever traces of case colors, having mostly turned silver, dark on outer faces. Wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches showing light to moderate diamond point wear on the checkering and overall retains 95-96% strong, orig piano varnish finish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with a very few scattered small spots of pitting. 4-51493 JR281 (7,500-12,500) – Lot 1141

SCARCE WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 DELUXE LEVER ACTION SHORT RIFLE.

SN 90564. Cal. 45-90. Unusual rifle with rare 22″ oct bbl, full magazine, Marbles gold bead improved front sight, Lyman 6A 2-leaf folding rear sight and Lyman combination tang sight. Mounted with about 3X, flame & shell grain, center crotch American walnut with H-style checkered forearm and black insert serpentine grip buttstock with crescent buttplate. Left side of lower tang is marked with assembly number “150” and “XXX”. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Receiver, lever, hammer, forend cap & buttplate are nickel finish. These half nickel rifles were usually ordered by wild west showmen and are occasionally found with smooth bores. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Bbl retains about 70-75% thinning, dull, orig blue that is turning to a smooth plummy patina; magazine tube retains about 90% orig blue; receiver retains 50-60% orig nickel with the balance worn to bare metal; forend cap, lever & hammer retain traces of nickel; buttplate is gray metal patina. Stock has a hairline back of top tang and a gouge on side of the forearm, otherwise wood is sound and retains all of a fine restored finish with freshened checkering. Mechanics are fine, brilliant shiny bore. 4-51494 JR282 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1142

*SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 154130. Cal. 45-70. Standard grade rifle with 26″ oct bbl, half magazine for one extra cartridge, Lyman ivory bead front sight and 3-leaf platinum line express rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain, American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in cal. 45-70, with half magazine, received in warehouse with no ship date recorded, order number 45982. This is a late production ’86, and was likely someone’s hunting rifle. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl and magazine tube retain 96-98% strong orig blue with faint sharp edge wear and a couple of small nicks; receiver retains 88-90% strong orig blue with areas of flaking, not wear, on both sides and belly, loss areas are a dark patina; hammer retains most of its orig blue and the lever strong case colors on the right side, faded on the left side and outer faces; wood is sound with a few nicks & scratches, some small bruises and overall the buttstock retains about 95% orig varnish and the forearm about 60%, showing wear at the carry point. Mechanics are crisp; bright shiny bore. 4-50395 (7,500-12,500) – Lot 1143

CUSTOM ENGRAVED DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 33283. Cal. 45-90. Usual configuration with 26″ oct to rnd bbl, button magazine with half nickel front sight with screw and 1886 marked ladder rear sight. Mounted with replacement, nicely figured American walnut with H-style checkered forearm and straight stock with crescent buttplate. Receiver, forend cap & buttplate are gold washed. Receiver, forend cap, buttplate tang and sides of lever are nicely custom engraved in about number “6” pattern with the large vignette of a running whitetail buck on the left side and a standing whitetail buck on the right side all surrounded by foliate arabesque patterns with snake and dot border patterns. Top of the receiver ring is engraved in a shell pattern with Nimschke style crossed ribbons on the bottom. Matching foliate arabesque patterns extend over chamber area of the bbl, on the forend cap and buttplate tang. Sides of the lever are engraved in a feather pattern. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl, bolt, lever & hammer retain about 90% reblue, showing wear on sharp edges of bbl; receiver, forend cap & buttplate retain most of their custom gold wash, showing wear on top rear edges and bottom front of receiver; wood is sound and retains about all of its fine custom finish. Mechanics are fine; strong sharp bore with fine pitting. 4-50364 JR380 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1144

WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 79716. Cal. 45-90. Standard grade rifle with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight & semi-buckhorn rear sight missing the elevator. Mounted with uncheckered, nicely figured American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate. This entire rifle, including the wood, has a heavy coating of old dried oil or wax. This rifle was probably someone’s hunting gun from a time when hunting was a way of life. Rifles of the 1890s usually saw pretty hard service and are rarely found today with much, if any orig finish. PROVENANCE: Pierre Renaud Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Bbl retains 92-93% orig blue turning slightly plum; magazine tube retains about 95% orig blue; forend cap has traces of case colors with the balance turned silver; receiver retains 50-60% orig case colors overall, mostly faded, with a strong bright area on the left side & in sheltered areas elsewhere. Wood is sound with light handling & use marks with some dark oil staining around receiver & buttplate and retains 60-70% orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, strong bright bore with a few scattered spots of fine pitting. 4-51485 JR290 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1145

WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 DELUXE TAKEDOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 106633. Cal. 40-82. Fine deluxe ’86 with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, takedown, with combination front sight, semi-buckhorn rear sight & Lyman combination tang sight. Mounted with beautiful shell & flame grain, center crotch American walnut with H-style checkered forearm & capped pistol grip stock with crescent buttplate. Left side of lower tang, under the wood, is marked with the assembly number “813” & “XX”. Matching assembly number is also found inside top tang channel of buttstock & inside toe of buttplate. This rifle was produced in about 1896 when hunting was still a way of life and this rifle would very likely have been someone’s prized hunting gun. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl retains 50-60% orig blue with a cleaned & artificially aged area about mid-point and with scattered spots of pitting; magazine tube retains about 85% strong blue with spots of pitting; receiver retains about 80-85% orig blue, strong on the sides, thin on the top & bottom with pitting along the edges & right side; hammer retains about 50% case colors; lever is mostly a silver patina with areas of light pitting. Wood is sound showing light areas of moderate wear on the checkering with a series of scratches on the forearm and overall retains about 95% orig piano varnish finish. Mechanics are fine. Brilliant shiny bore, shows very little use, just poor storage. 4-51488 JR288 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1146

*WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 DELUXE TAKEDOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 137789. Cal. 33 WCF. Fine deluxe rifle with 24″ tapered lightweight bbl, half magazine, takedown with Lyman ivory bead hunting front sight on a pedestal, a slot blank n the rear seat and a Lyman #21 receiver sight. Mounted with very highly figured, flame & burl grain American walnut with H-style checkered forearm and capped pistol grip stock that has Winchester hard rubber buttplate. Left side of lower tang is marked with the assembly number “32” and “XX”. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buckstock. the assembly number “48” has been crossed out. This rifle was produced in about 1905 when subsistence hunting was still the norm and these rifles, chambered for the high velocity, hard hitting cartridges saw heavy use throughout the northeast and north woods, into the Northwest Territories and Alaska where they were very effective in taking moose, bear and caribou. They usually saw hard service. CONDITION: Very good to fine. bbl and magazine tube retain about 98% strong orig blue; receiver retains about 70% orig blue, strong on the left side around the receiver sight, thin on the right side and belly with some of the loss areas flaked to a light patina; hammer retains strong case colors with a wear streak on the left side; lever show faded case colors in sheltered areas being mostly a silvery patina; wood is sound showing light wear with a few light nicks and scratches and retains most of its fine oil finish; mechanics are crisp; bright shiny bore. 4-51515 JR262 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1147

EXTREMELY RARE SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 9392. Cal. 40-82. Most rare 1886 with 34″ oct bbl, full magazine, two bbl bands, Rocky Mountain front sight & 1000 yard ladder rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered American Walnut with straight stock & smooth steel shotgun buttplate. Left side of lower tang, under the wood, is marked with assembly number “924”, “CF” and “S”. Top tang channel of the buttstock has the assembly number “879” and inside toe of buttplate has assembly number “9246”. Rifles with extra length bbls are rare but those with bbls longer than 30″ are extremely rare. It is believed that the majority of the long barreled rifles were ordered and used by hunters on the American frontier and those who believed the extra length bbls would provide better accuracy. These rifles usually saw very hard service, generally under harsh circumstances and are rarely found today in orig configuration with high orig finish. CONDITION: Very good. No orig finish remains with the bbl & magazine tube retaining a mottled silver/brown patina with scattered light rust; receiver has traces of case color turned silver, otherwise is a medium gray patina with some light pitting on the left side. Wood is sound having been refinished a long time ago. Mechanics are fine, strong dark bore with moderate pitting. 4-51492 JR280 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1148

*WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 LIGHTWEIGHT TAKEDOWN SPECIAL ORDER LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 137783. Cal. 45-90. Scarce late special order rifle with 22″ oct to rnd bbl, 1/2-magazine, takedown with Lyman ivory bead hunting front sight on a pedestal and altered to flat top semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with 2-3X, flame grain, center crotch American walnut with H-style checkered forearm & capped pistol grip buttstock that has Winchester hard rubber buttplate. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number “30” and “XX”. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock. This rifle was produced about 1905 and was undoubtedly someone’s prized hunting rifle. CONDITION: About fine, all matching. Bbl retains 88-90% orig blue, turning plummy brown with sharp edge wear and fine pitting along the bbl channel by the forearm and light surface etching elsewhere. Magazine tube retains strong orig blue. Receiver retains about 60% thin orig blue turned dark on the bottom & takedown ring, thin over the top with fine pitting on each side. Wood is sound showing moderate wear with some dark staining around the grip and on the forearm. Mechanics are fine. Strong bright bore with light pitting. Would make an outstanding hunting rifle or Cowboy Action shooter. 4-51510 JR283 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1149

*WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 SPECIAL ORDER TAKEDOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 126509. Cal. 33 WCF. Standard grade rifle with 24″ tapered, light weight rnd bbl, 2/3″ magazine, ramp front sight with Lyman ivory bead hunting front sight and broken, modified, semi-buckhorn rear sight and a Lyman tang sight with an extremely unusual triangle aperture. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock and Winchester hard rubber buttplate. Accompanied by a period of use canvas & leather takedown case and 4 boxes of Remington 200 grain ammunition. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl and mag tube retain about 95% strong orig blue and the forend cap 96-97% bright blue. Receiver retains 85-90% glossy orig blue with wear on top and bottom at the carry point and an area of rust on top front. Lever and hammer retain faded case colors, turned silver on outer faces of lever. Wood is sound with light nicks & scratches and retains 90-95% strong orig piano varnish finish showing wear on the forearm at the carry point. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. Leather on case is dry, but serviceable, canvas is showing its age, but still serviceable. Cartridge boxes show wear and missing end flaps, ammunition is fine. 4-49117 JR504 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1150

Revised: 2/25/2014

There is a tiny wood repair where forend meets the receiver.

RARE DELUXE ENGRAVED WINCHESTER MODEL 1892 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 10999. Cal 44 WCF (44-40). Rare deluxe engraved ’92 rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight with screw, semi-buckhorn rear sight and Lyman combination tang sight. Mounted with very highly figured, about 3X American walnut with H-style checkered forearm and straight stocks with crescent buttplate. Receiver, forend cap and buttplate tang are beautifully engraved by John Ulrich in #6 patterns consisting of the large vignettes of a bighorn sheep in a mountain scene on the left side and a whitetail buck in a forest scene on the right side, all surrounded by very fine, very well executed foliate arabesque patterns with latch hook borders. Engraving patterns extend over the top of the receiver, about 1-3/4″ over the chamber area of the bbl with light patterns on the forend cap and buttplate tang. Bottom of the receiver is elaborately engraved with intertwined crossing ribbons, surrounded by very fine scrolls. Left side of the lower tang is marked with the assembly number “16” and “XXX”. Matching assembly number is also found in the top tang channel of the buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Engraved ’92s are only a very small portion of engraved Winchesters. These little rifles were considered primarily as working tools and very few were special ordered or had extra finish wood or engraving. CONDITION: About fine. Bbl and magazine tube retain about 80% dulling orig blue with some spots of surface rust; receiver retains blue in sheltered areas, being mostly a grey metal patina; wood is sound with usual nicks, scratches and dings and retains most of an old added finish; mechanics are crisp; worn dark bore with good rifling. 4-51514 JR271 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1151

*RARE SPECIAL ORDER SEMI-DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 92 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 962708. Cal. 25-20. Beautiful semi-deluxe rifle with 24-1/4″ rnd bbl, special order button magazine, half nickel front sight with screw, flat top rear sight & a locking Lyman tang sight. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with capped pistol grip stock & late style serrated steel buttplate. An additional special order feature is the extra long pull of the buttstock, which is 14-3/8″ versus the standard 13″. The wood on this rifle greatly resembles the confirmation of the Model 53. This rifle was produced about 1926, simultaneous with the Model 53. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number 926, which number is also found on front face of buttstock, under the metal & inside toe of buttplate. Any special order feature on a model 92 or 1892 is quite rare, especially plain pistol grip buttstock. Checkering was very little more cost over plain wood. These small bore 92s were generally considered as garden guns or ladies/boys rifles and as such usually received very little attention in the way of maintenance and are often found showing hard wear with little orig finish. CONDITION: Extremely fine, plus, all matching. Overall retains about 98-99% crisp orig blue with only faint sharp edge wear, a couple small streaks of candy striping on right side, and a couple small scratches on the receiver; buttstock has a few small scratches & nicks and retains virtually all of its orig factory finish. Mechanics are crisp; brilliant shiny bore; has been fired, but very little. 4-51021 JR294 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1152

*RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 1892 TRAPPER CARBINE.

SN 411108. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Rare trapper carbine with 16″ rnd bbl, full magazine, square base front sight & carbine ladder rear sight. Receiver has a staple & ring in the left side. Mounted with straight grain, uncheckered American walnut with straight stock & carbine buttplate. Bbl has the address in the proper location, forward of the bbl band. Bbl “WP” proof mark is also properly located forward of the rear sight and the forearm is the proper trapper length of 7-7/8″. Entire carbine, including the wood, has a heavy coating of old dried oil or wax. PROVENANCE: Pierre Renaud Collection CONDITION: Fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain 50-60% orig blue with the balance turned to a medium brown patina; receiver retains 60-70% orig blue with the balance a medium patina. Forearm has a hairline on each side at the tip & a gouge above the band, otherwise wood is sound showing moderate to heavy wear with light nicks & scratches; stock has a bruise on the left side & grain roughness on the comb. Crisp mechanics, strong bright bore with a few small spots of scattered, very light pitting. 4-51495 JR292 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1153

*RARE SPECIAL ORDER DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1894 CARBINE.

SN 898631. Cal. 32 WS. Beautiful deluxe carbine with 20″ lightweight tapered rnd bbl, 2/3 magazine and pedestal front sight with Marbles Sheard blade and flat top rifle rear sight. Mounted with nicely figured, about 1X, American walnut with H-style checkered forearm and capped pistol grip stock with Winchester hard rubber buttplate. Forearm has a carbine band. Left side of lower tang is marked with assembly number “135″ and left side of upper tang is marked with assembly number “638″. Matching number “638″ is also found in top tang channel of the buttstock. Very few special order deluxe carbines were ever produced and are rarely found today with high orig finish. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 98% strong orig blue with light muzzle wear and a scratch on the magazine tube; receiver retains about 75% glossy orig blue with the loss areas flaked, not worn, to a medium patina; it also shows light sharp edge wear. Wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and overall retains virtually all of its crisp orig oil finish. Mechanics are fine, brilliant shiny bore; shows very little use. 4-51104 (3,500-5,500) – Lot 1153a

*RARE SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER MODEL 1894 EASTERN CARBINE.

SN 111071. Cal. 30 WCF (30-30). Standard grade carbine with rare 18″ bbl, button magazine, square base German silver front sight and 3-leaf express rear sight. Receiver is without saddle ring. Mounted with uncheckered, very nicely figured American walnut with straight stock and carbine buttplate. An interesting feature on this carbine is that all of the “1”s in the serial number are upside down. Accompanied by a Winchester Gun Museum card which identifies this carbine in cal 30 with 18″ bbl, half magazine and no sling ring, shipped Apr. 4, 1901. Carbines & rifles only 2″ shorter than standard are somewhat rare. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 95% orig blue with fine wear around the muzzle and a small cleaned spot just below the front sight; receiver retains about 75-80% thinning orig blue with a small cleaned area on the top right side and some minor candy striping; lever & hammer retain strong case colors, faded on outer faces of lever; wood is sound and retains most of an old refinish. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore. 4-51101 JR443 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1154

*SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER MODEL 1894 SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 606391. Cal. 38-55. Standard grade carbine with 20″ rnd bbl, button magazine, square base front sight and 2,000 yard carbine ladder rear sight. Left side of receiver has a stud & ring. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock & carbine buttplate. PROVENANCE: Wes Adams Estate Collection. CONDITION: About fine. Bbl retains 90-92% orig blue with some thinning on bbl forward of the forearm and a few small scratches; receiver retains 88-90% strong orig blue with sharp edge wear and thinning on bottom; lever & hammer retain strong bright case colors on the sides, faded on outer faces of lever; buttplate retains 75-80% blue. Stock has a hairline back of top tang, otherwise wood is sound having been lightly cleaned. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-51102 JR445 (4,500-7,500) – Lot 1156

*SPECTACULAR DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1894 SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 361050. Cal. 32-40. Beautiful deluxe carbine with 20″ bbl, full magazine, square base front sight with German silver blade and carbine ladder rear sight. Left side of receiver has a stud & ring. Left side of lower tang, under the wood, is marked with assembly number “21876″ and “S”. Matching assembly number is also found on rear face of buttstock, under buttplate. Mounted with very highly figured, about 2X, slab-sawed American walnut with I-style checkered carbine forearm and capped pistol grip stock with carbine buttplate. PROVENANCE: Wes Adams Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Overall the metal retains 98-99% crisp orig blue with only light sharp edge wear and a few, very fine scratches on receiver and a slight halo from the saddle ring; lever & hammer retain virtually all of their bright, orig case colors, lightly to moderately faded on outer faces of lever; buttplate retains 95-96% strong bright blue. Wood is sound with a few, very scattered, very minor storage & handling nicks in finish and overall retains virtually all of its brilliant piano varnish finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, may be unfired as the bolt face retains virtually all of its orig blue as does the loading gate. 4-51103 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1157

*SCARCE WINCHESTER MODEL 1901 LEVER ACTION SHOTGUN.

SN 76401. Cal. 10 ga. Standard grade shotgun, blue finish with 32″ steel bbl, half magazine and silver front bead; receiver has the “WRACO” trademark on the left side; mounted with very nicely figured, uncheckered American walnut with rnd knob buttstock that has checkered steel buttplate. Bbl & magazine tube have matching walnut panels on each side. According to The Winchester Book, Madis, there were only about 13,000 of these scarce shotguns produced between 1901 & 1920, with a few assembled from parts until about 1930 when all the remaining parts were shipped to Mexico. These shotguns were only produced in 10 ga and were simply a continuation of the Model 1887 with a few minor improvements. They were a strong reliable shotgun but were unable to compete with the “new” slide-action repeaters. The Model 1901 Winchester has been used in various movies, but most famously by Arnold Schwarzenegger in several of his movies. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbl retains 97-98% strong orig blue with only a few small nicks & faint muzzle edge wear; magazine tube retains about 95% orig blue with a series of small nicks & light wear around the carry point; receiver, top tang & lever retain 98-99% orig blue with only faint sharp edge wear. Wood is sound with the buttstock showing a few light nicks & scratches and retains about 98% bright orig varnish. Forearm panels have a few light scratches with light wear & dulling at the carry point. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore. 4-50201 JR34 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1161

*EXCEEDINGLY RARE JOHN ULRICH ENGRAVED AND GOLD INLAID WINCHESTER MODEL 1910 SEMI-AUTOMATIC RIFLE WITH SEVEN GOLD ANIMALS.

SN 17646. Cal. 401 SL. Extraordinary highly decorated, purportedly the most highly embellished Winchester. Rifle has a 20″ tapered rnd bbl with pedestal mounted, Marbels ivory bead, tunnel front sight and a flat top rear sight. It is mounted with about 2-3X center crotch, flame grain American walnut, that is carved in style B, consisting of raised foliate & floral arabesque patterns with fine stippled background. Left side of buttstock is inlaid with a 1-3/8″ x 1″ oval brass plaque engraved “W. Alton Jones”. Buttstock has a brown leather covered pad and a 1/4″ spacer. Receiver & forearm band are wonderfully engraved by John Ulrich in a custom No. 1 pattern which consists of the very large oval vignette on the left side, depicting a bull elk and two hinds jumping a fallen tree and a very detailed forest scene in the background. All three animals are shown in great detail in flat gold inlay. Right side is equally detailed in a large oval vignette depicting a grizzly bear and two crouching wolves, also in flat gold inlay, depicted in great detail, all in a forested mountain scene. Top of the receiver has a flat gold inlaid bull moose head also showing great detail. The entirety of both sides & the top are then surrounded by very elaborate gold wire with heart shaped panels at the ends of the vignette on the left side, with another on the right side, and a large heart shaped design on top over the forward edge. Rear edge of the receiver is inlaid with a double gold wire as is the bottom front of the receiver. Bottom front of receiver also has a gold outlined shell pattern. Bbl band is engraved to match with a gold wire band. This rifle, identified by serial number, is pictured, both sides and top in the book Winchester Engraving, Wilson, on p.176. Mr. Wilson, in the caption, states that the engraving is signed “J. Ulrich”, but a diligent search under magnification did not disclose such signature. Until this rifle surfaced, it was believed that the Emperor of Japan’s, Model 1892, was the most elaborately engraved & inlaid Winchester ever produced. It had six gold animal inlays versus the seven gold animals on this rifle. It is almost certainly a one of a kind. Examination of the records of Abercrombie & Fitch on file at Griffin & Howe, disclosed that this rifle was consigned by G.W. Hill, Jr. in 1948 and sold to J. Marron, Jr. for $195, and it reportedly had 12oz of gold inlay. It was reconsigned by Mr. Marron in 1951 and sold to W. Alton Jones for $500. In 1962 Abercrombie & Fitch sold the W. Alton Jones collection, including this rifle which was sold to C.J. Wicks for $200. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Bbl retains 96-97% strong restored blue, lightly thinned between the bbl band & front sight with some minor staining in the same area; receiver retains about 98% strong restored blue with a few fine freckles of pitting; forearm has a grain check on the left front side, otherwise wood is sound and retains about all of its restored varnish finish. Mechanics are crisp; brilliant shiny bore, shows very little use. 4-50377 (60,000-120,000) – Lot 1162

SPECTACULAR WINSTON CHURCHILL ENGRAVED SHARPS BORCHARDT SINGLE SHOT TARGET RIFLE INSCRIBED “KNOWLTON”.

SN 6676. Cal. 40-50 Sharps Straight. Spectacular custom engraved Borchardt with 32″ tapered rnd bbl, spirit level windgage globe front sight, Lawrence Patent ladder bbl sight and an integral tang sight base containing a Sharps vernier 4″ staff. Receiver & lever are French gray finished while the breech block & buttplate are bright nickel finish. Mounted with exceptional, center crotch, flame grain American walnut with checkered schnable tip forearm and serpentine grip buttstock with crescent buttplate. Receiver is spectacularly engraved by master engraver Winston Churchill and signed on top of the receiver ring “W. CHURCHILL ENGR.”. Receiver has full coverage elaborate foliate & floral arabesque patterns with a very fine shaded background. Left side of receiver is inlaid with an incredibly detailed raised gold Rocky Mountain Big Horn sheep in a mountain scene with two other rams in the background. Right side is inlaid with an equally elaborate raised gold leaping whitetail buck in an extremely detailed forest scene. Lever & top tang are engraved to match. Receiver has its orig hard rubber inlaid panels engraved on the left side with a large “K” or “R” and “H.C. KNOWLTON”, all of which is surrounded by a very fine border. Corners of the panel have orig foliate arabesque patterns with matching patterns on the right side panel. Muzzle & chamber ends of the bbl are inlaid with a narrow gold band and the “Old Reliable” panel is inlaid in gold with a narrow gold border. Matching foliate & floral arabesque patterns extend about 5-1/2″ up the bbl from the receiver and around the front sight. The trigger & safety are hand checkered. All the screws are equally beautifully engraved. Bottom of the stock has a small gold oval engraved “Pete”. Accompanied by a copy of a letter from Winston Churchill dated May 6, 1989 wherein he acknowledges having engraved this rifle between the years 1971 and 1976 (working on it occasionally). He states that if he were commissioned to do the same job, his charges would be $40,000. Also accompanied by a note card from Mr. Churchill dated June 17, 1996 wherein he reiterates having engraved this rifle early in his career for a “(Pete) Belisle” of Hadley, Mass. He states that at the time he engraved this rifle he was working for Griffin & Howe with the renowned engraver, Josef Fugger. Mr. Churchill worked & studied under Mr. Fugger at Griffin & Howe for four years before striking out on his own and returning to his native Vermont where he still lives & works alternating between regular engraving and sculpting. In one of the above correspondences Mr. Churchill states that this rifle represents some of his earlier work which he apparently considers inferior to his current work. Fortunately for the world at large his inferior work is still better than just about any other work one could find. Additionally accompanied by a box containing an unusual homemade sgl cavity picket ball mold, a set of hand loading tools, a patch cutter and a large quantity of primed & loaded cases without bullets and one sgl loaded round. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Overall retains virtually all of its crisp custom finish with bright blue on the bbl and crisp gray on the receiver & lever. Wood is sound with no discernible flaws and retains about all of its fine custom finish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. Tools & ammo are fine. 4-50842 JR153 (30,000-50,000) – Lot 1163

*BEAUTIFUL CRESCENT GRADE FACTORY ENGRAVED SAVAGE MODEL 1899 TAKEDOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE THAT BELONGED TO DR. O’CONNOR OF WISCONSIN.

SN 109096. Cal. 303 Savage. Fine deluxe rifle with 26″ tapered rnd bbl, replacement triple bead front sight and a replacement King open rear sight. Mounted with very fancy, B-carved and checkered American walnut with schnable tip forearm and serpentine grip buttstock with Savage embossed hard rubber butt plate. Receiver is “C” engraved by master engraver Enoch Tue, with the round vignette of a running elk stag leaping a fence on the left side and a drinking elk stag on the right side. Both sides of the receiver have full coverage, foliate arabesque patterns with very fine pearled background. Engraving extends on top left side of receiver and receiver ring with light floral patterns on the bottom. This rifle was the property of Dr. Walter F. O’Connor (1874-1946) of Ladysmith, WI. He purchased it from Von Lengerke & Antoine of Chicago. Dr. O’Connor was the classical small town doctor & surgeon in Northwest Wisconsin at the turn of the century who apparently loved to hunt. Some of his exploits are recorded in the publication The Bucks Camp Log 1916-1928 and also On The Hunt, Willging. When Dr. O’Connor passed away in 1946, this rifle passed to his son, Walter F. O’Connor (1914-2006) who, in turn gave it to his son James C. O’Connor. While Savage Model 99 rifles are fairly common, those with engraving and especially those with carved highly figured wood are very rare. PROVENANCE: O’Connor Family as previously outlined; various books and photographs showing previous owners with this exact gun. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Bbl retains about 96-97% glossy orig blue with light muzzle end wear and a spot of rust about mid-point. Receiver retains about 95-96% glossy orig blue with sharp edge wear and thinning on the belly. Lever retains strong case colors on the sides with some fine freckles of rust, turning silver on the outer faces. Stock has a hairline back of the top tang and several short grain checks in the buttstock and overall retains about 95% orig varnish, heat crazed on the buttstock. Mechanics are crisp, strong bore dark in the grooves. 4-50354 JR506 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1164

*MARLIN MODEL 1893 DELUXE SPECIAL ORDER TAKEDOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 220306. Cal. 32-40. Fine special order rifle with 26″ oct to rnd bbl, half magazine, takedown with Rocky Mountain front sight, semi-buckhorn rear sight and a rare Marbles tang sight. It has color case hardened receiver and is mounted with very highly figured burl American walnut with “D” checkered forearm and pistol grip stock with serpentine grip cap and a Marlin embossed hard rubber buttplate that may be an old replacement. SN was observed in the usual place on the bottom of the receiver and is also found on left side of top tang under the wood and inside top tang channel of buttstock. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 95% strong, bright, orig blue; receiver retains about 20% good case colors with the balance turned silver and flaked to a medium patina with some fine pitting; lever & hammer retain about 30% case colors. Stock has a hairline back of top tang, otherwise wood is sound with a slightly altered toe on the stock and overall retains most of a fine professionally restored finish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. Marbles tang sight will not hold in the locked down position. 4-51502 JR263 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1165

SCARCE SPECIAL ORDER MARLIN MODEL 1893 TAKEDOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 160828. Cal. 38-55. Standard grade rifle with scarce 32″ oct bbl and 30″ magazine, German silver Rocky Mountain front sight, Lyman 2-leaf model 6-A rear sight and a Marbles extended, locking tang sight. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate. Standard bbl length for the model 1893 was 26″ and the maximum length magazine tube Marlin was able to produce was 30″. Bbl has standard company name and patent roll markings and left top flat is marked “=FOR BLACK POWDER=”. Top of receiver is marked “MARLIN SAFETY”. Very few Marlin rifles were ordered with 32″ bbls, especially in the model 1893. These were working tools and this one was probably for a market hunter or someone seeking long range accuracy. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: About fine. Bbl retains about 85% strong orig blue and the magazine tube a medium to dark brown patina; receiver, buttplate, forend cap, takedown ring, lever & hammer retain most of their orig case colors, lightly to moderately faded, a little thin over the top front of the receiver; bolt retains about 98% orig blue; wood is sound and retains most of an old restored finish; tang sight has a mechanical problem. Otherwise mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore. 4-50600 JR389 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1166

SCARCE DELUXE ENGRAVED MARLIN MODEL 1881 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 2075. Cal. 40-60. Special order model ’81 Marlin with 28″ oct bbl, full magazine, Beach’s gold washed combination front sight and rare Freund “More Light” full buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with nicely figured American walnut that has early B-style checkered forearm and straight stock that has smooth steel semi-crescent butt plate. Receiver has Marlin double set triggers and is engraved by Conrad Ulrich in about #2 or #3 pattern with the round vignette of a running whitetail buck on the left side and a standing pointer bird dog on the right side, with the small bust of a whitetail buck on the bolt dust cover. Engraving is all surrounded by fine foliate arabesque patterns that has pearled background. Engraving extends onto the front and rear raised areas of the receiver and over the chamber area. Left side of upper and lower tangs, under the wood has matching SN, which number is also found on front face of buttstock and inside buttplate. There were approximately 20,000 of these scarce rifles produced and were Marlin’s introduction of the lever action line. The model 1881 was the first lever action rifle to chamber the longer, higher velocity cartridges which were immediately accepted by the buying public and preceded the Winchester Model 1886, which chambered the same cartridges, by a full 5 years. These rifles were virtually all used on the American frontier by citizens from every walk of life, usually under continuous hard circumstances, frequently with little or no maintenance. Since these were primarily working tools of their day and the fancy wood with engraving was a substantial additional investment, very few were ever so ordered. The addition of the Freund sight lends credence to the belief that this rifle was a frontier used rifle as the Freund Bros shop was in Cheyenne, WY. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine. bbl and magazine retain traces of blue in sheltered areas being an overall smooth, even brown patina; receiver, lever, hammer and buttplate are also a smooth brown patina; wood shows heavy wear on the checkering with light nicks and scratches and a pinned repair in the wrist, otherwise is sound and retains about 50% orig varnish with touch up in the repaired area; mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore. Would make an outstanding Cowboy Action shooter. 4-50526 JR260 (4,000-7,000) – Lot 1167

SCARCE MARLIN BALLARD NO. 9 UNION HILL SINGLE TARGET RIFLE.

SN 31460. Cal. 32-40. Standard No. 9 Union Hill target rifle with 30″ oct-rnd bbl, windgage globe front sight, no provision for a rear seat & has a thick base mid-range vernier peep sight. Receiver is plain, rebated and has a large finger loop lever. Mounted with a rather plain, light colored American walnut with simple diamond checkered, semi-schnable tip forearm and serpentine grip buttstock with small cheek piece and nickeled cast iron Swiss buttplate. These rifles were produced in limited quantities from about 1884 – 1891 when production ceased due to the decline in interest in Schuetzen contests. This model was one of the more popular Ballards due to its low cost and high quality. This exact rifle is pictured as illustration number 35-2 on page 274 of BALLARD: The Great American Single Shot Rifle, Dutcher and again as part of illustration 35-8 on page 276 of the referenced publication, with credit to the Stephen Gordon Collection and other provenance. These fine target rifles are rarely ever found in completely orig, as sold configuration because most target shooters of that era customized their rifles to suit themselves. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection; The Stephen Gordon Collection; Ed Kennedy Collection; John Dutcher Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching including bbl, forearm, buttstock, buttplate and some internal parts. Bbl retains 98-99% strong orig blue with faint sharp edge wear and a couple of small nicks. Receiver retains most of its orig case colors that are moderately to heavily faded, turning gray. Breech block & hammer retain strong case colors. Lever retains case colors on the sides, faded elsewhere. Buttplate retains about all of its orig nickel. Wood is sound with a few very light, very small nicks & scratches and retains virtually all of its crisp, orig varnish finish. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant, shiny bore. 4-50577 JR50 (7,000-10,000) – Lot 1168

RARE BULLARD LARGE FRAME BIG BORE SEMI-DELUXE LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 449. Cal. 50-115 Bullard. Fine early rifle with 26″ oct bbl, half magazine, half nickel front sight with screw and short semi-buckhorn rear sight with checkered edges altered to flat top. Receiver is color case hardened with company name, address and patent date on the left side. Top of the receiver ring is marked “Express / 50 / 115”. SN is located back of the hammer slot. Mounted with very highly figured, uncheckered American walnut with capped round knob pistol grip stock & orig Bullard hard rubber buttplate with embossed company name and an elk. The cartridge for this rifle is the first of the 50 caliber repeating cartridges, which preceded the Winchester Express round by 3 years. The earliest mention of this cartridge is 1886-87, but it was actually introduced much earlier. It is considered to be the first rimless case and the first modern style solid head cartridge case. James H. Bullard was a prolific inventor in a variety of disciplines who patented this rifle in 1881. He established his business in Springfield, Mass and by around 1883 was producing firearms. He only stayed with the company a few years, moving on to other pursuits. The company continued in business until late 1890 or early 1891 when the building housing the factory was sold. The Bullard rifle was in many ways superior to its contemporaries, the Winchester and Marlin, with its rack & pinion action which is much stronger and smoother than either of the others making it much more able to chamber and extract swollen or damaged cartridge cases. The company’s demise was most likely precipitated by Mr. Bullard’s inattention to marketing along with the fact that the early iterations of his rifles were chambered in proprietary cartridges which were generally not readily available on the open market. Coupled with their late entry into the repeating rifle market, Mr. Bullard’s lack of business sense and the proprietary cartridges, the company simply didn’t stand a chance regardless of the superiority of their product. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Bbl retains about 85-88% orig finish turning plum with sharp edge wear and some light surface discoloration. Magazine tube is a blue/brown patina. Receiver retains most of its orig case colors, moderately faded. Lever retains strong case colors and the hammer faded case colors. Wood is sound with light nicks & scratches and retains most of an old restored finish. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant, shiny bore. 4-50645 JR63 (7,500-12,500) – Lot 1169

RARE BULLARD DELUXE TAKE-DOWN SINGLE SHOT TARGET RIFLE TWO BARREL SET.

SN 3962. Cal. 32-40 & 22. Fine deluxe target rifle with 32″ oct 32-40 bbl that has globe front sight and no provision for a rear sight. Top flat of the bbl lug has the maker’s name, address and patent information along with “32 / 40”. Caliber 22 bbl is 30″oct with combination front sight and no provision for a rear sight, also with company name and address with patent information on top flat of lug. Top flat also has “22 / 5”. Top tang has a thick base mid-range vernier sight and receiver has a large loop finger lever. Mounted with very highly figured, flame grain American walnut with two checkered semi-Schnable tip forearms and a dramatic serpentine grip buttstock with deep cheek piece & nickel plated brass Swiss buttplate. The patent for Bullards interchangeable bbl single shot rifles was issued in 1887 and the first rifles were produced in 1888. About that time James H. Bullard, the inventor and patentee had sold his business and moved on to other pursuits. The company continued manufacturing rifles until about 1890 with only a very few of these solid, reliable rifles ever having been produced. They are rarely encountered today and almost never with two matching numbered bbls. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching including bbls, forearms, stock and buttplate. 32-40 bbl retains about 95% strong, orig blue with only sharp edge wear and a few small nicks. Cal. 22 bbl retains 96-97% orig blue turned a little dull. Receiver & upper bbl lugs retain faded case colors as do the breech block, hammer & lever. Wood is sound with the buttstock showing light edge wear around the cheek piece, a few small nicks & scratches and retains 96-97% strong orig varnish. The forearms are sound showing sharp edge wear and retain most of their orig varnish showing light diamond point wear. Mechanics are fine. 32-40 bore is bright and shiny; strong bright cal. 22 bore, frosty in the grooves. 4-50644 JR51 (7,000-10,000) – Lot 1170

Revised: 3/9/2014

Please Note: There are two fingerprints of fine pitting on the bottom of the barrel in front of the forearm.

SCARCE REMINGTON HEPBURN #3 MATCH RIFLE.

SN 1619. Cal. Appears to be 38-50 Remington-Hepburn. Fine single shot target rifle with 28″ medium weight oct to rnd bbl, spirit level windgage globe front sight, no rear seat and a thick base short range vernier tang sight with 3″ staff. Mounted with very light, nicely figured American walnut with checkered, nickeled steel schnable tipped slim rnd forearm and rnd knob pistol grip stock with cheekpiece and nickeled brass Swiss buttplate. Less than 1,000 of these rifles were produced in the period 1883 to 1907 and few survive today in orig configuration with orig finish. Target shooters are notorious for altering their rifles to suit themselves. Consequently very few are found today without some form of alteration. CONDITION: Very fine plus, all matching including bbl, forearm, stock and buttplate. Bbl retains about 98% strong orig blue and the receiver virtually all of its orig case colors, brilliant on the right side and over the top with the left side moderately faded, brilliant toward the rear; lower tang & trigger plate are moderately faded with some rust pitting on the lower tang. Wood is sound and retains about all of an old restored finish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 4-50847 JR148 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1172

SPECTACULAR CUSTOM REMINGTON NO. 1-1/2 ROLLING BLOCK TARGET RIFLE BY A.O. ZISCHANG.

SN 5725. Cal. 22. Beautiful deluxe rifle with 28-1/4″ oct bbl, windgage front sight, no provision for a rear sight and has a short range vernier tang sight with 3″ staff. Receiver & trigger guard are beautifully color cased hardened and has a single set trigger. Mounted with spectacular, highly figured American walnut with very fine checkered, black insert, schnable tip forearm and Schuetzen style, serpentine grip buttstock with deep cheek piece and nickeled brass Swiss buttplate. Checkering is about 30 lines per inch and the stock has raised side panels. Consignor’s note attached to the trigger guard states “CUSTOM BUILT FROM REMINGTON 1-1/2 ROLLING BLOCK BY A.O. ZISCHANG SYRACUSE N.Y. 1875-1940”. Mr. Zischang was one of the preeminent bbl & target rifle makers of his time. Any time there is a discussion about the finest 19th & early 20th century rifle makers, Mr. Zischang is always one of the first to be mentioned, along with the likes of Harry Pope, George Schoyen and others. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Overall retains virtually all of its bright bbl blue and brilliant case colors on the receiver. Trigger guard is moderately faded; breech block, hammer and receiver pins retain about all of their orig blue; wood is sound with a few light handling & storage nicks & scratches and retains virtually all of it orig varnish finish. Mechanics are crisp; brilliant shiny bore. 4-50511 JR390 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1173

RARE REMINGTON KEENE BOLT ACTION REPEATING CARBINE.

Cal. 45-70. Standard grade carbine with 20″ rnd bbl, full magazine, fixed front sight in a dovetail in the front band and 1,000-yd carbine ladder rear sight. Left side of receiver has the caliber marking and top of the bolt has 3-line company name and patent dates. Mounted in an uncheckered 1-pc walnut half stock with color case hardened forend cap & carbine buttplate. Bottom of the buttstock & forend cap have sling swivels. Although the exact number of carbines produced is unknown, according to numerous publications they are very rare. Only about 5,000 Remington-Keene bolt action rifles & carbines were produced in the period 1880-1883 in five different configurations. There was a small contract of carbines purchased by the government for arming Indian police but the exact number is unknown. Those few carbines examined by this Cataloger have all been in well used condition with very little orig finish, generally showing hard use and abuse. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 95% crisp orig blue with some light surface rust, primarily on the left side just forward of the forend cap and a few freckles of light surface rust elsewhere; receiver retains about 96-97% strong orig blue with a few scattered freckles of light surface rust; bolt retains most of its orig bright polished finish; forend cap/bbl band retains 75-80% orig case colors, moderately faded with some fine pinprick pitting; hammer retains bright case colors; trigger guard retains about 75% thinning orig blue with some light surface pitting; stock has a hairline forward of the trigger guard opening, otherwise wood is sound with a few light nicks & dings and retains most of its orig finish. Mechanics are fine; brilliant shiny bore. 4-50561 JR391 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1174

SCARCE LATE PRODUCTION REMINGTON MODEL 1875 SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 223. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Nickel finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, pinched post front sight and 1-line right hand “E. REMINGTON & SONS, ILION. N.Y. U.S.A.” block letter address. Buttstrap has a factory stud & ring. Mounted with unnumbered, smooth, 2-pc walnut grips. Left rear web of trigger guard is marked “44”. The Model 1875 was produced only from 1875 to 1888 with about 25,000 to 30,000 revolvers made in that time frame. The Model 1875 was produced as a direct competitor for the Colt Model 1873 Single Action Army revolver. Unfortunately for Remington, even though the design was much more convenient for cleaning and cylinder removal, at the time they appeared on the scene Colt was already well established with the Army and civilians alike. No large military contracts were ever awarded to Remington and since Remington was more known for rifles and shotguns, their distribution and advertising were inadequate, and therefore sales were slow. This is apparently a transition model made after Hartley & Graham took over Remington and represents one of the late Model 1875s produced just before the Model 1888. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine, shows very little use, has been fired, but very little. Overall retains 98-99% crisp orig nickel with a few small spots of flaking; cylinder pin retains strong orig blue; screws retain orig blue, a little thin on the heads. Grips are sound showing light wear and retain about all of their orig varnish. Hammer is not solid in half cock notch, otherwise mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore, with a few scattered spots of pitting. 4-50736 JR99 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1175

SCARCE REMINGTON MODEL 1875 SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 14227. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Nickel finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, pinched post front sight and 1-line left hand block letter address. Buttstrap has a factory stud & ring. Mounted with smooth 2-pc walnut grips that has “44” stamped at the bottom of left grip. Inside each grip is marked in pencil “14029” and they are also stamped “1312”. Left side of the heel, under the grip is marked with assembly no. “142”, which number is also found on rear face of cylinder. The Model 1875 was produced only from 1875 to 1888 with about 25,000 to 30,000 revolvers made in that time frame and was a direct competitor for the Colt Model 1873 Single Action Army revolver. Unfortunately for Remington, even though the design was much more convenient for cleaning and cylinder removal, at the time the Model 1875 appeared on the scene Colt was already well established with the U.S. Army and civilians alike. No large military contracts were ever awarded to Remington and since Remington was more known for rifles and shotguns, their distribution and advertising were inadequate, and therefore sales were slow. In 1888 Remington redesigned the Model 1875 and produced less than 1,000 of the Model 1888 before transitioning into the Model 1890. The Model 1875 was a popular sidearm, which saw extensive service on the American frontier and Mexico. They are rarely found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Overall retains 95-97% strong orig nickel with only light muzzle end wear, a few nicks and scratches, a ding on the cylinder and some light flaking on the back strap; cyl also retains most of its orig nickel on the rear face and outer diameter, being bare metal on the front face. Grips show heavy wear, especially on the right side with chipped toes and retain a hand worn patina. Hammer is not solid in safety notch, otherwise mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore. 4-50539 JR98 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1176

RARE REMINGTON MODEL 1890 SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 450. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Scarce blue finish with rare 5-3/4″ bbl, German silver front sight and 1-line “REMINGTON ARMS CO. ILION. N.Y.” address. Left side of frame is marked “44 C.F.W.” Mounted with 2-pc checkered hard rubber grips with fancy Remington logo at the tops. Buttstrap has a factory stud and ring. The Remington Model 1890 was an improved version of their Model 1875 with cut out web on the ejector housing. There were only a little over 2,000 of these rare revolvers produced in the period 1891-1896, of which only a few were with 5-3/4″ bbls. The Model 1875 & 1890 were produced as direct competitors for the Colt Model 1873 Single Action Army revolver. Unfortunately for Remington, even though the design was much more convenient for cleaning and cylinder removal, by the time they appeared on the scene Colt was already well established with the U.S. Army and civilians alike. No large military contracts were ever awarded to Remington and since Remington was more known for rifles and shotguns, their distribution and advertising were inadequate, and therefore sales were slow. By the time the Model 1890 was produced, sales of large bore single action revolvers had waned substantially in favor of the more convenient dbl action revolvers, and after only a short run, Remington stopped production of their big bore revolvers. It has been the experience of this cataloger that nickeled Models 1890 far outnumber blued ones. Finding a blue Model 1890 with orig shorter bbl and orig finish is quite rare. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Overall retains blue in most sheltered areas with the balance having flaked, not worn to a dark patina; hammer retains bright case colors; cylinder retains strong blue in the flutes, being mostly a thin blue, turning plum with a wide drag line. Grips are very fine to extremely fine showing very little wear. Hammer will not hold in safety notch, otherwise mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore. 4-50738 JR97 (7,500-12,500) – Lot 1177

RARE REMINGTON MODEL 1890 SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 1894. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Scarce blue finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, German silver front sight and 1-line “REMINGTON ARMS CO. ILION. N.Y.” address. Left side of frame is marked “44 C.F.W.” Mounted with 2-pc checkered hard rubber grips with fancy Remington logo at the tops. Buttstrap has a factory stud and ring. The Remington Model 1890 was an improved version of their Model 1875 with cutout web on the ejector housing. There were only a little over 2,000 produced in the period 1891-1896. The Model 1875 & 1890 were produced as direct competitors for the Colt Model 1873 Single Action Army revolver. Unfortunately for Remington, even though the design was much more convenient for cleaning and cylinder removal, at the time they appeared on the scene Colt was already well established with the Army and civilians alike. No large military contracts were ever awarded to Remington and since Remington was more known for rifles and shotguns, their distribution and advertising were inadequate, and therefore sales were slow. By the time the Model 1890 was produced, sales of large bore Single Action revolvers had waned substantially in favor of the more convenient dbl action revolvers, and after only a short run, Remington stopped production of their big bore revolvers. It has been the experience of this cataloger that nickeled Models 1890 far outnumber blued ones. Finding a blue Model 1890 with orig finish is quite rare. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Overall retains 30-35% orig blue, mostly in sheltered areas with the balance flaked more than worn to a medium patina. Grips are sound showing light diamond point wear and have turned chocolate. Hammer will not catch in safety notch, otherwise mechanics are fine. Strong bore with good shine and scattered fine pitting. 4-50737 JR96 (7,500-12,500) – Lot 1178

EARLY REMINGTON DOUBLE DERINGER.

SN 126. Cal 41. This early type 2 is marked “REMINGTON ARMS CO ILION, NY” on top of bbl, the 3-digit SN would make it a first year production of 1888. Grips are checkered hard rubber with blued finish on frame and bbl. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall. Bbl retains about 50% of its orig bright blue/black finish with balance gray; frame has traces of finish in protected areas with balance silver/gray; hammer retinas about 90% of its bright fire blue; grips are well fit with wear to high spots and two 1/2″ cuts in right grip and a larger 3/4″ cut in left grip. 4-50553 JS236 (500-800) – Lot 1179

*CASED CATTLE BRAND ENGRAVED REMINGTON DOUBLE DERINGER.

SN 98743. Cal 41. This little Remington double Deringer is engraved possibly by Cole Agee though not signed with his classic cattle brand style. His typical signature brand “2 lazy 2 P” is found on bottom left bbl. This gun is mounted with a pair of smooth ivory grips and is in relatively very fine condition since it was engraved. CONDITION: Very fine as refinished and engraved. Gun retains most of its bright finish with dark backgrounds contrasting engraving; bbl address “REMINGTON ARMS – – U.M.C. CO ILION NY.” is well struck on top of bbl. Gun functions well with very heavy spring tension. Bores are crisp and smooth. Casing is mahogany with red velvet lining which is very goo to fins condition overall; well fitted and retains several cartridges as can be seen in photos. 4-50319 JS197 (3,500-5,500) – Lot 1180

RARE AINSWORTH INSPECTED CUSTER RANGE COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 5939. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line script letter address. Left side of frame has 2-line patent dates and a small “U.S.” Mounted with 1-pc walnut grip that has matching SN in backstrap channel. Matching numbers are also found on bottom of bbl, under the ejector housing and on cylinder. Ejector housing is 1st type with bullseye ejector rod head. The tiny inspector initial “A” (Orville W. Ainsworth) is found on bottom of bbl, cylinder, trigger guard, backstrap and bottom left edge of grip. Grip cartouche is worn away. This revolver is from lot 6 of Cavalry issued Colts and is within the known and identified range of Custer’s 7th Cavalry issued revolvers. It is also within the range of 2nd Cavalry issued revolvers, either of which places it in the thick of Indian fighting in the 1870s & 1880s. While the 7th Cavalry received all the notoriety resulting from the Custer massacre and although the 7th Cavalry was a famous fighting unit at that time, participating in numerous smaller battles and skirmishes, in actuality the 2nd Cavalry was probably more active in the Western theater and probably participated in more fights than did the 7th. In fact the 2nd Cavalry was part of General Crook’s column for which Custer was supposed to wait. Just a few days before the Custer fight at the Little Big Horn the 2nd Cavalry with Crook fought the Battle of the Rosebud, leading the fight to the Indians and pursuing them when they abandoned the field. The 2nd and 7th Cavalries remained on duty in the Western theater well into the 1880s. Undoubtedly this revolver saw much fighting. Accompanied by a series of letters from John Kopec, noted historian, author and collector where he verifies the authenticity of this revolver and states that it could have been issued to either of the units mentioned above. He cites an example of SN 5933 which was found in Canada in the area where many of the escaping Indians traveled to after the Little Big Horn. Undoubtedly #5933 was a 7th Cavalry Colt which leads to the conclusion that this revolver, #5939 was also a 7th Cavalry revolver. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine, all matching including bbl, cylinder and grip. All parts of this revolver appear to be absolutely orig except the hammer spring which is a more modern replacement. Bbl retains 30-40% orig blue, mostly in sheltered areas with the top and sides gray metal patina. Orig feathers are still visible on either side of front sight. Frame retains faded case colors in the front gullets and traces in most sheltered areas being generally a gray metal patina. There is some fine pitting on the right side by the forcing cone. Trigger guard, front strap and backstrap are gray metal patina. Hammer retains strong case colors on sides and rear edge. Cylinder is a gray metal patina. Grip has a chipped left toe, otherwise is sound with some light battering on the bottom edges and retains a hand worn patina. Hammer is not solid in half-cock notch, otherwise mechanics are fine, very bright shiny bore. 4-50671 JR102 (25,000-50,000) – Lot 1181

SCARCE CASEY INSPECTED COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 16632. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue and color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line script letter address. Left side of frame has 2-line 3 patent dates and a small “U.S.”. Mounted with 1-pc walnut grip that has last 4-digits of matching SN in backstrap channel. Left side of grip has a legible “APC” (A.P. Casey) sub-inspector cartouche. Bottom of grip, bottom of bbl, trigger guard, backstrap and cylinder all have small “C” inspector initials. Bottom of bbl under ejector housing has last 4-digist of matching SN which are also found on cylinder. Ejector housing is 1st type with bullseye ejector rod head and base pin is orig type with dimpled ends. This revolver is still in its orig cavalry configuration having escaped the recalls of 1893 and early 20th century when thousands of cavalry revolvers were recalled by the armory, refurbished and had their bbls shortened to 5-1/2″ artillery configuration. This revolver was manufactured in 1875 during the height of the Indian wars when cavalry revolvers were in great demand. Most of the production of that period would have been issued to front line cavalry units. Others however were issued to state militias where they remained until they were declared surplus, returned to the arsenal and sold as surplus. That this revolver remains in near unfired condition attests to the fact that it was either stolen from the army, captured by the Indians or remained in a militia armory until sold. Accompanied by a John Kopec 2-pg letter wherein he validates most of the above information and states that this revolver “remains 100% authentic in every respect”. Also accompanied by a letter from Rob Judd of Rural Retreat, VA dated June 25, 2008 wherein he states that he received this revolver after his grandfather’s death in about 1956. His grandfather was Burt L. Knight of Manchester, CT and that he has no information beyond that. Additionally accompanying is a bill of sale for this revolver to Tommy Rholes signed by Mr. Judd. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Overall retains traces of orig finish in the most sheltered areas, being a clean, smooth gray/brown patina. Front gullets of frame retain strong case colors and the hammer faded case colors. Cylinder retains blue in the flutes with the outer diameter matching patina to the revolver. Grip is crisp, showing light edge wear and a legible cartouche, lightly battered on the bottom edges. Hammer will not catch in the safety notch and is not solid in the half-cock notch, otherwise mechanics are fine. Brilliant shiny bore, shows very little evidence of having been fired. 4-50678 JR101 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1182

COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER ATTRIBUTED TO THE 8TH CAVALRY.

SN 49108. Cal. 45 Colt. Usual configuration with 7-1/2″ bbl, slightly reduced & thinned front sight and 1-line block letter address. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and a small “US”. Mounted with 1-pc walnut grip that has last four digits of matching SN in back strap channel. Left side of grip has the outline of an oval cartouche that would be for Capt. John E. Greer, under the mostly visible date of “1878”. Right side of grip has the partially visible cartouche “HN” (Henry Nettleton). Right side of grip also has partially visible stamping that appears to be “Co” and what appears to be a “B” and the partial number that appears to be an “8TH” and “CAV.”. The “HN” inspector initials are found on bottom of bbl, frame & cyl. The back strap & grip have small “W” (E.C. Wheeler) sub-inspector initials. Mr. Wheeler filled in for Mr. Nettleton during an illness. Accompanied by a 2-page letter from renowned Colt historian & author, John Kopec, wherein he verifies most of the above information. He states that the hammer is a replacement since it does not have the “HN” inspector initials. He also provides the information that this revolver escaped the recalls of 1893 and the early 20th century where hundreds of cavalry revolvers were returned to the factory & Springfield Arsenal where they had their bbls reduced to 5-1/2″ and usually have mixed numbers. This revolver is identified by SN in Colt Cavalry and Artillery Revolvers A Continuing Study, Kopec & Fenn, as being one of the very few Wheeler inspected revolvers. Additionally accompanied by a notarized letter, over the signature of Jim Finch, Long Hunter Shooter Supply of Amarillo, TX. Mr. Finch states that in March 2011 he purchased this revolver from a north Texas rancher who had found it in a box in an old barn they were tearing down. He states that he traded it to Ron Peterson of Albuquerque, NM. The fact that this revolver remains in its orig configuration attests to the fact that it was very likely issued to a frontline cavalry unit during the Indian Wars and was either lost or stolen. Although it could have subsequently been issued to a militia unit, it likely was not. The 8th U.S. Cavalry Regiment was a very storied & active cavalry unit involved in Indian Wars from 1866-1890. They were formed in California in Dec. 1866, replacing volunteer companies that had been fighting Indians in California, Nevada & Oregon during the Civil War. In 1867 they were moved to Nevada and in 1870 to Fort Union, New Mexico Territory. They remained there at various forts throughout the region fighting primarily the Apaches, making the occasional foray into Texas against the Comanches & Kiowas and in July 1875 were moved to Texas where they continued fighting the Comanche until 1888 when they marched 2,600 miles to Fort Meade, SD and Fort Keogh, Montana Territory. The fact that the 8th Cavalry was a frontline fighting unit in 1878 and thereafter in North Texas certainly lends credibility to the idea that this revolver was stolen by a deserting trooper during the time before the unit left for the north. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good, all matching. Traces of orig finish remain in the most sheltered areas being a cleaned gray metal patina; the hammer, as mentioned by Mr. Kopec as having been changed, is a civilian type with short checkered spur which would further support the idea that this revolver had been in use outside of the military. Grip shows heavy wear with heavy chipping along the edges and retains a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-50603 JR346 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1183

SCARCE 1875 ISSUE CASEY-INSPECTED COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 17149. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line script address. Left side of the frame has 2-line, 2-patent dates and “U.S.”. Mounted with 1-pc walnut grip that has last four digits of SN in the back strap channel. Left side of grip has well struck cartouche “APC” (A.P. Casey). Ejector housing is first type with bull’s-eye ejector rod head and the base pin is orig type with dimpled ends. Bottom of the bbl, under the ejector housing, is marked with last 4 digits of SN and sub-inspector proofs “J/P” are stamped on bottom of bbl. Cyl has matching last 4 digits of SN. Tiny sub-inspector initials are found on most parts of gun including stock, trigger guard, cyl, bbl and ejector housing. This is a very fine example of a rare, early martial single action revolver in orig condition retaining much of its orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine overall. Bbl retains only about 20% orig blue most of this is in protected areas though good feathering is seen at front sight; balance of cyl is silver/gray with scattered areas of staining and light pitting; ejector housing retains about half of its orig blue finish with balance the same silver/gray as bbl; frame retains about 70% bright and muted case colors with left side retaining close to 90% and right side much less with balance silver/gray, matching color of bbl and ejector housing; the cyl retains about 70% thinning blue, again one side much better than other with balance matching color of bbl and frame; hammer retains most of its case colors though dull and muted in areas; trigger guard retains about 30% of its blue finish and backstrap retains about 70% with balance a matching silver/gray to rest of gun; the stocks are fine and very well fit retaining much of their orig oil finish with light edge wear effecting bottom border of cartouche on left grip. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-50615 JS185 (10,000-20,000) – Lot 1184

COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 114707. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue and color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address. Bottom of bbl, under the ejector housing is marked with last 4-digist of matching SN. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and a small “U.S”. Heel of the backstrap has 5 filed lines. Mounted with 1-pc walnut grip, with the no. “47-7” visible in the backstrap channel. Hand carved over this number are the initial “M.F.C.” Left side of the grip has the outline of an “FH” (Capt. Frank Heath) inspector cartouche under an illegible date. Right side of the grip has outline of a “DFC” (David F. Clark) sub-inspector cartouche. Mr. Clarks initials are also found on bottom of frame, bottom of bbl and cylinder. The sub-inspector initials on the bottom edge of the grip have been obliterated by battering. This revolver was part of the 9th & 10th contracts 1884 & 1885. Large numbers of these revolvers were issued to the New York Militia and many others were converted to artillery configuration in the 1890’s & early 20th century recalls where their bbls were reduced to 5-1/2″. The mid-1880s was a period where the Indian wars were still being fought and it is possible that this revolver could have been issued to one of the front line cavalry units and used in the Indian wars. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good. Overall retains traces of orig finish in the most sheltered areas with strong case colors and front gullets of frame, being mostly a gray metal patina; cylinder is matching patina as are the front and backstraps. Grip is sound with the aforementioned battering on the bottom edges, showing heavy wear with a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-50542 JR100 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 1185

RARE COLT RIMFIRE SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 235. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Usual configuration with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line script letter address. Bottom of bbl is marked with a tiny “44” and has matching SN under the ejector housing. Ejector housing is 1st type with bull’s eye ejector rod head. Left shoulder of trigger guard has the caliber marking. Hammer is orig with rimfire firing pin secured with 2 rivets. Mounted with varnished 1-pc walnut grip that appears to have the faint matching number in the backstrap channel. Cylinder is also matching numbered and base pin is orig type with dimpled ends. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal. 44 rimfire, bbl length and type of stocks not listed, blue finish and shipped to Spies, Kissman & Co. NY, NY on Feb. 8, 1876 in a 12 gun shipment. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran, there were 1,863 single action revolvers produced in 44 RF caliber (including 107 caliber 22 revolvers) in the period 1875-1880 in a separate SN range beginning with #1. In about 1888 Colt converted the remaining 44 RF revolvers in stock to cal. 22. Colt had produced these revolvers to accommodate the owners of Henry and Winchester Model 1866 rifles, which utilized the same cartridge. Unfortunately the introduction of the Single Action in 44 RF nearly coincided with the advent of the repeating center fire rifles. Being an obsolete cartridge at the introduction, hampered sales which resulted in cancellation of this model. The vast majority of Single Action chambered in 44 RF were sold to Mexico and South America where the Henry and Winchester 1866 rifles were still in widespread use. In that environment, these revolvers usually saw very hard service with little or no maintenance and most often are found with cut bbls. So, finding one in orig configuration is quite rare. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good. Orig finish remains only in the most sheltered areas being mostly a cleaned metal patina. Hammer retains strong case colors on the sides and rear edge. Grip is sound and showing moderate wear and retains about 85% orig varnish. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with shine in the groves and light pitting. 4-50681 JR92 (25,000-40,000) – Lot 1186

RARE SMALL BORE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 1860. Cal. 22 RF. Blue & color case hardened, 7-1/2″ bbl, altered front sight and 1-line block letter address. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and left front web of trigger guard is marked “22 CAL”. Ejector housing is 3rd type with half moon ejector rod head. Bottom of bbl, under ejector housing, is marked with matching SN. Cyl is also matching numbered. Base pin is orig type with dimpled ends. Mounted with Rampant Colt & eagle 2-pc hard rubber grips. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in 22 caliber with 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, rubber grips and shipped to Schoverling, Daly & Gales, New York, NY on May 28, 1889 in a 1-gun shipment. There were only 107 of these rare revolvers produced by Colt 1875-1880 and were numbered in a special series with the 44 rimfire revolvers, which were all in the approx. serial range of 1-1800. This revolver appears to be one of the last produced. When the 44 RF revolvers stopped selling, Colt used the last rimfire frames and made 22 caliber revolvers out of them. These 22 caliber revolvers were not big sellers either and only this very few were produced. They were more of a novelty than something anyone would seriously use during that time frame. They are usually found in abused, poor condition, rarely with any orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine, all matching except grips which are unnumbered but appear to be orig to this revolver. Bbl retains 20-30% orig blue, mostly under & around the ejector housing with the balance a mottled gray/brown patina; ejector housing retains strong blue in the gullets with the outer radius a dark brown patina; frame is a dark brown patina with pitting around the forcing cone area; hammer retains strong case colors on the sides, turned dark on the edges; trigger guard & back strap retain blue in sheltered areas being mostly a brown patina; cyl is also a dark brown patina with a moderate drag line and fine pitting on front face. Grips are sound with a few scratches on bottom right edge and show light to moderate wear. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with good shine and sharp rifling. 4-50682 JR106 (30,000-50,000) – Lot 1187

EXTREMELY RARE COLT SMALL BORE SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 135485. Cal. 22. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, altered front sight and 1-line block letter address with caliber marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with Rampant Colt/Eagle hard rubber grips. Bottom of bbl, under ejector housing, is marked with a small “22”. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal. 22 rimfire with 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed and shipped to Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co., Chicago, IL, for Ludington, Wells & Van Schark on Dec. 19, 1892 in a 2-gun shipment. Numerous publications show that there were 107 Single Actions in caliber 22 produced in the late 1880s, mostly from converted 44 rimfire frames. Out of the 1,863 revolvers made in 44 rimfire, either 90 or 93 (depending on which publication) of those frames were converted to 22. The other 14 or 17 cal. 22 revolvers were numbered in the regular serialization series, generally in the 135,000 range, such as found here. These caliber 22 Single Actions were generally not considered a real man’s gun and so usually saw hard service with very little maintenance and are rarely found today in orig configuration with orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl retains about 30% strong blue in sheltered areas around the front sight and ejector housing with the balance a purplish/brown patina; frame retains traces of case colors in sheltered areas being an overall silver/gray patina; cyl is mostly a blue/gray patina with dull blue in the flutes; trigger guard & backstrap are mostly a gray metal patina with blue in sheltered areas; grips show are sound and show moderate wear with the left side having turned chocolate. Hammer will not catch in half cock notch, otherwise mechanics are fine; strong bright bore with some fine frosting in the grooves. 4-50684 JR341 (30,000-50,000) – Lot 1188

EXTREMELY RARE SMALL BORE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 1853. Cal. 22 RF. Nickel finish with blued screws, 7-1/2″ bbl, altered front sight and 1-line block letter address. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and left front web of trigger guard & bottom of bbl are marked “22 CAL”. Ejector housing is 3rd type with half moon ejector rod head. Base pin is orig type with dimpled ends. Mounted with 2-pc hard rubber rampant Colt & eagle grips. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in 22 caliber with 7-1/2″ bbl, nickel finish, rubber grips and shipped to Bandle Arms Co., Cincinnati, OH, on Feb. 21, 1889 in a 1-gun shipment. There were only 107 of these rare revolvers produced by Colt 1875-1880 and were numbered in a special series with the 44 rimfire revolvers which were all in the approx. serial range of 1-1800. This revolver appears to be one of the last produced, and may be the very last one. When the 44 RF revolvers stopped selling, Colt used the last rimfire frames and made 22 caliber revolvers out of them. These 22 caliber revolvers were not big sellers either and only this very few were produced. They were more of a novelty than something anyone would seriously use. Nickeled examples are extremely rare and those with orig finish are also very rare. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains about 90% strong orig nickel on the bbl, frame & grip frame with just about all the losses around the forcing cone area on the front part of the frame; trigger guard & back strap finish has turned a little milky with some fine pimpling on the front of the trigger plate; cyl retains 50-60% orig nickel with most of the losses around the front & front face; screws are very fine and retain most of their orig blue. Grips are sound showing light wear, turned light chocolate. Hammer is not solid in safety notch, otherwise mechanics are fine; dark bore with moderate pitting. 4-50683 JR104 (25,000-40,000) – Lot 1189

EXTREMELY RARE FACTORY ENGRAVED COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 127099. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Nickel finish with 5-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address with “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER.” in an etched panel on the left side. Bottom of bbl is marked with a tiny “44”. Left side of frame has 3 line patent dates and left front web of trigger bow is marked “44 CAL”. Ejector housing is 3rd type with half moon ejector rod head. Mounted with exceptional 2-pc pearl grips with an outstanding raised carved flying American eagle and American shield on the right side. Revolver has full coverage New York style engraving on frame, probably from the L.D. Nimschke shop. Matching engraving patterns extend nearly full length of the bbl on each side with a triple border around the address terminating in fine foliate & arabesque patterns. Top of backstrap is engraved in Mr. Nimschke’s typical large fan pattern with foliate arabesque patterns on the backstrap, buttstrap & trigger guard. Cylinder is engraved with foliate arabesque patterns on lands between the flutes and has an unusual chain border around the rear edge that has 6-pointed stars in each link. Hammer is nickel finished. Screws, trigger & base pin are fire blued. Base pin is orig type with dimpled ends. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in Cal. 44-40 with 5-1/2″ bbl, nickel finish, pearl stocks with a “carved Mexican eagle motif”, factory engraved and shipped to Western Arms & Cartridge Co. Chicago, Illinois on Aug. 23, 1888 in a one gun shipment. Also accompanied by a typed Bill of Sale for this revolver, transferring ownership to Tommy Rholes over the signature of Michael Eric Ecton of Blue Springs, Missouri. Additionally accompanying is a second Colt Factory letter dated March 4, 1969, with identical information to the previous factory letter addressed to Mr. W.F. Bradford of La Plata, Missouri. PROVENANCE: Michael Eric Eaton; W.F. Bradford; Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, has been fired but very little. Overall retains about 98-99% strong orig nickel finish with slight dulling on the left side of the muzzle and tip of the ejector housing. Front face of cylinder has 2 or 3 small spots of flaking with light pitting under the grips. Screws retain most of their orig fire blue, showing wear on the trigger & lock bolt screws. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with scattered fine pitting. 4-50687 JR66 (75,000-125,000) – Lot 1190

FINE INSCRIBED HELFRICHT ENGRAVED COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 160281. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Nickel finish with 5-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address with “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” roll marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with outstanding, factory, 2-pc pearl grips with deep relief carved ox head on the right side. Revolver is engraved by Cuno Helfricht in about “C” coverage foliate arabesque patterns that have fine pearled background. Left recoil shield has Mr. Helfricht’s trademarks fan pattern and the loading gate his typical starburst pattern. Top strap is engraved in snake and dot patterns which run down the back by the hammer slot. Foliate arabesque patterns extend up each side of the bbl with snake & dot patterns in top gullet and outer radius of ejector housing. Cylinder is engraved in alternating patterns on lands between flutes and has a snake and dot pattern around the rear edge. Top of back strap has Mr. Helfricht’s starburst panel with geometric patterns down the backstrap, on the buttstrap and trigger guard. Center of backstrap is engraved in zigzag lettering, probably by the same hand who engraved the backstrap, “J.H. WEAVER”. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in Cal. 44-40 with 5-1/2″ bbl, nickel finish, carved steer head pearl stocks, factory engraved and shipped to Simmons Hardware Co., St. Louis, MO, c/o Sellers & Cennally on Dec. 22,1894 in a 1-gun shipment. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Frame, bbl and ejector housing retain about 90% strong orig nickel, turning a little milky. Outer radius of ejector housing shows holster wear; backstrap, buttstrap and about half of the front strap are cleaned bright metal, as is most of the trigger bow & trigger plate; screws & base pin are fine and retain strong fire blue; cyl retains about 70% orig nickel with one area polished bright metal; right grip has a small chip in the heel otherwise grips are sound showing great fire. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore. 4-50688 JR335 (30,000-50,000) – Lot 1191

HELFRICHT ENGRAVED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH TEXAS ASSOCIATION.

SN 153161. Cal. 45 Colt. Nickel finish with 5-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address with caliber marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with 2-pc pearl grips with a raised carved stooping eagle on the right side. Revolver is engraved by Cuno Helfricht in about “C” plus coverage consisting of foliate arabesque patterns with pearled background on sides of the frame, sides of the bbl boss and extend over sides of the bbl. Left recoil shield and loading gate are engraved with Mr. Helfricht’s deluxe fan pattern. Top strap, back edge of frame by hammer slot, top gullet & outer radius of ejector housing and rear edge of cyl are engraved with snake & dot patterns. Top of bbl, backstrap, buttstrap & trigger guard are engraved with geometric patters. Top of backstrap is engraved in Mr. Helfricht’s fan patterns. Cyl is engraved in Mr. Helfricht’s distinctive alternating patterns on lands between flutes. Screws & base pin are fire blued. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal. 45 Colt, with 5-1/2″ bbl, nickel finish, type of stocks not listed and factory engraved, shipped to Charles Hummell & son, San Antonio, TX, Aug. 29, 1893 in a 2-gun shipment. Undoubtedly this revolver and another (SN 153007), identically engraved and the other gun in this shipment were for the same individual, probably a local Texas rancher or wealthy person in Mexico. Given that this revolver has an American style eagle grip and the other a Mexican eagle grip, they could have been simply for close friends or business associates on each side of the border. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Overall retains about 50-60% milky orig nickel with the exposed metal a gray patina and some fine pin prick pitting on front sides of frame; cyl retains 60-65% orig nickel; grips have a few fine chips on the toes & heels, otherwise are sound and show great fire & iridescent color; hammer is not solid in the half cock notch, otherwise mechanics are fine; strong bore with light to moderate pitting. 4-50528 JR337 (25,000-40,000) – Lot 1192

HELFRICHT ENGRAVED COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH TEXAS ASSOCIATION.

SN 153007. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Nickel finish with 5-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address with “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” roll marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with 2-pc pearl grips with a raised carved Mexican eagle on the right side. Revolver is engraved by Cuno Helfricht in about “C” plus coverage consisting of foliate arabesque patterns with pearled background on sides of the frame, sides of the bbl boss and extend over sides of the bbl. Left recoil shield and loading gate are engraved with Mr. Helfricht’s deluxe fan patterns. Top strap, back edge of frame by hammer slot, top gullet & outer radius of ejector housing and rear edge of cyl are engraved with snake & dot patterns. Top of bbl, backstrap, buttstrap & trigger guard are engraved with geometric patters. Top of backstrap is engraved in Mr. Helfricht’s fan pattern. Cyl is engraved in Mr. Helfricht’s distinctive alternating patterns on lands between flutes. Screws are fire blued. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal. 44-40, with 5-1/2″ bbl, nickel finish, type of stocks not listed and factory engraved, shipped to Charles Hummell & son, San Antonio, TX, Aug. 29, 1893 in a 2-gun shipment. Undoubtedly this revolver and another (SN 153161), identically engraved and the other gun in this shipment were for the same individual, probably a local Texas rancher or wealthy person in Mexico. Given that this revolver has an Mexican eagle grip and the other an American style eagle grip, they could have been simply for close friends or business associates on each side of the border. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Overall retains about 50-60% orig nickel turning milky with the exposed metal a gray patina and some fine pin prick pitting on front sides of frame; cyl retains about 30% orig nickel; grips have a chipped left toe, otherwise are sound and show great fire & iridescent colors; hammer is not solid in the half cock notch, otherwise mechanics are fine; strong bore with moderate to heavy pitting. 50528-1 JR338 (25,000-40,000) – Lot 1193

FINE ENGRAVED COLT SA ARMY REVOLVER WITH TEXAS HISTORY INSCRIBED “FROM THE BOYS 1895” (POSSIBLY TO JUDGE JOHN L. SHEPPARD, MOUNT PLEASANT, TEXAS).

SN 163605. Cal 45 Colt. Silver finish with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight and 2-line address with cal. marking on the left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3 patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with smooth 2-pc pearl grips. Revolver is deluxe engraved by Cuno Helfricht with about full coverage foliate arabesque patterns on the frame including Mr. Helfricht’s trademark flower blossoms on the recoil shield & loading gate. Front gullets of the frame also have his trademark patterns. Top strap is engraved in snake & dot patterns. Foliate arabesque patterns extend nearly full length over sides of bbl with fine snake & dot patterns around the address & geometric patterns all the way to the muzzle. Top radius of the ejector housing is engraved in snake & dot patterns with full length geometric & floral patterns on the outer radius. Top of backstrap has Mr. Helfricht’s deluxe fan pattern with geometric patterns down the back strap, on the butt strap & trigger guard. Center of the backstrap is engraved in block letters “From the Boys 1895”. Cylinder is also deluxe engraved with foliate arabesque patterns on lands between the flutes, a snake & dot pattern with other border patterns around the rear edge and most unusual, fully shaded panels around the stop notches. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal. 45 Colt with 4-3/4″ bbl, silver finish, pearl grips, factory engraved and inscribed “From The Boys 1895” on the back strap and shipped to H.S. Bettes Hardware Co. Paris, Texas December 20, 1895 in a one gun shipment. Also accompanied by a large packet of information including a copy of a letter dated 11, October 1988 over the signature of H.H. Miller wherein he documents this revolver back to 1950. Mr. Miller states that a gentleman named Lee Greenly of Manitou Springs, Colorado purchased this revolver who related that it had been ordered by several citizens of Mount Pleasant Texas, Titus County, as a gift to a Judge in that area who was thought to be John L. Sheppard who was Judge of the 5th district and had presided over court cases in Mt. Pleasant. It was thought that the gift was in relation to his resigning from the bench in 1896 to enter politics to run for the U.S. Congress, and was elected. Judge Sheppard died in Hot Springs, AR in 1902. Mr. Miller states that in 1952 this revolver was obtained by A.E. Dyer, a rancher and later County Judge of Callahan County Texas. It remained in Judge Callahan’s collection until 1988 when he apparently agreed to sell it to Mr. Miller. Since that time Mr. Miller has spent considerable effort attempting to document Judge Sheppard’s activities and life. Judge Sheppard’s brief biography appears on pg 238 of History of Titus County Texas, Russell. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains nearly all of its restored silver finish, showing light wear and scattered fine pitting under the new finish. Grips have chipped left toe & heel & chipped right heel, otherwise are sound showing great fire & color. Hammer is not solid in safety or half cock notches, otherwise mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore; base pin is a replacement. 4-50752 JR71 (25,000-40,000) – Lot 1194

*FINE ENGRAVED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH KANSAS ASSOCIATION.

SN 185132. Cal. 38 WCF (38-40). Nickel finish with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight and 2-line address with cal. marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt in circle. Mounted with 2-pc pearl grips with a raised carved ox head on right side. Revolver is beautifully engraved in New York style, possibly from the Cuno Helfricht shop with about “D” coverage on the frame that has fine pearled background. Matching engraving is on each side of the bbl boss with a flower blossom on the ejector boss. Top strap is engraved with a double rope pattern. Matching foliate arabesque patterns extend nearly full length on each side of the bbl with elaborate geometric patterns on top. Top of backstrap is engraved with a very detailed fan pattern that has a “V” center. Backstrap & buttstrap are engraved with geometric patterns and the trigger bow with matching foliate arabesque patterns. Cyl is engraved with foliate arabesque patterns on lands between flutes and has elaborate border patterns around the rear edge. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal. 38-40 with 4-3/4″ bbl, nickel finish, pearl-ox head stocks, factory engraved and shipped to Louis Earhardt c/o J.A. Rose Atchison, KS on Jan. 2,1900 in a 1-gun shipment. Also accompanied by a copy of pp. 104-105 from the 1899-1900 Atchison, KS city directory which lists Louis Earhardt as Louis Earhardt & Co. on Commercial St. Additionally accompanied by a double loop, lightly decorated right hand holster for 5-1/2″ Single Action. Holster has a large cartouche at the top marked “L. Kiper & Sons / Makers / Atchison, Kas.” Both top & bottom loops have the hand carved brand that appears to be JF Bar brand along with the number “15”. Belt is an unmarked money belt about 38″ long by 3″ wide made of 1-pc pebble grain leather, folded and sewn at the top with nickeled steel, rectangular buckle. Belt has 32 large cal., sewn-on cartridge loops. With shipment of this revolver to Kansas at the turn of the 20th century when that area was still fairly wild lends credence to the thought that this revolver might have been used by someone in law enforcement. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Good to very good. Overall retains 30-35% orig nickel showing light use with holster wear on the muzzle and ejector housing tip; nickel on the front & back straps has turned milky; cyl retains traces of orig nickel being mostly a dark brown patina; right grip has a chipped heel and a chip at the frame with an age line, and shows light to moderate wear. Mechanics are fine; strong bore with scattered pitting. Holster shows moderate to heavy wear with an open rear seam and a hand stitched closed toe, but overall is strong & serviceable. Belt shows heavy wear with and open seam and is supple with a number of detached cartridge loops. 4-50673 JR343 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 1195

SCARCE COLT SHERIFF’S MODEL SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 154042. Cal. 32 WCF (32-20). Blue & color case hardened with 4″ bbl, full front sight and 2-line address with caliber marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips that have last four digits of matching serial number inside each grip. Right grip has turned chocolate. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which states that they were unable to locate any information in the factory records about this revolver “however, serial numbers 154040 to 154054 were shipped as Sheriff’s Models with the exception of 154042 and 154045”. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran, he estimates that there were about 1,000 Sheriff’s Model Single Action revolvers produced over the entire production run. Mr. Cochran states that he had examined 167 Sheriff’s Model revolvers and extrapolating the numbers based on the assumed total production of 1,000, shows that 3.25% or 32 of the production were in caliber 32-20 and that 49.35% or 494 revolvers had 4″ bbls. He also estimates that about 60% or 600 revolvers had standard black powder frames and that 70.73% or 707 revolvers were blue & color case hardened finish. Regardless, this is an extraordinarily rare revolver in this high condition. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Bbl retains about 98% glossy orig blue with only muzzle edge wear and some very faint scratches on the right side; frame & hammer retain about 95-96% orig case colors, brilliant in sheltered areas, lightly faded on top strap and loading gate, moderately faded on outer radius of left recoil shield; cyl retains about 90% strong orig blue with a series of fine scratches, probably from being cocked in the holster; cyl also shows sharp edge wear and a light drag line; trigger guard and backstrap retain about 85% orig blue, strong & bright on the trigger plate, top of the backstrap & buttstrap; front & back strap show light flaking & wear; grips are sound, showing little or no wear. Mechanics are crisp; brilliant shiny bore. 4-50672 JR339 (50,000-100,000) – Lot 1196

EXTRAORDINARILY RARE ENGRAVED COLT SHERIFF’S MODEL SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 149805. Cal. 41 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 5″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address with caliber marking on the left side. Bottom of bbl is marked “41” under the base pin. Left side of frame has 2-line 3 patent date and Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with smooth 2-pc pearl grips that are probably not orig to this revolver. Revolver is deluxe engraved by Cuno Helfricht with about full coverage foliate arabesque patterns on the frame and his trademark flower blossom patterns on the recoil shield & loading gate. Top strap has snake & dot patterns with other typical Helfricht patterns in the front gullets of frame. Engraving patterns extend up both sides of the bbl with snake & dot border around the address. Top of back strap is engraved with Mr. Helfricht’s fan pattern and geometric patterns down the back strap, on the butt strap & trigger guard. Cylinder is engraved in typical alternating Helfricht patterns on the lands between the flutes with snake & dot patterns around the rear edge. Base pin is a period of use replacement. Accompanied by a very unusual, late 1800s period black Moroccan leather, doe skin lined small holster that fits this revolver perfectly. Right outside of the holster is fitted with a spring clip riveted to the holster. Also accompanied by a letter dated June 21,1994 to Mr. David Jackson of Dallas, TX over the signature of Martha Ann Reading of Dallas, TX. She states that this revolver, identified by caliber, was used by Mr. Albert A. Kochan when he was a brand inspector at the Houston Stockyards and she speculates he was a city marshal at that time. She states he later lived in Richmond, TX where he died in the 1940s and is buried there. She states that the accompanying holster was his original utility holster which he wore inside the waistband of his pants. The last paragraph, in part states “Mr. Albert was my husbands grandfather and was very proud of that particular gun–“. Additionally accompanied by 2 Colt Factory letters, each advising Mr. Rholes that there was no record of this revolver. According Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran there were an estimated 1000 single action sheriffs model revolvers produced in the period 1882-1911. Of that number he estimates that 350 had standard black powder frames and only about 8 had barrels longer than 4 inches. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl retains 70-75% orig blue turning plum on the right side with a few scattered spots of light pitting toward the muzzle. Frame & grip frame retain traces of orig finish in the most sheltered areas being mostly a plum/brown patina. Cylinder is matching patina. Grips are sound with great fire & color. Grip locator pin is a replacement. Hammer is not solid in safety notch, otherwise mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore with scattered fine pitting. Holster shows heavy wear with some stitching losses around the edges. It appears that this holster was made for a 4″ bbl but it is extremely evident that this revolver has been used in this holster extensively. The toe is open showing heavy wear in the correct areas around the toe. 4-50691 JR68 (40,000-60,000) – Lot 1197

RARE COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SHERIFF’S MODEL SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER SHIPPED TO SAN FRANCISCO.

SN 145306. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Blue and color case hardened with 3-1/2″ bbl. Full front sight and 2-line address with “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” roll marked on the left side. Bottom of the bbl, under base pin is marked with a tiny 44 and last 4 digits of matching serial number. Left side of frame has 2-line 3 patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with 2-pc Rampant Colt hard rubber grips numbered to another revolver. Bottom edges of the grips are hand-carved “J C”. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in caliber 44-40 with 3-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, type of stock not listed and shipped to The Colt Company, San Francisco Agency, San Francisco, CA on May 18, 1892 in a 4 gun shipment. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran there was an estimated 1,000 Sheriff’s model revolvers made out of the approximately 357,000 Single Action revolvers produced by Colt. Mr. Cochran estimates that there were about 305 Sheriff’s model revolvers made with 3-1/2″ bbls and that about 18% (180) total produced in cal 44-40. Extrapolating those numbers 30% of the production having 3-1/2″ bbls results in only approximately 60 revolvers produced with 3-1/2″ bbls in cal 44-40 making this a very rare revolver. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Overall retains traces of orig finish in sheltered areas being mostly a smooth, even, blue/gray metal patina. Cylinder retains plummy/blue in the flutes with matching patina on the outer diameter. Hammer is silvered case colors. Grips are sound, showing moderate wear. Hammer is not solid in safety notch, otherwise mechanics are fine. Strong bore with scattered pitting. 4-50745 JR73 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 1198

*LOT OF THREE FIREARMS, WATCHES, PHOTOGRAPHS & EPHEMERA THAT BELONGED TO TEXAS RANGER & COUNTY SHERIFF LEE QUEEN.

1) Colt Single Action Army. SN 151191. Cal. 45 Colt. Nickel finish with 4-3/4″ bbl, slightly altered front sight and 2-line address with caliber marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with smooth 2-pc pearl grips. Revolver is engraved by Cuno Helfricht with about “C” coverage foliate arabesque patterns on the frame and his fan patterns on recoil shield and loading gate. Top strap is engraved in snake & dot patterns and foliate arabesque patterns extend about 3/4 of the length on each side of the bbl. Ejector housing is engraved with snake & dot patterns in top gullet and outer radius. Cyl is typically engraved in Mr. Helfricht’s sunburst patterns on lands between flutes with snake & dot pattern around rear edge. Top of backstrap is engraved in a fan pattern with geometric patterns down the backstrap, on buttstrap & trigger guard. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in caliber 45 Colt with 4-3/4″ bbl, nickel finish, pearl grips, factory engraved and shipped to J.F. Schmelzer & Sons, Kansas City, Kansas on Nov. 28, 1893 in a 2-gun shipment. 2) Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector DA Revolver. SN 585252. Cal. 38 Spcl. Blue finish with 5″ bbl and fixed sights. Mounted with 2-pc pearl grips that have deep relief carved eagle with red stone eye on right side. Right sideplate is jeweler engraved, through the blue, “LEE QUEEN. / CHANNING / TEX”. Accompanied by a tooled brown leather holster. 3) Winchester Model 1894 Saddle Ring Carbine. SN 585069. Cal. 30 WCF (30-30). Standard carbine with 20″ bbl, full magazine, square base front sight and 3-leaf carbine express rear sight. Receiver has a stud & ring. Mounted with uncheckered gum wood with straight stock & carbine buttplate. This lot is accompanied by a large volume of printed material relating to Ranger Queen. Robert Lee Queen was born Sept. 1869 in Williamson County, Texas and grew up near Round Rock. He moved to the Amarillo area as a child and in 1893 joined the Texas Rangers and served until 1897. After that he ranched and became a cattle inspector. In 1902 he was elected Sheriff of Hartley County and served a total of seven terms, nearly twenty years in two different sessions. He died in 1933. Among this large volume of material are several originals & copies of photographs of Ranger Queen and some of his company of Rangers. Included is a notarized statement from Tom O. Collins who states that he is the grandson of Lee Queen and that the firearms being sold here belonged to his grandfather which he used as a Ranger and Sheriff. Also included is a notarized letter from Atty. Rick McGarrey who states that the Colt Single Action being sold here belonged to his grandfather and was used during his term as a Ranger. Additionally included is an Elgin 18 size, silverode cased pocket watch that belonged to Lee Queen and a 14 kt. 3-color gold Hampton lady’s hunter case watch that belonged to his wife, Maggie Queen, that was sold to Mr. Rhodes by Virginia Queen Ayers, their daughter, signed receipt included. Additionally accompanying is the miniature badge of Ralph Queen, Lee Queen’s son, who succeeded him as Hartley County Sheriff and a campaign matchbook for Ralph Queen. Also accompanying is an unmarked cartridge/money belt, 36″ x 2-3/8″ with nickeled cut-corner steel buckle and forty 45 caliber cartridge loops, two of which are broken and contain thirty-one 45 caliber cartridges. And finally accompanied by a bronze statue of a western man wearing a cowboy hat & boots with gun belt & Bowie knife reloading his Colt revolver. It is titled “Lee Queen / COMPANY B TEXAS RANGER”. Artist signature is indecipherable but this statue is 1/10. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: 1) Very good to fine. Overall retains 50-60% orig nickel showing heavy holster wear on left side of muzzle and tip of ejector housing with heavy wear on front of cylinder; loss areas are a gray metal patina; screws are fine and retain most of their orig fire blue, turned a little dark. Grips are fine and may be old replacements. Hammer is not solid in half cock notch, otherwise mechanics are fine, strong bore with moderate pitting. 2) Fair to good. Overall retains 50-60% dull orig blue showing heavy holster wear on bbl & cyl. Right grip has chipped heel & toe with chipped heel on left grip and another chip at the frame and show great fire & iridescent colors. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. Holster is fine. 3) Good. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 85% orig blue; receiver retains traces of orig blue being mostly a worn gray metal patina. Forearm has 3 gouges and the stock a few more and overall retains a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine, strong dark bore. Pocket watches appear to be running as of this writing. Badge is fine. Cartridge belt shows moderate to heavy wear with crackled finish and worn tongue billet. Ammunition is oxidized. Bronze is extremely fine. 4-50653, 4-50654, 4-50655 JR492 (25,000-40,000) – Lot 1199

VERY RARE SHERIFF’S MODEL COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 159325. Cal. 38 WCF (38-40). Blue & color case hardened with 3″ bbl, slightly reduced front sight and 2-line address with caliber marking on left side. Bottom of bbl is marked with a tiny “41” under the base pin, which is the actual bore diameter of the 38-40 caliber bullet. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Frame is referred to as “sharp type”. Mounted with after market, period of use 2-pc pearl grips with raised carved ox head on the right side. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in Cal. 38-40 with 3″ bbl, blue finish, rubber stocks and shipped to Colt’s San Francisco agency on April 17, 1895 in a 1-gun shipment. Also accompanied by an orig period of use single loop holster made for a 3″ revolver and marked on the loop “S.C. GALLUP SAD. CO. / PUEBLO”. Holster is nicely tooled with a sewn toe and rear edge. Additionally accompanied by a pair of orig Rampant Colt hard rubber grips marked on the inside with the partial serial number “8942”. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran, there were approximately 1,000 Sheriff’s Model Single Actions out of the more than 357,000 revolvers produced between 1873-1940. Mr. Cochran states that he examined 167 Sheriff’s Model revolvers and that extrapolating the various calibers, bbl lengths and frame styles against the estimated 1,000 produced, he estimates 58 revolvers were with 3″ bbls and that 65 were in cal. 38-40. He additionally shows that there were about 350 revolvers with sharp frames. It is quite evident from the wear and lack of finish that this revolver was carried extensively, probably by a lawman out west. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Revolver is fine, plus. Overall retains traces of blue at the bbl root, otherwise metal is a smooth, medium patina showing light muzzle end wear with holster wear on the bbl; grips have a couple small chips, otherwise are sound with great fire & light iridescent colors. Mechanics are fine; strong bright bore with scattered pitting. Holster has a break in the rear edge, otherwise is sound, showing moderate to heavy wear and retains about 75% orig brown finish; rubber grips are fine. 4-50692 JR336 (17,500-27,500) – Lot 1200

IMPORTANT COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER AND RIG BELONGING TO DEPUTY U.S. MARSHALL HENRY SPENCE MILLER.

SN 163113. Cal. 38 WCF (38-40). Blue & color case hardened with 5-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address with caliber marking on the left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt in a broken circle. Bottom of bbl is marked with a tiny “41” (actual bore diameter for caliber 38-40) under the base pin. Mounted with 2-pc smooth pearl grips. Backstrap is engraved in period script, probably by a local jeweler, “H. Miller”. Henry Spence Miller was born in 1859 in Clay County, Missouri, one of five brothers in that family. One of the brothers, Clelland Miller, became very famous or rather infamous, as a member of the James Gang and was killed Sept. 7, 1876 by a medical student named Henry Wheeler. From all reports Henry Spence Miller was also fairly wild but did not cross the line against the law. He became Assistant U.S. Marshall for the District of Western Missouri in 1893, a position he apparently held for about four years. Accompanied by a notarized statement from Christopher Riley Wise who states that he is the great-grandson of Henry Spence Miller and lists seven items that were the property of his great-grandfather. Included in this inventory is this revolver, identified by serial number, Deputy Marshall Miller’s gold badge, 16 orig photographs of outlaws captured by Marshall Miller, a gun belt & holster, a leather covered blackjack, a wrist cuff and a small metal savings bank, all of which are included in this lot. Additionally accompanying is a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in caliber 38-40 with 5-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed and shipped to Schoverling, Daly & Gales, New York, NY on Oct. 1, 1895 in a 1-gun shipment. Also accompanying is an orig parchment deed for the sale of property in Clay County, Missouri in the name of Moses Miller, Henry Spence Miller’s father, dated 1835 and bearing the Seal of the United States and the signature of President Andrew Jackson in two places. Additionally accompanying is a notarized Bill of Sale over the signature of Christopher R. Wise, selling this lot of merchandise to Tommy Rholes. Also accompanying is the Jan. 1954 issue of The Texas Gun Collector (the official publication of the Texas Gun Collectors Association) which includes a 4-page article about James S. Wise, the father of Christopher, and part of his firearms collections. The photographs, blackjack, wrist cuff & bank (with key) are self explanatory and the revolver has been described above. Badge appears to be about 14 karat gold, made of two flat pieces with the top bar about 1-1/2″ long x 3/8″ wide marked “DEPUTY”. Suspended from two 4-link chains is a small shield 1-5/8″ x 1-3/8″ marked “U.S. / MARSHALL / WESTERN DIST. / MISSOURI” with some light engraved decorations. The belt & holster rig are made of fine tooled leather consisting of a single loop mail-order holster with Cheyenne plug that is highly decorated. Belt is also mail order, made of 1-pc soft leather, sewn at the top, in money belt style with nickeled steel rectangular buckle, about 4″ x 3″, that has been trimmed on the tongue end with the tongue reattached. Belt has 40 sewn-on cartridge loops which contain twelve 38-40 cartridges. All together this lot is very inclusive of part of what would have been worn & carried by a U.S. Marshall in the late 1800s. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Revolver is fine. Bbl retains 75-80% glossy orig blue with most of the loss areas flaked, not worn, to a medium/dark patina, shows holster wear around the muzzle and left side; ejector housing retains about 40% orig blue showing wear on the outer radius and flaking in the top gullet; frame retains 60-70% orig case colors, bright in the front gullets, faded elsewhere, thin and turning silver on recoil shield, loading gate & top strap; hammer retains bright case colors, turned dark on top edge; cyl retains about 85-88% glossy orig blue with sharp edge wear and a medium cyl line; trigger guard & backstrap retain strong blue in sheltered areas being mostly a dark brown patina. Grips are sound showing great fire. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with a few small spots of pitting. Blackjack retains about 50% orig brown finish with broken wrist strap; wrist cuff retains traces of orig nickel being mostly a brown patina; bank retains most of its orig nickel; holster shows light wear and retains most orig finish; belt shows moderate wear with a few damaged and reattached cartridge loops; photos are yellowed & faded; badge is extremely fine. 4-50661 JR490 (50,000-100,000) – Lot 1201

COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH DOCUMENTED TEXAS HISTORY.

SN 74675. Cal. 45 Colt. Nickel finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, slightly thinned front sight and 1-line block letter address. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and left front web of trigger guard has the caliber marking. Mounted with 1-pc walnut grip with last four digits of matching SN in back strap channel. Ejector housing is 3rd type with half moon ejector rod head and base pin appears to be orig with dimpled ends. Accompanied by a period single loop full coverage holster with light border decorations & a Cheyenne plug with the maker’s cartouche “KINSEY, BRO’S / MONTAGUE, TEX.”. Also accompanied by a Colt factory letter identifying this revolver in caliber 45 Colt, bbl length & type of stocks not listed, nickel finish, shipped to J.P. Moores Sons, New York, NY, Dec. 7, 1881 in a 10-gun shipment. Additionally accompanied by a copy of The Rampant Colt, Spring 2006 issue, which contains a 2-page article by Mr. Rholes about this revolver & rig. Also accompanied by the tally book of J.W. Rees of Montague, TX. According to Mr. Rholes’ article Jacob Walker Rees moved from Virginia in June 1882 and began work as ranch foreman for William Watson. In July 1882 he then went to work for Granwill Graham at $30 per month. On Oct. 8, 1882 Mr. Rees notes in the tally book that he began working as ranch foreman for C.C. Rumrill at $40 per month. Mr. Rumrill apparently owned three large ranches in Texas & Oklahoma Indian territory. Mr. Rees apparently worked only about a year before returning to Virginia where he resumed farming and died in 1919. His tally book lists a large variety of entries for everyday life of a rancher in Texas regarding simple purchases for tools & supplies and salaries paid to his employees. The last entry in the tally book is June 1883. Additionally accompanied by letters from Miss Martha W. Rees of Winchester, VA, the granddaughter of Jacob Walker Rees. She simply informs Mr. Rholes and two other individuals that she has no additional information regarding her grandfather beyond where he was born & died, that he had passed away before she was born. Miss Martha Walker Rees apparently sold the farm along with this revolver, holster, belt & ledger book at a small auction on Aug. 6, 2005. The belt, an unmarked money belt, has been separated from the holster and is currently unknown. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: About good. Bbl retains 65-70% orig nickel with some fine pimpling; frame retains 25-30% orig nickel; trigger guard & front strap retain traces of orig nickel while the back strap & butt strap retain about 50% nickel; cylinder retains 50-60% orig nickel and the ejector housing 60-70% nickel; all loss areas are a very dark brown patina. Grip shows moderate to heavy edge wear with nicks & scratches and retains about 90% factory varnish on left side and 65-70% varnish on right side. Hammer is not solid in half cock notch, otherwise mechanics are fine; strong bore with good shine & fine pitting. Holster is sound with harness rivet repairs showing light wear and retaining about 75-80% orig brown finish. Tally book leather cover shows heavy wear & fading; interior pages are yellowed with worn corners but most writing still legible. 4-50674 JR79 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1202

SCARCE COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH COLORADO HISTORY.

SN 140777. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address with “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” roll marking on left side. Bottom of bbl & left front web of trigger guard are stamped with a tiny “44”. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with rampant Colt 2-pc hard rubber grips. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in caliber 44-40 with 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed, shipped H.M. Bostwick, Denver, CO on May 20, 1891 in a 2-gun shipment. Page 114 of Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Volume II, Cochran, lists H.M. Bostwick as a Detective, Denver, Colorado, 1891-1898, and shows that he ordered a Colt Bisley target revolver SN 171328 in caliber 38 Colt on Jan. 13, 1898. While roll-marked Frontier Six Shooters are not uncommon, it is very rare to fine any Single Action revolver identified from the factory to a specific individual,especially a law enforcement officer. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains about 95% glossy orig blue with light muzzle end wear, a couple of small nicks & scrapes; ejector housing also retains about 95% glossy orig blue; frame retains about 75-80% orig case colors, very bright in front gullets and strong on right side, a little more faded on left side, mostly turned silver on recoil shield; hammer retains about 75% strong colors; trigger guard retains strong blue with front strap thin blue; back strap & butt strap retain strong blue in sheltered areas being mostly gray on back strap; cyl retains strong blue in the flutes with about 70-75% thin orig blue on outer diameter with a light drag line and a couple of chemical spots. Grips are sound showing light wear, having turned chocolate; screws retain most of their orig fire blue. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 4-50709 JR84 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1203

EXTREMELY RARE COLT FLAT TOP TARGET SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH EXTENDED GRIP.

SN 144729. Cal. 450 Eley. All blue finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, blued target front sight with 1-line Hartford and “DEPOT 14 PALL MALL LONDON” address and caliber marking on left side. Frame is flat top style with fixed target rear sight, left side of frame has 2-line 3 patent dates and Rampant Colt in the circle. Mounted with extremely rare, diamond checkered, extra long walnut grips that are matching numbered to this revolver. Toe & heel of grip frame are sharp versus the rounded configuration usually found in order to accommodate the extended grip without leaving a gap. Bore has Metford rifling. Bottom of bbl and cylinder have tiny British proofs. Accompanied by its orig green baize lined English oak casing that has an empty medallion in the lid and a “J.H. CRANE” paper distributor label inside the lid. Bottom is compartmented for the revolver with several non-orig tools, plus an “L” shaped Colt semi-auto pistol screwdriver. Left center of the bottom has a cartridge block with spaces for 42 cartridges. Also accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal. 450 with 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, extra long wood stocks and shipped to Colt’s London agency, June 1892 in a 1 gun shipment. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran, out of the approximate 357,000 single actions produced there were 914 flat-top target revolvers and only about 50 of these had the extended grip. The chart on pg 174 of the referenced publication shows only 84 flattop single actions were produced in cal. 450 Eley. Extrapolating those numbers discloses that only about 9% of the total flat-top production was in cal. 450 Eley. On pg 251 of the referenced publication, Mr. Cochran states that he had examined 10 long-grip revolvers of which 4 were in cal. 450 Eley, and only 2 had the London address. This exact revolver, identified by SN in pictures on pg. 250 and 251 of the reference publication. Regardless, this is an exceptionally rare Colt Single Action revolver. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains 88-90% glossy orig blue with 3 spots of flaking and some scrape marks on the bottom adjacent to the base pin; ejector housing retains about 60% strong orig blue, showing wear on the outer radius; frame retains about 50% orig blue with the balance having mostly flaked to a medium patina, showing wear on the recoil shield and loading gate; trigger guard retains blue in sheltered areas with the front strap and back strap a blue/brown patina; buttstrap retains about 90% glossy orig blue; cylinder retains strong blue in the flutes, flaked and thinning on the outer diameter with a light drag line. Grips are very fine showing light diamond point wear and retain most of their orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with a few scattered spots of pitting. Case has a couple of cracks and is missing a couple of splinters on the bottom, otherwise is sound; interior is lightly faded and soiled; accessories are all fine. 4-50756 JR91 (40,000-70,000) – Lot 1204

EXTRAORDINARILY RARE COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER FLAT TOP TARGET SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH 9″ BARREL.

SN 130266. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). All blue finish with the one and only 9″ barrel ever found on a target model Single Action. It has German silver target front sight and 1-line block letter address with “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” roll marked on the left side. Bottom of the bbl, under ejector housing is marked with a tiny “44”. Frame is flat top style with target rear sight in the top strap and three patent dates on the left front side. Left front web of trigger guard is marked “44 CAL”. Buttstrap has a factory lanyard swivel & ring. Mounted with Rampant Colt / Eagle hard rubber grips. Top of bbl and face of cyl are marked with small British proofs. The location of these proofs is most unusual, as they are usually found on the side of the bbl & cyl in the flutes. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which lists this revolver in Cal. 44-40 with 9″ bbl, blue finish and rubber grips, shipped to Schoverling, Daley & Gales, NY, NY on Sept. 17, 1889 in a 1-gun shipment. Also accompanied by a 2-page letter from renown Colt researcher, historian and author, R.L. Wilson, wherein he verifies most of the information above plus stating that this revolver is the only one listed in the Colt records with a 9″ bbl. Mr. Wilson also states that one of the more well known owners of this revolver was the John B. Solley, III collection. Additionally accompanied by a letter from Arnold Marcus Chernoff to someone who apparently purchased this revolver from him. He states that this is the only known flat top Single Action target model with factory 9″ bbl. He also states that this revolver was originally in the Solley Collection and was traded to R.L. Wilson in about 1982. Mr. Chernoff states that he purchased it from Mr. Wilson. This revolver is pictured in a group shot on p. 193 of The Colt Heritage, Wilson. And finally, accompanied by an orig black leatherette covered, green felt lined casing that has nickelled hardware in front and a carrying handle. Inside the bottom is compartmented for the revolver and has a wire handle cleaning brush. Right center has a cartridge block containing 42 “WRACO” headstamped cartridges with small copper primers. The style of case is contemporary to the revolver and may have been supplied by Colt. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran, only 917 Single Action revolvers were produced, out of which only 21 were in Cal. 44-40 and this is the only one with 9″ bbl. Mr. Cochran states that only 11 revolvers had a bbl length other than 7-1/2″, all of which he lists on p.176 showing this serial number in Cal. 44-40 with 9″ bbl and Eagle grips. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Bbl retains strong blue in the most sheltered areas being mostly a plummy/blue patina with a cleaned area about mid-point and showing wear on the left side; frame has a couple of screwdriver oops scratches on the left side and overall retains 60-70% thinning orig blue, stronger in sheltered areas; cyl is a plummy patina as are the trigger guard, front & back straps; grips are sound and show moderate wear, turning slightly chocolate on the left side. Hammer is not solid in safety notch, otherwise mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore with scattered fine pitting. Case is very fine showing light corner wear and overall retains about all of its orig finish. Interior is heavily faded but sound with intact partitions. Ammunition is fine. 4-50755 JR332 (30,000-50,000) – Lot 1205

SCARCE COLT FLAT TOP TARGET SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 162889. Cal. 38 WCF (38-40). All blue finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, German silver target front sight and 1-line block letter address with caliber marking on left side. Frame is flat top target style with fixed target rear sight and has 2-line 3-patent dates on the left side with rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with 2-pc rampant Colt hard rubber grips that have last four digits of matching SN inside each grip. This revolver is somewhat unusual in that it is not British proofed as most of this model are found today. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran, only 914 revolvers of this configuration were made out of the more than 357,000 Single Action revolvers produced 1873-1940. According to the chart on p. 174 of referenced publication only 19 of the 914 revolvers made were in caliber 38-40, making this one of the more rare flat top target Single Actions. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine, all matching except cyl which is properly unnumbered. Bbl retains about 85% glossy orig blue with wear on both sides of muzzle and a few fine scratches elsewhere; frame retains 88-90% orig blue with sharp edge wear, a wear spot on top strap and most of the losses on recoil shield & loading gate; hammer retains faded case colors; trigger guard & back strap retain strong blue in sheltered areas being mostly gray patina; cyl retains 85-90% orig blue, strong in the flutes, showing edge wear, a drag line and thinning on outer diameter. Left grip has a chip at the heel and overall they show heavy wear, turning a little chocolate. Hammer will not catch in safety or half cock notches, otherwise mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore with a few scattered spots of very fine pitting. 4-50764 JR82 (15,000-20,000) – Lot 1206

SCARCE COLT FLAT TOP TARGET SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 128387. Cal. 450 Boxer. All blue finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, German silver target front sight and scarce 1-line Hartford/Pall Mall London block letter address. Bottom of bbl has a tiny “45” and tiny British proofs which are also found on the cylinder. Frame is flat top style with target rear sight in the top strap. Top strap is also engraved “COGSWELL & HARRISON / 226 STRAND, LONDON”. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and left front web of trigger guard is marked “45 CAL / B”. Mounted with Rampant Colt/Eagle hard rubber grips. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in Cal. 450 Boxer with 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish and rubber grips, shipped to Colt’s London Agency on Dec. 17, 1888 in a sixteen gun shipment. Additionally accompanied by what is probably its orig distributor supplied, red felt lined English oak casing with empty medallion in the lid. Front of case has a mortised brass lock with rnd escutcheon. Inside the lid has its orig Cogswell & Harrison paper label. Bottom of the case is compartmented for the revolver, a wood handled brass cleaning rod, an L-shaped screwdriver, an ebony handled turn screw and a rnd socket for a pewter oil bottle which now has a military brass oil bottle. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran, only 914 Single Actions were produced in target style, and out of those only 89 were in Cal. 450 Boxer. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Bbl retains 95-97% glossy orig blue with slight muzzle edge wear and some very fine flaking; ejector housing retains about 60-65% orig blue being a silver/brown patina on the outer radius; frame retains 85-88% glossy orig blue with some light candy striping and light flaking; cyl retains strong blue in the flutes, having flaked to a medium patina on the outer diameter; trigger guard & back strap retain 65-70% glossy orig blue with thin blue/brown front & back straps; grips are sound showing light wear, turned just a little chocolate. Mechanics are crisp; strong bright bore with moderate to heavy pitting. Case is sound with usual handling & storage nicks & scratches and overall retains about 90% orig varnish. Interior is very lightly faded with light soil and solid partitions. Ammunition & accessories are fine. 4-50757 JR333 (12,500-17,500) – Lot 1207

RARE COLT FLAT TOP TARGET SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER.

SN 128521. Cal. 32-44. All blue finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, German silver target front sight and 1-line block letter Hartford address. Bottom of bbl, under base pin has a tiny “32”. Flat top frame has a target sight in the top strap and 3-line patent dates on the left side. Left front web of trigger guard is marked “32 Cal”. Mounted with Rampant Colt / Eagle hard rubber grips that have last four digits of matching serial number in pencil inside the right grip. Base pin is orig type with dimpled ends. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in Cal. 32-44 with 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish and rubber grips, shipped to E.W. Vine, address not available on June 17, 1889 in a one gun shipment. Remarks state “records also indicate this arm was shipped with S&W cartridge”. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran, there were only 914 flat top Single Actions produced, out of which only nine were in Cal. 32-44 which makes this an extremely rare Colt. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good. Bbl retains about 50% orig blue, strong in sheltered areas with the loss areas flaked to a dark patina; frame retains 75-80% orig blue with flaking and a ding in the top strap; cyl retains strong blue in the flutes with the outer diameter a blue/brown patina; trigger guard & back strap are mostly a plummy patina with strong blue in sheltered areas; grips are sound showing moderate wear and have turned chocolate. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore. 4-50760 JR330 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1208

EXTREMELY RARE COLT FLAT TOP TARGET SMALL BORE SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 129314. Cal. 22. All blue finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, German silver target front sight and 1-line block letter address. Bottom of bbl, under ejector housing is marked “22”, left side of frame has three patent dates and left front web of trigger guard is marked “22 CAL”. Frame is flat top style with target sight in top strap. Mounted with Rampant Colt / Eagle hard rubber grips. Numerous publications show that there was a total of 107 Single Action revolvers produced in Cal. 22, of which 90 utilized frames from the 44 Rimfire series, all in a separate serial range. The remaining 17 revolvers were serialized around the 130,000 range. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran, there were 917 flat top Single Action revolvers produced, out of which only 93 were in Cal. 22 Rimfire. In addition to being an extremely rare caliber in one of these revolvers, it is additionally rare not being British proofed. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Bbl retains 10-15% strong org blue with the balance a blue/brown patina; frame retains blue in sheltered areas being mostly a blue/gray patina; cyl is an overall light plummy patina with numerous small dings on the outer diameter; trigger guard & back strap retain traces of blue in sheltered areas being mostly a gray metal patina; right grip has a chipped toe, otherwise grips are sound and show heavy wear having turned chocolate; hammer is not solid in safety notch, otherwise mechanics are fine. Strong bright bore with a few scattered spots of pitting. A very difficult to find target model Colt with a decent bore. 4-50758 JR331 (12,500-17,500) – Lot 1209

SCARCE COLT FLATTOP TARGET SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 158901. Cal. 38 Colt. All blue finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, German silver target front sight and 1-line block letter address with caliber marking on left side. Bottom of bbl is marked “38” under the base pin. Frame is flattop style with fixed target rear sight and has 2-line 3-patent dates on left side with rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with 2-pc smooth pearl grips. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in caliber 38 Colt with 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, rubber stocks & shipped to Colt’s San Francisco Agency, San Francisco, CA on Jan. 10, 1895 in a 1-gun shipment. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran, only 914 Target Model Single Actions were made out of the more than 357,000 Single Actions produced 1873-1940. Of that small number only 122 were in caliber 38 Colt. Although the 38 Colt was the most prolific caliber in the Flattop styles, this is still a scarce revolver in that it is not British proofed as is found on most of these Target revolvers. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains 95-96% strong orig blue with some thinning around the muzzle and a couple of other fingerprint size thin spots; ejector housing retains about 70-75% bright blue, mostly in the gullets, worn to gray on the outer radius; frame & loading gate retain 60-65% strong orig blue, gray on the loading gate, thin on recoil shield with edge wear on the frame and a couple of other thin spots; front & back straps are mostly thin blue/gray patina with bright blue on the top of back strap & trigger guard; cylinder retains about 90% orig blue, strong in the flutes showing edge wear, a light cylinder line and some light thinning on the outer diameter. Grips are probably not orig to this revolver but fit well; show very little wear with great fire and light iridescent colors; inside left grip has a repaired compression fracture around the escutcheon. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore, shows very little use. 4-50763 JR87 (12,500-17,500) – Lot 1210

RARE COLT FLAT TOP TARGET SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 155899. Cal. 38-44. All blue finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, German silver target front sight and 1-line block letter address with “FOR-38-44 S&W CTG.” Left side of frame has 2 line 3 patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. It is mounted with 2-pc Rampant Colt & Eagle, hard rubber grips matching number to this revolver. Last 3 digits of serial number are also found on front face of cylinder, bottom of bbl under ejector housing, inside ejector housing & on left side of front and back straps. This indicates that this revolver had been sent back to the factory for restoration early in its period of use. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in caliber 32/44 S&W (obviously a clerical mistake in the factory records), with 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, type of stock is not listed and shipped to T.A. Tappen, Washington D.C. on Aug. 16, 1894 in a 1 gun shipment. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran there were a total of 914 flat top target revolvers produced out of the approximate 357,859 single action Army revolvers produced and of that total only 11 were made in caliber 38-44, which makes this one of the more rare Colt single action revolvers. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Bbl retains 96-97% strong factory blue with light muzzle edge wear and a few tiny nicks & scratches. Ejector housing retains about 95% factory blue with front edge wear and a few tiny nicks & scratches. Frame retains 95-96% glossy factory blue with sharp edge wear and some tiny nicks & scratches along with light thinning on the recoil shield & loading gate. Front strap and trigger guard retain 95-96% glossy factory blue. Back strap & butt stap retain 25-30% factory blue with the balance a plummy blue patina. Cylinder retains about 70-75% factory blue, strong in the flutes, thinning on the outer diameter. Grips show light diamond point wear with the left side having turned chocolate and the right grip with 9 notches around the bottom edge. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 4-50762 JR67 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1211

EXTREMELY RARE COLT FLAT TOP TARGET SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 127731. Cal. 44 S&W Russian. All blue finish with extremely rare 5-1/2″ bbl, target front sight and 1-line block letter address. Frame is flat top style with fixed target rear sight and has 3-line patent dates on the left side. Left front web of trigger guard is marked “44 CAL.” Mounted with 2-pc Rampant Colt & eagle hard rubber grips that each have the name “E.A. Mack / 1941” scratched on the inside. Rear face of cylinder has last 2 digits of serial number. Hammer has had the sides polished, possibly because of a replaced firing pin. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in caliber “44/40″ with 5-1/2” bbl, blue finish, rubber grips and shipped to J.P.M. Richards, address not available on Oct. 16, 1888 in a 2 gun shipment. Under note the letter states “Records indicate extra cylinder for S&W cartridge was also shipped with this arm”. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran of the 914 flat top single action revolvers produced by Colt, out of the approximate 357,000 total production only 51 were in 44 Russian and only 7 had 5-1/2″ barrels. This is truly one of the rarities in Single Action Army revolvers. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Overall retains 25-30% orig blue in sheltered areas with the balance a blue/gray patina. Each side of the bbl has light vice marks near the frame. Grips are sound showing moderate wear turning chocolate. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with scattered pitting. 4-50759 JR69 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 1212

COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 106036. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address with “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” etched panel on left side. Bottom of bbl is stamped with a tiny “44” and tiny British proofs forward of the base pin. It also has last four digits of matching SN under ejector housing. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and it is mounted with varnished 1-pc walnut grip with last four digits of matching SN in back strap channel. Right front side of grip is stamped “WG”. Cylinder also has last four digits of matching SN on outer diameter along with tiny British proofs. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter identifying this revolver in caliber 44-40, bbl length & type of stocks not listed, blue finish and shipped to Colt’s London Agency on Feb. 25, 1884 in a 24-gun shipment. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine, all matching including bbl, cyl & grip. Bbl retains about 30% orig blue in sheltered areas, mostly under and around ejector housing; etched panel is completely visible; balance of bbl is a gray metal patina; frame retains 50-60% fading case colors with the balance turned silver; hammer retains about 90% faded case colors; trigger guard retains 70-75% thinning orig blue with front strap mostly gray patina; back strap has strong blue at the top being mostly a gray/brown patina; cyl retains strong blue in the flutes with the outer diameter a silver/blue/brown patina. Grip shows moderate edge wear with a couple of small chips in left heel and overall retains about 85% orig varnish. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with moderate pitting. 4-50524 JR80 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1213

RARE MEXICAN NATIONAL RAILROAD MARKED COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 174271. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and block letter address with “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” roll marked on left side. Bottom of bbl has a tiny “44” under base pin. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with 2-pc pearl grips with a very deep, raised carved Mexican eagle on the right side. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in caliber 44-40 with 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed, factory engraved: “Yes – Mexican National RR on backstrap”, shipped to Mexican National Railroad, c/o J.M. Nixon, address unavailable, on Nov. 23, 1897 in a 3-gun shipment. Non-standard markings such as this on Single Actions are quite rare and when encountered are usually not factory applied. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Bbl retains 40-50% orig blue in sheltered areas, mostly around front sight and ejector housing with the balance a blue/gray patina; frame retains strong case colors in bottom front gullets with traces of silvered case colors, being mostly a gray metal patina; hammer retains traces of faded case colors; trigger guard & back strap are mostly a gray metal patina; cylinder retains strong blue in the flutes with the outer diameter a blue/gray patina. Grips have a chipped right heel and another chip on the right side at the frame with part of the snake missing above the eagle’s head, otherwise grips are sound showing great fire with strong colors on left side. Hammer is not solid in half cock notch, otherwise mechanics are fine; bore has a small pit, possibly a small ring near the muzzle. 4-50710 JR83 (12,500-17,500) – Lot 1214

SCARCE EARLY COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 110298. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Nickel finish with scarce 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight and 2-line address with “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” etched panel on left side. Bottom of bbl is stamped with a tiny “44”. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and “44 CF” on left front web of trigger guard. Mounted with matching numbered rampant Colt/eagle 2-pc hard rubber grips. It appears that this revolver was manufactured in about 1884 which was only the fifth year that the short bbl was offered by Colt. These early short bbl Single Actions were in great demand on the American frontier by both law enforcement and outlaws for their quick handling and short range accuracy. They usually saw very hard & continuous use under extreme conditions and are rarely found today with orig finish and almost never with a completely legible etched panel. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains about 95% orig blue with muzzle end wear and some dulling over the top at the frame; ejector housing shows only light front end wear; frame retains about 80% strong orig nickel showing wear on both rear sides; trigger guard & front strap retain about 85% strong orig nickel with most of losses from the front strap; back strap retains nickel in sheltered areas being mostly bare metal patina; cylinder retains about 90% bright orig nickel with one small area of loss which is a cleaned metal patina; hammer, trigger & lock bolt screws retain thin orig blue and the other screws bright orig fire blue; base pin is orig type with dimpled ends and retains about 95% thinning orig blue. Grips have a chipped left toe, otherwise are sound and show very light wear. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-50699 JR81 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1215

SCARCE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH RARE SKELETON SHOULDER STOCK.

SN 66512. Cal. 45 Colt. Usual configuration with 7-1/2″ bbl, altered front sight and 1-line block letter address. Bottom of bbl, under the ejector housing, has last four digits of matching SN. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and left front web of trigger guard has the caliber marking. Frame has the extended hammer screw for shoulder stock attachment. Mounted with 1-pc walnut grip that has last four digits of matching SN in back strap channel. Ejector housing is 3rd type with bull’s eye ejector rod head. Accompanied by an original nickeled bronze skeleton shoulder stock with steel adjusting screw & knob. These stocks were offered as accessories and no record is known of how many were sold or if any were shipped with revolvers, other than Buntline Specials. Regardless this is a rare accessory in orig configuration. Numerous examples today are reproductions. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Revolver is an overall cleaned gray metal patina with strong markings and a series of nicks & scratches on the bbl. It appears that a couple of the trigger guard screws are replacements and the front of the trigger plate has a series of nicks & a screwdriver halo around the front screw hole. Grip has a chipped right toe with a gouge on the right side, showing considerable wear with traces of orig varnish, being mostly a hand worn patina; hammer spring is a replacement. Mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with very fine pitting. Stock retains about 75% orig nickel with no other apparent flaws. Altogether a very rare set. 4-50574 JR165 (7,500-12,500) – Lot 1216

EARLY ENGRAVED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 107183. Cal. 45 Colt. Nickel finish with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight and 2-line address. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and caliber marking on left front web of trigger guard. Mounted with 2-pc rampant Colt/eagle hard rubber grips from another revolver. Revolver is engraved in New York style, probably from the Nimschke shop, with wide sweeping foliate arabesque scrolls on the frame, a fan or flower blossom pattern on recoil shield & loading gate with snake & dot pattern on the top strap. Each side of bbl boss is engraved with a sunburst. Foliate arabesque patterns extend about 2/3 up the bbl and has snake & dot patterns that extend to the muzzle. Top of the bbl is engraved in snake & dot patterns around the address with geometric patterns to the front sight. Top of back strap is engraved in a sunburst pattern with geometric patterns down the back strap, on the butt strap & trigger guard. Cylinder is engraved with foliate arabesque patterns on the lands between the flutes and a snake & dot pattern around the rear edge. Ejector housing is engraved in snake & dot patterns in the top gullet & outer radius. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in caliber 45 Colt with 4-3/4″ bbl, nickel finish, rubber stocks, factory engraved and shipped to Schoverling, Daly & Gales, New York, NY on March 11, 1884 in a 6-gun shipment. Base pin appears to be a period of use replacement with dimpled ends. Looking at this Colt leaves absolutely no doubt that it saw continuous hard use on the frontier, probably by a long serving law enforcement officer. The wear is consistent with that posit. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fair to good. Traces of nickel finish remain in the most sheltered areas being mostly a cleaned gray metal patina showing heavy wear with fine pitting on front of frame and front of top strap. Grips are sound and show very heavy wear with a few nicks on bottom left edge. Mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with scattered very fine pitting. 4-50540 JR85 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 1217

SCARCE EARLY ENGRAVED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 111066. Cal. 45 Colt. Nickel finish with 5-1/2″ bbl, slightly reduced front sight and 2-line address. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and caliber marking is on left front web of trigger guard. Mounted with 2-pc smooth pearl grips that are likely not orig to this revolver. Revolver is engraved in New York style, probably from the L.D. Nimschke shop, with flowing foliate arabesque patterns on frame & top strap with a hunter star on the ejector boss and a sunburst on left side. Foliate arabesque patterns extend up the sides of the bbl and on each side of the muzzle. Top of back strap is engraved in a fan pattern with light foliate arabesque patterns on the back strap. Cyl is engraved with foliate arabesque patterns on the lands between the flutes with foliate patterns back of each flute and a dbl line border around rear edge. Ejector housing is engraved with a snake pattern on outer radius. Butt strap & trigger guard are not engraved. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in caliber 45 Colt with 5-1/2″ bbl, soft finish, type of stocks not listed and shipped to Hartley & Graham, New York, NY on July 14, 1884 in a 6-gun shipment. Soft finish indicates that this revolver was shipped without the frame & loading gate having been color case hardened for engraving & finishing outside the factory. Hartley & Graham were closely connected to L.D. Nimschke during this period. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good. Bbl retains about 20% milky nickel in sheltered areas; frame, grip frame & cylinder retain traces of nickel in the most sheltered areas with all of the loss areas a very dark brown patina; revolver shows only moderate use which does not account for the finish loss which, in the estimation of this cataloger, resulted from poor storage in a holster. Grips have a chipped left heel, otherwise are sound showing great fire and light iridescent colors. Hammer is not solid in safety notch, otherwise mechanics are fine; strong bore with moderate pitting. 4-50530 JR86 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 1218

IDENTIFIED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH INSCRIBED GRIP “COL. CHAS. S. RICHE / C.E.S. & A.A.D. / MAY 20TH, 1898”.

SN 160499. Cal. 45 Colt. Nickel finish with 5-1/2″ bbl, full front sight & 1-line block letter address with caliber marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3 patent dates & Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with 2-pc pearl grips with the left side lightly engraved with a bull elk head & inscribed “Col. Chas. S. Riche / C.E.S. & A.A.D. / May 20th 1898”. Accompanied by copies of pp. 169-172 of the Annual Report, June 11, 1926 of what is probably from the U.S. Military Academy, but is not identified. It lists Charles Swift Riche as a graduate of the class of 1886. Col. Riche was born July 19, 1864, graduated US Military Academy July 1882, number three in his class. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers where he served variously in Galveston and the Upper Midwest building canals, levees and fortifications. In 1896 he was in charge of the defenses of New Orleans, constructing fortifications. From June 1897 – July 1903 he was the assistant to the District Engineer in Galveston, then in charge of the district except when he was appointed Colonel commanding 1st U.S. Volunteer Infantry, May 20, 1898. This date corresponds with the date on the grip. He was mustered out on Oct. 28, 1898 and commissioned back into the army as a Captain and back to Galveston. He continued with the Corps of Engineers at various stations, alternating between Texas and the Upper Midwest. From July 1918 to January 1921 he was assigned as Chief Engineering Officer constructing fortifications in Panama. He retired in Jan. 1921 and died March 20, 1926. This revolver was presented to Col. Riche when he was in command of the 1st Volunteer Infantry. Although Col. Riche was a commander of the 1st Volunteer Infantry from May to Sept. 1898, they never left the United States, simply being shipped from Galveston to New Orleans in May and back to Galveston in Sept. where they were mustered out. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl retains 80-90% strong original nickel; ejector housing retains about 95% original nickel with 3 or 4 small dings on the outer radius; frame retains about 85% original nickel with the loss areas mostly on the recoil shield and loading gate with some fine flaking elsewhere; cylinder retains 75-80% original nickel. Grip frame retains about 90% orig nickel with a spot of pitting on the back strap; screws are all fine and retain most of their orig fire blue, turned a little dark; right grip has a couple of small chips at the heel and both grips have spotty rust staining which correspond to spots and areas of rust on the grip frame; both grips have a hairline from the screw escutcheon. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with moderate pitting. 4-50656 JR227 (7,500-12,500) – Lot 1219

EARLY COLT FRONTIER SIX-SHOOTER ETCHED PANEL SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 74816. Cal. 44 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2; bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address. Etched panel scene is fully discernible on left side of bbl. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and 44CF caliber marking on left front web of trigger guard. Mounted with very nicely figured, carved steerhead 1-pc ivory grip. SN was observed in usual places on bottom of frame, trigger guard & butt strap with last four digits of SN on bottom of bbl, under ejector rod housing and on outer diameter of cylinder. This revolver was produced in 1882 during the period of the great westward expansion where Colt was king on the frontier. These revolvers usually saw hard & continuous service in every imaginable weather usually with limited or no maintenance and this is a fine survivor with etched panel and a beautiful pair of patinaed, carved ivory grips. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Good to very good overall. Metal overall is gray/brown with only traces of orig blue in protected areas; markings are still bright and discernible including etched panel which is discernible; there are numerous small nicks & dings on bottom of bbl; ivory stocks are fairly well fit with several chips on uncarved grip as can be seen in photos that do not affect aesthetics. Mechanics are crisp, bore is smooth with good, discernible rifling. 4-50550 JS179 (7,000-9,000) – Lot 1220

EARLY COLT FRONTIER SIX-SHOOTER ETCHED PANEL SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 76373. Cal. 44 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address. Etched panel scene is fully discernible on left side of bbl and small “44” stamped on bottom of bbl in front of cyl pin. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and 44CF caliber marking on left front web of trigger guard. Mounted with 1-pc wood grip with last 4 digits of SN inked three times internally. SN was observed in usual places on bottom of frame, trigger guard & butt strap with last four digits of SN on bottom of bbl, under ejector rod housing and on outer diameter of cylinder. This revolver was produced in 1882 during the period of the great westward expansion where Colt was king on the frontier. These revolvers usually saw hard & continuous service in every imaginable weather usually with limited or no maintenance and this is a fine orig and complete survivor with etched panel retaining orig finish, fine aesthetics and crisp lines. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Good to very good overall. Metal overall is gray/brown with only strong traces of bright orig blue finish in protected areas such as cyl flutes; markings are still bright and discernible including etched panel which is discernible; stocks are well fit with a couple large dents and scuffs on left side; left grip shows moderate edge wear, lighter on right, about 90% of orig varnish is retained. Mechanics are crisp, bore is fairly bright with crisp rifling. 4-50546 JS186 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1221

COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 121026. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue and color cased hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and block letter 1-line address with last 4 digits of SN stamped on bottom under ejector housing. Inspector mark “P/D.F.C.” are found in small letters forward of cyl pin. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and “U.S”. Ejector housing is 3rd type with half-moon ejector rod head. Mounted with the correct 1-pc walnut grip whose SN in backstrap channel has matching last 4 digits. Left side of grip has the legible but light cartouche “JGB” (Capt. John G. Butler) under the date 1887 and the right side has the outline of the “DFC” (David F. Clark) sub-inspector cartouche. This revolver originated in the 11th contract signed Nov 4, 1886 for 2,000 revolvers, which was completed by March 24, 1887. Capt. Butler was the only inspector whose cartouche is without a border, the reason for which is unknown. The “DFC” inspector initials are also found on left bottom edge of grip, frame, bottom of bbl and cyl. Revolvers of this series were generally issued to the cavalry regiments stationed on the American Frontier and generally saw hard and continuous service during the Indian Wars, and afterwards, and are rarely found in fine orig “as found” condition. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine overall, all matching including cyl, bbl and stocks. Bbl and ejector retain about half of their orig bright thinning finish; frame and hammer retain traces of case color, with balance being a silver/gray with scattered staining and pinprick pitting; cyl retains no orig finish with matching silver/gray color to frame; trigger guard and backstrap retain strong traces of bright blue in sheltered areas with balance silver/gray matching rest of gun; grip is well fit with discernible inspector marks on butt in addition to those on either side with “1887” date is sound; wood overall has a hand worn patina. Mechanics are crisp; bright shiny bore with scattered pitting. 4-50572 JS184 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1222

ANTIQUE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 152022. Cal. 45 Colt. Nickel finish with 4-3/4″ bbl full front sight and 2-line address with cal. marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips with last 4-digits of matching SN inside each grip. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal. 45 Colt with 4-3/4″ bbl, nickel finish, type of stocks not listed and shipped to Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co. Chicago Illinois on May 22, 1893 in a 2 gun shipment. This revolver was manufactured at a time when the West was still wild and business was conducted from the back of a horse, buggy or wagon and firearms were a daily use tool that were exposed continuously to inclement weather and harsh circumstances and are rarely found today with high orig finish. Hibbard, Spencer & Barlett in Chicago were major outfitters for the Western United States and it is likely that this revolver was sold to someone on the frontier. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Overall retains about 95% strong orig nickel on the bbl ejector housing and frame. Frame has some losses on the left side in front of the cylinder, around left side of recoil shield and edge of the hammer, probably having been stored with the left side up. Cylinder retains 75-80% orig nickel with one area of light to moderate flaking with some fine pitting in a couple of the flutes. Grips are sound showing light wear. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore shows very little use. 4-50534 JR351 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1223

*FINE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 192842. Cal. 45 Colt. Nickel finish with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight & 2-line address with cal marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3 patent dates & Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal 45 Colt with 4-3/4″ bbl, nickel finish, type of stock not listed and shipped to J.F. Schmelzer & Sons, Kansas City, KS on Feb.20, 1900 in a 4 gun shipment. Given that this revolver was shipped to Kansas at a time when the west was still wild it can be reasonably assumed that this revolver was probably used by a rancher, cowboy, lawman or outlaw of that period. At that time business and pleasure was still being conducted from the back of a horse, buggy or wagon and firearms were daily use tools exposed to continuous harsh weather, frequently with little or not maintenance and are rarely found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Overall the bbl ejector housing frame and cylinder housing retain about 95% orig nickel, turning a little milky; trigger guard and back strap retain 30-40% thin nickel with the exposed areas gray metal patina; screws are very fine and retain most of their org fire blue. Grips are sound showing very light diamond point wear. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with 3 or 4 spots of pitting. 4-50706 JR231 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1224

ANTIQUE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 74223. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue and color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address. Bottom of bbl, under ejector housing has last 4 digits of matching SN, which are also found on the outer dia of cyl. Ejector housing is 3rd type with half-moon ejector head. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and left front web of trigger guard has the cal marking. Mounted with varnished 1-pc walnut grip that has a partially visible number “03-6”. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal. 45 Colt. Bbl length and type of stock not listed, blue finish and shipped to Simmons Hardware Co., St. Louis, MO on April 8, 1882 in a 50 gun shipment. Simmons was one of Colt’s major distributors to the Western Frontier, servicing the Northern Rocky Mountain region and the Midwest. This revolver was produced during a time when the west was wild and hostile Indians were a regular threat. Virtually all business and pleasure was conducted from the back of a horse, buggy or wagon which exposed these daily used firearms to the constant vagaries of weather and hard circumstances, usually with little or no maintenance. This era of firearms is rarely found today in orig configuration with any orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: About fine. Bbl retains about 50-60% glossy orig blue, mostly in sheltered areas with the loss areas a blue-gray patina; frame retains 10-15% faded case colors with the balance turned to silver; hammer retains traces of faded case colors; cyl retains traces of blue in the flutes, being mostly a gray metal patina; trigger guard and backstrap retain strong blue in sheltered areas with front and backstraps a blue-gray patina; grip is sound, shows a moderate to heavy edge wear with nicks & dings and retains about 85-90% original varnish mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with scattered fine pitting. 4-50555 JR256 (4,000-7,000) – Lot 1227

COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 150774. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Nickel finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter Hartford address with “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” roll marking on left side. Bottom of bbl has a tiny “44 under the base pin. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Screws are fire-blued. Mounted with smooth, 2-pc pearl grips. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in caliber 44-40 with 7-1/2” bbl, nickel finish, type of stocks not listed and shipped to Montgomery Ward & Co., Chicago, IL on April 14, 1893 in a 3-gun shipment. It seems likely that this revolver would have gone mail order to a cowboy, rancher or lawman somewhere in the west. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Bbl & ejector housing retain about 85% bright orig nickel with the exposed areas a gray metal patina; frame & hammer retain about 90% bright orig nickel with wear on recoil shield & loading gate with a cleaned area on the top strap and fine pitting in the forcing cone area; trigger guard & back strap retain about 80% orig nickel; cyl retains about 95% orig nickel with some minor flaking in one area on the side and around front edge. Grips have a couple of minor chips, otherwise are sound and show tremendous fire and great iridescent colors, a truly beautiful set of grips. Hammer is not solid in safety notch, otherwise mechanics are fine, strong bore with fine pitting. 4-50536 JR349 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1228

COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 129252. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Blue and color case hardened with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight and 2-line block letter address with “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” roll marked on left side. Bottom of bbl has a tiny “44″ just in front of frame. Left side of frame has 2-line 3 patent dates and Rampant Colt in a broken circle. Mounted with Rampant Colt and eagle hard rubber grips that have full SN “128984” scratched inside each grip. This gun was made in 1889 and retains most of its orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine overall. All matching except stocks which are several hundred numbers off. Bbl retains only 10-20% of its glossy orig blue finish with balance a mix of silver and silver/brown; the ejector housing retains 95% of its orig bright glossy blue; cyl retains 80-90% of its orig bright blue as does trigger guard; backstrap retains about half of its blue; frame on right side and topstrap retain virtually all of their orig case colors with scattered areas of light staining and pitting, left side of frame retains about 60% case colors with balance stained with light pitting; hammer retains most of its case colors though brighter on right side; grips are sound and solid overall and fit fairly well with small gap at frame with chocolate brown color. Mechanics are crisp with bright shiny bore. 4-50700 JS188 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1229

ANTIQUE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 174283. Cal. 38 WCF (38-40). Blue and color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, slightly reduced front sight and 1-line block letter address with cal. marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with 1-pc walnut grip. SN was observed in usual places, bottom of frame, trigger guard and butt strap. Rear face of cyl has last 3-digits of matching SN. Front strap is drilled for a grip locator pin which appears to have never been installed. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal. 38-40 with 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish and wood grip, shipped to Hartley & Graham, New York, NY on Feb 1, 1898 in a one gun shipment. It appears that this revolver would have been a special order with wooden grip. Hard rubber grips were introduced at about serial range 75,000 and were standard shortly after that. At about serial range 165,000 they were completely standard. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, all matching except grip which is unnumbered. Bbl retains 90-92% glossy orig blue with some thinning on the left side. Ejector housing retains about 60% orig blue. Frame retains 30-40% case colors, brilliant in the front gullets, fading elsewhere and turning silver. Screws are fine and retain most of their thin orig fire blue. Cyl overall retains 70-75% orig blue, strong in the flutes, thin on the outer dia. Trigger guard and backstrap retain blue in sheltered areas being mostly a gray metal patina. Grip is sound showing moderate wear and retains a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore with scattered light pitting. 4-50596 JR255 (4,000-7,000) – Lot 1230

EARLY CIVILIAN COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH GREAT HISTORY TO TEXAS DEPUTY SHERIFF CHARLES F. LEISERING.

SN 37580. Cal. 45 Colt. Usual configuration 7-1/2″ bbl, slightly thinned front sight and 1-line small font, block letter address. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and left shoulder of trigger guard is marked “45 CAL”. Mounted with varnished 1-pc walnut grip that has backstrap channel obscured with dark stains. Ejector housing is 2nd type with bullseye ejector rod head. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal. 45 Colt, blue finish, bbl length and type of stock not listed and shipped to H&D Folesom Arms Co., NY,NY on Aug 20, 1877 in a 50-gun shipment. Also accompanying is a notarized statement dated 10 Jan. 1984 over the signature of Julius Leisering that has a description of this revolver, identified by serial number. Mr. Leisering states “the above described revolver was the personal property of my grandfather, Charles F. Leisering, who lived in St. Mary’s, Refugio County, Texas. He was chief deputy for sheriff Jeptha Williams, taking office in 1874.” He continues that his grandfather served in public office for more than twenty years. Also accompanying are reproduced pages of history of Refugio County by Hobart Hudson, printed in 1953. Mr. Leisering’s grandfather is mentioned in both volumes 1 & 2 in several places. One such listing shows that he had a mail line between Refugio and St. Mary’s. Another mention shows that he was appointed assessor and that his family was one of the very last in St. Mary’s after the vicious storms of 1886 & 1887. Still another shows that in 1874 Mr. Leisering was a constable and became a Chief Deputy Sheriff in 1873. During all this time, from the mid-1850s to about 1906, he raised cattle and horses in Refugio County. He died in 1909 in Victoria, Texas. The remainder of a very large volume of information deals with Mr. Leisering’s claim against Mexico for livestock losses suffered from marauding Mexican bandits and outlaws between 1868 and 1873. The claim was processed by the honorable judge J. Turner Vance, the father of renown Colt collector and authority, Bobby Vance. This revolver was the subject of an article which appeared on p.18 of the Summer 1992 issue of The Rampant Colt, the official magazine of the Texas Gun Collectors Association, a copy of which accompanies this Colt. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Good, all matching including bbl & cyl, except grip as noted above. No orig finish remains being an overall very dark brown patina with pitting around the muzzle and fine pitting on the left side of bbl; cyl is a matching patina with fine pitting around the front; grip has chipped toes, shows heavy edge wear, nicks & dings and retains about 50% orig varnish. Mechanics are fine; strong dark bore with moderate pitting. 4-50666 JR484 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1231

COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 80784. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Usual configuration with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address. Left side of bbl has “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” etched panel. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and left front web of trigger guard is marked “44 C.F.”. Bottom of bbl is marked with a tiny “44”. Mounted with 1-pc walnut grip that has last four digits of matching serial number in backstrap channel. Bottom of bbl & cyl also have last four digits of matching serial number. This revolver was produced in about 1882 at the height of the Great Westward Expansion when the west was wild and the Indian wars were still being fought. Firearms of that era were daily use tools, usually under harsh circumstances with little to no maintenance. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good, all matching. Etched panel on bbl is weak, but mostly legible. Overall retains traces of orig finish in the most sheltered areas, generally being a plummy brown patina with thin spots on the bbl; cyl is matching patina; grip is sound, showing moderate edge wear and retains most of an old refinish; screws are fine and retain strong fire blue; base pin is orig type with dimpled ends. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore with a few scattered spots of light pitting. 4-50781 JR424 (4,000-7,000) – Lot 1233

ANTIQUE COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 167383. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Nickel finish with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight and 2-line address with “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” roll marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips that have last four digits of matching SN inside each grip. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in caliber 44-40 with 4-3/4″ bbl, nickel finish, rubber grips and shipped to Hartley & Graham, New York, NY on Dec. 12, 1896 in a 3-gun shipment. Likelihood is this revolver was sold to someone in the midwest or far west as a companion piece to their Winchester rifle or carbine. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl, frame & hammer retain about 90% strong orig nickel, turning a little milky with loss areas around the forcing cone lightly pitted; trigger guard, back strap & butt strap are a gray/brown patina. Grips are sound and show very light wear having turned chocolate. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with a few scattered spots of light pitting. 4-50701 JR348 (4,000-7,000) – Lot 1234

COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY.

SN 139644. 44-40 cal. Blue and case color with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight, 2-line block ltr address and ‘COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER’ roll-stamped on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line patent dates and Rampant Colt in broken circle. ’44 CAL’ is marked on front web of trigger guard. Mounted with Colt medallion and eagle hard rubber grips. According to factory ltr this gun was shipped to Meacham Arms Company in St. Louis, MO on April 4, 1891. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Gun is very good to fine overall. Bbl retains about 70% bright blue finish and ejector housing retains about 50% finish. Cyl, trigger guard and back-strap retain strong traces of bright blue finish in the protected areas. Markings are all crisp and easily discerned. Serial numbers match throughout though cyl, bbl and grips are not numbered. 4-50588 JS169 (4,000-7,000) – Lot 1235

EARLY COLT FRONTIER SIX-SHOOTER ETCHED PANEL SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 57621. Cal. 44 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2; bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address. Etched panel scene is fully discernible on left side of bbl. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and 44CF caliber marking on left front web of trigger guard. Mounted with 1-pc walnut grips with last 4 digits of SN in backstrap channel. SN was observed in usual places on bottom of frame, trigger guard & butt strap with last four digits of SN on bottom of bbl, under ejector rod housing and on outer diameter of cylinder. This revolver was produced in 1880 during the period of the great westward expansion where Colt was king on the frontier. These revolvers usually saw hard & continuous service in every imaginable weather condition usually with limited or no maintenance and this is a fine survivor with etched panel and all matching. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Good to very good overall. Metal overall is gray/brown with only traces of orig blue in protected areas; markings are still bright and discernible including etched panel which is discernible but weak as can be seen in photos; there are numerous small nicks & dings on bottom of bbl; wood grips are well fit with traces of orig varnish with hand worn patina and edge wear. Mechanics are crisp, bore is smooth with good, discernible rifling. 4-50589 JS180 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1236

ANTIQUE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 148565. Cal. 45 Colt. Nickel finish with 4-3/4″ bbl, slightly thinned front sight and 2-line address with cal marking on left side. Bottom of bbl has a tiny “45”. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips. Rear face of cyl has last three digits of matching serial number. This revolver was produced in about 1892 when just about everyone carried a sidearm on a daily basis, usually under harsh circumstances with little or no maintenance. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine, all matching except grips which are unnumbered. Bbl retains 70-75% orig nickel with moderate to heavy muzzle edge wear on left side and numerous nicks & scratches elsewhere; ejector housing retains 95-96% strong orig nickel; frame retains about 70% orig nickel with the loss areas mostly from flaking and around the forcing cone area; trigger guard retains about 90% orig nickel with some pimpling on the trigger plate and flaking losses on front strap; backstrap retains 60-65% nickel, showing losses around the edges; cyl retains 65-70% orig nickel with the loss areas flaked to a light patina; grips are sound and show moderate to heavy wear; cyl will not hold in safety notch, otherwise mechanics are fine; strong bright bore with scattered light pitting. 4-50607 JR417 (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1237

ANTIQUE COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER.

SN 147277. Cal. 44-40. 4-3/4″ Bbl with two line address on top, is marked “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” on left side. Typical markings on left side of frame. Rampant colt hard rubber grips. PROVENANCE: Factory letter with specifications of this gun and stating that it was shipped 9/2/1892. Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Good, with traces of blue on bbl and ejector rod housing. Action is gray with light flecking overall. Trace of blue on straps. Unnumbered cylinder. Grips mismatched, but fairly dark. Dark bore is good with strong rifling throughout. Mechanically good. 4-50612 MGM160 (3,150-4,500) – Lot 1238

ANTIQUE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 80770. Cal. 45 Colt. Nickel finish with 5-1/2″ bbl, slightly reduced front sight and 1-line block letter Hartford address. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and left front web of trigger guard is marked “45 CAL”. Mounted with varnished 1-pc walnut grip whose number has been obscured by old oil. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in caliber 45 Colt with 5-1/2″ bbl, nickel finish, type of stocks not listed and shipped to Simmons Hardware Co., St. Louis, MO on Jan. 17, 1883 in a 25-gun shipment. Simmons Hardware was one of the major distributors of Colt products to the western frontier and the Southwest. It seems likely that this revolver would have been used by a cowboy, lawman or outlaw. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good. Bbl retains 65-70% strong orig nickel and the ejector housing about 40%; frame retains about 50% orig nickel turning a little milky with fine pitting in the front gullets and around the forcing cone, the exposed areas are a gray metal patina; trigger guard retains about 60% orig nickel and the back strap nickel in sheltered areas; cyl is mostly a gray metal patina with traces of nickel. Grip has chipped toes and shows heavy edge wear with nicks & scratches and overall retains about 80% orig varnish. Hammer is not solid in safety notch, otherwise mechanics are fine; strong bore, frosty in the grooves. 4-50568 JR350 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1239

COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 166222. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Nickel finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address with stamped “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line patent dates. It is mounted with 2-pc Colt logo hard rubber grips that have last 4 digits of SN on each. This gun was manufactured in 1896. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good overall. Bbl retains about 75% orig nickel with a clear, legible stamped address and “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” nicely highlighted by loss of nickel in letters; ejector housing retains about 20% orig nickel; frame retains about 20% orig nickel; trigger guard and backstrap retain traces of orig nickel in protected areas; hammer retains most of its orig nickel; cyl retains about 20% orig nickel; grips are sound and solid, well fit showing minor wear and diamond points are mostly very sharp. Mechanics are fine; good bore with well defined rifling. 4-50611 JS182 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1240

COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 109264. Cal. 45. Nickel finish with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight and 2-line block letter address. Left side of bbl is marked “45 COLT” and the bottom is marked with a tiny “45″ and “M”. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and left front web of trigger guard is marked “45 CAL”. Screws are blued and it has an orig early base pin with dimpled ends. Mounted with early 2-pc rampant Colt & eagle hard rubber grips with matching last 4 digits of SN scratched on the inside of each. Factory letter states this gun was shipped to Simmons Hardware in St. Louis, MO August 23, 1890. It is interesting that this serial range actually makes manufacture about 1884. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good overall. All matching though bbl could not be inspected as ejector housing was so tightly fit to inspect for SN on bbl. Bbl and ejector housing retain about 95% nickel plating; frame retains about 40% orig nickel; backstrap retains most of its orig nickel on back but butt only has traces; trigger guard retains about 20% orig finish especially in protected areas; cyl retains about 40% orig nickel with balance plum with staining and pitting; grips are sound and solid showing light wear to high points and edges. Mechanics are fine, crisp, dark bore with good rifling. 4-50565 JS189 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1241

ANTIQUE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 129929. Cal. 45 Colt. Nickel finish with 4-3/4″ bbl, dinged front sight and 2-line address. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and left front web of trigger guard is marked “45 CAL”. Mounted with old, smooth, 2-pc ivory grips that are probably distributor supplied. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal. 45 Colt with 4-3/4″ bbl, nickel finish and rubber grips, shipped to H & D Folsom Arms Co., NY, NY. on Sept. 7, 1889 in a 3-gun shipment. The Folsom Arms Co. was a major distributor of arms, especially to Central & South America, along with supplying various dealers throughout the American west. It is likely that this revolver would have seen service on the American frontier, during the Indian wars. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Good to very good. Bbl retains 75-80% orig nickel with loss areas around the muzzle and at the frame and scattered pimpling, heavier on right side; ejector housing retains about 80% orig nickel; frame retains about 50% nickel; the hammer about 75% nickel and the grip frame 65-70% nickel; cyl retains 60-65% nickel. Loss areas are a dark brown patina. Base pin is orig type. Mechanics are fine; strong bore with scattered moderate pitting. 4-50604 JR423 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1242

ANTIQUE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 124084. Cal. 45 Colt. Nickel finish with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight and 2-line address. Bottom of bbl has a tiny “45” under the base pin. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and left front web of trigger guard is marked “45 CAL”. Mounted with smooth, 2-pc pearl grips. This revolver was produced in about 1887 when the west was still wild and the Indian wars were still in progress. Firearms of that era usually saw very hard service and are rarely found with any orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Good to very good. Bbl retains about 60% orig nickel with heavy wear on the left edge of muzzle and tip of ejector housing; ejector housing retains traces of nickel; frame also retains traces of nickel being mostly a dark brown patina; hammer is matching patina; cyl retains 10-15% nickel with the balance a smooth dark brown patina; backstrap retains about 15% orig nickel with buttstrap, frontstrap & trigger guard a dark brown patina; grips have repaired heels with some fine chips along the bottom right edge, otherwise are sound and show great fire with strong iridescent colors on the left side; hammer is not solid in half cock notch, otherwise mechanics are fine; strong dark bore with moderate pitting. 4-50566 JR416 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1242a

SCARCE COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 110302. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Nickel finish with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight and 2-line address. Left side of bbl has “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” etched panel. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and left front web of trigger guard is marked “44 C.F.”. Mounted with smooth, 2-pc, pearl grips. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal. 44-40, with 4-3/4″ bbl, nickel finish and rubber grips, shipped to Shoverling, Daly & Gales, NY, NY. on Jul. 30, 1886 in a 3-gun shipment. Shoverling, Daly & Gales were New York distributors of Colt products throughout the western United States, South & Central America. It is very likely that this revolver was carried on the American frontier as a companion piece to someone’s Winchester rifle. It was produced at a time when the west was still wild and the Indian wars were still in progress. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Good. Etched panel shows considerable wear, but is completely legible; bbl retains traces of orig nickel showing muzzle edge holster wear on the left side & tip of ejector housing; ejector housing retains about 60% orig nickel; frame retains about 60% orig nickel primarily on right side with the left side a gray metal patina; trigger guard and backstrap retain traces of orig nickel, being mostly a gray/brown patina; cyl retains about 40% orig nickel with the balance a gray/brown patina; grips have a chipped right heel and another chip on the frame at the right side with an age line through the right grip escutcheon and another on the left side, otherwise are sound, showing great fire. Mechanics are fine; strong bore with moderate pitting. Base pin is a modern reproduction. 4-50510 JR421 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1243

ANTIQUE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 45674. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Usual configuration with 7-1/2″ bbl, slightly thinned front sight and 1-line block letter address. Bbl likely would have had an etched panel on the left side, which is now worn away. Bottom of bbl has a tiny “44”. Ejector housing appears to have been a military item with a “K” inspector initial on the tip. Ejector housing is 3rd type, with bulls-eye ejector rod head. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and left shoulder of trigger guard is marked “44 C.F.”. Mounted with 1-pc ivory grip made in the orig style from two slabs of ivory attached to two wooden spacers to form a 1-pc grip. Right side of grip, at the frame is marked “TR” connected. Could this be one of Theodore Roosevelt’s long lost Colts? Bottom of bbl, under ejector housing and cyl, has last four digits of matching serial number. Base pin is orig type with dimpled ends. This revolver was produced in about 1878, when virtually every man in the west wore a sidearm on a daily basis. It was manufactured just after the Custer Massacre, when the Indians were still wild, outlaws were prevalent and the average citizen carried a handgun simply for personal protection. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fair to good. No orig finish remains being an overall smooth, dark plum brown patina with sharp edge wear and fine pitting in the forcing cone area; grip has a repaired toe on the left side & has numerous small age lines, otherwise is sound and retains a golden ivory patina. Mechanics are fine; dark bore with sharp rifling. 4-50569 JR425 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1244

ANTIQUE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 111407. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Usual configuration with 4-3/4″ bbl, slightly reduced front sight with 2-line address. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates & left front web of trigger guard is marked “44 CF”. Mounted with Rampant Colt/Eagle hard rubber grips. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal. 44-40 with 4-3/4″ bbl, blue finish, rubber grips & shipped to Hartley and Graham, NY, NY on Aug. 11, 1884 in a 15-gun shipment. Hartley & Graham were one of Colt’s major distributors, especially to the West & Southwest United States. It is likely that this revolver would have seen service on the American frontier. This revolver was produced in 1884 at a time when the West was still very wild, where virtually every man carried a side arm. These firearms were daily use tools, generally under harsh circumstances and frequently with little or no maintenance. They are rarely ever found with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine. No orig finish remains, being an overall cleaned smooth gray metal patina; cylinder is matching patina. Right grip has a dressed nick in the heel, otherwise grips are sound showing heavy wear. Hammer is not solid in safety notch, otherwise mechanics are fine; strong bore with moderate to heavy pitting. 4-50567 JR230 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1245

COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY.

SN 158378. Cal. 44. Nickel with 5-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address with “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line, 3-patent dates and rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with rampant Colt hard rubber grips. This gun was shipped to C.J. Godfrey, New York City on December 20, 1894. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall. Gun overall retains about 60% orig nickel with balance cleaned and bright with areas of staining and pitting especially at muzzle end. Grips are sound and solid with two small dents in left grip removing small portions of the diamond point stippling as can be seen in photos, not affecting aesthetics. Ejector housing and bottom of bbl have numerous small dings and dents, several screws appear replaced with nicer examples with finish. Markings are all crisp and easily discerned. Mechanically, gun functions well with smooth bore with crisp rifling. 4-50609 JS167 (2,500-4,500) – Lot 1246

COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 151315. Cal 45. 4-3/4″ bbl with 2-line address and “45 COLT” on left side of bbl. This gun is in normal configuration of other single actions of this type, mounted with 2-pc Colt logo hard rubber grips. Factory letter states gun was shipped to Hartley & Graham in New York City on April 27, 1893. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Bbl and ejector housing retain about half of their orig blue finish though thinning; markings are crisp and well defined; balance of gun has traces of finish in protected areas on trigger guard and backstrap and tiny traces inside flutes of cyl with overall color gray/plum with staining and pitting; stocks are well fit with some edge wear and minor wear to diamond point stippling. Mechanically gun functions fine with a crisp, smooth bore. 4-50582 JS187 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1247

ETCHED-PANEL COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 100129. 44-40 cal. Blue finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter Hartford address. Left side of bbl has etched panel reading ‘COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER’ and bottom of bbl is stamped with small ’44’. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and left front web of trigger guard is marked ’44CF’. Factory ltr states gun was shipped to W.R. Burkhard, St. Paul, MN on August 12, 1886 in configuration stated above. Gun is mounted with early two piece Colt & Eagle hard rubber grips. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Good to very good overall. The only finish on this gun is in protected areas near and under bbl housing, metal overall is cleaned and gray with areas of staining & pitting. Serial numbers match throughout including bbl and cyl. Markings are all well-struck and discernible. The etched panel is weak but mostly all discernible as can be seen in photos. There are no serial numbers on well-fit stocks that are in fine condition overall. 4-50562 JS168 (2,500-4,500) – Lot 1248

EARLY CIVILIAN COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 44113. .45 cal. Blue and case color finished with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address. Left side of frame has 3-line patent date and caliber markings on left rear of trigger guard. Mounted with one piece walnut grip. Factory ltr states this gun was shipped to Kittredge & Co., Cincinnati, OH on March 8, 1880. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Gun is good to very good overall. All matching, including last four digits of serial number on bbl & cyl and partially discernible penciled number inside stocks but stocks fit gun perfectly and have wear consistent with rest of gun. Gun is overall gray/brown with old cleaning. Bbl has a very mottled, smooth finish dissimilar from rest of gun. Stocks are well fit with hand-worn patina with numerous small dents, dings & cuts and small reductions at three of the toes. 4-50575 JS170 (2,500-4,500) – Lot 1251

ANTIQUE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 126111. Cal. 45 Colt. Usual configuration with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and left front web of trigger guard is marked “45 CAL”. Mounted with Rampant Colt/eagle hard rubber grips numbered to another revolver. This revolver was produced in about 1888 at the height of the Great Westward Expansion when firearms were daily working tools, usually under harsh circumstances with little or no maintenance. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Good. No orig finish remains being an overall smooth, dark brown patina with moderate holster wear on left edge of muzzle and tip of ejector housing with fine pitting around the muzzle and around the forcing cone; cyl is a dark patina in the flutes, cleaned metal on the outer diameter; grip frame is matching patina; grips show very hard wear, retaining very little detail and have turned chocolate; hammer is a replacement of orig type and retains strong, dark case colors. Mechanics are fine; worn dark bore with good rifling. Base pin is orig type with battered head. 4-50551 JR422 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1252

ANTIQUE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 181344. Cal. 41 Colt. Usual configuration with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight & 2-line address with cal marking on left side. Bottom of bbl has a small “41” under the base pin. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal. 41, with 4-3/4″ bbl, blue finish and rubber grips, shipped to Simmons Hardware Co., St. Louis, MO. on Nov. 22, 1898 in an 8-gun shipment. Simmons Hardware Co. is well known for supplying arms to western regions especially Texas. Given the overall condition of this revolver,it seems likely that it was carried by someone who was exposed to the outdoor elements for prolonged periods, under adverse circumstances. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good. Traces of orig finish remain in the most sheltered areas, being an overall smooth, dark brown patina with a couple small nicks on the bbl and moderate muzzle edge holster wear on the left side and tip of ejector housing; cyl is matching patina; grips are sound, showing moderate to heavy wear. Mechanics are fine; strong bore with moderate to heavy pitting. Base pin head is battered. 4-50608 JR420 (2,500-3,500) – Lot 1253

EARLY CIVILIAN COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 58439. Cal. 45 Colt. Nickle with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and caliber marking on left front web of trigger guard. Mounted with varnished, 1-pc walnut grip with last four digits of SN in back strap channel. SN was observed in usual places on bottom of frame, trigger guard & butt strap with last four digits of SN on bottom of bbl and under ejector rod housing. Factory letter states this gun was shipped to Simmons Hardware in St Louis, MO October 7, 1880. This revolver was produced in 1880 during the period of the great westward expansion where Colt was king on the frontier. These revolvers usually saw hard & continuous service in every imaginable weather usually with limited or no maintenance and this specimen is one such survivor. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Good to very good overall. Strong traces of nickle are found on bbl, frame, backstrap and trigger guard. Hammer retains about 40% nickle. Balance of gun is brown/gray. Grip is sound and solid with about half its orig varnish with nicks, dings & scratches especially in butt where gun apparently was used as tack hammer. Gun appears orig with exception of cyl pin and several replaced screws in frame, backstrap and trigger guard. Mechanics function adequately but hammer binds on full cock, well defined rifling in bore. 4-50564 JS178 (2,000-4,000) – Lot 1254

COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 165173. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight and 2-line block letter address. Left side of frame has 2-line patent dates and caliber marking on bottom of bbl. Mounted with 2-pc Colt medallion hard rubber grips with last four digits of SN on each grip. SN was observed in usual places on bottom of frame, trigger guard & butt strap. Factory letter states this gun was shipped to Simmons Hardware in St. Louis, MO on July 10, 1896. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Gun is overall very good condition with about 30% bright blue retained on bbl and scattered traces of finish elsewhere on gun in protected areas; metal overall is gray/brown; gun appears all orig other than replacement of a couple screws; grips are sound and solid with wear to high areas reducing diamond points in some areas to a flat checkered appearance. Mechanics are crisp, fairly shiny bore with crisp rifling. 4-50605 JS181 (2,000-3,500) – Lot 1255

COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 168225. Cal. 38. Blue and color case hardened with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight and 2-line block letter address with “38 W.C.F.” roll marked on left side. Bottom of bbl has a tiny “41″ just in front of frame. Left side of frame has 2-line 3 patent dates and Rampant Colt in a broken circle. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips that have last 4 digits of matching SN scratched inside each grip. According to factory letter, this gun was shipped to E.K. Tryon in Phildelphia, PA on November 24, 1896. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Bbl and ejector housing retain 30% thinning orig blue with balance mostly plum; frame retains about 20% muted case colors scattered among areas of staining and light pitting; screws are fine and retain most of their orig blue; hammer retains about 50% bright case colors with balance stained and pitted matching frame; cyl retains traces of blue in protected areas with balance mostly a plum patina; trigger guard and backstrap retain strong traces of orig blue finish in protected areas; grips are sound and well fit, showing light edge wear and light diamond point wear. Mechanics are fine, smooth bore with crisp rifling and light pitting. 4-50614 JS183 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1256

ANTIQUE COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 130371. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Usual configuration with 7-1/2″ bbl, slightly thinned front sight and 1-line block letter address with “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” etched panel on left side. Bottom of bbl is marked with a tiny “44”. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and it is mounted with replacement Rampant Colt/eagle hard rubber grips. Inside left grip is hand scratched “W.B. McGEHEE, NOV. 4, 1893.” and the serial number “24988”. It is very obvious that this revolver saw lots of hard service with very little maintenance, probably with a cowboy or at least someone who spent the majority of their time outdoors in the weather. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fair to good. Bbl retains strong blue around the ejector housing with traces of blue in sheltered areas, elsewhere being mostly a mottled blue/brown patina; etched panel is faint but completely legible; frame shows fine pitting with an artificially aged patina; cyl shows heavy wear with matching patina; hammer is also matching patina; trigger guard and backstrap retain blue in sheltered areas being mostly a blue/brown patina; grips have a repaired break in each side and show heavy wear; hammer is not solid in safety or half cock notches, otherwise mechanics are fine; strong bright bore with a few scattered spots of pitting. 4-50563 JR415 (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1257

SPECIAL ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL LOT.

This lot consists of twelve past Julia auction firearm catalogs, together with their prices realized list. These catalogs serve as a valuable reference source. We regularly sell our past auction catalogs to collectors and dealers alike for that purpose. Please also note: The entire proceeds of this lot (to include the buyer’s premium), shall be donated to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital. St. Jude’s is one of the finest hospitals in North America today for the research and care of children afflicted with cancer. We hope that you will consider competing on this lot, we consider it to be an extremely worthwhile cause and we have dedicated ourselves to include similar lots in every single one of our auctions, the proceeds of which will be donated to St. Jude’s. Thank you for your participation. CONDITION: Very Good. 8-87112 JDJ (300-400) – Lot 1257a

*VERY RARE COPPER QUEEN COLT SHERIFF’S MODEL SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 270585. Cal. 45 Colt. Nickel finish with rare 4″ bbl, slightly thinned front sight and 2-line address with cal marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3 patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with extraordinary 2-pc pearl grips with deep relief carved buffalo head on right side. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter from 1963 which identifies this revolver in cal 45 with 4″ bbl, nickel finish, carved pearl stocks with buffalo head & shipped to Copper Queen Consolidated Mining Company, Bisbee, AZ on Jan 11, 1906. No indication of number of guns in shipment. The Copper Queen Mine was discovered in 1877 and produced extraordinarily rich copper ore well into the 20th century with side products of gold & silver. It closed in 1975. It is well known that the Copper Queen had its own security force and likely this revolver was for one of those officials. Also accompanied by an undated letter from well known collector Dave Woloch of Akron, OH, in its orig envelope, postmarked Aug. 1969 to Douglas Ellison of Petersburg, TX. The letter encompasses two Sheriff’s model revolvers, the second of which is this one, priced at $1,500. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran there were a total estimated 1,000 Single Actions in Sheriff’s model configuration out of the approximately 357,000 Single Actions produceed. Of those few pieces produced Mr. Cochran estimates that a little over 49% had 4″ bbls and a little over 68% were in 45 caliber. These are the highest percentages of estimated production which when extrapolated amount to about 340 4″ revolvers produced in 45 caliber in both blue and nickel finishes. Although these are the highest production of the Sheriff’s models, this is still an extremely rare revolver in very high condition with a great Western history. PROVENANCE: D.R. Evans Collection; Dave Woloch Collection; Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Overall retains about 95% strong orig nickel showing light muzzle edge wear with a few light nicks and some very minor pin prick flaking. Finish on the cylinder is dulled. Grips are exceptional with very tiny chipped heels and show great fire & color. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore, has been fired but very little. A truly exceptional Sheriff’s model. 4-50690 JR74 (50,000-100,000) – Lot 1258

*VERY RARE COLT BISLEY SHERIFF’S MODEL FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER.

SN 200661. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Nickel finish with 4″ bbl, full front sight and 2-line address, marked on the left side “(BISLEY MODEL) / COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER”roll marking. There is a tiny “44” on bottom of bbl under the base pin. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips that have last 4 digits of matching serial number inside left grip. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in Cal. 44 with 4″ bbl, nickel finish, type of stock not listed and shipped to Simmons Hardware, St. Louis, MO, c/o E.L. St.Ceran on Oct. 9, 1900 in a one gun shipment. Very little is known about Bisley Sheriff’s Model Revolvers. The book Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran states that the Bisley Sheriff’s Model is a Colts rarity and that there are at least six known and references well known single action collector, Tony Smith. The Book of Colt Firearms, Wilson pictures a reworked Bisley Sheriff’s Model on p.266. The caption lists two serial numbers and states that they “are the only authentic specimens known to the authors”. Regardless, this Bisley is another authentic Sheriff’s Model, one of the very few known. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. All matching except cylinder which is properly unnumbered. Overall retains about 80% orig nickel with areas of flaking on the bbl, frame, cyl & grip frame with some fine pimpling on the frame & front strap; hammer retains lightly faded case colors on the sides & rear edge, turned silver on top edge; trigger retains strong fire blue, as do the screws; grips are sound showing light diamond point wear. Mechanics are crisp; bright shiny bore, shows very little use, just poor storage. 4-50689 JR329 (50,000-80,000) – Lot 1259

*RARE COLT SHERIFF’S MODEL SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 204829. Cal. 45. Blue & color case hardened with 4″ bbl, full front sight and 2-line address with caliber marking on the left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3 patent dates with Rampant Colt in a broken circle. Mounted with 2-pc ivory grips with very deep raised, carved ox head on right side. Right grip escutcheon is normally concealed on such a carved grip, but apparently the concealed escutcheon became loose and was inserted from the outside through the carved ox head. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in caliber 45 Colt with 4″ bbl, blue finish, checkered ivory stocks, sold to H.L. Dyer, address unavailable and shipped to Simmons Hardware Co., St. Louis, MO on July 29, 1903 in a 1-gun shipment. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran there were a total estimated 1,000 single actions in Sheriff’s model configuration out of the approximately 357,000 single actions produceed. Of those few pieces produced Mr. Cochran estimates that a little over 49% had 4″ bbls and a little over 68% were in 45 caliber. These are the highest percentages of estimated production which when extrapolated amount to about 340 4″ revolvers produced in 45 caliber in both blue and nickel finishes. Although these are the highest production of the Sheriff’s models, this is still an extremely rare revolver. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Bbl retains about 70% strong blue showing muzzle edge wear and thinning on the right side. Frame retains about 75% orig case colors, strong in sheltered areas, faded on recoil shield & loading gate. Trigger guard & backstrap retain about 50% orig blue being mostly a plummy blue patina on the backstrap & front strap. Cylinder retains 70-75% blue, stronger in the flutes. Left side of the front strap, under the grip, at the frame is deeply pitted. Grips, as noted above and in the factory letter are probably not orig to this revolver. They are however very fine, showing light wear and retain a marvelous golden ivory patina. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with fine scattered pitting. 4-50693 JR70 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 1260

*RARE FACTORY ENGRAVED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER THAT BELONGED TO FAMOUS TEXAS RANGER ROBERT G. GOSS.

SN 344215. Cal. 45 Colt. Nickel finish with 4-3/4″ bbl that has full thick front sight, 2-line address and cal marking on the left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3 patent dates and Rampant Colt. Mounted with 2-pc, silver medallion ivory grips with raised carved ox head on the right side. Right side of front & back straps, under the grips are marked with the serial number & rear face of cylinder has last 4-digits of matching serial number. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal 45 Colt with 4-3/4″ bbl, nickel finish, type of stocks is not listed, factory engraved & shipped to Wolf & Klar, Fort Worth, TX June 24, 1923 in a 2 gun shipment. Revolver is beautifully engraved by Wilbur Glahn in rather unusual patterns consisting of about 75-80% coverage foliate arabesque patterns with very fine shaded background. Each side of the frame has a very unusual elliptical shaped pattern which incorporates feather patterns and Mr. Glahn’s distinctive “V” pattern. Top strap & front sides of the frame are engraved to match with matching patterns extending over the sides of the bbl & outer radius of ejector housing. Top gullet of ejector housing is engraved in a light snake pattern. Top of the back strap, at the heel, on the butt strap and trigger guard are lightly engraved to match. Cylinder has matching engraved patterns on lands between the flutes with a small hunters star at the rear of each flute. Also accompanied by a notarized letter from Harry F. Goss dated Nov. 24, 1987 wherein he states he is the nephew of his late uncle Robert G. Goss and that this revolver, identified by serial number, was one of his uncle’s guns. Also accompanying is a letter, dated July 3, 2000, by Mr. Rholes stating that he purchased several of Mr. Goss’s guns from Jim Clark, the famous custom target pistol maker of Shreveport, LA who had purchased 50 guns from Mr. Goss’s widow upon his death. Also accompanying are copies of Mr. Goss’ enlistment papers in the Texas Rangers dating from 1924. Mr. Goss remained a Ranger apparently until April of 1933 when he became Chief of Police of Kilgore, TX, an office he held apparently for about 3 years, then returned to serve in the Rangers. Additionally accompanied by a large packet of copies of newspaper clippings and photographs which relate incidents of Ranger Goss enforcing the law. One such article also states that Ranger Goss was the Texas State Pistol Champion for 5 consecutive years, 1926-1930. Apparently throughout his career Ranger Goss comported himself in a most respectful but authoritative manner and was always impeccably dressed. During much of his 40-year Ranger career he was partnered with famous Ranger Captain Manuel T. Gonzaullas who was also known as “Lone Wolf Gonzaullas”. Ranger Goss, according to the various newspaper articles, was involved in numerous arrests and shooting incidents where he frequently “shot first and asked questions later”. He died March 5, 1978 in Kilgore, TX. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all matching except grips which are unnumbered; has been fired, but very little. Overall retains about 98-99% crisp orig nickel finish with only slight holster wear on the left side of the muzzle & tip of ejector rod housing. Grips have numerous age lines and are sound retaining a wonderful, mellow ivory patina. 4-50676 JR72 (50,000-100,000) – Lot 1261

*EXTREMELY RARE ENGRAVED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH LONG FLUTE CYLINDER.

SN 331474. Cal. 44 Russian and S&W Special. Nickel finish with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight and 2-line address with dual caliber marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and rampant Colt. Mounted with deep medallion, left & right, fleur-de-lis & diamond checkered walnut grips. Cylinder is long flute style found on only a few Single Action revolvers in the 330000 & 331000 serial range. In 1913 Colt produced 1,379 single action revolvers with the long flute cylinder. When Colt ceased production of the Model 1878 Double Action Frontier revolver they had a residual quantity of cylinders for that revolver. Those cylinders were dimensionally the same as the Single Action cylinder, just with the longer flutes and no externally visible stop notches. The 1878 model utilized stop notches on rear face of their cylinders which, in this case, had not yet been machined. Colt simply machined Single Action style stop notches and installed them on these few revolvers in six different calibers. Extremely few of them are known to be factory engraved. This revolver is engraved in New York style, probably from the Helfricht shop with about 60% coverage foliate arabesque patterns on the frame, snake & dot patterns on top strap and a hunter’s star on the ejector boss. Foliate arabesque patterns extend a little over half way up the bbl with a large hunter’s star on top of the bbl. Top gullet of ejector housing is engraved in snake & dot patterns. Top of back strap has a small sunburst with zig-zag geometric patterns down the back strap, on the butt strap & trigger guard. Cylinder is engraved in zig-zag geometric patterns on the lands between the flutes and a snake pattern around rear edge. Rear face of cylinder has last four digits of matching SN. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in caliber 44 S&W Special with 4-3/4″ bbl, nickel finish, checkered walnut stocks, factory engraved, special features: “furnished with double action cylinder of long flute configuration and a 3 lb. trigger pull” and shipped to Birmingham Arms & Cycle Co., Birmingham, AL, on Sept. 11, 1915 in a 1-gun shipment. While long flute Single Actions are occasionally encountered, a factory lettered engraved model is an extreme rarity. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Overall retains 96-97% strong, orig factory nickel with only light muzzle edge wear and slight holster wear on tip of ejector housing. Grips are sound showing light diamond point wear and retain most of their orig factory varnish. Hammer is not solid in half cock notch, otherwise mechanics are fine; strong bore with fine pitting. 4-50677 JR78 (35,000-50,000) – Lot 1262

*SCARCE FACTORY ENGRAVED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH TEXAS HISTORY.

SN 288677. Cal 32 WCF (32-30). Nickel finish with 5-1/2″ bbl, slightly reduced front sight and 1-line block letter address with cal marking on the left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3 patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with 2-pc smooth pearl grips. Revolver is engraved by Cuno Helfricht with about 60% coverage foliate arabesque patterns on the frame including his trademark flower blossom on recoil shield and a sunburst on the loading gate. Front sides of the frame also have Mr. Helfricht’s typical patterns, including a hunter’s star on the ejector boss. Top strap is engraved in snake & dot patterns with foliate arabesque patterns extending about 2/3 up the bbl. Top gullet of ejector housing is engraved with a snake & dot pattern. Top of the back strap is engraved with a sunburst & the back strap, butt strap & trigger guard are engraved in geometric patterns. Cylinder is lightly engraved in foliate arabesque patterns on lands between the flutes and a snake & dot pattern around rear edge. Accompanied by 2 Colt Factory letters, one dated 1972 and the other 1979, both with identical information which identifies this revolver in cal 32-20 with 5-1/2″ bbl, nickel finish, pearl stocks, factory engraved, sold to Roberts, Sanford & Taylor, Sherman, TX and shipped to C.P. Hollum, address not available, on Jan 18, 1907 in a one gun shipment. These small caliber Single Actions were often favored by lawmen and other citizens for their short range effectiveness and light recoil. PROVENANCE: Douglas Ellison Collection; Stan Shapiro Collection; Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains 60-70% orig nickel showing wear around the muzzle and down the left side of the bbl along with wear on tip of ejector housing. Sides of the front part of the frame are mostly gray metal patina. Cylinder retains about 75% strong orig nickel except on the front which is gray metal patina. Grips are extremely fine with no visible flaws showing great fire and light color. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with only a couple of small spots of pitting. 4-50685 JR75 (30,000-50,000) – Lot 1263

*RARE FACTORY ENGRAVED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH TEXAS RANGER AND TEXAS COUNTY SHERIFF HISTORY.

SN 352587. Cal. 45 Colt. Nickel finish with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight and 2-line address with model & caliber marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3 patent dates and Rampant Colt in an engraved oval. Mounted with 2-pc, silver medallion, smooth pearl grips. Revolver is engraved by Wilbur Glahn with about “B” coverage, foliate & floral patterns with fine stippled background. Cylinder is engraved to match on lands between the flutes with a zigzag pattern around the rear edge. Left recoil shield, loading gate, butt strap and top panel of the back strap are engraved with Mr. Glahn’s trademark “V” patterns. Serial number was observed on the frame and right side of the front & back straps, under the grip and cyl has last two digits of matching serial number on the rear face. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in Cal. 45 Colt with 4-3/4″ bbl, nickel finish, type of stocks not listed, grade “2” factory engraving and shipped to Toepperwein Hardware Co., San Antonio, TX on May 23, 1929 in a one gun shipment on order #16529/1. Also accompanied by a notorized letter over the signature of W.G. Chapman wherein he states that his father, George W. Chapman was a Texas Ranger in Company “A” in Alice, TX,1917 and Company “C” in Laredo, TX 1920-1921. Letter also states that Ranger Chapman owned this revolver, identified by serial number. The last paragraph states “he was a deputy sheriff in LaSalle County, Texas from about 1926-1935 and purchased this Colt single action in 1929 and carried it as a deputy sheriff.” This letter is dated April 39,1991. Additionally accompanied by a form letter signed by Homer Garrison, Jr., director of Texas Dept. of Public Safety which verifies the service of Ranger Chapman. Letter is dated September 1959. Additionally accompanied by several pictures of Mr. Chapman on horseback. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching except grips which are unnumbered. Overall retains about 95% strong orig nickel, turned a little milky. Left edge of muzzle and tip of ejector housing show heavy holster wear with light holster wear on left side of bbl; cyl shows holster wear around the front edge; grips are sound with no visible flaws and show great fire. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore. 4-50668 JR328 (25,000-40,000) – Lot 1264

*RARE ENGRAVED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH TEXAS HISTORY.

SN 241874. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue and color case hardened with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight and 2-line address with caliber marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3 patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with 2-pc pearl grips that have a relief carved ox head on the right side. Revolver is engraved by Cuno Helfricht with about 60-70% coverage foliate arabesque patterns on the frame with matching patterns on each side of the front of the frame and a hunter’s star on the ejector rod boss. Recoil shield & loading gate are engraved in sunburst patterns and top strap in leaf & vine patterns. Foliate arabesque patterns extend about 3/4 of the length of the bbl on each side with geometric patterns around the address. Top gullet of ejector housing is engraved with a snake & dot pattern. Top of back strap is engraved in a matching sunburst with geometric patterns down the back strap on the butt strap & trigger guard. Cylinder is engraved with alternating patterns on lands between the flutes and a snake & dot pattern around the rear edge. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in caliber 45 Colt with 4-3/4″ bbl, blue finish, pearl stocks, factory engraved & shipped to Krakauer, Zork & Moye, c/o S.D. Tipton, El Paso, TX on July 22, 1903 in a one gun shipment. This revolver could have been for a local law enforcement officer, wealthy local citizen or rancher or someone of importance in Mexico. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Bbl retains 60-65% strong orig blue showing heavy holster wear on the left side with thinning around the muzzle. Ejector housing retains blue in the gullets, showing metal patina on the outer radius. Frame retains 40-50% orig case colors, bright on the front part of the frame, fading to silver elsewhere. Screws retain most of their orig fire blue. Front strap & trigger guard retain about 70% orig blue, thin on the front strap & butt strap. Back strap retains thin blue at the top being a gray patina on the back. Cylinder retains 60-70% orig blue, strong in the flutes. Grips have a chipped right heel, otherwise are sound, showing great fire and light color. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 4-50686 JR77 (25,000-40,000) – Lot 1265

*FABULOUS COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER OF TEXAS SHERIFF GEO W. TILLEY.

SN 246753. Cal. 45 Colt. Nickel finish with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight and 2-line address with cal. marking on the left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3 patent dates and Rampant Col in a circle. Mounted with 2-pc smooth Ivory grips that are pencil numbered to this revolver on the insides. This revolver was used by George W. Tilley who was the sheriff of McLennan County, TX which encompasses the city of Waco. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal. 45 colt with 4-3/4″ bbl, nickel finish, ivory stocks and shipped to E.K. Trion, Jr. & Co. Philadelphia, PA on July 13, 1904 in a one gun shipment. Also accompanied by a signed, notarized letter over the signature Mrs. Joe W. Kendrick wherein she identifies this revolver by SN and states that it belonged to her grandfather George W. Tilley who was the sheriff of McLennan County, TX from Nov 15, 1904 to 1912. She further states that it was his personal property and was used and carried by him during the period when he was sheriff. She concludes that after the death of Mr. Tilley this revolver became the property of her mother Mrs. Paul C. Murphy. Additionally accompanied by a letter on Texas Ranger Hall of Fame letterhead over the signature of Gaines de Graffenried, noted Texas historian, wherein he states “around the 1960’s Dr. Murphy of Waco, Texas, the brother-in-law of George Tilly (sic) who was sheriff of McLennan County from 1904 to 1912 had in his possession a single Action 45 Colt, 4 3/4” barrell (sic), nickel plated, ivory grips, which was used by Sheriff Tilly (sic). He continues in the 2nd paragraph “I remember seeing this gun and the authenticity is true to my knowledge. The serial number of this gun is 246753.” Also accompanied by a letter on McLennan County Texas letterhead over the signature of Frank Denney, County Clerk, wherein he states that the election records of McLennan County show that Mr. George Tilly (sic) was elected Sheriff of this county in 1904 and continued to serve as Sheriff until 1912. Also accompanied by a reward poster of $10.00 for a horse thief over Sheriff Tilleys name. Also accompanied by two small 3-3/8″ X 3-1/4″ black & white photos of several men on a gallows. The back of one photo has a small note “last legal hanging in McLennan County, Waco Texas, tall man on right on scaffold is Sheriff Tilley”, and finally accompanied by a 1/2 page deputation form making Mr. W. Hoffman a special deputy over the signature of George Tilley dated 30, October 1912. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Overall retains 75-85% orig nickel turned a little milky from use. Most of the losses are on the frame and appear to be from flaking. Cylinder retains about 70% nickel with the loss areas flaked to a light patina. Grips have a couple small age lines otherwise show no flaws and retain a wonderful golden ivory patina. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with a few scattered spots of light pitting. 4-50664 JR103 (15,000-20,000) – Lot 1266

*RARE COLT SHERIFF’S MODEL SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 183751. Cal. 32 WCF (32-20). Blue & color case hardened with extremely rare 7-1/2″ bbl that has slightly reduced front sight and 1-line block letter address with cal. marking on left side and a tiny “32” on bottom of bbl under the base pin. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampart Colt in circle. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips with four digits of serial number “5991” inside right grip. Left grip is not numbered. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal. 32-20 with 4″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks is not listed, and shipped to D. Kirkwood, address not listed, on June 28, 1899 in a 1-gun shipment. Also accompanied by a letter on Herb Glass letterhead addressed to S.P. Stevens over the signature of Mr. Glass. He states that in his opinion the factory records are erroneous, something he has previously encountered doing Colt research. Serial number was observed on bottom of frame, trigger guard & buttstrap. Rear face of cyl has the partial serial number “365”. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Good to very good. Traces of finish remain in the most sheltered areas with light, faded case colors in the front gullets of the frame and overall is mostly a gray metal patina; cyl is a blue/brown patina with fine pitting; grips show moderate to heavy wear. Mechanics are fine; strong bright bore with fine pitting. 4-50675 JR342 (12,500-17,500) – Lot 1267

*EXTRAORDINARILY RARE CASED CONSECUTIVELY NUMBERED PAIR OF COLT FLAT TOP TARGET SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVERS.

SN 200354 & 200355. Cal. 455 Eley. Revolvers are identical, having all blue finish with 7-1/2″ bbls, Metford rifling, blued steel target front sights and 1-line block letter addresses with caliber marking on left sides. Frames are flat top style with fixed target rear sights. Left sides of frames have 2-line 3-patent dates and rampant Colt in a circle. Triggers are checkered and hammers have polished sides. Bottoms of bbls & cyls have tiny British proofs and bbls also have a tiny “45” under the base pins. Revolvers are mounted with orig, full checkered 2-pc ivory grips. Metford rifling is very rare in Colt Single Action revolvers and is found only in British caliber bbls. Accompanied by a “1956” dated information sheet from Colt Firearms which identifies these revolvers by SN in blue finish, caliber 455 with 7-1/2″ bbls, shipped 28 March 1901 to Colt’s London Agency. Under remarks “There were 2-guns only in this shipment Both had ivory stocks”, over the signature of Charles H. Coles, Curator, Colt Museum. Also accompanied by their orig English brown leather trunk case with brass reinforced corners, burgundy felt lined with an orig label inside the lid for Colt’s London Agency on Glasshouse St., Piccadilly Circus, London. Bottom is compartmented for the two revolvers, a pewter Dixon oiler and a modern box of .455 Colt ammunition from CIL. Also accompanying is an ebony handled, brass tip cleaning jag, a small ebony handled turn screw, an L-shaped Colt screwdriver, and both orig case straps. Also in the case is an extra cyl that is chambered for a cartridge shorter than the 455 Eley cartridge, probably 450 Boxer. A 455 Colt/45 Webley cartridge will not chamber. These revolvers are pictured, in their case on p. 262 of The Book of Colt Firearms, Sutherland & Wilson, with credit to The Robert Q. Sutherland Collection. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran, there were only 914 single action Army revolvers manufactured with flat top frame of which only 37 were in caliber 455 Eley. This may be the only cased consecutively numbered pair of Flat Top Single Actions extant. PROVENANCE: Robert Q. Sutherland Collection; Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Revolvers are in virtually identical condition with #200354 having a matching numbered cyl; cyl of #200355 is not numbered. Overall these revolvers retain 98-99% strong glossy, orig factory blue showing slight muzzle edge wear, edge wear at the tip of the ejector housings and sharp edge wear on the frames; cylinders are in matching condition with only sharp edge wear; front strap of #200355 has been handled more and retains thin blue, back strap is a little dull; front strap of #200354 shows light wear as does the back strap; both revolvers appear to be new & unfired with brilliant shiny bores; spare cyl is not numbered and appears to have never been installed. Case is sound with light handling & storage nicks & scratches; interior is lightly faded with very light soil; accessories are all fine; box of ammunition shows wear with detached inside flaps; straps are dry and in need of treatment but still serviceable. 4-50754 JR107 (50,000-80,000) – Lot 1268

*SCARCE COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER FLAT TOP TARGET SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 317014. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). All blue finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, brass bead Sherd style target front sight and 1-line block letter address with “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER .44-40” roll marking on left side. Frame is flat top style with target sight on the top strap and 2-line 3-patent dates on the left side with Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips that have last four digits of matching serial number inside each grip. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran, there were 914 target model Single Actions out of the total approx. 357,000 Single Actions produced. Referenced publication states that only 21 of these target model revolvers were in cal. 44-40. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal. 44 with 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed and shipped to A.B. Cole, address not available on Aug. 10, 1911 in a 2-gun shipment. This revolver, in addition to being scarce in its own right, is more scarce for not having British proofs. These flat top target revolvers were more popular in England than they were in the U.S. and the majority are found today with British proofs. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl & ejector housing retain about 90% glossy orig blue showing muzzle wear and some thinning on the left side and outer radius of ejector housing; frame shows sharp edge wear with some thin spots around the bottom edge, showing bare metal on the recoil shield and loading gate; trigger guard & backstrap retain 50-60% strong orig blue, thin on the front & back straps; cyl retains about 70% orig blue, strong & bright in the flutes, thinning on the outer diameter; grips show moderate diamond point wear and have turned chocolate; left grip has a compression fracture on the inside. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore. 4-50761 JR340 (12,500-17,500) – Lot 1269

*PRE WWII COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 295218. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Blue and color case hardened with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight and 2-line address with “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” roll mark on the left side. Bottom of bbl has a tiny “44” under the base pin. Left side of frame has 2-line 3 patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with Rampant Colt 2-piece hard rubber grips with last 4 digits of matching SN inside. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal. 44-40 with 4-3/4″ bbl, blue finish, type of stock not listed, and shipped to Simmons Hardware Co, St. Louis, MO on October 15, 1908 in a 5 gun shipment. This revolver was sold at a time when business was mostly still being conducted from the back of a horse, wagon or buggy, which exposed firearms to the harsh elements, usually on a daily basis. So finding a firearm for that era in high orig finish is quite rare. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all matching except cylinder which is properly ununumbered. Bbl and ejector housing retain about 98% glossy orig blue with one small ding on front sight; frame& hammer retain brilliant case colors, lightly faded on recoil shield and loading gate; grip frame retains about 98-99% bright orig blue and cylinder about 96-98% orig blue. Grips are crisp showing no wear; brilliant shiny bore, possibly unfired. 4-50703 JR94 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1270

*COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 246604. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Blue and color case hardened with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight and 2-line address with “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” roll mark on the left side. Bottom of bbl has a tiny “44” under the base pin. Left side of frame has 2-line 3 patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with Rampant Colt 2-piece hard rubber grips. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal. 44-40 with 4-3/4″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed, and shipped to Richards & Conover Hdwe. Co., Kansas City, MO August 6, 1903 in a 3 gun shipment. This revolver was sold at a time when business was still being conducted from the back of a horse, wagon or buggy, which exposed firearms to the harsh elements, usually on a daily basis. So finding a firearm from that era in high orig finish is quite rare. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbl and ejector housing retain 96-98% crisp orig blue, showing only muzzle end wear. Frame and hammer retain brilliant case colors on the sides, lightly faded on top strap, recoil shield and loading gate, trigger guard front strap and buttstrap retain about 98% strong orig blue. Backstrap retains 95-97% strong orig blue, faded toward the heel. Cylinder retains 93-95% strong orig blue, showing holster wear at the back of each flute. Grips are sound, showing light diamond point wear. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. May have been fired, but if so very little. 4-50702 JR93 (9,000-12,000) – Lot 1271

*EXCEPTIONAL HIGH ORIGINAL CONDITION COLT SAA.

SN 293522. (ca 1908) Cal. 41 LC. 4-3/4″ Bbl with two line address. Case hardened frame. Unnumbered cylinder. Hammer with border to checkering. Hard rubber rampant colt grips with matching numbers. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine. Bbl and ejector rod housing retaining 95 – 98% orig blue, with only slight edge wear and silvering at muzzle, and a few light marks. Action retains nearly all of its vibrant case hardening color, thinning slightly on loading gate, and with some very light flecking on right side. Cylinder with slight edge wear, has some drag marks from hammer being cocked while gun was in holster. Grip straps have over 95% blue, with just some very light flaking. Screws retain nearly all of their brilliant fire blue, and appear unturned. Grips are excellent and dark. Bore is excellent, but with a small spot of pitting. Action crisp. A very fine example, over 100 years old. 4-50698 MGM158 (8,000-10,000) – Lot 1272

*COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 238305. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address with “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” roll marking on left side. There is a tiny “44” on bottom of bbl under the base pin. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and rampant Colt in a broken circle. Mounted with 2-pc rampant Colt hard rubber grips that have the name “HENRY GALLE” scratched inside the left grip along with the date “1903” and again “HENRY”. Right grip has the initials “H.T.” scratched on the inside. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in caliber 44-40 with 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed and shipped to Sears, Roebuck & Co., Chicago, IL on Feb. 10, 1904 in a 2-gun shipment. The shipping date confirms that the grips are replacements. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains 96-97% glossy orig blue with only light muzzle edge wear and a couple of small nicks; ejector housing retains 94-95% strong orig blue; frame & hammer retain about all of their orig case colors, strong & bright in sheltered areas, moderately to heavily faded elsewhere; hammer colors are bright except top edge; trigger guard retains strong bright blue with the front strap thin blue; back strap is mostly a blue/gray patina with strong blue at the top & thinning on the butt strap; cylinder retains 85-88% orig blue, strong in the flutes with a light cylinder line and a few light scratches on outer diameter. Grips are sound showing light wear, turned chocolate on left side. Mechanics are crisp, very bright shiny bore, shows very little use. 4-50711 JR88 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 1273

*PRE WWII COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 337428. Cal. 45 Colt. Nickel finish with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight with a small ding and 2-line address with caliber marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3 patent dates and Rampant Colt. Mounted with factory 2-pc smooth pearl grips that have deep Rampant Colt, left & right, silver medallions. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal. 45 with 4-3/4″ bbl, nickel finish, pearl stocks, and shipped to A. Deutz & Bro. Laredo, TX on June 3, 1919. No indication of number of arms in the shipment. At the time of this shipment Laredo was a pretty rough border town, so very likely this revolver would have belonged to someone in law enforcement or possibly from Mexico. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains about 98% of a fine factory style restored finish, discernible only on very close examination. Trigger and lock bolt screws have slipped slots, other screws are fine. Grips have tiny chips at the toes and heels, otherwise are sound showing great fire and light iridescent colors. Mechanics are crisp, strong bright bore with scattered light pitting. 4-50708 JR95 (7,500-12,500) – Lot 1274

*COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 322492. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Blue & color case hardened with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight with 2-line address & “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER 44-40” roll marked on the left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates & Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with Rampant Colt, checkered hard rubber grips with last 4 digits of matching SN inside each grip. This revolver appears to have been made in 1912 at a time when cowboys and lawmen still rode horses and carried six shooters. These revolvers usually saw hard service and are generally not found with any original finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl and ejector housing retain 95-96% glossy orig blue with only light sharp edge wear and a small area of flaking with pinprick pitting by the front sight; frame & hammer retain strong, bright case colors, brilliant in sheltered areas; cylinder retains 95-96% glossy orig blue and most of its orig blue in the chambers; bore also retains most of its orig blue; trigger guard & back strap retain 85-90% glossy orig blue with some minor flaking on the front strap and heavier flaking with some fine rough spots on back strap & butt strap. Grips are sound showing faint diamond point wear with the right side turning a little chocolate. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 4-50704 JR229 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1275

*HIGH CONDITION FIRST GENERATION COLT SAA.

SN 227226. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue and color case hardened with 4-3/4″ Barrel with two line address on top. Case hardened action has correct markings on left side. Hard rubber grips. PROVENANCE: Factory letter confirms specifications and states that it was shipped on May 23, 1902. Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Excellent, retaining approx 90% orig bright blue on bbl and ejector rod housing, loss due to holster wear, along with a few light scratches. Sharp edges at front portion of cylinder are silvered. Frame retains 95 – 97% vivid orig case hardening color moderately faded on recoil shield, locking gate, and topstrap, silvered on edges and on bottom right from finger contact, with some light flecking. Screws retain nearly all of their orig fire blue. Grip straps are thinned to about 80% from normal hand wear. Grips are browned, but very fine. Bore is excellent. Mechanically excellent. 4-50707 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1276

*FINE COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 328219. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Blue and color case hardened with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight & 2-line address with “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER 44-40″ roll marked on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates & Rampant Colt. Mounted with 2-pc, deep medallion, left & right ivory grips with a stooping eagle & American shield on right side. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal. 44-40 with 4-3/4” bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed & shipped to Krakauer, Zork & Moye, El Paso, TX on Feb. 13, 1913 in a 10-gun shipment. Given the destination of the shipment of El Paso, TX, it is almost certain that this revolver would have been sold to a local rancher or cowboy, law enforcement officer or possibly into Mexico. Most of the southwest firearms encountered today show extreme hard use and are usually without any orig finish, frequently in near-relic condition. Given the circumstances of their use, especially those that went to Mexico, it is rare to find an El Paso sold single action with any original finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains 90-92% glossy orig blue with only some holster wear on left side of muzzle & some slight thinning on left side; ejector housing retains 85-88% strong original blue with wear only on the outer radius; frame & hammer retains virtually all of their case colors, bright in the most sheltered areas, moderately faded elsewhere; cylinder retains 50-60% original blue with loss areas flaked to a medium patina; trigger guard and back strap retain 85-90% original blue, strong and bright in sheltered areas, thinning on the front and back straps with wear at the heel & toe. Grips have some age lines with a repaired inside fracture around the right grip escutcheon on the inside; outside of right grip has a plug over the escutcheon which has been carved to match; left grip shows a dark golden ivory patina and the right grip a lighter ivory patina. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with a couple of small spots of roughness. 4-50705 JR228 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1277

*COLT PRE-WWII SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH CASE.

SN 310806. Cal. 38 WCF (38-40). Blue & color case hardened with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight and 2-line address with caliber marking on the left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with 2-pc rampant Colt hard rubber grips numbered to another revolver. Accompanied by a custom made, vinyl covered wood case with homemade label inside the lid. Bottom is cut out for the revolver and lined in burgundy velvet in the recess. It has cartridge blocks surrounding the revolver containing 30 cartridges and a full box of early Peters “SMOKELESS” cartridges that have small copper primers. Box has a green body with red & white label and the picture of a cartridge on top. Left rear covered compartment contains half jacketed bullets for reloading and right rear covered compartment contains small copper primers for reloading. White porcelain knobs that were attached to the lids are loose in the case. Also fitted in the case is an orig L-shaped screwdriver. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in caliber 38-40 with 4-3/4″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed and shipped to Schmelzer Hardware Co., Kansas City, MO, on Sept. 17, 1909 in a 1-gun shipment. This letter is dated April 24, 1975 and is addressed to Hank Williams, Jr. of Cullman, Alabama. This must be one of the last Single Actions produced with all three SNs visible on frame, trigger guard & butt strap. It was about this time that the trigger guard & butt strap numbers were moved to the sides of the grip frame. PROVENANCE: Hank Williams, Jr.; Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl retains about 70-75% strong orig blue with flaking on the left side mixed with fine pin prick pitting; ejector housing retains about 70% orig blue, mostly in the gullets; frame retains bright case colors on the sides and brilliant colors in the front gullets, moderately faded on the top strap and left recoil shield, turned silver on the loading gate; hammer retains bright case colors on the sides and rear edge, turned dark on top edge; cyl retains 65-70% orig blue, strong & dark in the flutes, thin on the outer diameter; trigger guard & front strap retain about 75% blue overall, strong & bright on the trigger plate & sheltered areas, thin on the trigger bow & front strap; back strap & butt strap retain about 80-85% orig blue, strong at the top and on the butt strap, thin toward the heel. Grips are sound showing light to moderate wear. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. Box is sound showing moderate to heavy wear on the outside with light soil & wear on the velvet, dark & stained wood; bullets have oxidized lead, otherwise are fine; cartridge box shows edge wear with moderate soil. 4-50694 JR164 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1278

*COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 218072. Cal. 38 WCF (38-40). Nickel finish with 5-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 2-line address with Cal marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3 patent dates & Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal. 38-40 with 5-1/2″ bbl, nickel finish, type of stock is not listed & shipped to Simmons Hardware Co. , St. Louis, MO on Nov. 23, 1901 in a 3-gun shipment. The 2-line address on a 5-1/2″ bbl is a factory mistake as usually the 2-line address markings are found only on 4-3/4″ shorter bbls. Also accompanied by a signed letter, dated April 11, 1996, over the signature of Richard G. Gooding. This letter identifies this revolver, by SN and description. It states that “In the early 1970’s Leon C. ‘Red’ Jackson sold me the above described gun. Red had been to get a haircut and when he came back through the back door of his store I saw he had the Colt. He told me that he bought it from the shoeshine boy at the barber shop. I immediately told him that I liked the gun and we struck up a deal. I kept this gun in my collection until April 5, 1996 when I sold it to Tommy Rholes of Van, Texas.” Mr. Gooding goes on to say that he worked for Mr. & Mrs. Jackson, the owners of Jackson Arms in Dallas, TX. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection CONDITION: Fine. Bbl retains traces of orig nickel in sheltered areas being mostly a cleaned metal patina; ejector housing retains about 85% strong original nickel, as does the frame; trigger guard and front strap retain about 90% strong orig nickel & back strap 50-60%; cyl retains 65-70% with the loss areas flaked to a metal patina; screws are all fine and retain most of the original fire blue. Grips are sound showing light to moderate wear. Hammer is not solid in half cock notch, otherwise mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore with a couple of small spots of pitting. 4-50712 JR225 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1279

*PRE WWII COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 209492. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address with cal marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver as cal 45 Colt with 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed and shipped to Montgomery Ward & Company, Chicago, IL. on May 20, 1901 in a 3-gun shipment. Undoubtedly this revolver would have gone mail order to some cowboy out west. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl and ejector housing retain about 75% glossy orig blue with holster wear on left side of bbl, around the muzzle and outer radius of ejector housing; fame and hammer retain most of their orig case colors, brilliant in the sheltered areas, moderately to heavily faded elsewhere; screws are fine retaining most of their orig fire blue; cyl retains strong blue in the flutes thin on the outer diameter; trigger guard and backstrap retain blue in sheltered areas with the front and backstraps grey patina; left grip has a compression fracture inside, otherwise grips are sound showing light wear; mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-50504 JR257 (4,000-7,000) – Lot 1280

*COLT PRE-WWII SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 254261. Cal. 38 WCF (38-40). Blue and color cased hardened with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight, 2-line address and caliber marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal 38-40 with 4-3/4″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed and shipped to Simmons Hardware Co., St. Louis, MO on June 6, 1904 in a 25 gun shipment. Given the shipping address for this revolver, it is probable that it was used on the American Frontier by a rancher, cowboy, lawman, outlaw or just Joe Citizen out for a ride. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl and ejector housing retain 93-95% glossy original blue with light holster wear on left side of bbl and outside radius of ejector housing. Frame and hammer retain about 90% original case colors, brilliant in sheltered areas, lightly to moderately faded elsewhere. Top edge of hammer shows heavily faded case colors. Cyl retains 85-90% original blue, strong in the flutes with sharp edge wear and thinning on the outer diameter. Trigger guard and backstrap retain a strong blue in the sheltered areas, thinning on the front and backstraps, showing wear at the heel and toe. Grips are sound, showing light diamond point wear and turning a little chocolate. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore with a few scattered spots of pitting. Shows very little use, just handling. 4-50696 JR254 (4,000-7,000) – Lot 1281

*FINE COLT “FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 236045. Cal. 44. Blue & color case hardened with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight and 2-line block letter address with “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line, 3-patent dates and rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with rampant Colt hard rubber grips. This gun was shipped to Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co. in Chicago May 20, 1903. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl & ejector housing retain about 80% glossy orig blue showing light muzzle wear. Frame retains strong traces of case colors with balance light plum/gray. Hammer retains about 60% of its orig case color. Loading gate is smooth and gray. Trigger guard & backstrap retain 20-30% of their bright orig blue with numerous small dings and scratches on buttstrap. Cylinder retains about 50% glossy orig blue showing wear, staining and pitting and a light drag line and pin-prick pitting, the flutes have a sky blue color in contrast to the dark blue of rest of cylinder. Grips are sound & solid showing very light diamond point wear and a couple small dents. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 4-50502 JS166 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1282

*PRE-WWII COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 330000. Cal. 32 WCF (32-20). Blue and color case hardened with 4-3/4″ bbl, slightly reduced front sight and 2-line address with cal marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3 patent dates and Rampant Colt. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal 32-20 with 4-3/4″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed & shipped to Belknap Hardware & Mfg Co., Louisville, KY on Sept. 27, 1915 in a 2-gun shipment. This revolver has the last SN assigned before Colt began using the surplus, leftover model 1878 DA long flute cylinders. It is also a little scarce with the 4-3/4″ bbl in 32-20 cal. The frame is additionally a little scarce in that the Rampant Colt without circle or half circle did not appear until serialization had reached 338,001 in 1920. Prior to that, at SN 325,001 the full circle around the Rampant Colt that had previously been employed was changed to a semicircle, which reportedly remained in effect until 1920. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl and ejector housing retain 93-95% glossy original blue with some minor flaking; frame and hammer retain brilliant case colors, moderately faded on top strap and recoil shields. trigger guard and back strap retain 96-97% glossy original blue, slightly thinned on the back strap, showing wear on the heel and toe; cylinder retains about 90% original blue, strong in the flutes, lightly thinned on the outer diameter. Grips are slightly concave from over tightening, otherwise they are sound showing very minor diamond point wear. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, may have been fired if so very little; chambers of the cylinder and bore retain most of their orig blue. 4-50695 JR232 (4,000-7,000) – Lot 1283

*FINE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 202985. Cal. 45. Blue & color case hardened with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight and 2-line block letter address with caliber marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line, 3-patent dates and rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with rampant Colt hard rubber grips. This gun was shipped to Baldwin & Co. in New Orleans December 17, 1900. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl & ejector housing retain 60% glossy orig blue showing muzzle wear. Frame & hammer retain about 60% of their orig case colors with staining and pin-prick pitting, especially on left recoil shield. Loading gate is smooth and gray. Trigger guard & backstrap retain 20-30% of their bright orig blue. Cylinder retains about 50% glossy orig blue showing wear, staining and pitting and a light drag line. Grips are sound & solid showing very light diamond point wear and two about 1/4″ dents where about 10 diamonds have lost their detail on middle rear of left grip. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 4-50503 JS165 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1284

*COLT SAA WITH LONG FLUTED CYLINDER.

SN 330619. Cal. 38 WCF, blue and color case hardened with 4-3/4″ Bbls and two line address. Long fluted unnumbered cylinder. Factory letter states: “Records also indicate this revolver was shipped with a double action cylinder (long flute)”. Rampant colt hard rubber grips are unnumbered. PROVENANCE: Factory letter with specifications for this gun, and stating that it was shipped 4/27/1914. Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl and ejector rod housing retain approx 85 – 90% blue, thinned considerably on ejector rod housing, silvered edge at muzzle. Action retains approx 60-70% orig case hardening color, fading on topstrap, with some cleaning on left side. Grip straps retain 70 – 80% bright blue, thinning and browning at grip and back strap. Silvering at front of trigger guard. Grips fit well, show light wear, and are somewhat browned. Bore is excellent. Action is good. 4-50697 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1285

*COLT PRE-WWII SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 299280. Cal. 38 WCF (38-40). Blue & color case hardened with 5-1/2″ bbl full front sight and 1-line block letter address with cal marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3 patent dates and Rampant Colt in a broken circle. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips that have last 4 digits of matching SN inside each grip. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in Cal 38-40 with 5-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed & shipped to M. Hartley Co., NY, NY on Oct. 7, 1907 in a 1-gun shipment. The Hartley Co. was a large, well known distributor of Colt products, especially to the Southwest areas, particularly Texas. It is likely that this revolver would have had a Texas history. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, all matching except cylinder which is unnumbered; bbl retains about 90% glossy original blue with some minor flaking and light muzzle end wear; ejector housing retains about 93-95% original blue; frame retains about 90% original case colors, strong and bright in sheltered areas, lightly to moderately faded elsewhere; hammer retains dark case colors; cylinder retains dark blue in the flutes and overall retains about 85% original blue, thin on the outer diameter with edge wear and a drag line; trigger guard and backstrap retain strong, bright blue in sheltered areas being a blue brown patina on the front strap, back strap & butt strap. Grips are sound with a couple of minor nicks and show light diamond point wear. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with a few scattered spots of pitting; screws are all fine and retain most of their bright fire blue. 4-50508 JR226 (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1286

*PRE WWII COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 274679.. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 4-3/4″ bbl, slightly reduced front sight and 2-line address with cal marking on the left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle, mounted with modern replacement, 2-pc ivory grips. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolvers in cal 45 Colt with 4-3/4″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed and shipped to Van Camp Hardware & Implement Co, Indianapolis, IN, Feb 24, 1906 in a 2-gun shipment. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl retains 60-70% orig blue showing holster wear on the left side; ejector housing retains about 60% strong blue with holster wear and fine pitting on the outer radius; frame and hammer retain about 50% orig case colors, strong in the front flutes, fading to silver elsewhere; screws are fine and retain most of their original fire blue; cyl show strong blue in the flutes being mostly a silver/blue patina on the outer diameter; trigger guard & backstrap retain blue in sheltered areas with the front and backstraps a blue/brown patina; buttstrap has some light battering; hammer will not hold in the half cock notch, otherwise mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore. 4-50500 JR258 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1287

*PRE-WWII COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 320855. Cal. 32 WCF (32-20). Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, slightly reduced front sight and 1-line block letter address with cal marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips from another revolver. This revolver was produced in about 1911 and was probably the companion piece to someone’s Winchester rifle. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl retains about 80-85% glossy orig blue with light muzzle edge wear, some chemical spotting on the left side and a couple of cleaned spots on the right side; ejector housing retains about 60% orig blue, mostly in the gullets; frame & hammer retain bright case colors in sheltered areas, moderately to heavily faded on the recoil shield, loading gate & top strap. Top edge of hammer has turned silver; cyl retains strong, bright blue in the flutes and about 75% thinning blue on the outer diameter; trigger guard & backstrap retain strong blue in sheltered areas with the front & backstraps a blue/gray patina. Right grip has a repaired internal compression fracture, otherwise grips are sound and show moderate wear. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore. 4-50507 JR414 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1288

*COLT 2ND GENERATION SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH TEXAS RANGER HISTORY THAT BELONGED TO TEXAS RANGER, ROBERT GOSS.

SN 35333SA. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 4-3/4″ bbl, full thick front sight and 1-line block letter address with model & cal marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips that have last three digits of matching serial number inside each grip. Matching serial numbers are found on left side of front & back strap under the grip. No further disassembly was effected to check for additional matching numbers. Accompanied by its orig, matching numbered, black, hinged lid cardboard box that has black & gold end label. Included in the box is an orig owner’s pamphlet, a warranty card & handling instructions pamphlet. Also included is a twisted wire handle cleaning brush. Robert G. (Bob) Goss was born Jul. 1898 in Honey Grove, TX. He apparently was a rancher/farmer until about 1924 when he enlisted in the Texas Rangers. Records show that he enlisted again in 1930 & 1932 as an unpaid appointment. He then became Chief of Police in Kilgore, TX from 1933-1935, then reenlisted in the Rangers apparently until 1940. As of this writing, very little more is known about his activities after 1940, except that he apparently was with the Texas Wildlife & Fisheries Dept. in the 1970s, and passed away in 1978. During Mr. Goss’ tenure as a Ranger it is well documented that he was the partner of Ranger Captain Manuel T. Gonzaullas, also known as “Lone Wolf Gonzaullas”. While Capt. Gonzaullas became very well known and famous, Ranger Goss was referred to as Gonzaullas’ “shadow” and was involved with him in numerous incidents and shootouts. Capt. Gonzaullas was overheard to say that Ranger Goss was the finest shot he had ever seen and he didn’t think there are a half a dozen better pistol shots in America. Ranger Goss is noted as having been Texas state pistol champion 1926-1930. Ranger Goss was apparently very modest and avoided the limelight as much as possible. When someone would ask him about his shooting skills, he would change the subject to his silver mounted saddle or something more innocuous. After Ranger Goss passed away, his widow sold about fifty of his guns to Mr. James E. Clark, Sr., the famous target pistolsmith, of Shreveport, LA. which included this revolver, two Colt semi-auto pistols, a Smith & Wesson registered magnum revolver and another Colt Single Action revolver, being sold elsewhere in this auction. Accompanying this lot is a large volume of enlistment records, letters and newspaper clippings all about Ranger Goss. Ranger Goss was the subject of an article by Mr. Jim Clark, mentioned above, titled “The Last Word” which appeared in the magazine Shooting Times Handgun Quarterly, date unknown. Ranger Goss is also mentioned in the book The Last Boom, Clark & Halbouty, published in 1972. Also accompanying are several copies of photos of Ranger Goss, apparently from about the 1930s. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine, plus. Appears to be new & unfired with crisp bright blues and brilliant case colors; grips are equally new; box has a break in the front edge at the top, otherwise is sound, showing light corner and edge wear; pamphlets are fine. 4-50657 JR419 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1289

*COLT 2ND GENERATION SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 2770SA. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 5-1/2″ bbl, full thick front sight and 1-line block letter address with model & cal marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips matching numbered to this revolver. Serial number was observed on bottom of frame and left side of front & backstraps under the grip. This revolver was produced in the 1st year of second generation production. Accompanied by its orig matching numbered, black, hinged lid, cardboard box with gold & black end label. Box contains a special instructions pamphlet, a shooting suggestions pamphlet and a twisted wire handle cleaning brush. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: New & unfired. Retains 99.9% pristine orig finish with crisp blues and brilliant case colors. Grips are also crispy new. No further disassembly was effected to check for additional matching serial numbers. Box has a blown corner in the lid and a repair on one end of the bottom, otherwise is sound with worn edges and a few chips in the finish. 4-50713 JR412 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1290

*COLT 2ND GENERATION SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 22124SA. Cal. 44 Special. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, full thick front sight and 1-line block letter address with model & cal marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips that have last three digits of matching serial number inside each grip. No further disassembly was effected to check for additional matching numbers as the revolver appears to have never been turned. The serial number was observed on bottom of frame and left side of front & back straps under the grip. Accompanied by its orig, black, hinged lid, cardboard box with gold & black end label. Box contains an orig owner’s pamphlet, warranty card and a handling instruction pamphlet. It also contains an orig twisted wire handle cleaning brush and what is probably its orig waxed paper. This revolver was produced in 1957, the 2nd year of the second generation production. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine, plus. Overall retains 99% plus crisp orig finish with bright blues and brilliant case colors. There is a faint sharp edge wear at the muzzle at the left side probably from box burn; grips are equally new; box lid is detached, with tape on most edges; pamphlets are fine. 4-50780 JR411 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1291

*BRACE OF COLT 3RD GENERATION SHERIFF’S MODEL SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVERS.

SN 0418SM & 0444SM. Cal. 45 Colt. Revolvers are virtually identical, blue & color case hardened with 3″ bbls that have full thick front sights, 2-line addresses and model & cal number on left sides. Left side of frames has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt. They are mounted with smooth 2-pc walnut grips with number 0418 matching numbered to the revolver and the grips on #0444 unnumbered but fit fine and appear to be orig. They are accompanied by orig wood grain, 2-pc boxes with #0444 matching numbered to the revolver, while #0418 has another number, which has been crossed out. Boxes each contain a handling instructions pamphlet and #0444 also has a warranty card. Both boxes have gold & black end labels. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: New, unfired and unturned. Overall they retain crisp bright blues and brilliant case colors with crisp grips. Both boxes have a couple of blown corners and show edge wear, but are basically sound. 4-50501, 4-50714 JR413 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1292

*PAIR OF CASED COLT “UNITED STATES MARSHAL-1989” BICENTENNIAL COMMEMORATIVE SAAs.

SN 227USM/ USM227. 45 Cal. 7-1/2″ blue & case colored. These Colt Custom Shop commemoratives made at the Bicentennial of the US Marshal service in 1989. Revolvers are roll marked on the barrel “U.S. Marshals Bicentennial 1789-1989” and features the black powder frame with three line patent dates and a bull’s-eye ejector rod. Metal surfaces are high luster blue finish, checkered hard rubber grips with Rampant Colt and Federal Eagle. Each are separately cased in red velvet lined wooden cases and factory two piece blue cardboard box, papers, and plain outer cardboard slip covers. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Excellent. As new in box. 4-50669, 4-50670 JS246 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1293

*COLT 3RD GENERATION “NEW FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” COLT COLLECTOR SPECIAL EDITION.

SN SA65772. Cal. 44-40. #250 of 250 made marked on right side of bbl “COLT COLLECTOR SPECIAL EDITION”. 4-3/4″ nickel. In custom wood case. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: New in box; Excellent; an orig Colt box with Styrofoam form fitted container with orig papers; edge of box with label reading “COLT CUSTOM GUN SHOP” with information concerning this gun. This gun is still packed in the orig cardboard box with Colt custom label on outside of cardboard box holding wooden display case & cardboard sleeve with insert that has just recently been unpacked. 4-50779 JS245 (1,000-2,000) – Lot 1295

*COLT 3RD GENERATION “NEW FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” COLT COLLECTOR SPECIAL EDITION.

SN SA65861. Cal. 44-40. #13 of 250 made marked on right side of bbl “COLT COLLECTOR SPECIAL EDITION”. 4-3/4″ nickel. In custom wood case. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: New in box; Excellent; an orig Colt box with Styrofoam form fitted container with orig papers; edge of box with label reading “COLT CUSTOM GUN SHOP” with information concerning this gun. This gun is still packed in the orig cardboard box with Colt custom label on outside of cardboard box holding wooden display case & cardboard sleeve with insert that has just recently been unpacked. 4-50740 JS243 (1,000-2,000) – Lot 1296

*COLT 3RD GENERATION “NEW FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” COLT COLLECTOR SPECIAL EDITION.

SN SA65886. Cal. 44-40. #14 of 250 made marked on right side of bbl “COLT COLLECTOR SPECIAL EDITION”. 4-3/4″ nickel. In custom wood case. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: New in box; Excellent; an orig Colt box with Styrofoam form fitted container with orig papers; edge of box with label reading “COLT CUSTOM GUN SHOP” with information concerning this gun. This gun is still packed in the orig cardboard box with Colt custom label on outside of cardboard box holding wooden display case & cardboard sleeve with insert that has just recently been unpacked. 4-50741 JS244 (1,000-2,000) – Lot 1297

Revised: 2/25/2014

Has the rarer London address, not the common Hartford address, this is much more rare.

COLT MODEL 1877 LIGHTNING SHERIFF’S MODEL DA REVOLVER.

SN 16523. Cal. 38 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 3-1/2″ bbl without ejector, German silver front sight and 2-line address with “COLT D.A. 38” etched panel on left side. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and left rear web of trigger guard is marked “38 CAL”. Bottom of bbl & cyl have tiny British proofs. Mounted with checkered, 1-pc, rosewood grip. The model 1877 was Colt’s first double action revolver and saw widespread use, especially in the U.S,. and blued examples with any orig finish are quite scarce. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good. Bbl retains about 20% orig blue with the loss areas a medium patina; frame retains bright case colors on the sides, fading on the recoil shield, loading gate & top strap; trigger guard & backstrap retain strong orig blue in sheltered areas, thinning elsewhere; cyl retains plummy blue in the flutes and a blue/brown patina on the outer diameter. Grip is sound with a few chipped diamonds and sharp edge wear and retains about 75% orig varnish. Mechanics are fine; very bright shiny bore. 4-50512 JR402 (1,500-2,000) – Lot 1298

COLT MODEL 1877 LIGHTNING DA REVOLVER.

SN 9331. Cal. 38 Colt. Nickel finish with 6″ bbl, half moon front sight and 2-line address with “COLT D.A. 38” etched panel on left side. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and left rear web of trigger guard is marked “38 CAL”. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips, matching numbered to this revolver. The model 1877 was Colt’s first DA revolver and was readily adopted by the American buying public. Historical legend has it that Billy the Kid carried such a revolver. These revolvers are rarely found with high orig finish and functioning mechanics. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine, plus. Overall retains about 90% strong orig nickel with light losses around the muzzle, some flaking on the bbl at the frame and dull front & backstraps; cyl has one small area of flaking with spots of very fine pinprick pitting; grips are crisp with one small bruise on the right side, showing very light diamond point wear; right side has turned chocolate. Mechanics are fine; strong bright bore with scattered light pitting. 4-50591 JR400 (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1299

COLT MODEL 1877 SHERIFF’S MODEL LIGHTNING DA REVOLVER.

SN 12043. Cal. 38 Colt. Nickel finish with 3-1/2″ bbl without ejector, full front sight and 2-line address with “COLT D.A. 38” etched panel on left side. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and left rear web of trigger guard is marked “38 CAL”. Mounted with smooth, 2-pc, birdhead pearl grips. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal. 38, bbl length not listed, nickel finish, rubber grips and shipped to B. Kittredge & Co., Cincinnati, OH on Oct. 18, 1878 in a 50-gun shipment. Very few ejectorless models 1877 were made and not many of those survive today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Overall retains about 85% strong orig nickel showing wear on recoil shield loading shield, sides of trigger guard, front & backstraps; cyl retains about 90% orig nickel; left grip has a repaired chip by the escutcheon, otherwise grips are sound and show great fire. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore. 4-50613 JR401 (1,000-1,500) – Lot 1300

*COLT MODEL 1877 THUNDER DA REVOLVER.

SN 131374. Cal. 41 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with desirable 6″ bbl, integral half moon front sight with 2-line address and model & caliber marking on the left side. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with Rampant Colt, birdhead hard rubber grips that have last three digits of matching serial number inside each grip. Inside each grip also has the date “10-11-16” in pencil. The model 1877 was Colt’s first production double action revolver which proved to be very successful. They were quite popular on the American frontier on both sides of the law. Historical legend has Billy the Kid carrying a model 1877. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine, all matching except cyl which is unnumbered. Bbl retains mostly a smooth blue/gray patina and ejector housing about 60% orig blue; frame retains 50-60% faded case colors; trigger guard retains about 75-80% orig blue and the backstrap is mostly a blue/gray patina; grips are sound showing edge wear and light diamond point wear. Mechanics are balky but functional; bright bore with scattered pitting. 4-50518 JR395 (1,000-1,500) – Lot 1301

COLT MODEL 1877 SHERIFF’S MODEL DA REVOLVER.

SN 28943. Cal. 38 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 3-1/2″ bbl, German silver half moon front sight, 2-line address and “COLT D.A. 38” etched panel on left side. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates. Mounted with checkered, 1-pc, rosewood grip. Few of these ejectorless 1877s survive today with any orig finish, especially earlier ones with the scarce wood grip. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Good. Bbl, frame & cyl retain traces of orig finish being mostly a mottled brown patina; trigger guard & backstrap retain strong orig blue with light to moderate surface rust on the front strap; trigger & hammer retain bright fire blue; grip is sound with a few chipped diamonds showing light wear. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore with a few spots of pitting. 4-50552 JR396 (1,000-1,500) – Lot 1302

EXTREMELY RARE ENGRAVED COLT MODEL 1878 FRONTIER “OMNIPOTENT” DA REVOLVER.

SN 1505. Cal. 45 Colt. Nickel finish with 7-1/2″ bbl. Full front sight & 1-line block letter address with crisp etched panel “OMNIPOTENT” on the left side. Serial number is found on the butt and on rear face of cylinder with last 2 digits of serial number on bottom of bbl under base pin. Base pin is orig type with dimpled ends. Mounted with 2-pc smooth bird head ivory grips, matching numbered to this revolver. Revolver is lightly engraved with intertwined foliate arabesque patterns that is without background. Top strap, back strap & trigger guard are engraved to match. Matching patterns also extend up the bbl with an unusual oval around the front sight. Cylinder is engraved with matching patterns on lands between the flutes with a fine chain pattern border around rear edge. Screws, trigger & edges of hammer are fire blued. Butt of the revolver has a factory sling swivel & left front web of trigger guard has the caliber marking. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in caliber 45 Colt with 7-1/2″ bbl, nickel finish, plain ivory stocks, factory engraved, special features; “Omnipotent” bbl marking & shipped to B. Kittredge & Co. Cinncinnatti, OH on Dec. 24, 1878 in a 2 gun shipment. The “OMNIPOTENT” bbl marking was created by Benjamin Kittredge who ordered the markings applied to 45 caliber model 1878 revolvers only sold by his firm and is the only non-caliber marking every etched on any Colt model other than “Colt Frontier Six Shooter” on Single Actions. This marking was applied for The Kittredge Co. from Aug. 1878 to May 1882 with an estimated 154 revolvers so marked. It is believed that only 2 of these revolvers were ever factory engraved and this one is believed the only surviving example on the open market. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching including grips. Overall retains 88-90% orig nickel turning a little milky, showing wear around the muzzle with flaking in the forcing cone area and on the front & back straps. Cylinder retains 65-70% nickel. Trigger & screws retain strong fire blue with bright blue on edges of hammer. Grips have a couple of minor age lines, show light wear and retain a wonderful golden ivory patina. Mechanics are fine. Strong bright bore with scattered pitting. 4-50766 JR76 (30,000-50,000) – Lot 1303

SCARCE COLT MODEL 1878 FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SHERIFF’S MODEL DA REVOLVER.

SN 24974. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Blue finish with 4″ bbl without ejector. It has full front sight and 2-line address with a tiny “44” on the bottom. Left side of bbl has “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” etched panel. Left front web of trigger guard is marked “44 CAL” and rear face of cyl is marked with last three digits of matching serial number. Mounted with matching numbered, Rampant Colt hard rubber birdhead grips that have had the escutcheons reversed. Accompanied by a small orig hang tag which states “This Revolver is made to use BLACK POWDER CARTRIDGES. Do not use cartridges loaded with smokeless powder”. It is unknown how many ejectorless Model 1878s were produced but they are substantially more scarce than those revolvers with ejectors. Several prominent members of the Wild West entertainment shows, such as Buffalo Bill Cody, Pawnee Bill and others are known to have ordered model 1878 revolvers. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine, all matching including cyl & grips. Bbl retains 50-60% thin orig blue with worn but legible etched panel; frame retains 60-70% thin orig blue, strong in sheltered areas; side plate has small raised dings around the edge; cyl is mostly a plummy brown patina; grips are sound, showing heavy wear, having turned chocolate. Hammer will not catch in half cock notch, otherwise mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore. 4-50715 JR428 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1304

COLT MODEL 1878 ETCHED PANEL DA FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER.

SN 16491. 44-40 Cal. Nickel finish with 5-1/2″ bbl, full front sight, and 1-line block letter Hartford address with etched panel on left side and small 44 stamped on bottom in front of cyl pin. Left side front web of trigger guard marked “44 CAL”. Mounted with 2 piece rampant Colt hard rubber grips and has lanyard stud & loop in the butt. Cyl is usual 6 shots with long flutes. This particular gun was made in 1886. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine.All matching except grips which are unnumbered; bbl retains about 70% of its original nickel plating and etched panel is easily discerned; other markings are fine and discernible; cyl retains about 40% of its nickel finish & frame retains about 20% with balance of gun plum/gray with areas of staining and pitting; stocks are well fit; left stock has chocolate brown patina; right stock is black and appears to be of later manufacture; mechanically gun will not index; bore shows crisp distinct rifling. 4-50509 JS241 (800-1,200) – Lot 1305

SCARCE COLT MODEL 1878 ETCHED PANEL FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER.

SN 22281. Cal. 44-40. Blued finish with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight and 2-line block letter address with caliber marking “44 CAL” on left side of front web of trigger guard. “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” is etched on left side. Mounted with 2-pc rampant Colt hard rubber grips and has a lanyard stud & loop in the butt. Cylinder is usual 6-shots with long flutes and last three digits of matching SN on rear face. Trigger & edges of hammer are fire-blued with hammer having bright polished sides. Screws are fire-blued. Factory letter states this gun was shipped to Hartley & Graham in New York City April 4, 1889. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were 51,210 of these scarce revolvers were produced in the period 1878-1905 in a large variety of calibers, configurations and bbl lengths in blue & nickel finish. It was Colt’s first attempt at a large bore dbl action revolver and was immediately successful becoming extremely popular throughout the American West, Northwest Territories and Alaska. They usually saw very hard service on both sides of the law and are rarely found today with any orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine overall, all matching. Retaining 90%+ orig bright blue finish, though cyl retains less than 50% blue balance of cyl is dark plum matching gun very nicely; blue is thin on bbl in areas; etched panel scene is crisp and clear; there are several small scratches on frame and several small patches of pitting on left side of frame; stocks are fine and fairly well fit with chocolate brown color and “44” scratched inside each stock. Mechanics are crisp, with bright shiny bore. 4-50716 JS190 (2,000-4,000) – Lot 1306

SCARCE EARLY COLT MODEL 1878 FRONTIER DA REVOLVER.

SN 3859. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue finish with 5-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line address. Left front web of trigger guard is marked “45 CAL”. Rear face of cyl has last three digits of matching serial number. Base pin is early type with dimpled ends. Mounted with scarce, diamond checkered, 2-pc walnut grips, matching numbered to this revolver. Buttstrap has a lanyard swivel. The model 1878 was very popular with citizens from all walks of life due to its convenient double action and large caliber similar to the Single Action Army revolver. The early numbered revolvers usually saw very hard service and are rarely found with any orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good, all matching. Bbl retains traces of blue in sheltered areas being mostly a dark brown patina; cyl is matching patina; frame retains about 25% thin orig blue, stronger in sheltered areas with the balance flaked to a dark patina; trigger guard, front & backstrap are matching patina; grips are sound showing moderate diamond point wear and retain about 85% orig varnish. Mechanics are fine; strong bright bore with scattered fine pitting. 4-50515 JR403 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1307

COLT MODEL 1878 FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER DA REVOLVER.

SN 33903. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Blue finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line address with “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” roll marking on left side. Bottom of bbl, under base pin has a tiny “44”. Lower left side of frame has Rampant Colt in a circle. Rear face of cyl is marked with last three digits of matching serial number. Mounted with Rampant Colt, birdhead, hard rubber grips. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal. 44 with 7-/2″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed and shipped to E.K. Tryon, Jr. & Co., Philadelphia, PA on Aug. 15, 1894 in a 1-gun shipment. These revolvers were popular with citizens from all walks of life due to their convenience of the double action, powerful cartridge and similarity to the Single Action Army revolver. They usually saw hard service and are rarely found with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine, plus, all matching except grips which are unnumbered. Overall retains about 85% glossy orig blue showing wear on left side of bbl with minor flaking and candy striping on the frame and flaking on cyl; grips have a series of repairs from compression fractures in both sides. Mechanics are fine; very bright shiny bore with two or three small spots of pitting. 4-50590 JR399 (2,500-3,500) – Lot 1308

COLT MODEL 1878 FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER DA REVOLVER.

SN 21018. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Blue finish with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight and 2-line address with “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” etched panel on left side. Bottom of bbl, under the base pin is marked with a tiny “44”. Left front web of trigger guard is marked “44 CAL”. Mounted with Rampant Colt, birdhead, hard rubber grips. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal. 44 with 4-3/4″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed and shipped to H & D Folsom Arms Co., NY, NY on Sept. 7, 1888 in a 5-gun shipment. The model 1878 was Colt’s first large frame D.A. revolver and had reasonable success with citizens from all walks of life. They usually saw hard service and are rarely found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Overall retains about 60% thinning orig blue with holster wear on the bbl and ejector housing; frame losses are mostly from flaking; front & backstraps are a gray patina and buttstrap has a plug in the lanyard swivel hole; cyl is mostly a gray patina with plummy/blue finish in the flutes; grips are sound, show moderate to heavy wear and have turned chocolate. Hammer will not hold at full cock, otherwise mechanics are fine; strong bright bore with scattered pitting. 4-50513 JR398 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1309

COLT MODEL 1878 FRONTIER DA REVOLVER.

SN 37927. Cal. 32 WCF (32-20). Blue finish with 4-3/4″ bbl, reduced front sight and 2-line address with cal marking on left side. Left rear lower side of frame has Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber birdhead grips and has a lanyard swivel in the buttstrap. The model 1878 was fairly popular due to its resemblance to it’s predecessor, the Single Action Army and large frame size, along with the fact that it was chambered for cartridges compatible with Winchester lever action rifles. They usually saw hard service and are rarely found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Good to very good, all matching except grips which are unnumbered. Revolver retains traces of orig finish in sheltered areas being mostly a worn gray metal patina with fine pinprick pitting on bbl, ejector housing & frame; right grip has a repaired break, otherwise they are sound and show heavy wear, turned chocolate. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore. 4-50541 JR344 (1,000-1,500) – Lot 1310

*COLT MODEL 1903 DA REVOLVER.

SN 251594. Cal. 38 Colt. Nickel finish with 4-1/2″ bbl, integral half moon front sight and 3-line address with last patent date 1895. Left side of bbl is marked “COLT.D.A.38” and it has the Rampant Colt in a circle on the left rear of frame. Trigger & edges of hammer are fire blued. Mounted with checkered, Rampant Colt hard rubber grips numbered on the inside “1066”. This model revolver succeeded the model 1889, with large numbers produced in the period 1892-1907. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Appears to be new and unfired, retaining virtually all of its orig factory finish; nickel has turned a little milky; grips have a small bruise on the right side, otherwise are crisp. Crisp mechanics; brilliant shiny bore. 4-50739 JR393 (500-800) – Lot 1311

*VERY EARLY COLT OFFICER’S MODEL DA FLAT TOP TARGET REVOLVER.

SN 262264. Cal. 38 Special. Blue finish with 6″ tapered rnd bbl, adjustable front & rear sights and 2-line address with last patent date 1901 and left side mark “OFFICERS MODEL COLT D.A. 38”. Left rear side has Rampant Colt in a circle. Assembly number “974” is found on the frame, inside the crane & cyl latch. Trigger is fire blued with checkered face and hammer has fired blued edges. Mounted with diamond checkered walnut grips with matching assembly number inside each grip. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal. 38 with 6″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed and shipped to William Read & Sons, Boston, MA. on Jul. 12, 1906 in a 4-gun shipment. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Overall retains 97-98% glossy orig blue with only faint sharp edge wear and a small worn spot near the muzzle; grips are crisp showing light diamond point wear. Mechanics are crisp; brilliant shiny bore. Shows very little use. 4-50748 JR397 (1,500-2,000) – Lot 1312

EXTREMELY RARE “TOMBSTONE” COWBOY CARTRIDGE BELT.

This beautiful cartridge belt made for 45 cal pistol or rifle cartridges is in beautiful condition with perfect maker’s mark boldly stamped on sewn tongue “PATTON & Co. TOMBSTONE”. JJ Patton was a saddler in Tombstone, located across the street from the OK Corral at the time of the famous fight in 1881 and any of his marked cowboy leather is quite rare and desirable especially in such beautiful, presentable condition as this fine belt. Recognized as a leading Arizona saddler, Patton also partnered in a ranch with Milt Joyce of the Oriental Saloon and Milt’s bartender, “Buckskin” Frank Leslie, a known gunslinger. CONDITION: Belt is 3″ wide and 42″ including tongue and has 43 1-3/4″ cartridge loops that are in fine condition with most of their original polish with just minor scuffing on ends and minor crazing and crackling. Surface of this belt is superior to a vast majority of other Wild West era cartridge belts found. The tongue is also in very good condition where sewn and marked retaining most of its orig finish. The flexible 8″ end of tongue retains good color though crazed and crackled with some scuffing but no reductions. The patent leather Moroccan backing is sound and solid though worn and scuffed especially on edges and about 40% of orig stitching to belt is loose (this is easily restored). 4-50393 JS229 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1313

SCARCE F.A. MEANEA BELT & HOLSTER RIG.

Fine Meanea dbl loop holster for 4-3/4″ Single Action Colt. Made of 1-pc, tan buckskin lined, russet brown bridle leather. Holster is about 10″ long with the skirt 5-1/4″ at the widest point having a sewn rear edge and Cheyenne plug with deluxe tooled decorations on the body of the holster and top loop. Bottom loop has the cartouche “F.A. MEANEA, / CHEYENNE, WYO.”. Cartridge/money belt is about 36″ long x 3-1/4″ wide with sewn top edge and rectangular nickeled steel buckle. Belt has 33 sewn-on large size cartridge loops containing fourteen 45 Colt cartridges. Tongue billet is overall about 14″ long and has the cartouche “F.A. MEANEA / CHEYENNE.” PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Holster has solid stitching showing moderate to heavy use with light to moderate soil; the buckskin lining on the rear face of the skirt is worn through in a couple of places and heavily soiled; interior lining is intact showing heavy soil; belt is soft & supple also showing moderate to heavy use with no apparent breaks in the stitching. Altogether a fine rig. 4-50773 JR155 (5,000-10,000) – Lot 1314

VERY RARE MATCHED PAIR OF J. HARMON DELUXE HOLSTERS.

Holsters are for 7-1/2″ Colt Single Action revolvers. They have most unusual construction with wide sgl loops, about 12″ long x 6″ wide over the skirt. They are made of fine russet brown leather, very nicely tooled around the borders with an unusual buckskin fringe around the rear edges and sewn toes. The fringe leather is sewn into the rear edge of the holster and after having been assembled was then sewn to the loop. Each holster has a very large cartouche at the top with matching cartouche on the loop, all of which read “MADE BY / J. HARMON / ORANGE, TEX.” Holsters are accompanied by a mail order style money/cartridge belt that is about 37″ long x 2-3/4″ wide, sewn at the top edge, with nickeled brass D-shaped buckle. The tongue billet is a replacement and the belt has 45 large caliber sewn-on cartridge loops, some of which are loose. These are an unusual & scarce matched pair of holsters. Accompanied by a newspaper article from an unknown paper by a columnist named W.T. Block. The article is about the Harmon family of Orange & Chambers Counties who had a family saddle making business founded in about 1860 by brothers Joshua & David Harmon. Apparently the business was passed down within the family and as late as 1925 they were still in business making saddles and other leather accessories, apparently including holsters. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Holsters are fine showing light wear. Leather is still soft & supple and retain most of their orig brown finish; left hand holster is slightly wrinkled at the top; belt is dry & flexed but still supple, in need of treatment. 4-50768 JR156 (5,000-10,000) – Lot 1315

HENRY NORDHAUS SINGLE ACTION HOLSTER WITH HAMMER STRAP.

This is a nice condition “pouch style” 4-3/4″ single action holster with two large different “HENRY NORDHAUS maker DEMING, NM” cartouches, one on body of holster and one on pouch. Holster is also stamped with a large “45” in the upper right side of holster beneath basket weave embossed edge decoration. The cowboy’s name “W.B. HUNT” is stamped boldly in 1/4″ letters. Holster is attached to a 35″ single loop money belt marked “DENVER MFG CO MAKERS”. This is a rare holster in unusual configuration in very nice condition. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Holster is very good condition overall, retaining most of its orig brown finish with scuffs to raised areas. Hammer strap is sound and supple with basket weave design with some scuffing and loss of finish around hole that went over trigger. Belt is very average condition overall, supple and sound with stitching around top in need of repair; bullet loops are sound and solid with scuffing to high parts; tongue is recent addition; belt is also marked “45 C”. 4-50777 JS201 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1316

TEXAS MADE COLT SINGLE ACTION HOLSTER AND BELT.

Double loop holster is marked “NEWTON & ANDREWS MAKERS EL PASO, TEX”. Commercial single loop money belt is marked on billet with part number and “38” probably for 38 cal bullets. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Worn overall. Holster marking is well struck and easily seen; there is considerable scuffing, cracking but no tearing; belt is sound and supple with applied emollient to end cracking of surface; billet has been partially resewn. 4-50772 JS200 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1317

EL PASO TEXAS MADE COLT SINGLE ACTION HOLSTER.

Single loop 4-3/4″ single action holster with bright cartouche of ‘EL PASO SADDLERY CO MAKERS EL PASO, TEX”. Single loop belt is product of Merwin & Bray with their monogram logo. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Holster is sound and solid with hole worn through at toe where muzzle rested; on reverse there is tear in backing at bottom rivet. Belt loops are replaced in one section for 45s and rear section still has orig loops for 32s. 4-50770 JS202 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1318

EL PASO SADDLERY SINGLE ACTION ARMY BELT AND HOLSTER RIG.

Double loop holster made for 7-1/2″ Colt SAA and single loop money belt both with matching cartouches “EL PASO SADDLERY CO MAKERS EL PASO TEX”. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Holeter is sound ad solid with scuffing and chipping to edges; sewing is coming loose on left top where trigger guard fits. Money belt is sound and supple with numerous areas of scuffing and cracking and cartridge loops and about one third of the 34 cartridge loops are unsewn 4-50771 JS206 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1319

TEXAS MADE COLT SINGLE ACTION BELT AND HOLSTER.

Double loop tooled holster maker marked “M.A. SMITH maker ALBANY TEX” in a large oval cartouche and is attached to single billet loop money belt marked in a 1-1/2″ cartouche “JK POLK/SWEETWATER/TEX”. Loops appear to be 44 or 45 cal. Holster fits a 4-3/4″ single action. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Well worn but still sound and supple. Markings are excellent as can be seen in photos. 4-50769 JS199 (5,000-9,000) – Lot 1320

MILES CITY MONTANA HOLSTER AND BELT FOR 7-1/2″ COLT SAA.

Single loop holster is marked in large central cartouche “MILES CITY SADDLERY COMPANY MAKERS MILES CITY MONT.” Holster has fine tooled decoration as can be seen in photos. A rawhide strap still tied at bottom as can be seen in photos. Single loop money belt is marked “COLLINS & MORRISON OMAHA. NEB.” on end of tongue. Money belt is just over 3″ wide and billet is stamped “44”. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Holster is sound and solid with scuffing and scratches to high areas. Money belt is sound and supple with some cracking to surface of cartridge loops and body of belt. 4-50774 JS205 (5,000-7,000) – Lot 1321

HEISER DENVER TOOLED GUN RIG FOR 7-1/2″ COLT SAA.

This florally tooled buck stitched gun rig is signed on holster “HEISER DENVER” with part number “724”. Extra wide 3-1/2″ tooled belt contains a single row of 37 rawhide reinforced 45 cal bullet loops. Belt and holster are fully tooled and large silver plated 2-1/2″ square buckle is fully engraved with flowing geometric design. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Holster is sound and solid retaining most of its orig brown color with storage scuffs and scratches; gun strap is intact with a Hieser logo-ed snap button; male portion of snap attached to holster is broken off. Belt is decorated with similar full coverage with crazing and cracking; internal leather veneer is mostly intact with worn and torn areas; tongue has wear and scuffing but is still supple and complete. Belt is unsigned. 4-50776 JS203 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1322

COWBOY BELT AND HOLSTER FOR 4-3/4″ COLT SAA.

According to Tommy Rholes’ notes, he thought this rig might have been made in New Mexico. The money belt is marked “GOPHER BRAND” and the holster only has a part number “45 C”. Holster is “pouch type” with hammer strap with tooled decorated border. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Holster overall is very good and sound with good brown color as can be seen in photos; there are scuffs and scratches to high areas and there is a 1/2″ cut in back of holster at folded belt attachment. Money belt is still supple but quite worn; cartridge loops are fragile, mottled, flaked and scuffed overall; “GOPHER BRAND” markings on billet are light and barely discernible. 4-50775 JS204 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1323

FABULOUS LOT CONTAINING LARGE VARIETY OF COLT SINGLE ACTION PARTS & APPROX 65 SETS OF MOSTLY COLT PRE-WWII GRIPS.

Small cabinet contains numerous cyl bushings, base pins, hammer springs, antique & modern hammers, ejector springs, ejector rods (one with bullseye ejector rod head), ejector housings (one 1st type), one trigger guard serial number “89005”, numerous hands & springs, lockbolts, trigger/lockbolt springs, triggers, firing pins and a large variety of miscellaneous screws mostly for Single Action revolvers. A small plastic bag contains other Colt parts, mostly springs, including a 1st/2nd dragoon V-hammer spring and a dragoon sized wedge. Also included are eight orig Colt Single Action Army barrels, three are 5-1/2″ (two 44 Special and one 45 Colt), one 5-1/2″ 32 WCF, one 4-3/4″ Frontier Six Shooter roll marked, one late 5-1/2″ 45 Colt, one 4-3/4″ 38 WCF orig nickel and one 7-1/2″ 44 S&W target bbl with ejector housing attached. In addition there are 5-sgl action cyl: 1) 357 with star on front-very fine. 2) 357 with “RAMPANT COLT” on rear face and “086 W” on front – fine. 3) A blued 44 special – fine. 4) Blued 44 Russian – fine. 5) Nickel 38/40 – fair. Bag of parts for a Colt Model 1877 Thunderer, appears to be complete except for frame and bbl – fair. Additionally, Four sets orig 2-pc pearl grips, one with awesome raised carved ox head and another with deep Colt medallions; one set old Single Action stag grips; one set old silver medallion smooth walnut grips; four sets Bisley Rampant Colt hard rubber grips; one 1-pc checkered ivory grip for 1860 Army; two 1-pc walnut grips 49 pocket or Baby Dragoon (one very fancy); one 1-pc military walnut grip with clear cartouches and four digits of serial number “0586” in backstrap channel; ten full sets pre-war Rampant Colt hard rubber grips; one set pre-war Rampant Colt/eagle hard rubber grips and a right hand Rampant Colt hard rubber grip; lot of fourteen reproduction and post-war Single Action grips & three sets 1878 Rampant Colt hard rubber grips; five sets late pre-war or early post-war Rampant Colt hard rubber grips; nine sets miscellaneous Colt and other grips, five of which are pearl, one set Remington derringer hard rubber grips, one set small rosewood grips possibly for a ladysmith, a set of Rampant Colt Model 1877 hard rubber grips, a rosewood left grip for Remington Single Shot derringer and a spectacular set of Wolf & Klar double action ivory grips with raised carved ox head that has gold horns, a gold ring in its nose and red stone eyes set in gold bezels; nine sets Colt Automatic pistol grips including: two sets black plastic 2nd Model Woodsman, one set Coltwood 3rd Model Woodsman, one set brown plastic pre-war match target woodsman, one set 2nd issue full checkered walnut woodsman, one set gold medallion smooth ivory 1911 grips, two sets full checkered gold medallion Gov’t Model walnut grips. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Parts are generally fine. Bbls are mostly new. Nickel plated bbl is new. Target bbl retains about 85% orig blue. Grips generally very fine to extremely fine. 4-50791 JR481 (6,000-9,000) – Lot 1324

GROUPING OF “COLTROCK”.

SN N/A. Starting in 1922 Colt advertised a line of products from their “plastic division”. These trademarked bakelite items included a line of tobacco items of which we are offering six varieties including a humidor; a “PIPE-ADOR” (which is combination pipe & tobacco container); a large 8-1/2″ diameter spinning compartmentalized humidor which has names of various compartments such as: Egyptian, Turkish, American, English, Pot-Pouri & Ladies, with a central container which would have held tobacco accessories; there is a mottled green 5″ container called the “SMOKSETTE”; and two other round tobacco containers in different size and colors. The last accessory in this grouping is a facsimile book measuring 6-1/2″ tall by about 5″ wide and 1-1/2″ deep entitled “The Courtship of Lady Nicotine”. This facsimile book has spaces for cigarettes, matches, ashes, etc. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good overall. With exception of large humidor which has about a 3″ by 1/2″ break out of base. 4-50784 JS238 (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1325

RARE COLT BURGESS BABY SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 5283. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade Baby Carbine with 20″ bbl, full magazine, barleycorn front sight and reverse mounted Colt 900 yard carbine ladder rear sight. Receiver has the rampant Colt roll marking on the left side along with a staple & ring. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock & carbine buttplate with trap. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were only 6,403 Burgess rifles & carbines produced during the period 1883-1885. Of that number only 972 are identified in the Colt factory ledgers as Baby Carbines, making this a very rare Colt Firearm. This carbine weighs 5 lbs. 6.72 oz. and a standard carbine weighs about 6 lbs. 11.5 oz. Very few of these Baby Carbines survive today and of those most are in well used with little orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine plus. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 75% thin orig brown finish with completely legible address; receiver retains traces of blue in sheltered areas being mostly a smooth silver/brown patina; lever & hammer retain faded case colors in sheltered areas being mostly a silver patina. Forearm has the obligatory crack on the right side over the loading gate area, otherwise the wood is sound with nicks & scratches and retains about all of an old refinish. Mechanics are fine, strong bore, frosty in the grooves. 4-50650 JR161 (12,500-17,500) – Lot 1326

RARE COLT BURGESS LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 4322. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade rifle with 25-1/2″ oct bbl, full magazine, German silver Rocky Mountain front sight, Colt semi-buckhorn rear sight and a thick base sporting tang sight with 3-1/2″ staff. Left side of receiver has the Rampant Colt logo roll marking. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate containing an orig 4-pc Colt brass & steel cleaning rod. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this rifle in caliber 44-40, 25″ oct bbl, blue finish, shipped to Hartley & Graham, New York, New York on Dec. 31, 1883 in a 10 gun shipment. According to Flayderman’s Guide to American Firearms there were only 6403 Burgess arms produced in the period 1883-1885 in oct & rnd bbl rifles, carbines & baby carbines. There were total of 2556 oct bbl rifles produced. Although the Burgess was certainly the equivalent of its contemporary, the Winchester model 1873, and in a lot of ways superior, Colt stopped production in 1885 after Winchester demonstrated they were capable of producing revolvers, which was Colt’s mainstay. Burgess rifles and carbines are extremely rare today, especially one with orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain 96-98% strong orig brown. Forend cap retains about 50% thin orig blue, having flaked to medium patina. Receiver retains 75-80% flaked orig blue with the flaked areas a medium patina. Hammer retains strong orig colors and the lever colors in sheltered in areas, buttplate is a silver brown patina. Wood is sound, even over the loading gate area in the forearm, with normal nicks & scratches and retains strong oil finish. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant, shiny bore. Shows very little use. 4-50628 JR62 (12,500-17,500) – Lot 1327

SCARCE COLT BURGESS LEVER ACTION SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 3541. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade carbine with 20″ bbl, full magazine, barleycorn front sight and Colt reverse mounted 900 yard carbine ladder rear sight. Left side of receiver has a staple & ring. Mounted with uncheckered, slab sawed American walnut with straight stock and carbine buttplate with trap. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were 6,403 Burgess lever action rifles & carbines produced in the period 1883-1885. Out of that number there were 1,621 standard carbines which is only about 25% of the total production. Colt’s saddle ring carbine was serious competition for the Winchester Model 1873 and was far advanced of the Model 73’s toggle link system. In fact the Colt Burgess would have also been competition for the Winchester Model 1892, introduced some seven years later. Apparently Winchester became concerned over this competition and activated dormant plans to produce handguns. Once Winchester had working examples they apparently went to Colt and said if they would quit making lever action arms, Winchester wouldn’t produce handguns. Apparently an agreement was reached with Colt stopping production of the Burgess and Winchester shelving handgun plans. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: About fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain a smooth artificially aged patina as do the bands; receiver is a light silver/brown artificially aged patina with fine pin pricks of rust pitting. Wood is sound and appears to be replacement with oil finish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-50744 JR160 (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1328

RARE LARGE FRAME COLT LIGHTNING EXPRESS PUMP ACTION RIFLE.

SN 1581. Cal. 50-95 EX. Standard grade rifle with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, German silver Rocky Mountain front sight, Colt semi-buckhorn rear sight and a Lyman combination tang sight. Left side of receiver has the Rampant Colt logo roll marking and is made without manual safety, relying on the safety notch of the hammer. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with 2-pc checkered, double schnable forearm and straight stock with crescent buttplate. Front face of the buttstock & inside the buttplate are marked with the matching serial number to this rifle. The large frame lightning rifles and carbines were produced to compete with the Winchester & Marlin big bore rifles of that era. There were only 6,496 of these big rifles produced during the period 1887 to 1894, in a variety of calibers, and only a few in 50 Ex. While Colts advertizing and distribution systems were certainly the equivalent of Winchester and probably superior to Marlin, the dramatic departure from the already established lever action style did not reach acceptable sales with the American public and production ceased. The lightning rifles were strong and reliable and probably faster acting than their lever action brethren but were simply not adopted by the buying public. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain 98-99% strong orig blue with only very faint sharp edge wear and some minor dulling on the magazine tube. Receiver retains 92-94% glossy orig blue with some fine flaking and one small cleaned area on the side and another on the bottom. Bottom tang is mostly a blue/grey patina; hammer retains brilliant case colors; buttplate retains 70-75% orig blue. Wood is sound with only a very few fine nicks and a small chip by the top tang at the receiver and overall retains virtually all of its orig finish. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant shiny bore, possibly unfired. 4-50627 JR37 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 1329

SCARCE COLT BURGESS LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 1646. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade rifle with 25-1/2″ rnd bbl, full magazine, ivory bead combination front sight and Colt semi-buckhorn rear sight. Left side of frame has the Rampant Colt logo roll marking. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate with trap containing an orig, Colt, brass & iron, 4-pc cleaning rod. Rifle has originally browned bbl & magazine tube with scarce color case hardened buttplate. There were 6,403 Burgess rifles & carbines produced during the period 1883-1885, of which 3,810 were sporting rifles in both standard & deluxe. Of that number, only 1,219 had rnd bbls. All the above information was extracted from THE COLT-BURGESS MAGAZINE RIFLE, Maxwell. SN was noted in its usual place on the bottom tang, on the rear face of the buttstock under the buttplate in pencil and inside toe of buttplate. In spite of the Burgess rifles & carbines being of superior design for their time, Colt stopped production in 1885, apparently after reaching an agreement with Winchester that if Winchester would not proceed with the development and production of revolvers already patented, Colt would stop production of the Burgess lever action firearms. There is no documentation supporting this hypothesis, however it is a theory that has been circulated within the gun industry for many decades. Regardless of whatever the reason may have been, Colt stopped production after only those few arms were produced and Winchester never went into revolver production. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all matching. Bbl & magazine tube retain 97-98% strong, orig brown finish with a few light scratches and some minor dulling on the left side by the front sight; receiver retains about 90% glossy orig blue with sharp edge wear, some light flaking and what appears to be a small cleaned area on the right side; lever & hammer retain virtually all of their orig case colors, brilliant on the hammer, strong & bright on the lever; forend cap & buttplate retain strong, bright orig case colors on the buttplate with some fine pitting on the heel & toe and brilliant case colors on the forend cap. Wood is sound with a few minor nicks & scratches and retains just about all of its fine orig oil finish, without the usual crack in the forearm. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore; appears to be new & unfired. 4-51009 JR233 (7,500-12,500) – Lot 1329a

SCARCE COLT BURGESS LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 3774. Cal. 44 WCF. Scarce Burgess rifle with 25-1/2″ oct bbl, full magazine, German silver Rocky Mountain front sight and orig Colt semi-buckhorn rear sight with serrated edges. Left side of receiver has the Rampant Colt trademark. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut, with straight stock and crescent buttplate with trap containing an orig Colt brass & iron 4-pc cleaning rod. Rear face of buttstock is numbered in pencil with only the two center 7’s of matching serial number visible. The “3” & “4” are partially visible but not legible. Matching serial number is marked inside toe of buttplate. Left side of receiver is deeply etched and has the appearance of having been stored left side down on a cloth in a damp climate. There were only 6,403 Burgess arms produced in the period 1883-1885 in both rifles and carbines with rnd & oct barrels. Even though the Burgess rifle was superior to the Winchester Model 1873, Colt stopped production after only those few arms were produced, apparently in an agreement with Winchester. Winchester seemingly feared the competition for their rifles and developed an arguably superior revolver, they approached Colt and reached and agreement that if Colt stopped production of their Burgess arms, Winchester would not proceed with production of revolvers. CONDITION: Good, all matching. Bbl retains about 60% orig brown finish, showing edge wear and a couple of lightly cleaned spots; magazine tube retains 40-50% orig brown, cleaned bright on the outer radius; forend cap is a cleaned metal patina with fine pitting on the left side; receiver retains 65-70% thinning orig blue, mostly on the right side, top & bottom edges; left side retains blue in sheltered areas with etched areas from poor storage; lever & hammer retain dark case colors, turned silver on outer faces of lever; top & bottom tang screws are replacements; buttplate is a gray metal patina; stock has a tiny sliver missing by the top tang and two fine cracks on the right side and overall retains a hand worn patina with dark spots on the left side. Mechanics are fine; sharp, strong bore with moderate to heavy pitting toward the muzzle. 4-50432 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1329b

SCARCE COLT LARGE FRAME LIGHTNING PUMP RIFLE.

SN 4650. Cal. 45-85-285. Standard grade rifle with 28-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, German silver Rocky Mountain front sight with semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with slab sawed American walnut with checkered 2-pc dbl schnable forearm & straight stock that has crescent buttplate. Left side of upper tang, front face of buttstock, under the metal and inside the buttplate are all marked with matching serial numbers. This rifle is made without a manual safety, relying on the half cock notch of the hammer to make the rifle safe with a round in the chamber. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Anitque American Firearms there were only about 6,496 of these large frame Colt rifles produced in the period 1887-1894. While they were reliable accurate rifles, the pump action simply did not gain strong favor with the American buying public who was sold on the lever action rifle and would not adapt to the pump. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains 93-95% dull orig blue with only sharp edge wear; magazine tube retains about 98% strong bright orig blue; receiver retains about 80% orig blue with some flaking & light patina; hammer retains about 90% strong orig case colors; wood is sound with the stock having minor nicks & scratches and retains most of its orig finish that has been cleaned and lightly waxed; forearm retains virtually all of its orig finish. Mechanics are fine, brilliant shiny bore. 4-51484 JR293 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1329c

LATE COLT MEDIUM FRAME PUMP ACTION RIFLE.

SN 82452. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade rifle with 26″ rnd bbl, full magazine, German silver Rocky Mountain front sight and an orig Colt semi-buckhorn rear sight. Left side of frame has the Rampant Colt trademark. Left side of bbl & frame have small British proofs. Receiver is without manual safety, relying on half cock notch of hammer for safety. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain, American walnut with smooth, single schnable, 2-pc forearm and straight stock with crescent buttplate. Left side of upper tang, under the wood, is marked with matching serial number and front face of buttstock & inside buttplate have last four digits of matching serial number. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms, there were nearly 90,000 of these fine rifles produced in the period 1884-1902 in both oct & rnd bbl configurations and two types of carbines. They are rarely found today with high orig finish. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine, all matching. Overall retains 96-97% strong orig blue with only sharp edge wear and a small lightly cleaned area on left side of receiver; stock has a hairline below the bottom tang and a small gouge on the bottom with light nicks & scratches on the buttstock, numerous small nicks & dings on the forearm and overall retains most of its orig oil finish; hammer retains brilliant case colors. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore. 4-49549 JR475 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1329d

MEDIUM FRAME COLT PUMP ACTION LIGHTNING RIFLE.

SN 43296. Cal. 32 WCF (32-20). Standard grade rifle with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, gold washed Beach’s combination front sight and an orig Colt semi-buckhorn rear sight. Left side of receiver has the Rampant Colt trademark. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut buttstock with straight grip and crescent buttplate. 2-pc walnut forearm has double schnable and coarse checkering. Left side of upper tang, under the wood, front face of buttstock and inside buttplate, are matching numbered. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were nearly 90,000 of these rifles produced in the period 1884-1902. They rarely are found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine plus, all matching. Bbl & magazine tube retain 97-98% strong orig blue with a few tiny, scattered spots of pinprick rust; receiver retain 88-90% glossy orig blue showing sharp edge wear, some thinning over the top & bottom edges; wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retains virtually all of its orig oil finish. Mechanics are crisp; bright shiny bore. 4-50570 JR474 (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1329e

FINE COLT SMALL FRAME PUMP ACTION RIFLE.

SN 73131. Cal. 22. Standard grade rifle with 24″ tapered oct bbl, half magazine, sporting front sight and fixed rear sight. Left side of receiver has the Rampant Colt trademark. Mounted with uncheckered, very highly figured, center crotch, flame grain American walnut with single schnable 1-pc forearm and straight stock with Colt hard rubber buttplate. Receiver is made without manual safety, relying on the half cock notch for safety. Left side of upper tang, under the wood, is marked with matching serial number and front face of buttstock has last four digits of matching serial number. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms, there were nearly 90,000 of these fine little rifles produced in the period 1887-1904, a few of which were deluxe. These rifles were generally considered ladies or boys rifles and are rarely found with extra features such as the deluxe wood found on this rifle. They usually saw very hard service with little or no maintenance and are almost never found with strong orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine, all matching. Bbl & magazine tube retain 96-97% strong orig blue with fine sharp edge wear and a few scattered spots of very fine pitting and discoloration; receiver shows edge wear with thinning on the sides; wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and overall retains about 98% crisp orig piano varnish finish. Mechanics are fine; strong bore, dark in the grooves. 4-50629 JR476 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1329f

SCARCE VERY HIGH CONDITION HENRY NETTLETON INSPECTED COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 48860. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and a small “U.S”. Mounted with a 1-pc walnut grip that has last four digits of matching serial number in backstrap channel. Left side of grip has a crisp “JEG” (Capt. John E. Greer) inspector cartouche under the date 1878. Right side has the crisp “HN” Henry Nettleton sub-inspector cartouche. Various parts have Mr. Nettleton’s initials, H.N., including bbl, cyl, frame, trigger guard, top of backstrap, bottom right edge of grip and left side of hammer. Bottom of bbl, under ejector housing, has last four digits of matching serial number which are also found on outside diameter of cyl. Trigger guard has the serial number “48960”, factory assemblers stamping error. Ejector housing is 2nd type with bulls-eye ejector rod head and base pin is orig type with dimpled ends. This revolver was produced between May and August 1878 and almost certainly would have been issued to a front line Cavalry unit fighting Indians in the west. The fact that it retains virtually all of its crisp orig finish in orig configuration lends credence to the thought that it may have been issued to a high ranking officer who never used it or possibly went to a state militia unit. Obviously it escaped the recalls of the 1890s and early 1900s where several thousand Cavalry revolvers were returned to Colt or Springfield Arsenal and modified to artillery configuration by having their bbls cut to 5-1/2″. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine (probably unfired) all matching including bbl, cyl & grip, except trigger guard as noted. Bbl retains 96-97% crisp orig blue with full strong feathers on each side of front sight and ejector housing stud showing only light muzzle edge wear and a small wear spot on left side; ejector housing retains about 90% orig blue with wear at the tip and outer radius; frame retains about 98-99% brilliant orig case colors with some thinning on the left recoil shield, a couple small scratches and very faint sharp edge wear; hammer retains virtually all of its brilliant, orig case colors turned a little dark on top edge; cyl retains 95-96% strong orig blue with sharp edge wear around the front edge, small wear spots opposite each other on the rear side, probably from sliding around in a drawer and has a light cyl line; trigger guard & front strap retain about 98% crisp orig blue; backstrap has some tiny scratches near the top with a few small streaks of candy striping and overall retains 95-96% crisp orig blue; grip has a gouge on the left side and shows light edge wear, again from sliding around in a drawer and overall retains a light hand worn patina. Hammer is not solid in half cock notch, otherwise mechanics are fine; brilliant shiny bore. Chambers of the cyl & bore retain virtually all of their orig factory blue. 4-50383 JR456 (100,000-125,000) – Lot 1330

RARE CASEY & JOHNSON DUAL INSPECTED COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 17521. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line script address with the correct broken letters in the “t” of “Pt”, in the “O” of “Co” and in the “A” of “HARTFORD”. Left side of frame has 2-line patent dates and “U.S”. Mounted with 1-pc walnut grip with matching last four digits of SN in backstrap channel. Cyl is numbers “7297”. Left side of grip has a completely legible “APC” (A.P. Casey) inspector initial. Bottom of bbl & trigger guard have tiny “C” (A.P. Casey) inspector initials. The cyl, ejector housing, top of backstrap and right bottom edge of grip have “J” (W.W. Johnson) sub-inspector initials. Ejector housing is 1st type with bull’s eye ejector rod head and base pin is orig type with dimpled ends. Many of the cavalry Colts produced in this serial range in Dec. 1874 through March 1875 were issued to the reorganized 7th Cavalry in October 1876, only a few months after the Custer massacre at the Little Big Horn. Given the outstanding condition of this revolver it is likely that it was not one of the 7th Cavalry reissue pieces but probably was issued to a high ranking officer or someone of importance or possibly issued to a state militia. Regardless, it was apparently not subjected to the rigors of Indian War service on the frontier. Accompanied by a 2-page letter from renowned Colt historian, author & collector, John Kopec, who certifies to the authenticity & originality of this revolver with the exception of the replaced cylinder. He notes that the cyl in this revolver bears the number “7297” which he states belonged to cavalry revolver “17297” and it is his opinion that the cylinders were switched during a cleaning exercise. He continues that revolver #17297 was, on Dec. 3, 1900, reconfigured into an artillery revolver and refurbished at that time. He states that this cyl was not submitted for refurbishing because it was installed in this revolver. He further states that this cyl is from the same lot of 1875 revolvers which would preclude the possibility of it having been refitted at a later date. Regardless of the mismatched cyl this is an extraordinarily fine example of an Indian Wars Cavalry Colt and based on overall condition, it may be the best known example. PROVENANCE: Wes Adams Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all matching except cyl as noted. Bbl retains 97-98% strong orig blue with strong “feathers” each side of front sight; frame & hammer retain virtually all of their brilliant orig case colors with a tiny wear spot on left recoil shield and case colors turned slightly dark on the hammer; trigger guard retains most of its orig blue with some candy striping on trigger bow & frontstrap and a light scratch on front flat of trigger guard; backstrap retains virtually all of its strong orig blue with some minor candy striping and light wear on heel; ejector housing retains 96-97% strong orig blue; cyl retains 96-97% strong orig blue with sharp edge wear and a light cyl line; grip is sound with a few nicks & scratches showing light to moderate edge wear and retains most of its orig finish with a hand worn patina. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, probably unfired; bore & chambers of cyl retain virtually all of their orig factory blue. 4-51568 JR467 (30,000-40,000) – Lot 1331

RARE CASED LONDON COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 20242. SN 20242. Cal. 450 Boxer made in 1876. Blue & color case hardened with 5-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and script letter address. Left side of frame has two patent dates with left shoulder of trigger guard marked “45 CAL / B”. Mounted with 1-pc walnut grip that has last four digits of SN in backstrap channel. Ejector rod housing is 1st type with bull’s eye ejector rod head. Serial number was observed in the three usual places, on frame, trigger guard & buttstrap with last four digits of SN on bottom of bbl, under ejector rod housing and on cylinder. Bbl & cyl have tiny English proofs. Accompanied by an orig English oak casing with brass disc in lid. Interior is green felt lined with the Colt London Agency with Pall Mall street address paper label inside lid. Bottom is compartmented for revolver, a steel cleaning rod (which is not present) an L-shaped nipple wrench, a pewter oiler and a cartridge block for 28 cartridges containing 28 cartridges. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran, which on p. 333 lists only 729 single actions produced in this caliber. This is a wonderful example in like new condition that was possibly never fired. CONDITION: Revolver is excellent overall, all matching including cyl & grip. Bbl retains about 98% orig bright glossy blue. Ejector housing retains well over 90% of its orig bright blue with rest flaking to a plum/brown patina. Frame & hammer retain virtually all of their orig bright factory case colors, with exception of left recoil shield which has about a 1/2″ area that is stained to silver & brown. Trigger guard & backstrap retain 98% of their orig bright blue finish with minor reduction and scuff at trigger bow. Cylinder retains 97-98% strong orig blue. Grip is crisp and sound retaining virtually all of its bright high polished varnish with several small dents in front portion of butt of right grip. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Case is fine with a few small chips out of lid and longitudinal crack. Casing has usual handling & storage marks and retains most of an old varnished finish. Interior is moderately faded & soiled with damage from front sight. Label shows wear from cylinder, otherwise is intact and moderately yellowed. Accessories are fine. 4-51554 JS223 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 1335

VERY NICELY ENGRAVED COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 133167. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Nickel finish with bbl trimmed to 5-3/8″, full front sight and 1-line Hartford/Pall Mall London address. Left side of bbl is marked “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER”. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Left front web of trigger guard is marked “44 CAL”. Mounted with 2-pc pearl grips that have a large raised carved Mexican eagle on the right side and intertwined script initials that appear to be “EGC” on the left side. Revolver is very nicely engraved by Cuno Helfricht with nearly full coverage foliate arabesque patterns on sides of the frame with large fan patterns on the recoil shield and loading gate. Top strap, ejector housing gullet and outer radius are engraved in snake & dot patterns. Foliate arabesque patterns extend nearly full length on both sides of the bbl with fine border patterns around the address and side around “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER”. Top of the backstrap is engraved with a very fine fan pattern with geometric patterns on the backstrap, buttstrap & trigger guard. Cyl is typically Helfricht engraved with alternating patterns on lands between flutes with a snake & dot pattern around the rear edge. CONDITION: Very good, overall retains about 96-98% restored nickel finish with fine pitting around the forcing cone area. Backstrap & buttstrap show heavy wear; right grip has a chipped toe and left grip has chips on the snake, eagle’s breast and eagle’s right wing, otherwise they are sound, showing great fire. Mechanics are fine; strong bore with moderate pitting. 4-51570 JR462 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1336

BUTLER INSPECTED COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 119034. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, reattached full front sight and 1-line block letter address. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and large “U.S”. Mounted with a 1-pc walnut grip that has last four digits of matching SN in backstrap channel. Left side of the grip is marked with a “JGB” (Capt. John G. Butler) inspector’s cartouche under the date “1887”. Right side of the grip bears the “DFC” (David F. Clark) sub-inspector cartouche. Bottom left edge of grip, bottom of bbl, bottom of the frame & cyl also have the “DFC” sub-inspector initials. Base pin is orig type with dimpled ends. In addition to the reattached front sight, both sides of the bbl have peened & dressed tool marks which areas have been artificially aged. This revolver was part of the 11th Contract which was signed Nov. 4, 1886 and completed in Feb. & March 1887. This revolver falls just before the listed serial range for the John G. Butler series as listed in Colt Cavalry and Artillery Revolvers…A Continuing Study, Kopec & Fenn, which lists the contract as being in the #119047 through #121238 range. CONDITION: Fine, all matching. Bbl retains about 75-80% glossy orig blue with the restoration as noted above; frame retains about 65-70% orig case colors, brilliant in the front gullets, moderately faded elsewhere and beginning to turn silver; hammer retains about 80% orig case colors; cyl retains most of an old restored finish with strong dark blue in the flutes, faded on the outer diameter to a blue/brown patina; trigger guard & back strap retain strong blue in sheltered areas, turning a little plummy on the front & back straps. Grip has a couple of chips in the edges, shows moderate edge wear with a few light nicks & scratches and retains most of its strong orig finish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-51567 (15,000-20,000) – Lot 1333

SCARCE CASEY INSPECTED COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 16623. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line script letter address with serifs. Left side of the frame has 2-line patent dates and “U.S.”. Mounted with a 1-pc walnut grip which has last four digits of matching SN in back strap channel. Left side of the grip has partially legible “APC” (A.P. Casey) inspector cartouche. Ejector housing is first type with bull’s-eye ejector rod head and base pin is orig type with dimpled ends. Bottom right edge of the grip, bottom of the bbl, trigger guard, back strap & cyl are marked with a small “C” (also for A.P. Casey). The “C”s on bottom of bbl & cyl are of a different size font which, according to A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver, Graham, Kopec & Moore, this disparity in letter size is correct in that it is believed Mr. Casey simply used two different sized stamps. Butt strap is hand-scratched with the initials “JHN”. This revolver was produced in 1875 at the height of the Indian Wars and almost certainly would have been issued to a front line cavalry unit and would have seen service on the American frontier. That it escaped the recalls of the 1890s and early 1900s attests to the theory that it was either lost in battle, stolen or assigned to a militia unit. It is known that there are several revolvers in this series which were assigned to the 7th Cavalry as replacement revolvers after the Battle of the Little Big Horn. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains about 75% strong orig blue with holster wear on the left side and thinning over the top; frame retains bright case colors in the front gullets and left side, more faded on the right side and top strap; recoil shields also retain bright case colors, turned silver on the loading gate; hammer retains strong, bright case colors, turned silver on top edge; trigger guard & back strap retain blue in sheltered areas, strong on the trigger plate, faded to a blue/gray patina on the front & back straps and butt strap; cyl retains strong blue in the flutes, flaked to a medium patina on the outer diameter; chambers of the cyl and bore retain strong orig blue. Grip is sound showing moderate edge wear and retains a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore, shows very little use. 4-51569 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1334

FINE EARLY CIVILIAN COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 72202. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and caliber marking on left front web of trigger guard. Mounted with very nicely figured, varnished, 1-pc walnut grip with last four digits of SN in back strap channel. SN was observed in usual places on bottom of frame, trigger guard & butt strap with last four digits of SN on bottom of bbl, under ejector rod housing and on outer diameter of cylinder. This revolver was produced in 1881 during the period of the great westward expansion where Colt was king on the frontier. These revolvers usually saw hard & continuous service in every imaginable weather usually with limited or no maintenance and are rarely encountered today with high orig finish. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl retains about 50-60% glossy factory blue with balance flaked, not worn, to medium/dark patina. Ejector rod housing retains 75-80% glossy factory blue with the loss areas flaked to a medium patina. Frame retains traces of case colors having been cleaned to a light gray patina. Hammer is the rare 1878 type with short knurled spur with line and is finished bright on sides and retains most of its fire blue on top & back edges. Trigger guard retains most of its brilliant factory blue, slightly faded on front strap. Back strap & butt strap retain dark factory blue, moderately faded & thin on back strap. Cyl retains about 90% strong factory blue, slightly thinned on outer diameter. Grip is sound with minor nicks & scratches and retains virtually all of its brilliant factory varnish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore with a few tiny scattered spots of pitting. 4-51550 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1337

FINE ENGRAVED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 129317. Cal. 45 Colt. Nickel finish with 7-1/2″ bbl and 1-line block letter address with caliber marking on left side. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and left front web of trigger guard is marked “45 CAL”. Mounted with fine 2-pc pearl grips with raised carved ox head on right side. Revolver is engraved in Cuno Helfrecht style but after-market and probably not period. Frame has nearly full coverage foliate arabesque patterns with pearled background and Mr. Helfrecht’s style of fan pattern on recoil shield & loading gate. Top strap is engraved in feather patterns. Foliate arabesque patterns extend up both sides of bbl and on each side of muzzle with geometric patterns around the address. Top of backstrap is engraved also in Mr. Helfrecht’s fan pattern with snake & dot and geometric patterns down the backstrap, geometric patterns on buttstrap & trigger guard. Cyl is engraved in alternating foliate arabesque & geometric patterns on the lands between the flutes with smaller patterns back of the flutes and a feather border around the rear edge. Ejector housing is engraved with a snake & dot pattern in the gullet and geometric patterns on the outer radius. This is a beautiful, well-executed engraved Colt but not by Mr. Helfrecht or from his shop. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Overall retains just about all of its custom nickel finish with minor pimpling in a couple of spots on the frame, front & backstraps; cyl also has fine pimpling with the front face being polished metal; screws retain faded blue and the hammer strong case colors. Grips are outstanding with great fire & color. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with dark fine pitting. 4-51571 (10,000-20,000) – Lot 1338

*VERY RARE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER IN A RARE CALIBER.

SN 188511. Cal. 32 S&W. Usual configuration with 7-1/2″ bbl, slightly altered front sight and 1-line block letter address with caliber marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line, 3-patent dates and rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with rampant Colt/eagle hard rubber grips which are inscribed on inside “George Hartsell Feb 1, 1933” in left side and the initials “GSH” and “George Hartsell 8/19/27″ in right side. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran, there were only 32 of these rare revolvers produced in this caliber of the approx. 357,859 Single Actions made from 1873 thru WWII, making this one of the most rare of all the Colts. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter identifying this revolver in caliber 32 with 7-1/2” bbl, finish “soft”, type of stocks not listed and shipped to Hartley & Graham, New York, NY, on Aug. 17, 1899 in a shipment of six same type revolvers. Under Note: “the word soft which appears with the finish, indicates the frame and gate were not case hardened when this arm was shipped. These parts were left in a soft condition for engraving outside of our factory.” This revolver is, obviously, not engraved but appears to have been nickel finished, probably by Hartley & Graham. It retains traces of nickel finish on sides of trigger guard & back strap under grip. This is truly an extraordinarily rare single action and the first one in this caliber ever examined by this cataloger. CONDITION: Good to very good. Traces of nickel finish remain on sides of grip frame, otherwise the entire revolver is a cleaned metal finish showing moderate to heavy wear. Given that the frame was never hardened it is surprising that it retains as much orig shape as it does. Grips are sound showing heavy wear. Hammer is without safety or half cock notches and timing needs adjusting, otherwise mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with a few spots of pitting near muzzle and some roughness & light pitting at forcing cone end. 8-87700 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1338a

*ENGRAVED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 220717. Cal. 38 WCF (38-40). Nickel finish with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight and 2-line address with cal marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates with Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with 2-pc pearl grips that have a raised carved ox head on right side. Apparently the right side blind escutcheon was either damaged or stripped and someone installed an escutcheon through the ox head. Revolver is engraved in New York style, probably by Cuno Helfricht in about “D” coverage with foliate arabesque patterns on the frame, a shell pattern on the left recoil shield and rope patterns on top strap. Foliate arabesque patterns extend up both sides of the bbl, nearly to the muzzle with geometric patterns on top. Backstrap is engraved with a shell pattern at the top with various other patterns on the backstrap, buttstrap & trigger guard. Cyl is engraved to match on lands between flutes. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in Cal 38-40 with 4-3/4″ bbl, nickel finish, type of stocks not listed, factory engraved and shipped to E.K. Tryon, Jr. and Co. Philadelphia PA on Jan. 28, 1902 in a 3-gun shipment. CONDITION: Very good. Overall retains about 75-80% restored nickel showing wear on left side of bbl, ejector housing, top strap and right side of frame; nickel is mostly turned milky and the loss areas a dark patina. Mechanics are fine; strong dark bore with moderate pitting. 4-50370 (9,000-14,000) – Lot 1339

ALTERED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH SHARP FLUTED FRAME.

SN 80082. Cal. 45 Colt. Nickel finish with reduced 4″ bbl without provision for an ejector rod housing, full front sight with 2-line address. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and caliber marking on left front web of trigger guard. Mounted with 1-pc walnut grip that has the initials “A.H.H.” in pencil in backstrap channel which obliterated the SN. Hammer and one backstrap screw are replacements and a few others are battered. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter identifying this revolver in caliber 45 with nickel finish and bbl length & type of stocks not listed, shipped to Simmons Hardware Company, St. Louis, MO on June 29, 1882 in a 50 gun shipment. We do not guarantee this gun to be an authentic SHERIFF’S MODEL but would make a fine display example. CONDITION: Good to very good. Only traces of orig finish remains in most sheltered areas, being an overall dark brown patina with scattered spots of pitting. Grip has a chipped right toe and shows moderate to heavy wear on edges with usual nicks, dings & scratches and retains about 80% varnish. Mechanics are crisp, strong sharp bore with fine pitting. 8-87688 (2,000-5,000) – Lot 1339a

ANTIQUE HELFRICHT ENGRAVED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 129197. Cal. 45 Colt. Nickel finish with 4-3/4″ bbl, altered front sight and 2-line address. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and left front web of trigger guard is marked “45 CAL”. Mounted with fine 2-pc pearl grips that have a very nicely incise carved horse head on right side. Revolver is engraved in New York style with about “D” coverage foliate arabesque patterns on the frame, sunbursts on the recoil shield & loading gate and leaf & vine patterns on top strap. Foliate arabesque patterns extend nearly full length on each side of the bbl with geometric patterns on top. Ejector housing is engraved with snake & dot patterns in top gullet and outer radius. Top of backstrap is engraved in a fan pattern with diamond & dot center. Backstrap, buttstrap & trigger guard are engraved in geometric patterns. Cyl is engraved with Mr. Helfricht’s sunburst patterns on lands between flutes and snake & dot pattern around rear edge. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal 45 Colt with 4-3/4″ bbl, nickel finish, rubber grips, factory engraved and shipped to Hartley & Graham, NY,NY on Apr. 3, 1889 in a 2-gun shipment. CONDITION: Fine. Overall retains about 95-96% strong restored finish showing holster wear on left side of muzzle and tip of ejector housing. Left grip has a chipped toe and another at the top with a chipped heel at the right side and both grips show great fire and iridescent colors; hammer is not solid in safety or half cock notches otherwise mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore. 4-50368 (9,000-14,000) – Lot 1340

*RARE PREWAR 7-1/2″ COLT SAA IN NEAR NEW CONDITION.

SN 350145. Cal. 38. This gun has unsupported documentation that it was once the property of Gary Cooper. Regardless, it is a beautiful, near new gun with factory Colt Medallion Mother of Pearl grips. This gun was made in 1927 and is in the normal configuration with 1-line bbl address and “38 COLT” on left side. The left side of the frame is stamped with 2-line patent dates followed by Rampant Colt, matching assembly numbers are found throughout. This gun is cased in an after-market red velvet lined case with various stickers stating “Gary Cooper Collection”. CONDITION: Excellent overall. This gun retains virtually all of its bright, orig nickel with minor tiny scratches from handling. There is a light drag line on cylinder. The grips are also excellent and very well fit. The action is excellent and the bore is shiny bright and like new. 4-51558 JS219 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 1341

Revised: 3/6/2014

Please Note: A factory letter for this serial number is not available.

*COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH FACTORY CARVED STEERHEAD IVORY STOCKS.

SN 357371. Cal. 45. This Colt single action is new in the box with factory ivory stocks and a normal configuration for other single action armies being finished blue & color case hardened with 4-3/4″ bbl, full thick front sight and 1-line block letter model & caliber marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line, 3-patent dates and rampant Colt. Mounted with factory rampant Colt “carved steerhead” ivory grips matching this revolver. This revolver will letter with 4-3/4″ bbl, in 45 caliber with blue finish and ivory stocks. Orig blue, veneered Colt box, has penciled SN written on bottom and Colt’s label on one end describes this gun as stated above. Box still retains orig wrapping papers, bore brush, and small 4-pg. pamphlet from Colt. CONDITION: Crisp, new & unfired, all matching externally as gun was not disassembled but no doubt grips are original to this gun as stated on box. 4-51552 JS153 (5,000-7,000) – Lot 1342

*PRE-WWII COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 343630. Cal. 45 Colt. Nickel finish with 4-3/4″ bbl, thick front sight and 2-line address with caliber marking on left side. Left side of frame has the 2-line, 3-patent dates and rampant Colt. Mounted with rampant Colt hard rubber grips that are probably not orig to this revolver. Right side of front & backstraps, under the grip, has the matching SN and rear face of cyl has last two digits of matching SN. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Overall retains 95-96% restored nickel finish with some light flaking and scattered spots of loss; front & backstraps are turned a little milky. Grips show moderate to heavy wear with a bruise or two on each side. Hammer is not solid in safety notch, otherwise mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore, would make an outstanding shooter. 4-51564 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1343

*FINE PRE-WWII ENGRAVED SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 349732. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, full thick front sight and 1-line block letter address with caliber marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and rampant Colt. Mounted with 2-pc Colt medallion ivory grips with a raised carved eagle & American shield on the right side. SN was observed on the frame and right sides of the front & back straps, under the grip. Rear face of cyl has last two digits of matching SN. Revolver is engraved by Wilbur Glahn in about C+ coverage consisting of about 65% coverage flowing foliate & floral arabesque patterns that have fine stippled background. Recoil shield, loading gate, top of back strap and butt strap have Mr. Glahn’s distinctive “V” shaped patterns incorporated into the engraving. Matching patterns extend over the top strap, sides of the bbl and outer radius of ejector housing. Additional matching patterns are on the heel, butt strap & trigger guard. Cyl is engraved in matching patterns on the lands between the flutes. Outer radius of ejector head is engraved with a hunter star. Altogether a fine example of Mr. Glahn’s engraving, probably from the factory. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine plus, all matching except grips which are unnumbered. Bbl retains 97-98% strong orig blue with only faint muzzle edge wear; ejector housing retains about 92-94% strong orig blue; frame retains bright case colors in sheltered areas, moderately faded elsewhere; hammer retains about all of its orig case colors, bright on the sides & rear edge, faded on top edge; cyl retains about 95% strong orig blue with sharp edge wear and some thinning on the front face; trigger guard retains most of its strong orig blue with thin front strap; back strap retains strong blue at the top being a gray patina down the back strap. Grips have several age lines with the left grip a golden ivory patina and the right grip a white ivory patina. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore; shows very little use. 4-50228 JR166 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1345

*RARE COLT BISLEY FLAT TOP TARGET SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 310477. Cal. 32 Colt. All blue finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, German silver target front sight and 1-line block letter address with “(BISLEY MODEL) 32 COLT” roll marked on the left side. Frame is flat top style with fixed target rear sight. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with 2-pc rampant Colt hard rubber grips that have last four digits of matching SN inside each grip. Accompanied by a custom modified leather instrument case marked “KEUFFEL & ESSER CO. / NY”. Case has nickeled steel swinging latches and a leather strap handle with nickeled brass brackets. Interior is very professionally green felt lined and compartmented in the bottom for the revolver and two empty compartments along with a cartridge block with holes for twenty-two 32 caliber cartridges. Inside the lid is varnished wood with a stamped name “J.H. WARD”. Bottom of the case is leather covered with the hand written name “JAMES HENRY WARD”. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, appears to be unfired. Overall retains 96-98% glossy orig blue with light muzzle end wear, light wear at the end of the ejector housing, very minor sharp edge wear on the frame & trigger guard, some thinning on the front & back straps; hammer retains dark case colors; cyl retains about 98% strong orig blue with only light sharp edge wear, a thin cyl line and a couple of small thin spots of blue. Right side of muzzle and one of the flutes of the cyl have a spot of rust. Grips are sound showing little or no wear with no visible flaws. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore; probably unfired. Case shows wear on the corners, otherwise is sound with light nicks & scratches and soil; interior is very fine. 4-50275 JR109 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1346

*PRE-WWII COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH ORIGINAL BOX.

SN 346248. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 4-3/4″ bbl, full thick front sight and 2-line address with caliber marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt. SN was observed on bottom of the frame and right sides of the front & back straps under the grip. Rear face of cyl has last two digits of matching SN. Mounted with checkered Rampant Colt hard rubber grips, matching numbered to this revolver. Inside right grip has name “JURGENS” and inside left grip has the initials “CKW / 1923”. Accompanied by its orig, matching numbered, hinged lid, dark burgundy cardboard box with black & white end label. It also has a blue & white top over-label marked “HIBBARD, SPENCER, BARTLETT & CO. / STATE STREET BRIDGE / CHICAGO”. Also accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in caliber 45 Colt with 4-3/4″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed and shipped to Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co., Chicago, IL on Oct. 9, 1923 in a 3-gun shipment. Also accompanied by a sales receipt from old time dealer, Pete Harvey, dated 11-11-1985, to Bob Haskel (sic) for this revolver and two others. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine, all matching. Overall retains 98-99% crisp orig factory blue with only faint muzzle end and sharp edge wear; frame & hammer retain all of their lightly to moderately faded case colors, bright in sheltered areas. Grips are sound showing very light diamond point wear. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Box has one taped corner on the lid, otherwise is completely sound showing light edge wear. 4-50237 JR208 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1347

*PRE-WWII COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH ORIGINAL BOX.

SN 350829. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, full thick front sight and 1-line block letter address with caliber marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips matching numbered to this revolver. SN was observed on bottom of frame and right sides of front & back straps under the grip. Rear face of cyl has last two digits of matching SN. Accompanied by its orig hinged lid, dark burgundy cardboard box with black & white end label. Box contains two Special Instructions pamphlets. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all matching. Overall retains 99%+ crisp orig factory finish with no visible flaws; it retains crisp blues and brilliant case colors. Grips are crisp as are the mechanics; brilliant shiny bore; new, unfired & unturned. Box has three broken corners in the lid, otherwise is sound with light edge wear. 4-50230 JR210 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1348

*PRE-WWII COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH ORIGINAL BOX.

SN 355465. Cal. 357 Magnum. Blue & color case hardened with 5-1/2″ bbl, full thick front sight with 1-line block letter address and model & caliber marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips matching numbered to this revolver. SN was observed on bottom of frame and right sides of front & back straps. Rear face of cyl has last two digits of matching SN. Front face of cyl has a small 5-pointed star. Accompanied by its orig, matching numbered hinged lid, dark burgundy cardboard box with black & white end label. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all matching, appears to be new & unfired. Overall retains 99%+ crisp orig factory finish with bright blues and mostly brilliant case colors. Grips are crisp as are the mechanics, brilliant shiny bore. Box has a break in the bottom rear edge from the hammer and a small compression crack in the lid with one broken lid corner, otherwise is very fine. 4-50235 (5,000-7,000) – Lot 1349

*SCARCE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH ORIGINAL BOX.

SN 356019. Cal. 357 Magnum. Blue & color case hardened with 5-1/2″ bbl, slightly reduced height thick front sight with 1-line block letter address and model & caliber marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips matching numbered to this revolver. SN was observed on bottom of frame and right sides of front & back straps. Rear face of cyl is without SN. Front face of cyl has a small 5-pointed star. Accompanied by its orig, matching numbered, hinged lid, dark burgundy cardboard box with black & white end label. Also accompanied by a small billhead from old time gun dealer, Pete Harvey, dated 11-23-87 where he states “Called Marty Huber at Colt factory Colt #356019 came into Shipping Room July 16th, 1937 as a 357 Mag. No other info. available.” PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine plus, all matching except cyl as noted. Overall retains virtually all of its crisp orig factory finish showing no wear; there is however some slight fading on the top strap, possibly from having had a light coating of rust cleaned; hammer spur shows light rust staining on the sides with one spot of heavy rust. Grips are crisp as are the mechanics, brilliant shiny bore. Box is also crisp. 4-50232 JR211 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1350

*PRE-WWII COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY WITH ORIG BOX.

SN 356135. Cal. 44-40. Blue & color case hardened with 4-3/4″ bbl, slightly altered thick front sight and 2-line address with “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER .44-40″ on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt. SN was observed on bottom of frame and right sides of front & back straps under the grip. Rear face of cyl has last three digits of matching SN. Mounted with 2-pc rampant Colt hard rubber grips that are matching numbered to this revolver. Accompanied by its orig matching numbered hinged lid dark burgundy cardboard box with black & white end label. Also accompanied by a Special Instructions pamphlet. Additionally accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in caliber 44-40 with 4-3/4” bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed and shipped to Walter C. Holcomb, Rocky Hill, CT on April 13, 1940 in a 1-gun shipment. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all matching; has been fired but very little. Overall retains 99% orig finish with strong bright blues and case colors; case colors are brilliant on the front sides of the frame, lightly faded elsewhere. Grips are crisp showing faint diamond point wear, crisp mechanics, brilliant shiny bore. Box has a couple of compression breaks in the lid and one loose corner, otherwise is sound with light wear; label is fine. 4-50224 JR207 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1351

*VERY LATE PRE-WWII COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH ORIGINAL BOX.

SN 357083. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 5-1/2″ bbl, full thick front sight, 1-line block letter address and model & caliber marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt. Mounted with 2-pc Rampant Colt hard rubber grips, matching numbered to this revolver. SN was observed on the frame & sides of the front & back straps under the grip. Cyl is not numbered. Accompanied by its matching numbered, hinged lid, dark maroon cardboard box with black & white end label. Box also contains orig target, a Shooting Suggestions pamphlet and wire handle cleaning brush. The SN of this revolver is within the last 1,000 revolvers produced prior to WWII. Most publications show that there were 357,859 Single Action Army revolvers assigned SNs prior to WWII. It is known that there were about 300 Single Action revolvers assembled after WWII using pre-war manufactured parts. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Pristine new & unfired, retaining all of its brilliant orig factory finish with crisp bright blues and brilliant case colors. Grips & mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Box has a small compression fracture in the bottom and shows edge wear on one end of the bottom, otherwise is very fine. 4-50234 JR213 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1352

*VERY LATE PRE-WWII COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH ORIGINAL BOX.

SN 357652. Cal. 38 Spcl. Blue & color case hardened with 5-1/2″ bbl, full thick front sight and 1-line block letter address with model & caliber marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips matching numbered to this revolver. SN was observed on bottom of the frame and right side of front & back straps under the grip. Rear face of cyl has the last two digits of matching SN. Accompanied by its orig, matching numbered, hinged lid, dark burgundy cardboard box with black & white end label. Box also contains its orig target & a wire handle cleaning brush. Also accompanied by a “Colt Interoffice Correspondence” dated Sept. 21, 1964 over the signature of D.E. Shorb. This correspondence details the sale of five Colt revolvers, including this one, to Mr. Herb Glass, along with a consecutive serial numbered Single Action Army, also in 38 Special, being sold elsewhere in this auction. Additionally accompanied by a copy of a Colt company invoice dated 10-8-64 transferring those five revolvers, including this one, to Mr. Glass. Most publications show that there were 357,859 Single Action Army revolvers assigned SNs prior to WWII. This one, being one of the very last, is probably one of the about 300 revolvers assembled after WWII using pre-war parts. The date of the invoice lends credence to this thought. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all matching, pristine, new & unfired. Retains all of its brilliant orig finish. Appears to be new & unfired and unturned. Box is equally crisp & new with only a couple of scuffed corners. 4-50231 JR214 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1353

*VERY LATE PRE-WWII COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH ORIGINAL BOX.

SN 357653. Cal. 38 Spcl. Blue & color case hardened with 5-1/2″ bbl, full thick front sight and 1-line block letter address with model & caliber marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips matching numbered to this revolver. SN was observed on bottom of the frame and right side of front & back straps under the grip. Rear face of cyl has the last two digits of matching SN. Accompanied by its orig, matching numbered, hinged lid, dark burgundy cardboard box with black & white end label. Box also contains its orig target & a wire handle cleaning brush. Also accompanied by a “Colt Interoffice Correspondence” dated Sept. 21, 1964 over the signature of D.E. Shorb. This correspondence details the sale of five Colt revolvers, including this one, to Mr. Herb Glass, along with a consecutive serial numbered Single Action Army, also in 38 Special, being sold elsewhere in this auction. Additionally accompanied by a copy of a Colt company invoice dated 10-8-64 transferring those five revolvers, including this one, to Mr. Glass. Most publications show that there were 357,859 Single Action Army revolvers assigned SNs prior to WWII. This one, being one of the very last, is probably one of the about 300 revolvers assembled after WWII using pre-war parts. The date of the invoice lends credence to this thought. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all matching, pristine, new & unfired. Retains all of its brilliant orig finish. Appears to be new & unfired and unturned. Box is equally crisp & new with only a couple of scuffed corners. 4-50229 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1354

*COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH ORIGINAL BOX.

SN 356725. Cal. 32 WCF (32-20). Blue & color case hardened with 4-3/4″ bbl, full thick front sight with 2-line address and caliber marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips, matching numbered to this revolver. SN was observed on bottom of frame & right sides of front & back straps under the grip. Rear face of cyl has last three digits of SN “255”. Accompanied by its orig, hinged lid, dark burgundy cardboard box with black & white end label. Inside the lid is the notation “A Pair of Colts, Art”. That might explain the mismatched cylinder. If there originally was a pair, the cylinders could easily have become switched. This is one of the last pre-war Single Actions produced, certainly within the last 1,000. SN 357859 is believed to be the final SN assigned to a pre-war Single Action revolver and about 300 of the last 1,000 were assembled after the war using these pre-war parts. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine plus. Revolver retains about 99% crisp orig factory finish with brilliant blues and unusually dark case colors that are not faded. Grips are crisp, turning a little chocolate. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, appears to be unfired. Box has one taped corner, otherwise is sound showing a little edge wear and a repair on one end of the top. 4-50236 JR209 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1355

*LATE PRE-WWII COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 355944. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, slightly reduced thick front sight and 1-line block letter address and “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER 44-40” roll marked on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips matching numbered to this revolver. SN was observed on bottom of the frame and right sides of front & back straps. Rear face of cyl has last two digits of matching SN. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching. Overall retains 99% orig factory finish with crisp bright blues and mostly brilliant case colors, lightly faded on top strap & loading gate. Grips show faint diamond point wear. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. May have been fired but if so, very little. 4-50227 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1356

*PRE-WWII COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 352013. Cal. 38 WCF (38-40). Nickel finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, full thick front sight and 1-line block letter address with caliber marking on the left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and rampant Colt. Mounted with rampant Colt hard rubber grips matching numbered to this revolver. SN was observed on frame & right sides of the front & back straps under the grip. Rear face of cyl has last two digits of matching SN. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all matching. Appears to be new & unfired and retains virtually all of its crisp, orig factory nickel with only a faint cyl line and a few minor surface mars. Grips are crisp as are the mechanics; brilliant shiny bore, appears new. 4-50225 JR168 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1357

*PRE-WWII COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 347975. Cal. 32 WCF (32-20). Blue & color case hardened with 5-1/2″ bbl, thick front sight and 1-line block letter address with caliber marking on the left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips, matching numbered to this revolver. SN was observed on the frame & right sides of the front & back straps under the grip. Rear face of cyl has last two digits of matching SN. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all matching. Appears to be new & unfired; overall retains virtually all of its crisp orig factory finish with bright blues on the bbl, cyl & grip frame and brilliant case colors on frame & hammer. Grips are crisp as are the mechanics; brilliant shiny bore, unfired. 4-50233 JR169 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1358

*BISLEY SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER.

SN 284227. Cal. 38 special. Blue and color case hardened with 7-1/2″ replacement bbl that has full thick front sight, 1-line block letter address and “(BISLEY MODEL) / COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .38 SPECIAL”. Left side of frame has 2-line 3 patent dates and Rampant Colt. It is mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips. Left front web of the trigger guard is marked with the “VP” proof and a tiny “&”. The ampersand indicates that this revolver was reworked at the factory. Left side of front & backstraps, under the grip are marked with the assembly number 972, a further indication of factory rework. It is apparent that when this revolver was returned to Colt, in addition to refinishing the frame and grip frame, it had a 1930s style Single Action bbl & cyl installed. This would make an outstanding Cowboy Action shooter. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl, cyl and ejector housing retain all of their orig factory blue. Frame & hammer retain about all of their factory restored case colors. Front & backstraps and trigger guard retain about all of their factory restored blue. Grips are sound showing very little diamond point wear, having shrunk slightly. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore probably unfired. 4-50226 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1359

RARE JOHNSON INSPECTED COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 17579. Cal. 45 Colt. Usual configuration with bbl slightly reduced to 7-3/8″, full front sight and 1-line script letter address with seraphs. Left side of frame has 2-line patent dates and a small “U.S”. Mounted with 1-pc walnut grip that is probably a period of use replacement. Various parts, including bbl, cyl, trigger guard & backstrap have tiny “J” sub-inspector initials. According to various publications the actual name of this sub-inspector is not in the records, but is believed to be the initial of “W.W. Johnson”. Mr. Johnson was the assistant foreman in the milling shop working with A.P. Casey in 1875 and since sub-inspectors were selected from the filing shop or milling shop at the National Armory it is generally accepted that Mr. Johnson is the sub-inspector on this short RUN of revolvers. Ejector housing is 1st type with bullseye ejector rod head and base pin is orig type with dimpled ends. Given the time of production of Dec. 1874-Mar. 1875 there is little doubt that this revolver would have been issued to a front line Cavalry Unit fighting Indians on the American Frontier. The fact that the grip is changed with an orig period Colt grip that is uninspected lends further credence to this theory. The fact that this bbl is about 1/8″ short, also lends a little mystery to this revolver. It was the habit of hostile Indians who captured one of these Colts to file the muzzle flat, such as found here, called “lemita” which is Sioux for “my possession”. There is also the possibility that it was issued to an Indian scout. CONDITION: Very good, all matching except grip, as noted. Traces of orig finish remain in the most sheltered areas, primarily around the ejector housing; metal is an overall lightly cleaned gray patina; screws are all fine; grip is sound, showing moderate to heavy wear with a few light nicks & scratches and retains a hand worn patina. Hammer is not solid in safety notch, otherwise mechanics are fine; strong bright bore with scattered fine pitting. 4-51573 JR463 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1360

*PAIR OF ELABORATE CASED GOLD WASHED COLE AGEE STYLE ENGRAVED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVERS.

SN 214590 & 230941. Cole Agee was a famous Texas engraver from the 1930s until his death in 1955. He was famous for simulating famous Texas cattle brands into his patterns and this pair are classics. Guns are SN 214590 and 230941 made originally in 1901 and 1902. Guns currently have 6 1/2″ barrels which is customary for the guns. Guns are mounted with gold and silver Mexican style 2-pc grips. Both guns have fairly full coverage with foliate swirls, stipple background, longhorn heads and various brands including his repeated signature brand “2 lazy 2 P” on every other panel between flutes on each cyl. This lot is accompanied by a book on Cole Agee engraving, published in 2004 by Jink Howard. CONDITION: Gold wash is almost totally intact with few minor areas of wear. The guns were worn before they were refinished so there are scattered areas of pitting beneath the plate and engraving. Stocks are fairly well fit but there are gaps between frame and topstrap. Grips each have 15 or 16 gold braised inlays of various content including connected flowers, horseshoe and horse head and Indian heads. Casing seems contemporary with guns with blue felt lining. 4-50318 JS196 (12,500-22,500) – Lot 1361

*SPECTACULAR BEN LANE ENGRAVED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER MADE TO LOOK LIKE AN ORIGINAL OWNED BY SHERIFF JEFFERSON FARR.

SN 2563AM. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 4-3/4″ bbl, relocated front sight and 2-line address with cal marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line, 3-patnet dates and Rampant Colt. Left side of front & back straps, under the grip, has matching serial number. Right side of front & back straps have the assembly number “264”. Front face of cyl around the bushing hole has last three digits of matching serial number. Bottom of bbl, under ejector housing, is marked “B.G.L.-11/01”, the initials of master engraver, Ben G. Lane and what is apparently the date he engraved this revolver. Mounted with an unusual, modern, 1-pc pearl grip made to resemble an orig Colt 1-pc grip, consisting of 2 slabs of pearl attached to a wood spacer block. This grip additionally has a screw in the left side simply threaded into the wood block and has a slightly raised carved Mexican eagle on the right side. Revolver is wonderfully engraved by Mr. Lane to duplicate a Single Action Revolver. Formerly owned by Sheriff Jefferson Farr of Walsonburg, CO, serial number 256058, which appeared on the cover of the fall 1995 issue of The Texas Gun Collector, the publication of the Texas Gun Collectors Association. Pages 16-17 had a short article from the editor about this revolver with three additional photographs. A note with this revolver indicates that Mr. Lane was commissioned to create this copy from a revolver with 7-1/2″ bbl. Mr. Lane reduced the bbl to its current length, relocated the front sight and engraved it. The grip was created by Raj Singh and it was finished by Doug Turnbull Restorations. This revolver is engraved in Cuno Helfricht style with full coverage, foliate arabesque patterns on the frame, shell patterns on the recoil shield and loading gate with foliate arabesque patterns extending up each side of the bbl and at the muzzle. It also has geometric patterns on top of the bbl. Both sides of the frame are inlaid with flush gold arabesque patterns and there is a narrow gold band around each end of the bbl. Backstrap is engraved to match with an elaborate fan pattern at the top that also has flush gold wire worked into the pattern. Cyl is engraved to match with gold wire decoration around the rear edge. Trigger plate is engraved “BL” intertwined, the initials of the engraver. Accompanied by a copy of the referenced magazine and a target shot by this revolver. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Has been fired, as noted. Overall retains virtually all of its crisp factory style finish with bright blues and brilliant case colors; grip is sound showing great fire. Mechanics are crisp; brilliant shiny bore. 4-50378 JR464 (6,500-9,500) – Lot 1362

*UNUSUAL PAIR OF SPECIAL ORDER 3RD GENERATION COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVERS BY BEN SHOSTLE.

SN 004-FBF & FBF-004. Cal. 44-40 & 45 Colt. Both revolvers are virtually identical in configuration and engraving with one having all blue finish and the other blue & color case hardened. Both have 7-1/2″; bbls, fixed front sights, 1-line addresses and model & caliber markings on left sides. Left sides of frames are marked differently and they are mounted with different styles of wood grips. Engraving consists of 35-40% coverage, well executed foliate scroll patterns with stippled background and Cuno Helfricht style sunbursts on left recoil shields. Top straps have fine border patterns. Engraving extends about 3″; up the bbls with a sgl gold band at the frame ends and wide & narrow gold bands at the muzzle ends. They have a deep relief panel on the left sides near the muzzles with raised inlaid gold plaque inscribed “THE FIRST BANKERS” with what is apparently the bank’s logo. An identical raised gold logo is at the top of each back strap and the back straps are engraved in script “First Bankers Corporation of Florida”. The butt straps are inlaid with three gold, 5-pointed stars. Cyls are identically engraved with a continuous flowing foliate scrolls that run from flute to flute with small one-directional star bursts by each stop notch. Rear edge of cyls have wide & narrow gold bands. The work is signed by the late Master Engraver Ben Shostle at the base of the left recoil shield on SN 004-FBF. They each are accompanied by their orig custom shop, burgundy velvet lined, oak casings. The lids of the wood cases are impressed in black letters with the bank’s logo and “THE FIRST BANKERS” in the centers, the “COLT” logo in right front corners and the caliber marking in left front corners. Interior is recessed for the revolver and a brass plaque with similar information and a gold plated cartridge along with the orig keys. 1) SN FBF-004 is all blue with conventional transverse pin and varnished oak grips with gold Colt medallions, numbered to this revolver. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt. Last three digits of SN are hand engraved on rear face of cylinder. 2) SN 004-FBF is blue & color case hardened with black powder style frame having 3-line patent dates. Mounted with 2-pc oil finished walnut grips with gold Colt medallions which are numbered to this revolver. CONDITION: Both revolvers appear to be new & unfired and unturned retaining virtually all of their orig factory finish. Cases are equally new. 4-50975 JS194 (4,500-7,500) – Lot 1365

*SCARCE COLT OFFICER’S MODEL FLAT TOP TARGET DA REVOLVER WITH BOX.

SN 560133. Cal. 38 Spcl. Blue finish with 7-1/2″ tapered rnd bbl, partridge adjustable front sight and flat top frame with windage adjustable rear sight. Sideplate has the Rampant Colt logo. Mounted with silver medallion, full checkered walnut grips. Accompanied by its orig, matching numbered, hinged lid burgundy cardboard box with black & white end label on the bottom edge and “TARGET” label on the top edge and “PARTRIDGE SIGHTS” over-label. Inside the box has the Colt labels in the lid & bottom along with a wire handle cleaning brush. Also accompanying is an orig sales slip to Bryant’s Sports Center of Martinsville, VA dated 3-10-84, for this revolver at a cost of $500.00 plus $3.00 UPS. Also accompanying is a shipping label to Bryant’s Sports Center marked “ATTN R. HASKELL”. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, has been fired but very little. Overall retains about 99% crisp orig blue with only the hint of a cyl line. Left grip shows minor water stains with a small amount of pitting on the back strap under the grip, otherwise grips are sound showing moderate wear and may not be orig to this revolver. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Box shows heavy damage around the edges of the lid, missing the front edge; bottom has a couple of taped corners with a break in one end; interior is yellowed with light damage to the label in the lid. 4-50263 JR190 (1,500-2,000) – Lot 1368

*RARE COLT CAMP PERRY SINGLE SHOT TARGET PISTOL WITH ORIGINAL BOX.

SN 638. Cal. 22 Long Rifle. Blue finish with 10″ bbl mounted in a dbl action style frame with breech block that has long flutes resembling a revolver. Bbl has adjustable front sight with bead and adjustable rear sight on the flat top frame. Bbl has 2-line address with caliber marking on the left side. Left side of the breech block is marked “CAMP PERRY MODEL” and it has Rampant Colt logo on the sideplate. Trigger & back strap are checkered. Mounted with 2-pc, checkered silver medallion walnut grips that are matching numbered to this revolver. Accompanied by its orig hinged lid, dark burgundy cardboard box with dark blue & white end label on the bottom and two small labels on the top, one marked “BEAD” and the other one “SIGHT”. Bottom of the box has the pistol’s matching SN and “BEAD”. In the box is a Special Instructions pamphlet and a Proper Ammunition pamphlet. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus; appears to be pristine new & unfired. Overall retains 99%+ crisp, orig factory blue with sharp crisp grips. Crisp mechanics, brilliant shiny bore. Box has front edge & corner damage with some creases in the lid and a broken corner in the bottom; labels are fine. 4-50262 JR192 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1369

*SCARCE COLT SHOOTING MASTER DA TARGET REVOLVER.

SN 338575. Cal. 38 Spcl. Blue finish with 6″ tapered rnd bbl, adjustable front & rear sights with 2-line bbl address and is marked on left side “COLT SHOOTING MASTER .38”. Frame is flat top style and it has the Rampant Colt logo on the sideplate. Mounted with silver medallion, checkered walnut grips. Trigger, front & back straps are checkered. The Shooting Master revolvers were built on the New Service frame with a more streamlined bbl and the new style adjustable sights with a hand honed action. These revolvers usually saw hard service on target ranges as well as with law enforcement. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, appears to be new & unfired. Overall retains 99%+ crisp orig factory blue. Grips are crisp & new, as are the mechanics; brilliant shiny bore. 4-50241 JR204 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1370

*SCARCE COLT SHOOTING MASTER DA TARGET REVOLVER.

SN 341833. Cal. 357 Magnum. Blue finish with 6″ tapered rnd bbl, adjustable front & rear sights. Front sight is a King mirrored gold bead on a ramp. It has 2-line bbl address and is marked on left side “COLT SHOOTING MASTER .357”. Frame is flat top style and it has the Rampant Colt logo on the sideplate. Mounted with silver medallion checkered walnut grips. Trigger, front & back straps are checkered. The Shooting Master revolvers were built on the New Service frame with a more streamlined bbl and the new style adjustable sights with a hand honed action. These revolvers usually saw hard service on target ranges as well as with law enforcement. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, appears to be new & unfired. Overall retains 99%+ crisp orig factory finish with only a faint cyl line. Mechanics & grip are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 4-50253 JR205 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1371

*SCARCE COLT NEW SERVICE DA TARGET REVOLVER WITH BOX.

SN 324388. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue finish with 7-1/2″ tapered rnd bbl, Partridge target front sight and adjustable rear sight on flat top frame. Bbl has 2-line address with caliber marking on left side. Sideplate has the Rampant Colt log. Trigger and front & back straps are checkered. Mounted with scarce fleur-de-lis & diamond checkered, left & right hand, deep Rampant Colt silver medallion grips. Accompanied by what is probably its orig hinged lid dark burgundy cardboard box with black & white end label on the bottom and “TARGET” label on the top with “PARTRIDGE SIGHTS” black & blue over-label. Also accompanied by a copy of a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in caliber 45 Colt with 7-1/2″ bbl, Partridge sights, blue finish, type of stocks not listed and shipped to H&D Folsom Arms Co., New York, NY on April 23, 1929 in a 1-gun shipment. Remarks section states “As noted above, records indicate Partridge type sights which would indicate this gun left the factory as a target model.” PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, probably unfired. Overall retains about 99% crisp, orig factory blue. Grips are equally crisp. Mechanics are fine, brilliant shiny bore. Box has two broken corners in the lid with a minor amount of edge damage, otherwise is sound; labels are fine. 4-50260 JR191 (2,500-3,500) – Lot 1372

*RARE COLT BANKERS’ SPECIAL DA REVOLVER WITH ORIGINAL BOX.

SN 377077. Cal. 38 S&W. Blue finish with 2″ bbl & fixed sights. Right side of bbl has 2-line address & patent dates and left side is marked “38 BANKERS / SPECIAL”. Trigger is checkered and it has Rampant Colt logo on the sideplate. Mounted with checkered, silver medallion walnut grips. Accompanied by its orig, hinged lid, dark burgundy cardboard box with blue & white end label marked “COLT’S POLICE-POSITIVE REVOLVER .38” on the bottom edge and a black & white label on top edge “BANKERS’ SPECIAL”, and it has matching SN on the bottom. Inside the box is its orig wire handle cleaning brush in the orig paper sleeve, a Shooting Suggestion” pamphlet and the orig bill of sale from the H&D Folsom Arms Co., New York, NY to the Steiner Coal-Feed & Lumber Yard, Center Moriches, L.I., N.Y. dated 5-20-40. Cost was $24.20 plus $2.10 for one hundred 38 S&W cartridges. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine plus, appears to be new & unfired. Overall retains 99%+ crisp orig factory blue. Grips show light diamond point wear. Mechanics & bore are crisp. Box has one broken corner on the lid and a small break in the back with edge wear, otherwise is fine; labels are crisp. 4-50252 JR198 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1373

*COLT NEW SERVICE DA REVOLVER WITH RARE BARREL.

SN 332475. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue finish with very rare 2″ bbl and fixed sights. Bbl is undoubtedly special ordered and is without markings. Ejector rod head has also been removed at the factory to accommodate the short bbl. Sideplate has the Rampant Colt logo and it has a color case hardened lanyard stud & loop in the butt strap. Mounted with 2-pc, silver medallion, full checkered walnut grips. While the 2″ bbl was a cataloged item, apparently there were few produced and are seldom encountered today. A number of the 2″ equipped revolvers were altered into “Fitz Specials”. Orig specimens are rarely found with high orig finish as they were intended for concealment and were carried next to the body which tended to erode the finish. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus; may have been fired, but if so very little. Overall retains 99%+ crisp, orig factory blue with only the faint hint of a cyl line. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 4-50254 JR200 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1374

*COLT NEW SERVICE DA REVOLVER WITH ORIGINAL BOX.

SN 320284. Cal. 45 Colt. All blue finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, fixed sights with 2-line address and model & caliber marking on the left side. Cyl latch is early hook style and it has Rampant Colt logo on the sideplate. Mounted with 2-pc checkered hard rubber grips that have “COLT” embossed at the top and are matching numbered to this revolver. Butt strap has a color case hardened lanyard stud & loop. Accompanied by its orig hinged lid, dark burgundy cardboard box with dark blue & white end label and matching number on the bottom. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, appears to be new & unfired. Overall retains 99%+ crisp orig factory blue. Grips & mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Box shows corner & edge wear with one end of lid missing and another corner taped; label is fine. 4-50245 JR194 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1375

*SCARCE COLT NEW SERVICE DUAL CALIBER DA REVOLVER WITH ORIGINAL BOX.

SN 332648. Cal. 44 Russian & Spcl. All blue finish with 5-1/2″ bbl, fixed sights with 2-line address and model & caliber marking on left side. Caliber is shown as “RUSSIAN AND / S&W SPECIAL 44”. It has checkered trigger with Rampant Colt logo on the sideplate and a color case hardened lanyard stud & loop in the butt strap. Mounted with full checkered, silver medallion walnut grips. Accompanied by its orig hinged, lid dark burgundy cardboard box with blue & white end label listing “WOOD BLUE” on the bottom end and a black & white label “S.&W. CARTRIDGE.” on the top. Box contains the orig target and a police form from Cincinnati, OH dated Nov. 6, 1953. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, may have been fired but if so, very little. Overall retains 99%+ crisp orig factory blue. Grips & mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Box shows taped corners with edge & corner wear, missing a small piece out of the bottom; labels are fine. 4-50250 JR195 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1376

*COLT NEW SERVICE DA REVOLVER WITH ORIGINAL BOX.

SN 336948. Cal. 44-40. All blue finish with 5-1/2″ bbl, fixed sights, 2-line address with model & caliber marking on the left side. Cyl latch is the earlier hook style and it has the Rampant Colt logo on the sideplate. Mounted with 2-pc checkered hard rubber grips with oval “COLT” embossed at the top. Accompanied by its orig 2-pc, burgundy cardboard box with dark blue & white end label with correct information about this revolver. Bottom of the box has matching SN. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, appears to be new & unfired. Overall retains 99%+ crisp orig factory blue. Grips & mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Box has two broken corners in the lid and is missing about 15% of its burgundy paper cover; label is missing about 40%. 4-50249 JR193 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1377

*SCARCE COLT NEW SERVICE DA REVOLVER WITH ORIGINAL BOX.

SN 332611. Cal. 38 WCF (38-40). All blue finish with 5-1/2″ bbl, fixed sights and 2-line address with model & caliber marking on the left side. It has checkered trigger and Rampant Colt logo on the sideplate along with a color case hardened lanyard stud & loop in the butt strap. Mounted with 2-pc, checkered, silver medallion walnut grips. Accompanied by its orig hinged lid, dark burgundy cardboard box with blue & white end label & matching SN on the bottom. Inside the box is a Special Instructions pamphlet. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, pristine new, unfired. Overall retains 99%+ crisp orig blue. Grips & mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Box is sound with a small repair in the lid and a couple of repairs in the back, otherwise only very minor nicks & scratches. 4-50247 JR197 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1378

*COLT NEW SERVICE DA REVOLVER WITH BOX.

SN 338038. Cal. 38 Spcl. All blue finish with 6″ bbl, fixed sights and 2-line address with model & caliber marking on left side. It has checkered trigger & Rampant Colt logo on the sideplate. Mounted with full checkered, silver medallion walnut grips matching numbered to this revolver. Accompanied by an orig, hinged lid, dark burgundy cardboard box with blue & white end label showing “WOOD BLUE”. Bottom of box has been renumbered. The orig number appears to have been “357738”. Box contains the orig target and a special instructions pamphlet along with a wire handle cleaning brush. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, appears to be new & unfired. Overall retains 99%+ crisp orig factory blue. Left grip has a small chip on the edge with a couple of mashed diamonds, otherwise grips are crisp. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Box has a couple of taped corners with light edge damage and a small break in the lid; label is fine. 4-50251 JR196 (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1379

*COLT NEW SERVICE DA REVOLVER.

SN 332829. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue finish with 5-1/2″ bbl, 2-line address with model & caliber marking on the left side. It has fixed sights and Rampant Colt logo on the sideplate along with a color case hardened lanyard stud & loop in the butt strap. Mounted with full checkered, silver medallion walnut grips. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, appears to be new & unfired. Overall retains 99%+ crisp orig blue. Grips & mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 4-50256 JR202 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1380

Revised: 2/25/2014

The date of manufacture is 1911, not 1900 as stated in the catalog.

*SCARCE EARLY COLT NEW SERVICE DA REVOLVER.

SN 51966. Cal. 44 Russian. High gloss blue finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, fixed sights and 2-line address with model & “44 RUSSIAN CTG.” caliber marking on the left side. Cyl latch is early hook style with Rampant Colt and “Colt eye” logo on sideplate. Butt strap has a lanyard stud & loop. Mounted with smooth 2-pc walnut grips. This revolver was produced in 1900 at a time when business was still being conducted from the back of horse and these big bore dbl action revolvers were becoming extremely popular with citizens from all walks of life. They generally saw hard use and are rarely found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains about 98% glossy orig blue and the frame 93-95% glossy orig blue; cyl retains 95-96% orig blue and the checkered trigger most of its orig fire blue; front strap & butt strap retain about 95% strong orig blue while the back strap is a gray patina. Grips are sound showing light edge wear with a hand worn patina on the right side and retains about 50% varnish on the left side. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore; has been fired but very little. 4-50244 JR203 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1381

*COLT NEW SERVICE DA REVOLVER WITH BRITISH PROOFS.

SN 70777. Cal 455 Eley. Glossy blue finish with 5-1/2″ bbl, fixed sights and 2-line address with model & cal marking on left side. Left side of bbl, frame and cylinder have British proofs. Top strap is engraved “WESTLEY RICHARDS & CO / LONDON. W.”. Side plate has the Rampant Colt logo and butt strap has a lanyard stud & loop. Mounted with 2-pc checkered hard rubber grips with “COLT” in an oval at the top. Lanyard loop has a British olive colored, braided cloth lanyard. These revolvers generally saw hard service with the British military and are rarely found with high original finish. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine, all matching. Overall retains 96-97% glossy original blue with only light sharp edge wear and some small spots of very minor flaking on cylinder. Grip frame is strong and bright with light wear on the toe. Left grip has a small chip otherwise grips are crisp, showing light diamond point wear, turned a little chocolate. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, may have been fired, but if so very little. 4-50248 JR220 (1,500-2,000) – Lot 1382

*COLT NEW SERVICE DA REVOLVER.

SN 352230. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, fixed sights, 2-line address and model & caliber on the left side. Side plate has Rampant Colt logo and cyl latch is early hook style. It has a lanyard stud & loop in butt strap. Mounted with checkered hard rubber grips that have “COLT” in an oval at the top. Grips have the number “1402” inside each grip. These revolvers usually saw very hard service by members of law enforcement and the general public. Hammer has had the top edge dressed and the spur re-checkered. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine overall retains what appears to be a fine factory restored finish with strong factory style blue. Grips are crisp as are the mechanics, bright shiny bore. 4-50276 (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1383

*COLT NEW SERVICE DA REVOLVER.

SN 333171. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue finish with 5-1/2″ bbl, fixed sights with 2-line address and model & cal. marking on left side. Trigger, front & back straps are checkered. Side plate has Rampant Colt logo. Mounted with fine 2-pc pearl grips with a raised, carved ox head on the right side. Buttstrap has a color case hardened stud and loop. These revolvers usually saw hard service with law enforcement and the general public. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, probably unfired. Overall retains about 99% crisp original factory blue with only faint muzzle & sharp edge ware. Cyl has a faint drag line. Grips are extremely fine, showing great fire and color. 4-50239 JR218 (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1384

*FINE EARLY COLT NEW SERVICE DA REVOLVER.

SN 113100. Cal. 44-40. High polish commercial blue finish with 5-1/2″ bbl, 2-line address with model & caliber marking on left side and fixed sights. Cyl latch is early hook style and it has Rampant Colt logo on the sideplate. Mounted with “COLT” logo checkered hard rubber grips, matching numbered to this revolver. It has a lanyard stud & ring in the butt strap. This revolver was produced in 1904, probably as a companion piece for a Winchester Model 1892 rifle or carbine. These revolvers were favored by lawmen as well as those on the other side of the law and ordinary citizens for daily use. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Overall retains about 98% glossy orig blue with faint muzzle end wear and a few tiny handling marks with one small chemical spot on the bbl; frame shows very faint sharp edge wear with very light sharp edge wear on the cyl and some dulling on the grip frame. Grips & mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 4-50243 JR201 (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1385

*COLT NEW SERVICE DA REVOLVER.

SN 326463. Cal. 38 WCF (38-40). Blue finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, fixed sights without bbl address and has model & caliber marking on left side. Cyl latch is early hook style with Rampant Colt logo on sideplate. Butt strap has a lanyard stud & loop. Mounted with matching numbered 2-pc checkered hard rubber grips that have large “COLT” in an oval panel at the top. Very likely this revolver was a companion piece to a Model ’92 rifle or carbine, possibly used by someone in law enforcement. These big bore dbl action revolvers were very popular with citizens from all walks of life and usually saw hard service. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains about 96-97% strong orig blue with slight muzzle end wear and light sharp edge wear; trigger bow has, what is probably light holster wear with a few small nicks on the back strap. Grips are sharp with faint diamond point wear. Crisp mechanics, brilliant shiny bore. 4-50261 JR206 (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1386

*COLT NEW SERVICE DA REVOLVER.

SN 327416. Cal. 38 WCF (38-40). Blue finish with 4-1/2″ bbl, fixed sights with 2-line address and model & caliber marking on left side. Sideplate has Rampant Colt logo and buttplate is mounted with a color case hardened lanyard stud & loop. Mounted with matching numbered checkered hard rubber grips that have “COLT” in a large oval at the top. These revolvers usually saw hard service with law enforcement and the general public and are rarely found with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, appears to be new & unfired. Overall retains 99%+ crisp orig factory blue with only a very very faint cyl line. Grips are crisp as are mechanics, brilliant shiny bore. 4-50240 JR217 (1,000-2,000) – Lot 1387

SPANISH COPY OF MERWIN & HULBERT LATE PRODUCTION SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 41310. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Nickel finish with 7″ bbl, integral half moon front sight with V-notch in top strap. Top of bbl has the Merwin & Hulbert address and patent information. Left side of bbl, which is usually marked with the Hopkins & Allen manufacturing information, is marked “—NIT & CHAR MANUFACTURERS OF FIRE ARMS” which is the marking of Basque (Euskaro) firm of Spain. Left side of frame has the usual “CALIBRE / WINCHESTER 1873” marking. Revolver is late style with top strap and conventional fluted cyl and has sliding loading gate in right side of frame. The hammer stud does not protrude on the right side. Grip frame is bird head style with skull cracker butt and is mounted with 2-pc smooth pearl grips matching numbered to this revolver. Left side of front strap, under the grip, is marked with assembly number “4117” which number is found on rear face of bbl lug, cyl & cyl spindle. Merwin & Hulbert were not manufacturers but were inventors, entrepreneurs & firearms importers & distributors. They owned interest in ammunition companies and the Hopkins & Allen Co. along with the Evans Rifle Company. Unfortunately the early revolvers were introduced in a proprietary cartridge which was not readily available in many markets and so the revolvers were not enthusiastically purchased by the buying public. Mr. Merwin died in 1879 and the company went into receivership in 1881. Mr. Merwin had spent three years trying to collect for three shiploads of guns which the Russians never did pay for then a company associate had absconded with all the company funds and the Evans Rifle Co. had gone into bankruptcy which cost Merwin & Hulbert their $100,000 investment. So in spite of the fact that the Merwin & Hulbert revolver was a solid, reliable and easy to operate revolver, they simply faded into history after 1881. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching including cyl & grips. Overall retains virtually all of its orig factory nickel. Grips are also extremely fine showing great fire and light iridescent colors. Hammer is not solid in safety notch, otherwise mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-50610 JR347 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1388

SPECTACULAR CASED BRACE OF SMITH & WESSON NO. 2 ARMY SPUR TRIGGER REVOLVERS.

SN 15240 & 48577. Cal. 32 RF. Revolvers are identical with blue finish, 6” keyhole bbls, half moon German silver front sights and 2-pc rosewood grips. They have color case hardened hammers, triggers & ejector pins with unfluted 6-shot cylinders having patent dates roll marking. Serial #15240 certainly falls within the framework of the Civil War while #48577 was made substantially after the war. Accompanied by a spectacular, orig, Smith & Wesson rosewood casing with blank brass nameplate in lid. Lined with rose colored velvet and compartmented in bottom for both pistols in the center with bbl rests and a large open center compartment. Left end has a rare 2-pc box of Union Metallic Cartridge Co. 32 RF Short cartridges with bright orange label. Corner compartments contain twenty loose 32 RF Long cartridges and a functioning key. This is an extremely rare casing with two outstanding revolvers. CONDITION: No. 15240 – Extremely fine, all matching including grips. Overall retains 96-97% strong, glossy, orig blue with only minor muzzle edge wear, a few small scrapes on bbl lug on left side in front of cyl and some moderate thinning on back strap. Grips are extremely fine with light wear retaining most of their orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with a few small spots of pitting. No. 48577 is also extremely fine and all matching. Overall retains 96-98% glossy orig blue with slight muzzle edge wear and a few small spots of rust on bottom three flats at muzzle. There are a couple of small scratches on left side of bbl. Grip frame is very strong. Hammer & ejector pin retain strong case colors with trigger turned gray. Grips are extremely fine with minor wear, retaining about all of their orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Case has some minor raised grain in lid & a couple of grain checks in bottom, otherwise is extremely fine and retains about all of its orig factory varnish. Interior is moderately faded in bottom, strong & bright in lid showing light to moderate wear from revolvers with some chemical staining in right rear corner. Cartridge box has a detached end of lid, otherwise is very fine with bright clear label showing edge wear. Ammunition is slightly oxidized. A truly wonderful set. 4-50321 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1389

EXTREMELY NICE CIVIL WAR SMITH & WESSON #1 REVOLVER.

SN 14444. This is a nice early model #1 second issue Smith & Wesson revolver that was quite popular among Civil War soldiers. This gun retains most of its orig finish and is possibly unfired. This is an early standard model marked on top of bbl flat “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS/PAT’D APR 3 1855 & JULY 5 1859”. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Bbl & Cyl retain about 90% of their orig bright blue finish with balance plum; frame retains about half of its orig finish with balance gray/plum; well fitted rosewood grips retain about 95% of their bright orig varnish with edge wear; mechanically gun functions well with a bright shiny bore. 4-50723 JS242 (800-1,200) – Lot 1389a

VERY RARE CASED SMITH & WESSON REVOLVING RIFLE.

SN 537. Cal. 320 S&W. Blue finish with 20″ keyhole shape bbl, clip-on stamped metal front sight and orig 2-position rear sight. Mounted with diamond checkered red & black marbled gutta percha grips that have the S&W logo at the top on each side and a matching long, slim, red & black marbled, schnable tip forearm with S&W logo. Accompanied by an orig, uncheckered walnut shoulder stock with blued steel yoke and checkered black hard rubber buttplate with embossed S&W logo. Also accompanied by an orig adjustable tang sight and the orig tang sight screw hole plug. Additionally accompanied by an orig gold felt lined, burgundy leatherette covered hinged lid case that has brass reinforced corners and a leather carrying handle on the front. Interior is compartmented for the rifle and shoulder stock with another compartment for a box of ammunition. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were 977 of these rare rifles built in the period 1879 – 1887 of which 224 had 20″ bbls. These rifles are rarely encountered, often having had their bbls reduced in length. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, matching frame, cyl & bbl; appears to be new & unfired. Overall retains about 98% glossy orig blue with only faint sharp edge wear and a few tiny scattered spots of flaking on the frame. Hammer retains brilliant case colors and the trigger guard bright case colors in sheltered areas. Grips & forearm are crisp, showing little or no wear. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Stock, yoke & buttplate are equally new with one or two tiny nicks on the stock. Case hinge is sound and all brass corners are intact; exterior shows about 15-20% losses of burgundy leatherette covering; the replacement straps & handle are dry and in need of treatment; interior is moderately faded & soiled with a broken divider corner and shows damage from the hammer. A truly rare, superior condition revolving rifle. 4-50647 JR53 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 1390

RARE CASED SMITH & WESSON REVOLVING RIFLE.

SN 602. Cal. 320 S&W. Rare nickel finish with 18″ key hole shaped bbl, tiny clip-on globe front sight and orig 2-position leaf rear sight. Mounted with marbled red & black, diamond checkered hard rubber grips that have S&W logo at the top. It also has a long slim matching schnable tip forearm with S&W logo. Accompanied by an orig, uncheckered walnut stock that has nickeled yoke and black hard rubber buttplate with S&W embossed logo. Accompanied by an orig brown leatherette covered, hinged lid, tan felt lined case compartmented in the bottom for the revolver, the stock and another compartment for a box or cartridges. Also accompanying is an orig set of Smith & Wesson loading tools in their orig green 2-pc cardboard box that has instructions on the top. Additionally accompanied by an orig blued tang sight which screws into the stock yoke. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearmsthere were only 977 of these rare revolving rifles produced in the period 1879-1887. Of that total there were 514 made with 18″ bbls. These revolvers are very rarely encountered in completely orig configuration as many of them had their bbls reduced in length and stocks have been misplaced. While this revolving rifle will not letter with nickel finish there is no doubt, on close examination that it is orig nickel from the factory. There is no indication anywhere that it has ever had any other finish. Reloading tools consist of an orig sgl cavity bullet mold/capping tool with sprue cutter, a decapping block & pin, and a bullet seater along with a small brass powder measure. The box also contains 1 orig round of ammunition. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, frame cylinder and bbl are matching. Overall retains about 97-98% strong orig nickel with only a few, tiny, scattered spots of flaking; hammer retains bright case colors and the trigger guard faded case colors in sheltered areas; grips and forearm are sound showing little or no wear. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore with a few scattered spots of pitting. Stock has a few small nicks and light scratches and overall retains most of its orig oil finish. Yoke retains about all of its orig nickel with some light rust spots on the edges of lower tang. Buttplate is sound, showing light wear. Case has intact hinge with all brass corner reinforcements present. Exterior has a couple of water stains in the lid and is missing about 15% of its leatherette covering; handle is broken and straps are missing; interior is moderately faded & soiled, showing damage from the hammer; peep sight retains virtually all of its orig blue; loading tools are extremely fine, retaining virtually all of their bright metal finish. Reloading tool box has taped corners and label is yellowed but intact. All together a wonderful set. 4-50648 JR54 (12,500-17,500) – Lot 1391

RARE SMITH & WESSON REVOLVING RIFLE WITH STOCK.

SN 750. Cal. 320 S&W. Blue finish with 18″ keyhole shaped bbl, missing its clip-on front sight with its orig 2-position rear sight. Mounted with marbled red & black diamond checkered hard rubber 2-pc grips with S&W logo at the top on each side. Also mounted with a slim checkered marbled red & black schnable tip hard rubber forearm with S & W logo on the bottom. Accompanied by an orig uncheckered walnut stock with attaching yoke and S & W logo embossed black hard rubber buttplate. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were 977 of these rare rifles built in the period 1879 – 1887 of which 514 had 18″ bbls. These rifles are rarely encountered, often having had their bbls reduced in length. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Good to very good, bbl, frame and cylinder are all matching. Bbl retains 80-85% glossy orig blue with the loss areas flaked to a dark patina. Frame retains about 75% orig blue also flaked to a dark patina. Cyl retains dark blue in the flutes with the outer diameter a gray metal patina. Hammer retains brilliant case colors on the left side and rear edge, faded on the right. Trigger guard retains faded colors in sheltered areas. Grips and forearm are sound and show light wear. Mechanics are fine. Bright, shiny bore. Stock is sound with a cleaned area on the left side, light nicks & scratches and retains a hand worn patina. Yoke retains 60-70% orig blue with the flaked areas a dark patina. Buttplate is sound showing light wear. 4-50514 JR52 (8,500-12,500) – Lot 1392

FINE MARTIALLY MARKED SMITH & WESSON 2ND MODEL SCHOFIELD SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER.

SN 5103. Cal. 45 Schofield. Blue finish with 7″ keyhole shaped bbl, pinned half moon front sight and fixed rear sight in the bbl latch. Buttstrap is marked “US”, along with the serial number, and there are small inspector initials on various parts. Mounted with matching numbered, smooth walnut grips that have a sharp “JRJr” (Lt. James Rockwell, Jr.) inspector cartouche over “1876” and the right grip has a crisp “CW” (Charles Woodman) sub-inspector cartouche. There were 5,934 of these revolvers produced in the period 1876-1877, of which 650 were sold commercially. All of the military production was issued to front line cavalry troops, but were soon recalled and sold as surplus. The majority of those revolvers were altered to 5″ and marked for the Wells Fargo Company. Completely orig specimens are rare and of those very few retain any orig finish. PROVENANCE: Collection of Charles A. Lamb. CONDITION: Fine, all matching including grips. Bbl & cyl retain traces of blue in sheltered areas being a smooth, even chocolate brown patina; frame retains 50-60% orig blue with the loss areas flaked, not worn, to a dark patina; front & back straps are a chocolate brown patina; grips have some light battering on bottom edges and show light wear and retain a dark hand worn patina. Mechanics are crisp; bright shiny bore with a few small spots of pitting. 4-51860 JR427 (5,000-9,000) – Lot 1393

*SMITH & WESSON NEW MODEL No. 3 SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER WITH TARGET SIGHTS.

SN 33972. Cal. 44 S&W Russian. Blue finish with 8″ keyhole shaped bbl, target front sight and adjustable rear sight on the bbl latch. Mounted with 2-pc, checkered, hard rubber grips with embossed S&W monogram at the top. Grips are matching numbered to the revolver. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms, there were about 35,800 revolvers of this model produced 1878-1912 in a multitude of cartridges, and two different finishes. The New Model #3 was a very popular throughout the American west and to some extent around the world. Numerous luminaries of the day are recorded as using this large frame big bore revolver, such as Annie Oakley, Buffalo Bill, several of the James-Younger Gang and was reportedly the revolver the “Dirty Little Coward”, Bob Ford, used to lay poor Jesse in his grave. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine, all matching including grips. Bbl retains about 50-60% orig blue, strong in sheltered areas turning plum on sides & bottom of bbl; frame retains 70-75% orig blue, stronger on the left side, thin on right rear side from hand wear; cyl retains strong blue in the flutes and about 75% thin blue on outer diameter; trigger guard & hammer retains strong case colors on the right side, bright on the hammer and thin colors on left side and outer face of trigger guard; front & back straps are a brown patina; grips are sound, showing light diamond point wear, turned chocolate. Mechanics are crisp; bright shiny bore. 4-50520 JR407 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1394

Revised: 3/6/2014

Please Note: This is actually a 2nd Model, not a 3rd Model

SMITH & WESSON MODEL 3 RUSSIAN THIRD MODEL SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER.

SN 36287. Cal. 44 Russian. Commercial model with nickel finish, 7″ keyhole shaped bbl, pinned half moon front sight and fixed rear sight in the bbl latch. Hammer & trigger guard are color case hardened and it has a lanyard swivel in buttstrap. Mounted with smooth 2-pc ivory grips, matching numbered to this revolver. Bbl address is in 1-line on top of rib and ends in “RUSSIAN MODEL”. According to Smith & Wesson 1857-1945, Neil & Jinks, there were 6,200 of these revolvers produced 1873-1878. These revolvers were quite popular and were used extensively on the American frontier by citizens on both sides of the law. They are rarely found with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: Collection of Charles A. Lamb. CONDITION: Fine, all matching including grips. Overall retains 80-85% strong orig nickel turned a little milky with spots of flaking and fine pimpling on the rib and a large area of flaking on the left side of top strap; hammer retains dark case colors and the trigger guard a dark brown patina; grips have a few age lines otherwise are sound, showing light to moderate wear and retain a golden ivory patina. Mechanics are crisp; bright shiny bore. 4-51861 JR426 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1395

*RARE ENGRAVED AND INSCRIBED SMITH & WESSON FIRST MODEL LADYSMITH DA REVOLVER.

SN 3242. Cal. 22 long. Gold over nickel finish with 3-1/2″ bbl, integral half moon front sight and 2-line address with caliber marking on the left side. Mounted with 2-pc smooth pearl grips that have deep gold S&W medallions. Revolver is beautifully engraved in wonderful New York style consisting of about 60% coverage very fine, extremely well executed foliate arabesque patterns with a large rosette around the cylinder release button. Engraving extends over the topstrap & most of the sides of the bbl with matching patterns down the backstrap and on the buttstrap. Cyl is engraved to match on the lands between the flutes. Topstrap is engraved with the initials “E.E.S.”. Trigger & hammer are color case hardened. Accompanied by a Smith & Wesson factory letter which identifies this revolver as a .22 Hand Ejector First Model in caliber 22 long shipped Oct 28, 1904 to Belknap Hardware Co. Louisville, KY, with 3-1/2″ bbl, nickel finish and checkered hard rubber grips. No mention is made of the engraving or gold wash except Mr. Jinks, Smith & Wesson historian, states that the engraving and grips were probably added at a later date. Also according to the aforementioned letter,there were 4,575 First Model Ladysmith revolvers produced between 1902-1906. These little revolvers were designed by Daniel B. Wesson himself as a personal defense weapon for ladies. They became quite popular for their diminutive size and reliability for ladies, and gentlemen, who wished an easily concealable short range arm. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains about 25-30% gold wash over about 90% remaining orig nickel; backstrap & buttstrap appear to be bare metal with sharp edge wear elsewhere; forcing cone is intact; trigger & hammer retain bright case colors. Grips are sound showing great fire & color. Mechanics are fine; strong bright bore with scattered pitting. 4-50729 JR149 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1396

*RARE SMITH & WESSON 3RD MODEL LADYSMITH DA REVOLVER.

SN 25570. Cal. 22 Long. Blue finish with 3″ bbl, integral half moon front sight and fixed rear sight in the frame. Bbl has 2-line address with caliber marking on left side. Trigger & hammer area color case hardened. Mounted with square butt, diamond checkered, gold medallion walnut grips numbered to this revolver. Accompanied by an orig Smith & Wesson, brown oilcloth covered, hinged lid cardboard box with light green & black end label. Interior has directions label inside the lid with a caution label about “Inferior pearl stocks” in the bottom. Also accompanying in the box is a caution pamphlet regarding hand perspiration & care. Another pamphlet discusses substitution of stocks which might result in a lawsuit and a large “3 in 1” oil pamphlet. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were approx. 12,200 of these revolvers produced in the period 1910-1921 in four different bbl lengths and two different finishes. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Revolver is very fine, all matching including bbl, cyl & grips. Overall retains 92-93% orig blue with light flaking on the frame and minor sharp edge wear; trigger & hammer show bright case colors, faded on face of trigger and top edge of hammer. Grips show moderate to heavy wear with some minor chips on the right bottom edge. Mechanics are fine, brilliant shiny bore; forcing cone is intact. Box shows light wear on the corners with repairs on two front corners of the lid; papers & labels are all fine, moderately yellowed; “3 in 1” pamphlet has tattered edges. 4-50747 JR273 (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1397

*SCARCE 2ND MODEL SMITH & WESSON LADYSMITH DA REVOLVER.

SN 12120. Cal. 22 Long. Nickel finish with 3″ bbl, integral half moon front sight and fixed rear sight in top of frame. Bbl has 2-line address with caliber marking on left side. Left side of frame has the Smith & Wesson trademark logo and it is mounted with Smith & Wesson logo, diamond checkered hard rubber grips matching numbered to this revolver. Accompanied by a Smith & Wesson factory letter which identifies this revolver with 3″ bbl, nickel finish and checkered black hard rubber grips, shipped Feb. 5, 1908 to Peters Arms & Sporting Goods, Cincinnati, OH. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were about 9,400 of these little revolvers produced in the period 1906-1910 in two bbl lengths and two finishes. They were very popular with ladies & gentlemen who wished a small, easily concealable revolver. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine, all matching including grips. Overall retains 98-99% strong orig nickel with a series of small scratches on left side of frame; trigger & hammer retain strong case colors, bright on the hammer and sides of the trigger, faded on trigger face. Grips are sound showing light diamond point wear. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore; forcing cone is intact. 4-50731 JR277 (2,500-3,500) – Lot 1398

*RARE SMITH & WESSON 3RD LADYSMITH DA REVOLVER.

SN 19523. Cal. 22 Long. Blue finish with rare 6″ bbl, altered, pinned front sight and fixed rear sight in the frame. Bbl has 2-line address with caliber marking on the left side. Mounted with 2-pc square butt, gold medallion, smooth walnut grips. Hammer & trigger are color case hardened. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were 12,200 of the 3rd Model Ladysmiths produced in the period 1910-1921 in four bbl lengths and two finishes. He indicates that the standard model with 6″ bbl is the most rare. Accompanied by a Smith & Wesson factory letter which identifies this revolver with blue finish with 6″ bbl and smooth walnut grips, shipped April 3, 1911 to Whitney Sporting Goods Co., Denver, CO. These revolvers were very popular in their day with lady shooters and folks who wanted an easily concealed revolver. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine, all matching except grips which are unnumbered. Bbl retains 90-92% glossy orig blue with muzzle edge wear and a few scattered small nicks; frame retains about 60-70% glossy orig blue with the loss areas flaked, not worn, to a light patina; front & back straps are a blue/gray patina, stronger on the front strap. Grips show moderate wear with a few light nicks & scratches and retain about 60% varnish on left side and about 80% on right side.  Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore; forcing cone is intact. 4-50735 JR276 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1399

*RARE SMITH & WESSON 3RD MODEL LADYSMITH DA TARGET REVOLVER.

SN 17155. Cal. 22 Long. Blue finish with rare 6″ bbl, target front sight and adjustable target rear sight. Bbl has 2-line address with caliber marking on left side. Mounted with 2-pc smooth gold medallion factory grips. Hammer & trigger are color case hardened. SN on butt strap is accompanied by a 5-pointed star which indicates return to the factory for restoration. Left side of grip frame, under the grip, is marked “7.25” which indicates factory refinished in July 1925 and has a small “B” inside a diamond which indicated blue finish. The same “B” inside a diamond is also found on bottom flat of bbl just forward of the frame. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were 12,200 3rd Model Ladysmiths produced during the period 1910-1921 in four different bbl lengths and two different finishes. He also indicates that 6″ bbl revolvers are very rare. Accompanied by a Smith & Wesson factory letter which identifies this revolver with 6″ bbl, adjustable target sights, blue finish and pearl grips, shipped Nov. 4, 1914 to Maj. Roy D. Jones, Springfield, MA. The letter also states “Maj. Jones was very active with Smith & Wesson and a top shooter in the United States. He worked with Smith & Wesson publishing a small magazine on shooting called Burning Powder“. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching except grips which are unnumbered. Overall retains 95-97% strong factory blue with muzzle end wear, sharp edge wear and a drag line; front & back straps are a little thin and there are a couple of scratches on the left side of the frame; hammer & trigger retain faded case colors. Left grip has a filled chip in the toe, otherwise grips are fine showing great fire. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore; forcing cone is intact. 4-50734 JR275 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1400

*SCARCE SMITH & WESSON 1ST MODEL LADYSMITH DA REVOLVER WITH RARE PEARL GRIPS.

SN 3604. Cal. 22 Long. Nickel finish with 3″ bbl, integral half moon front sight and fixed rear sight in the top strap. Bbl has 2-line address with caliber marking on left side. Left side of frame has a checkered cyl release button and the Smith & Wesson trademark logo. Hammer & trigger are color case hardened and it is mounted with orig 2-pc pearl grips that have unusual carved S&W logo at the top on each side. Accompanied by a Smith & Wesson factory letter which identifies this revolver with 3″ bbl, nickel finish & pearl grips shipped Feb. 1, 1905 to Schoverling, Dale & Gale, New York, NY. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were 4,575 of these little revolvers produced in the period 1902-1906 in three bbl lengths and two finishes. They were very popular with ladies & gentlemen who wished to have an easily concealable revolver. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine, all matching except grips which are unnumbered. Overall retains about 98% strong orig nickel with a couple of small spots of rust on each side of the bbl just forward of the frame and a few spots of rust on the cyl; there are a couple of small scratches & nicks on the sideplate. Grips are sound showing great fire. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with a couple of small spots of pitting; forcing cone is intact. 4-50730 JR279 (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1401

*SCARCE SMITH & WESSON 1ST MODEL LADYSMITH DA REVOLVER.

SN 4081. Cal. 22 Long. Blue finish with 3″ bbl, integral half moon front sight and fixed rear sight in the top strap. Bbl has 2-line address with caliber marking on left side. Left side of frame has a checkered cyl release button and the Smith & Wesson trademark logo. Mounted with 2-pc diamond checkered black hard rubber grips with S&W logo at the top. Accompanied by a Smith & Wesson factory letter which identifies this revolver with blue finish, 3″ bbl and checkered black hard rubber grips, shipped Sept. 11, 1905 to Norvell Shapleigh Hardware Co., St. Louis, MO. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were about 4,575 of these small revolvers produced during the period 1902-1906 in three bbl lengths and two finishes. These revolvers were designed by Daniel B. Wesson, one of which he used as his personal protection weapon. They were very popular with ladies & gentlemen who wished to have a small, concealable revolver. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine, all matching including grips. Overall retains 70-75% orig blue, a little thin on the bbl and flaked on the sideplate with light flaking also on the left side; cyl retains strong blue in the flutes, turning plum on the outer diameter; front strap & trigger guard retain strong orig blue with the back strap a blue/brown patina, showing wear at the heel & top end; hammer retains strong case colors, as does the trigger on the sides, faded on the face. Grips show light diamond point wear. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore; forcing cone is intact. 4-50732 JR278 (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1402

*SCARCE SMITH & WESSON 3RD MODEL LADYSMITH DA REVOLVER.

SN 19881. Cal. 22 Long. Blue finish with 3-1/2″ bbl, integral half moon front sight fixed rear sight in the frame. Bbl has 2-line address with caliber marking on left side. Mounted with walnut square butt, smooth 2-pc, gold medallion walnut grips. Hammer & trigger are color case hardened. Accompanied by a Smith & Wesson factory letter which identifies this revolver with 3-1/2″ bbl, blue finish & smooth walnut grips, shipped to Kennedy Bros. Arms Co., Minneapolis, MN, on Feb. 27, 1917. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were 12,200 of these revolvers produced in the period 1910-1921 in four bbl lengths and two finishes. They were extremely popular in their day as a gentleman’s hideout gun or concealment revolver for ladies. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching except grips which are unnumbered. Overall retains 93-95% glossy orig blue with a few light scratches and some thinning on left side of frame; cyl has a drag line. Grips show light wear with a few minor scratches and retain most of their orig finish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore; forcing cone is intact. 4-50733 JR274 (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1403

Revised: 2/27/2014

Please Note: This gun has a standard hammer, not the humpback hammer as stated in the catalog.

*SCARCE SMITH & WESSON REGISTERED MAGNUM DA REVOLVER THAT BELONGED TO TEXAS RANGER, ROBERT GOSS.

SN 53983. Cal. 357 Mag. Blue finish with 4″ ribbed bbl, pinned king ramp front sight, with full matted top and adjustable sight in the top strap. Left side of bbl has the company name and right side cal marking. Frame is 5-screw type with S&W trademark on side plate. Mounted with large silver medallion, diamond checkered, walnut grips that are not numbered. Although grips are unnumbered they are correct to the model. Hammer is humpback style with patent marking on rear edge and has grooved sides with fine checkered spur. Inside the crane has the registration number “2915”. Accompanied by a letter on Clark Custom Guns, Inc. letterhead over the signature of James E. Clark, Sr., wherein he states that he purchased this revolver from the collection of Robert G. Goss. Mr. Clark used the assembly number “11630” as the serial number but has the correct registration number in the body of the letter. Robert G. (Bob) Goss was born Jul. 1898 in Honey Grove, TX. He apparently was a rancher/farmer until about 1924 when he enlisted in the Texas Rangers. Records show that he enlisted again in 1930 & 1932 as an unpaid appointment. He then became Chief of Police in Kilgore, TX from 1933-1935, then reenlisted in the Rangers apparently until 1940. As of this writing, very little more is known about his activities after 1940, except that he apparently was with the Texas Wildlife & Fisheries Dept. in the 1970s, and passed away in 1978. During Mr. Goss’ tenure as a Ranger it is well documented that he was the partner of Ranger Captain Manuel T. Gonzaullas, also known as “Lone Wolf Gonzaullas”. While Capt. Gonzaullas became very well known and famous, Ranger Goss was referred to as Gonzaullas’ “shadow” and was involved with him in numerous incidents and shootouts. Capt. Gonzaullas was overheard to say that Ranger Goss was the finest shot he had ever seen and he didn’t think there are a half a dozen better pistol shots in America. Ranger Goss is noted as having been Texas state pistol champion 1926-1930. Ranger Goss was apparently very modest and avoided the limelight as much as possible. When someone would ask him about his shooting skills, he would change the subject to his silver mounted saddle or something more innocuous. After Ranger Goss passed away, his widow sold about fifty of his guns to Mr. James E. Clark, Sr., the famous target pistolsmith, of Shreveport, LA. which included this revolver, two Colt semi-auto pistols and two Colt Single Action revolvers, being sold elsewhere in this auction. Accompanying this lot is a large volume of enlistment records, letters and newspaper clippings all about Ranger Goss. Ranger Goss was the subject of an article by Mr. Jim Clark, mentioned above, titled “The Last Word” which appeared in the magazine Shooting Times Handgun Quarterly, date unknown. Ranger Goss is also mentioned in the book The Last Boom, Clark & Halbouty, published in 1972. Also accompanying are several copies of photos of Ranger Goss, apparently from about the 1930s. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching except grips which are unnumbered. Overall retains 95-96% bright orig blue with holster wear on each side of the muzzle, sharp edge wear elsewhere and a small scrape pattern on the left side, probably from a holster rivet; hammer & trigger retain about 95% brilliant case colors; left grip has a ding in the edge, otherwise grips are sound showing light diamond point wear and retain most of their orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp & smooth; brilliant shiny bore. 4-50660 JR418 (5,000-8,000)

Click here to view pdf provenance. – Lot 1404

*RARE SMITH & WESSON 32 SEMI-AUTO PISTOL.

SN 285. Cal. 32 ACP. Blue finish with 3-1/2″ bbl, fixed sights and flat side slide that has “SMITH & WESSON” roll marking on left side and cal marking on right side. Left rear frame has the “S&W” trademark logo. Mounted with highly figured, smooth, 2-pc walnut grips with deep gold S&W logo medallions. Front of the grip has a squeezer finger safety and it is accompanied by one orig magazine. According to Smith & Wesson 1857-1945, Neal & Jinks, there were 957 of these rare pistols produced 1924-1936 making this one of the most rare Smith & Wessons. The Smith & Wesson semi-auto pistols were of equal or better quality than the competitors’ pistols but were introduced during the great depression at a slightly higher price than that of the competitors, and thus sales were not brisk and the pistol became uneconomical to produce. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine, plus. Appears to be new and unfired, retaining virtually all of its crisp orig finish with not even sharp edge wear; grips are equally new. Crisp mechanics; brilliant shiny bore. 4-50728 JR408 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1405

*BRACE OF SMITH & WESSON 44 HAND EJECTOR 3RD MODEL DA REVOLVERS THAT BELONGED TO FAMOUS TEXAS SHERIFF JESS SWEETEN.

SN 41281 & 41258. Cal. 44 Special. Revolvers are nickel finish with 3-1/4″ bbls, relocated half moon front sights and fixed sight in top straps. Both revolvers are mounted with 2-pc stag grips. Both revolvers are marked on left side of front strap with tiny numbers “7 53”. This signifies that these revolvers were factory refinished in Jul. 1953. Revolver #41258 has bbl marked with serial number “4358”, apparently installed by the factory before restoration. Both revolvers are engraved on the right side plate “JESS SWEETEN”. These revolvers were the property of very famous Henderson County, Texas sheriff, Jess Sweeten. Jess Sweeten became constable of Trinidad, TX in 1929. Trinidad, at that time was a real rough and tumble town and Constable Sweeten cleaned it up in short order. Mr.Sweeten was elected Henderson County Sheriff at age 24 in Nov. 1932, a job he held until 1954. Sheriff Sweeten, by all accounts was an outstanding lawman and criminal investigator. He was also Texas state pistol champion. He solved numerous high level robbery & murder cases including the kidnapping of a used car salesman and theft of an automobile in Jul. 1943 which resulted in a 25 mile, high speed chase reaching speeds of 90mph through Athens, TX with the convicted murderer Gerald Johnson shooting at him all the way. Sheriff Sweeten was shooting back with two Colt 45 Automatics and two “44 snub-nosed specials”. He emptied both Colts and both revolvers with no effect, reloading one of the revolvers several times one handed while chasing Johnson, until he was down to his last cartridge. Sheriff Sweeten was able to force Johnson’s car off the road, which flipped over in a huge cloud of dust. He stopped and approached the wrecked car, which he could not see through the dust, and observed a figure coming toward him through the dust, which he correctly assumed to be Johnson. He took careful aim and fired his last bullet, but Johnson kept coming for about another 30 steps and fell dead, shot through the heart. Sweeten states that the revolver he killed Johnson with, was SN 41258. He noted that the end of the bbl is scratched and cut from where he used it to break out a hole in his windshield during the chase large enough to shoot through. Sheriff Sweeten’s law enforcement life & exploits are commemorated in two books: 1). Jess Sweeten Texas Lawman, Lindquist published in 1961 and 2). A Trail is Never Cold, The Life and Times of Sheriff Jess Sweeten, Melton published in 1995. Both books devote an entire chapter to the Gerald Johnson shooting. Three copies of book #1 (two of which are autographed) and one copy of book #2 accompany this lot. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Both revolvers are virtually identical condition with bbls having been reduced, as noted, and both factory refinished as noted. They retain virtually all of this factory restored finish showing heavy wear prior to the restoration. Grips are all sound. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bores. 4-50662, 4-50663 JR489 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1407

*EARLY SMITH & WESSON MODEL 1917 DA ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 160763. Cal. 45 ACP. Commercial blue finish with 5-1/2″ bbl, integral half moon front sight and 2-line address, marked on the left side “S.&W.D.A. 45”. Bottom of bbl is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY”. Bottom bbl flat has matching serial number and a Springfield eagle head inspector mark with number “S34”. Left side of frame has a similar mark with number “S6”. Top left of frame has the Springfield flaming bomb inspector mark. Buttstrap has standard 1917 markings and a lanyard swivel. Mounted with 2-pc, smooth walnut grips, matching numbered to this revolver. Although this revolver did not receive the high gloss polish of a commercial revolver, it does have the higher finish blue of the early military revolvers. Models 1917 were generally issued during WWI and remained in service well into the 1950s, and are rarely found with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine, plus, all matching. Appears to be new & unfired. Overall retains 99% plus, crisp orig finish with strong bright blues and brilliant case colors. Grips are equally new with only a couple small nicks & scratches. Mechanics are crisp; brilliant shiny bore. 4-50727 JR404 (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1408

*SMITH & WESSON MODEL 1917 DA REVOLVER.

SN 88413. Cal. 45 ACP. Commercial blue finish with 5-1/2″ bbl, integral half moon front sight, 2-line address & “S.&W.D.A.45” on the side. Upper left side of frame has a small flaming bomb acceptance mark. Mounted with smooth 2-pc walnut grips, has a lanyard stud & loop in the butt strap and has standard 1917 markings. Accompanied by an oiled 1918 dated military holster with large “US” in an oval embossed on the front. It has a lanyard stud & ring with rawhide leg thong in the toe. PROVENANCE: Robert H. Haskell, III Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching except grips which are unnumbered. Overall retains about 98% crisp commercial blue with only light sharp edge wear. Hammer retains brilliant case colors ad the trigger faded case colors. Grips are sound and retain virtually all of their original finish. Holster has a crackled front edge otherwise is sound with an applied oil finish. 4-50259 JR223 (1,250-1,750) – Lot 1409

*SCARCE EARLY SMITH & WESSON 22-32 KIT GUN DA REVOLVER.

SN 532982. Cal. 22. Blue finish with 4″ tapered rnd bbl, replacement partridge front sight and fully adjustable rear sight in the rnd top strap. Bbl has 2-line address with maker’s name on the left side and cal marking on the right side. Hammer is humpback style with patent date on rear edge. Side plate and right front of frame have standard markings. Frame is 5-screw style, mounted with matching numbered, silver medallion, diamond checkered walnut grips. Accompanied by an extra pair of smooth 2-pc ivory grips. Rear sight blade has been opened up to a square aperture to accommodate the replacement thick partridge front sight. While this model is not overly scarce, they are hard to find with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching including walnut grips. Overall retains 96-97% crisp orig blue with only light muzzle edge wear and some sharp edge wear overall with a light cyl line; walnut grips are crisp, showing almost no wear; ivory grips are fine with a mellow ivory patina. Mechanics are crisp; bright shiny bore. 4-50726 JR406 (1,250-1,750) – Lot 1410

*SCARCE SMITH & WESSON K-22 OUTDOORSMAN DA REVOLVER.

SN 669708. Cal. 22. Blue finish with 6″ tapered rnd bbl, partridge front sight with McGivern silver bead and adjustable rear sight on the rnd top strap. Top of the bbl has 2-line address and patent dates with makers name on the left side and cal marking on the right side. Frame is 5-screw type with S&W trademark logo on side plate. Hammer is humpback style with patent date on rear edge. Mounted with diamond checkered, silver medallion, walnut grips, matching numbered to this revolver. Accompanied by it’s orig, matching numbered, Chinese red, 2-pc cardboard box with metal reinforced corners. Top has a gold rectangle with a picture of this model revolver and other gold embossed lettering. Inside the lid has instructions in both English & Spanish. According to Smith & Wesson 1857-1945, Neil & Jinks, there were 19,500 of these revolvers produced 1930-1940. They were extremely popular with the shooting public, generally seeing lots of use and are rarely found today with strong orig finish. Boxes are extremely rare. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains 96-97% bright orig blue with only sharp edge wear and slight muzzle end wear with a light cyl line. Trigger & hammer retain bright case colors on the sides; grips are crisp showing light diamond point wear. Mechanics are crisp; very bright shiny bore. Box is heavily faded with substantial edge wear and two blown corners in the lid and another in the bottom. 4-50749 JR410 (1,000-1,500) – Lot 1411

SMITH & WESSON 1ST MODEL NEW DEPARTURE DA REVOLVER.

SN 86006. Cal. 32 S&W. Nickel finish with 3″ keyhole shaped bbl, pinned half moon front sight and fixed rear sight in top strap. Cyl has five chambers and it is mounted with 2-pc, deep gold medallion, smooth pearl grips. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms, there were about 91,417 of these revolvers produced in the period 1888-1902 in three different bbl length in both blue & nickel finish. These little revolvers were extremely popular as concealment arms for both ladies & gentleman. They usually saw hard service and are rarely found with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Overall retains 98-99% bright orig nickel with some small scratches on the side plate and scratches around the cyl; grips are sound and show great fire. Mechanics are crisp; strong bore with moderate pitting. 4-50725 JR405 (500-1,000) – Lot 1412

SCARCE SMITH & WESSON 1ST MODEL 32 HAND EJECTOR DA REVOLVER.

SN 6443. Cal. 32 S&W. Nickel finish with 4-1/4″ keyhole shaped bbl, pinned half moon front sight and fixed rear sight in the top strap as part of cyl stop. Mounted with 2-pc, diamond checkered hard rubber grips with S&W logo at the top. Cyl is usual six chambers with patent dates on lands between flutes. There were about 19,700 of these revolvers produced in the period 1896-1903 in three different bbl lengths. This was Smith & Wesson’s first swing-out cyl revolver which proved very popular, subsequently leading to the Smith & Wesson dynasty of double action revolvers. Those few surviving examples are rarely found with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good, all matching except grips which are numbered “6433”, obviously an assembler’s mistake. Overall retains about 90% dull orig nickel with fine pimpling on each side of the bbl, turned milky elsewhere. Trigger & hammer retain strong case colors; grips are sound showing moderate to heavy wear with a scrape on the left side. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore. 4-50724 JR392 (400-700) – Lot 1413