VERY RARE C.B. ALLEN ELGIN CUTLASS PISTOL.

VERY RARE C.B. ALLEN ELGIN CUTLASS PISTOL. SN 189. Cal. 54. Rare large cutlass pistol with 11-1/2″ Bowie type clip-point blade with 5-1/2″ back grind with integral trigger guard & knuckle bow. Bow is attached to a sidehammer percussion pistol with 5″ octagonal bbl, tiny German silver front sight & boxlock action with tapered back strap & a smooth walnut 1-pc birdhead grip. Left side of receiver is marked “C.B. ALLEN / SPRINGFIELD / MASS”. Left bbl flat, at the receiver, has serial number “189” with a corresponding “189” on adjacent frame. No additional markings were observed anywhere else on pistol. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were about 150 of these rare pistols built for the U.S. Navy in 1838. These pistols have the distinction of being the very first percussion firearm ordered by the U.S. government. They were made specifically to outfit the famed Wilkes South Sea Exploring Expedition. Serial numbers for this contract were reportedly “1-150”. This and other Navy sized cutlass pistols have higher numbers leading one to believe that there were several more manufactured for the civilian market of which this appears to be one. They were originally issued with a leather scabbard that had German silver throat & tip with pocket for a brass ramrod. If this pistol had one, it is now missing. Blades for these cutlass pistols were made by the N.P. Ames Sword Co., of Chicopee, Mass. Accompanied by a letter from the late Ron Ogan transferring an Elgin pistol to Dr. Albert R. Frederick Jr. of Boston, Mass., presumably this Elgin pistol. Mr. Ogan was noted for his dealing in fine, high grade merchandise, particularly Colt revolvers. In his letter he mentions that the person who had consigned it to him had obtained it from the late, famous Arnold M. Chernoff. PROVENANCE: Arnold Chernoff; unknown; Ron Ogan CONDITION: Very fine. Blade & pistol retain a mottled dark brown patina with a coating of heavy dried oil. Grip has a loose chip on left side of frame, otherwise wood is sound & retains most of an old restored finish. Hammer is a little sloppy on the action but functions well. Smooth bore is moderately to heavily pitted. 4-35604 JR385 (12,500-17,500)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2008

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2648	$12,650.00	VERY RARE C.B. ALLEN ELGIN CUTLASS PISTOL. SN 189. Cal. 54. Rare large cutlass pistol with 11-1/2″ Bowie type clip-point blade with 5-1/2″ back grind with integral trigger guard & knuckle bow. Bow is attached to a sidehammer percussion pistol with 5″ octagonal bbl, tiny German silver front sight & boxlock action with tapered back strap & a smooth walnut 1-pc birdhead grip. Left side of receiver is marked “C.B. ALLEN / SPRINGFIELD / MASS”. Left bbl flat, at the receiver, has serial number “189” with a corresponding “189” on adjacent frame. No additional markings were observed anywhere else on pistol. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were about 150 of these rare pistols built for the U.S. Navy in 1838. These pistols have the distinction of being the very first percussion firearm ordered by the U.S. government. They were made specifically to outfit the famed Wilkes South Sea Exploring Expedition. Serial numbers for this contract were reportedly “1-150”. This and other Navy sized cutlass pistols have higher numbers leading one to believe that there were several more manufactured for the civilian market of which this appears to be one. They were originally issued with a leather scabbard that had German silver throat & tip with pocket for a brass ramrod. If this pistol had one, it is now missing. Blades for these cutlass pistols were made by the N.P. Ames Sword Co., of Chicopee, Mass. Accompanied by a letter from the late Ron Ogan transferring an Elgin pistol to Dr. Albert R. Frederick Jr. of Boston, Mass., presumably this Elgin pistol. Mr. Ogan was noted for his dealing in fine, high grade merchandise, particularly Colt revolvers. In his letter he mentions that the person who had consigned it to him had obtained it from the late, famous Arnold M. Chernoff. PROVENANCE: Arnold Chernoff; unknown; Ron Ogan CONDITION: Very fine. Blade & pistol retain a mottled dark brown patina with a coating of heavy dried oil. Grip has a loose chip on left side of frame, otherwise wood is sound & retains most of an old restored finish. Hammer is a little sloppy on the action but functions well. Smooth bore is moderately to heavily pitted. 4-35604 JR385 (12,500-17,500) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2008 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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