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Lot |
Price | Description |
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1000
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$21,850.00 |
*ONE OF A KIND ELMER KEITH’S RUGER NO. 1 SINGLE SHOT RIFLE PRESENTED BY RUGER TO HONOR MR. KEITH’S MEMBERSHIP IN THE “21 CLUB”.
SN 15. Cal. .375 H&H. Usual configuration with 24″ rnd bbl, ramp front sight on a sleeve with replacement sourdough sight. Chamber area of the bbl has a quarter rib with folding leaf sight & mounted with conetrol bases & rings containing a Leupold 1-4X Vari-X II scope with duplex cross hairs. Top of the bbl has standard Ruger Southport markings with caliber marking on left side of chamber area. Mounted with exceptional, center crotch, flame grain American walnut with Alex Henry checkered forearm and capped pistol grip stock with thin Ruger red buttplate. Buttstock has a sling swivel stud with corresponding stud on a stalking band around the bbl. Receiver is beautifully engraved by renowned engraver Alvin White of the A.A. White Engravers, Inc. Left side has a standing grizzly bear standing on a rocky promontory, executed in great detail. Right side has flat gold inlay “Elmer Keith”. Both vignettes are surrounded by very fine foliate arabesque patterns which extend over the bottom of the receiver & onto the lever. This rifle is one of only a very few presented to sporting & outdoor writers and one or two close friends of William B. Ruger who were members of the “21 Club”. The origin of the name 21 Club is unclear but it is believed to have been created by the intrepid writer & gun guru Jack O’Connor who was a fan & regular customer at the famous esteemed 21 Club restaurant in New York City. This rifle differs substantially from other 21 Club rifles in that it has an engraved grizzly bear as ordered by Steve Vogel in a letter to A.A. White engravers on August 4, 1969. In the same letter, he also orders that Mr. Keith’s full name be engraved which is another deviation from the other 21 Club rifles, which had only initials. The bear vignette, as found here, is one of only two engraved by Mr. White on Ruger No. 1’s. There exists a picture of Mr. Keith in his trophy room holding this rifle without his trademark hat but with a cigar in his face. Much of the information regarding the “21 Club” was obtained from the website: www.classicsportingarms.com/engraved-ruger-no-1s. Accompanying is a copy of the August 1969 letter from Steve Vogel, Ruger Sales Manager, to A.A. White Engravers. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine+. Overall retains 99%+ strong orig finish with a few minor nicks in the wood and small cut in butt pad. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, sharp clear optics. 4-47972 JR268 (7,500-12,500) – Lot 1000
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1001
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$14,375.00 |
*ENGRAVED EARLY RUGER SUPER BLACK HAWK SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER THAT WAS PRESENTED TO ELMER KEITH.
SN 1806. Cal. .44 Magnum. Blue finish with 7-1/2″ rnd bbl, ramp front sight & Micro adjustable rear sight. Cyl is unfluted with six chambers. Mounted with 2-pc pre-ban African ivory grips, smooth on the left side with raised carved “Elmer Keith” on right side which is a facsimile of Mr. Keith’s signature. Revolver is very tastefully engraved by Charles Jerred on factory order and was one of two engraved in Mr. Jerred’s “revised standard pattern” with light, strategically located foliate arabesque patterns and rosettes around each screw hole. Trigger, lock bolt & front trigger guard screw are engraved. Hammer screw is probably a replacement. Matching engraving patterns are at the top of the backstrap & heel, on buttstrap, trigger guard and bottom front of frame. The entire frame is outlined in fine gold wire as is the backstrap & buttstrap. Bbl has a silver band around the muzzle and a gold band at the frame, with matching gold band on ejector housing. Frame has silver wire inlay connecting into the gold wire on each side, back of the cyl opening and front edge. Top center of the bbl has a matching foliate arabesque pattern with gold & silver wire worked into the engraving patterns. Top strap is outlined in gold & silver wire. Cyl has a gold wire around the rear edge and a silver wire around front edge with small foliate arabesque patterns over the webs between the chambers which also has gold & silver wire inlaid in the patterns. Rear edge of the cyl has a very fine shaded scalloped pattern. This is a high polish, short frame revolver without eagle logo on bbl. The other Jerred engraved Super Blackhawk, SN 4806, remains in the factory collection. All together, a very beautiful & tastefully engraved revolver. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Overall retains all of its fine custom blue applied post engraving. Grips are crisp showing no wear & no discernible flaws, and overall retain a light ivory patina. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, has been fired but very little. 4-47989 JR241 (5,000-10,000) – Lot 1001
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1002
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$9,200.00 |
*EXTREMELY RARE PROTOTYPE RUGER SUPER BLACKHAWK .44 MAGNUM SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER FURNISHED TO ELMER KEITH BY RUGER.
SN 15527. Cal. .44 Magnum. Blue finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, ramp front sight & Super Blackhawk style top strap with unmarked Micro adjustable rear sight and protective ears. Left side of bbl is roll marked “STURM, RUGER & CO. / SOUTHPORT, CONN. U.S.A.”. Left side of frame is marked “RUGER BLACKHAWK / .44 MAGNUM CAL.”. It has a serrated wide hammer spur & serrated trigger with offset ejector housing and unfluted cylinder. Grip frame is short, dragoon style. Mounted with 2-pc custom Circassian walnut grips. According to p. 48 of Reference of Ruger Firearms, Volume One, Hiddleson, states that there were “two prototype Super Blackhawks serial numbers 15527 (this revolver) and 15528, which numbers were taken from the .44 Blackhawk (flattop) production and both guns are listed as .44 Blackhawk – Super Blackhawk configuration. These were called the ‘second pilot model’ and had 7-1/2″ bbls, protective sight ribs, ‘a flattop’ style rear sight which is not ‘MICRO’ marked, grips the thickness of an XR3 dragoon style grip frame (of the variety termed ‘short frame’), wide serrated trigger, wide spur hammer, offset ejector housing and unfluted cylinder. S/N 15528 is also known to have an unrollmarked barrel and ‘RUGER BLACKHAWK .44 MAGNUM CAL.’ rollmarked cylinder frame. It is presumed serial number 15527 (this revolver) was the same but this gun has not been seen.”. #15528 is in a private collection. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Overall retains 98-99% strong, orig factory blue with only slight muzzle edge wear on left side & a faint cyl line. Grips have a couple of minor scratches & retain about all of their custom varnish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, shows very little firing. 4-48045 JR262 (5,000-10,000) – Lot 1002
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1003
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$10,350.00 |
*VERY RARE, ONE OF TWO KNOWN, PRE-PRODUCTION FLAT TOP RUGER BLACKHAWK SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER WITH 4-5/8″ BARREL & BRASS GRIP FRAME.
SN 2331. Cal. .44 Magnum. It has ramp front sight & Micro adjustable rear sight on flat top frame. Left side of frame has standard markings “RUGER BLACKHAWK / 44 MAGNUM CAL.” with the Ruger eagle trademark. Right side of frame has the SN. Trigger guard & backstrap are brass which contain 2-pc yellow cow horn grips with Ruger black eagle medallions. Right side of the cast brass grip frame, inside the toe has the casting marks “MR / 3DB” along with a small mark in a circle. Buttstrap is hand-stamped “ELMER KEITH”. Reportedly, this is one of only two such revolvers ever made with 4-5/8″ bbl & is known to have been shipped to Elmer Keith for testing. A picture posted on the Ruger Collector’s Website depicts Mr. Keith sitting in front of his home fireplace holding this exact revolver. Page 46 of Reference of Ruger Firearms Volume One, Third Revision, Hiddleson discusses this revolver and states that it was shipped to Elmer Keith and shows it as having a 4-5/8″ bbl. The other 4-5/8″ gun was ordered by renowned dealer Herb Glass for a customer. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Bbl, frame & cyl overall retain 97-98% strong orig blue with only very light muzzle end wear on left side & tip of ejector housing. Hammer retains strong blue on edges with bright polish on sides. Screws appear to be untouched & retain about all of their orig blue. Grip frame is solid & retains a medium mustard patina. Right grip has a small grain check at right heel, otherwise grips are sound & show a fine patina with little or no wear. Mechanics are unconverted & crisp, brilliant shiny bore shows very little use. 4-48044 JR256 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1003
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1004
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$5,750.00 |
*RARE RUGER BEARCAT SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER SN 15 THAT BELONGED TO ELMER KEITH.
SN 15. Cal. .22. Old Model Bearcat, all blue finish with 4″ rnd bbl & full front sight with grooved rear sight in top strap. Trigger guard is light colored metal and it is mounted with smooth 2-pc fancy grain wood grips. Left side of grip frame, under grip, is hand-scratched “EK”. Right side, under grip, has the casting number “PR-1”. Cylinder has usual six chambers with wolf & bear cylinder scene. When Mr. Keith’s son Ted, became a smoke jumper, Mr. Keith gave him this revolver which has Mr. Keith’s personal Ruger serial number “15”. He had a special belt holster built for the revolver, right hand, with a strap & buckle attached to absolutely secure the revolver during the parachute jump and landing. Many of Mr. Keith’s SN “15” Ruger firearms are being sold by the Poulin Auction Co. prior to this sale. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Overall retains about 98% crisp orig blue with only faint muzzle edge wear and sharp edge wear on tip of ejector housing. Grips show a few light, minor nicks & scratches and retain about all of their orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, shows very little use. 4-48010 JR257 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1004
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1005
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$80,500.00 |
*THE MOST FAMOUS OF ALL ELMER KEITH’S HANDGUNS, COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER, “THE LAST WORD – OLD NO. 5”, CUSTOM DESIGNED BY MR. KEITH & HAROLD CROFT.
SN M5. Cal. .44 Special. All blue finish with 5-1/2″ bbl that has 1-line address & dual caliber markings on left side. Bore is 6 lands & grooves with left hand twist. Muzzle is fitted with a sleeve that is mounted with a Colt double action style adjustable front sight. Top strap has been reworked & redesigned into a flat top style which extends over the hammer slot and has a Colt style, windage adjustable rear sight. The base pin is of custom design that has a ribbed hourglass shaped head and is secured with a swinging latch replacing the screw or spring-loaded crossbolt and is retained by a spring-loaded detent. Hammer is Bisley style that has a widened & extended spur. The trigger is also wider & a little longer than a standard single action trigger. Backstrap is an altered Bisley part attached to a single action frontstrap/trigger guard. The hammer spring is a custom design between the originator of this design and Mr. Keith. Mounted with 2-pc pre-ban African ivory grips, custom built to fit this frame with a raised, carved Mexican eagle on right side. The orig customized single actions that led to the final development of this revolver “Old Number 5” was begun by S. Harold Croft who, having heard of Mr. Keith’s legendary long range handgun shooting skills, traveled to Durkee, Oregon with “a box full of guns” for a demonstration of Mr. Keith’s long range shooting. He was so impressed with Mr. Keith that he began working with him to re-design the single action army revolver. The No. 5 Colt was as its name suggests the fifth iteration of Harold Croft’s highly modified Colt revolvers. The first four were Croft’s designs and called “Featherweights.” After experimenting with these Elmer made final design changes to create what was in his mind the perfect revolver. The final design became No. 5, being sold here. In an April, 1929 American Rifleman article, titled “The Last Word”, Mr. Keith details the specifics surrounding the concept, and manufacture of the revolver including those who assisted on the project. In a side note, he states that the orig walrus ivory grips had shrunk, and so he had a new pair made from elephant ivory carved with a Mexican eagle which are mounted on the gun today. The engraving on this revolver was commissioned by Mr. Croft for Mr. Keith and consists of flowing foliate & floral patterns with about full coverage on the frame, bbl, cyl, frontstrap & trigger guard. Top strap is engraved with the Masonic symbol of a square & compass. Backstrap is engraved “Elmer Keith” and buttstrap is engraved “Durkee, Oregon”. This revolver is pictured on p. 103 of Mr. Keith’s book Six Guns and on p. 169 in the accompanying Keith designed Lawrence holster. Holster is beautifully tooled with a light buckstitch edge and has a thumb strap with snap. It also has Mr. Keith’s designed integral leg strap. This storied revolver has been the subject of numerous articles over the last 80 years. More recently on the cover of the May, 2003 edition of Guns & Ammo magazine. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains 96-97% strong custom blue showing holster wear & sharp edge wear. Grips are sound showing light wear on eagle and retain light ivory patina. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. Holster is crisp showing only very light wear & retains about all of its orig brown finish. This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to own handgun history, the iconic “Last Word” from Elmer Keith. 4-47801 JR244 (30,000-50,000) – Lot 1005
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1006
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$14,950.00 |
CUSTOM COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH BRIDGEPORT STYLE BELT RIG THAT BELONGED TO ELMER KEITH.
SN 81965. Cal. .45 Colt. This was originally a U.S. property Cavalry Colt that has been customized with an all blue finish and bbl altered to 4-7/8″ with a sleeve-mounted thick front sight. Top strap is rounded & fitted with an adjustable early Smith & Wesson style rear sight. Hammer has been altered with a wide checkered spur and the trigger is checkered to match the hammer. The hammer screw is a long stud with mushroom head like the orig Bridgeport rig from the late 19th century. Frame was polished & blued which has obliterated the patent dates & “U.S.” Ejector housing is first type with bull’s eye ejector rod head and base pin is a later replacement. Mounted with pre-ban African 1-pc ivory grip with a hexagonal panel on left side carved “EMK” and the right side carved with the Masonic square & compass with “G” in the center. Mr. Keith was a well known member of the Masonic Order. Bbl, frame & cyl are orig to this revolver with “DFC” David F. Clark sub-inspector initials and last four digits of matching SN on cyl. Bbl is not serial numbered and trigger guard is without SN. Accompanied by a beautifully tooled 2-1/2″ wide cartridge/money belt with engraved, scalloped edge silver buckle that has space for 38 large caliber cartridges in adjustable laced loops. Right side of the belt, behind the tongue billet is a 3-5/8″ x 2-1/4″ flat steel plate riveted to the outside with a fork attached at an up angle to accommodate the hammer stud on the revolver. Page 167 of Mr. Keith’s book Six Guns shows Mr. Keith demonstrating the fast draw with this exact rig which he refers to as the “Jesse Thompson S.A. Colt Belt Clip” with the statement that it is the “Fastest of all gun rigs”. This revolver was also pictured on p. 160 of Mr. Keith’s book Gun Notes Volume II. This is another example of Mr. Keith’s continued experimentation with all forms of firearms and especially cartridge, handgun use & development. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our“Ivory Position Statement”and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Overall retains about 75% fine custom blue with most of the losses on bbl from holster storage & holster wear. Grip is sound with a couple small age lines & retains golden ivory patina. Mechanics are fine with a smooth, tuned action, bright shiny bore with scattered pitting. Belt is supple & flexible and retains most of its orig brown leather finish. 4-48018 JR243 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1006
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1007
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$14,950.00 |
RARE KEITH LONG RANGE CUSTOM COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.
SN 134626. Cal. .44 Special. All blue finish with 5-3/8″ bbl that has 1-line address & dual caliber “Russian and S&W Special” markings on left side. Top strap has been altered by Neal Houchins to flat top style which extends out over the hammer slot and has a dovetailed, Keith Long Range 3-leaf sight that has one standing & two folding leaves. Front sight is mounted to a sleeve with serrated back edge and is Partridge style 1/8″ wide. Top flat of frame is engraved “KEITH LONG RANGE COLT”. Left side of frame is engraved “AUG. 23-1928” and right side of frame “OCT. 24-1929”. Left front web of trigger guard is marked “45 CAL”. Backstrap is engraved “Theodore Roosevelt” and buttstrap “NORTH DAKOTA”. Mounted with a rare, raised carved & checkered 1-pc rosewood grip. Hammer is customized with the addition of a checkered Bisley spur and it has a custom, serrated wide trigger. It also has a custom base pin with very large serrated head and the retaining screw in the frame has a large head with coin slot and reeded edge. Hammer screw is replaced with a long stud that has a mushroom head for use in the Thompson quick draw rig being sold elsewhere in this auction. This feature very closely resembles the orig 19th century Bridgeport rig. This revolver is a composite of an 1890 frame with a more modern bbl & cyl. Trigger guard & backstrap had their SNs obliterated during the refinish process. Accompanied by a hand-printed manila tag which states that this revolver is “Theodore Roosevelt’s gun / his name engraved on / back stap (sic) / Philadelphia Pawn Shop / $5.00”. This revolver is pictured in Mr. Keith’s book Six Guns on p. 103. Caption for this picture states that the 1-pc rosewood grip was by Pachmayr. No indication as to what the two engraved dates on the frame represent. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains 96-98% strong custom blue with only light muzzle & sharp edge wear. Cyl retains about 99% fine blue. Hammer retains strong case colors & trigger jeweling on the edges. Grip is sound showing very light diamond point wear & retains about all of its fine custom oil finish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 4-47995 JR247 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1007
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1008
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$10,925.00 |
SCARCE COLT FLAT TOP TARGET SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER THAT BELONGED TO ELMER KEITH.
SN 130432. Cal. .44 Special. All blue finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, rectangular base target front sight and 1-line address with “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .44 SPECIAL” on left side. Frame is a factory flat top style with fixed sight in top strap and 3-line patent dates on left side. Mounted with Rampant Colt/eagle hard rubber grips. Bbl & cyl are later replacements. Left front web of trigger guard is stamped with the “VP” proof & a small “B”. Base pin is also a replacement. This revolver is pictured in Mr. Keith’s book Six Guns on p. 103. A favorite factory configuration of Elmer. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl & cyl retain virtually all of their orig blue with only light sharp edge wear. Frame & ejector housing retain about 70-75% glossy orig charcoal blue with most of the losses flaked, not worn, to a light patina. Hammer retains about all of its lightly faded case colors, and trigger most of its orig fire blue. Front & backstraps are a grey metal patina. Grips, which are not orig to this revolver, show very light wear with only a small nick or two. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 4-48017 JR248 (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1008
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1009
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$13,800.00 |
*CUSTOM COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER THAT BELONGED TO ELMER KEITH.
SN 335426. Cal. .44 Special. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, 1-line address and “RUSSIAN AND S&W SPECIAL 44” on the left side. Front sight is the Keith long range model on a sleeve with three silver bands on rear face of the Partridge blade. It has a Smith & Wesson long base, white outline adjustable rear sight milled into the top strap. Hammer has a Bisley spur attached to the single action shank. Trigger is extra wide & checkered. Mounted with orig Colt 2-pc pre-ban African ivory grips that has a raised carved ox head on right side and silver “COLT” medallions. Inside each grip has the hand-scratched initials “EMK” and right grip is also marked “VIIII”. Left side of buttstrap & front strap under the grip is marked “1120B” which number is also found on bottom of frame, and inside gullet of ejector housing. Ejector housing also has the number “71688” scratched on the inside. Bbl is otherwise unmarked other than as noted above. Left side of hammer is stamped “KING / COCKEYED / HAMMER”. Right side of frame is lightly engraved “Elmer Keith”. Accompanied by a Lawrence 120F tooled, brown leather belt holster with Mr. Keith’s designed brown leather leg strap. This revolver is pictured in Mr. Keith’s book Six Guns on p. 103 with the caption “King Short Action Job, 7-1/2 inch Barrel”. Hammer, while fully functional, is a very short throw and without safety notch. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl retains about 93-95% custom blue with most of the losses on sight ring & muzzle. Frame retains strong case colors in front gullets with the balance turning silver. Hammer retains bright blue on edges, polish bright on sides. Trigger guard retains strong custom blue with front & back straps a blue/grey patina. Cyl retains about 60% orig blue. Grips are sound with a few age lines & show a fine ivory patina. Hammer is not solid in half-cock notch, otherwise mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. Holster is extremely fine showing very light wear. 4-47800 JR249 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1009
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1010
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$6,900.00 |
Revised: 3/3/2015
Additional information: The gun was shipped from Colt to Elmer Keith on a special loan account. Notation on the factory order states “Selected & Targeted”
*SCARCE COLT NEW FRONTIER SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER OF ELMER KEITH, WITH BOX.
SN 4932NF. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, ramp front sight that has Mr. Keith’s gold insert. Left side of bbl is marked “COLT NEW FRONTIER S.A.A. .45” and left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and rampant Colt. Frame is flat top style with adjustable rear sight. Mounted with smooth 2-pc ivory grips. SN was observed on bottom of frame, left side of front & back straps under the grip and last three digits of matching SN on front face of cylinder with rampant Colt on rear face. Accompanied by its orig gold & black 2-pc box. This revolver was produced in about 1964. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine, as new, all matching, shows very little if any use. Bbl & ejector housing retain 99%+ glossy midnight blue and the frame 99%+ brilliant case colors; hammer retains all of its orig blue on the edges with bright polished sides; cyl, trigger guard & back strap also retain 99%+ brilliant, glossy midnight blue. Grips are sound with a light ivory patina. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Box is sound showing light edge wear and a couple of nicks. 4-48047 JR316 (1,500-2,000) – Lot 1010
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1011
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$4,720.00 |
COLT POCKET NAVY CONVERSION REVOLVER WITH EJECTOR OF ELMER KEITH.
SN 12837. Cal. 38 RF. Nickel finish with 4-1/2″ rnd bbl, brass front sight and 2-line Hartford address. Right side of bbl lug has an ejector housing with a replacement ejector rod head. Left side of frame has the 2-line “1871” and “1872” patent dates. Left shoulder of trigger guard is marked “36 CAL”. Cyl has five chambers and the stagecoach holdup scene roll marking. The silver plated brass trigger guard & back strap contain an orig Colt 1-pc certifiable antique ivory grip with deep relief carved Mexican eagle on left side. Inside right grip has matching SN. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were about 6,000 of these revolvers produced in two calibers, 1873-1875. These small pocket pistols, upon introduction, were immediately very popular with the buying public. They usually saw hard service under adverse conditions and of those few surviving today, very few have any orig finish. Grips are certified to be original Colt factory carved ivory grips and certifiable as “ESA Antique”. Grips are original and unchanged since this gun was originally produced in percussion in 1862. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good, all matching except wedge which is numbered “13964”. Bbl retains traces of orig nickel in the most sheltered areas being an overall mottled silver/brown patina; frame retains about 30% orig nickel with the balance a gray patina; cyl retains traces of orig nickel with the balance a gray patina and shows about 50% stagecoach holdup scene roll marking; trigger guard & back strap are a medium mustard patina. Grip has a chipped left heel & toe and a small crack in the left heel, otherwise is sound with a few age lines and shows a wonderful golden ivory patina. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with good shine and moderate to heavy pitting. 4-48019 JR320 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1011
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1012
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$7,475.00 |
SCARCE RICHARDS CONVERSION OF COLT 1860 ARMY REVOLVER THAT BELONGED TO ELMER KEITH.
SN 4556. Cal. .44 Colt. Nickel finish with 8″ bbl, nickel silver front sight & 1-line New-York U.S. America address. Right side of bbl lug has an attached ejector housing with checkered half moon ejector rod head. Cylinder is rebated with usual six chambers and Ormsby Naval Battle scene roll marking. Left side of frame has 2-line patent dates & left shoulder of trigger guard is marked “44 CAL”. Mounted with 1-pc certifiable antique ivory grip made in the orig pattern consisting of two slabs of ivory attached to two wooden spacer blocks. Inside each grip has matching SN in ink. Loading gate has assembly number “2983” with matching number on cylinder spindle. Accompanied by a very early, orig, brown leather, left hand Slim Jim holster with light tooled decorations on front and a belt loop on reverse side secured with copper harness rivets. There were about 9,000 of these revolvers produced 1873-1878. These revolvers were essentially a stop-gap measure by Colt until production of their Model 1873 Single Action Army revolvers caught up with demand. These revolvers were widely dispersed and were in great demand throughout the American frontier. They usually saw very hard service and are rarely found with high orig finish. Once the stronger Model 1873 revolver with its larger, heavier caliber was widely distributed, the open top model with its weaker frame, fell out of favor and production ceased. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching including grip, except wedge which is properly unnumbered. Bbl retains 65-70% orig nickel with losses around the muzzle & forcing cone area. Frame retains about 90% orig nickel & cyl about 70%. Cyl shows about 95% Ormsby Naval Battle scene roll marking. Trigger guard & backstrap retain most of their strong, orig nickel with slight wear on trigger bow. Grip is sound with a few age lines & shows a wonderful, mellow ivory patina. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with fine pitting. Holster shows considerable wear but is completely sound with a slightly crackled finish. Altogether a rare frontier set. 4-47992 JR250 (6,000-9,000) – Lot 1012
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1013
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$13,225.00 |
ENGRAVED COLT MODEL 1851 NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER THAT BELONGED TO ELMER KEITH.
SN 90592. Cal. .36. Usual configuration with 7-1/2″ octagon bbl, scarce dovetailed blade front sight and 1-line Hartford address. Top flat of bbl between the address & front sight is lightly engraved “Elmer Keith”. Left side of frame has a small “COLTS PATENT”. Cylinder is usual six chambers with Ormsby Naval Battle scene roll marking and has last two digits of SN “66”. Cyl also has military inspector initials. The large guard silver-plated brass trigger guard & backstrap contain 1-pc certifiable antique ivory grip built in the orig manner of two pieces of ivory attached to two wooden spacer blocks. Left side of grip has a deep relief carved ox head. Revolver is beautifully engraved by Gustave Young in his deluxe coverage of very fine foliate & floral arabesque patterns that has fine pearled background. Frame has about full coverage engraving which extends over the bbl lug & top side flats of bbl and onto rammer pivot. Left side of bbl lug has a scroll which terminates in Mr. Young’s mythical bird’s head & another on the right side which terminates in a flower blossom. Back strap is engraved with Mr. Young’s typical fan pattern at the top with foliate arabesque patterns at the top, heel, buttstrap and trigger bow. All of the SNs on bottom of revolver are accompanied by a small punch mark which indicates extra attention to polishing for engraving. Screws are domed head English style. Grips are original and unchanged since this gun was originally manufactured in 1860. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: About good, all matching except cyl as noted. No orig finish remains, being an overall dark grey/brown patina showing moderate to heavy wear. Cyl retains a blue/grey patina with all six safety pins crisp & serviceable and shows about 95% Ormsby Naval Battle scene roll marking. Trigger guard & backstrap retain traces of orig silver, being mostly a light mustard patina. Grip has numerous small age lines but is sound and shows heavy wear, retaining a fine mellow ivory patina. Hammer is not solid at half-cock notch, otherwise mechanics are fine, strong bore with moderate to heavy pitting. Wedge screw is a replacement. 4-47991 JR251 (4,000-7,000) – Lot 1013
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1014
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$5,175.00 |
RARE COLT 2ND MODEL 1851 NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER OF ELMER KEITH.
SN 3503. Cal. 36. Usual configuration with rare 6-1/2″ oct bbl, brass pin front sight and 1-line New York City address with dashes. Left side of frame has a tiny “COLTS PATENT”. Cyl has 6-chambers with Ormsby Naval battle scene roll marking. The small square back brass trigger guard & back strap contain an orig Colt certifiable antique ivory 1-pc grip that has the partial SN “070” inside each grip. Grip is constructed in the orig manner of two slabs of ivory attached to two wood spacer blocks. There were about 2,500 2nd Model Navys produced early in the production run. This revolver was made in 1851. Bbl appears to be orig with heavy pitting on the flat muzzle. Grip is an orig Colt product contemporary to era but obviously a period of use replacement. Very few of these early 1851 revolvers survive today in any condition. Those with non-standard bbls are extremely rare. The Model 1851 was Colt’s first medium sized revolver after the demise of the Paterson Project. They were introduced at a time when any repeating firearm was in great demand by those heading to the Great American Frontier and literally around the world. They are rarely found today in any condition or orig configuration. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Good to very good, all matching except grip, as noted. Bbl retains traces of blue, being mostly a thin blue/brown patina with spots of rust; rammer handle retains dark case colors on the pivot; frame is a dark brown patina with traces of silvered case colors and an area of heavy pitting on left rear side; cyl is a blue/brown patina with an area of moderate pitting, apparently from laying in a holster and shows about 40% Ormsby Naval battle scene roll marking; hammer also has pitting on the sides; trigger guard & back strap retain traces of silver finish being mostly a medium mustard patina. Grip has a very old broken sliver from the right heel, otherwise is sound showing heavy wear with numerous age lines and retains a golden ivory patina. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with moderate to heavy pitting. 4-48046 JR319 (1,500-3,000) – Lot 1014
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1015
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$13,800.00 |
MARTIALLY MARKED COLT THIRD MODEL DRAGOON PERCUSSION REVOLVER THAT BELONGED TO ELMER KEITH.
SN 11295. Cal. .44. Usual configuration with 7-1/2″ oct to rnd bbl, nickel silver front sight & 1-line New-York City address with brackets. Left side of frame is marked “COLTS PATENT” over a tiny “U.S.”. Cylinder is usual six chambers with dragoon/Indian fight scene roll marking and has “MODEL U.S.M.R. / COLT’S PATENT” panels surrounding SN. The unplated brass trigger guard & backstrap contain a 1-pc walnut grip with matching SN in backstrap channel. Left side of grip has the outline of a military inspector cartouche and there are small inspector initials on various parts. Grip has a hole through the grip just at top of cartouche which was probably cut for a lanyard by the mounted trooper who used the gun. A note attached to this revolver from the Keith family states “Colt Dragoon .44 / Confederate General / Casey’s Dragoon”. There were about 10,500 of these revolvers produced 1851-1861. They were mostly all issued to active, front line units fighting Indians out West, primarily in the Southwest, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. These revolvers usually saw very hard service during that period and remained in service throughout the Civil War with many being captured and used by the Confederates. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine, all matching including rammer, wedge, cyl & grip. Overall retains a mottled dark brown patina with some fine pitting on right side of bbl. Right side of muzzle shows heavy holster wear. Frame is smooth dark patina as is the cyl. Cyl shows 60-70% dragoon Indian fight scene roll marking with the cartouches around SN mostly all legible. Trigger guard & backstrap are a light mustard patina. Grip has a couple chips in left heel & a chipped right toe and shows heavy wear with a hand-worn patina. Mechanics are fine, crisp strong bore with good shine & scattered pitting. 4-47993 JR252 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1015
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1016
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$29,325.00 |
*EXTREMELY RARE COLT MODEL 1905 SEMI-AUTO PISTOL WITH ORIGINAL LEATHER HOLSTER STOCK THAT BELONGED TO ELMER KEITH.
SN 883. Cal. .45 ACP. Blue finish with 5″ bbl, orig fixed sights with thin front blade & round top, round notch rear sight. Slide has usual markings on both sides with Rampant Colt in a circle on left rear. Left side of frame, over the trigger area is marked with the SN. Mounted with diamond checkered walnut grips. Accompanied by one orig, all blue magazine. Also accompanied by an orig black leather covered, metal framed holster stock with brown leather lining. There were about 6,000 of these pistols produced 1805-1911 but only a few had the grooved backstrap for stock attachment & extremely few still have an orig stock. This pistol was Mr. Keith’s property and is pictured on p. 101 in Six Guns, Keith. Undoubtedly, Mr. Keith would have studied this pistol & cartridge during the developmental years working on the number of cartridges that he personally designed during his life. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains 88-90% glossy orig blue, showing holster wear around muzzle & sharp edges and along the slide. Frontstrap has some candy striping and stock wear on backstrap. Hammer retains strong case colors. Grips are sound showing light diamond point wear with very little hand oil staining. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with some minor scuffing in the grooves. Holster stock has a small separation in the flap hinge but is overall sound showing edge wear & light scuffs, retaining about 75% orig black finish. Even without Mr. Keith’s connection, this is a rare pistol & holster combination. 4-48011 JR235 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1016
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1017
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$7,670.00 |
*RARE COLT MODEL 1905 SEMI-AUTO PISTOL & RARE AUDLEY HOLSTER THAT BELONGED TO ELMER KEITH.
SN 136. Cal. .45 ACP. Blue finish with 5″ bbl & orig fixed sights. Slide has standard markings & Rampant Colt in a circle on the left rear. Mounted with diamond checkered walnut grips. Top screw of left grip is missing. Accompanied by one orig all blue magazine. Also accompanied by a rare Audley brown leather holster with long drop belt loop and an unusual flap attached to a brass wire through the belt loop which secures over a brass stud on front of holster. Inside the holster has a spring loaded nickel-plated brass lock button which secures through the trigger guard with the pistol firmly seated and keeps the pistol secure until depressed. Only about 6,100 of these pistols were produced 1905-1911 and were the forerunner of the incredibly durable Colt Model 1911 Semi-Auto pistol. These pistols were without a manual safety, relying only on the safety notch of the hammer, a situation which was remedied in the later models with the addition of both grip & thumb safety. Mr. Keith wrote several times about testing the .45 automatic for long range target shooting & hunting. It seems likely that he would have used this pistol during those tests and would have tested various hand loads in the process. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Overall retains 65-75% orig blue showing heavy holster wear & thinning on the slide. Right front side of the slide, by the wedge slot, has a small crack, probably from overpowered loads by Mr. Keith. Front edge of slide on both sides has fine pitting. Hammer retains strong case colors & the trigger about 50% fire blue. Grips are sound showing moderate wear with the aforementioned missing screw. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with good shine & light pitting. Magazine shows moderate wear & retains about 75% orig finish. Holster is sound with light nicks & scuffs and retains most of its orig russet brown finish. 4-48012 JR254 (4,000-7,000) – Lot 1017
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1018
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$14,750.00 |
*SPRINGFIELD ARMORY MODEL 1911 SEMI-AUTO PISTOL THAT WERE GIFTED TO ELMER KEITH.
SN 104312. Cal. 45 ACP. Blue finish with 5″ bbl. Slide has standard markings with flaming bomb proof at left rear and the Springfield eagle on right side. Left side of frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” also with a flaming bomb proof. Mounted with 2-pc pre-ban African ivory grips scrimshawed on right side with a skull & crossbones and on the left side with a hexagon inscribed “EP” and what appears to be an elongated “A”. Inside each grip is scratched with Mr. Keith’s initials “EMK” and right grip is also dated “1924”. Sights are King replacements with a mirrored partridge style front, missing its bead and an adjustable rear sight. Mirror slat is milled into the slide. Most King illuminated sights are on a ramp and the mirror is in the ramp. Spring housing is checkered 1911A1 style. Accompanied by one all blue 1950s commercial magazine. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our“Ivory Position Statement”and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: Keith family notes for this gun state the pistol was gifted by U.S. Army Capt W.R. Strong, who carried it in France, and used in action against German forces at Ch. Thiery. EK added King sights arched housing, grip safety and hammer. Scrimshawed grips were a wedding gift to EK by E.A. Price of Garland City AR. The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Overall retains about 90% professionally blued finish showing muzzle end and light frame wear. Grips are sound showing moderate to heavy wear and fine aged patina. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. Magazine is fine. 4-47999 JR318 (1,000-1,500) – Lot 1018
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1019
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$6,900.00 |
*INSCRIBED CUSTOM ENGRAVED SMITH & WESSON MODEL 1917 GOVERNMENT MODEL DA REVOLVER THAT BELONGED TO ELMER KEITH.
SN 64328. Cal. .45 ACP/Auto Rim. Blue finish with 5-1/2″ rnd bbl, custom front sight milled into the orig sight base & a fixed custom rear sight in the top strap. Grip frame has a lanyard swivel in the buttstrap and has standard U.S. Army Model 1917 markings. Mounted with pre-ban African 2-pc ivory grips that have a deep relief carved spread winged American eagle clutching an American shield in its talons on right side. Frame, cyl & bbl are beautifully deep relief engraved in flowing foliate arabesque patterns that has very fine shaded background. Top strap, sides of top strap & left side of frame below cyl opening are all engraved in feather patterns. Right sideplate is inlaid with a walking, spread winged American eagle in raised 3-color gold that has great feather pattern details. Right front of frame has “ENGR. BY / T. MORO / 1974”. Backstrap is inscribed “Elmer Keith”. This revolver will letter from Smith & Wesson in caliber .45 ACP with 5-1/2″ bbl, blued finish, smooth walnut grips & butt swivel shipped June 4, 1918 to the U.S. Government at Springfield Armory, Springfield, MA. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Frame & bbl retain fine, strong custom blue. Cylinder & ejector pin are a bright plum color from bluing salts not being the correct temperature. Trigger & hammer retain faded case colors. Grips are sound with a few age lines & light wear on eagle, and show a wonderful, mellow ivory patina. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-47976 JR240 (5,000-10,000) – Lot 1019
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1020
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$39,100.00 |
*IMPORTANT SMITH & WESSON HAND EJECTOR FIRST MODEL (TRIPLE LOCK) TARGET DA REVOLVERS WITH RARE BERNS-MARTIN DOUBLE HOLSTER RIG THAT BELONGED TO ELMER KEITH.
SN 14145 & 6146. Cal. .44 Special. Revolvers are virtually identical with 6-1/2″ bbls, one with Call gold bead front sight and the other with Mr. Keith’s “long range” modified thick front sight blade with two gold bars for distance shooting. Both have round top straps with adjustable sights. Frames are 5-screw type and the cranes have a third fastener in the ejector rod housings. Both have standard color case hardened hammers & smooth triggers. Revolvers are mounted with mirror-image Magna-sized burl walnut 2-pc grips, carved on one side with deep relief “Elmer Keith” and oak leaves, and the other grip with oak leaves. All the carving has a coarse stippled background. Revolver #6146 has a small 5-pointed star by the SN on the buttstrap which indicates factory refinish; Accompanied by a rare double holster rig by the Berns-Martin Co. consisting of left & right hand permanently mounted, full basketweave tooled, front opening spring holsters with thumb straps across the front. They are mounted to a 3-1/2″ wide lined cartridge/money belt that is matching tooled and has a double row of sewn-on cartridge loops for fifty-eight .44/.45 caliber cartridges. Belt has a short, sewn-on tongue billet and a square, cut corner nickeled brass buckle. Rig is completely unmarked. Mr. Keith is pictured on pgs. 150, 162 & 165 of Mr. Keith’s book Six Guns, wearing this exact rig, demonstrating fast draw & shooting. The entire rig, with two 1917 revolvers, is pictured on p. 163 of the referenced publication. The caption to one of the pictures on p. 162 states that one of the revolvers is a Triple Lock .44 Special. These revolvers will letter from Smith & Wesson as follows: #6146 is a first Model hand ejector in .44 Special with 6-1/2″ bbl shipped February 18, 1913 to Lovell Brothers Seal Co. Boston, MA. #14145 is identical shipped December 14, 1917 to Stanbaugh-Thompson Co. Youngstown, OH. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: #6146 is very fine to extremely fine. Overall retains 96-97% strong, deep, restored factory blue with light muzzle end & some sharp edge wear. #14145 is extremely fine. Overall retains 97-98% crisp orig blue with very light muzzle end & sharp edge wear and a light cylinder line. Triggers & hammers on both revolvers show strong case colors. Both sets of grips extremely fine showing little or no use. Mechanics of both revolvers are crisp & sharp with fine-tuned actions and 2-1/2 to 3 lb triggers. Holsters & belt are very fine to extremely fine showing very light wear with solid cartridge loops. The thumb strap snap on left holster has separated from its base. 4-48016 JR246 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1020
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1021
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$11,500.00 |
*ENGRAVED RARE SHORT BARRELED SMITH & WESSON MODEL 1950 TARGET DA REVOLVER THAT BELONGED TO ELMER KEITH.
SN S79233. Cal. .44 Special. Blue finish with rare 4″ ribbed bbl, red ramp front sight and white outline adjustable rear sight. It has standard trigger & hammer. Mounted with 2-pc Magna-sized pre-ban African ivory grips with deep relief carved ox head on right side and a 1/2″ square inlaid gold Masonic emblem on the left. Revolver is beautifully engraved in flowing foliate arabesque patterns with nearly full coverage on the frame. Engraving extends up both sides of bbl & onto the ejector shroud. Cylinder is engraved to match on the outer diameter with the flutes not engraved. Frame is 5-screw type. Right side plate is engraved “Elmer Keith”. This revolver will letter from Smith & Wesson as a .44 Target model of 1950, shipped April 20, 1951 to Elmer Keith. It letters with 4″ bbl, blue finish and Baughman front sight. It was charged to the advertising account and the invoice was marked “Mr. Keith has for many years been a very good friend of S&W and assisted in the development of the 357 Magnum. He is now connected with the National Rifle Association as one of the editors of the Technical Department. This presentation has been authorized by Mr. Hellstrom and Mr. Austin.” A copy of this document accompanies this revolver. The engraving is not mentioned in the records, however the inscription on the sideplate is exactly like others presented by Smith & Wesson to Mr. Keith. Accompanied by a Lawrence Model 34F tooled brown leather belt holster. This revolver appears to be 3rd from the top in a picture on p. 179 of Mr. Keith’s book Six Guns. At that time, it still sported its orig diamond checkered walnut grips. This revolver was another of Mr. Keith’s carry guns and has a wonderful, crisp, tuned action. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains 96-97% strong dark blue showing only light holster wear on muzzle & sharp edges. Hammer retains strong case colors & the trigger faded case colors, mostly a bright polished metal finish. Grips are sound showing a light golden ivory patina. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. Holster is fine. 4-48014 JR245 (4,000-7,000) – Lot 1021
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1022
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$33,925.00 |
*ONE OF THE FIRST SMITH & WESSON PRE-MODEL 29 HIGH LUSTRE DA MAGNUM REVOLVERS THAT WAS GIVEN TO ELMER KEITH IN 1956.
SN S147220. Cal. .44 Magnum. High lustre blue finish with 6-1/2″ ribbed bbl, red ramp front & white outline adjustable rear sight. Frame is 5-screw type with standard trigger & hammer. Mounted with 2-pc Magna-size pre-ban African ivory grips scrimshawed with an outstanding likeness of Mr. Keith on right side and a fine likeness of a pint bottle, with label, of Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky. Inside the grips are artist signed “W.C. Shotts / L.A. Calif. / 1-1978” and what is presumably the work order number “BL-3570”. This revolver will letter from Smith & Wesson as having been shipped January 26, 1956 directly to Elmer Keith on advertising account at no charge. A copy of this document accompanies this revolver. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Overall retains about 98% glossy orig blue with only slight muzzle edge wear & faint sharp edge wear elsewhere along with a very light cyl line. Grips have a couple age lines, otherwise they are fine with sharp, clear artwork and retain a light ivory patina. Mechanics are crisp with tuned action, brilliant shiny bore, has been fired but very little. 4-47975 JR239 (4,000-7,000) – Lot 1022
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1023
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$21,275.00 |
*RARE ENGRAVED ELMER KEITH’S PERSONAL CARRY SMITH & WESSON PRE-MODEL 29 DA MAGNUM REVOLVER.
SN S153830. Cal. .44 Magnum. Blue finish with 4-1/2″ ribbed bbl, gold insert front & white outline target rear sights. it has standard trigger & hammer. Mounted with 2-pc pre-ban African ivory Magna-sized grips with a deep relief raised ox head on right side. Right sideplate is inlaid with a 1-3/16″ x 1/4″ oval platinum plate engraved “Elmer Keith”. Revolver is beautifully period engraved in flowing foliate arabesque patterns with about full coverage on the frame, bbl & cyl with only a few counterpoint open spaces. Frame is 5-screw type. Accompanied by a copy of a page from one of Mr. Keith’s books which shows him shooting a short barreled Magnum revolver. Another page shows several of Mr. Keith’s revolvers including this one laying on an invoice from the Gun Re-Blu Co. Page 329 of Six Guns, Keith pictures a 4″ .44 Magnum which the caption states “Was engraved and stocked by Gun Re-Blu Co. of Biltmore, NC”. The revolver, in the black & white picture, is obviously engraved precisely like this one with white grips that may be the grips on this revolver. This revolver will letter from Smith & Wesson as a .44 Magnum shipped August 14, 1956 to Jesse Harpe Distributor Co., Tampa, FL (Mr. Jinks notes there is no invoice found). Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Overall retains 96-97% crisp bright blue as applied after engraving. There is light muzzle holster wear with sharp edge wear on frame & cyl. Grips are sound with good detail in the carving and show a fine ivory patina. Mechanics are crisp on a tuned action. Bright, shiny bore shows very little use. 4-47977 JR237 (5,000-10,000) – Lot 1023
Shooting Elmer Keith’s Carry Pistol at James D Julia – Forgotten Weapons
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1024
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$19,550.00 |
*RARE ONE OF A KIND SMITH & WESSON PRE-MODEL 29 MAGNUM REVOLVER PRESENTED TO ELMER KEITH BY CARL HELLSTROM, PRESIDENT OF SMITH & WESSON.
SN S161577. Cal. .44 Magnum. Blue finish with 4″ ribbed bbl, red ramp front & white outline adjustable rear sight. It has semi-target trigger & target hammer. Mounted with 2-pc pre-ban Africa ivory Smith & Wesson Magna-sized grips with gold “S&W” trademark medallions. Right grip has a deep relief carved American eagle & left grip is mounted with a 7/8″ x 7/8″ gold shield engraved “PRESENTED TO / Elmer Keith / BY / Carl R. Hellstrom” with some light engraved decorations. Revolver is beautifully engraved by George Dallas in fine foliate & floral arabesque patterns without background or shading. Engraving is virtually full coverage over the revolver with blank counterpoint panels artistically placed on the bbl, ejector housing & frame. Flutes of the cyl are also without engraving. Right sideplate is engraved in script, “Elmer M. Keith”, a facsimile of Mr. Keith’s signature. Left side of backstrap, under the grip is engraved “ENGRAVED BY GEORGE S. DALLAS”. Left heel of frame is marked with a small diamond and a “B” which indicates factory restored blue finish and left toe is marked “8 59″ which indicates the work was accomplished in August of 1959. This revolver will letter from Smith & Wesson as having been shipped November 20, 1956 directly to Elmer Keith with 4” bbl and blue finish, on advertising account at no charge. A copy of this document accompanies this revolver. Accompanied by a beautiful, hand-tooled stiff brown leather belt holster of Mr. Keith’s design, made by the famous Bohlin Co. of Hollywood, CA and so marked on rear face of skirt. Mr. Keith’s design incorporates a thumb strap for the revolver spur attached to a coil spring to maintain tension but still be releasable very quickly. Body of the holster has a matching tooled, narrow leather strap with Bohlin marked silver buckle set that is also beautifully engraved. Back of the holster is marked “Pat Pend.” Accompanied by a reproduced page from one of Mr. Keith’s articles which pictures him shooting a 4″ .44 Magnum Model 29, which is probably this revolver. Also accompanied by a copy of p. 20 of the October, 1959 issue of The American Legion Magazine which depicts Mr. Keith holding two short-barreled .44 Magnums, one of which is probably this revolver. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Overall retains 97-98% glossy Smith & Wesson blue showing very little use. Trigger & hammer retain strong case colors. Grips are sound with some minor age lines with good detail in the carved eagle, and overall shows very light wear with a fine light patina. Mechanics are crisp with a wonderful tuned action; bright shiny bore. Holster shows light wear & retains about all of its orig Bohlin finish. 4-47980 JR236 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1024
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1025
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$20,125.00 |
*SMITH & WESSON PRE-MODEL 29 DA REVOLVER, MR. KEITH’S CARRY GUN WITH HOLSTER.
SN S181464. Cal. .44 Magnum. Blue finish with 4″ ribbed bbl, red ramp front sight & adjustable rear sight. Frame is 4-screw type and has standard trigger & hammer. Right sideplate is engraved in a facsimile of Mr. Keith’s signature “Elmer M. Keith”. Mounted with 2-pc Magna-size pre-ban African ivory grips with deep relief carved ox head on right side. Left side of heel, under the grip is marked with a small diamond and a “B” which indicates factory blue refinish. Buttstrap is marked “9 09 76″ which indicates the work was accomplished September 9, 1976. Accompanied by a brown high rise, right hand belt holster with Mr. Keith’s designed thumb strap with spring tensioner. Holster is unmarked. This revolver will letter from Smith & Wesson with 4” bbl and blue finish, shipped January 29, 1958 to Idaho Hardware Co., Boise, ID. Looking at this revolver leaves little doubt that this was his carry gun. It shows heavy holster wear and moderate to heavy use on the inside of recoil shield. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Overall shows moderate to heavy use with heavy holster wear on sides of bbl & front half of cyl. Trigger guard & grip straps also show heavy wear. Trigger is worn to bright metal & hammer has faded case colors. Action is crisp with a fine tune-up & about a 2-3 lb let-off on single action. Grips are sound & show light to moderate wear and retain light ivory patina. Holster shows moderate to heavy wear. 4-47979 JR238 (7,000-10,000) – Lot 1025
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1026
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$14,950.00 |
*VERY RARE SPECIAL ORDER SMITH & WESSON PRE-MODEL 29 THAT BELONGED TO ELMER KEITH.
SN S178263. Cal. 44 Magnum. Royal blue finish with rare special order 5″ ribbed bbl that has red ramp & white outline sights. Frame is 4-screw style with target trigger & hammer. Mounted with diamond checkered Smith & Wesson medallion magnum grips. This revolver will letter from Smith & Wesson with “Special Order 5 inch barrel blue”, shipped to H.H. Harris Co., Chicago, IL on March 31, 1958. Elmer Keith was a life long proponent of long range, big bore hand gun shooting & hunting. He and one or two others are primarily responsible for the development of both the 44 Magnum and the 357 Magnum. As Smith & Wesson began to produce firearms for these calibers Mr. Keith was given several revolvers and although it is not so indicated, this may have been one of them. Regardless, it did belong to and was used by the renowned Elmer Keith. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Overall retains about 98-99% glossy, high luster blue with only faint muzzle end wear and a couple of small scratches. Grips show light diamond point wear and a few chipped diamonds with some light soil just behind the trigger guard. Trigger & hammer retain brilliant case colors. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 4-47982 JR321 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1026
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1027
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$5,175.00 |
*LOW NUMBER ELMER KEITH COMMEMORATIVE SMITH & WESSON MODEL 29-3 MAGNUM REVOLVER SERIAL NUMBER 2.
SN EMK0002. Cal. 44 Magnum. Blue finish with 4″ ribbed bbl that has red ramp & white outline sights. Frame is 3-screw type with target trigger & hammer. Mounted with orig Smith & Wesson, silver medallion, magna-size, smooth pre-ban African ivory grips. Left side of bbl is inlaid in gold “SMITH & WESSON / 44 Magnum” in a panel with inlaid gold foliate arabesque patterns. Right side of bbl is inlaid in gold “ELMER KEITH COMMEMORATIVE 1899-1984”. The ribbon is overlaid in gold “44 MAGNUM”. Each end of the ribbon also has gold foliate arabesque patterns. Sideplate is inlaid in gold with image of Mr. Keith wearing his trademark 1-gallon hat and holding a cigar in his right hand. That image is bordered with gold inlaid rope. Front tab of the sideplate is inlaid with a facsimile of Mr. Keith’s signature in gold. Left side of frame, below cyl opening, is inlaid in gold “1 OF 2,500”. Cylinder is inlaid on 4 lands between the flutes “1ST OUTSTANDING HANDGUNNER”; “SIXGUNS”; “SALMON IDAHO”; and “HELL I WAS THERE”. All four panels are outlined in gold with foliate arabesque patterns in gold. Accompanied by its orig blue velvet lined walnut casing with inscribed plate in the top “Elmer Keith Commemorative”. Additionally accompanied by its orig blue & white cardboard box and outside shipping box with matching numbered label. This revolver was number 2 of 2,500 produced in 1985, the year after Mr. Keith passed away. While the Smith & Wesson records have not been checked there is a strong probability that this SN 2 revolver was presented to the Keith family. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: New in the box, unfired. Retains all of its factory high luster blue and brilliant case colors. Grips have fine hairline cracks at the sharp angles by the frame. Case is equally new but lightly soiled in the bottom from its long exhibit at Cabela’s. 4-47974 JR322 (3,000-4,000) – Lot 1027
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1028
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$23,000.00 |
*CONSECUTIVE NUMBERED PAIR OF INSCRIBED HIGH LUSTRE BLUE SMITH & WESSON MODEL 57 DA REVOLVERS THAT BELONGED TO ELMER KEITH.
SN 5239001 & 5239002. Cal. .41 Magnum. Spectacular pair of identical revolvers with 4″ heavy ribbed bbls that have gold insert ramp front sights & white outline adjustable rear sights. Frames are 3-screw style with target triggers & hammers. Right sideplates are factory engraved, in script “Elmer Keith”. Revolvers are mounted with left & right hand, 2-pc pre-ban African ivory grips that have raised “Elmer Keith” facsimile of Mr. Keith’s signature. A manila tag attached to number “S239002” states “One of a pair / gold front sight / EK engraved / killed five caribou in Arctic.” These revolvers will letter from Smith & Wesson in caliber .41 Magnum as a consecutive numbered pair with 4″ bbls, gold ramp front sights, white outline rear sights, blue finish, target hammers, target triggers and engraved “Elmer Keith”, shipped March 5, 1964 and billed on advertising account at no charge. Accompanied by a copy of a Smith & Wesson internal accounting document dated March 5, 1964 with the recipient, Elmer Keith, Salmon, Idaho, shipping two Model 57, 41 magnum 4″ revolvers with target hammer & target trigger, engraved “ELMER KEITH” “(Gold ramp F.S., white outline rear)” and lists the SNs of these revolvers. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Revolvers are absolutely identical & retain virtually all of their bright, glossy factory blue with only some faint dulling on each side of the muzzle of #S239002, apparently from holster wear on the arctic hunting trip. Grips are equally new showing no visible flaws and retain a light ivory patina. Both revolvers have been fired but very little. Mechanics are crisp with very nicely tuned actions. Brilliant shiny bores. 4-47978 JR242 (10,000-20,000) – Lot 1028
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1029
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$28,750.00 |
*EXTREMELY RARE AND IMPORTANT ZERO SERIES SMITH & WESSON .357 MAGNUM DA REVOLVER THAT BELONGED TO ELMER KEITH.
SN 0362. Cal. .357 Magnum. Extremely rare early Magnum revolver with blue finish and 6-1/2″ ribbed bbl that has Partridge front sight and Smith & Wesson adjustable rear sight. Top rib & top strap are checkered as is the rear sight base in the top strap. Hammer is orig with patent date on rear edge but has had the spur modified to a Colt Bisley style with fine checkering. Trigger is also modified with a longer & more curved design with serrated face. Sides of both hammer & trigger are jeweled. What is most unusual is the replaced hammer spring which is an enclosed coil spring inside a tube with the piston acting on a cam to actuate the hammer. This makes for an extremely smooth, quick action. Trigger let-off is about 2-3 lbs. Frame is 5-screw type and is mounted with incredibly beautiful, Magna-sized, burl Circassian walnut grips. Accompanied by a blue velvet-lined Smith & Wesson mahogany presentation case with Smith & Wesson aluminum handle screwdriver and cotton mop. Cleaning rod & brush are missing. This revolver will letter from Smith & Wesson as being listed “In the Zero book as being built on January 21, 1941 by Mr. Williams for Victor Wesson.” Mr. Roy Jinks adds that “This is questionable as there are four letters in the file between Elmer Keith & Douglas Wesson concerning a 8-3/4″ experimental Magnum but no numbers are listed. The Magnum revolver was shipped in July, 1935 to Elmer Keith, North Forks, ID. There is no question he had one of the zero serial numbered Magnum revolvers”. In Mr. Keith’s book Six Guns, on p. 42, Mr. Keith is discussing experimenting with loads more powerful for the .38 Special and he mentions that “Smith & Wesson brought out the .357 Magnum with 8-3/8″ barrel”. He continues later “Doug sent me gun No. 0362 for testing and I gave it the works on jack rabbits and other pests, and wrote up the results in the American Rifleman, killing 125 jacks with it in three days at ranges from a few steps to one jack standing on his hindlegs at a measured 180 yards. Shooting was offhand but using both hands”. In the earlier writing on that page, Mr. Keith mentions working with “Doug” on the various loadings of the .38 Special which resulted in the development & adoption of the .357 Magnum by Smith & Wesson. Mr. Keith, throughout all of the testing prior to the receipt of this revolver, used a Smith & Wesson .38/44 heavy duty revolver. Later on the same page, Mr. Keith discusses that the 8-3/8″ revolver was not as accurate beyond 125 yards as the older Smith & Wesson Outdoorsman with 6-1/2″ bbl. Later on the page, he states that he returned “Our Magnum to the S&W factory and had the barrel cut to 6-1/2 inches. It balances much better and has since killed a lot of game, including some big game and two cougar, as well as innumerable bob cats, coyotes and eagles”. Incredibly few zero series revolvers were ever made and few of those are known today. It is this cataloger’s understanding that the zero series firearms from Smith & Wesson were intended as test or presentation pieces which certainly qualifies in this instance. This is an incredible opportunity to own one of the revolvers used by Mr. Keith to continue in the development of the .357 Magnum cartridge. Accompanying this revolver are two typewritten letters from Elmer Keith to “Maj. D.B. Wesson”, one dated July 28th, and the other Aug. 3rd, presumably 1935 and two letters in response to Mr. Keith from D.B. Wesson dated Aug. 5 and Aug. 14, 1935. Mr. Keith’s letters report great satisfaction with this revolver, its accuracy and killing power but complains throughout both letters about the bbl length. In Mr. Wesson’s Aug. 5th letter he tells Mr. Keith that once the testing is over Smith & Wesson will be happy to replace the bbl with whatever length he wished down to 3-1/2″. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching including bbl, cyl & frame, grips as noted above. Overall retains about 96-97% glossy, orig factory blue with light holster wear at muzzle & sharp edge wear. Grips are extremely fine & retain about all of their orig custom finish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. Case & tools are fine. 4-48021 JR255 (4,000-7,000) – Lot 1029
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1030
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$12,650.00 |
*RARE SMITH & WESSON REGISTERED MAGNUM DA REVOLVER THAT BELONGED TO ELMER KEITH.
SN 56976. Cal. .357 Magnum. Blue finish with 8-3/4″ ribbed bbl with checkered top & checkered top strap. It has a King mirrored front sight with Partridge blade that has serrated rear face. Rear sight is a #112 King sight with white outline blade. It has humpback hammer with checkered spur & serrated sides. Mounted with smooth, 2-pc, burl walnut Herrett custom grips. This revolver will letter from Smith & Wesson as having been shipped with blue finish, 8-3/4″ bbl that had King red post front sight & King #112 rear sight with humpback hammer and Magna grips. Registration number is 4112 and the records show that it was ordered by J.E. Haseltine & Co., Portland, OR and that was sold & registered to Frederick C. Leasure, Portland, OR and that there are 11 pages of correspondence about this revolver. These 11 pages of correspondence and internal Smith & Wesson documents are included with this revolver. All are dated in the August & September 1938 time frame. Most deal with the alteration of the orig order to include the King red post ramp reflector front sight and a King white outline rear sight, humpback hammer, magna stocks and 3 lb. trigger. One of the letters is from D.B. Wesson, Vice-President of Smith & Wesson, dated 1939. Another is a 2-page letter to Lt. Col. D.B. Wesson dated Feb. 8, 1939 from Mr. Leasure wherein he details a mechanical problem during single action shooting. He also reports that he killed a buck deer at over 100 yards with this revolver. It is well documented that Mr. Keith was one of the primary developers and the motivating influence in the development of the .357 Magnum. Undoubtedly he would have used this revolver as a long range hunting & target arm. He probably would have also used this revolver to work up loads for accuracy. This is a rare opportunity to own a revolver used by the developer of the cartridge for which it is chambered. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains 93-95% strong, glossy, orig blue with holster wear at muzzle & sharp edges. Top rib has a small ding near the frame and cylinder has a line. Trigger & hammer retain strong case colors. Grips are sound showing very little wear and retain most of their orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp with a fine tuned action and about a 2 lb let-off on single action. Bright, shiny bore. 4-48042 JR253 (3,000-4,000) – Lot 1030
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1031
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$7,475.00 |
*SMITH & WESSON K-22 MASTERPIECE (MODEL OF 1940) TARGET REVOLVER OF ELMER KEITH.
SN 684743. Cal. 22. Blue finish with 6″ bbl, partridge front sight and rnd top frame with “PATENT PENDING” adjustable rear sight. Frame is 5-screw style with color case hardened standard trigger & hammer. Mounted with custom 2-pc pre-ban African ivory grips that have raised carved ox head on right side. Accompanied by a packet of information from Smith & Wesson which includes a copy of the shipping ledger page listing this revolver as having been shipped to “Elmer Keith, North Fork, Idaho” on April 11, 1940. Also in this packet is a copy of a letter or internal memo which shows that this revolver was to be shipped as above with Magna Stocks, Grip Adapter attached and “special”. This memo also states “The previous MASTERPIECE sent out is being returned as it misfired” and that it was o.k.’d by “H.W.”. Additionally included is an interoffice invoice dated March 29, 1940, charging this revolver to advertising. There is also a note & envelope from Mr. Keith addressed to Mr. Cy Bassett, Smith & Wesson, Inc., Springfield, MA with the note simply providing Mr. Keith’s express address. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The S& W historian confirms this gun as a K-22 Masterpiece Model of 1940, shipped April 11, 1940 to Elmer Keith North Fork, ID, special Magna stocks with grip adaptor fit to stocks. This was a replacement for an early K-22 revolver serial number 684452 that miss fired when received and was returned to the factory. There are 6 documents in the S&W files related to this revolver. The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Revolver is fine. Overall retains about 95% strong orig blue showing muzzle end wear and light sharp edge wear elsewhere. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-48048 JR317 (1,000-1,500) – Lot 1031
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1032
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$10,925.00 |
LOT OF THREE BOHLIN BELT/HOLSTER RIGS, ONE SPARE BOHLIN HOLSTER & SINGLE ACTION HOLSTER THAT ALL BELONGED TO ELMER KEITH.
Three spectacular lined, tooled brown leather buscadero belt & holster rigs made by the famous Hollywood empresario Edward H. Bohlin Co. All three rigs are tooled nearly identical, with full coverage on the belts, holsters and holster skirts. All have thirty, caliber .44-45 tooled cartridge loops. 1) 3″ belt with a short drop, open toe holster, tooled to match, with a spring-loaded thumb latch and matching strap that has sterling Bohlin buckle set engraved “EK” on the buckle. The buckle billet on the belt is mounted with a matching sterling engraved Bohlin buckle set, also engraved “EK” with matching tip on the tongue. Holster is for a 7-1/2″ Colt Single Action Army revolver or possibly Ruger Super Blackhawk revolver. 2) 2-1/2″ belt that has the drop part of the belt wider than usual and supports the matching tooled brown leather holster with engraved flat sterling silver Bohlin buckle. The buckle billet is mounted with an engraved flat sterling Bohlin buckle. Holster also has the spring-loaded thumb tab and is for a 4-3/4″ Colt Single Action Army revolver or short barreled Ruger Super Blackhawk revolver. 3) 2-1/2″ belt that has a slot within the belt, not on a drop, and supports a matching tooled, brown leather holster for 4-3/4″ Colt Single Action Army or short barreled Ruger Super Blackhawk revolver. Belt has a fine engraved Bohlin flat buckle set with “EK” engraved on the buckle. Tongue billet has a Bohlin sterling silver tip & a matching tip at the attached end of the tongue. Holster has a matching miniature buckle set on the strap with “K” engraved on the buckle. 4) Extremely beautiful tooled, brown leather holster with full tooled skirt and an engraved Bohlin sterling buckle set on the strap with “EK” engraved on the buckle. Holster has the spring-loaded thumb tab. Each of the belts & holsters are marked with the cartouche of the Bohlin Co. #3 above has the small cartouche and all the others have large cartouche. These belts & holsters were all presented to Mr. Keith at one time or another over his career. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: 1) Extremely fine, slightly dusty, shows very little use, completely supple & usable. 2) Extremely fine, slightly dusty, shows light use with some green verdigris by the cartridge loops from long term contact with brass cartridge cases, supple & usable. 3) Very fine, overall retains most of its original finish, showing moderate to heavy use with green verdigris in the cartridge loops from long term storage contact with brass cartridge cases, supple & usuable. 4) Extremely fine, shows very little use and retains virtually all its orig brown finish. 4-48038 JR266 (5,000-10,000) – Lot 1032
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1033
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$29,900.00 |
Revised: 3/12/2015
Please Note: Pre-ban ivory bead sight. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object“. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31.
*THE ICONIC FIRST ITHACA NID GRADE 4E TEN GAUGE 3-1/2 INCH MAGNUM OF CHARLES ASKINS.
SN 500000. Cal. 10 Ga. 3-1/2″ Chambers. Grade 4E. As the story goes, Spencer Olin, of the Winchester – Western Cartridge Company, phoned Lou Smith of Ithaca, one day in 1932, and said “Lou, I’ve developed a new load, a ten gauge magnum, but there is no gun strong enough to hold it. Can you build one?” The rest is history. This gun, the very first made in this gauge and chambering, was transferred to noted gun writer, Charles Askins Sr. It has 32″ bbls with raised, matted, ventilated rib mounted with two white beads. Bbl flats are engine turned and stamped with SN. Special robust action is slotted through the bottom providing extra purchase for bbl lumps to handle increased energy generated by the magnum load. Action is case hardened and is of early NID type featuring pin type cocking indicators, non-selective single trigger, and non-automatic safety (Tang stamped “R” and “S”). Engraving is of typical 4E style with large scrolling acanthus in stippled backgrounds, and game scenes on each side under “Ithaca Gun Co”. The scenes are standard Ithaca 4E except that the game birds, a ring-necked duck on left, and pheasant on right, are gold inlaid, a treatment normally found on grade “5” guns. Blued trigger guard with scroll on bow has SN at grip. In 1962 Elmer Keith had this gun restocked by Fred Shaw in nicely figured blond hard wood (possibly mesquite) with stock makers name, “Shaw”, and “62” marked under forearm. Stock is of “modern” California form, with swept Monte Carlo right hand cheekpiece, Weatherby style diamond inlaid flared rosewood grip cap with contrasting wood spacers, as well as borderless skip line checkering in fancy pattern. A NOSHOC solid red pad has been fitted, and a gold shield on toe line is engraved “ELMER KEITH”. Semi-beavertail forend is of unique fluted design with matching checkering, and retains all orig metal parts. Accompanied by a Brauer Bros leather Leg-o-Mutton style case w/ “Ted Keith” address label affixed. Bore diameter: left -.801, right -.801. Bore restrictions: left -.026 (mod), right -.026 (mod). Minimum wall thickness: left -.040, right -.039. Drop at heel: 2-1/2″, drop at rear of Monte Carlo: 1-1/2″, drop at comb: 1-9/16″. Weight: 10 lbs 3 oz. LOP: 14-1/8″. PROVENANCE: Ithaca historian’s letter factory letter and copy of factory invoice showing that this gun was shipped to Capt. Chas Askins March 24, 1932,Ames Okla, listing all specifications including cheekpiece at a cost of $96.00 and “Charged to Advertising”. Ross Seyfried relates: Elmer told me that this was the first 3-1/2″ Magnum 10 ga ever made, originally made for Major Charles Askins. The bores were altered on several occasions, ultimately under Elmer’s direction to throw maximum patterns with special Winchester loads of 2 oz of No. 3 Lubaloy shot, which was copper-plated. In the mid-1970s, Ross shot this gun with Elmer in Idaho with his special buffered goose loads 2 oz of No. 2 shot that gave us 120 pellets (approx 60%) in a 30″ circle at 80 yards. Elmer said these were the finest patterns he had ever seen. Additional articles in Guns & Ammo by Elmer Keith mentioning and picturing this gun and its use. The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, as partially refurbished. Bbls retain 80% of what appears to be orig blue, most wear due to normal handling around and above forend, and thinning overall. Action retains 50 – 60% orig case hardening color, quite strong where protected, with balance a pleasing silver to gray. Replacement stocks retain nearly all of their orig custom oil finish, with a few minor handling marks, checkering clean, very lightly worn. Bores are excellent, bright, smooth, and shiny throughout, with only a few exceptionally light striations toward breech ends. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are in time. Trigger works. Factory records indicate only 887 ten gauge magnum guns were produced, 56 in grade “4”. 4-47965 MGM136 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1033
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1034
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$8,050.00 |
Revised: 3/12/2015
Please Note: Pre-ban ivory bead sight. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object“. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31.
*IMPORTANT (SILVER INLAID) ITHACA NID 5E ALL EXTRAS 16 GAUGE MADE FOR MAJ. CHARLES ASKINS.
SN 439410. Cal. 16 ga. 2-5/8″ Chambers. 30″ Bbls are fitted with raised, matted, ventilated rib, mounted with two white beads. Engine turned bbl flats are stamped with SN and grade, and lump with “NITRO POWDER PROVED”. Bottoms of bbls are stamped “BEST FLUID STEEL”. Early case hardened NID action features pin type cocking indicators, and single selective trigger. Action is engraved with typical shaded scrolled acanthus as counterpoint to unusual silver inlaid (normally gold) oval game scenes, with a pheasant on left, and woodcock or snipe on right side. Bottom of action is engraved with heraldic eagle over “U.S.A.” and “ITHACA GUN CO ITHACA N.Y. is in arched riband on front portion of trigger plate. Trigger guard with matching acanthus on bow has SN at grip. Nicely stump figured dense American walnut capped pistol grip stock measures 14-1/8” over red NOSHOC pad and features usual checkered side panels, fleur-de-lis grip checkering with ribbons through pattern, and very unusual special order right hand cheekpiece. A gold shield on toe line is engraved “ELMER KEITH”. Short beavertail ejector forend has reinforcing bolt, inset ebony tip, and Deeley type secondary release. Bore diameter: left -.662, right -.662. Bore restrictions: left -.020 (Mod), right -.020 (Mod). Minimum wall thickness: left -.034, right -.033. Drop at heel: 2-1/4″, drop at comb: 1-1/2″. Weight: 7 lbs 13 oz. LOP: 14-1/8″. PROVENANCE: Ithaca historian’s letter and copy of factory ledger page showing the gun ordered 4/1/27 as an Grade 5E 16 gauge with all extras and 32″ barrels. This is one of two guns, the other being the Mag 10 Ithaca, that Elmer Keith obtained from Maj. Charles Askins, and is featured in a number of his writings, most notably SHOTGUNS BY KEITH. The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine, as factory refinished. Bbls retain approx 85% of an old factory restored blue, silvering on high edges, and thinning overall. Action retains a considerable amount of its case hardening color, but is mostly pewter gray. Stocks retain most of what appears to be their factory oil finish with numerous marks from normal hunting and handling, checkering slightly worn and dirty, with forend showing more wear. Bores are excellent, but with some slight frosting. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are in time. Trigger works. Sling swivels have been removed, and holes plugged on bottom rib and toe line. A very scarce gun, with only 155 grade “5” NID’s made. 4-48036 MGM137 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1034
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1035
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$13,800.00 |
Revised: 3/12/2015
Please Note: Certifiable antique ivory bead sight. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object“. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31.
*FABULOUS PARKER BHE SINGLE TRIGGER VENTILATED RIB BEAVERTAIL FOREND TRAP GUN OF ELMER KEITH.
SN 228351. Cal. 12 ga. 1-1/2 Frame. 2-3/4″ Chambers. 32″ Bbls are marked with Parker Bros Meriden, CT address and “ACME STEEL” on raised, ventilated rib with two white beads. Bbl flats and lump have all correct markings. Splinter/ loop is of one piece reinforced type. Case hardened action features non-automatic safety (SAFE engraved), and single selective Parker trigger. Action is nicely filed with chevron on top lever and single bead around fences. It is engraved in typical “B” style with 80% coverage various sized scroll surrounding vignettes of double dogs on each side, with “PARKER BROS” at rear; a pair of pointers on left, and setters on right. A pair of geese fly over marsh on trigger plate. Trigger guard with scroll on bow, has SN at grip. Unusual, nicely marbled European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-5/16″ over black open-sided “White Line” pad, and features high Monte Carlo comb, right hand cheekpiece, and a gold oval on toe line engraved “Elmer Keith”. Stock also features typical “B” style checkered side panels with fleur-di-lis drop points and fancy border checkering. Matching long beavertail forend with reinforcing bolt, has 1901 patent date on iron, and typical latch. This gun matches all specifications in the PARKER IDENTIFICATION & SERIALIZATION ledger. Accompanied by a Brauer Bros leather Leg-o-Mutton style case w/ “Ted Keith” address label affixed. Bore diameter: left -.730, right -.729. Bore restrictions: left -.027 (IMod), right -.037 (full). Minimum wall thickness: left -.029, right -.033. Drop at heel: 2-7/16″, drop at rear of Monte Carlo: 1-1/2″, drop at comb: 1-9/16″. Weight: 8 lbs 2 oz. LOP: 14-5/16″. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Excellent, as partly refinished. Bbls retain nearly all of a professional quality re-black. Action retains 50 – 60% orig case hardening color, vivid where protected, balance a fine pewter gray. Trigger guard has been refinished and retains essentially all of that blue. Stocks retain nearly all of what appears to be their orig finish, with a few light marks and scratches. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Ejectors are in time. Trigger works. 4-47964 MGM164 (10,000-20,000) – Lot 1035
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1036
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$29,900.00 |
Revised: 3/12/2015
Please Note: Pre-ban ivory bead sight. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object“. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31.
*TEN BORE PURDEY SIDELOCK EJECTOR GAME GUN WITH CASE.
SN 21034. (ca 1914) Cal. 10 bore. 2-7/8″ Chambers. 30″ Chopper lump bbls with raised game rib, mounted with two white beads, are engraved “J. Purdey & Sons. Audley House. South Audley Street. London.” and “Made of Sir Joseph Whitworth’s Fluid-Pressed Steel” on rib. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 1-5/8 oz of shot. Bottoms of bbls are stamped “CHOKE” with SNs and bbl makers initials “WH” (Bill Hill). Tube nos. 45373 and 45374 are on loop. Large case hardened Beesley patent self-opening sidelock action features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), Purdey’s patented third fastener, bushed strikers, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and double triggers (front articulated). Action is engraved with exceptionally well cut small shaded scroll with rose bouquet highlights in typical Purdey house style. “J. Purdey & Sons” is at the bottom of each lockplate, and also on bottom of action over “London”. Top lever and trigger guard are blued. SN is at grip. Well marbled and nicely figured circassian walnut round knob long pistol grip buttstock measures 14″ over solid basket-weave white line red pad. Stock features drop points, and typical point pattern checkering with mullered borders at grip. Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release. Iron is engraved with actioner’s initials “J.T” (Joe Thompson). Bore diameter: left -.778, right -.777. Bore restrictions: left -.049 (extra full), right -.037 (full). Minimum wall thickness: left -.033, right -.036. Drop at heel: 2-7/16″, drop at comb: 1-5/8″. Weight: 8 lbs 5 oz. LOP: 14″. Orig makers oak and leather case with brass corners is lined in scarlet cloth and has small paper Purdey label in lid, along with charge card for this particular gun. Case contains 2-pc mahogany and brass cleaning rod with short handle, with brush, jag, and lead remover, bone striker bottle containing striker springs, round oil bottle, small turnscrew, pull through cleaning kit in black morocco wallet, and a pair of C&E aluminum snap caps. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. Ross Seyfried states: “Elmer referred to this as a Purdey Super 10 Bore (being one with 2-7/8″ chambers). He said in his books and writings that this gun was originally made for Daniel Beard, the first Head of the Boy Scouts of America. (Daniel Beard founded the Sons of Daniel Boone in 1905, which merged with the Boys Scouts in 1910.)” CONDITION: Fine, as partially refinished. Bbls retain approx 80% of an old re-black, with thinning around forend from normal hand wear. Action and lockplates retain a considerable amount, perhaps 30%, orig case hardening color, faded overall. Top lever retains a considerable amount of its orig bright blue. Trigger guard and forend metal have been re-blued, retaining nearly all that blue, and are quite shiny. Stocks retain 90% of an old oil refinish, or possibly old well done replacements, checkering re-cut and relatively sharp. Bores are excellent, bright and shiny throughout. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Drop is good. Ejectors are in time. Case leather is stained and darkened, with a number of rubs and areas of lifting of grain. Central brass medallion and handle are missing. Newer straps are very fine. Interior cloth is fine with marks and rubs from contact with gun and bbls. Labels are foxed, with some stains. Accessories are fine. There is a heavy ding in the small cover of oil bottle. An unusual big bore Purdey. 4-47966 MGM147 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1036
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1037
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$6,325.00 |
Revised: 3/12/2015
Please Note: Pre-ban ivory bead sight. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object“. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31.
*RARE & IMPORTANT WESTLEY RICHARDS BEST QUALITY DETACHABLE LOCK EJECTOR, SINGLE TRIGGER, 12 BORE 3″ SIDE-BY-SIDE WILDFOWL SHOTGUN, CA. 1909 WITH CASE.
SN 17116. Cal. 12 ga. 28″ Dovetailed bbls with Westley Richards Model C top extension with small center and large front white bead sights. Tapered, smooth concave rib. Engraved on right bbl “WESTLEY RICHARDS 178 NEW BOND St LONDON”, with 1/8″ band of scrolls at the breech and scroll decorated top extension. Orig proved as a Super Magnum Explora “R-CHOKE 2-3/4″ 1-1/4 SHOT, CORDITE 730 BULLET MAX .740”. First reproof “2-3/4″ 3-1/4 TONS”. Second reproof marked “3” 3-1/2 TONS .740″. Bore diameter: left -.739, right -.739. Bore restrictions: left -.015 with .002 recess, right -.016 with .001 recess. Minimum wall thickness: left -.042, right -.042. Drop at heel: 2-3/16″, drop at comb: 1-1/2″. Weight: 8 lbs 2 oz. LOP: 14-1/8″ over brown solid pad with 1/2″ black spacer. Best Quality Scrollback Model C top lever with classic Westley Richards top tang safety in gold. Westley Richards “PATENT ONE TRIGGER” with bbl selector slide marked “L” & “R” in gold. Receiver, floorplate, top lever and tang with “BEST WESTLEY RICHARDS” scroll engraving. Trigger guard bow engraved with a dog in country scene. Highly figured black streak & vertical stripe, straight hand stock, vacant gold oval, with fine bordered checkering extending to the top tang, 14-3/16 LOP including 1/2″ black spacer and Pachmayr Old English pad. Splinter forearm with horn tip, with matching bordered checkering. Forend with A&D latch, with latch and forend iron engraved in matching scroll. Cased in a canvas covered motor case with leather corners with purple baise interior with a small label “Hunting World New York”. Case includes a 3-pc brass cleaning rod, pair of snap caps and some cleaning accessories. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Excellent bright bores with very minor scratches near the breech, chambers with minor roughness. Bbls reblacked with crisp bbl lettering & minor loss to breech & top extension engraving. Bbls retaining virtually all of an older reblack with minor loss at muzzles. Added front bead behind smaller also added white metal bead. Muzzles show minor file mark from redressing. Bbls tight and on face. Crisp trigger pulls and ejector in time. Forearm somewhat oil soaked. Orig checkering partially filled with old grease & oil. Buttstock lightly cleaned with lightly added oil finish & some oil soaking. Some minor dents & handling marks. Action retaining slight traces of orig case color. Floorplate with traces of orig black; top lever with considerable black finish; trigger guard & bottom tang mostly white. Engraving is crisp & sharp. Case overall very good. 4-48035 RJS145 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 1037
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1038
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$264,500.00 |
*THE JIM CORBETT MAN-EATING TIGER RIFLE (MAN EATERS OF KUMAON) W. J. JEFFERY GRADE 2 BEST BOXLOCK EJECTOR DOUBLE RIFLE, PERHAPS THE MOST IMPORTANT AND ICONIC DOUBLE RIFLE EVER OFFERED FOR SALE!.
SN 20176. Cal. .450/400 3″ Jeffery Cordite. Best Quality cased boxlock ejector double rifle made by W.J. Jeffery and Co. London, ca. 1909. 24″ Krupp Gussstahl CHOPPER LUMP bbls, with dolls head extension, proved Cordite 55-400 Max. Bbls with concave engine turned quarter rib, sunken concave engine turned mid-rib and engine turned caterpillar ramp, with gold bead sight. Rear sight with one standing & four folding leaves from 100-500 yards with shallow Vs and platinum center lines. Front swing swivel mount soldered to bottom rib including orig 1″ swing swivel. Right bbl engraved “W.J. JEFFERY & Co LTD” and left bbl “13 KING STREET St JAMES’S St”. Breeches are engraved with 1/8″ border band & dolls head with flowing scroll engraving. The flowing scrollback top lever action has double underbolt & recess for dolls head extension and DOUBLE TRIGGERS. Breech face with disk-set strikers. “NON AUTOMATIC” top tang safety with gold inlaid “SAFE”. All action, top lever, trigger guard and grip cap surfaces are covered with bold Best Quality flowing scroll engraving. Left & right action bars are engraved with “WJ JEFFERY & Co Ltd LONDON” in flowing banners. Splinter forend is checkered with fine bordered flat top checkering. Forend iron & tip are engraved in matching flowing scrolls. Full pistol grip buttstock of fine grained relatively plain walnut, with engraved steel grip cap and checkered butt finished with Best Quality scroll, heel and toe plates that are engraved with matching bold scroll. A sling swivel & vacant silver oval are on the toe line. Forearm & buttstock are checkered with orig fine line flat topped multipoint checkering. The rifle is cased in its orig Best Quality beveled edge brass-cornered oak & leather case, and includes a rare & wonderful orig canvas & leather outer case cover. Interior is lined with red baise. Case lid includes the orig W.J. Jeffery trade label. Included in the case are several fired cases & loaded cartridges along with two rounds with rare soft nose split bullets and one round with rare L.T. capped bullet, all well-suited to tiger or leopard shooting. Also included are 3 5-rnd boxes Kynoch soft and 3 5-rnd boxes Kynoch solid Elmer Keith’s .450 x 3″ ammunition for this rifle. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. Numerous articles by Elmer Keith where this gun was mentioned, and in one he states: “I own the late Jim Corbett’s tiger rifle – the best quality, box lock .50-400, 3″ double rifle by W. J. Jeffery & Co – with which he killed so many man-eating tigers for the Indian government. He also used it in Africa. Brass cornered oak and leather case is in fine shape. Canvas cover for the case is in bad shape and the rifle shows more use and less abuse than any rifle I have ever seen. The metal is as bright as a silver dollar. The action in that good number 2 Jeffery is sound and tight as a rat trap. Engraving shows up even better on the bright steel. Only traces of the checkering are left. The stock ears are actually worn away from the frame, as is the butt of the stock from the engraved heel and toe plates. The bores are gray in the grooves from cordite and the lands are worn down about half way from the original, but there are no pits from neglect. With Corbett lying out in tree crotches and machans in the rain waiting for tigers, this rifle was exposed to all kinds of weather. Jim Corbett had no Hoppes no. 9 or Rices X-10 solvent, but I would bet he poured many gallons of hot water through these tubes. In spite of external wear, it is as effective and accurate a hunting rifle as when turned out by W. J. Jeffery & Co. I fired both barrels at a 6″ bull’s eye – at 80 yards- shooting from a car window. They landed 1” apart, one directly over the other, both cutting the center line of the target. Jim sold this rifle to a man in Vancouver and my friend George Neary got it from him. I swapped a perfect .350 Elliot caliber, Daniel Fraser double ejector for it. I would like to have known Jim Corbett. His book “Man Eaters of Kumaon” is a masterpiece on the Indian tiger and proves he knew more on the life and habits of that beast than any living man. I treasure his old rifle. You can judge a man by the condition of his rifle.” Copy of letter from Jim Corbett when selling his rifle to a Mr. Davis. Internet info on Jim Corbett’s rifles. Factory letter stating that Jeffery records were destroyed in WWII. Other correspondence regarding this rifle and its exhibition at Cabela’s in Boise, Idaho. Factory letter, Aug 1, 2012, with specifications for rifle no. 20176, and ledger page with the only note “This rifle belonged to Col. Jim Corbett”. “Ref G. Whittome”. Most recently the Corbett Rifle was the topic of a fine article in the Spring 2013 edition of the Double Gun Journal. CONDITION: Rifle remains in extraordinary untouched orig condition. While the overall rifle shows evidence of the countless miles & hours it was carried in Jim Corbett’s hands, it also demonstrates no abuse and the kind of loving care that Jim Corbett would have lavished on the one thing that regularly stood between him and death by the claws & teeth of man-eating cats. Two patches of light to moderate external pitting about 5″ back from each muzzle. Bbl blacking is worn to soft silver patina over most of their exposed surface with most of the orig blacking present under forearm. Sights are mostly soft silver patina on outer exposed surfaces with protected under surfaces & platinum lines with most of their orig blue finish. Receiver & furniture are worn to a soft silver patina with very slight traces of fire blue remaining on action bottom plate & trigger guard bow, and traces of case color where protected by action beads, trigger guard, and top lever. Heel & toe plates are also a similar soft silver. Engraving remains crisp & undamaged, and in a way, is set off and more beautiful without color hardening to conceal it. Significant orig case color remains on the protected forend iron inside forearm. Orig checkering shows considerable wear with a few dents & loss of border in places. Generally filled with old oil, grease and perhaps tiger blood. Wood is considerably below metal at interface with action, and at heel and toe plates. Action is slightly loose, bbls are somewhat off face, trigger pulls are fine & ejectors are in time. Moderate to significant flame cutting to breech faces (much more on the right than left) around the periphery of the rims (no doubt caused by ruptured cases). Bores are bright with some frosting in grooves. Right bbl shows some modest wear & light Cordite burn. Case interior remains in overall good condition with some wear & chafing to baize lining. Orig case label intact with a few small tears. There is a probably recent 3″ long splintered impact damage to front bevel & a similar much smaller 1″ impact to left bevel. Exterior of case clean & well preserved with a few minor scuffs; orig lid straps present & worn. Outer canvas mail case worn & tattered but still in one piece & functional with two of three straps & all buckles present. 4-47962 RJS134 (75,000-150,000) – Lot 1038
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1039
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$51,750.00 |
*EXCEPTIONALLY RARE GOLD INLAID W.J. JEFFERY BEST SIDELOCK EJECTOR DOUBLE RIFLE MOUNTED WITH CREST OF RAJA OF MIRAJ JUNIOR STATE AND WITH ORIGINAL CASE.
SN 28733. Cal. .500 Nitro Express. 26″ Chopper lump bbls are fitted with one piece rib, central portion cut away forming quarter rib, which is mounted with one standing, four folding leaf express rear sight with platinum lines, marked for 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 yards. Leaves fold back in typical Jeffery style. Stippled front ramp holds longitudinally dovetailed sourdough gold bead with flip-up night bead. Steel slip-on sight protector is installed. Bbl flats are stamped with Birmingham nitro proofs for 80 grains of cordite and 570 grain bullet. Bottoms of bbls are stamped with SNs. Makers number “2567”, most probably Leonard, is on rear portion of bottom rib, which is also fitted with soldered-on sling eye. Robust sidelock action has hand detachable Brazier locks (lock pin widely slotted for easy takedown using coin, secondary screws have been blanked out. This feature is obviously original to the gun, as engraving is continuous over plugs and onto takedown screw). Action also features non-automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), dolls head rib extension with sliding third bite, bushed strikers, and double triggers. Action is nicely filed with serpentine outline to fences, and fine beads and fillets around lockplates. Action is engraved with exceptionally well cut medium shaded scroll surrounding rather naive vignettes of game animals suitable for this caliber, main subjects of which have been gold inlaid in high relief; a trio of gold elephant are in verdant foreground with mountains in background, on left lockplate. A gold Bengal tiger bounds after a scampering gold Sambar stag, on right lockplate. Bottom of action depicts a number of engraved stags and hinds in peaceful open countryside. A gold leopard with platinum leaf at rear crouches on trigger guard bow. He is ready to pounce on engraved standing gazelle. SN is gold inlaid on trigger guard tang which extends to steel trap grip cap, which is also scroll engraved. Cap is engraved with scallop shell. Beautifully marbled and lightly figured European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-3/4″ over red Old English pad, and features right hand shadow line cheekpiece, drop points, point pattern checkering with mullered borders at grip, and a sling eye matching that on bottom of bbl, on toe line, which also has an obviously original gold oval engraved in English and Sanskrit (?) “CHIEF OF MIRAJ JUNIOR” in ribands surrounding device with two crossed flags and halberd. (Wikipedia search reveals that this is most likely the crest of Meherban Shrimant Raja Sir Madhavrao II Harihar Babasaheb Patwardhan, Fifth rajah of Miraj Junior, 1899/1950.) Matching splinter ejector forend with Anson release has inset gold diamond at center engraved “L” flanked by scroll. Drop at heel: approx 2-1/4″, drop at comb: approx 1-11/16″. Weight: 15 lbs 1 oz. LOP: 14-3/4″. (As with most Jeffery rifles, the weight of this particular example sits well between the hands, and it handles exceptionally well.) What appears to be orig oak and leather case with brass corners and round central brass medallion, is lined in purple velvet. A gold embossed black Jeffery label is in lid. Case contains 2-pc brass and ebony cleaning rod with brushes, striker key with spare bushing, automatic safety wire (both in plastic bags), Hawksley marked round glass oil bottle, brass plated cleaning funnel, and a pair of snap caps. Also included are 3 5-rnd boxes Kynoch soft and 3 5-rnd boxes Kynoch solid Elmer Keith’s .500 x 3″ ammunition for this rifle. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. Ross Seyfried & Elmer used to reload ammunition for this rifle, and Elmer made Ross test fire them in a very small wood room under the stairs in his home in Salmon, ID. Before shooting, he asked Ross to tell his wife Lorraine, “Tell mom we’re going to shoot so she doesn’t drop the pot”. Accompanied by four targets: 1) Shot by Iver Henriksen with 570 grain factory ammunition. He was having difficulty with accuracy and regulation; 2) May 24, 1976 shot by Ross Seyfried with reloads tested in Elmer’s wood room; and 3 & 4) illustrating more of the same process as #1 & #2. Also included is an envelope containing two letters written in August, 1981: a handwritten letter from R.T. Blundell who appears to be a friend of Elmer’s explaining a letter he received from Holland & Holland confirming that the rifle was made in 1925 and sold for 100 pounds sterling also stating that was all of the information contained in the Jeffery records for this rifle. Wikipedia info on Miraj Junior State. CONDITION: Excellent, as refinished. Bbls retain approx 90% of an old rust blue over some light pitting and scratches. Action is finished in French gray, engraving slightly worn, especially on bottom. Stocks retain nearly all of an old oil refinish, sharp edges somewhat rounded, checkering cleaned up. Bores are excellent with strong rifling throughout, lightly frosted in grooves, toward breech ends. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are in time. Case leather is still mostly light in color, with some water staining and light rubs and scratches. Straps and handle are good. Interior cloth is fine, with some rubs and compressions, and soiling from contact with action and bbls. Bbl channel has areas of cloth rubbed through with wood exposed. Label is excellent. Accessories are fine. All Jeffery sidelock rifles are extremely scarce. Large caliber examples are especially so. A gold inlaid example is almost unheard of. 4-48024 MGM140 (50,000-80,000) – Lot 1039
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1040
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$69,000.00 |
Revised: 3/12/2015
Please Note: Pre-ban ivory bead sight. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object“. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31.
*.577 NITRO EXPRESS WESTLEY RICHARDS BEST DETACHABLE LOCK EJECTOR DOUBLE RIFLE WITH CASE.
SN 17336. Cal. .577 Nitro Express, built and regulated for the maximum load (100 grains cordite, 750 grain bullet). This fine rifle has 26″ Shoe lump bbls which have full length top rib deeply swamped at center forming quarter rib, at rear. Top of this quarter rib is matted behind one standing, one folding leaf rear express sight marked for 100 and 200 yards. Transition to mid rib is scroll engraved and has matching scroll at front portion behind Westley Richards patent flip-over hood for front sight base, fitted with white bead and flip-up gold moon bead. Mid rib is engraved “Westley Richards 178 New Bond St London Gun Makers By Appointment to His Majesty George V Rex Et Imp.” Tops of bbls are engraved “W. R. H. V. Nitro Express Cartridge .577 Bore” and “Cordite 100/ 750 Grs.” Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for this load and with “577EX”. Bottoms of bbls are stamped “H.L” and with SNs. A narrow sling loop is screwed and soldered to bottom rib. Coin finished robust Westley Richards patent hand detachable lock action (use no. “2212”), has hinged floorplate/ cover. Locks are not engine turned, but are gold inlaid “L” and “R” on tops. Action features non-automatic bolted safety with SAFE and BOLTED inlaid in gold, sliding bolt dolls head third fastener, bushed strikers, and double triggers. Action is engraved with 80% coverage large well cut scroll. “WESTLEY RICHARDS” is in scroll terminated ribands on each side. Top of action is engraved “WESTLEY RICHARDS” “EJECTOR” in front of pivoting top lever. Scroll engraved floorplate has central vignette of trotting rhino. Top lever and trigger guard are also blued, top lever scroll engraved, trigger guard has prowling tiger on bow, and SN at grip. Tang extends to large steel trap grip cap. Well marbled and figured European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/4″ over red Old English smooth pad. Side panels are checkered and have drop points. Point pattern checkering with mullered borders is at grip. A large vacant gold oval and sling loop are on toe line. Matching splinter forend has inset horn tip, Deeley ejectors and release. Drop at heel: approx 2-1/2″, drop at comb: approx 1-7/8″. Weight: 13 lbs 4 oz. LOP: 14-1/4. Makers oak and leather case with nicely shaped brass corners has central leather rectangle on top embossed “E. K. Hoyt”. Interior is lined in close checked cloth and has Westley Richards paper label in lid. Case contains a spare pair of detachable locks SNed to this gun but with patent use number “2350”. Locks are engine turned, have “L” and “R” gold inlaid, and are engraved “Extra Locks”. Ross Seyfried relates that the case was relined by Iver Henriksen of Missoula, Montana “with a pair of Pendleton Britches. Accompanied by a target with hand-written “Wesley Richards 577-100-750″… shot at 40 yards… on April 27, 1968 with Kynoch Factory soft nose”. Also in case are 2-pc wood covered steel cleaning rod, jag, brush, round oil bottle, pair of brass snap caps, two red and yellow boxes of Kynoch 577 Nitro Express, and information label used when this rifle was displayed at Cabela’s in Boise, Idaho. Included with rifle are 3 5-rnd boxes Kynoch soft and 3 5-rnd boxes Kynoch solid Elmer Keith’s .577 x 3″ ammunition for this rifle. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. Elmer Keith referred to this rifle as “elephant medicine”, and featured it in Guns & Ammo 1964 article “Put Your Double Rifle Into Action”, as well as in many other “Gun Notes” articles. G&H archivist relates that “this rifle was received on consignment 9/22/1953 from Demetrios Samaras. it was sold to the A & B Plastic Manf’g Co for $1450 on 4/14/1954. It was consigned again by Ben Schur in 1957 and withdrawn by him later that year. It was then consigned again by “H. Schur in 1961, and withdrawn again in 1962.” CONDITION: Excellent, as refinished. Bbls retain approx 80% of an old re-black over light pitting, engraving slightly softened. Action has been coin finished and is a pleasing silver gray. Top lever, floorplate, and trigger guard retain most of their re-blue, guard considerably silvered at grip. Stocks retain nearly all of an old oil finish over some light dents and marks, checkering competently re-cut. Bores are very fine, with strong rifling throughout, lightly frosted in grooves. Right bbl shows more wear than left. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are in time. Case leather is dark, considerably rubbed and scuffed. Handle is a bit tired, and shows old reinforcement. Newer straps are good. New lining cloth is fine. Old label on orig green baize shows many cracks and chips, and is considerably foxed. Accessories are good. Cleaning rod has large chip and crack in wood. An exceptionally rare big bore stopping rifle in good mechanical nick. 4-47963 RJS/MGM135 (50,000-80,000) – Lot 1040
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1041
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$69,000.00 |
*FINE & IMPORTANT WESTLEY RICHARDS BEST QUALITY SINGLE TRIGGER EJECTOR DETACHABLE LOCK DANGEROUS GAME DOUBLE RIFLE.
SN 17222. Cal. .476 Westley Richards. 26″ H.L. steel bbls proved Cordite 75-520 Max. Bbls with concave rib with raised breech section; flat engine turned to the sights, remainder concave with 3″ section of bold Westley Richards scroll engraving toward the muzzle with smooth midsection and 4″ section of bold scroll ending at the front sight ramp. Muzzles with large regulating wedge with integral front sight base and a shell-form engraved bottom rib finial. Raised front sight base with Westley Richards patent folding hood. Small caterpillar front sight with 1/8″ white folding moon sight. Rear sights one standing leaf, four folding leaves with shallow Vs, platinum center lines, regulated from 100-500 yards. Midsection of the rib engraved “WESTLEY RICHARDS 178 NEW BOND St LONDON GUN MAKERS BY APPOINTMENT TO HIS MAJESTY GEORGE V. REX et Imp”. Right bbl engraved “W.R.H.V. CARTRIDGE .476 BORE”; left bbl engraved “75/520 Grs”. Bbl Shoe-lump includes hook under lugs double bites with Westley Richards Model C top extension, with third bite. Orig front sling swivel on small raised oval base screwed to bottom rib. Action is Westley Richards Best Quality Model C Flatback with hinged floorplate for detachable locks and disk set strikers. Action is fully engraved with Westley Richards Best bold scroll. “WESTLEY RICHARDS” engraved in banners on both sides of the action. Floorplate features an Indian rhinoceros in a jungle scene surrounded by flowing scrolls and the trigger guard bow is engraved with a stalking tiger. Top of receiver engraved “PATENT ONE TRIGGER” for selective single trigger with trigger selector to the right of the trigger, with “L” & “R” inlaid in gold. Full pistol grip stock with trap grip cap containing a new spare caterpillar front & folding moon sight along with the orig rear sight locking screw (likely removed by Elmer Keith to adjust rear sight slightly to the left). Westley Richards Model C top lever with sliding third locking bolt. Non-automatic top tang safety with gold inlaid “SAFE” and fire blued stocking-lock in front of safety slide to bolt safety in the “SAFE” position. Splinter forearm with horn tip and Deeley forend catch with fine multipoint checkering. Pistol grip buttstock with highly figured marble case Circassian walnut, side paneled with teardrops and extra fine checkering within the side panels. Grip checkered in classic Westley Richards pattern, slightly sunken and extending around the top tang. Left side small classic cheekpiece with single top bead and bottom shelf. 14-1/8″ LOP over 3/4″ solid red pad. Toe line includes vacant gold shield and 3/4″ swing swivel. Rifle is cased in a green baise lined leather covered case with brass corners. Case includes three Westley Richards labels, glass Rigby oil bottle, pull through cleaner in leather pouch, leather muzzle & front sight cover, pair of snap caps and various cleaning accessories. Accompanied by target shot on June 20th, 1973 at 50 yards by Elmer’s friend Truman Fowler with Kynoch Factory solids with hand-written “Resting on the car top with white folding night sight”. Also included are 3 5-rnd boxes Kynoch soft and 3 5-rnd boxes Kynoch solid Elmer Keith’s .476 W.R. ammunition for this rifle. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. This is the rifle that was the center piece of the book Safari which was a chronicle of Elmer Keith’s first trip to Africa. He used it to take four of the African Big Five, the fifth, his leopard, being taken with his .333 OKH is also offered in this sale. CONDITION: Bores bright & shiny, near mint, with almost no evidence of frost or Cordite burn. Bbls retain most of a professional reblack. Rear sights retain about half orig blue, sight locking screw is not in place but is inside the grip trap. Some loss of bluing to front sight hood & at the muzzles. Action body retains significant faded case color with edges turning soft silver patina. Hinged floorplate retaining significant charcoal blue with traces of charcoal blue on trigger guard & virtually all charcoal blue on top lever. Forend checkering remains crisp with slight compression marks & some very minor wear. Grip checkering remains crisp & orig with minor compression dents as does the extremely fine checkering on side panels. Buttstock shows old gentle cleaning & renewed oil finish. Recoil pad is an older replacement with some roughness to the heel & side finish of the rubber. Wood shows a few minor mars & dings. Bbls tight & on face. Hand detachable locks bright & clean with most orig damascened finish. Action is tight, bbls are on face, trigger pulls are fine, ejectors are in time. Case lining & labels in good condition, exterior shows minor scuffs & scratches; otherwise very good. A 1″ x 7″ strip of leather has been pieced into the top center of the case, probably after removing previous owner’s name or initials. 4-47960 RJS (30,000-50,000) – Lot 1041
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1042
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$69,000.00 |
*VERY FINE GOLD NAME WESTLEY RICHARDS HAND DETACHABLE EJECTOR DANGEROUS GAME DOUBLE RIFLE WITH CASE.
SN 9331. Cal. .476 Nitro Express. 26″ Shoe lump bbls with swamped one piece top rib, rear portion forming quarter rib, have rear portion of quarter rib matted, front transition finely scroll engraved and with matching scroll at front portion behind Westley Richards Best type front sight base with back folding sight protector. Mid-rib is engraved “WESTLEY RICHARDS. 178 NEW BOND ST. LONDON. GUN MAKERS BY SPECIAL APPOINTMENT TO HIS MAJESTY KING EDWARD THE VII”. Express rear sight with platinum lines has one standing leaf marked for 100 yards, and two folding leaves is marked for 200 and 300 yards. Top of left bbl is engraved “Magnum Nitro Express .476.” Bbl flats are stamped with Birmingham nitro proofs for 75 grains of cordite and 520 grain bullet, along with “.476 EX”. Bottoms of bbls are stamped “H.L” and with SN. A sling loop is screwed and soldered to bottom rib. Case hardened action features Westley Richards patent detachable locks (Patent number 1551) under removable blued floorplate. Locks are engine turned and gold inlaid “L” and “R” on tops. Action also features non-automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), dolls head third fastener with Westley Richards sliding bolt, bushed strikers, and double triggers. Action has nicely filed beads around fences, and is gold inlaid “WESTLEY RICHARDS” on each side. Top of action is engraved “WESTLEY RICHARDS” “EJECTOR”. Floorplate has been gold inlaid “Elmer Keith” over an exceptionally well rendered, gold inlaid, high relief quartering portrait of a cape buffalo. Top lever and trigger guard are blued. SN is engraved on long trigger guard tang, which extends to case hardened steel trap grip cap. Classic, finely marbled and nicely figured European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/2″ over solid red NOSHOC pad, and features small shadow line right hand cheekpiece, nicely shaped side panels, point pattern checkering with mullered borders at grip, and a vacant silver oval, sling loop, and registration numbers “25” “326” (?) on toe line. Matching splinter forend has inset horn tip, is fitted with Deeley patent ejector, and has Deeley release. Drop at heel: approx 2-1/4″, drop at comb: approx 1-3/4″. Weight: 10 lbs 8 oz. LOP: 14-1/2″. Old oak and leather case with brass corners has “Ted F. Keith” address label on front of lid. Interior is lined in reddish cloth, and contains two glass oil bottles with cork stoppers, snap cap, Parker Hale 3-pc cleaning rod with brush, broken case extractor by Hawksley marked “500”, a rectangular blown glass oil bottle with pewter top, and a rectangular aluminum oil bottle, and five red and yellow boxes of Kynoch .476 cartridges along with information label used when this rifle was exhibited. Included are 3 5-rnd boxes Kynoch soft and 3 5-rnd boxes Kynoch solid Elmer Keith’s .476 W.R. ammunition for this rifle. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. This is another of Elmer Keith’s favorite rifles, mentioned and photographed in many of his articles, especially “Shooting Dangerous Game” in Guns and Ammo, Aug 1962, with a photograph of Elmer and this rifle with downed cape buffalo. The photograph of the buffalo is very similar to the gold inlay on bottom of action, and very likely was the model for the inlay. CONDITION: Excellent, as partially refinished. Bbls retain approx 96% of an old high quality re-black over some light pitting on rear portion of rib. All engraving remains clear. Action retains 40 – 50% orig case hardening color, quite strong where protected. Top lever and trigger guard retain most of what appears to be their orig blue, guard silvered at grip from normal handling, bow flaked. Floorplate was re-blued after gold inlay and retains nearly all of that blue. Stocks retain most of their orig oil finish with some oil added over the years as maintenance. Oil is thin at butt after fitting of replacement pad. Bores are excellent, bright, sharp rifling throughout, with just a hint of frosting in grooves toward breech ends. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are in time. Case leather is still light in color with some scuffs and abrasions. A large rectangular panel has been re-set on top. Straps and handle are good, handle a bit tender. Interior cloth is fine, with marks and rubs from contact with rifle. There is evidence of a label being removed in lid. Accessories are good. Simply an excellent rifle. 4-47961 RJS/MGM133 (25,000-35,000) – Lot 1042
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1043
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$32,200.00 |
*LOVELY LITTLE WESTLEY RICHARDS HAND DETACHABLE LOCK SINGLE TRIGGER DOUBLE RIFLE WITH CASE.
SN 17260. Cal. .400/360 Nitro Express. (.360 Groove diameter) 26″ Chopper lump bbls are fitted with one piece top rib, center and front portion cut away with rear forming quarter rib, mounting one standing, four folding leaf express sight with platinum lines marked for 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 yards. Rib transition to central portion is engraved with large shaded scroll with another flourish of this scroll behind rectangular front sight base mounting silver bead. Central portion of rib is engraved “Westley Richards 178 New Bond St. London. Gun Makers by Appointment to His Majesty George V. Rex et Imp.” and “Whitworth Steel”. Tops of bbls are engraved “W. R. H.V 360 Nitro Express” and “41/314 Grs.” Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 41 grains of cordite and 314 grain bullet. Bottoms of bbls are stamped “H.L” with Whitworth sheaf of wheat trademark and SNs. A sling loop is screwed and soldered to bottom rib. Case hardened hand detachable (drop lock) action has hinged lock cover. Locks are engine turned, gold inlaid “L” and “R” on tops, and stamped with SN and Westley Richards patent use nos. 2120. Action features non-automatic safety, once bolted (bolt removed)(SAFE and BOLTED are gold inlaid), Westley Richards dolls head third fastener with sliding bolt, bushed strikers, and single selective trigger, with selector on trigger plate (R and L gold inlaid). Action is engraved with 90% coverage well cut medium scroll. “WESTLEY RICHARDS” is in scrolled riband on each side. Top of action in front of pivoting top lever, is engraved “WESTLEY RICHARDS” and “PATENT ONE TRIGGER”. Blued and scroll engraved floorplate has central vignette of Asian elephant in woodlands. A roaring lion is on trigger guard bow. SN is on scroll engraved tang, which extends to engraved steel trap grip cap, containing two spare strikers. Broadly marbled and lightly figured European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14″ over NOSHOC pad, and features right hand shadow line cheekpiece, checkered side panels with drop points, point pattern checkering with mullered borders at grip, and a vacant gold rectangle and sling loop on toe line. Matching splinter Deeley ejector forend has inlet horn tip and Deeley release. Drop at heel: approx 2-3/16″, drop at comb: approx 1-5/8″. Weight: 8 lbs 14 oz. LOP: 14″. Abercrombie & Fitch marked VC leather case with stitched leather corners, is embossed “A.P.H.” on top. Interior is lined in burgundy cloth, and contains a pair of brass snap caps, and a tooled leather cartridge box with woven rawhide trim embossed “EK”, containing a number of Kynoch 400/360 cartridges. Also included are 3 5-rnd boxes Kynoch soft and 3 5-rnd boxes Kynoch solid of Elmer Keith’s .400/360 ammunition. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. Elmer Keith considered this a double rifle for African plains game and for North American game. CONDITION: Excellent, as partially refinished. Bbls retain over 95% of a fine quality rust blue over some light marks and scratches. Action retains 70 – 80% orig case hardening color, thinning around bottom from normal hand wear. Top lever, floorplate, and trigger guard retain most of what appears to be their orig bright blue. Stocks retain nearly all of an old oil refinish over a number of marks and scratches. Buttstock appears to have had a lateral crack behind grip, with evidence of repair bolt being covered. Checkering is slightly worn and dirty, appears not to have been re-cut. Definition of shadow line on cheekpiece softened. Bores are very fine, near excellent, with some light pitting and frosting in grooves toward breech ends. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are in time. Trigger works. Case leather is fine with a number of scuffs and rubs. Handle is fine. Interior cloth is fine, slightly soiled and rubbed. Cartridge box is very fine, somewhat dry. A light and lively rifle in a caliber suitable for nearly all close quarters North American game, and most African. 4-48026 MGM141 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 1043
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1044
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$26,450.00 |
*RARE AND UNUSUAL WESTLEY RICHARDS EJECTOR CAPE GUN WITH HAND DETACHABLE LOCKS.
SN T2247. Cal. 303 British & 16 bore. 26″ Shoe lump steel bbls. Right bbl nitro-proved 1 ounce of shot 16/C & Choke; left bbl nitro-proved and 303. Bbls have double under bite and Model C top extension, quarter rib and raised ramp front sight. Sling swivel mount screwed to bottom rib. Front sight is a small bead on a horizontal dovetail. Rear sight is exceptional with one standing at 50 yards with five folding leaves from 100-500 yards, and a ladder sight out to 1800 yards. All sight leaves with wide shallow Vs & platinum center lines. Right bbl engraved “WESTLEY RICHARDS & Co. LONDON”; left bbl engraved “W.R. 303 CORDITE CARTRIDGE”. Bore diameter: right (shot) -.668. Bore restrictions: right -.033 (full choke). Minimum wall thickness: right -.033. Drop at heel: approx 2-5/16″, drop at comb: approx 1-9/16″. Weight: 8 lbs 0 oz. LOP: 14-3/4″. Splinter forearm with horn tip, point checkering pattern and A&D latch. Anson & Deely action with Model C bolt third fastener, left/rifle striker is fitted with a vertical dovetail bushing. Early style detachable floorplate. Automatic top tang safety with gold inlaid “SAFE”. Action & furniture engraved with borders and approx 40% coverage Westley Richards scrolls. Left & right action bars engraved “WESTLEY RICHARDS & Co.”. Buttstock has side panels & Prince of Wales grip with steel buttplate with round trap containing spare front sight. Toe line of stock with sling swivel & silver oval engraved “ELMER KEITH”. Stock wood is relatively plain with some streaking & rich color. Checkering is classic Westley Richards semi-flat top bordered extending to the top tang. Accompanied by a Lyon & Coulson leather Leg-o-Mutton style case w/ “Ted Keith” address label affixed and brass name plate engraved “KEITh”. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. Elmer once told the cataloger that he wanted to take grouse and mule deer with the same gun in the same day. CONDITION: Excellent. Bbls retain approx 95% orig blue finish with some minor light scuffs and scratches, silvered at muzzles. Action retains 60 – 70% orig case hardening color, vivid where protected, silvering at bottom and on fences. Top lever, floorplate, and trigger guard retain most, perhaps as much as 80% orig charcoal blue, most loss on trigger guard tang. Buttplate retains 60 – 70% of its orig charcoal blue. Stocks retain approx 90% of their orig rubbed oil finish with some oil rubbed in as maintenance, over numerous light marks and compressions. Checkering is lightly worn. There is an old, stable crack on left side of butt running from rear of trigger guard approx 1-1/4″ upward and back into stock. Bores are excellent, shotgun bore with patches of very light frosting throughout. Metford rifle bore is bright, lightly frosted in grooves. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Shotgun ejector will not trip. 4-48027 RJS142 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 1044
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1045
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$59,800.00 |
*CHARLES BOSWELL BOXLOCK EJECTOR BIG GAME DOUBLE RIFLE WITH CASE.
SN 17109. Cal. .500 Nitro Express. 24″ Chopper lump bbls with matted quarter rib, mid-rib, and stippled front sight base, are fitted with one standing, two folding leaf express rear sight, with platinum lines marked for 100, 200, and 300 yards, and a sourdough front bead. A heavy machined sight protector mounts on front ramp. Tops of bbls are engraved “Charles Boswell.” and “126. Strand. London. W.” Bbl flats are stamped with Birmingham nitro proofs for 80 grains of cordite and 570 grain bullet, as well as “C. BOSWELL”. SNs are on bottoms of bbls. A sling eye is screwed to bottom rib. Case hardened boxlock action features non-automatic safety (“S” gold inlaid), square shouldered dolls head rib extension, bushed strikers, and double triggers. Front trigger is “loose”, to prevent trigger finger bruising. Action is engraved with beaded borders and “Charles Boswell” is in scroll flanked banner on each side. Top lever, floorplate, and trigger guard are blued. SN is on trigger guard tang which extends to plain steel trap grip cap. Finely marbled European walnut full pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/2″ over Silver type pad, and features right hand shadow line cheekpiece, drop points, checkered side panels, classic point pattern grip checkering, along with a sling eye and silver oval engraved “EK” on toe line. Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release. Drop at heel: approx 1-13/16″, drop at comb: approx 1-5/8″. Weight: 11 lbs 12 oz. LOP: 14-1/2″. Old Westley Richards leather case with brass corners, has “Ted F. Keith” address label on front edge of lid, and interior is lined in carmine cloth, and has large paper Westley Richards label in lid. Case contains T-handled striker key, two pairs of snap caps, felt bag with recovered bullets, spare front sight with silver bead and pop-up moon sight, all in covered compartment. Also included are a leather muzzle protector, square oil bottle, leather cartridge holder containing six Kynoch 500 nitro rounds, and three red and yellow boxes of Kynoch 3″ 500 nitro, Sections of two targets shot by Elmer Keith with this rifle, show excellent grouping, as well as, information label for this rifle. Also included are 3 5-rnd boxes Kynoch soft and 3 5-rnd boxes Kynoch solid Elmer Keith’s .500 x 3″ ammunition for this rifle. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. Ross Seyfried relates: “This was Elmer’s “elephant rifle” that he used to take several bull elephant. In his later years, he kept this rifle beside his chair and would shoulder it several times every day to stay in shape. Accompanied by a target that was shot on April 27, 1968 with 570 grain factory Kynoch soft nose. Also, another target shot on August 7, 1968.” This rifle was mentioned and pictured in numerous articles by Mr. Keith, including “Worlds Biggest Big Game” in Guns and Ammo Sept 1970. CONDITION: Excellent, as partially refurbished. Bbls retain over 90% of an old professional re-black. Action retains approx 30% of what appears to be orig case hardening color, balance a smooth silver gray patina. Top lever and floorplate retain most of their orig charcoal blue. Trigger guard retains over 80% of a rust re-blue. Stocks retain over 90% of an old oil refinish. Checkering re-cut and lightly worn. Buttstock is a possible old high quality correctly shaped replacement. Bores are exceptionally fine, bright, sharp, and shiny throughout. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are strong and in time. Case leather is still relatively light in color, but has numerous heavy scuffs, marks, and rubs, some nearly through. Handle and straps are good. Interior cloth is good with many rubs and marks, some through. Case has been reinforced with screwed-in angle brackets in bbl channel, with muzzle support recovered in blue cloth. Partitions are generally good. Accessories are good. Despite its weight this rifle is exceptionally well balanced and handy. No wonder it was one of Elmer Keith’s favorites. 4-47959 RJS/MGM132 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 1045
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1046
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$57,500.00 |
*FINE HOLLAND & HOLLAND ROYAL EJECTOR DANGEROUS GAME DOUBLE RIFLE WITH EXTRAORDINARY SIGHTS.
SN 30357. Cal. .500/465. Circa 1921. 26″ chopper lump bbls with concealed third fastener, proved Cordite 75-480 Max, file cut checkered quarter rib with matted finial, raised foresight ramp with caterpillar front sight & sight hood. Sling swivel base soldered to bottom rib, with swivel. Exceptional three leaf folding rear sight, regulated for 100, 200 & 300 yards with wide shallow Vs and platinum center lines. Each leaf locked in place either up or down with a small spring loaded lever. Additionally, there is a similar folding leaf sight at the breech end of the bbls that includes the same spring loaded locking lever with an aperture in the leaf instead of a V. Right bbl engraved “HOLLAND & HOLLAND”; left bbl “98, NEW BOND STREET, LONDON”. The center of the top rib is engraved “465 BORE”. The non-reinforced action with concealed third bite, disk set strikers, top lever and hand detachable side locks. Both the top lever & bottom plate of the action are engraved “ROYAL EJECTOR”. Action includes the Holland extended top strap over the comb. Non automatic safety with gold inlaid “SAFE”. Double triggers with front trigger hinged with fine matting. Trigger guard beaded on right side. Locks have double intercepting sears and are marked “Joseph Brazier Ashes” and have gold line cocking indicators on the spindles. Locks, action body and forend iron are engraved with classic bold Holland & Holland scroll. Fences with ornate scroll & floral pattern. Splinter forend with bordered multipoint checkering pattern. Full pistol grip stock with engraved steel trap grip cap with swing swivel & vacant gold oval on toe line. Stock with teardrops behind side locks and point checkering pattern. Classic cheekpiece of left side on single raised shelf. Wood with black streaks and considerable fiddleback figure. 14-7/8″ LOP from front trigger to solid red recoil pad, and black spacer with widow’s peak. Rifle is cased in a non-original leather motor case with toe under stock compartment with leather Holland & Holland label. Case was probably made for a 12 bore shotgun and now refitted to this rifle. Case accessories include a 2-pc wood ramrod, pair of nickel snap caps, nickel oil bottle and a leather front sight & muzzle cover; also, ironically in a bottle from the Rigby pharmacy, is a pair of lock mainsprings. Also included are 3 5-rnd boxes Kynoch solid and 3 5-rnd boxes Holland’s soft Elmer Keith’s .500/465 ammunition for this rifle. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Bores bright & shiny with a small area of very shallow pitting visible about 3″ in front of chambers of both bores. Bbls retain almost all of an older reblack with some slight loss to engraving. Front side hood is a later replacement. Sight leaves have been reblued & retain their platinum center lines. Action body & locks with crisp engraving. Surfaces have been cleaned & are mostly soft grey patina. Trigger guard reblacked with sharp engraving, and retain most of reblack finish. Foreign wood with crisp professionally renewed checkering and renewed finish. Forend iron is blued & retains traces of blue finish. Buttstock with renewed & clean checkering. Some softening of shadow line on cheekpiece. Stock gently cleaned with professionally renewed finish overall. There is evidence of a possible old repair or fill in the stock beginning at back edge of right lock & extending almost to edge of checkering. Front sight hood is probably a replacement. Wood with minor small handling marks & compression dents. Bbls are tight & on face. Trigger pulls crisp. Ejector in time. Exterior of case very good with a few minor scuffs; interior is good, as altered, lined with purple baise. 4-48025 RJS (50,000-80,000) – Lot 1046
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1047
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$33,350.00 |
*VERY FINE HOLLAND & HOLLAND DOMINION SIDELOCK EJECTOR .465 H&H DANGEROUS GAME DOUBLE RIFLE WITH ORIGINAL CASE.
SN 32002. (ca 1928) Cal. .500/.465 Nitro Express. 26″ Chopper lump bbls are fitted with file cut quarter rib and matching front sight base. Quarter rib is mounted with one standing, two folding leaf express sight with platinum lines marked for 100, 200, and 300 yards. Front ramp, with slip-on sight protector, holds fine small silver bead, and flip-up porcelain night bead. Mid rib is engraved “.465. Bore.” Tops of bbls are engraved “Holland & Holland” and “98. New Bond Street, London.” Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 75 grains of cordite, and 480 grain bullet. Bottoms of bbls are stamped with SNs and “VICKERS STEEL”. Case hardened action features Purdey type hidden third fastener, non-automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), top strap which extends over comb, bushed strikers, and double triggers. Front trigger is slightly “loose”, blade checkered. Action and lockplates are engraved with small scroll borders. “Holland & Holland” is at the center of each lockplate. “.465 BORE” “NITRO CARTRIDGE” “CASE 3-1/4 INCHES” is on bottom of action. Trigger guard has SN on tang, which extends to steel trap grip cap, with spare front sight in trap. Finely fiddle figured and lightly streaked European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/2″ over NOSHOC pad fitted to orig curve. Stock features classic H&H style checkering, as well as, right hand cheekpiece with shadow line. A vacant silver oval and sling loop matching that on bottom of bbl, are on toe line. Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release. Drop at heel: approx 3-3/16″, drop at comb: approx 1-7/8″. Weight: 10 lbs 11 oz. LOP:14-1/2″. Orig makers leather case has rectangular brass plate screwed to top marked “RICHARD. J. O’KEEFE”. Interior is lined in burgundy cloth and has gold embossed black leather H&H label, along with instruction label and charge card for this rifle in lid. Case contains 2-pc wood covered steel and brass cleaning rod with jag, horn handled striker key, bone striker bottle containing pair of strikers and marked in India ink “spare strikers 32002”, pair of snap caps, glass oil bottle with plated top with green label “Supplied by James Woodward & Co”, two boxes of Kynoch red and yellow cartridges, one soft nosed, the other solid, and a Holland marked box of soft nosed cartridges with yellow label. Along with 9 loose Kynoch rounds, as well as a black morocco leather wallet marked “465” with pull through cleaning equipment. Also included are 3 5-rnd boxes Kynoch solid and 3 5-rnd boxes Holland’s soft Elmer Keith’s .500/465 ammunition for this rifle. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Excellent, as found. Bbls retain 70% orig blue, silvering and thinning at muzzles, and above forend and action from normal handling wear. Action and lockplates retain approx 30% of their orig color hardening, faded and worn to bright silver, toning to gray. Top lever retains over 90% of its orig bright blue, silvered on thumbpiece. Trigger guard re-blued, and retains 80% of that blue. Stocks retain most of their orig hand rubbed oil finish with numerous light marks, more wear on forend, checkering lightly worn, again with more wear on forend checkering. Pad is relatively new, nicely fitted. Bores are brilliant with sharp rifling throughout. Action is tight. Bbls are slightly off face. Ejectors are in time. Case leather shows considerable scuffing on edges. Straps and handle are good. Interior cloth is good, with soiling and compressions. Accessories are fine. No. 2 grade rifles are exceptionally strong and highly regarded, this fine unmolested example would make a perfect safari rifle. 4-48023 MGM161 (30,000-50,000) – Lot 1047
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1048
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$19,550.00 |
*HOLLAND & HOLLAND NUMBER 2 GRADE SIDELOCK DANGEROUS GAME DOUBLE RIFLE.
SN 19127. (ca 1909) Cal. .500/465 Nitro Express. This grade later became known as the “Dominion”. It was a plain finished, but high quality and extremely strong, with a high reputation in Africa. This rifle has 26″ chopper lump bbls fitted with quarter rib, and front sight ramp that are file cut, and nicely filed. Quarter rib is fitted with one standing, two folding leaf express sight marked for 100, 200, and 300 yards. Front ramp is fitted with silver bead and flip-up moon bead. Tops of bbls are engraved “Holland & Holland. 98. New Bond Street, London.” and “Winners of All The “Field” Rifle Trials, London.” Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for .465 express, 75 grains of cordite, and 480 grain bullet. SN is stamped on broad flat splinter. A sling loop is soldered to bottom rib. Case hardened action fitted with back action sidelocks features long top strap which extends over comb, automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), bushed strikers, sliding third fastener which engages rib extension, gold band tumbler end cocking indicators, and double triggers with front trigger “loose”. Lockplates are engraved “Holland & Holland”. Bottom of action is engraved “Charge” “75 Grains Cordite” “.465” “Case 3-1/4 Inches”. Action and lockplates have small scroll borders. Trigger guard is gold inlaid “H.H .465″ on bow. SN is on tang which extends to steel trap grip cap, which contains a pair of strikers. Flesh-toned circassian walnut buttstock is nicely streaked, and measures 14-1/4″ over Silver type pad, and features classic Holland & Holland right hand cheekpiece with broad transition to shadow line, and point pattern checkering with mullered borders. A vacant silver oval and a sling loop matching that on bbl, are on toe line. Matching splinter forend has forward pivoting release. Drop at heel: approx 2-3/4″, drop at comb: approx 1-3/4″. Weight: 10 lbs 15 oz. LOP: 14-1/4”. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Excellent, as partially refinished. Bbls retain most of an old glossy re-black over light pits, scratches, and marks, engraving and file cutting somewhat softened. Action and lockplates retain a considerable amount, perhaps 40%, orig case hardening color, locks somewhat stronger. Trigger guard retains perhaps 10% orig blue. Stocks retain nearly all of an old oil refinish, details and shadow line are softened, checkering re-cut. Borders have not been re-mullered. Bores are fine with strong rifling, dark in grooves toward breech ends. Action is tight. Top lever spring is broken, and action will not “snap”. This well balanced, fine handling rifle would make a great working rifle. 4-48028 MGM150 (25,000-35,000) – Lot 1048
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1049
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$11,500.00 |
*VERY FINE HOLLAND & WOODWARD PATENT SINGLE SHOT DROPPING BLOCK DANGEROUS GAME RIFLE BY HOLLAND & HOLLAND.
SN 24043. Cal. .500/450 Nitro Express. 26″ Heavy round tapered bbl is fitted with nicely filed and stippled island base, for one standing, two folding leaf express rear sight, and matching front ramp holding silver bead. Top of bbl is engraved “Holland & Holland 98. New Bond Street, London. Winners of All the “Field” Rifle Trials London”. Left rear portion of bbl is stamped with London proofs for 70 grains cordite and 480 grain bullet. Case hardened Holland/ Woodward patent action features non-automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), and takedown trigger/ firing group with long handled takedown pin on right side. Both sides of action are engraved “HOLLAND & HOLLAND” “Patent No 17578”. Left side is also engraved “Charge 70 grains, 500/450 Case 3-1/4 Inches”. Remainder of action has small scrolled borders. Flat top of receiver ring is nicely stippled. Fine, flame figured American walnut steel trap capped pistol grip buttstock, (with spare striker in trap) “handmade by Reinhart Fajen and the first using Keith designed Monte Carlo cheekpiece” (per Ross Seyfried), measures 13-7/8″ over NOSHOC pad. Point pattern checkering with mullered borders is at grip, and a vacant silver oval is on toe line. What appears to be orig and quite unusual, is the nearly full-length Mannlicher type forend with horn tip, that attaches to bbl with two screws from bottom through diamond shaped escutcheons. Drop at heel: approx 2-1/4″, drop at rear of Monte Carlo: approx 1-5/8″, drop at comb: approx 1-3/4″. Weight: 10 lbs 0 oz. LOP: 13-7/8″. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. Elmer told Ross Seyfried that it was the first stock made with the Keith design Monte Carlo cheekpiece. CONDITION: Very fine, as partially refurbished. Bbl retains a considerable amount, perhaps as much as 30% of its orig streaky brown with evidence of some cleaning. 1-1/4″ block of steel has been dovetailed into front portion of rear sight base. Action retains approx 70 – 80% orig case hardening color. Operating lever retains most of its bright blue. Newly made buttstock retains nearly all of its hand rubbed oil finish. Forend, refinished at the same time as stocking, matches very well. There is some slight checking through flame grain in butt. Bore is excellent, bright, sharp, and shiny throughout, with one or two light flecks about 6″ back from muzzle (may clean). Action, like all these beautifully made actions, is smooth as silk. This rifle number is listed in BRITISH SINGLE SHOT RIFLE VOL. 5 by Wal Winfer as being delivered to Guinard & Co, ca. 1902. 4-48032 MGM144 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 1049
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1050
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$10,350.00 |
*FINE HOLLAND & WOODWARD PATENT H&H SINGLE SHOT CUSTOM RIFLE.
SN 24-189. Cal. .30/40 Krag. This unusual rifle was re-barreled by Elmer Keith in .30/40 Krag utilizing the orig one standing, four folding leaf express rear sight. 26-1/2″ Tapered round bbl is also fitted with banded-on sling eye, and front ramp mounting sourdough bead. Orig muzzle protector is present. Blued Holland & Woodward action features non-automatic tang safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), with top tang fitted with flip-up screw adjustable aperture sight. Both sides of action are engraved “HOLLAND & HOLLAND” and “Patent 17578″ within double line borders with small flourishes at ends. Right side of action is fitted with mechanism dis-assembly pin. SN is at rear of trigger guard. Orig Holland & Holland well streaked European walnut steel trap capped pistol grip buttstock measures 13-5/8” over serrated horn buttplate, and features classically shaped H&H shadow line right hand cheekpiece, point pattern checkering with mullered borders, and with a sling eye as well as a silver oval engraved “ELMER KEITH” on toe line. Long schnabeled forend attaches to bbl with a screw through diamond shaped steel escutcheon. Removal of forend reveals SN on face of action, and no bbl makers marks. Drop at heel: approx 2-7/8″, drop at comb: approx 1-15/16″. Weight: 7 lbs 10 oz. LOP: 13-5/8″. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Excellent, as custom finished. Metal parts retain essentially all of their blue. Orig Holland buttstock has sharp edges slightly rounded, and retains nearly all of a fine rubbed oil finish, checkering re-cut. New forend is essentially as new, with a few light handling marks. Bore is excellent. Action is smooth and crisp. These highly regarded Holland actions are quite scarce, with approx 200 ever made. 4-47969 MGM138 (8,000-13,000) – Lot 1050
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1051
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$12,650.00 |
Revised: 3/12/2015
Please Note: Pre-ban ivory bead sight. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object“. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31.
*W.W. GREENER SINGLE SHOT DROPPING BLOCK RIFLE ON 1902 WEBLEY ACTION.
SN 013931. Cal. .450 Nitro Express. 27″ Tapered round bbl with Nock form, is fitted with sleeved-on rear sight base holding one standing, two folding leaf express sight with platinum lines, and marked for 100, 200, and 300 yards. Sleeved-on front island ramp is fitted with longitudinally dovetailed white bead. Top of bbl in front of Nock form, is engraved “W. W. GREENER. 68 Haymarket London.” Blued action is engraved “W. W. GREENER LONDON & BIRMINGHAM” around “WEBLEY PATENT” and “No. 6365 1902” and with winged projectile logo on right side. Left side is also engraved with Greener name and address along with elephant trademark. Action features non-automatic tang safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), and (I believe unique to Greener) long strengthening straps, with dolls head attachment to action, which extend through grip and into butt. The portions of the straps that run through checkering are checkered “en suite” with grip. Broadly streaked and lightly figured European walnut steel capped pistol grip buttstock measures 13-7/8″ over NOSHOC pad. A sling eye matching that on underside of bbl, is on toe line. Matching forend with nicely shaped horn tip, attaches to bbl with screw through small round escutcheon. Removal of forend reveals action face no. 50 (not listed in BRITISH SINGLE SHOT RIFLES VOL. 6 by Wal Winfer), which is also on bbl shank, along with Greener number and elephant logo. Drop at heel: approx 3-1/8″, drop at comb: approx 2-1/4″. Weight: 9 lbs 10 oz. LOP: 13-7/8″. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, as partially refinished. All metal parts have been re-blued over scattered pinprick pitting and a number of light scratches, and retain nearly all of that blue, pleasingly silvered on sharp edges. Stocks retain nearly all of an old oil finish which may be original. Bore is excellent with sharp rifling throughout, with some light frosting toward breech end. Action is smooth and crisp. A very scarce nitro single shot that has not been monkeyed with. From known action face numbers, it appears that fewer than 300 of these exceptionally fine actions were ever made. 4-47970 MGM139 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1051
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1052
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$9,440.00 |
*FINE IVER HENRIKSEN CUSTOM RIGBY FARQUHARSON .338-74 KEITH SINGLE SHOT RIFLE WITH SCOPE.
SN 16734. Cal. .338 X 74. (9.3 x 74 case necked to .338, designed by Elmer Keith to duplicate the ballistics of the .338 Winchester, in a rimmed cartridge for use in single shot and double rifles.) 25″ Tapered octagon bbl features stippled, integral quarter rib, front sight ramp, and sling swivel base. Rib is fitted with one standing and four folding leaf rear express sight for 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 yards. Right side of sight is engraved “Sighted, cordite + 215 grs Bullet. Front sight has Elmer’s favored gold-faced sourdough bead. Rear portion of bbl is stamped “338 X 74 KEITH” with “HENRIKSEN” stamped in front of receiver ring. This is the first of two rifles (even though there are subtle differences between the two .338-74 rifles, Elmer called them a “matched pair”) made by Iver Henriksen of Missoula, Montanta. Iver was Elmer’s favorite gunsmith who he often used for special projects. Blued orig Farquharson dropping block action with side safety is engraved with sprays of well cut various sized open shaded scroll, with “John Rigby & Co” in broad riband on left side of action. Left side is gold inlaid “SAFE”. SN is at grip. Finely marbled and lightly figured circassian walnut full capped pistol grip buttstock measures 13-1/2″ over G & H style checkered and engraved buttplate with trap (with space for three cartridges), features Keith designed right hand shadow line cheekpiece, hard rubber grip cap with large vacant gold oval and well cut borderless point pattern checkering. Matching long schnabeled forend attaches to bbl with Allen screw. Weaver K3-C3 scope with crosshair and post reticle is mounted on the quarter rib with Buehler mounts. Drop at heel: approx 2-1/2″, drop at comb: approx 2-1/4″. Weight: 9 lbs 8 oz. LOP: 13-1/2″. Rifle is fitted with tooled leather carrying sling in Q-D swivels. Also included are 2 20-rnd boxes & 8 loose cartridges of Elmer Keith’s .338 x 74 Keith ammunition for this rifle. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. Photo is of Elmer’s last elk hunt at Fort Defiance (the original settlement of Glenwood Springs, CO). CONDITION: Overall virtually as new from time of Henriksen making. Bbl retains virtually all orig rust blue as do sights. Receiver retains virtually all rust blue done at the time of making by Henriksen. Receiver engraving crisp with minor pinprick pitting left from orig Rigby rifle. Action was not buffed or polished, preserving the orig engraving in fine condition. Forend with one or two very small dings. Buttstock with a few small dings and handling marks, retaining most orig bright oil finish. Bright, as mint bore. Action is tight; mechanics function perfectly. 4-48040 RJS/MGM129 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1052
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1053
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$8,260.00 |
*FINE IVER HENRIKSEN CUSTOM FARQUHARSON SINGLE SHOT RIFLE WITH SCOPE, BUILT FOR ELMER KEITH.
SN 1000EK. Cal. .338 X 74. (9.3 x 74 case necked to .338, designed by Elmer Keith to duplicate the ballistics of the .338 Winchester, in a rimmed cartridge for use in single shot and double rifles.) 25″ Tapered octagon bbl features stippled, integral quarter rib, front sight ramp, and swing swivel base. Rib is fitted with one standing and two folding leaf rear express sight for 100, 200 and 300 yards. Front sight has Elmer’s favorite gold-faced sourdough bead. Rear portion of bbl is stamped “338 X 74 KEITH” with “HENRIKSEN” stamped in front of receiver ring. This is the second of two rifles (even though there are subtle differences between the two .338-74 rifles, Elmer called them a “matched pair”) made by Iver Henriksen of Missoula, Montanta. Iver was Elmer’s favorite gunsmith who he often used for special projects. Blued orig Farquharson dropping block action with top tang safety is finely engraved with sprays of well cut shaded scroll, around central leaf pattern sunburst, all within light vine borders. Nicely streaked and lightly figured circassian walnut full capped pistol grip buttstock measures 13-1/2″ over Neidner styled checkered buttplate with trap (with space for three cartridges, and Allen key for scope), features Keith designed Monte Carlo right hand shadow line cheekpiece (This cheekpiece and comb were designed to minimize recoil impact to the shooter’s face), hard rubber grip cap with large vacant gold oval, and well cut borderless point pattern checkering. Matching long schnabeled forend attaches to bbl with Allen screw. Weaver K3-1 scope with duplex reticle is mounted on the quarter rib in Cone-trol mounts. Drop at heel: approx 2-1/4″, drop at rear of Monte Carlo: approx 1-7/8″, drop at comb: approx 1-13/16″. Weight: 9 lbs 12 oz. LOP: 13-1/2″. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Rifle retains virtually all rust blue on bbl and action from Iver Henriksen. Very slight loss of blue at muzzle and around front sling swivel hole. Buttstock and forearm retain virtually all dull oil finish with a few light scattered scratches and compression marks. Mint bore. Mechanically, action is tight and sound, with perfect function. Scope optics are bright and clear. 4-47971 RJS/MGM127 (5,000-10,000) – Lot 1053
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1054
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$17,250.00 |
*INCREDIBLE SERIAL NUMBER “1” HOFFMAN ARMS CUSTOM SPRINGFIELD RIFLE OF ELMER KEITH.
SN 1. Cal. .400 Whelen. 24″ Medium weight bbl fitted with quarter rib, banded-on sling base, and banded-on streamlined front ramp, is engraved “No 1. Hoffman Arms Co, Cleveland, Ohio” on top. Stippled quarter rib is fitted with four folding leaf express sight with silver lines marked for 100, 200, 300, and 400 yards. Front ramp holds gold bead. There are sprays of engraving on quarter rib, transition to sling band, and around front sight base. Caliber is engraved on left bbl shank. Standard ’03 action has scroll engraving on receiver ring either side of stippled top. Bolt has had knob flattened on bottom, and checkered, and with flower burst engraving on top, scroll on shank. Bolt is fitted with unusual Hoffman shroud incorporating Lyman type slide for micrometer peep sight. Toggle safety on right side is marked “READY” and “SAFE”. Top of right side is stamped “HOFFMAN ARMS CO”. Replacement bottom metal is engraved with rather amateurish shaded large scrolled acanthus and a grizzly bear. Nicely streaked and lightly fiddle figured European walnut capped pistol grip stock measures 13-7/8″ over engraved steel ribbed buttplate with trap (a pull through cleaning brush is in a large compartment under trap. There is also space for two cartridges). Stock features classic Whelen style right hand shadow line cheekpiece, borderless point pattern checkering, hard rubber forend tip, Model 70 type sling bases, and a fine engraved steel grip cap, engraving matching that on receiver. Also included is a tooled leather sling in Super Grade type swivels. Accompanied by 5 boxes of Elmer Keith handloaded .400 Whelen cartridges for this rifle. Drop at heel: approx 3″, drop at comb: approx 1-3/4″. Weight: 8 lbs 10 oz. LOP: 13-7/8″. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl and action retain approx 75% of their orig blue thinning overall, and silvered on high points from normal hand wear. Bottom metal retains 90% of a shiny blue. Stock retains most of its orig hand rubbed oil finish, with a number of small marks and dents, and an area of water staining with finish loss from center of toe line toward butt on right side. Checkering is lightly worn, and a bit dirty. Bore is excellent, shiny, with some light frosting, mostly toward breech end. Action is smooth. 4-47953 MGM146 (10,000-20,000) – Lot 1054
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1055
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$20,125.00 |
*EXCEPTIONAL KORNBRATH ENGRAVED AND GOLD INLAID HOFFMAN ARMS MAGNUM MAUSER DANGEROUS GAME RIFLE.
SN 361. Cal. .404 Jeffery. 26″ Lightweight tapered round bbl is fitted with quarter rib, banded-on sling eye, and banded-on streamlined front ramp. Top of bbl is engraved “HOFFMAN ARMS CO ARDMORE, OKLA. 361”. Caliber is engraved at left rear. There are also triangles of well cut shaded scroll either side of sling eye band, and behind rear sight ramp. Stippled quarter rib is fitted with three folding leaf express sight marked for 100, 200, and 300 yards. A sourdough bead is in front ramp, which has heavy steel protector. Orig Mauser square bridge magnum length commercial action has stippled top of receiver ring, flanked by scroll engraving. A Redfield receiver sight has been fitted with staff let into square bridge. Bolt body is damascened. Pear shaped knob is slightly turned back. Flag of safety is gold inlaid “SAFE”. Drop box bottom metal has hinged floorplate retained by button in trigger guard bow. Trigger guard and floorplate are exceptionally well engraved (Kornbrath), with semi-relief shaded scroll, having relief geometric borders. This fine engraving surrounds a relief gold inlay of mountain goat in mountains, as central medallion on floorplate. Trigger guard bow is gold inlaid with monogram “LCU” (?). Steel grip cap with trap is also engraved matching bottom metal with portrait of bear looking back over its shoulder on trap cover (a classic Kornbrath motif). Trap contains two spare front sight beads. Dark and dense, finely streaked and marbled European walnut stock measures 13-1/4″ over red Old English pad, and features double beaded Whelen type right hand cheekpiece, horn forend tip, and classic point pattern checkering with mullered borders at grip and forend. A tooled leather carrying sling in Super Grade type swivels, is included with rifle. Drop at heel: approx 2-7/16″, drop at comb: approx 1-5/8″. Weight: 9 lbs 4 oz. LOP: 13-1/4″. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. Page from 1977 GUN NOTES where Elmer states “Ross Seyfried and I worked up loads in my fine Hoffman Mauser using CCI magnum primers and the 400 grain Kynoch or the 400 grain RWS bullets with 85 grains of Hodgdon’s 4831 powder. Also Keith is photographed in HELL I WAS THERE p. 186, he is holding a Hoffman rifle, but it doesn’t appear to be this one. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retaining approx 90% orig blue on all metal parts, silvered on sharp edges from normal handling. Stock retains nearly all of its orig rubbed oil finish with some added oil at butt after installation of new pad. Checkering is only slightly worn, and is crisp. Bore is excellent, bright, sharp, and shiny throughout. Action is smooth. A truly exceptional magnum Hoffman. 4-48029 MGM148 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1055
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1056
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$11,500.00 |
*HOFFMAN ARMS MAGNUM MAUSER DANGEROUS GAME RIFLE.
SN 28171. Cal. .375 H&H. This rifle started life as a takedown magnum rifle (either .300 or .375) by Holland & Holland ca. 1910. It was re-barreled by Hoffman with 24″ tapered round bbl utilizing orig Holland sights and bases. Top of bbl is marked “HOFFMAN ARMS CO. CLEVELAND, O.” Caliber and “B136” are on bbl shank. Stippled quarter rib holds three folding leaf express rear sight marked for 100, 200, and 300 yards. A banded-on sling eye has been fitted. Orig front ramp is sleeved-on, and holds gold bead. A knurled sight cover has been fitted. Early magnum length action with standard bridge and slant box bottom metal, is marked “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER – OBERNDORF a/N” on side wall. Receiver ring and flattened bridge are stippled. Takedown lug at rear of action has been brazed, creating solid frame. Floorplate is hinged with latch button in trigger guard bow. Holland & Holland numbers “28171” are stamped on bottom right side of receiver ring under wood, and engraved on trigger guard bow, as well as on bolt handle shank. Bolt with pear-shaped knob has had Hoffman bolt shroud fitted with integral mount for micrometer rear peep sight, and toggling safety on right stamped “READY” and “SAFE”. Original Holland & Holland stock of lightly streaked and nicely figured European walnut measures 13-1/2″ over NOSHOC pad, and features small right hand cheekpiece, recoil reinforcing bolt, horn forend tip, steel trap grip cap, and classic point pattern checkering with mullered borders at grip and forend. Vacant silver oval and sling eye are on toe line. A tooled leather narrow sling in Q-D swivels is included. Drop at heel: approx 2-1/2″, drop at comb: approx 1-7/8″. Weight: 8 lbs 4 oz. LOP: 13-1/2″. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Excellent, as refinished, with metal parts retaining nearly all a fine rust blue, and wood, most of a hand rubbed oil finish, checkering re-cut, mullering of borders not re-cut. Bore is excellent, bright, sharp, and shiny throughout. Action is smooth. A lightweight .375 H & H. 4-48034 MGM149 (5,000-10,000) – Lot 1056
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1057
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$23,000.00 |
*RARE AND MAGNIFICENT GOLD INLAID “KEITH GRADE” CHAMPLIN & HASKINS CUSTOM .375 H&H RIFLE WITH SCOPE.
SN 27. Cal. .375 H&H. The rifle is a Keith Grade that features all of the refinements that Elmer Keith felt would create a perfect hunting rifle. These include a 25″ tapered octagon bbl with integral front sight ramp with a special spring loaded popup folding front sight with gold sourdough face. Bbl also incorporates an integral quarter rib including front scope base, three folding leaf rear sight with very shallow Vs and an integral front swing swivel base. There is also an integral bbl lug and forend tiedown screw similar to pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters at the mid-point of the forearm. Safety is sunken and checkered on the top tang which is extended over the comb. Bottom metal features a square back dragoon style trigger guard with a Commercial Mauser style floorplate release inside the guard bow; bottom metal also includes an integral finely checkered grip strap that extends to the grip cap. Grip cap is sculpted steel with an integral trap compartment. Additionally the stock, including the Monte Carlo comb and Schnabled forend are of Keith’s preferred design. Left bbl flat is engraved “375 H&H MAGNUM”; right bbl flat is engraved in flowing script “CHAMPLIN & HASKINS, INC., ENID, OKLAHOMA”; top bbl flat is engraved with “Elmer Keith” signature in gold. The action is the unique and special patented Champlin & Haskins (Elmer Keith was a consultant on this action design) action featuring three locking lugs and a 60 degree bolt lift noted for both its strength and its smooth action. Action body is also octagonal in shape and the bolt shroud is sculpted in a continuing tapered octagon shape. The stock is magnificent, highly figured marble cake Circassian walnut with multipoint borderless checkering in a wraparound pattern on the forearm and matching checkering pattern on grip. The buttstock features Elmer Keith’s personal design Monte Carlo cheekpiece with forward sloping cone and a special flowing forward surface, all designed to minimize recoil impact to the shooter’s face; cheekpiece is highlighted by a single well-executed bead and beveled lower top surface. The stock includes a trap door Neidner style steel buttplate with teardrop top extension, with trap to hold three cartridges (two orig Keith rounds included). Bolt body is damascened and bolt knob has four finely checkered panels. Rifle is sighted with Elmer Keith’s Leupold M8-3X scope in custom Redfield style mounts. The engraving is an extraordinary combination of high relief gold inlay, multicolored floral scrolls, line work and fine relief cut steel. The engraving is highlighted by eight solid gold high relief animals, all done in exquisite artistic and anatomical detail. The front sight ramp has a crenulated front border. Bbl breech has a 1″ section of flowing gold inlaid line work. The top receiver flats & top of the quarter rib feature matching crosshatch and dot matting. Sides of the quarter rib have a crenulated border matching the front sight. Left side of the receiver has a flowing Champlin & Haskins signature in gold. Upper left front receiver flat features a large mountain sheep bust with a cliff scene & additional engraved rams in the background. Upper left rear flat of receiver ring features a gold reposing maned lion with relief Savanna background. Upper right receiver flat has a gold leopard with relief jungle scene & “Keith Grade .27.” in flowing script. Upper left rear receiver flat has a gold polar bear with finely matted Arctic background. Rear surface of bolt shroud is matted with crosshatch & dot pattern. Safety slide has a gold line border surrounded by crosshatch & dot pattern. Extended top tang has geometric gold inlay pattern. Floorplate has two Cape Buffalo bulls in relief gold with finely executed Savanna scene background; the buffalo scene is vignetted inside a gold line border that extends into flowing multicolored gold scrolls. Bottom of the trigger guard has gold mountain sheep with gold rock & stone foundation on matted background; right lower corner of the trigger guard features a Masonic emblem in relief gold. Grip cap has a large profile snarling bear in gold on matted background surrounded by single line gold border. Buttplate & trap are matted with crosshatch & dot pattern with flowing gold inlay geometric pattern on the teardrop with a spectacular gold inlay “K” monogram in center of the buttplate trap. Virtually all panels & surfaces are surrounded by fine gold line inlay borders and the steel inlaid diamond on bottom of forearm is engraved in a sunburst pattern. Receiver side panels, bolt shroud and floorplate, all include multicolored gold floral scroll decoration. The upper left surface of the trigger guard is signed “ENGRAVING FE HENDRICKS SA Tex”. Drop at heel: approx 2-3/4″, drop at rear of Monte Carlo: approx 1-3/4″, drop at comb: approx 1-7/8″. Weight: 9 lbs 10 oz. LOP: 13-5/8″. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Rifle remains in remarkable, virtually as new condition with near mint bore and perfect mechanical function. Metal work retains virtually all high polish blue. Stock retains most of its orig low lustre oil finish with several minor scratches & handling marks, including one 3/8″ pressure dent in cheekpiece. Checkering remains virtually as new. Optics clear & bright. Overall an extraordinary rifle preserved in very high condition. 4-47954 RJS128 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1057
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1058
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$6,195.00 |
*CHAMPLIN-HASKINS BOLT ACTION KEITH GRADE RIFLE WITH SCOPE.
SN 61. Cal. 338-378 KT. 25″ Tapered octagon bbl with integral quarter rib, is fitted with express rear sight, and pop-up sourdough bead in high front sight ramp. Bbl has caliber markings on left side and makers markings on right, either side of express sight. Champlin action with short bolt throw and three locking lugs, is marked “Keith Grade No. 61″ on right receiver flat. Action features checkered bolt knob, extended tang which goes over comb in H&H style, and tang safety. Bottom metal with faceted hinged floorplate has checkered grip portion, which extends to steel trap grip cap. Nicely marbled European walnut capped pistol grip stock measures 13-5/8″ over brown Old English pad, and features high shadow line Monte Carlo right hand cheekpiece, multi-point pattern checkering, and long schnabeled tip. Keith grade features include long top and bottom straps to reinforce the stock, dragoon trigger guard, Keith cheekpiece, three-leaf folding rear sight and gold-face sourdough front sight. Scoped with a special Redfield 3X-9X Colorado double dot, long range reticle invented by Elmer Keith’s best friend R.W. Thompson. This scope used a second small dot below the central dot as an aiming point for dead-on hold out to 600 yards. Included are 3 20-rnd boxes of Elmer Keith’s .338 x 378 KT ammunition for this rifle. The .338-378 KT cartridge was the joint invention of Elmer Keith and R.W. Thompson to be the ultimate long range elk cartridge. It used 250 grain bullets at 3000 ft/sec. Drop at heel: approx 2″, drop at rear of Monte Carlo: approx 1-1/2″, drop at comb: approx 1-5/8″. Weight with scope: 10 lbs 0 oz. LOP: 13-5/8”. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. This rifle was used to take Keith’s 50th and last bull elk as can be seen in photograph. CONDITION: Excellent. Metal retains over 95% of its orig finish with sharp edge wear and some splotches on left rear portion of bbl. Stock retains nearly all of its orig hand rubbed oil finish with a number of light compressions and marks from normal handling and use. Bore is excellent. Action is smooth. Optics clear. 4-48031 RJS/MGM143 (5,000-10,000) – Lot 1058
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1059
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$5,015.00 |
*THE FIRST CHAMPLIN-HASKINS KEITH GRADE RIFLE, SN 1, PRESENTED TO ELMER BY THE MAKER.
SN 1. Cal. .458 Winchester. 25″ Tapered octagon bbl with integral quarter rib, is fitted with express rear sight, and pop-up sourdough bead in high front sight ramp. Bbl has caliber markings on left side beside express sight. Top of bbl and left flat are engraved “Presented to Elmer Keith” and “Champlin – Haskins Inc. Enid, Oklahoma”. Champlin action with short bolt throw and three locking lugs, is marked “Keith Grade No. 1″ on right receiver flat. Action features checkered bolt knob, extended tang which goes over comb in H&H style, and tang safety. Bottom metal with faceted hinged floorplate has grip portion, which extends to steel trap grip cap. Nicely marbled European walnut capped pistol grip stock measures 13-5/8″ over red Old English pad, and features high shadow line Monte Carlo right hand cheekpiece designed by Keith, multi-point pattern checkering, and long schnabeled tip. This is the first Keith grade rifle made by Champlin-Haskins. It incorporates all of the features that Elmer Keith thought would contribute to the ultimate hunting rifle. It has three leaf folding express sights on a quarter rib, spring loaded folding gold face sourdough front sight, square back dragoon trigger guard, top tang safety and long top & bottom tangs to reinforce the stock. Buttstock features the Keith sloping top comb & cheekpiece. This rifle is chambered for .458 Winchester, a cartridge Elmer Keith considered to be an all-around hunting round. He noted that this rifles groups ran from 5/8″ to 7/8″ at 110 yards with its current 2-3/4X Redfield scope with crosshair and post reticle in pivoting QD mounts. Drop at heel: approx 2-5/8″, drop at rear of Monte Carlo: approx 1-1/2″,drop at comb: approx 1-5/8″. Weight with scope:10 lbs 12 oz. LOP: 13-5/8”. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Excellent. Metal retains nearly all of its orig finish with a hint of edge wear. Stock retains nearly all of its orig hand rubbed oil finish with one or two light handling marks from normal handling and use. Bore is excellent. Action is smooth. Trigger return spring sluggish and rifle is often slip-hammered, and should be attended to before use. Optics clear. 4-48030 RJS/MGM154 (5,000-10,000) – Lot 1059
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1060
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$22,425.00 |
*EXCEPTIONAL PACHMAYR CUSTOM SILVER INLAID AND ENGRAVED MODEL 70 WINCHESTER RIFLE WITH SCOPE, MADE FOR ELMER KEITH.
SN 104326. (on top of left side wall) Cal. .375 H&H Magnum. 25″ Bbl. Typical pre-war configuration, and markings on orig bbl, with flip-over express rear sight. Bbl is also marked “CUSTOM MADE BY PACHMAYR L.A. CALIF. U.S.A.” on top. Stippled front ramp is fitted with sourdough bead. Pre-war action has had bolt release neatly checkered, bolt body jeweled, and bolt knob nicely knurled. A Pachmayr “Low – Swing” side mount has been fitted. All metal parts are very finely engraved with near full coverage cleanly cut open shaded scroll with crenelated inlaid silver wire borders and accents. This fine engraving surrounds full relief silver inlays of game animals including the head of a bugling elk on receiver ring, a snarling bobcat on bridge, and a standing grizzly bear on floorplate. A fine bighorn ram adorns trigger guard bow. Full capped pistol grip stock is of exceptional heavily marbled and finely figured circassian walnut, and features red Old English pad, right hand Monte Carlo cheekpiece, flush mounted Pachmayr patent detachable swivels, and large ebony forend tip. Stock is checkered in multi-paneled fancy border, fleur-di-lis style, with stippled flourishes. Checkering is borderless and exceptionally well done. Hard rubber grip cap has inset gold oval engraved “CUSTOM MADE FOR” “ELMER KEITH” “by PACHMAYR” “L.A. CALIF. USA”. Drop at heel: approx 2-1/4″, drop at rear of Monte Carlo: approx 1-5/8″, drop at comb: approx 1-1/2″. Weight: 9 lbs 14 oz. LOP: 13-1/2″. Lyman All Weather 2-1/2 X scope with crosshair and post reticle, is in engraved Low-Swing mount. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. This rifle was the subject of an article in August 1976 GUNS AND AMMO by Elmer Keith entitled “Pachmayr’s Model 70 Masterpiece” which describes the rifle and its history. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retaining nearly all of its orig custom finishes on wood and metal, with only a few light marks and scratches. Bore is excellent. Action is smooth. Scope optics clear. Also included with rifle is a tooled leather sling in Pachmayr detachable loops. 4-47951 MGM130 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 1060
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1061
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$12,650.00 |
*FN CUSTOM MAUSER WITH SCOPE, USED BY ELMER KEITH ON HIS FIRST AFRICAN SAFARI, AND FEATURED IN MANY OF HIS WRITINGS.
SN NB1/WM/146/57. Cal. .333 OKH. (The .333 OKH cartridge was developed by the team of Charles O’Neil, Elmer Keith and Don Hopkins. Elmer used 300 grain bullets in Africa.) 26″ Tapered round bbl is marked “333” on rear portion. Typical blued early FN action with un-cut bbl stop, solid side wall, and pin type floorplate release has standard military type bolt shroud and flag safety. Floorplate has been relief engraved with bounding lioness. Strikingly fiddle figured dense American walnut full capped pistol grip stock by I. P. Henriksen, and so signed on top at left side of action side wall, measures 13-5/8″ over solid red NOSHOC pad, and features swept right hand Monte Carlo cheekpiece, schnabeled tip, and 16 LPI point pattern checkering. A raised oval in right grip is relief carved with letter “K”. (Elmer’s concept to replicate the iconic Wundhammer swell). Drop at heel: approx 2-1/4 “, drop at rear of Monte Carlo: approx 1-3/4″, drop at comb: approx 2-1/8″. Weight: 9 lbs 12 oz. LOP: 13-5/8”. Weaver K4 60-B scope with dual ranging crosshair reticle, is in forward position in custom rings. A basket weave carrying sling is in Model 70 Super grade type swivels. Included is one box of 50 custom Elmer Keith’s .333 OKH ammunition for this rifle. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. This was Elmer Keith’s plains game rifle used on his first African safari. With it he took 30 head of big game on that trip, including his leopard, part of the African Big Five, pictured on p. 110 in the book “Safari”, and also mentioned and pictured in numerous articles written by Elmer Keith. CONDITION: Excellent, retaining nearly all of its custom finishes on wood and metal, floorplate silvered from carrying. Also silvered are trigger guard, and guard screws, and there are a few minor marks and light bruises in finish of stock. Bore is excellent. Action is smooth. Scope optics clear. 4-47956 RJS/MGM131 (5,000-10,000) – Lot 1061
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1062
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$9,775.00 |
*MAGIS ENGRAVED BROWNING OLYMPIAN MAUSER .338 MAGNUM WITH SCOPE.
SN 1X7376. Cal. .338 Winchester Mag. 24″ Medium weight round bbl is fitted with screwed-on rear sight block holding flip-up adjustable leaf. Front ramp holds sourdough bead. Left side of bbl under sight base is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY” and “ST LOUIS MO & MONTREAL PQ”. Right side is marked with caliber, SN, “MADE IN BELGIUM” and proofs. There are 2″ flourishes of relief scrolled acanthus engraving at breech end. Coin finished action is engraved with more relief scrolled acanthus on side wall and bridge. Receiver ring is engraved with bull moose in swamp on left, and bellowing elk on right. Floorplate has fine rendition of standing brown bear with mountainous background. A snarling cougar is on trigger guard bow. Each scene is by Marie Magis. Receiver ring scenes are signed “M. Magis” at bottoms (below wood), bear at bottom, and cougar with just “MM” at bottom. Claro walnut stock with quilted and fiddle figure measures 13-3/4″ over open sided Browning white line pad, and features right hand Monte Carlo swept cheekpiece, rosewood forend tip and grip cap with white line spacer, grip cap with inset gold diamond, engraved steel reinforcing bolt, and checkering at grip and forend with relief acanthus carving and stippling at ends. Rifle is fitted with Leupold M7 4X scope with fine post and crosshair reticle, in claw rings. Claw bases, rear with windage adjustment, are mounted to top of action. Drop at heel: approx 2-1/2″, drop at rear of Monte Carlo: approx 1-7/8″, drop at comb: approx 1-3/4″. Weight with scope: 10 lbs 0 oz. LOP: 13-3/4″. Also included is a Williams Guide basket weave carved sling in QD swivels. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Excellent. Metal parts retain nearly all of their orig factory finishes, with only a few light handling marks. Stock retains 90% of its orig finish, which has somewhat frosted, and has quite a few handling marks, mostly on left side in front of grip checkering. Bore is excellent. Action smooth. Scope is excellent, with a few scratches in exterior lacquer, optics clear. Sling is fine. 4-47955 MGM223 (7,000-12,000) – Lot 1062
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1063
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$7,475.00 |
Revised: 3/12/2015
Please Note: Pre-ban ivory bead sight. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object“. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31.
*UNUSUAL MANNLICHER SCHOENAUER 1910 WITH 24″ BARREL AND FULL LENGTH STOCK.
SN 1111. Cal. 9.5 x 57. 24″ Tapered round bbl ($15 extra cost option in 1939) is fitted with two folding leaf rear sight, and standard Mannlicher banded-on front ramp, now holding a white bead. Ramp is set back 1″ from muzzle to accommodate steel cap for stock. Typical Mannlicher Schoenauer action is marked “Patent” “Mannlicher” “Schoenauer” and “M. 1910” on stippled receiver ring. Left side wall is marked “Oesterr. Waffenfabr. – Ges. Steyr”. A round knob has been brazed to standard butter knife bolt handle, and “AGA” cocking piece sight has been installed. Rifle retains standard double set triggers. Lightly marbled European walnut full length ($10 option in 1939) capped pistol grip stock measures 13-3/4″ over ribbed steel buttplate with trap. Trap contains orig 4-pc cleaning rod, and has space for two cartridges. Stock also features small right hand cheekpiece, point pattern checkering with mullered borders at grip, and small area of borderless checkering wrapping around forend. Rifle is fitted with plain leather Williams Guide sling. Drop at heel: approx 3-1/8″, drop at comb: approx 1-7/8″. Weight: 7 lbs 7 oz. LOP: 13-3/4″. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Excellent, retaining approx 95% orig blue, with sharp edge wear. Bolt handle polished after installation of knob. Bolt release retains 70 – 80% orig blue. Stock retains 90 – 95% orig finish with a number of light marks and some a bit deeper. Bore is excellent, bright, sharp, and shiny throughout. Action is smooth. Set triggers work. An unusual Mannlicher in a great caliber. 4-48033 MGM222 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1063
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1064
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$23,000.00 |
Revised: 3/6/2015
Please note: According to Dr. Labowskie, factory records indicate this was originally a .45-95. As our catalog states, it is now a 45-120-550. Alteration was probably made by Elmer Keith himself.
RARE SHARPS MODEL 1877 No. 1 LONG RANGE SINGLE SHOT RIFLE THAT BELONGED TO ELMER KEITH.
SN 160244. Cal. .45 3-1/4″ (45-120-550). Beautiful target/hunting rifle with 34″ Rigby-style rnd bbl with windgage globe front sight, no provision for a rear sight and a long range Vernier tang sight with 5″ staff. Tang sight is not matching numbered to this rifle and has the number “35011” on left side of base. Top flat of bbl is marked with the “Old Reliable” cartouche & Bridgeport address. Top of chamber area of the bbl has a Rigby flat & left side is marked “45 3 1/4”. Mounted with spectacular, highly figured Claro American walnut with checkered rnd Sharps forearm with ebony tip & black insert serpentine grip buttstock with Sharps checkered hard rubber buttplate. According to Sharps Firearms, Sellers there were only 46 of these rifles produced January 1877 to March 1879 and their price at that time was $125. That was a princely sum for that era, probably more than 3 to 4 months salary for the average working man. These rifles were inherently accurate for long range shooting and were very effective in hunting large game & on the target range. A seven page article by Mr. Keith, that appeared in the January 1964 issue of Guns & Ammo magazine, discusses the positive aspects of the single shot rifle for all manners of hunting & shooting. A picture in this article shows Mr. Keith’s friend Bill Knepp shooting this rifle and another picture shows this rifle & a bull buffalo shot by Mr. Keith in 1947. No disassembly was effected to check for matching SNs. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Bbl retains about 98% strong orig blue with a few, tiny, scattered spots of surface spotting & faint sharp edge wear. Receiver & lockplate retain virtually all of their orig case colors, lightly to moderately faded. Lever & hammer are mostly a grey patina as is bottom tang. Stock has a few very fine grain checks on right side of comb, otherwise wood is completely sound with the buttstock showing hand oil staining around the wrist & otherwise retains strong, bright oil finish. Forearm retains about 95% strong orig finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 4-48037 JR264 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1064
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1065
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$6,900.00 |
RARE CONVERSION SHARPS MODEL 1874 HEAVY SPORTING BUFFALO RIFLE THAT BELONGED TO ELMER KEITH.
SN C46090. Cal. .45 (45-120-550). Heavy buffalo rifle probably converted by Meecham, 15 lbs. 5.44 oz., with 30″ oct bbl, orig Sharps half nickel front sight and a Winchester 1876 marked ladder rear sight mated to the Sharps dovetail base. Tang sight appears to be a thick base Winchester Vernier sight with 4″ staff and top tang is drilled & topped for this sight. Top flat is marked with the “Old Reliable” cartouche & Bridgeport address. Chamber area of top flat is marked “.45 3 1/4”. The long trigger plate has double set triggers and lockplate & receiver usual Sharp markings. Left rear side of receiver has a plugged hole which is probably from having a sling bar removed. Mounted with very nicely figured, uncheckered American walnut with semi-schnable tipped forearm and straight stock with heavy crescent brass buttplate that is lead lined. When buttplate was removed, the hole under the buttplate has been enlarged and was filled with lead bullets & lead shot. The shot & bullets were removed. Front face of buttstock is numbered “52998” and toe of buttstock has an ebony inlay, probably an old repair from a broken toe. Bottom tang screw is replaced with a long wood screw which secures a homemade walnut grip. Close examination of the top tang disclosed that it has been rewelded through the front screw hole. And that screw is a replacement. The tang screw holes were added and the rear tang screw hole obliterated the last digit of the SN. Matching number is on bottom flat of bbl and inside the forearm. No other parts were observed to be numbered except stock, as noted. It is well-documented in several of Mr. Keith’s writings that he was a great promoter of single shot rifle hunting. Undoubtedly he would have used this rifle for hunting & long range shooting. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Bbl retains about 60-70% blue turning plum with a mottled chemical spotted appearance. Receiver retains traces of orig case colors, being mostly a silver/grey patina. Lockplate, hammer & trigger plate retain traces of case colors, being mostly a silver/brown patina. Buttstock, with the aforementioned repaired toe, has three or four small hairlines around upper tang & retains most of an old refinish. Forearm has a repaired crack at the left tip, otherwise is sound & shows 25-30% orig finish with the balance a handworn patina. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-47967 JR265 (8,000-13,000) – Lot 1065
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1066
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$4,025.00 |
MEACHAM STYLE SHARPS MODEL 1874 CONVERSION RIFLE.
SN (6?)45_44. Cal. .45-100-450. Heavy target rifle (17 lbs. 14.72 oz.) with 30″ unmarked oct bbl that is 1-3/8″ across the flats. It has a Winchester style Wingage globe front sight, a slot blank in the rear seat and is mounted with scope blocks. Receiver is converted from a carbine with the stud end of the sling bar in left side of receiver. The long trigger plate has double set triggers. Mounted with replacement American walnut with a flat bottom forearm that has a flat checkered panel between the two screws. It has uncheckered straight stock, 13-7/8″ over a thin red Bishop pad. Top tang has had three extra holes installed for a Sharps-style tang sight, which is missing. It is mounted with a repaired Winchester style target base containing a 4-1/2″ vernier staff that has a Merrit adjustable aperture with rubber eye cup. When the holes for the Sharps sight were drilled, portions of the SN were obliterated leaving what appears to be “(6?)45_44”. Undoubtedly, this rifle would have worked well for long range bench rest shooting but may have been a little difficult on a dismounted elk hunt in the mountains at 10,000 feet. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Good. No finish remains with the bbl being a rough finished plummy brown patina. Receiver, lockplate, lever & hammer are a mottled silver brown patina. Wood is sound with a hand worn patina. Trigger is a little balky, otherwise mechanics are fine. Bright, shiny bore. 4-47968 JR279 (4,000-7,000) – Lot 1066
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1067
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$8,050.00 |
FINE MEACHAM CONVERSION SHARPS HEAVY TARGET/HUNTING RIFLE OF ELMER KEITH.
SN 156994. Cal. .40-90 Sharps Bottleneck. Fine, heavy rifle with 30-1/4″ unmarked, heavy oct bbl 1-1/4″ across the flats. Weight is 15 lbs. 10.88 oz. It has Winchester style spirit level Wingage globe front sight, no provision for a rear sight and a thin base Winchester Model 73 marked sporting tang sight with 4″ staff. Top flat of bbl is drilled & tapped for scope bases. The long trigger plate has double-set triggers. Top tang was drilled & tapped for another scope base, and so has two extra holes. Mounted with an 1859 rifle buttstock with color case hardened 2-pc patchbox on right side which contains a spare front sight insert. Left side of wrist has the outline of two cartouches and it has a Model 1859 buttplate with inspector initials on the tang & adjacent on the buttstock. Forearm is a custom edition by Meacham that is 13-1/2″ long and diamond checkered with checkered wrist on the stock. Meacham purchased large numbers of surplus Sharps rifles & carbines after the Civil War along with lots of spare parts and converted them to sporting arms to meet the demand of the tide of humanity moving Westward. It is believed that Mr. Meecham purchased his bbls from England. Generally speaking, these rifles saw hard service on the American frontier, usually under very adverse conditions and are rarely found with any finish whatsoever and with their wood intact. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl retains thin brown patina with sharp edge wear. Receiver & lockplate retain traces of silvered case colors, being mostly a grey patina. Patchbox & buttplate retain faded case colors & may clean much brighter. Forearm has a couple of hairlines on right side, otherwise wood is sound & retains a hand-worn patina. Checkering shows only moderate use. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Would make an outstanding shooter. 4-48043 JR282 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1067
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1068
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$4,600.00 |
QUANTITY OF COLLECTORS AMMUNITION FROM ELMER KEITH.
SN NSN. Various calibers in boxes, including: four 20 round tan cardboard boxes with paper seals stamped “333B OKH”, two 50-round boxes written in ink “333 OKH” and “300 GR SN” (one box full, one missing about 10 rounds). 50 Round Kraft paper wrapped pack of Kynoch .404 soft nose with label “Non Rusting Caps”. Two 50-round Kraft wrapped packs of Kynoch .476, one solid, one soft nose. Two 25-round tins of Kynoch .470, soft nose with notation “Heavy Jackets”. Six 5-round boxes with Holland & Holland light tan labels for .500/.465. Three 10-round boxes with yellow Holland & Holland labels for the same caliber (.500/.465). Two 10-round boxes yellow label Kynoch .476 solids. Two open tins with 20 rounds each .450 3-1/4 Nitro. Two sealed tins with 10 rounds of .577 3″, one solid, one soft. Two 10 round boxes with Westley Richards tan labels for .476, one in poor condition. And a few other miscellaneous boxes of Kynoch, and a box of loose rounds of Lapua .22 Long Rifle. Also included are two ammo cans, one filled with a mix of Kynoch .476 5-round red and yellow boxes (approx 20 boxes), the other with approx 22 boxes of .500 Nitro. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Poor to Excellent. All have been in storage for a long time. 4-48049 MGM321 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1068
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1069
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$9,775.00 |
ELMER KEITH’S HAND TOOLED & HAND MADE DECORATED SADDLE BY GRIGSBY.
Made by Jack Grigsby, this saddle has about a 12″-13″ seat, bear trap pommel & semi-high cantle. It has rounded skirts with full fenders & about 15″ long tapaderos over leather covered bent wood stirrups. Right fender has a decorated circle hand-marked in the center “Mady by / Jack Grigsby”. Saddle has a roping horn with amateur tooled “J.G.” on each short skirt. Saddle is fully decorated with arrowhead borders & numerous 5-pointed star, nickel silver conchos. Top skirt of the saddle & rear edge of the fenders along with the tapaderos have 1″ conchos & underskirt has 2″ conchos with another 2″ concho on the saddle horn. Tapaderos are form-fitted & buckstitched over the formed areas. Saddle has a single girth. Accompanied by Mr. Keith’s bridle with curb bit that has silver overlay and is lightly engraved. Sides of the bridle have oval silver buckles & a concho on each side. Also accompanied by his braided rawhide reata that is about 1/4″ diameter and about 50 feet long with a braided hondo. This saddle is pictured on p. 124 of Mr. Keith’s book Six Guns with his son, Ted at about age 12, leading a pack string out of the mountains after an elk hunt. This would have been in the early 1950s. However, Mr. Keith had owned & ridden this saddle most of his adult life. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Saddle is smooth & strong with no visible flaws, showing moderate wear but still very ridable. Bridle & reata are fine. 4-48039 JR271 (4,000-8,000) – Lot 1069
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1070
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$10,350.00 |
REGAL MEXICAN SILVER MOUNTED COWBOY ERA SADDLE.
This saddle no doubt belonged to a wealthy hacienda owner. This regal and opulent saddle has coin silver repousse horn and trim, silver inlaid cinch ring, silver inlaid buttons on rigging and silver inlaid stirrups. Skirts, stirrup straps, cinch strap and saddle bags are embroidered with high relief floral decoration and silver bullion key fret border. Repousse designs in silver include flowers, leaves and geometric design. 3-dimensional horseshoes are central designs of 5″ long silver repousse decorations on either side of exposed rawhide cantle. The massive horn has a 5-1/2″ diameter with silver repousse design of bouquet in a vase. Left skirt has large horseshoe shaped cartouche of the Mexico City maker David Lozano. A similar saddle is shown on page 8 in David Murdoch’s 2000 pictorial book Cowboy. Murdoch states that nearly identical saddle dates circa 1870. Included with saddle is a custom four-legged stand for display. CONDITION: Saddle is sound and complete overall. Leather overall has areas of crazing, scuffing and soiling. There is a 5″ tear in removable seat pad, there are tears, cracks and areas missing from rawhide seat. Makers mark on skirt excellent and marks on rawhide are mostly discernible as can been seen in photos. Embroidery has lost much of its color but is mostly intact with only minor reductions. Accompanying stand is sound. All in all this saddle displays beautifully. 4-55430 JS (7,000-9,000) – Lot 1070
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1071
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$3,162.50 |
*SCARCE REMINGTON/UMC MODEL 1911 SEMI-AUTO PISTOL.
SN 8139. Cal. .45 ACP. Usual configuration with 5″ bbl, fixed sights, the front has been notched. Left side of frame has the “E.E.C.” inspector initials over a Springfield eagle. Left front side of frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY”. Right side of frame has the large SN beginning with “NO”. Slide has usual Remington / UMC markings. Bbl appears to be orig, but has had the skirt polished. Accompanied by one all blue WWII magazine. Mounted with diamond checkered walnut grips. Spring housing is orig, flat, 1911 style. Grip safety is short with long hammer spur. According to various publications, there were almost 22,000 of these pistols produced 1918-1919. Most of that production was probably issued near the end of WWI with the entire production that survived the war remaining in service through WWII and well into the 1960s. Very few are encountered today in orig configuration with any orig finish. Routinely, parts were changed in the field and innumerable pistols were “sportorized” for target shooting, while others were simply refinished, some by various arsenals. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, overall retains 96-98% of a fine restored finish showing mashed serrations on left side of slide with light sharp edge wear. Grips show light to moderate diamond point wear. Mechanics are fine, frosty bore. 4-56391 JR104 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1071
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1072
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$4,025.00 |
*RARE REMINGTON MODEL 51 SEMI-AUTO PISTOL WITH ORIGINAL BOX.
SN PA65928. Cal. .32 ACP. Blue finish with 3-1/2″ bbl, fixed sight with usual markings and mounted with “REMINGTON / UMC” trademark embossed checkered hard rubber grips. Accompanied by one orig magazine. Also accompanied by its orig burgundy hinged lid cardboard box with tan & black end labels and front label. Front label is marked, in ink, with the matching SN. Inside the box contains an orig wire cleaning rod & twisted wire handle bristle brush. It additionally has an orig 4-page warranty reminder and a large 8-page owner’s pamphlet. While these pistols were produced in fairly large numbers, those in Caliber .32 are rarely encountered and were apparently a much smaller production than their companion .380 Caliber pistols. They usually saw hard service in close proximity to body sweat in shoulder holsters, hip holsters or simply in pockets, and are rarely found today with high orig finish. Boxed examples are extremely rare. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Pistol retains 98-99% crisp orig blue with only some faint box burn on each side at the muzzle end of slide. Grips have a couple small nicks & show very light wear. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. Box has broken corners & front edge, and is missing burgundy paper covering on hinge. Edges show wear with tape around edges of lid. Pamphlets are yellowed with light wear & slight damage. 4-56373 JR103 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1072
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1074
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$1,475.00 |
*SCARCE REMINGTON MODEL 51 SEMI-AUTO PISTOL.
SN PA68545. Cal. .32 ACP. Blue finish with 3-1/2″ bbl, fixed sights and “REMINGTON / UMC” trademark embossed, checkered hard rubber grips. Accompanied by one orig magazine marked “32 CAL”. Although the Model 51 was manufactured in fairly large numbers, it is believed that those in Caliber .32 are substantially more scarce. These pistols usually saw hard service in close proximity to body moisture in shoulder or hip holsters or simply in someone’s pocket, and are rarely found with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine+, overall retains 99%+ crisp orig blue with only a few scattered, tiny spots of surface etching. Grips & magazine are equally new. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore appears to be unfired. 4-56523 JR102 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1074
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1075
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$0.00 |
RARE ENGRAVED REMINGTON MODEL 1890 SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.
SN 373. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Silver finish with 7-1/2″ rnd bbl, slightly altered front sight and 1-line address. Mounted with checkered hard rubber grips, embossed with Remington’s trademark at the top on each side. Butt strap has a factory swivel stud & ring. Revolver is very nicely engraved in New York style which consists of about 75% coverage foliate arabesque patterns with fine pearled background on the frame. Front gullets are engraved with hunter’s stars. Matching foliate arabesque patterns extend up the sides of the bbl and onto the ejector housing. Back strap & trigger guard are engraved to match with matching patterns on lands between the flutes on the cyl. Recoil shield & loading gate are engraved in fan patterns. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms only about 2,020 of these revolvers were produced in the period 1891-1896. The 1890 was the successor to Models 1875 & 1888 and could have been strong competition for the Colt Single Action Army revolver. Arguably the Remington was a superior revolver with its ease of removing the cyl for cleaning & maintenance, but by the time of the introduction of the Model 1875, Colt was well-established with military contracts and was a favorite of the buying public. The quick release cyl pin of the Remington was a superior feature that was not introduced by Colt until about 1892 and did not become a standard feature until about 1896. Remington was never able to generate military contracts so their sales lagged and by 1896 they large bore revolver was no longer a viable product. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains about all of its strong silver finish, possibly an old restored finish. Grips are sound showing moderate to heavy wear and are beginning to turn chocolate. Hammer is not solid in safety notch, otherwise mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore. 4-56370 JR125 (12,500-17,500) – Lot 1075
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1076
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$6,325.00 |
RARE REMINGTON MODEL 1890 SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.
SN 1057. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Blue finish with 5-3/4″ bbl, nickel silver front sight & 1-line “REMINGTON ARMS CO. ILION, N.Y.” Left side of frame is marked “44 C.F.W”. Butt strap is mounted with a factory swivel stud & ring. Mounted with 2-pc checkered hard rubber grips that have the raised Remington trademark at the top on each side. According to FLAYDERMAN’S GUIDE TO ANTIQUE FIREARMS, there were only about 2020 of these rare revolvers produced 1891-1896. The Model 1890 was the successor to the 1875/1888 Single Action Army revolvers and could have been serious competition for the Colt Single Action Army revolver. Unfortunately for Remington the introduction of their large bore cartridge revolver came after the Colt Model 1873 was well established with the military and the buying public. Remington was never able to generate military contracts for their revolver which seriously depressed sales, not only to the military but to the buying public as well. That fact coupled with Remington’s initial introduction of their revolver in a proprietary caliber (44 Remington) further limited sales. By the time the Model 1890 revolver was introduced, the large bore revolver was rapidly falling out of favor, primarily following the introduction of semi-automatic pistols and double action revolvers. By 1895, Remington sales had dwindled to only a few per month, and so they discontinued this model in 1896. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Overall retains traces of orig blue in sheltered areas, being mostly a smooth, even blue/brown patina with some minor pitting around forcing cone area on both sides. Grips show light diamond point wear & are sound, beginning to turn chocolate. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore, shows light use. 4-56368 JR122 (6,500-9,500) – Lot 1076
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1077
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$0.00 |
SCARCE REMINGTON MODEL 1890 SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.
SN 55. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Nickel finish with 7-1/2″ rnd bbl, full front sight and 1-line address. Left side of frame is marked “44 C.F.W.”. Butt strap has a replacement stud & ring. Mounted with smooth 2-pc certifiable antique ivory grips probably not orig to this revolver. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms only about 2,020 of these revolvers were produced in the period 1891-1896 in two bbl lengths. The Model 1890 was the successor to the Model 1875/1888 and was Remington’s attempt to establish themselves in the large bore cartridge revolver market. Unfortunately the Model 1875 came on to the market after Colt was well-established with military contracts and with the buying public. Remington was never able to gain traction in the market or generate government contracts. The Models 1888 & 1890 revolvers were no more successful and by 1896 sales had lagged to the point where the Model 1890 was no longer a viable produce and so production ceased. With so few of this model produced it is rare to find one in any condition. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our“Ivory Position Statement”and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Overall retains about 50% orig nickel with the balance cleaned to bare metal with scattered fine pitting; cyl retains nickel in the flutes being cleaned bare metal on the outer diameter also with fine pitting. Grips are sound with numerous small age lines, a chip in the bottom left edge, another at the frame and show a wonderful golden ivory patina. Mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with some slight frosting. 4-56367 JR126 (5,500-7,500) – Lot 1077
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1078
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$14,375.00 |
VERY RARE ENGRAVED REMINGTON MODEL 1875 SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.
SN 25. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Nickel finish with 7-1/2″ rnd bbl, pinched post front sight and 1-line left hand address. Butt strap has a factory swivel stud and ring. Mounted with smooth 2-pc certifiable antique ivory grips. Revolver is very nicely engraved in New York style, probably from the L.D. Nimschke shop with about 80% coverage foliate arabesque patterns on the frame. Front gullets of the frame are engraved in geometric patterns. Foliate arabesque patterns extend over the top strap on to the ejector housing web and bbl with geometric patterns around the address. Top of the back strap is engraved in diamond & dot patterns with geometric patterns down the back strap and on the butt strap. Trigger guard is engraved with a very fine hunter’s star. Cyl is engraved with foliate arabesque patterns on the lands between he flutes with a fine wavy line at the rear edge. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearmsthere were 25,000-30,000 of these revolvers produced 1875-1889. Of that total about the first 16,000 revolvers were produced in Remington’s proprietary caliber, 44 Remington, after which they began chambering revolvers for the more popular and available 44-40 cartridge. This was Remington’s response to the Colt Model 1873 Single Action Army Revolver and was, arguably, a better firearm. The Remington had the advantage of a readily removable cylinder for cleaning & maintenance vs. the Colt which required tools to accomplish the same function. Colt did not offer this feature until about 1892, which became standard for them in about 1896. Unfortunately for Remington they were late on the scene after Colt had become well-established with the military and buying public. Remington was never able to gain sufficient traction to generate government contracts or wide distribution of this model. Two subsequent changes in 1888 & 1890 were insufficient to keep their large bore revolver in production and in 1896 they ceased production altogether. Given the limited production of this model only a few were factory engraved and with that limited number very few survive today in any configuration. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl retains about 80% strong orig nickel showing holster wear on left side with some scattered fine pitting; ejector housing & frame retain most of their strong orig nickel, as does the grip frame; cyl retains 85-90% orig nickel and hammer strong case colors, turned dark on top edge. Grips have numerous age lines but are sound and retain a wonderful ivory patina. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with fine pitting. 4-56542 JR124 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 1078
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1079
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$19,550.00 |
SCARCE HIGH CONDITION REMINGTON MODEL 1875 SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.
SN 117. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Blue finish with 7-1/2″ round bbl, pinched post front sight & 1-line left hand address. Buttstrap has a factory swivel stud & ring. Mounted with very nicely figured, smooth American walnut grips that has “44 W” on the left side. According to various publications, there were 25,000-30,000 Model 1875 revolvers produced in the period 1875-1889. The Model 1875 Remington was their answer to Colt’s Model 1873 Single Action Army revolver. Unfortunately, they appeared long after Colt was established with the military and had gained great popularity with the buying public. In addition, Remington initially produced their revolvers in a proprietary caliber, 44 Remington, which was not readily available throughout the area of use. By the time Remington realized their mistake and began chambering the Model 1875 in 44-40, probably the most popular caliber on the American frontier at that time, they simply were unable to gain traction against the Colt Single Action Army. The Model 1875 Remington is arguably superior to the Colt with its ease of cylinder removal for cleaning & maintenance, requiring no tools to dismount the cylinder. Colt did not offer this feature until about 1892 which did not become standard until 1896. In 1888, Remington made some cosmetic changes to the Model 1875 and produced the Model 1888 until it was supplanted by the Model 1890 which was finally discontinued in 1896, ending Remington’s foray into large bore revolvers. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine+, all matching. Overall retains about 98% glossy orig blue with only slight muzzle edge wear on left side & on ejector rod head. Cyl retains about 96-97% orig blue with wear mostly on front edges & shows virtually all of its orig factory blue in the chambers. Hammer & loading gate retain bright case colors and trigger most of its orig fire blue. Grips are sound with a couple of small nicks on left side & overall retain about all of their bright orig oil finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, probably unfired. 4-56365 JR119 (17,500-22,500) – Lot 1079
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1080
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$14,375.00 |
RARE EGYPTIAN CONTRACT REMINGTON MODEL 1875 SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.
SN 3585. Cal. 44 Remington. Blue finish with 7-1/2″ round bbl, pinched post front sight & 1-line left hand address “E. REMINGTON & SONS, ILION N.Y. U.S.A.” Left side of bbl, at the frame has a small 5-pointed star and an “R” adjacent on the frame. Butt strap has a factory swivel stud & ring. Mounted with 2-pc smooth walnut grips matching numbered to this revolver. Left grip has a small oval “F.R.” cartouche. According to various publications, there were 25,000-30,000 Model 1875 revolvers produced in the period 1875-1889. While it has never been documented it is believed there was a contract for 10,000 of these revolvers for Egypt, however it is also believed that only a few revolvers were produced under this contract and probably not delivered to Egypt. The majority of those known today have turned up in the U.S. with a few in Europe and two or three in Egypt. Regardless, this is a rare variation, seldom encountered and usually showing hard use. The Model 1875 Remington was their answer to Colt’s Model 1873 Single Action Army revolver. Unfortunately, they appeared long after Colt was established with the military and had gained great popularity with the buying public. In addition, Remington initially produced their revolvers in a proprietary caliber, 44 Remington, which was not readily available throughout the area of use. By the time Remington realized their mistake and began chambering the Model 1875 in 44-40, probably the most popular caliber on the American frontier at that time, they simply were unable to gain traction against the Colt Single Action Army. The Model 1875 Remington is arguably superior to the Colt with its ease of cylinder removal for cleaning & maintenance, requiring no tools to dismount the cylinder. Colt did not offer this feature until about 1892 which did not become standard until 1896. In 1888, Remington made some cosmetic changes to the Model 1875 and produced the Model 1888 until it was supplanted by the Model 1890 which was finally discontinued in 1896, ending Remington’s foray into large bore revolvers. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl & ejector housing retain about 95% glossy orig blue with some light flaking loss on bbl. Frame retains 50-60% flaked orig blue with loss areas a medium patina. Case colors on hammer & loading gate are faded to silver. Cyl retains 93-95% glossy orig blue & shows most of its orig blue in the chambers. Grips are sound showing light to moderate wear & retain strong orig oil finish. Mechanics are fine. Brilliant shiny bore, may be unfired. 4-56366 JR118 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1080
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1081
|
$10,925.00 |
RARE EGYPTIAN CONTRACT REMINGTON MODEL 1875 SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.
SN 9927. Cal. 44 Remington. Blue finish with 7-1/2″ round bbl, pinched post front sight & 1-line left hand address “E. REMINGTON & SONS, ILION N.Y. U.S.A.” Left side of bbl, at the frame has a small 5-pointed star, an “R” and an “R” adjacent on the frame. Butt strap has a factory swivel stud & ring. Mounted with 2-pc smooth walnut grips matching numbered to this revolver. Left grip has a small oval “J.W.R.” cartouche. According to various publications, there were 25,000-30,000 Model 1875 revolvers produced in the period 1875-1889. While it has never been documented it is believed there was a contract for 10,000 revolvers for Egypt, however it is also believed that only a few revolvers were produced under this contract and probably not delivered to Egypt. The majority of those known today have turned up in the U.S. with a few in Europe and two or three in Egypt. Regardless, this is a rare variation, seldom encountered and usually showing hard use. The Model 1875 Remington was their answer to Colt’s Model 1873 Single Action Army revolver. Unfortunately, they appeared long after Colt was established with the military and had gained great popularity with the buying public. In addition, Remington initially produced their revolvers in a proprietary caliber which was not readily available throughout the area of use. By the time Remington realized their mistake and began chambering the Model 1875 in 44-40, probably the most popular caliber on the American frontier at that time, they simply were unable to gain traction against the Colt Single Action Army. The Model 1875 Remington is arguably superior to the Colt with its ease of cylinder removal for cleaning & maintenance, requiring no tools to dismount the cylinder. Colt did not offer this feature until about 1892 which did not become standard until 1896. In 1888, Remington made some cosmetic changes to the Model 1875 and produced the Model 1888 until it was supplanted by the Model 1890 which was finally discontinued in 1896, ending Remington’s foray into large bore revolvers. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine, all matching. Bbl & ejector housing retain about 85% strong orig blue with light holster wear & some minor flaking. Frame retains about 40% orig blue, mostly in sheltered areas with balance flaked & worn to a light patina. Front & back straps are grey patina. Hammer retains bright case colors & loading gate, faded case colors. Cyl retains 65-70% orig blue, strong in the flutes, flaked on outer diameter. Chambers & bore retain most of their orig blue. Grips are sound showing moderate edge wear with a few nicks & scratches and retain most of their orig oil finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 4-56541 JR120 (6,500-8,000) – Lot 1081
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1082
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$4,720.00 |
SCARCE REMINGTON MODEL 1875 SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.
SN 537. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Nickel finish with 7-1/2″ rnd bbl, thick replacement front sight and 1-line right hand address. Left rear web of trigger guard is marked “44”. Mounted with replacement, smooth, 2-pc certifiable antique ivory grips that are very old but probably not orig to this revolver. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearmsthere were 25,000-30,000 of these revolvers produced 1875-1889. Of that total about the first 16,000 revolvers were produced in Remington’s proprietary caliber, 44 Remington, after which time they began chambering revolvers for the more popular and available 44-40 cartridge. This was Remington’s response to the Colt Model 1873 Single Action Army Revolver and was, arguably, a better firearm. The Remington had the advantage of a readily removable cylinder for cleaning & maintenance vs. the Colt which required tools to accomplish the same function. Colt did not offer this feature until about 1892, which became standard for them in about 1896. Unfortunately for Remington they were late on the scene after Colt had become well-established with the military and buying public. Remington was never able to gain sufficient traction to generate government contracts or wide distribution of this model. Two subsequent changes in 1888 & 1890 were insufficient to keep their large bore revolver in production and in 1896 they ceased production altogether. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our“Ivory Position Statement”and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Overall retains 97-98% strong orig nickel finish with only slight muzzle edge wear, some minor losses around the forcing cone area and some screwdriver marks on the trigger guard; face of cyl is bare metal. Grips show heavy wear with several age lines but are solid & sound and retain a fine mellow ivory patina. Hammer is not solid in safety or half cock notches, otherwise mechanics are fine; strong bore with fine pitting. 4-56364 JR123 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1082
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1083
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$24,150.00 |
VERY RARE, VERY EARLY CASED REMINGTON NEW MODEL REVOLVING RIFLE WITH EXTRA SHOTGUN BARREL.
SN 17. Cal. 44 & about 46 smooth bore. Extremely rare revolving rifle with 24″; oct to rnd rifle bbl with 5 lands & grooves that has German silver front sight and 2-position rear sight. Top flat is marked in 3 lines with the standard new model address. Frame is very rare color case hardened. Cylinder is unfluted, without decoration, has safety notches in the rear shoulders and is matching numbered to the rifle. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut buttstock with silver plated crescent brass buttplate & toe plate. Top tang channel of the buttstock is matching numbered to the rifle. Matching number is also found inside the top tang of buttplate. Trigger guard is also silver-plated brass in a serpentine shape with a spur finger rest below the trigger. Cylinder is about 2-3/16″; long and the rammer is also extra length. Smooth bore bbl is rnd, 28-5/8″ long with flat sides about 6″ from the breech end and is matching numbered to the rifle. Shotgun bbl has a simple brass front bead. Inside top strap of the frame has had a small tapered block added to the left edge which would prevent the cylinder from being removed from that side. Accompanied by a period full length walnut casing with mortised corners and flat lid with mortised brass lock in front and a swinging latch at each end. Case measures 42-7/8″ by 7-1/8″ by 2-1/2″. Interior is fitted to the rifle with a recess in one end for the muzzle and also for the spare bbl. Additionally, it has a space for a cleaning rod, which is missing. In the left rear corner is a hinged-lid covered compartment which contains shot wads and in the right rear corner is another covered compartment with three small interior compartments, one of which contains 5 cast lead balls. Fewer than 1,000 of these scarce rifles were produced in the period 1866-1879 in 2 calibers & 2 bbl lengths. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms oct to rnd bbls are scarce on this model. Reference publication makes no mention of color case hardened frames or smooth bore bbls so it seems possible that this may be the one and only Remington revolving rifle in this configuration with the extra smooth bore bbl. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, all matching and all orig. Rifle bbl retains about 50% glossy orig blue with the balance flaked, not worn to a mottled medium patina. Loading lever retains a mottled plum blue finish. Frame & hammer retain strong, faded case colors with about 50% having turned silver. Cylinder retains 60-70% thin, glossy, orig blue. Stock is missing a narrow sliver by the left side of top tang and has a few minor nicks & scratches and overall retains nearly all of its strong, orig varnish. Trigger guard & buttplate retain nearly all of their strong, orig silver finish. Mechanics are fine. Brilliant, shiny bore. Smooth bore bbl retains about 90% glossy, orig blue with the loss areas flaked, not worn to a medium patina. Brilliant, shiny bore. Case is sound with a lovely aged patina. 4-54749 JR203 (7,500-12,500) – Lot 1083
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1084
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$14,950.00 |
RARE ENGRAVED REMINGTON NEW MODEL ARMY PERCUSSION REVOLVER.
SN 86400. Cal. 44. Beautiful silver finished New Model Army with 8″ oct bbl, pinched post front sight and 3-line address. Mounted with smooth 2-pc certifiable antique ivory grips matching numbered to this revolver. Revolver is wonderfully engraved in New York style, probably by the master himself, L.D. Nimschke, in fine, intertwined foliate arabesque patterns with fine pearled background. Engraving is deluxe coverage with feather patterns on top strap and a fine geometric pattern on top front of frame. Matching foliate arabesque patterns extend over all of the exposed bbl flats with etched grape leaf & vine patterns on the rammer handle web. Matching foliate arabesque patterns cover the entire back strap & butt strap with more matching patterns on the trigger bow and bottom front of frame. Cylinder has fabulous deep-etched grape leaf & vine patterns completely around the circumference. The New Model Army revolver was produced in large numbers 1863-1875 and was one of the most popular sidearms during the Civil War. There were also very popular with the buying public and saw extensive hard service on the American frontier. Undoubtedly this revolver would have belonged to someone of great wealth or importance. This revolver, along with a New Model Navy revolver being sold elsewhere in this auction, is identically engraved and likely belonged to the same individual. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Overall retains 99%+ of a fine restored finish, probably from the factory. Whoever restored it exercised great care and barely touched the engraving leaving most of the fine shading completely intact. Grips are as new with a fine mellow ivory patina and are absolutely orig to this revolver. Hammer is not solid in the half cock notch, otherwise mechanics are fine; strong dark bore with scattered pitting. 4-56309 JR128 (20,000-35,000) – Lot 1084
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1085
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$14,950.00 |
RARE CASED ENGRAVED REMINGTON NEW MODEL ARMY PERCUSSION REVOLVER.
SN 51246. Cal 44. Full gold finish with 8″ oct bbl, dovetailed nickel silver cone front sight and 3-line address. Mounted with smooth 2-pc rosewood grips matching numbered to this revolver. Revolver is engraved by L.D. Nimschke with about 75% coverage flowing foliate arabesque patterns that has pearled background. Top strap is engraved in double chip & dot patterns. Foliate arabesque patterns extend up both sides of the bbl, sides of the muzzle and around the address. Bbl also is engraved in geometric patterns in other areas. Rammer handle web is engraved in matching foliate arabesque patterns. Top of backstrap is engraved in a diamond & dot panel with foliate arabesque and geometric patterns down the backstrap and the buttstrap. Trigger bow is engraved to match and bottom front of frame has a very finely detailed hunters star. Cyl has a full band of engraved foliate arabesque patterns with chip & dot border around front edge. Accompanied by an orig green velvet lined mahogany casing, compartmented in bottom for the revolver, a large size double sided Remington flask, a two cavity Remington bullet & ball mold with sprue cutter, a Remington L-shaped nipple wrench, a soft packet of combustible cartridges, a tin of Goldmark’s caps and lead bullets & balls. This model revolver was one of the most popular side arms of the Civil War and later with the Army and Civilian populous on the American frontier. It was very desirable for its ease of changing cylinders wherein someone could carry loaded spare cylinders and change them out quickly to continue firing versus the complicated operation required to change a Colt cyl which required partially dismantling the pistol. These pistols remained in service well into the 1870s and were in use by various famous cavalry units fighting Indians on the frontier. Cased examples are rare, engraved and cased sets are very rare and cased, engraved and plated specimens are exceedingly rare. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching incl cyl & grips. Overall retains about 98% strong restored gold finish. Grips are slightly shrunken with a hairline grain check in the left heel, otherwise are sound and retain a smooth, hand-worn oil finish. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore with a couple small spots of pitting. Cyl shows no evidence of having been fired. Case is sound with few light nicks & and scratches and retains all of a restored finish. Interior is lightly to moderately faded with moderate soil in the bottom. A couple of partitions have been re-glued. Flask has a dent on one side and retains about 80% strong orig finish. Mold is cleaned to bright metal with pitting inside the arms. Other accessories are fine. 4-56308 JR198 (20,000-35,000) – Lot 1085
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1086
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$6,325.00 |
RARE CASED REMINGTON NEW MODEL ARMY PERCUSSION REVOLVER.
SN 113103. Cal 44. Blue finish with 8″ oct bbl, pinched post front sight and 3-line address. Trigger guard is brass and it is mounted with replacement smooth 2-pc walnut grips. Accompanied by a fine, orig purple velvet lined mahogany casing compartmented in the bottom for the revolver, an angled spout double sided Remington flask, a Remington bullet & ball mold with sprue cutter, two packets of American Powder Co. combustible cartridges, an L-shaped nipple wrench and a lacquered tin of Joyce caps with orange label. This is a civilian revolver produced probably in the early 1870s at a time of the Great Westward Expansion when repeating firearms were in great demand. These revolvers were extremely popular with citizens from all walks of life from law enforcement, cowboys and outlaws for their powerful charge and large, heavy ball. They usually saw very hard service and are rarely found today with much orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains a dark, crisp restored finish with a few minor nicks and very faint sharp edge wear at the muzzle. Trigger guard is a dark mustard patina. Cyl shows matching blue with very fine pitting on face of cyl under the blue. Left grip is cracked through the escutcheon and right grip has chipped heel & toe and overall retain most of their orig varnish. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore with scattered fine pitting. Case has a grain check in the bottom by a knot, otherwise it is sound with usual light nicks & scratches and retains most of an outstanding restored finish with some minor staining on one end of the top. Interior is lightly faded with moderate soil in the bottom. Flask retains strong orig finish under an applied coat of lacquer. Mold has been cleaned to bright metal. Nipple wrench is fine and cap tin has a bright clear label. One cartridge packet is fine, sealed, while the other has been cut open. Altogether a fine and scarce set. 4-56533 JR199 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1086
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1087
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$6,900.00 |
SCARCE MARTIALLY MARKED REMINGTON NEW MODEL ARMY PERCUSSION REVOLVER.
SN 91213. Cal. .44. Blue finish with 8″ oct bbl, pinched post front sight & 3-line address. Trigger guard is unplated brass and is mounted with 2-pc walnut grips that has a crisp, clear cartouche on left side. Grips are matching numbered to this revolver. There are small inspector initials over various parts including frame, bbl, cyl, trigger guard and bottom edges of grips. Frame has SN “91213” & bbl has SN “91523”. This model revolver was produced in large quantities 1863-1875 and was one of the most popular sidearms throughout the Civil War and on the American frontier for its large caliber and ease of reloading, especially with mounted troops. A trooper could carry one or more charged cylinders and quickly exchange it for one that had been fired. These revolvers remained in service with the Army, and especially the Cavalry, until the military adopted the Colt Single Action Army revolver in 1873. Even after that, the Remington Army remained in service for several more years until the Colt had been completely distributed. It is well documented that Custer’s 7th Cavalry carried the Remington New Model Army until 1875/76 as did the 2nd & 10th Cavalry Regiments, all of which were engaged continuously in fighting Indians on the American frontier. Revolvers of this model are rarely found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbl retains 95-97% strong orig blue with some light dulling & scratches. Frame retains 75-80% glossy orig blue with the majority of losses on right side, flaked not worn to a dark patina. Rammer retains about 97% orig blue. Hammer retains virtually all of its orig case colors. Cyl retains about 95-96% glossy orig blue with virtually all of its orig blue in the chambers. Grips are sound with only minor bruise on right side & overall retain virtually all of their orig oil finish. Back strap is blue-grey patina. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, probably unfired. 4-56310 JR117 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1087
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1088
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$8,337.50 |
OUTSTANDING MARTIALLY MARKED REMINGTON NEW MODEL ARMY PERCUSSION REVOLVER.
SN 122505. Cal. .44. Blue finish with 8″ oct bbl, pinched post front sight & 3-line address. Trigger guard is unplated brass and it is mounted with 2-pc walnut grips that have crisp, clear cartouches on each side. Grips have number “899” in pencil inside each grip. This model revolver was produced in large quantities 1863-1875 and was one of the most popular sidearms throughout the Civil War and later on the American frontier for its large caliber and ease of reloading, especially with mounted troops. A trooper could carry one or more charged cylinders and quickly exchange it for one that had been fired. These revolvers remained in service with the Army, and especially the Cavalry, until the military adopted the Colt Single Action Army revolver in 1873. Even after that, the Remington Army remained in service for several more years until the Colt had been completely distributed. It is well documented that Custer’s 7th Cavalry carried the Remington New Model Army until 1875/76 as did the 2nd & 10th Cavalry Regiments, all of which were engaged continuously in fighting Indians on the American frontier. Revolvers of this model are rarely found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine+, all matching except grips as noted. Overall retains 96-98% glossy orig blue with only light sharp edge wear & a few small freckles on cyl. Hammer retains about all of its strong orig case colors, faded on top edge. Grips have a few chips, nicks & dings, and retain most of their orig oil finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, probably unfired. 4-56537 JR115 (4,000-7,000) – Lot 1088
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1089
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$6,325.00 |
EXCEPTIONAL MARTIALLY MARKED REMINGTON NEW MODEL ARMY PERCUSSION REVOLVER.
SN 123890. Cal. .44. Blue finish with 8″ oct bbl, pinched post front sight & 3-line address. Trigger guard is unplated brass and it is mounted with 2-pc walnut grips and has a crisp, clear cartouche on left side. Grips are matching numbered to this revolver. Various parts have small inspector initials including frame, bbl, rammer and cyl. This model revolver was produced in large quantities 1863-1875 and was one of the most popular sidearms throughout the Civil War and on the American frontier for its large caliber and ease of reloading, especially with mounted troops. A trooper could carry one or more charged cylinders and quickly exchange it for one that had been fired. These revolvers remained in service with the Army, and especially the Cavalry, until the military adopted the Colt Single Action Army revolver in 1873. Even after that, the Remington Army remained in service for several more years until the Colt had been completely distributed. It is well documented that Custer’s 7th Cavalry carried the Remington New Model Army until 1875/76 as did the 2nd & 10th Cavalry Regiments, all of which were engaged continuously in fighting Indians on the American frontier. Revolvers of this model are rarely found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine+, all matching including grips. Bbl retains 75-80% glossy orig blue with loss areas flaked, not worn, to a medium/dark patina. Rammer retains about 80% orig blue. Frame retains about 98% glossy orig blue with only light sharp edge wear, a few small scratches & a few small freckles of surface rust on right side. Cyl retains about 90% glossy orig blue with one area of flaking & shows about all of its orig blue in the chambers. Hammer retains bright case colors. Grips are sound with a gouge on right side & light to moderate wear on edges, and retain most of their orig oil finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, appears to be unfired. 4-56514 JR116 (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1089
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1090
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$5,175.00 |
SCARCE REMINGTON FACTORY CONVERSION OF NEW MODEL ARMY REVOLVER.
SN 142505. Cal. .46 RF. Blue finish with 8″ oct bbl, pinched post front sight & 3-line address. Cyl is factory conversion with five chambers & has the Rollin White patent of 1855 marking parallel with the chamber. Trigger guard is brass & it is mounted with smooth, 2-pc walnut grips that have what appear to be matching numbers in pencil on the insides. Frame number is “142505” as found on left side of butt strap. There is also an assembly number “2238” on left side of front strap & “10” on left side of back strap. Bottom flat of bbl has SN “142205” in the usual place & matching assembly number “2238” forward of the lever stud. There are small inspector initials on various parts including frame, bbl and trigger guard. Revolver is made without ejector rod. This was Remington’s response to Colt’s conversion of percussion revolvers and was inherently stronger than the orig Colt conversions because of their integral top strap. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl, rammer & frame retain 85-90% glossy factory restored blue accomplished at time of conversion. Cyl retains 88-90% glossy orig blue. Grips are sound showing moderate wear & retain strong oil finish. Front & back straps show moderate to heavy wear and are a light grey patina with some candy striping. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, shows light use. 4-56313 JR114 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1090
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1091
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$17,250.00 |
VERY RARE MARTIALLY MARKED REMINGTON BEALS ARMY PERCUSSION REVOLVER.
SN 1845. Cal. .44. Blue finish with 8″ oct bbl, dovetailed German silver cone front sight & 2-line address. Mounted with 2-pc smooth walnut grips matching numbered to this revolver. Both grips have clear, legible military inspector cartouches and there are small inspector initials on various parts including frame, bbl, trigger guard & cyl. Cyl is unnumbered but is an orig type as would have been issued as a spare cyl by the Army. According to FLAYDERMAN’S GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AMERICAN FIREARMS, there were a total of about 1900 of these rare revolvers produced in the period 1861-1862, about half of which were sold to the U.S. Army, making this a rather rare & desirable Remington collector’s item. Also according to reference publication, only about 750 of this model revolver delivered to the Army passed inspection. Surviving specimens of this model are rare, especially those in orig configuration with any orig finish. These revolvers & other Remington models were very popular with the military due to their ease of reloading, especially among cavalry troopers who could carry one or more loaded spare cylinders and quickly reload to continue firing. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine, all matching except cyl as noted. Bbl retains about 80% glossy orig blue showing light wear & flaking. Frame retains traces of blue in sheltered areas having mostly flaked to a light patina. Hammer retains strong case colors, faded on top edge. Cyl retains about 60% orig blue with balance flaked to a light patina. Right grip has chips along bottom edge, and both grips show nicks & dings and retain strong, orig oil finish. Mechanics are fine, brilliant shiny bore, shows very little use. 4-56671 JR111 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1091
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1092
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$28,750.00 |
VERY RARE ENGRAVED REMINGTON NEW MODEL NAVY CONVERSION REVOLVER.
SN 45138. Cal. 38 RF. Silver & gold finish with 7-1/2″ oct bbl, pinched post front sight and 3-line address. Cyl is an orig factory conversion item with conversion number “14” on rear face and matching number on bottom of bbl by the rammer stud. Right side of frame has an attached ejector housing and right recoil shield has a loading gate. Cylinder, rammer handle & hammer are gold plated with the balance of the revolver silver plated. Mounted with smooth 2-pc certifiable antique ivory grips matching numbered to this revolver. Left heel of grip frame, under the grip, also has the assembly number “14” which is also found inside each grip in pencil and on front face of recoil shield. Revolver is beautifully engraved in New York style by L.D. Nimschke with about 80% coverage foliate arabesque patterns that have fine pearled background. Top strap is engraved in chip & dot patterns with a beautiful flower blossom on top front of frame. Foliate, floral & geometric patterns extend over the bbl. Rammer handle is engraved in foliate arabesque patterns and the web with snake & dot patterns down the sides. Edges of recoil shield are also engraved in snake & dot patterns. Top of back strap is engraved in diamond & dot patterns with beautiful shell patterns on the back strap and geometric patterns on the butt strap. Cyl is engraved with a full band of matching foliate arabesque patterns with a snake & dot pattern around rear edge. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were about 28,000 of this model revolver produced 1863-1878 with many of them leaving the factory as cartridge revolvers and were in fact not conversions. Such is probably the case with this revolver. These revolvers were a very strong & direct competition with Colt’s conversion revolvers and remained popular well into the 1870s until supplanted by the more efficient & powerful center fire cartridges. They usually saw very hard service and are rarely found in high orig finish. Undoubtedly this revolver would have been ordered by someone of great wealth or as a special presentation to someone of importance or high esteem. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all matching including cyl & grips. Overall retains about 99% strong orig finish with only light wear on the trigger bow which has exposed the underlying brass. Grips are extremely fine with a couple of minor age lines and show a mellow ivory patina. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore; appears to be new & unfired. 4-56316 JR127 (35,000-50,000) – Lot 1092
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1094
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$23,000.00 |
RARE CASED & FACTORY ENGRAVED REMINGTON NEW MODEL BELT DA REVOLVER FROM THE RENOWNED KARL MOLDENHAUER COLLECTION.
SN 117. Cal. 36. Nickel finish with 6-1/2″ oct bbl, nickel silver half moon front sight and 3-line address that is very lightly struck on bottom line not showing “NEW MODEL” at all. Mounted with smooth 2-pc certifiable antique ivory grips. Butt strap is marked in white ink “KM 216” which is the inventory number from the renowned Karl Moldenhauer Collection sold by the Richard Bourne Auction Co. in 1980. This revolver is listed as item #142 in the hardbound publication of that auction and is identified by SN and full description as written by renowned collector/dealer, Eric Vaule. Revolver is full factory engraved, probably by the master himself, L.D. Nimschke, in flowing foliate arabesque patterns with an unusual shaded diamond panel on each side of the frame. The bbl is fully engraved on seven of the eight flats in a variety of patterns and the rammer web is also engraved with foliate arabesque patterns and snake & dot patterns. Top strap is engraved in feather patterns and edges of top strap with snake & dot patterns. Top of back strap is engraved with a fine fan pattern. Back strap is engraved in matching foliate arabesque patterns with snake & dot patterns on butt strap. Trigger bow is engraved in geometric patterns and a hunter star. Sides of the hammer spur are also engraved. Cylinder is also fully engraved in a variety of patterns. This is one of the more elaborately engraved Remingtons known and likely was an exhibition piece. Accompanied by an orig, burgundy velvet lined mahogany casing, compartmented in the bottom for the revolver, an angle spout Remington flask, a 2-cavity bullet & ball mold with sprue cutter, a brass & steel cleaning rod and a lacquered tin of Eley’s caps. It would be very difficult to improve on this revolver. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our“Ivory Position Statement”and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Overall retains 96-98% crisp orig nickel with a few minor pimples on the bbl and left frame gullet; cyl retains about 96-97% strong orig nickel with one small area of thinning & losses; front face of cyl is gray metal. Grips have fine age lines in the right side, otherwise they are sound and show a fine ivory patina. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. Case has a crack and a couple of grain checks in the lid, otherwise is sound with nicks, scratches & dings and retains about 90% orig varnish; interior is heavily faded with moderate soil; case partitions are solid; flask is fine and shows about 75% orig finish; mold is gray metal patina; cleaning rod has a dark brown brass handle; cap tin is fine. 4-56536 JR157 (25,000-40,000) – Lot 1094
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1095
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$0.00 |
SCARCE REMINGTON DA NEW MODEL BELT PERCUSSION REVOLVER.
SN 5563. Cal. .36. Blue finish with 6-1/2″ oct bbl, German silver half moon front sight & 3-line address. Trigger guard is silver-plated brass and it is mounted with smooth 2-pc walnut grips matching numbered to this revolver. According to FLAYDERMAN’S GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AMERICAN FIREARMS, there were 3000-5000 of these revolvers produced in both percussion and cartridge versions 1863-1873. Many of the orig percussion revolvers were subsequently converted to cartridge. Given that this revolver was produced during the Civil War era, it is likely that it would have seen service during the Civil War and later on the American Frontier. Remington revolvers were very popular with their users due to their simplicity of reloading and strength of their frame with its solid top strap. These revolvers are rarely found today with any orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, all matching except cyl which is unnumbered. Bbl retains about 95% glossy orig blue as does the rammer handle. Frame retains 30-40% blue, mostly in sheltered areas with the balance flaked, not worn, to a medium patina. Hammer retains dark case colors. Trigger retains about 80% bright fire blue & trigger guard traces of orig silver. Cyl retains 85-90% strong orig blue showing very little use with strong blue still in the chambers. Grips show moderate edge wear with light nicks & scratches, and retain 85-90% orig varnish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with a few scattered small spots of pitting. 4-56317 JR113 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1095
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1096
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$2,950.00 |
EARLY REMINGTON-RIDER DA NEW MODEL FLUTED CYLINDER PERCUSSION BELT REVOLVER.
SN 844. Cal. .36. One of only a few hundred produced in 1863 with 6-1/2″ oct bbl and dovetailed silver cone front sight. Cyl is full fluted. Trigger guard is brass and it is mounted with smooth, 2-pc walnut grips matching numbered to this revolver. Bottom edge of right grip has hand-scratched initials “WWK”. The double action belt model revolver is one of Remington’s smaller production runs with the fluted cyl examples only found among the earliest produced 1863-1865. These revolvers would have seen continuous service throughout the Civil War and later on the American Frontier. Remington revolvers were very popular with troops for their ease of cyl change. A trooper could carry loaded spare cylinders and quickly exchange for an empty cyl without having to go through the arduous process of reloading individual chambers. The fact that it is also double action enhanced its operational capabilities. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine, all matching including bbl, cyl & grips. Bbl retains about 50% glossy orig blue with balance mostly flaked to a medium patina with small wear spot on top flat. Rammer retains about 40% blue with balance flaked to a dark patina. Frame retains traces of blue in sheltered areas having flaked to a dark patina with some minor pitting on left side. Cyl retains about 70% orig blue, strong in the flutes, thinner on outer diameter. Trigger retains strong, orig fire blue. Hammer shows bright case colors, turned dark on top edge. Grips have a few small nicks & show light wear, retaining most of their orig varnish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with few scattered spots of pitting. 4-56450 JR108 (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1096
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1097
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$16,100.00 |
RARE MARTIALLY MARKED REMINGTON BEALS NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER.
SN 14976. Cal. .36. Blue finish with 7-1/2″ oct bbl, dovetailed German silver cone front sight & 2-line address. Trigger guard is brass and is mounted with smooth, 2-pc walnut grips. Left grip has a sharp oval military inspector’s cartouche. Various parts have small inspector initials including frame, bbl and cyl. According to FLAYDERMAN’S GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AMERICAN FIREARMS, there were only about 400-500 of these revolvers sold to the U.S. Army in the period 1861-1862 and were marked as found here, making this one of Remington’s most rare martial arms. Given that the majority of those revolvers sold to the Army were probably issued to active combat troops, it is rare to find one with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine, all matching including bbl, cyl & grips. Overall retains 40-50% flaked orig blue with loss areas a medium to dark patina. Grip frame is blue-brown patina. Hammer retains faded case colors. Cyl retains about 75% strong orig blue. Grips are sound with a couple small chips on bottom left edge and overall retain most of their orig oil finish. Mechanics are fine, very bright shiny bore, possibly unfired. 4-56670 JR110 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1097
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1098
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$5,175.00 |
SCARCE REMINGTON NEW MODEL SA BELT CONVERSION REVOLVER WITH PERCUSSION CYLINDER.
SN 3229. Cal. .36 Percussion & .38 RF. Blue finish with 6-1/2″ oct bbl, slightly altered German silver half moon front sight with 3-line address. Trigger guard is silver-plated brass and it is mounted with 2-pc smooth walnut grips matching numbered to this revolver. Accompanied by both percussion & conversion cylinders, both with conversion number “118”. This model is one of Remington’s lowest production with only an estimated 2500-3000 produced in the period 1865-1873. These revolvers were popular with the military and civilians alike for their accuracy and ease of reloading. Loaded spare cylinders could be carried and quickly exchanged for fired cylinders which greatly enhanced the owner’s fire power. Very few have survived with both cylinders. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, overall retains 65-70% glossy orig blue with loss areas flaked, not worn, to a dark patina. Trigger guard retains about 80% dark orig silver and hammer about all of its orig case colors. Cylinders retain most of their orig glossy factory blue. Grips are sound, showing light wear & retain about 98% orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. May never have been fired. 4-56444 JR109 (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1098
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1099
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$11,500.00 |
EXTREMELY RARE PAIR OF REMINGTON NEW MODEL POLICE CONVERSION REVOLVERS.
SN 7052 & 7062. Cal 38 RF. Revolvers are virtually identical in every respect with silver finish, 3-1/2″ oct bbls that have half moon front sights and 3-line addresses. Cylinders, hammers & rammers are gold washed. Mounted with 2-pc smooth pearl grips. Revolvers are beautifully and identically engraved by master engraver L.D. Nimschke with nearly full coverage foliate arabesque patterns on sides of frame and a fan patterns on left recoil shields. Top straps are engraved in chain & dot patterns which are also found on the top side flats and side flats of bbl. Top front of frames are engraved in a large foliate patterns. Backstraps are engraved in a variety of patterns with chip & dot borders. Butt straps are engraved with a 6-pointed hunters stars and trigger guards with an elaborate hunter’s stars. Cylinders have a full band of foliate arabesque patterns with chip & dot borders around front edges. There were about 18,000 of these revolvers produced 1865-1873 with the majority of them made as cartridge conversions. These were very popular pocket revolvers for their compact size and moderately powerful cartridge. They remained in service well into the 1870s or later, until supplanted by the more powerful center fire cartridges. Although this model was produced in fairly large numbers, not many were engraved and extremely few had special finish. Extraordinarily few were pairs. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: 1). NO. 7052. Bbl & frame retain about 75-80% orig silver finish; rammer handle retains strong silver under-plating while the cyl retains about 75% gold wash with the balance thin gold wash and exposed silver; trigger guard & front strap retain about 75% orig silver; backstrap & buttstrap are grey metal patina. Right grip has a chipped heel, otherwise grips are sound with great fire & color. Mechanics are fine; strong bore with light pitting. 2). NO. 7062. Overall retains 75-80% strong orig silver with loss areas on sides of frame. Rammer handle, cyl & hammer retain most of their orig gold wash with silver showing through in one area of cyl. Left grip has a couple small chips and right grip has a chipped heel, otherwise grips are fine showing tremendous fire and great color. Mechanics are fine, strong sharp bore, dark in the grooves. A rare pair. 4-56318, 4-56319 JR186 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1099
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1100
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$3,450.00 |
RARE ENGRAVED REMINGTON NEW MODEL NAVY REVOLVER FACTORY CONVERSION.
SN 44851. Cal. .38 RF. Blue finish with 7-1/2″ oct bbl, pinched post front sight & 3-line address. Bottom left flat of bbl, at the frame has tiny British proofs with matching proofs on the cyl & frame. Trigger guard is unplated brass and it is mounted with smooth, 2-pc walnut grips. Right forward side of frame is mounted with an ejector rod housing and cyl pin has had the right ear removed to accommodate the ejector. Frame is lightly engraved in foliate and snake & dot patterns on the sides. According to FLAYDERMAN’S GUIDE TO ANTIQUE FIREARMS, there were about 28,000 New Model Navy revolvers produced 1863-1878, many of which were converted to metallic cartridge. A large number of those were actually not conversions but left the factory as cartridge revolvers. These revolvers were very popular and were stiff competition to their Colt counterparts but finally succumbed to the superior centerfire cartridge of the late 19th century. Until then however, they saw hard service on the frontier in everyday life under harsh circumstances usually with limited maintenance. The fact that this revolver is English proofed lends credence to equally hard use in England’s far flung empire of that age. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good. Bbl retains 60-70% orig blue mixed with flaking. Frame retains faded blue in sheltered areas being mostly a blue-grey patina. Hammer retains dark case colors. Cyl is a blue-grey patina turning brown. Grips show moderate to heavy wear & a hand-worn patina. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with good shine & moderate to heavy pitting. 4-56315 JR121 (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1100
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1101
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$5,175.00 |
RARE CASED ENGRAVED REMINGTON-RIDER DA POCKET PERCUSSION REVOLVER.
SN 6382. Cal. 31. Silver & blue finish with 3-1/8″ oct bbl, German silver cone pin front sight and 2-line address. Bbl is blue and the frame is silver plated with a nickel silver trigger guard. Cylinder is mushroom shaped and has five chambers. Mounted with smooth 2-pc certifiable antique ivory grips. Frame is engraved in early scroll style of foliate patterns with fine pearled background and a large rosette on each side around the hammer pin. Side flats of bbl and top flat are engraved to match with matching patterns at the heel of the back strap and on butt strap. Top strap is engraved in feather patterns as is the trigger bow. Accompanied by an orig purple velvet lined mahogany casing, compartmented in the bottom for the revolver, a fine dbl sided eagle & stars flask, a brass 2-cavity ball mold without sprue cutter, a brass & steel mushroom head cleaning rod and a small tin of Eley Bros. caps. Although no definite number of revolvers manufactured could be established this model was produced 1860 to about 1873. One source states 2,000 produced and another source states 20,000. Regardless, this revolver was extremely popular as a concealed weapon and usually saw very hard service and are rarely found today with high orig finish. Extremely few had special plating and of those only a few were engraved and cased. Surviving complete examples today are rare. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains 75-80% glossy orig blue with some fine scratches on left side; frame retains most of its orig silver plating with the grip frame gray metal patina; cyl retains 60-70% thin orig blue with strong blue in four of the five chambers; hammer retains bright case colors on rear edge, lightly to moderately faded elsewhere. Grips are sound with only one small age line and retain a fine ivory patina. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore, may be unfired. Case is sound with light handling & storage nicks & scratches and retains most of its orig varnish; interior is heavily faded with moderate to heavy soil in the bottom especially from contact with lead balls; flask is extremely fine retaining about 98% orig finish on the body and about 60% gold wash on the collar & spout; thumb lever retains most of its orig gold and the spring bright blue; other accessories are fine. 4-56305 JR135 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1101
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1102
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$2,300.00 |
SCARCE REMINGTON-RIDER POCKET PERCUSSION REVOLVER WITH BOX.
SN 1784. Cal. 31. Blue finish with 3-1/8″ oct bbl, nickel silver pin front sight and 2-line address. Cylinder is mushroom shaped with five chambers and trigger guard is nickel silver. Mounted with checkered 2-pc hard rubber grips, matching numbered to this revolver. Accompanied by an orig, 2-pc, black cardboard box, compartmented in the bottom for the revolver, a dbl sided eagle & stars flask, a brass 2-cavity ball mold without sprue cutter and a wire cleaning rod with brass mushroom handle. There were only about 2,000 of these revolvers produced in both percussion and 32 caliber rimfire 1860-1873. Original percussion revolvers are scarce with a large number of them having been converted. Boxed examples are extremely rare. These little revolvers saw service throughout the Civil War and later on the American frontier where they were quite popular as concealment arms or backup guns. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains about 75% strong orig blue with the loss areas flaked, not worn to a dark patina; hammer retains dark case colors and the trigger bow bright nickel silver; trigger shows most of its orig fire blue. Grips are sound showing very light diamond point wear, turning chocolate on the left side. Mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with scattered pitting. Box has taped corners on the lid, otherwise is sound showing moderate to heavy edge wear and moderate paper losses to the edges; interior is yellowed and soiled but intact; flask has one small dent and shows a medium mustard patina; mold is extremely fine and shows a medium mustard patina with a few nicks on the sides; cleaning rod is fine. 4-56306 JR179 (3,000-4,000) – Lot 1102
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1103
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$5,750.00 |
RARE INSCRIBED & ENGRAVED REMINGTON NEW MODEL POCKET PERCUSSION REVOLVER.
SN 1679. Cal. 31. Third type with silver finish, 3-1/8″ oct bbl, German silver half moon front sight and 3-line address. Frame & trigger sheath are iron and cyl is unfluted with five chambers. Mounted with smooth 2-pc rosewood grips matching numbered to this revolver. Accompanied by an orig factory conversion cyl in caliber 32 RF with assembly number “1286”. Revolver is beautifully engraved with about 65-70% coverage flowing foliate arabesque patterns that has fine pearled background. Matching engraving patterns are on front side flats of frame and side flats of bbl. Top of back strap has a half sunrise and the back strap is engraved “P.S. SAYRE Utica N.Y.”. Edges of the back strap & butt strap have fine chip pattern borders. Web of the rammer handle is etch engraved in grape leaf & vine patterns. Percussion cyl is etch engraved in the Union/Confederate charging cavalrymen shooting at each other. The conversion cyl has a full band of foliate arabesque patterns. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were about 25,000 of these revolvers produced 1865-1873. Very few had special plating and of those extremely few were engraved with inscribed specimens and both cylinders exceedingly rare. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Overall retains about 98% strong orig silver plating and about all of the orig blue on rammer handle; percussion cyl retains about 98% crisp orig blue and appears to be ufnired showing virtually all of its orig blue in the chambers; cartridge cyl, possibly from another revolver, shows about 60% thin orig blue. Grips are sound with only one or two very minor scratches and retain virtually all of their orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore with one spot of pitting. 4-56320 JR137 (7,500-9,500) – Lot 1103
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1104
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$3,450.00 |
SCARCE CASED REMINGTON NEW MODEL POCKET PERCUSSION REVOLVER.
SN 4776. Cal. 31. Rare 1st type, blue & silver finish with 3-1/8″ blued oct bbl, half moon nickel silver front sight and 3-line address with only 1858 patent date and “NEW MODEL”. Frame is silver plated brass with blued steel trigger sheath. Cylinder is blued with five chambers and it is mounted with smooth 2-pc walnut grips. Left side of butt strap under the grip has the assembly number “13” which is also found inside each grip. Accompanied by an orig burgundy velvet lined mahogany casing compartmented in the bottom for the revolver, a dbl sided eagle & stars flask, a fine silver plated bullet & ball Remington mold with sprue cutter, a brass & iron cleaning rod and a small lacquered tin for Eley’s caps. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were about 25,000 of these revolvers produced 1865-1873 in four different styles with the majority either converted to 32 RF or manufactured as a cartridge revolver. Very few retain their orig percussion cylinder and of those extremely few were cased. These little revolvers were very popular with ladies and gentlemen as pocket revolvers and lawmen for backup guns. They are rarely found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Bbl & rammer handle retain about 70% glossy orig blue mixed with flaking. Frame & grip frame retain about 50% dark silver plating with the flaked areas a dark brass patina; trigger sheath retains about 80% orig blue showing sharp edge wear and thinning on the sides; hammer retains strong case colors; cylinder shows 75-80% orig blue with a heavy cyl line and light pitting on front face. Grips are sound showing light edge wear and retain most of their orig factory varnish. Hammer is not solid in half cock notch, otherwise mechanics are fine; strong pitted bore. Case has a grain check in the bottom, otherwise is sound with handling & storage nicks & scratches and retains about 95% orig varnish; interior is moderately faded with moderate to heavy soil in the bottom; flask is very fine showing about 95% strong orig finish overall with bright gold on the collar & spout; collar has a small crack in the bottom edge; mold is extremely fine retaining most of its orig silver; other accessories are fine. 4-56544 JR136 (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1104
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1105
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$0.00 |
RARE REMINGTON BEALS 2ND MODEL PERCUSSION REVOLVER.
SN 400. Cal. 31. Usual configuration with 3″ oct bbl, dovetailed nickel silver cone front sight with 2-line address. Cylinder is unfluted with five chambers. Mounted with smooth 2-pc rosewood grips. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were fewer than 1,000 of these little pocket revolvers produced in the period 1858-1859. Most of them saw service on the American frontier then throughout the Civil War and again back on the American frontier, usually under harsh circumstances, frequently with little or no maintenance. Of those few items surviving today they are rarely ever encountered with any orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine. No orig finish remains being an overall cleaned gray metal patina with fine pitting. Grips are sound showing moderate wear and retain a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with moderate to heavy pitting. 4-56304 JR175 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1105
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1106
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$4,025.00 |
VERY RARE ENGRAVED WITH GOLD FINISH REMINGTON IROQUOIS SPUR TRIGGER REVOLVER.
Cal. 22 Short. Very rare revolver with 2-1/4″ rnd bbl that has half moon front sight, marked on the top “IROQUOIS” and with the Remington name & address on the left side. Cylinder is fluted with seven chambers and it is mounted with 2-pc smooth pearl grips. Revolver is gold finish over silver and engraved by L.D. Nimschke with about 70% coverage foliate arabesque patterns that have very fine stippled background. Top strap & sides of frame below cylinder are engraved in snake & dot patterns. Top front side flats of frame are engraved with hunter stars. Back strap is engraved in matching foliate arabesque patterns. Cylinder also has matching patterns with a leaf & vine border around rear edge. There were about 10,000 of these tiny revolvers produced in the period 1878-1888 with fluted & unfluted cylinders with the fluted version being substantially more scarce. Engraved examples are extremely rare. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains about 50% orig gold finish with the loss areas exposing the dark silver plating which was under the orig gold wash; cyl retains traces of gold, being mostly a dark silver patina. Grips are sound showing great fire and bright colors. Mechanics are crisp, strong bright bore with a few scattered spots of fine pitting. 4-56371 JR168 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1106
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1107
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$13,800.00 |
EXTREMELY RARE CASED PAIR OF ENGRAVED REMINGTON-ELLIOT SINGLE SHOT DERRINGERS.
SN 2999 & 3000. Cal. 41 RF. Pistols are identical in every way. They are silver plated with 2-1/2″ oct to rnd bbls with pin front sights and 2-line addresses. They are mounted with incise flat checkered birdhead certifiable antique ivory grips. Frames are engraved in New York style, probably from the L.D. Nimschke shop, with geometric patterns at top of back strap, bottom of butt and top side flats of bbl. Top flats of bbls have small hunter’s stars. Accompanied by their orig blue velvet lined mahogany casing, French fitted in the bottom for the pistols, a brass cleaning rod, ebony handled turn screw and a full box of Union Metallic Cartridge Co. 41 Rim Fire Short ammunition that has blue label. Bottom of case has a 3″ x 3-3/4″ label of “Francis Reynolds / 48 Chatham St. & 5 City Hall Square —– New York / Importers and Manufacturers of / Guns, Rifles, Pistols, and Muskets” with other illegible information. There were about 10,000 of these little pistols produced in the period 1867-1888 with several different finishes. Very few were engraved and of that number extraordinarily few were cased and double cased pairs are even more rare. These pistols were extremely popular with gamblers as sleeve & vest pocket hideout guns and law enforcement for last resort guns. They usually were carried without holsters in pockets or vest pockets where they were exposed to sweat & body vapors and as a result are rarely found today with any orig finish. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our“Ivory Position Statement”and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Both pistols retain virtually all of their strong, orig silver finish; hammers retain about all of their bright fire blue which is also found on the hammer pins and triggers; trigger of #3000 is thin on the face. Grips are sound with light soil in the checkering and retain a mellow ivory patina. Mechanics are fine, strong bores with fine pitting. Case is sound with usual storage & handling nicks & scratches and retains most of a restored finish on the lid; interior is very fine with light soil; accessories are fine; ammunition is sealed in plastic and was not examined; box label is fine. 4-56348 JR133 (12,500-17,500) – Lot 1107
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1108
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$6,037.50 |
EXTREMELY RARE REMINGTON RIDER PARLOR PERCUSSION PISTOL WITH BOX.
Cal 17. Silver finish over the all brass pistol with integral 3″ oct to rnd bbl & frame. Bbl has pin front sight & fixed rear sight in top flat. Bbl has knurled rings around the muzzle and a raised knurled ring at the transition. This was the smallest pistol produced by Remington with only about 200 made 1860-1863. Left side flat of bbl has the Rider patent markings. This little pistol has it’s orig 2-pc breech block. Accompanied by an orig black cardboard 2-pc box with kraft paper covered bottom. Also accompanied by NRA silver medal #38, the award for one of ten best weapons exhibited at the 1963 annual meeting. Also accompanied by the small blue and white plaque that came with the award. These little pistols, as noted above are extremely rare, especially one with orig breech block. They are even more rare with strong orig finish and orig box is practically unknown. This pistol may be the finest of its type extant. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Overall retains 97-98% slightly darkened orig silver finish with only faint sharp edge wear. Grip has a small ding on the left bottom edge and breech block handle has some light nicks & scratches with additional scratches on the frame in the adjacent area. Mechanics are fine. Breech block is very fine with minor pitting on the nipple. Box is sound showing moderate edge wear and a small puncture in the lid, probably from the breech block handle. Bottom interior of box has some water stains and light foxing. NRA medal & plaque are fine. 4-56301 JR182 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 1108
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1109
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$2,360.00 |
CASED ENGRAVED REMINGTON-RIDER TYPE ALL BRASS PARLOR PISTOL.
Cal 17. All brass construction with 3-1/8″ oct to rnd bbl that has pin front sight and fixed rear sight in top flat. There is a single knurled band around the muzzle and a raised knurled band at the transition. Sides of the frame are engraved in flowing foliate arabesque patterns without background shading. The Rider’s patent information on left side flat of bbl is not present. Accompanied by an orig breech chamber that has a reproduction nipple insert. Accompanied by an orig purple velvet lined mahogany casing with empty inscription panel in the lid. Interior is French fitted for the pistol with a covered compartment in the right front corner which is divided into two compartments and apparently at one time contained lead balls and percussion caps. Bottom front of the case has a mortised nickel silver push button latch. This pistol does not conform to known dimensions of a Remington-made pistol. Some of the workmanship is slightly more crude with larger hammer & trigger pins and a trigger that does not resemble known Remington triggers. Inside the frame is a small piece of card inscribed “From The Collection Of / RICHARD G. GOODING / Wausau, Wisconsin”. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Pistol is a smooth, even dark mustard patina showing moderate to heavy wear on the engraving. Trigger & hammer are mostly a grey metal patina. Orig outer chamber & handle are a dark metal patina with light pitting. Reproduction nipple retains most of its strong blue. Mechanics are fine. Case shows minor shrinkage and a re-glued bottom front corner, otherwise is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retains about all of its orig varnish. Interior is moderately faded with light soil. All together an incredibly rare set. 4-56483 JR197 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1109
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1110
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$4,312.50 |
EXTREMELY RARE REMINGTON-RIDER ALL BRASS PARLOR PERCUSSION PISTOL WITH BOX AND LETTER.
Cal 17. Silver finish over the all brass pistol with integral bbl & frame. Bbl has pin front sight and fixed rear sight in top flat. This was the smallest pistol produced by Remington with only about 200 made 1860-1863. Normally these little pistols have rider patent markings on left side flat of bbl. This one is without those markings. This little pistol has it’s orig 2-pc breech block. Accompanied by an orig black cardboard 2-pc box with blue paper covered bottom. Also accompanied by a small handwritten letter dated Jul. 16,1868, addressed to “Friend Byron” which appears to be transferring a parlor pistol with instructions on how to use it and signed “A.J. Carlton”. These little pistols, as noted above are extremely rare, especially one with orig breech block. They are even more rare with strong orig finish and an orig box is practically unknown. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Pistol is very fine to extremely fine. Overall retains 95-97% strong orig silver with some fine freckling and light flaking. Trigger & hammer retains faded case colors. Breech block is a dark brown crusty patina. Box has one broken corner in the bottom otherwise is sound showing moderate to heavy edge wear with heavy foxing and soil inside. Altogether a very rare set. 4-56492 JR181 (5,500-7,500) – Lot 1110
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1111
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$3,835.00 |
RARE INSCRIBED REMINGTON NO. 2 SAW HANDLE DERRINGER.
SN 9. Cal. 30 RF. Nickel finish with 3-1/2″ oct to rnd bbl, pin front sight and 2-line left hand address on top flat. Mounted with 2-pc smooth pearl grips, matching numbered to this pistol. Breech block, hammer & screws are fire blued. Pistol is nicely engraved in foliate arabesque patterns with pearled background. Matching patterns are on side flats of bbl with geometric patterns on top flat and back strap. Butt strap is period engraved “P.E. Remington”. The founder of Remington Arms, Eliphalet Remington, had a son named Philo, however all research to date has failed to disclose that Philo had a middle name. Regardless, this pistol probably belonged to someone from the Remington family. There were about 15,000 of this model pistol produced in three calibers, 1865-1888. They were extremely popular as pocket pistols used by gamblers, ladies & gentlemen and are rarely found with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Overall retains about all of a factory quality restored finish; breech block & hammer retain about 90% fire blue and the screws thin fire blue; trigger is also a thin blue; bottom front of the frame, back of trigger slot, has a fine hairline crack. Grips are sound showing great fire & color. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 4-56328 JR145 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1111
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|
1112
|
$3,162.50 |
SCARCE ETCH ENGRAVED REMINGTON NO. 2 SAW HANDLE VEST POCKET DERRINGER.
SN 1310. Cal. 41 RF. Silver finish with 4″ oct to rnd bbl, pin front sight and 2-line address on top flat. Mounted with smooth 2-pc walnut grips. Pistol is very nicely etch-engraved in flowing foliate patterns with full coverage on sides of frame, side flats of bbl, back strap & butt strap. Lighter patterns extend up both sides of the bbl. Trigger, hammer, breech block & screws are blued. There were about 15,000 of these pistols produced in three calibers in the period 1865-1888 in a variety of finishes. While this model of pistol is not uncommon, etch-engraved examples are rarely encountered. The big bore vest pocket was very popular as a short range self-protection piece used by gamblers & lawmen as backup weapons. There are rarely found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Overall retains about all of a fine restored silver finish with some minor fine pitting on the frame. Grips are sound showing moderate wear and retain about 85% varnish. Breech block spring is weak or missing, otherwise mechanics are fine; strong bore with scattered pitting. 4-56329 JR146 (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1112
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|
1113
|
$4,312.50 |
EXTRAORDINARY ENGRAVED REMINGTON SAW HANDLE VEST POCKET SINGLE SHOT DERRINGER.
SN 15129. Cal. 22 Short. Silver finish with 3-1/4″ rnd bbl integral with the frame & pin front sight. It has saw handle shape grip mounted with smooth 2-pc rosewood grips. Top flat of frame has 2-line address. Pistol is engraved in wonderful foliate arabesque patterns that has very fine pearled background with full coverage on the sides. Top side flats of the frame are engraved in a twisted rope pattern. Sides of the bbl are engraved in diamond patterns with a chip & dot border. Back strap & butt strap are engraved in geometric patterns. Trigger, hammer & screws are fire-blued. Although this little pistol was produced in fairly large numbers, estimated at 17,000-20,000 pieces, very few were engraved and of those extremely few had special finishes. Finding one today with high orig finish is a great rarity. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Overall retains virtually all of its fine silver finish with coating of lacquer; trigger, hammer & screws retain about all of their bright fire blue. Grips are sound and retain most of their orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, strong bore with good rifling & light pitting. 4-56326 JR144 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1113
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|
1114
|
$2,185.00 |
RARE ENGRAVED REMINGTON SAW HANDLE VEST POCKET DERRINGER.
SN 12005. Cal. 22 Short. Blue finish with 3-1/4″ rnd bbl integral with the frame. It has pin front sight and 2-line address on top flat. Mounted with smooth 2-pc rosewood grips. Frame is etch-engraved on the sides with full coverage of a cornucopia and has a fine etched background. Top side flats of frame are engraved in light geometric patterns which are duplicated on the back strap. Although this little pistol is estimated to have been manufactured in fairly large quantities, estimated at 17,000-20,000, they are rarely found today with high orig finish. Engraved examples are quite rare and etch-engraved pieces are almost never encountered. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Overall retains about 80% strong orig glossy blue mixed with light flaking; grip frame is a gray metal patina; hammer retains about 60% fire blue and the trigger traces of fire blue. Right grip has a small chip at the frame, otherwise grips are sound and retain a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine, worn dark bore with rifling. 4-56324 JR147 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1114
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1115
|
$0.00 |
Revised: 3/12/2015
Please Note: This is a great antique replica of the original.
EXTREMELY RARE REMINGTON-RIDER ALL BRASS PARLOR PERCUSSION PISTOL.
SN 3. Cal 17. Tiny all brass pistol with 3″ integral bbl and brass pin front sight with fixed rear sight in top flat of frame. Grip is integral with the frame. Left side flat of breech area is marked “RIDER’S PAT. / SEPT. 13. 1859”. Bottom of bbl is marked with the SN. No additional disassembly was affected to check for other matching numbers. These tiny pistols were Remington’s smallest hand gun and utilized a separate breech system which was removable for reloading the percussion cap. The breech block of this pistol is a modern reproduction. These pistols utilized no propellant, only the power of the percussion cap to propel the lead ball. Only about 200 of these little pistols were made 1860-1863. Very few of these pistols survive today and extremely few are known with orig breech blocks. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Traces of orig silver remain in the most sheltered areas being mostly a smooth dark mustard patina. Mechanics are fine. 4-56303 JR180 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1115
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1117
|
$2,300.00 |
SCARCE REMINGTON ELLIOT 4-BARREL DERRINGER.
SN 11313. Cal. 32 RF. Fine little pocket pistol with 3-5/16″ 4-bbl cluster that has half moon German silver front sight with company name & address on the left rib and Elliot’s patent information on the right rib. Bbls are blued and the steel frame is silver plated. Mounted with 2-pc smooth hard rubber grips. There were about 17,000 of these little pistols produced in the period 1863-1888. Generally they saw very hard use as pocket pistols by citizens from all walks of life but especially gamblers & lawmen. They are rarely found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbls retain about 95% glossy orig blue with only a few small scratches and light muzzle end wear; frame retains about all of its orig silver finish showing only sharp edge wear. Both grips have tiny chips on the bottom edges, otherwise they are sound and show a rich chocolate color. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bores with one spot of pitting in the top left bbl. A scarce little pistol in hard to find condition. 4-56429 JR155 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1117
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1118
|
$2,300.00 |
RARE FACTORY ENGRAVED REMINGTON ELLIOT DERRINGER (PEPPERBOX).
SN 9395. Cal. 22 Short. Nickel finish with 3″ 5-shot bbl cluster that has pin sight and 2-line address on top flute. Mounted with 2-pc smooth pearl grips. Pistol is factory engraved, probably from the Nimschke shop with flowing foliate arabesque patterns on the frame, back strap, butt strap and three flutes of the bbl cluster. Rear of recoil shield is engraved in a delicate fan pattern and top sides of recoil shield are engraved in a flag pattern. Bbl ribs around the muzzle are engraved in geometric patterns. There were about 7,000 of these little pistols produced in the period 1863-1870 with a variety of finishes. They were extremely popular as pocket pistols and usually saw hard service. Few were engraved and very few of those survive today. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Overall retains about all of a factory quality restored finish with some minor flaking and crackling of the finish on the bbls; right side of frame is mostly a gray metal patina. Right grip has lost a large sliver of surface pearl, otherwise grips are sound and show great fire. Firing pin does not appear to rotate, otherwise mechanics are fine; strong bright bores with scattered light pitting. 4-56394 JR154 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1118
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1119
|
$0.00 |
ENGRAVED REMINGTON ELLIOT 4-BARREL DERRINGER.
SN 1087. Cal. 32 RF. Silver finish with 3-3/8″ bbl cluster, tiny half moon front sight and standard markings on side ribs. Pistol is very nicely engraved in foliate arabesque patterns with about 75% coverage on the frame and butt. Matching engraving patterns extend over the top two bbls about half way with fine geometric patterns on all four bbls around the muzzle ends. Mounted with 2-pc certifiable antique ivory grips. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our“Ivory Position Statement”and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fair. Overall retains 60-70% orig silver with several areas of heavy pitting on the frame and bottom two bbls. Grips have a couple of small age lines and are sound with a fine ivory patina. Mechanics need attention; strong bores with moderate to heavy pitting. 4-56428 JR324 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1119
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1120
|
$10,350.00 |
RARE REMINGTON ZIG ZAG RING TRIGGER DERRINGER WITH HOLSTER.
SN 5. Cal. 22 Short. Scarce blue finish with 3-3/16″ 6-shot bbl cluster with six nickel silver front sight pins and zig zag grooves around the rear end which are the rotating grooves to align the cylinder for the next shot. Left side of frame has the Elliot patent information and right side the Remington company name & address. Mounted with 2-pc hard rubber grips matching numbered to this pistol. There were fewer than 1,000 of these little pistols manufactured 1861-1862. Most of the production had plated finishes of silver or nickel. Few are found today with blue finish and of those very few retain any orig finish. Accompanied by a very rare tiny brown leather holster with flap & tab and Cheyenne plug. Rear of holster has had the belt loop removed. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, all matching (Cylinder is unnumbered). Bbl cluster retains 85-90% thinning orig blue with the loss areas mostly flaked to a medium patina; frame retains thin orig blue with stronger blue on the ring trigger; grip frame retains about 50% thin orig blue with the loss areas a light patina. Grips have a couple of small chips in the edges, otherwise are sound showing light to moderate wear having turned chocolate. The rotating stud on the trigger is worn and will catch a groove only occasionally, this is a simple repair for a competent gunsmith. Otherwise mechanics are fine; bright shiny bores. Holster, as noted, is fine with lightly crackled flap and retains strong orig brown finish 4-56321 JR177 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1120
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1121
|
$4,887.50 |
REMINGTON ELLIOT 4-SHOT PEPPERBOX RING TRIGGER DERRINGER WITH BOX.
SN 25142. Cal. 32 RF. Nickel finish with 3-3/8″ 4-shot bbl cluster with small half moon front sight and manufacturer’s name & address on left rib and Elliot’s patent information on right rib. Mounted with smooth 2-pc rosewood grips. Accompanied by an orig 2-pc black cardboard box with label inside the lid and faint, partially visible matching SN on the bottom. One end of the top has a small black & white label “NICKELED”. There were about 17,500 of these little pistols manufactured 1863-1888. They were quite popular as backup guns or concealed arms for gentlemen & gamblers. They are rarely found today with high orig finish and boxes are extremely rare, especially when accompanying their matching numbered pistol. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Pistol is extremely fine showing 97-98% strong orig nickel finish with one small spot of pitting at muzzle of bottom left bbl and another small spot on left rear side of recoil shield; trigger retains about all of its dark orig case colors and the spring housing in the front grip retains about all of its orig fire blue; screws retain much of their orig fire blue. Grips are sound with no visible flaws and retain about all of their orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bores. Box has repaired corners & edges in the bottom with a broken corner in the lid and shows moderate to heavy wear with black paper losses around the edges; interior is lightly foxed but clean. 4-56552 JR178 (2,500-3,500) – Lot 1121
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1122
|
$5,175.00 |
EXTREMELY RARE REMINGTON-RIDER PROTOTYPE MAGAZINE PISTOL.
Cal. Believed to be 32 RF Short. Appears to be a prototype for a side loading system for the fixed integral magazine vs. the tube loading system of the production model magazine pistol. Pistol has a 2-11/16″ ribbed rnd bbl with fixed integral magazine tube. Frame is brass with an integral trigger guard. Trigger system is like the production models. Grip frame of this pistol is slightly thicker but similar in shape and the breech block/hammer system are identical to the production model. Left side of frame has a small elliptical loading port without cover. Mounted with smooth 2-pc walnut grips. This is probably the only known example of this pistol and it is unknown whether the loading mechanism was effective or not. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fair. Bbl & magazine tube are a mottled silver/brown patina with light pitting; frame & trigger guard show nicks & scratches and a dark mustard patina. Grips are sound showing moderate to heavy wear. Hammer & breech block are moderately to heavily pitted. Mechanics are functional, dark pitted bore. 4-56539 JR143 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1122
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1123
|
$6,900.00 |
EXTRAORDINARILY RARE ENGRAVED REMINGTON-RIDER EXHIBITION MAGAZINE PISTOL.
Cal. 32 RF Extra Short. Spectacular magazine pistol with nickel & gold finish, probably built for the 1876 World Expo. It has 3-1/8″ nickel finish oct bbl with half moon front sight and 2-line address with integral nickel finish magazine tube. Trigger is also nickel finish and the frame gold finish. Breech block is color case hardened and hammer is fire blued as are the screws. Mounted with extraordinary checkered & carved ebony grips. Pistol is beautifully engraved by L.D. Nimschke with full coverage on the sides of frame of foliate arabesque patterns with fine pearled background. Side flats of bbl are engraved in square & dot patterns and top side flats are engraved in leaf & vine patterns. Left side of the integral magazine tube is engraved “5 SHOT MAGAZINE” and right side is engraved “REMINGTON”. Top flat of frame is engraved in square & dot patterns and top side flats are engraved in feather patterns with dash & dot patterns by the breech block slot. Back strap also has chip & dot patterns and foliate arabesque patterns. There may have been as many as 15,000 of these little pistols produced in the period 1871-1888 but this may be the only exhibition piece Remington ever made of this model. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 98% crisp orig nickel with a couple of small spots on left side flat; frame & grip frame retain virtually all of their bright orig gold finish; breech block retains bright case colors and the hammer bright fire blue. Grips are sound showing only faint diamond point wear and retain about all of their orig oil finish. Mechanics are crisp, strong bright bore with one spot of pitting. 4-56419 JR141 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 1123
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1124
|
$10,925.00 |
EXTREMELY RARE ENGRAVED & COLOR CASE HARDENED REMINGTON-RIDER MAGAZINE PISTOL.
Cal. 32 RF Extra Short. Rare pistol with 3-1/8″ oct bbl that has half moon German silver front sight and 2-line address with integral magazine tube. Bbl & magazine tube are blue finish and frame is color case hardened. Mounted with smooth 2-pc rosewood grips. Frame is engraved in light foliate arabesque patterns with fine pearled background and a dbl border consisting of a sgl line with chip & dot inside border. Top flat of frame has a very detailed hunter’s star and back strap is engraved in foliate arabesque patterns. Breech block is color case hardened and hammer is fire blued. There may have been as many as 15,000 of these scarce pistols produced in the period 1871-1888. Extremely few were color case hardened and of those only a few are known to be engraved. This model was the first successful cartridge repeating pistol that utilized a tube magazine. These pistols were very popular with ladies, gamblers & gentlemen as concealed carry arms for very short range self-defense. They are rarely found today with any orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 80% glossy orig blue turned dull on left side; frame & grip frame retain virtually all of their orig case colors, lightly to moderately faded with some freckling on left side. Grips are sound showing moderate high point wear and retain about 90% orig varnish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with a few small scattered spots of rust. 4-56555 JR142 (6,500-8,000) – Lot 1124
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1125
|
$4,025.00 |
RARE ONE OF A KIND EXPERIMENTAL OR PROTOTYPE OF AN OVER-SIZED REMINGTON-RYDER MAGAZINE PISTOL.
Cal purported to be 44 RF Henry. In the white with 9″ rnd bbl that has full length magazine tube and is all steel construction. Made exactly to scale of the much smaller orig Ryder magazine pistol. It is overall about 13-5/8″ long by about 6″ high, bottom of grip to top of breech block spur and about 3/4″ thick through the grip & frame. It appears that this is a working model and possibly could have been fired although the mechanism is balky and difficult to operate. Obviously this pistol never went into production. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Magazine tube is not properly attached and has no internal tube although it appears that the internal mechanism of the pistol is completely functional and probably would have worked if further experimentation had followed. Overall retains a mottled natural grey metal patina with rough machine marks. 4-56540 JR188 (5,000-10,000) – Lot 1125
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1126
|
$0.00 |
RARE ENGRAVED REMINGTON-RIDER MAGAZINE PISTOL.
Cal. 32 RF Extra Short. Nickel finish with 3-1/4″ oct bbl, half moon front sight and mounted with smooth 2-pc certifiable antique ivory grips. Pistol is engraved in New York style, probably from the L.D. Nimschke shop in flowing foliate arabesque patterns with pearled background. Top side flats of bbl are engraved in leaf & vine pattern with square & dot patterns on side flats which are also engraved on top flat of receiver. Back strap is engraved in matching foliate arabesque patterns. There were perhaps as many as 15,000 of these little pistols produced in the period 1871-1888 many of which were engraved. This was the first production cartridge pistol to use a tubular magazine. These little pistols were popular with ladies & gamblers and gentlemen as pocket pistols. They are rarely found today with high orig finish. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our“Ivory Position Statement”and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Overall retains about 98% crisp orig nickel with one small spot on the frame above the left grip; breech block retains bright case colors and the hammer strong fire blue. Left grip has an age line, otherwise they are sound with no other visible flaws and retain a golden ivory patina; grip screws retain about all of their orig fire blue. Mechanics are crisp, strong bore with moderate pitting. 4-56524 JR140 (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1126
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1127
|
$3,450.00 |
SCARCE ENGRAVED REMINGTON-RIDER MAGAZINE PISTOL.
Cal. 32 RF Extra Short. Nickel finish with 3-1/8″ oct bbl that has integral magazine tube and half moon front sight with 2-line address. Mounted with smooth, 2-pc varnished rosewood grips. Pistol is engraved by L.D. Nimschke with about 50% coverage foliate arabesque patterns on the frame and back strap. Frame has light, dbl chip borders with a hunter star on the top flat. Breech block is color case hardened and hammer is fire-blued. Trigger is nickel plated. There were possibly as many as 15,000 of these little pistols produced 1871-1888. This was the first self-contained cartridge handgun that utilized a tubular magazine. It is also the only known model where the number of engraved pistols outnumber those not engraved. Regardless finding one with high orig finish is rare. These little pistols were quite popular but soon faded into obscurity in favor of more powerful center fire cartridge handguns. Few remain today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Overall retains about 98% strong orig bright nickel with only some faint dulling on the grip frame. Grips are sound with a couple of chips in the varnish on the left side and a few light scratches and overall retain most of their orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, strong bright bore with moderate pitting. 4-56350 JR174 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1127
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|
1128
|
$3,450.00 |
SCARCE REMINGTON-RIDER MAGAZINE PISTOL.
Cal. 32 RF Extra Short. Nickel finish with 3-1/8″ oct bbl that has integral magazine & 2-line address. Mounted with 2-pc smooth, varnished rosewood grips. Accompanied by an orig red felt lined mahogany casing, compartmented for the pistol with a cartridge block in left rear corner containing 7-rds of ammunition, two of which are duds. There were less than 15,000 of these pistols produced 1871-1888 with the majority having been engraved. This is the only known instance where engraved examples are more common than non-engraved ones. These little pistols were the first self-contained cartridge handgun to utilize a tube magazine. They were very popular as concealed arms but fairly short lived because of the under-powered cartridge. High finish examples are rare and cased items are very rare. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Pistol retains 97-98% strong orig nickel with a few small surface scratches and some dulling of the grip frame. Grips show light nicks & scratches with a small gouge on left side and retain most of the orig varnish showing sharp edge wear. Mechanics are fine, strong, lightly pitted bore. Case is extremely fine with light nicks & scratches and retains about all of its orig varnish; interior is bright & clean and may have been relined in the lid; bottom is lightly soiled. 4-56579 JR172 (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1128
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1129
|
$5,750.00 |
VERY RARE REMINGTON-RIDER MAGAZINE PISTOL WITH COLOR CASE HARDENED FRAME.
SN 822. Cal. 32 RF Extra short. Rare pistol with 3-1/4″ blued oct bbl with integral magazine and German silver half moon front sight. Top flat of bbl is without the usual 2-line address. Frame & breech block are color case hardened with the trigger & hammer fire-blued. Mounted with smooth, varnished 2-pc rosewood grips. This pistol also has another rare feature in that it is serialized. The vast majority of these pistols were without SNs. There were perhaps as many as 15,000 of these scarce revolvers produced 1871-1888. Extremely few were color case hardened and a serialized specimen is exceedingly rare. These little pistols usually saw hard service and are rarely found with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Bbl retains 88-90% glossy orig blue with sharp edge wear and some minor flaking; magazine tube retains about 60% orig blue with the balance a blue/brown patina; frame retains about all of its orig case colors, brilliant in areas on the sides and over the top, moderately faded elsewhere with some light freckling on the left side; back strap is a mottled gray patina; trigger retains strong fire blue and the hammer brilliant fire blue. Grips have a few light nicks & scratches with moderate wear on sharp edges and retain most of their orig varnish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-56479 JR173 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1129
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1130
|
$4,600.00 |
LOT OF TWO REMINGTON-RIDER MAGAZINE PISTOLS.
Cal. 32 RF Extra Short. Pistols are virtually identical except for the grips. They are both nickel finish with 3-1/8″ oct bbls that have integral magazines with half moon front sights and 2-line addresses. One has smooth 2-pc pearl grips and the other smooth 2-pc varnished rosewood grips. Both appear to have a professionally restored finish. They were probably fewer than 15,000 of these pistols produced 1871-1888. They were quite popular as pocket pistols and usually saw hard service and in some cases, such as found here, required restoration. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Both pistols are virtually identical condition retaining about all of their bright nickel finish; breech blocks retain strong case colors and hammers bright fire blue. Pearl grips are extremely fine with great fire & color; rosewood grips show moderate high point wear with a few nicks & scratches and retain about 90% orig varnish. Mechanics are fine, both bores are strong & bright with moderate pitting. 4-56351, 4-56538 JR176 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1130
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1131
|
$4,025.00 |
RARE CASED ENGRAVED REMINGTON SMOOT NEW MODEL NO. 1 SPUR TRIGGER REVOLVER.
SN 1545. Cal. 30 RF. Nickel & gold finish with 2-13/16″ ribbed oct bbl that has integral upper frame and ejector housing. Cylinder, hammer, trigger & ejector rod are gold finished with the bbl & frame nickel finished. Mounted with smooth 2-pc pearl grips that have the number “26” inside each grip. Revolver is beautifully engraved, probably from the L.D. Nimschke shop with about 75% coverage foliate arabesque patterns that has fine pearled background. Back strap is engraved to match. Cylinder is fluted with five chambers and has matching foliate arabesque pattern engraving on lands between the flutes with a leaf & vine pattern around the rear edge. Accompanied by an orig purple velvet lined mahogany casing, French fitted in the bottom for the revolver, a blued wire cleaning rod and a compartment for a box of ammunition. There were about 3,000 of these little revolvers produced in the period 1875-1877. Of that total about 2,300 have the fixed recoil shield as found here. Very few of these had special plating and of that number extremely few were cased and engraved examples are extraordinarily rare. These little revolvers were extremely popular with ladies as muff pistols and gentlemen for pocket pistols. They were usually in close proximity to the body where they were exposed to sweat and other oxidants and are rarely found today with any orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all original. Overall retains about 99% crisp orig finish with bright nickel and bright gold. Grips are sound showing great fire. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with one small spot of pitting. Does not appear to have been fired. Case has one small grain check in the bottom, otherwise is sound with light nicks & scratches and retains virtually all of its orig varnish; interior is lightly soiled with some small staining under the revolver recess; cloth lining is crisp & bright. 4-56353 JR134 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1131
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1132
|
$0.00 |
RARE ENGRAVED REMINGTON NO. 1 SMOOT SPUR TRIGGER REVOLVER.
SN 1170. Cal. 30 RF Short. Nickel finish with 2-13/16″ ribbed oct bbl that has integral ejector housing and half moon front sight with 1-line address. Cylinder is fluted with five chambers. Mounted with 2-pc checkered hard rubber grips. Revolver is engraved, probably by L.D. Nimschke, with about 60-70% coverage foliate arabesque patterns with pearled background. Left side of ejector housing is engraved with a snake & dot pattern and both sides of top & bottom straps around cyl opening are engraved in leaf & vine patterns. Back strap is engraved with matching foliate arabesque patterns at top & bottom with snake & dot edge patterns. Cylinder is matching engraving on lands between the flutes with a snake pattern around the rear edge. There were about 2,300 of these little revolvers produced 1875-1877, with only a few engraved and of those very few survive with orig finish. These little revolvers were very popular with ladies as muff pistols, gentlemen as pocket pistols and gamblers. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Overall retains 95-97% strong orig nickel with minor flaking losses and fine pitting around forcing cone area; cyl has minor flaking in the flutes and otherwise retains strong bright nickel. Grips are sound showing very light diamond point wear. Mechanics are fine, worn dark bore with rifling. 4-56449 JR166 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1132
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1133
|
$0.00 |
RARE FACTORY ENGRAVED REMINGTON SMOOT NO.1 WITH REVOLVING RECOIL SHIELD.
SN 44. Cal. 30 RF. Rare Remington with 2-13/16″ ribbed oct bbl, German silver half moon front sight and 1-line address. Mounted with smooth 2-pc pearl grips. Accompanied by a period red velvet lined mahogany case, compartmented in the bottom for the revolver and space for a box of ammunition (no ammunition included). Revolver is engraved in New York style with foliate arabesque patterns that has very fine stippled background. Engraving consists of about full coverage on sides of the frame with light patterns on side flats of bbl and back strap. Cylinder has matching engraving on the lands between the flutes with a leaf & vine pattern around the rear edge. There were about 3,000 of these little revolvers produced in the period 1875-1877. Of that number only an estimated 650 were made with the revolving recoil shield. Of that very small number extremely few were engraved making this one of the most rare of Remington revolvers. The design of this revolver is most unusual in that the bbl & upper frame are one solid piece with an integral ejector on right side of bbl. These little revolvers were very popular with ladies as muff pistol and gentlemen as concealed pocket pistols. They are rarely found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Good to very good. Overall is a cleaned gray metal patina with some very minor, fine pinprick pitting. Grips are sound with great fire. Mechanics are fine, worn dark bore. Case is sound with some fine crackling in the surface finish and retains most of its orig varnish. Interior is lightly soiled with strong bright color. 4-56437 JR131 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1133
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1134
|
$1,610.00 |
REMINGTON NO. 1 SMOOT SPUR TRIGGER REVOLVER.
SN 1803. Cal. 30 RF. Scarce blue finish with 2-13/16″ ribbed oct bbl that has integral ejector housing, nickel silver half moon front sight and usual Remington’s patent markings on top. Frame has fixed recoil shield. Left side of frame on the trigger spur has a casting flaw. Mounted with its orig Remington faux ivory, 2-pc birdhead grips. There were about 2,300 of these little revolvers produced in the period 1875-1877. They were extremely popular with citizens of all walks of life for concealment and backup. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains 88-90% glossy orig blue with the losses from flaking, not wear, with the loss areas a medium patina. Left grip has a crack near the top with an identical crack on the right side and several age lines at both sides. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with a couple of spots of pitting. 4-56532 JR326 (1,500-2,000) – Lot 1134
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1135
|
$4,025.00 |
REMINGTON NO. 1 SMOOT SPUR TRIGGER REVOLVER.
SN 2197. Cal. 30 RF. Scarce blue finish with 2-13/16″ ribbed oct bbl that has integral ejector housing, nickel silver half moon front sight and usual Remington’s patent markings on top. Frame has fixed recoil shield. Mounted with its orig Remington faux ivory, 2-pc birdhead grips. Bottom of butt is marked “FB-211″, the mark of the well-known Fritz Baehr Collection. There were about 2,300 of these little revolvers produced in the period 1875-1877. They were extremely popular with citizens of all walks of life for concealment and backup. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains 93-95% glossy orig blue with the losses from flaking, not wear, with the loss areas a medium patina. Left grip has a 1/8” hairline on the back edge, otherwise they are sound with a nice yellow patina. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-56531 JR325 (1,750-2,250) – Lot 1135
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1136
|
$10,925.00 |
RARE CASED FACTORY ENGRAVED & GOLD FINISH REMINGTON MODEL 2 SMOOT SPUR TRIGGER REVOLVER.
SN 211. Cal. 32 RF. Gold finish with 2-3/4″ ribbed oct bbl that has integral ejector housing & upper frame with half moon front sight and 1-line address. Mounted with smooth 2-pc pearl grips. Cylinder is fluted with five chambers. Revolver is engraved in very fine New York style with flowing foliate & floral patterns that have a fine stippled background. Back strap & butt strap are engraved to match. Cylinder has full coverage matching engraving on the outer diameter with bright flutes. Edge of recoil shield and hammer spur are also engraved. Trigger & screws are fire-blued. Engraving was by a master engraver, probably L.D. Nimschke. Accompanied by an orig brown leather covered, rectangular, fluted lid, red satin lined box with nickeled sliding latch on the front, recessed in the bottom for the revolver. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms only about 2,000 of these little revolvers were produced 1877-1885. They were very popular with ladies as muff pistols and gentlemen for concealed carry. They usually saw hard service and are rarely found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching including cyl. Grips are unnumbered. Overall retains about 98% orig gold finish with some minor dulling around forcing cone & back strap; cyl is matching condition with the front face dark metal patina. Grips are sound with no discernible flaws and show great fire with good color. Mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with some scattered light pitting. Case has some breaks in the leather on the lid and shows moderate wear with finish losses, otherwise is intact & solid; interior shows minor damage in the hinge area with moderate soil from contact with the revolver. Altogether an extremely rare cased revolver. 4-56358 JR163 (6,500-8,500) – Lot 1136
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1137
|
$3,540.00 |
RARE ENGRAVED REMINGTON-SMOOT NEW MODEL NO. 2 SPUR TRIGGER REVOLVER.
SN 186. Cal. 32 RF. Gold finish with 2-3/4″ ribbed oct bbl with integral ejector housing and top frame. Bbl has half moon front sight and 1-line address. Cyl is fluted with five chambers. Mounted with smooth 2-pc pearl grips. Revolver has nearly full coverage relief engraved foliate & floral patterns with very fine stippled background. The entire frame has very fine deluxe borders. Bbl & ejector housing are engraved to match and the hammer has light patterns on sides of spur. Even the attached recoil shield has an engraved edge. Cylinder is engraved to match on lands between the flutes with a dbl border around rear edge. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were about 3,000 of this model revolver produced in the period 1877-1885, of which about 2,000 were in caliber 32. Very few of those were engraved and exceedingly few had special plating such as found here. In addition the engraving patterns are extremely rare. These little pistols were very popular with ladies & gentlemen as concealed arms and usually saw hard use. They are rarely encountered today with any orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains about 80% orig gold finish with losses around the muzzle & forcing cone areas with light wear on sides of frame and heavier wear on grip frame; cylinder retains 80-85% orig gold finish, strong in the flutes. Grips are sound showing great fire & fine color. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with one area of pitting near the muzzle. Altogether a very rare Remington revolver. 4-56545 JR139 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1137
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1138
|
$0.00 |
SCARCE ENGRAVED REMINGTON SMOOT NEW MODEL NO. 2 SPUR TRIGGER REVOLVER.
SN 649. Cal. 32 RF Short. Nickel finish with 2-3/4″ ribbed oct bbl that has integral ejector housing and half moon front sight with 1-line address. Top frame is integral with the bbl. Mounted with 2-pc checkered hard rubber grips. Cylinder is fluted with five chambers. Revolver is very nicely engraved from the L.D. Nimschke shop with 60-70% coverage foliate arabesque patterns that have pearled background. Sides of the frame, above & below the cyl slot, are engraved in snake & dot patterns. Top strap, sides of the bbl & left side of the ejector housing are all engraved in leaf & vine patterns. Back strap is engraved with foliate arabesque patterns and a dbl line snake & dot pattern. Cyl has matching foliate arabesque patterns on lands between the flutes with a snake & dot pattern around rear edge. Only about 1,400 of the No. 2 Smoot in caliber 32 were manufactured in the period 1877-1885. These little revolvers were very popular in their day with ladies as muff pistols, gentlemen as concealed arms and gamblers and are rarely found today with high orig finish. Very few were engraved. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Overall retains about 99% strong bright nickel with the only losses on cylinder face. Grips are sound showing light diamond point wear, beginning to turn chocolate on right side. Mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with fine pitting. 4-56357 JR167 (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1138
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1139
|
$4,600.00 |
SCARCE ENGRAVED REMINGTON SMOOT NO. 2 SPUR TRIGGER REVOLVER.
SN 285. Cal. 32 RF Short. Nickel finish with 2-3/4″ oct bbl that is integral to the upper frame & ejector housing. Cylinder is fluted with five chambers and revolver is mounted with smooth 2-pc birdhead certifiable antique ivory grips. Revolver is beautifully engraved in New York style with about 75% coverage foliate arabesque patterns that has fine pearled background. Top strap & side flats of the bbl are engraved in vine patterns with very fine foliate arabesque patterns on the back strap and toe of the grip frame. Cylinder has matching engraving on lands between the flutes and has a fine leaf & vine pattern around the rear edge. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were only about 1,400 of these revolvers produced in the time frame 1877-1885. Very few were engraved and of those few survive today. These little revolvers were in great demand for their small size and ease of concealability for ladies as muff pistols and gentlemen for pocket pistols. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our“Ivory Position Statement”and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Overall retains 99%+ crisp orig nickel finish. Grips are equally fine. Mechanics are crisp, strong bright bore with a few scattered spots of pitting. It would be difficult to improve on this piece. 4-56356 JR132 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1139
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1140
|
$5,750.00 |
RARE ENGRAVED EARLY PRODUCTION REMINGTON SMOOT NO. 3 SPUR TRIGGER REVOLVER FROM THE FAMOUS KARL MOLDENHAUER COLLECTION.
SN 13531. Cal. 38 CF. Nickel finish with 3-3/4″ oct bbl, tall half moon front sight with integral ejector housing and without rib. Cylinder is fluted with five chambers and it is mounted with checkered 2-pc hard rubber grips. Revolver is engraved by L.D. Nimschke with about 70% coverage foliate arabesque patterns that has pearled background. Bottom edges of frame below cyl opening and left side of ejector housing are engraved in snake & dot patterns. Top side flats of bbl are engraved in leaf & vine patterns. Back strap is engraved in foliate arabesque & geometric patterns. Cylinder has matching foliate arabesque patterns on lands between flutes with a dbl wavy line border at the rear edge. Sides of bbl boss are engraved in half flower blossoms. Bottom of frame has the ink number “416” which is the inventory number of Mr. Moldenhauer’s renowned collection of Remington Arms. This revolver was item number “247” in the October 1980 auction of Mr. Moldenhauer’s collection by Richard Bourne and is pictured and described by renowned firearms authority, Eric Vaule, in the hardbound catalog. There were about 12,500 of this earliest No. 3 production in two calibers (38 RF & 38 CF). Very few were engraved and few of those survive today. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Overall retains about 99% crisp orig nickel with one small scratch on top flat and some minor pimpling on right side of hammer spur. Grips are matching condition showing faint diamond point wear. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore, appears to be unfired. 4-56359 JR170 (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1140
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1141
|
$6,325.00 |
SCARCE FACTORY ENGRAVED REMINGTON SMOOT NEW MODEL NO. 3 SAW HANDLE REVOLVER FROM THE RENOWNED KARL MOLDENHAUER COLLECTION.
SN 23244. Cal. 38 RF. Nickel finish with 3-3/4″ ribbed oct bbl that has integral ejector housing with half moon front sight and 1-line address. Cylinder is fluted and has five chambers. Mounted with smooth 2-pc pearl grips. Bottom of butt strap is marked in white ink “KM551” which is the inventory number of the renowned Karl Moldenhauer Collection of Remington Arms. This revolver is listed as Item #249 in the hardbound catalog for the auction of Mr. Moldenhauer’s collection as sold in October 1980 by Richard Bourne. It has black & white photograph and color photograph in Plate #6 and description by renowned firearms authority, collector/dealer, Eric Vaule. Revolver has nearly full coverage of foliate arabesque pattern engraving with pearled background by master engraver, L.D. Nimschke. Sides of top strap and bottom strap are engraved in chip & dot patterns with snake & dot patterns down top side flats of bbl. Left side of ejector housing is engraved with leaf & vine patterns. Both sides of bbl boss and top of back strap are engraved in flower blossoms. Bottom front gullets of frame are engraved in very fine diamond & dot patterns. Cylinder has matching foliate arabesque patterns on lands between the flutes with zig zag patterns in the flutes and around rear edge. There were about 6,000 of this style No. 3 Smoot manufactured 1878-1888. Very few were engraved and of those extremely few survive today. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Overall retains about 98% crisp orig nickel with one small spot of flaking on right side of muzzle; cyl is matching condition. Grips are crisp showing great fire. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with a couple of small spots of pitting, may have been fired but if so, very little. 4-56360 JR171 (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1141
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1142
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$5,175.00 |
SCARCE EARLY REMINGTON SMOOT NEW MODEL NO. 3 SPUR TRIGGER REVOLVER.
SN 8362. Cal. 38 RF. Scarce blue finish with 3-3/4″ oct bbl made without rib in the early style with integral ejector housing and upper frame. Cylinder is fluted with five chambers. Grip is birdhead shaped and mounted with 2-pc factory synthetic ivory grips. There were about 12,500 of these revolvers produced 1878-1888 in two grip styles and two calibers (38 CF & 38 RF). Blued examples are extremely rare, especially those with orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Overall retains about 88-90% glossy orig blue with only light sharp edge wear and a few small scratches on the frame; most of the losses are two flaked areas on the back strap & butt which are now a light metal patina; cyl retains 96-97% glossy orig blue with some minor flaking; cyl face is bare metal. Each grip has a small hairline crack, otherwise they are sound with a fine ivory-like patina. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with scattered pitting. 4-56505 JR169 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1142
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1143
|
$9,200.00 |
EXTREMELY RARE CASED ENGRAVED REMINGTON NEW MODEL NO. 4 SPUR TRIGGER REVOLVER.
SN 10373. Cal. 41 RF Short. Gold finish with 2-1/2″ rnd bbl that has half moon front sight and 1-line address. Mounted with Remington factory synthetic faux ivory grips. Revolver has full gold finish with nickel plated cyl pin, hammer & trigger. It is engraved by L.D. Nimschke with about 50% coverage foliate arabesque patterns on sides, top strap & back strap. Sides of the bbl boss are engraved with hunter stars and sides of the bbl are engraved with feather panels. Cylinder is engraved in matching foliate arabesque patterns on lands between the flutes. Accompanied by an orig purple satin & velvet lined, black leatherette casing with beveled lid & bottom. Interior of case is French fitted for the revolver and recessed for a mushroom handle brass & steel cleaning rod. Left rear corner has a cartridge block containing 6-rds of ammunition. Only about 23,000 of these revolvers were produced in two calibers, 1877-1888. Of that number about 5,000 were in caliber 41. The number of engraved revolvers is certainly rare and those with special finishes even more rare and cased examples extremely rare. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Overall retains about 99% crisp orig finish with some slight sharp edge thinning; cyl is of equal condition. Trigger & hammer retain about all of their orig nickel. Right grip has a tiny hairline on the rear edge, otherwise grips are extremely fine and show a mellow ivory-like patina. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore; appears to be new & unfired. Case is sound with light edge wear and retains most of its orig black leather finish; satin lining in the lid shows deterioration from contact with the cyl and moderate fading; bottom is soiled from contact with the revolver, otherwise purple velvet retains bright clean color. Altogether a very rare set. 4-56363 JR164 (6,500-8,500) – Lot 1143
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1144
|
$4,600.00 |
RARE ENGRAVED REMINGTON NEW MODEL NO. 4 SPUR TRIGGER REVOLVER.
SN 1578. Cal. 41 RF Short. Nickel finish with 2-1/2″ rnd bbl that has half moon front sight and 1-line address. Mounted with smooth 2-pc pearl grips. Revolver is beautifully engraved by L.D. Nimschke with about 75-80% coverage foliate arabesque patterns on the frame which extend full length on each side of the bbl. Entire back strap & butt of grip frame are engraved in geometric patterns with a Nimschke trademark sunburst about center of the back strap. Cylinder is silver finished and engraved to match on lands between the flutes. There were about 23,000 of these revolvers produced 1877-1888 with the majority in caliber 38 RF. Only about 5,000 of them were in caliber 41. Of that small number very few were engraved and of those extremely few are known today. Frame screw on bottom front is battered. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching including cylinder; grips are unnumbered. Overall retains about 99% strong orig nickel on bbl & frame and about 95% orig silver on cylinder. Left grip has a small chip and right grip a small scratch, otherwise they are sound with great fire & brilliant colors. Mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with scattered pitting. 4-56362 JR165 (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1144
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1145
|
$4,130.00 |
VERY RARE EXPERIMENTAL OR POSSIBLY PROTOTYPE EXTENDED BARREL REMINGTON OVER/UNDER DERRINGER PISTOL CARBINE.
SN 29. Cal 22 & 32 RF. Built on a nickel finish type 1 late production Model 2 over/under derringer frame with blued bbls marked on top rib in 2 lines with usual address and patent information. Mounted with checkered 2-pc hard rubber grips. Bbl cluster has been modified by having smaller caliber bbls sleeved into the orig 41 caliber bbls with 22 smooth bore on top and 32 smooth bore on bottom. Bbls are 19-9/16″ with a distinctive rib on each side and a tall half moon front sight at the muzzle. In addition the left side of orig bbls and hinge area have been modified with the addition of an automatic extraction device that is very effective for its purpose. There are no known precedence for this modification. Mr. Burka’s notes indicated that this pistol was created for as ornithologist to collect wild bird species for study & taxidermy. This is a very unique piece and unlikely to ever be encountered elsewhere. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Bbls retain about 95% strong, bright blue with a few small scattered spots of surface rust; frame retains about 70% dull orig nickel some of which is pimpled and beginning to loosen; trigger, hammer & locking lever retain faded fire blue. Grips are sound showing light diamond point wear beginning to turn chocolate on right side. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bores. 4-56580 JR195 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1145
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1146
|
$17,700.00 |
EXTREMELY RARE REMINGTON SPLIT BREECH PISTOL-RIFLE.
SN 1830. Cal 32 RF. Blue & silver finish with 18″ oct to rnd bbl, gold washed Beach’s combination front sight and Remington, reverse mounted, special, semi-buckhorn rear sight with tiny sliding aperture in a 1-3/4″ staff, graduated on the forward side to 1000 yds. Top flat of orig portion of bbl has 2-line Remington markings. The orig No.2 saw handled vest pocket pistol was modified by having the bbl cut at the front edge of the frame and the longer bbl sleeved into place. Frame is mounted with 2-pc smooth pearl grips matching numbered to this pistol. It is engraved in New York style, possibly by L.D. Nimschke with full coverage on the sides and light patterns on the backstrap & buttstrap. Orig portion of the bbl is matching engraved with added engraving at the juncture of the new bbl and old bbl. Breech block, hammer & trigger are fire blued and the frame is silver plated. Top of the backstrap has a small threaded hole with another in the buttstrap which are to accommodate the accompanying nickel plated wire stock which is held in place by a knurled thumb screw. Accompanied by its orig brown baize lined, brown leatherette case that has brass reinforcing corners and swinging latches with a small round leather handle on the front. Bottom inside of the case is compartmented for the pistol with a large open compartment toward the back. Inside the lid is form fitted for the wire stock with a rotating latch. There is substantial controversy over the authenticity of these pistol-rifles. One school posits that they were made by Remington workmen on their own time and another that they were by a very skilled 19th century gunsmith. Conversation with Roy Marcot, renowned Remington historian and author, disclosed that there is one of these pistol-rifles in the Official Remington Museum. It is his contention that Remington would not display something not produced in their factory or that was made by an outside source. Although he did say there are some ancient weapons in the museum not made by Remington. However, to the best of his knowledge only those weapons manufactured by E. Remington & Sons from the time of Eliphalet Remington in the late 1840s woull have been retained in the original Remington Arms Collection. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Pistol is extremely fine. Bbl retains 97-98% strong factory style blue with the orig portion of the bbl refinished. Frame retains about all of its orig silver finish with the backstrap a grey metal patina. Breech block, hammer, screws & pins retain about all of their bright fire blue. Grips are exceptionally fine with great fire and light iridescent color. Breech block spring is either missing or broken, otherwise mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore. Stock retains virtually all of its bright orig nickel. Case shows minor water damage but is completely intact with some discoloration to the exterior & interior. Interior is also moderately soiled. A rare and unusual set. 4-56333 JR189 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1146
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1147
|
$0.00 |
RARE REMINGTON SPLIT BREECH DERRINGER RIFLE.
SN 1784. Cal 32 RF. Full nickel finish with 13-7/8″ oct to rnd bbl, small Remington front sight and Remington-style, professionally made semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with smooth 2-pc rosewood grips. Pistol was built on a number 2 Remington vest pocket derringer frame with the longer bbl sleeved into the orig bbl root. Top flat of the bbl is engraved in period script “Wightman’s Improved”. Butt strap has an added, custom built shoe to accommodate the accompanying Stevens pocket rifle metal wire stock which is numbered “7638”. Bottom arm of the stock dovetails into the shoe and is attached to the backstrap with its orig Stevens thumb screw. Bbl is lightly engraved with foliate & floral, geometric & arabesque patterns. There is considerable controversy about the authenticity of these pistol carbines with two schools of thought, one of which posits that they were created by factory employees on their own time or by a very skilled 19th century gunsmith. Conversation with Roy Marcot, renowned Remington historian and author, disclosed that there is one of these pistol-rifles in the Official Remington Museum. It is his contention that Remington would not display something not produced in their factory or that was made by an outside source. Although he did say there are some ancient weapons in the museum not made by Remington. However, to the best of his knowledge only those weapons manufactured by E. Remington & Sons from the time of Eliphalet Remington in the late 1840s would have been retained in the original Remington Arms Collection. Regardless they are a very interesting and unique item, very seldom ever encountered. No two items are known to be exactly identical. Perhaps the inscription on the bbl may ultimately shed light on the individual who made them. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Overall retains about 85-90% custom nickel finish with spots of flaking on the bbl and a few on the frame. Grips are very fine showing light wear and retain most of their orig varnish. Mechanics are fine; strong bore with moderate pitting. Stock retains virtually all of its orig nickel. 4-56331 JR192 (8,000-15,000) – Lot 1147
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1148
|
$0.00 |
EXTREMELY RARE REMINGTON SPLIT BREECH DERRINGER RIFLE WITH ATTACHED SHOULDER STOCK FROM THE RENOWNED KARL MOLDENHAUER COLLECTION.
SN 2782. Cal 22. Built on a number 2 size Remington saw handle derringer with 15-1/2″ oct to rnd bbl, tiny Remington front sight and an equally tiny Remington semi-buckhorn rear sight. Frame is nickeled steel and mounted with 2-pc smooth walnut grips. Heel of the grip frame has an added hinge boss which contains an articulated metal skeleton stock. Butt strap is slotted with the addition of a flat leaf tension spring to keep the shoulder stock in position. Shoulder stock is marked in white ink “KM-79”. This is the inventory number of the renown Karl Moldenhauer collection and it is listed as lot number 211 in the auction of his collection sold Oct. 1980 by the Richard Bourne Auction Company. This pistol is pictured in the catalog and described by renowned firearms authority and author Eric Vaule. There is considerable controversy about the authenticity of these pistol carbines with two schools of thought, one of which posits that they were created by factory employees on their own time or by a very skilled 19th century gunsmith. Conversation with Roy Marcot, renowned Remington historian and author, disclosed that there is one of these pistol-rifles in the Official Remington Museum. It is his contention that Remington would not display something not produced in their factory or that was made by an outside source. Although he did say there are some ancient weapons in the museum not made by Remington. However, to the best of his knowledge only those weapons manufactured by E. Remington & Sons from the time of Eliphalet Remington in the late 1840s woull have been retained in the original Remington Arms Collection. Regardless they are a very interesting and unique item, very seldom ever encountered. No two items are known to be exactly identical. PROVENANCE: The Karl Moldenhauer Collection; The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl retains a plum blue patina with fine surface etching; frame retains about 90% orig nickel and the folding stock a grey brown patina. Grips are sound showing moderate wear with nicks & scratches and retain about 75% orig varnish. Mechanics are fine. Worn dark bore. 4-56330 JR190 (7,500-12,500) – Lot 1148
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1149
|
$12,650.00 |
EXTREMELY RARE TYPE I MODEL 1 VARIATION OF REMINGTON OVER/UNDER DERRINGER WITH RARE PIPE CASE.
SN 40. Cal. 41 RF. Usual configuration with 3″ bbls that have integral top rib & front sight. Left side rib is marked with the Elliot’s patent information and right side rib is marked “MANUFACTURED BY E. REMINGTON & SONS, ILION, N.Y.”. Made without extractor. Mounted with smooth 2-pc rosewood grips. Accompanied by an orig brown leather covered, hinged lid, blue velvet & satin lined pipe case, form fitted for the derringer with a recess for a wire cleaning rod. Case has a brass push button latch on the front. Only about 100 of these early derringers were produced and extremely few are known today in any condition. The pipe case is just as rare. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. No orig finish remains being an overall gray metal patina with fine surface etching over most of the surfaces. Grips are sound with nicks & scratches and retain a restored finish. Hammer is not solid in full cock notch, otherwise mechanics are fine; strong bores with frosty pitting. Hinge is intact. Case is sound with nicks, dings & scratches and missing some leather covering from the bottom and hinges; interior is moderately to heavily faded & soiled showing damage from the hammer & hinge area of the frame. Altogether a very rare set. 4-56337 JR153 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1149
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1150
|
$2,065.00 |
VERY RARE TYPE I MODEL 1 EARLY PRODUCTION REMINGTON OVER/UNDER DERRINGER.
SN 241. Cal. 41 RF. Nickel finish with 3″ bbls that have integral rib & front sight. Left side rib is marked “E. REMINGTON & SONS, ILION. N.Y.” and right side rib has the Elliot’s patent marking. Mounted with smooth 2-pc rosewood grips. The 1st Model derringers were made without extractor and fewer than 2,000 were produced in about 1866. Shortly thereafter Remington began adding an extractor to the left rib. These early pistols were very popular with citizens of all walks of life and are rarely found today with orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Overall retains most of a fine restored nickel finish with some scattered pinprick pitting. Grips have a gouge in the right side and show moderate wear and retain a restored finish. Mechanics are fine, strong bright bores with fine pitting; hinge is intact. 4-56473 JR152 (2,000-3,500) – Lot 1150
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1151
|
$4,312.50 |
EXTREMELY RARE TYPE I TRANSITIONAL REMINGTON OVER/UNDER DERRINGER.
SN 433. Cal. 41 RF. All blue finish with 3″ bbls that have integral top rib & front sight with marking on left rib “E. REMINGTON & SONS, ILION.” Right rib has the Elliot’s patent date. Mounted with 2-pc smooth rosewood grips. This derringer, as noted, is a transitional model from the Type I early production that was made without extractor. It is readily apparent that this pistol was an orig Type I with extractor added which removed “N.Y.” from the address when the extractor was installed. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were only about 100 of these pistols produced 1867-1868, making them one of Remington’s most rare hand guns. Few of this model survive today in any condition. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Bbls retain 60-70% thin orig blue showing wear on sides of the bbls; frame retains traces of blue being mostly a gray/brown patina; trigger, hammer, lock bolt & screws retain thin orig fire blue, stronger on the hammer & lock bolt. Grips are sound showing a hand worn patina. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bores. Hinge is intact. 4-56338 JR150 (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1151
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1152
|
$2,587.50 |
FINE CASED REMINGTON TYPE I LATE PRODUCTION MODEL 2 OVER/UNDER DERRINGER.
SN 171. Cal. 41 RF. Nickel finish with 3″ bbls that have integral top rib & front sight with 2-line address. Mounted with 2-pc smooth rosewood grips. Trigger, hammer, lock bolt & screws are fire-blued. Accompanied by an orig green felt lined mahogany casing with light colored hardwood edges. Top of lid is painted in gold “WHN”. Front of the case has a mortised brass lock. Interior is compartmented in the bottom for the pistol, a small pewter oil bottle, an ebony handled steel cleaning rod and eight orig rds of ammunition in a covered compartment in the right rear corner. There were about 14,000 of these little pistols produced in 1868. They were the first production models to have an extractor except for the approx 100 pieces produced as a transitional model. These pistols were extremely popular with gamblers & gentlemen of the day as sleeve & pocket pistols for short range defense. They usually saw hard service and are rarely found today with high orig finish. Cased examples are exceedingly rare. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Overall retains about 98% crisp orig nickel with a couple of small pimples on right side of bbls; small parts retain about all of their orig fire blue, turned dull on the trigger and a blue/gray patina on the extractor; hinge is fine. Grips are sound and retain a light added finish. Mechanics are fine, strong bores with scattered light pitting; inside the frame has fine rust. Case is sound with a slightly warped lid and retains about 95% orig finish; interior is lightly faded and moderately soiled; accessories are fine. 4-56339 JR158 (2,750-3,750) – Lot 1152
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1153
|
$14,950.00 |
RARE CASED ENGRAVED PRESENTATION REMINGTON TYPE II MODEL 3 OVER/UNDER DERRINGER.
SN 451. Cal. 41 RF. Nickel finish with 3″ bbls that have integral top rib and front sight that is marked “REMINGTON ARMS CO. ILION, N.Y.”, left hand in one line vs. the usual right hand marking for this model. Small parts, including trigger & hammer are fire-blued. Bbls are engraved with light foliate arabesque patterns at each side on the chamber ends and bottom bbl at the muzzle. Frame has a variety of border patterns with a small sunburst on top flat at the hinge. Back strap is engraved “PRESENTED / BY / J.V. SCHMIDT / TO / REMINGTON / GUN / CLUB / SEPT 5 / 98”. Around the hammer slot and on the butt is engraved with snake & dot patterns with a small triangle shape sunburst on the toe. Mounted with smooth 2-pc pearl grips. Accompanied by an orig red felt lined mahogany casing that has dark wood edges on the lid and an empty brass plaque in the lid. Interior is compartmented for the pistol and has a slot for a wire cleaning rod (not present). Left front of the case has an open compartment containing 13-rds of ammunition and another small open compartment with cleaning patches. While this model was probably the highest production of Remington’s over/under derringers, very few were engraved or cased and exceedingly few were inscribed or presented. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Overall retains virtually all of its strong orig nickel with some minor dulling on each side at the muzzles; small parts retain strong fire blue, faded on the lock bolt lever. Left grip has a chip at the top front, otherwise grips are sound and show great fire with good color. Mechanics are fine, strong bores with fine pitting; hinge is fine. Case is sound with some crackling in the lid finish; interior is lightly soiled; ammunition is fine. 4-56340 JR159 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1153
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1154
|
$2,587.50 |
SCARCE HIGH LUSTER REMINGTON TYPE II MODEL 3 OVER/UNDER DERRINGER.
SN 56. Cal. 41 RF. Usual configuration with 3″ superposed bbls that has integral rib & front sight with 1-line “REMINGTON ARMS CO. ILION, N.Y.” address. Bbls have extractor on left side and it is mounted with smooth 2-pc pearl grips. Finish is scarce high luster blue with bright fire-blued trigger, hammer, locking lever & screws. Although this is one of the highest production of these little derringers this model is rarely found in high orig finish and the high luster finish is exceedingly rare. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbls retain 85-88% strong glossy blue with slight muzzle end wear and flaking along sides of bbl; frame & grip frame retain about 80% glossy orig blue with the back strap & butt flaked to a light patina; trigger, hammer & screws retain most of their brilliant fire blue with the trigger slightly dulled. Grips are sound showing great fire & strong color. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bores; hinge is fine. 4-56472 JR148 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1154
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|
1155
|
$3,162.50 |
FINE TYPE II MODEL 3 REMINGTON OVER/UNDER DERRINGER.
SN 82. Cal. 41 RF. Nickel finish with 3″ bbls that have integral top rib & front sight. Rib is marked in one line “REMINGTON ARMS CO. ILION, N.Y.”. Mounted with full checkered black hard rubber grips. Trigger, hammer, extractor, lock bolt & screws are bright fire-blued. This was Remington’s highest production of their over/under derringers 1888-1911. Although they were produced in large quantities this model is rarely found with high orig finish. They were extremely popular with citizens of all walks of life and remained in service well into the 1930s or later with rumors of their use as late as WWII. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, probably unfired. Overall retains about 99% crisp bright nickel with one small spot on the top rib and some miniscule flaking around the grip recesses; hammer, extractor & lock bolt retain about all of their bright fire blue with the lock bolt, screw heads & trigger showing light wear. Grips are crisp with no discernible flaws. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bores, appears to be unfired; hinge is intact. 4-56557 JR151 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1155
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|
1156
|
$3,162.50 |
REMINGTON TYPE II MODEL 3 OVER/UNDER DERRINGER.
SN 969. Cal. 41 RF. Nickel finish with 3″ superposed bbls, integral front sight and 1-line “REMINGTON ARMS CO. ILION, N.Y.” address. Pistol has full nickel plate with fire blued trigger, hammer, extractor, lock bolt & screws. Mounted with full checkered hard rubber grips. This model of derringer is Remington’s highest production, 1888-1911, but is rarely found with high orig finish. They were extremely popular with citizens of all walks of life and usually saw hard service. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Overall retains 97-98% crisp orig nickel with some slight pimpling on left side of top bbl and around grip recess; trigger, hammer, extractor, lock bolt & screws retain virtually all of their bright fire blue. Mechanics are fine, brilliant shiny bores, probably unfired. Hinge is intact. 4-56529 JR149 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1156
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|
1157
|
$2,300.00 |
REMINGTON TYPE II MODEL 3 OVER/UNDER DERRINGER.
SN 90. Cal. 41 RF. All blue finish with 3″ bbls that have integral top rib and front sight, marked “REMINGTON ARMS CO. ILION, N.Y.”. Bbls have a distinctive rib on each side. Mounted with 2-pc checkered hard rubber grips. Although this was Remington’s largest production of the dbl derringer, blued examples are very scarce, especially high polish blue with any orig finish. These little pistols were very popular with gamblers and gentlemen as close range defensive weapons and are rarely found today with orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbls retain 92-94% glossy orig blue with light muzzle edge wear and some minor flaking; frame retains 85-90% strong orig blue with the loss areas flaked, not worn, to a dark patina; top left side of frame has some small scattered spots of pitting. Grips show only faint diamond point wear. Mechanics are fine, brilliant shiny bores, appears to be unfired. 4-56558 JR162 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1157
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|
1158
|
$2,300.00 |
*SCARCE REMINGTON TYPE III MODEL 4 OVER/UNDER DERRINGER WITH BOX.
SN L75165. Cal. 41 RF. Satin blue finish with 3″ bbls that have integral top rib and front sight and is marked “REMINGTON ARMS-U.M.C. CO. ILION, NY”. Mounted with 2-pc checkered hard rubber grips. Trigger, hammer, lock bolt & screws are blued. Right side of frame, under the lock bolt, is marked with a 6-pointed star and a small arrowhead shape stamp. Hammer is serrated and bbls have a distinctive rib on each side between the bbls. Accompanied by an orig heavy, 2-pc cardboard box with black & white end label identifying the pistol as a dbl derringer. Interior has what is probably orig wax paper & a wire cleaning rod. This little pistol was produced in large quantities 1912-1935 and reportedly remained in service into WWII. They are rarely found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Overall retains about 98% strong orig satin blue with only slight muzzle end and sharp edge wear. Grips are crisp with no discernible flaws. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bores, appears to be unfired. Box has one broken corner, otherwise is sound with moderate soil and faded label. Cleaning rod is fine. 4-56551 JR160 (2,500-3,500) – Lot 1158
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1159
|
$24,150.00 |
EXTREMELY RARE REMINGTON CORAL GUTTA PERCHA CANE GUN.
SN 742. Cal 32 RF. Incredible coral gutta percha cane gun that is 36″ overall length with metal tip that has reeded band and a sight ring just above the tip. Handle is curved with a silver band at the transition. It has domed trigger with concentric rings. Company name & address and patent dates are completely legible. Matching SNs are found on the handle shaft, main shaft & tip. Main shaft is unscrewed from the handle for loading and after the handle is reattached a pull on the handle cocks the striker and the rear sight pops up for use. Once fired, the process is repeated for reloading. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were about 1800 of these rare canes were produced in the period 1866-1888 with at least four different handle styles. Coral gutta percha is not mentioned, however, according to a renowned Remington authority these are the most rare of Remington cane guns. He stated that there are only four known, Mr. Burka’s collection, one in another collection and a broken one in the Remington archive collection. This example being sold here is purported to be the finest of its type in the world. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all matching as noted above. Main shaft has a small scuff about 4″ above the tip and a small nick in the handle shaft, otherwise there are no other discernible flaws. Mechanics are crisp; bright shiny bore with fine pitting in the grooves. 4-56569 JR204 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 1159
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1160
|
$11,500.00 |
RARE REMINGTON CANE GUN WITH SMALL DOG’S HEAD HANDLE AND EXTREMELY RARE TAKEDOWN FEATURE.
SN 1558. Cal 22. Made of brown gutta percha 36-3/4″ long with metal tip and a metal insert about mid-point which unscrews to reduce the overall length. SN is found on the tip and the long handle shaft. The domed trigger has concentric rings and there is a 1/4″ nickel silver band at the joint between the dog’s head handle and shaft. Cane is unscrewed for loading and unloading and when reassembled the handle is pulled to cock the striker and raise the rear sight. The patent date is partially visible at the joint between the handle shaft and main shaft. There were only about 1800 cartridge cane guns produced 1866-1888 in two different calibers and at least four different handle styles with a variety of lengths. The takedown feature is previously unknown to this cataloger. Workmanship on the takedown joint is of the very highest quality and something that likely would have originated at Remington. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine with no visible breaks or cracks. Overall retains a smooth brown patina with a few minor nicks & scratches. Mechanics are crisp; worn dark bore. 4-56424 JR211 (6,500-8,500) – Lot 1160
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1161
|
$7,475.00 |
RARE RIGHT ANGLE HANDLE REMINGTON PERCUSSION CANE GUN.
SN none legible. Cal 31. Brown gutta percha 34-1/2″ overall with short handle shaft and metal tip with the Thomas patent number & Remington address with a mostly illegible SN. Handle is tapered right angle style with a checkered, domed trigger button. Handle is unscrewed for loading and installing a percussion cap. The handle is pulled to expose the nipple which also cocks the striker and raises the rear sight. This particular example does not have a front sight ring. Altogether there were about 500 of these percussion canes produced in two calibers with at least four different handle styles in the period 1858-1866. At that time production of percussion cane guns ceased and self contained cartridge cane guns were introduced. According to a renowned Remington authority the right angle handle is the most rare of the percussion series. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. No discernible SN. Handle shaft has about a 2″ long hairline crack, possibly an old repair at the juncture of the handle and handle shaft by the silver band, otherwise handle and main shaft are very fine with a few minor nicks & scratches and shows a fine brown color. Metal tip is cleaned nearly bright with scattered fine pitting which has obscured the SN. Mechanics are fine; worn dark bore. 4-56385 JR205 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1161
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1162
|
$5,900.00 |
SCARCE REMINGTON CANE GUN WITH CURVED HANDLE.
SN 1306. Cal 32 RF. Made of brown gutta percha 36″ overall length with long handle shaft and knurled metal tip. It has wide silver band at the transition between handle & shaft. Trigger button has concentric rings. Handle is unscrewed from the main shaft for loading or unloading and once reassembled the handle is pulled to cock the striker and raise the rear sight in preparation for firing. There were only about 1800 of these rare cane guns produced 1866-1888 in two calibers and at least four handle styles. Completely orig examples without repairs are extremely rare. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching on tip, shaft & handle shaft. There is a small 1/2″ hairline above the tip otherwise gutta percha all appears to be sound with a few light nicks & scratches and some fading near the tip. Tip is moderately rusted with fine pitting. Mechanics are fine; strong bore with light pitting. 4-56384 JR208 (4,000-5,000) – Lot 1162
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1163
|
$5,175.00 |
RARE REMINGTON PERCUSSION CANE GUN WITH BULBOUS HANDLE.
SN 98. Cal 31. Brown gutta percha, 31-3/4″ overall length with short handle shaft. Main shaft has a long metal tip with spiral knurled band with Thomas patent date and Remington address. The domed trigger is checkered and there is a 1/4″ silver band at the transition between the handle & shaft. SN is only visible on the tip and the front sight bead is missing. There were only about 500 Remington percussion canes produced 1858-1866 in four different handle styles and various lengths. A renowned Remington authority has stated that the bulbous style handle is one of the most rare. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Handle shaft has a couple small cracks and a small bulge with a crack and plier marks in two spots, otherwise gutta percha is sound with a few small nicks & fine scratches. Striker will not cock. Strong bright bore with light pitting in the grooves. 4-56521 JR209 (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1163
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1164
|
$8,260.00 |
SCARCE REMINGTON CANE GUN WITH LARGE DOGS HEAD HANDLE.
SN 454. Cal 32 RF. Made of black gutta percha, 36-1/2″ long with metal tip that has reeded band and iron sight ring, missing its bead. It has long handle shaft and trigger button with concentric rings. The joint between the dogs head handle and shaft has a 1/4″ nickel silver band. Handle is unscrewed from the shaft for loading and unloading and when reassembled handle is pulled to cock the striker and raise the rear sight. There were only about 1800 of these scarce canes produced 1866-1888 with at least four handle styles and a variety of lengths. Finding one of these canes completely orig and intact is a great rarity. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching except tip which is numbered “21”. Main shaft and dogs head handle are numbered “454”. Tip of the main shaft has about a 2″ crack, otherwise gutta percha is intact with brown metal colored tip. Dog’s head handle is extremely fine retaining great detail. Mechanics are fine; strong bright bore with very fine frosting. 4-56379 JR210 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1164
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1165
|
$8,260.00 |
RARE REMINGTON PERCUSSION CANE GUN WITH BALL AND CLAW HANDLE.
SN none noted. Cal 31. Brown gutta percha construction 34″ overall length with short handle shaft and metal tip with knurled band. Trigger is smooth and domed and there is a tiny front sight bead near the tip. Handle is unscrewed from the main shaft for loading and pulled rearward to expose the nipple recess for installing a percussion cap which also raises the tiny rear sight. There is a 1/4″ silver band at the joint of the handle and handle shaft. There are no visible markings or SNs on shaft. Metal tip has the Thomas patent information and Remington address. According to a renowned Remington authority the ball & claw handle shape is one of the most rare. There were about 500 percussion cane guns produced 1858-1866, at which time percussion cane gun production ceased and a new era of self contained cartridge cane guns began. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: About fine. Overall retains a fine, even chocolate patina with a series of small cracks around the tip and probably some old repairs. Handle shaft has a small bulge and a 3/4″ hairline crack just above the junction. Mechanics are fine; strong frosty bore. 4-56566 JR206 (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1165
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1166
|
$6,325.00 |
SCARCE REMINGTON CANE GUN WITH CURVED HANDLE.
SN none visible. Cal 22. Solid gutta percha, 36-1/8″ long with long handle shaft, a small curved handle with silver band at the transition. Tip is steel with a reeded ring. Trigger button has concentric circles and there is a small brass pin front sight just above the metal tip. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were about 1,800 cartridge model canes produced by Remington 1866-1888. Very few were produced with plain curved handles in cal 22. This is one of the more rare of all the Remington cartridge cane guns. Very few Remington cane guns survive today without cracks or breaks due to the fragile nature of the hard rubber material from which they are made. CONDITION: Very fine. Handle has a repaired crack just above the collar, otherwise cane is fine with a few minor nicks & scratches. Tip shows a mottled silver brown patina. Mechanics are fine; strong bore with light pitting. 4-54794 JR312 (3,500-5,500) – Lot 1166
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1168
|
$11,500.00 |
FOUR FINE NAVAL EDGED WEAPONS OF THE CIVIL WAR ERA.
This display represents four of the finest condition and complete naval edged weapons an American-Mexican War or Civil War sailor or officer would have carried. There are two fine, regulation naval cutlasses, both made by Ames, one being standard Civil War Model 1860 in fine, complete condition with its orig leather grip, scabbard and frog. The second being the rare, early heavy model 1841. There is a fine Ames model 1852 naval officers sword, with a bright, lustrous blade in its fine, orig scabbard. Also accompanying is a fine mid-19th century lion pommeled naval dirk with blue and gold etched blade in orig scabbard. This is a fine grouping of four of the nicest naval weapons one could find that display beautifully together. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Model 1860 Cutlass: 26″ blade is grey/bright overall. Full firm mark on blade “Made by Ames Mfg. Co/Chicopee, Mass” date of 1862 and naval inspection marks. Brass hilt is sound and solid with old cleaning and rack numbers. Leather grip wrap is worn through the high areas, though otherwise complete with original twisted wire. Scabbard is sound and solid, though bent at last half inch at final rivet with tear and blade protrudes slightly. Frog is sound and complete. 1841 Cutlass: 21″ two-sided blade is mostly bright with areas of staining, orig tool marks and polish still present, well marked “NP Ames, Springfield” with date 1843 and naval inspectors marks. Scabbard is of Civil War replacement style with two brass mounts, leather is solid though sewing of central seam is broken at most of its length. Model 1852 Naval Officer Sword: 29″ blade is mostly bright and lustrous with small areas of staining, blade and scabbard both signed “Ames, Chicopee, Mass”. Blade exhibits typical patriotic etched panels, each measuring about 18″. Grip is sound and complete with white dyed sharkskin and gilted, twisted wire. Scabbard mounts have been cleaned, though scabbard body is sound and solid with re-dyed areas. Hilt retains much of its original gilt. Dirk exhibits 11-3/4″ curved flat blade with blue and gold etched panels which are mostly retained with areas of staining and pitting. Carved concentric ring, certifiable antique ivory grip is unaltered and orig to this dirk which was made circa 1840. Dirk scabbard fits knife fairly well but mounts exhibit different patina from gilding on cross guard and pommel. 4-56639, 4-56650, 4-56673, 4-56675 JS (6,000-8,000) – Lot 1168
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1169
|
$12,650.00 |
COLLECTION OF FOUR FINE CIVIL WAR SWORDS.
This display consists of 3 officer swords and 2 enlisted artillery swords, all in excellent condition. 1) Very fine model 1832 short artillery saber made by Ames, dated 1862 with a near mint blade and scabbard. 2) Ames model 1840 light artillery saber date 1865. 3) Model 1850’s staff and field Officers sword with near mint blade retaining most of it’s orig gold plating. 4) Model 1832 medical staff officers sword. This eclectic sampling of Civil War swords shows the diversity of American swords of this era all in excellent, museum quality condition. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: 1) Blade is bright with mostly discernible markings, brass patina. Leather is sound, solid with orig polish, one large edge crack in surface. 2) 32-1/2″ blade is bright with good markings, orig tool marks and inspection marks. Grip retains much of its orig leather and orig twisted wire. Brass is cleaned with mustard colored patina, scabbard is sound with few minor dents and hard metal plated with different inspector. 3) 33″ blade is bright, retaining most of its frost on 18″ etched patriotic panels. Hilt and pommel retain 90% plus orig gold plating. Brass scabbard mounts have been polished, retaining traces of gilt. Throat is missing one mounting screw. Scabbard body retains most of its orig brown finish. 4) 29″ diamond shaped blade is agent marked “Bent & Bush, Boston, Mass” has etched panel “U. S. Medical Staff” and other patriotic motifs. Cruciform guard has languette with large “M S” and stars and oval eagle in handle, regulation to this pattern. Brass scabbard has two dents between drag and middle mount as can be seen in photos. 4-56426, 56643, 56644, 56637 JS (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1169
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1170
|
$14,950.00 |
GROUP OF FIVE FINE AMERICAN MILITIA OFFICER SWORDS CIRCA 1830.
This grouping, which is in as fine condition as these patterns are found, shows most every genre of American blade design and hilt type commonly seen in the American militia between the War of 1812 and the Mexican War is found here. 1) Knights head pommel officers sword has fluted bone grip above a large languette with droop-winged eagle superimposed on a sunburst. Blade is beautifully white etched with patriotic motifs, retaining most all its orig luster, gilted engraved solid brass scabbard. 2) Indian Princess pommel militia sword with eagle shaped quillon and large languette with American eagle atop crossed cannon and cannon balls. This sword exhibits blue and gold etched blade, engraved brass scabbard and hilt are silver plated. 3) Eagle head pommel officer sword maker marked “Horstmann Philadelphia” on both scabbard and blade. Sword exhibits fluted, carved, polished bone grip, large, curved languette with American eagle and engraved brass scabbard. 4) Eagle head, pommeled mounted officers sword with eagle in shield shaped languette. Brass engraved scabbard with blue and gold etched blade. 5) Birds head pommel mounted officers saber with 8-pointed stars in oval languettes surrounded by snake wrapped border. Blade is beautifully 3-color etched with blue & gold and white etched panels, including large panoply of arms and large American eagle. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: 1) Very fine overall, 30″ blade is bright with 18″ etched panels with much orig luster with minor staining. Hilt and scabbard retain about 60% plus orig gold gilt. 2) Fine to very fine overall, 32″ blade is bright with 11″ blue and gold etched decorated panels, retaining most of their finish. Silver plated scabbard and hilt are 80%, carved Mother of Pearl slab grips are fine and complete including twisted silver wire. 3) Fine overall with bright white 29-1/2″ blade retaining much of their frost on etched panels. Brass scabbard exhibits several small dings and dents about a foot from drag. Scabbard and hilt retain strong traces of orig gold plating with balance mustard patina. 4) Fine overall 31″ curved blade retains bright blue and gold etched panels with some staining and loss to blue but gold is mostly intact. Hilt and scabbard orig silver plated and about half is still present, though mostly black as oxidized. 5) 32-1/2″ curved blade is bright overall with 19″ etched panels retaining most of their gold and white etch and 90% of their orig bright blue. Carved bone grip is sound and solid. Orig protective washer is missing such that hilt is slightly loose. Hilt and solid brass scabbard retain about 90% of their orig gold plate with several dents in scabbard. 4-56433, 4-56636, 4-56640, 4-56649, 4-56672 JS (5,000-7,000) – Lot 1170
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1171
|
$4,600.00 |
CONFEDERATE BLOCKADE RUN BRASS HILTED CAVALRY SABER BY MOLE.
This distinct, brass hilt enlisted cavalry saber is a larger copy of the British pattern 1853 that was mounted in iron. Only known specimens in brass were made under contract for the Confederacy by “Mole” of Birmingham, England. This particular example is as fine as these swords are found with a lustrous blade just over 35″ long, complete checkered leather grips and good mustard colored patina to hilt. Sword is complete with its correct metal scabbard and it would be difficult to find a better example. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Blade is bright showing orig polish marks with few minor blemishes. Scabbard sound and solid with scattered areas of staining and pitting. Compressed leather slab grips are sound and well fit with chipping and scuffing on higher areas, especially on one side. Brass hilt is very good with old cleaning and good mustard colored patina. 4-56674 JS (400-600) – Lot 1171
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1172
|
$1,062.00 |
Revised: 3/14/2015
Please Note Positive: Knife #1, which we cataloged as Oriental, has been properly identified by one of our customers as a Norwegian dress knife and scabbard.
LOT OF TWO CARVED GRIP ETHNIC KNIVES.
1) Small Oriental, possibly Indonesian or Malaysian, belt knife with 3-1/2″ clip point blade and filigree lattice cut faux ivory handle appears vegetable, possibly Tagua Palm. Accompanying buffalo horn sheath has nickel silver ferrule & buttcap. Body of the sheath, throat & belt clip are engraved in foliate arabesque patterns. 2) Medium sized Bowie knife with 7-7/8″ clip point blade marked on left ricasso “WILLIAM / ROGERS / CUT MY WAY” with a small anchor symbol in the bottom line. Right side is marked “MADE IN / SHEFFIELD / ENGLAND”. Overall length is 13-1/4″. Handguard is stamped flat nickel silver with spade shaped quillions. Handle is bone in the form of an elaborately detailed dog’s head with glass eyes and a 2″ ferrule. Accompanied by what is probably its orig leather sheath that is decorated with shoe eyelets and a braided wrap around the tip.a PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: 1) Very fine. Blade has been sharpened and repolished with slightly tipped point; handle & sheath are intact & fine. 2) Blade has been sharpened but appears to be intact having been repolished and cleaned with fine pitting; handle is lightly soiled and retains a fine mellow patina; sheath shows light wear & soil but is solid & supple. 4-56654, 4-56658 JR (300-400) – Lot 1172
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1173
|
$5,750.00 |
RARE ENGRAVED REMINGTON MODEL 1865 NAVY ROLLING BLOCK PISTOL.
SN 6226. Cal. 50 RF. Usual configuration with 8-1/2″ rnd bbl and pinched post front sight. Frame has usual 2-line markings on left side and top of the bbl, at the frame, has a small anchor. Bottom of the bbl, under the forearm has the inspector initials “FCW”. Left side of the frame does not have the inspector initials or “P” proof. Pistol is silver finished and mounted with smooth certifiable antique ivory stocks. Pistol is engraved in New York style, probably from the L.D. Nimschke shop with full coverage on the sides & top of frame. Matching patterns extend over the bbl. Right side of frame has an empty inscription ribbon. Top of back strap, around the hammer slot is engraved in a fan pattern with matching patterns at bottom of back strap. Sides of trigger sheath are engraved in diamond patterns. It is believed that there were about 6,500 of these pistols made in the period 1866-1870 with the majority of them converted to Model 1867 with the addition of a new trigger plate, trigger guard & trigger making this an extremely rare pistol with only a few remaining in orig configuration. Of that number extremely few had special plating or engraving. Undoubtedly this pistol would have been a special presentation to someone of great importance or a high ranking military officer. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our“Ivory Position Statement”and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Overall retains most of a fine restored silver finish with the trigger plate and front strap dull finish. Grip has a number of fine age lines in the butt, otherwise ivory is solid with no major flaws and shows a fine ivory patina. Mechanics are crisp, strong bore with some minor fine pitting that may clean much better. 4-56334 JR138 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1173
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1174
|
$4,312.50 |
SCARCE REMINGTON MODEL 1871 ROLLING BLOCK ARMY PISTOL.
SN 3077. Cal 50 CF. Fine Remington rolling block pistol with 8″ rnd bbl, pinched blade front sight and V-notch rear sight integral with the breech block. Frame, trigger guard and grip straps are color case hardened. Breech block and hammer are finished bright. Screws are bright fire blue, as is the trigger. Breech block and hammer pins are straw colored. Mounted with uncheckered 1-pc walnut grip matching numbered to this pistol and a tiny forearm. Left side of grip has a crisp “CRS” military inspection cartouche. About 6,000 of these pistols were produced 1872-1888. They were mostly issued and saw hard service and are rarely found today in orig configuration or with any orig finish. Large numbers of these pistols were altered or “customized” by ensuing generations of target shooters which has further reduced the numbers of orig specimens available. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Bbl retains about 98-99% bright orig blue with one small scratch. Frame and backstrap retain strong, bright case colors, moderately faded on the right side. Trigger guard retains brilliant case colors in sheltered areas, moderately faded on front strap and trigger bow. Breech block and hammer pins retain most of their orig straw colors and the trigger about all of its bright fire blue. Screws also retain about all of their bright fire blue. Grip has a couple of chips and ding s with some battering on the butt, otherwise wood is sound with a smooth, orig oil finish. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant shiny bore. 4-56335 JR183 (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1174
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1175
|
$6,900.00 |
RARE REMINGTON MODEL 1891/1901 TRANSITION SINGLE SHOT ROLLING BLOCK TARGET PISTOL.
SN 3496. Cal 22. Rare pistol with 10″ oct to rnd bbl, very tall hunting style front sight with white bead and adjustable rear sight over chamber area of frame as found on the Model 1901. Top of the rnd section of bbl has the Remington company name & address and the bottom, toward the forearm is marked “22 L.R.”. Bottom flat of bbl, under forearm is marked “22LR” along with the SN “3469”. Forearm has matching number while the left side of backstrap, under the grip is marked with the SN “3496”, which number is also found in front strap channel of grip, apparently an assemblers case of dyslexia or a bad Monday morning. Frame, breech block & hammer are blued like the Model 1901 while it still has the “P” & “S” proof marks on left side of frame like the Model 1891. It also has the offset thumb piece on breech block like the 1901s. Trigger is checkered. Mounted with extensively checkered 1-pc walnut grip and tiny forearm. This apparently is a Model 1901 with an 1891 frame. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there 735 Model 1901 pistols produced in the period 1901-1909. As with most target arms of that era the eccentric shooters of that age almost always altered their firearms to suit themselves. Target arms of that era are rarely found today with high orig finish or orig configuration. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Numbered as noted above. Bbl retains 95-97% strong orig blue with light muzzle edge wear and a few small scattered spots of surface rust. Frame & grip frame retain most of their orig blue with a couple small spots of wear on the front strap and trigger bow. Breech block and hammer retain most of their orig blue. Grip is missing a large chip out of the toe otherwise wood is sound showing moderate edge wear with moderate diamond point wear and retains about 85% orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant shiny bore. 4-56403 JR184 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1175
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1176
|
$5,462.50 |
*CUSTOM REMINGTON MODEL 1901 SINGLE SHOT ROLLING BLOCK TARGET PISTOL.
Cal 22. Blue finish with 12″ tapered rnd bbl, pedestal mounted front sight with “Daniels” tunnel rear sight. Left side of frame has the usual Remington name and address and patent dates without the “P” & “S” proofs. Mounted with very highly figured American walnut 1-pc grip and tiny Schnable tip forearm that has very fine, about 32 lines per inch checkering. Bbl is completely unmarked. Breech block has the offset, horizontal thumb piece. Front strap, back strap and trigger are very nicely checkered. There were about 735 of these pistols originally produced 1901-1909 and like this one the majority were altered or customized to suit the shooter’s individual taste. Grip could not be removed to verify the SN. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbl retains virtually all of its fine, factory style custom blue. Frame, breech block, hammer & trigger guard retain about all of their fine orig blue with only light sharp edge wear and a few small scratches. Breech block & hammer pins retain most of their orig straw colors. Screws, pin keeper & trigger retain about all of their orig fire blue. Wood is sound and retains about all of its fine custom oil finish. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore. 4-56336 JR185 (1,750-2,750) – Lot 1176
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1177
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$13,800.00 |
Revised: 3/11/2015
Please Note: The buttplate is cracked with a professional repair.
*SCARCE REMINGTON MODEL 7 ROLLING BLOCK SINGLE SHOT RIFLE.
SN 300303. Cal 22 LR. Unusual little rifle built on a Model 1871 rolling block pistol action. It has 26-1/2″ oct to rnd bbl with gold washed Beach’s combination front sight, no provision for a rear sight and has its orig unusual Lyman combination tang sight mortised into the hump behind the hammer. Bottom flat of bbl, under the forearm is marked with last three digits of matching SN and caliber. Caliber marking is also found on bottom of bbl forward of the forearm. Rear face of forearm, on the frame extension is also marked with last three digits of matching SN. No additional disassembly was effected to check for other matching numbers. Frame has the usual 2-line markings with “P” & “S” proofs. Mounted with very nicely figured American walnut with long, tapered, checkered, black insert, Schnable tip forearm and a most unusual capped pistol grip stock that has Remington trademark embossed hard rubber buttplate. There were only about 500 of these rare little rifles produced 1903-1906 in three different calibers and three different bbl lengths. These rifles were apparently not well received by the buying public which resulted in the very limited production, as noted. They were considered to be boys or ladies rifles and usually saw hard service with limited maintenance and are rarely found today with orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Elliot Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching as noted above. Bbl retains about all of its satin blue finish possibly an old restoration. Frame retains brilliant case colors and most of its orig lacquer. Breech block & hammer pins retain about all of their bright straw colors and the pin keeper retains brilliant fire blue. Breech block & hammer retain about all of their orig factory blue as does the checkered trigger. Top tang retains brilliant case colors near the front, faded toward the rear. Bottom tang & trigger bow retain faded case colors being mostly faded to silver. Stock has three small scratches by the buttplate with some minor chips in the finish and overall retains about all of its orig varnish with some light, fine heat crazing on the buttstock. Mechanics are crisp; bright shiny bore. 4-56454 JR200 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1177
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1178
|
$14,950.00 |
RARE REMINGTON KEENE BOLT ACTION FRONTIER MODEL CARBINE ISSUED TO THE INDIAN POLICE.
SN USID539. Cal 45-70. Usual configuration with 24″ rnd bbl, full magazine with dovetailed front sight in the front band and a Remington ladder rear sight graduated to 1000 yds. Left side of receiver is marked “U.S.I.D. 359” and receiver & bbl have the “HN” (Henry Nettleton) inspector initials. Top of bolt has the Remington company name and address and patent information in 3 lines. Ramp portion of rear sight, bottom of bolt handle and right side of hammer all have the assembly number “25”. No additional disassembly was effected to check for other matching numbers. Bottom of stock & forend cap have sling loops. Bottom of the stock also has a rectangular copper plate with number “204” attached with two pins just above the lower sling swivel, possibly a museum tag. Left side of buttstock is marked “51”. Right side of forestock has six small pinholes where a plaque may have been removed. Mounted in a 1-pc walnut half stock with color case hardened front band forend cap and color case hardened buttplate. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were an estimated 620-800 of these carbines produced 1880-1881. Undoubtedly this carbine was issued to Indian police by the U.S. Interior Department which later became the Bureau of Indian Affairs. These carbines would have seen hard service with the Indian Police and usually are found with little orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Bbl, magazine tube & receiver retain 98-99% crisp orig blue with a few small spots of surface rust on bbl and a few minor nicks. Bolt & hammer retain virtually all of their orig bright metal polish. Stock is sound with the minor chemical staining on left side by the receiver and overall retains about all of its orig oil finish with a few minor handling & storage nicks & scratches. Trigger guard retains about 85% bright orig blue and the carrier most of its bright orig metal polish. Front band, forend cap & buttplate retain about all of their brilliant case colors. Mechanics are crisp; brilliant shiny bore. May have been fired, but if so very little. 4-56530 JR201 (5,000-7,500) – Lot 1178
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1179
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$8,050.00 |
SCARCE REMINGTON KEENE BOLT ACTION HUNTERS OR SPORTING RIFLE.
Cal. 45-70. Standard grade rifle with 24-1/2″ rnd bbl, full magazine, barleycorn front sight dovetailed into the front band. Rear sight is 1,000 yd Remington ladder style. Left rear side of receiver is marked with the caliber that was hand stamped with the “4″ perpendicular to the rest of the stamping. Mounted in an uncheckered, straight grain American walnut half stock with straight grip & smooth steel semi-crescent buttplate with rnd heel and trap containing a rare, orig 4-pc brass & steel cleaning rod. Right side of the stock, below the action, has a large screw through an escutcheon. It has a small curved arrow stamped in the wood front & back of the escutcheon. According to Flayderman’s Guide To Antique American Firearms, there were about 5,000 of these rifles produced in the period 1880-1883 in five different versions and three calibers. This was Remington’s first production bolt-action rifle in an attempt to compete with Winchester and Marlin for the Western and big game hunting market. Unfortunately, the buying public was not receptive and only a very few were bought by the military. Ordinarily these rifles are marked with the Remington name, address, and patent information. This one, however, is not, showing only the cal marking as previously described. This may indicate that it is a very early pre-production sample or possibly one of the few submitted to the Army for test trials. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain most of their bright orig blue with only a couple of minor scratches and some light surface etching. Bbl bands retain most of their bright orig blue showing only light wear on the forearm band. Receiver retains about 80-85% blue mixed with a light patina. Trigger guard retains most of its bright orig blue. Stock is sound with a couple of small gouges, light nicks & scratches and retains most of its bright orig factory oil finish. Mechanics are fine, brilliant shiny bore. Cleaning rod is very fine. 4-54748 JR202 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1179
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1180
|
$21,850.00 |
SCARCE VOLCANIC ARMS NAVY SIZE LEVER ACTION PISTOL.
SN 1792. Cal 41. Usual configuration with 8″ oct bbl that has integral magazine and nickel silver pin front sight with fixed rear sight in top flat of frame. Mounted with smooth 2-pc walnut grips matching numbered to this pistol. SN was observed on right side of lever, right side of buttstrap and inside each grip. Left side of lever is marked with an “X”. No additional disassembly was effected to check for other matching numbers. There were about 1500 of these pistols manufactured 1855-1857. At about that time the Volcanic Co., name and patents were sold to Oliver Winchester which became the New Haven Arms Co.. The New Haven Co. was then the successor to the Volcanic Arms Co. which had acquired the earlier Smith & Wesson 1854 patent for their lever action pistols. The Volcanic line was not well received by the buying public primarily because of their underpowered cartridges, difficulty feeding and inability to extract a chambered rnd without resorting to a stick down the muzzle. The patent, however lived on and became the parent to the Model 1860 Henry rifle which resulted in the ultimately much more famous line of Winchester rifles beginning with the Model 1866. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Bbl & magazine retain 75-80% strong orig blue with the loss areas flaked, not worn to a dark patina. Right side of the bbl & magazine each have a spot of moderate pitting. Receiver & side plates show only light sharp edge wear with a couple of minor scratches and retain a fine medium mustard patina. Hammer retains dark case colors and the lever traces of orig blue. Grip frame has a few casting flaws under the grips. Grips are sound showing light edge wear with a worn area on the right grip and overall retain about 75-80% orig varnish. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore. 4-48058 JR213 (12,500-17,500) – Lot 1180
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1181
|
$14,375.00 |
SCARCE NEW HAVEN ARMS VOLCANIC NO.1 LEVER ACTION PISTOL.
SN 1483. Cal 31. Fine, rare little pistol with 3-1/2″ oct bbl that has integral magazine and pinched post front sight with fixed rear sight in top flat of frame. Mounted with smooth 2-pc walnut grips matching numbered to this pistol. SN was observed on left side of buttstrap and inside each grip. No additional disassembly was effected to check for other matching numbers. There were about 850 of these little pistols manufactured 1857-1860. The New Haven Arms Co. was the successor to the Volcanic Arms Co. which had acquired the earlier Smith & Wesson 1854 patent for their lever action pistols. The entire operation was then acquired by Oliver Winchester and renamed New Haven Arms Co. The Volcanic pistols enjoyed limited success because of their difficulty with feeding and underpowered cartridges. In addition, once a rnd was loaded into the chamber, the only way it could be extracted was to be pushed with a stick from the muzzle. The main distinction of the Volcanic patent is that it evolved into the Model 1860 Henry rifle which was the parent of all Winchester rifles beginning with the Model 1866. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl & magazine retain about 50% orig blue with the loss areas flaked, not worn to a light patina with a couple small spots of rust. Receiver & side plates are crisp with sharp edges and retain a medium mustard patina. Hammer retains strong case colors and the lever traces of orig blue. Grips are sound showing light wear and retain virtually all of their orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp; bright shiny bore with fine pitting in the grooves. 4-48057 JR212 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 1181
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1182
|
$149,500.00 |
SCARCE EARLY MODEL 1860 HENRY LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 884. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Spectacular early rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl that has integral magazine, early nickel silver half moon front sight and an orig, 1st type 1000-yard Henry ladder rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut. SN was observed to be in the usual place on top bbl flat between receiver & rear sight, left side of lower tang under the wood, in top tang channel of buttstock and inside buttplate tang. All stock & buttplate screws are orig and matching numbered to this rifle. Rnd section of bbl, under rotating sleeve, is marked with assembly number “276” which number is also found on rear face of loading sleeve. This rifle has all the attributes of the earliest Henry rifles: the follower tab is small size without a milled flat in the receiver, sharp radius at top rear of receiver, rear sight dovetail in top flat of receiver, small loop lever, perch belly stock and rnd heel brass buttplate with large trap and correspondingly large recess in the buttstock to accommodate the accompanying 4-pc hickory & steel wiping rod. Follower spring appears to be original. The Henry rifle was the first successful metallic cartridge lever action repeating rifle and as such was in great demand from the very beginning by pioneers & adventurers on the great American frontier. Almost immediately after production began Oliver Winchester attempted to garner government contracts but initially was unsuccessful. Regardless, with the outbreak of the Civil War individual soldiers and in some cases, entire regiments armed themselves with Henry rifles to great effect. The government eventually purchased over 3,000 Henry rifles to arm special “shock” troops. Most of those rifles produced during the Civil War saw very hard service and in the post-war period continued in service on the American frontier well into the 1870s and later. A large number of Henry rifles, along with their successor model, the 1866 Winchester were sold into Mexico & South America where the 44 RF cartridge retained popularity for many years. Henry rifles are rarely ever found with any orig finish and to find one with such high orig finish is an extraordinary rarity. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching. Bbl & magazine retain 93-95% strong orig blue with only light sharp edge wear and some very minor surface spotting; receiver has sharp edges with a couple of very minor nicks on right side and some very small scratches on left side and shows an even medium to dark mustard patina; side plates appear to never have been removed; hammer retains strong bright case colors and lever case colors on the sides faded on outer faces; buttplate has matching patina to the receiver. Wood is sound with light nicks & scratches and retains 96-98% strong orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. Wiping rod is also crisp & new. 4-55541 JR335 (80,000-140,000) – Lot 1182
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1183
|
$92,000.00 |
Revised: 3/3/2015
Please note: There is a typo: Galpolis is spelled incorrectly. It should be “Gallipolis”.
RARE CIVIL WAR ERA PRESENTATION INSCRIBED HENRY MODEL 1860 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 1534. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Standard rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl that has integral magazine with early style square back German silver front sight and second type 900 yard ladder rear sight. Top flat of receiver is also dovetailed for a rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with first type brass buttplate that has rnd heel. Rifle is second type with early features of a sharp radius at the top rear of the receiver, small magazine follower without a relief cut in the frame, small lever and small trigger pin. Buttstock is also early type with perch belly and a pronounced “Henry bump” on left side along with the scarce feature of a factory swivel mounted on the right side with corresponding staple & ring on right side of barrel. Buttplate has the large diameter trap with corresponding large diameter hole in the buttstock to accommodate the accompanying orig 4-pc hickory & steel wiping rod. Serial number was observed on top flat of bbl, between rear sight & frame, left side of lower tang under the wood, in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. All five screws of the buttstock & buttplate are also matching numbered. Assembly number “662” was observed on the rnd portion of the bbl, under loading sleeve and on rear face of loading sleeve. Right sideplate is period engraved “S. Wright, Ka / March 29th, 1863.” This rifle was presented to Stapleton Wright, the Captain of the Union Steamboat “Victor No. 2”, who piloted his boat through a Confederate ambush on the Kanawha River near Galipolis, Ohio on March 29, 1863. The Confederate force of about 800 men led by Gen. A.G. Jenkins had fought the 2nd Battle of Hurricane Bridge on March 28, 1863 with little or no losses on either side. The next day, as the Confederate force proceeded toward Point Pleasant the steamboat “Victor No. 2” hove into sight and the rebels hastily set up an ambush, ordering the steamboat to stop. Captain Wright refused, ordering full steam ahead and ran the ambush with no loss of life, although the boat & pilot house were much shot up. Later Capt. Wright was presented this rifle by the grateful Union authorities at Galipolis, Ohio. This presentation is mentioned in the Galipolis Journal on April 2, 1863. Capt. Stapleton Crutchfield Wright was born in 1839 and lived in Kanawha County, West Virginia where he worked as a steamboat Captain following a long line of river men from the Wright family. Accompanied by a 4-page hand written letter of authentication by famous author, George Madis, where he verifies most of the information about the rifle as noted above. Also accompanied by the book, History of Putnam County West Virginia, Volume I, Wintz, where the information regarding the ambush of Capt. Wright’s boat is described with the subsequent presentation of the rifle to Capt. Wright. This rifle is pictured on p. 88. Capt. Wright’s family genealogy is also listed on p. 134 of the referenced publication. Additionally there is a photograph of one of Capt. Wright’s descendents, Ralph Wright, holding a Henry rifle. Also there is a history of ownership of this rifle as follows: Capt. Wright, his son James Wright, William McKinley (James’ son), Bert Cook (husband of William’s daughter Jane), Wayne Woodall (a pawnbroker in Buckhannon, WV, who in 1984 had loaned Bert Cook $5,000 and held the rifle as collateral). In 1999 Mr. Woodall sold the rifle to renowned collector/dealer Bobby Smith of TN. Mr. Smith apparently then sold the rifle to renowned collector Norm Vegely who sold it to the consignor. While presentation Henry rifles are not extraordinarily rare, those presented to non-military persons are exceedingly rare, especially for acts of valor by a civilian. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching as noted above. Bbl retains a fine blue/brown patina with about 40% strong blue in the gullets and around rear sight; receiver & sideplates show strong clean edges with little or no nicks or scratches and retain a wonderful dark mustard patina; hammer retains silvered case colors on the sides with the edges a dark patina; lever is also a dark patina; buttplate is matching patina to the receiver. Wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retains about 90% orig varnish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with a few light scattered spots of fine pitting; wiping rod is extremely fine. 4-47918 JR1 (40,000-60,000) – Lot 1183
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1184
|
$0.00 |
FINE EARLY HENRY MODEL 1860 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 1603. Cal. .44 RF Henry. Usual configuration with 24-1/4″ oct bbl that has integral magazine, early style squareback nickel silver front sight, a rear seat at the receiver and a dovetail in top flat of receiver containing an orig 900 yard Henry ladder rear sight. Top flat of bbl has the small 2-line Henry’s patent & address roll marking forward of the rear seat & the SN back of the rear seat. Magazine follower tab is large size without relief cut in front of frame. Receiver is early style with sharp radius at the top rear and has small loop lever. Buttplate is early style with slight perch belly & buttplate with round heel. Mounted with uncheckered, very nicely figured straight grain American walnut with straight stock that has sling swivel base in the left side and the remains of a “Henry bump” below. There is a corresponding sling loop on left side of bbl. Buttplate has the large trap with a large recess in the stock to accommodate a 4-pc wood cleaning rod (not present). SN was observed in the usual place on top flat of bbl between receiver & rear sight, 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 the assembly number “411” which number is also found on rear face on loading sleeve. This rifle was produced in about 1863 at the height of the Civil War when the Henry rifle was one of the most prized firearms on either side, Union or Confederate. The Union Army purchased 1731 of these rifles for issue to their troops. Several individual units private purchased Henry rifles to arm entire companies with them. The government furnished the ammunition. These units, with private purchase Henry’s, were referred to as “sharp shooters” and were generally used as shock troops for their devastating fire power as compared to everyone else’s muzzle loading or single shot arms, especially the Confederates. They referred to the Henry as “that damn Yankee rifle you load on Sunday and shoot all week”. Almost certainly, this rifle would have been used in the Civil War and the fact that it remains in orig configuration with some orig finish is a near miracle. Not only did these rifles serve with distinction during the war, but then were used further for hunting and self-defense. Most of them traveled West during the great Westward expansion and saw even harder service on the American frontier. CONDITION: Fine, all matching including all three tang screws & both buttplate screws. Bbl & magazine retain traces of orig blue around the receiver & sling loop. The remainder of bbl & magazine is a cleaned grey metal patina with sharp edges on bbl giving rise to the belief that this rifle was near new before it was attacked with heavy steel wool or very fine sandpaper. Receiver & sideplates have a few minor scratches, very sharp edges and no evidence that the sideplates have ever been removed. Hammer retains mottled case colors & the lever traces of case colors, being mostly a grey brown patina. Stock is missing small slivers by top & bottom tangs, otherwise wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retains most of an old restored finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, further giving rise to the thought that this rifle was near new before it was cleaned. 4-55308 JR284 (35,000-50,000) – Lot 1184
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1185
|
$46,000.00 |
RARE MARTIALLY MARKED HENRY MODEL 1860 LEVER ACTION RIFLE WITH RARE FULL LENGTH TELESCOPIC SIGHT.
SN 3283. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Usual configuration with 24-1/4″ oct bbl that has integral magazine, a replacement copper blade front sight and a fixed rear sight with no dovetail in the receiver. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut, buttstock that has straight grip and early style brass buttplate with large trap and corresponding large recess in the buttstock to accommodate a 4-pc hickory cleaning rod (not present). Right side of wrist has the outline of an inspector’s cartouche. Right bbl flat at the receiver has the “CGC” (Charles G. Chapman) inspector initials along with a small “C” and an “H” and “C” adjacent on the receiver. Right heel of buttplate also has a small “H”. Top flat of bbl, just rear of the loading sleeve has a narrow dovetail containing a brass scope mount with corresponding elevation adjustable base in the top tang. Telescopic sight and mounts are unmarked, but very similar in nature to those made by the Malcolm Telescope Company as pictured in Madis, and is 33-7/8″ long with a 5/8″ steel tube and brass eyepiece with very fine crosshairs. SN was observed on the bbl and left side of lower tang, under the wood. Top tang channel of buttstock is somewhat battered with an internal crack and the number was not visible. Buttplate & two buttplate screws are numbered “3670”. The three tang screws are properly unnumbered but are Henry screws. Although the buttstock & buttplate are replacements they are from the same shipment and it stands to reason that this was a field repair for a combat damaged buttstock. Round portion of the bbl, under the loading sleeve has the assembly number “966” which number is also found on rear face of loading sleeve. Extremely few Henry rifles have ever been encountered with scope sights although there are some known, however it stands to reason that a regiment would have had one or more sharp shooters for long range sniping. This rifle was one of a total of 1,731 Henry rifles purchased by the Union Army and was one of 800 ordered Dec. 30, 1863 and probably issued to the 1st D.C. Cavalry who were rushed into service for the Virginia Peninsula Campaign in the Spring of 1864. Many of their Henry rifles were lost in battle especially at Stony Creek and Sycamore Church in Virginia in June & September respectively. In August 1864 seven companies of the 1st D.C. Cavalry were transferred to the 1st Maine Cavalry and their Henry rifles went with them. Many more of their rifles were lost in battle in the ensuing months. In total there were 1,100 Henry rifles procured specifically for the 1st D.C. Cavalry with the final order of 800 falling within the 3000-4000 serial range including this rifle. The Winchester Book, Madis, on page 41 of the 1985 edition, 1 of 1000, states that in a letter dated Nov. 17, 1863, Oliver F. Winchester stated that “We intend to make both globe and telescope sight for our rifles. It will take a few weeks longer”. This statement lends credence to the idea that this is possibly a factory installed scope. At the end of the war soldiers were permitted to purchase their Henry rifles and many did so. Those rifles were then employed for hunting and home defense as well as on the Great American Frontier. Many remained in service well into the 1870s and 1880s before being supplanted by centerfire cartridge firearms. Large numbers of Henry rifles were then sold to South & Central America where the 44 rimfire cartridge was still popular. With all of that service Henry rifles are rarely every found with high orig finish, most especially those martial arms. CONDITION: Good, numbered as noted above. Bbl & magazine retain a mottled, cleaned gray/brown patina with scattered very fine pitting and shows heavy wear; receiver & sideplates show moderate wear with nicks & scratches and retain a medium to dark mustard patina; lever & hammer retain traces of orig case colors being mostly a dark patina. Stock has a crack in the wrist, otherwise wood is sound with nicks, dings & scratches and retains most of an old added finish. Mechanics are fine, worn dark bore with a ring about 6″ from the muzzle. Scope tube is a cleaned metal patina with scattered surface discoloration; optics need cleaning but seem fine. Lever latch is a replacement. 4-55307 JR287 (30,000-50,000) – Lot 1185
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1186
|
$37,375.00 |
SCARCE TYPE I MARTIALLY MARKED HENRY MODEL 1860 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 3921. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Usual configuration with 24-1/4″ oct bbl that has integral magazine and slightly altered, early nickel/silver front sight and a 900 yard Henry ladder rear sight. Top of receiver is without dovetail. Top flat of bbl has the large Henry’s Patent and New Haven address in two lines forward of the rear sight and the SN between rear sight and receiver. SN was also observed on left side of lower tang, under the wood, in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. The two buttplate screws are also matching numbered while the three tang screws are correctly unnumbered but are orig Henry screws, probably orig to this rifle. Round portion of the bbl, under the loading sleeve has the assembly number “719” which number is also found on rear face of loading sleeve. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain buttstock with the distinctive “Henry bump” on left side and has a mostly legible “CGC” (Charles G. Chapman) cartouche on the right wrist. Right flat of bbl, at the receiver, also has the “CGC” inspector initials over a small “C” with two additional “C” initials adjacent on the receiver. There is an additional small “C” on the buttstock at the right heel by the buttplate and another adjacent on right heel of buttplate. This rifle was one of a total of 1,731 Henry rifles purchased by the Union Army and was one of 800 ordered Dec. 30, 1863 and probably issued to the 1st D.C. Cavalry who were rushed into service for the Virginia Peninsula Campaign in the Spring of 1864. Many of their Henry rifles were lost in battle especially at Stony Creek and Sycamore Church in Virginia in June & September respectively. In August 1864 seven companies of the 1st D.C. Cavalry were transferred to the 1st Maine Cavalry and their Henry rifles went with them. Many more of their rifles were lost in battle in the ensuing months of the war. In total there were 1,100 Henry rifles procured specifically for the 1st D.C. Cavalry with the final order of 800 falling within the 3000-4000 serial range including this rifle. At the end of the war soldiers were permitted to purchase their Henry rifles and many did so. Those rifles were then employed for hunting and home defense as well as on the Great American Frontier. Many remained in service well into the 1870s and 1880s before being supplanted by centerfire cartridge firearms. Large numbers of Henry rifles were then sold to South & Central America where the 44 rimfire cartridge was still popular. With all of that service Henry rifles are rarely every found with high orig finish, most especially those martial arms. CONDITION: Very good. No orig finish remains with the bbl & magazine showing heavy wear and a dark brown patina with light pitting on right side flat; receiver & sideplates also show heavy wear with rounded edges and show a medium mustard patina having been cleaned a long time ago with dark coffee colored patina around the screws; lever & hammer are also a dark patina. Stock has some fine chips around the toe and a short hairline back of bottom tang, otherwise is sound with numerous small handling & use nicks & scratches and retains most of an old added finish with some heat crazing on both sides. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with sharp rifling and fine dark pitting. 4-55312 JR285 (30,000-50,000) – Lot 1186
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1187
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$12,650.00 |
CIVIL WAR MARTIAL HENRY RIFLE SN 3279.
SN 3279. Cal. 44 This is a standard first contract US government purchased Henry Rifle. This gun conforms to other models with two line bbl address “HENRY’S PATENT, OCT. 1860 MANUFCT’D BY THE NEW HAVEN ARMS CO.” This gun appears complete and original with good discernible markings and is among the earliest SNs known of Civil War Henry’s in martial range.. Accompanying this firearm is a 1999 letter from William Shugars of Pottstown, Pennsylvania stating his opinion like ours that this gun is a scarce martial and he also gives a list of the other 40 martial Henry’s between SN 3177 and 3999 that he is aware of. This gun saw use, but markings are clear and brass has pleasant, smooth patina. PROVENANCE: Ed Lauer 1970. CONDITION: Gun is good overall with discernible markings, matching SNs on bbl frame and butt plate. Two frame tang screws appear replaced. There is no discernible SN internally on stock, but a faint ghost of an inspectors cartouche appears visible. Stock has old horizontal crack repair and putty fill at tang. There is a braised repair to upper tang through screw hole, otherwise brass though cleaned, has a yellow patina with scattered dents, dings and scratches. SN is well defined on bbl, as are small “H” proofs on either side of frame and right side of bbl. Only a “C” inspector is found on left bbl flat adjacent to bbl frame where most bbls have “GC” or “GCG”. Mechanically, rifle is functional, retains both sling swivels. Bore shows discernible rifling, though well shot. 4-54480 JS (12,000-15,000) – Lot 1187
Click here to view provenance
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1188
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$21,850.00 |
EARLY ENGRAVED HENRY MODEL 1860 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 1328. Cal. .44 RF Henry. Usual configuration with 24-1/4″ oct bbl that has integral magazine with altered nickel silver front sight & a reproduction Henry-style ladder rear sight in the dovetail in top flat of receiver. Top flat of bbl also has a rear sight dovetail and the SN just forward of the receiver. Bbl address is very small & is probably spurious. Bbl is probably a reproduction by the the late Ron Kudrick from Reno, Nevada who made very faithful reproduction Henry rifles several years ago. The SN on the bbl is of a much smaller font than normal Henry numbers. Rnd portion of the bbl under the loading sleeve has the assembly number “1268” which number is also on rear face of loading sleeve and is of the same font as SN on top flat. SN is found on left side of lower tang, under the wood, inside top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. These three sets of numbers are of the proper-sized font. Mounted with very nicely figured, uncheckered American walnut buttstock that has early features including slight perch belly & rnd heel buttplate with large trap and corresponding large hole in the buttstock to accommodate a 4-pc wood cleaning rod (not present). Both buttplate screws & all three tang screws are orig to this rifle and are matching numbered. Receiver & buttplate tang are very nicely engraved by one of the Ulrich’s with full coverage foliate arabesque patterns on both sides & front side panels. Each sideplate has an open inscription panel. Matching foliate arabesque patterns extend over top three flats of receiver and onto top & bottom tangs. Buttplate tang is engraved to match. CONDITION: Fine, all matching with numbers as noted above. Bbl, lever & hammer retain a smooth, even plummy blue patina with strong blue in bbl gullets. Receiver & sideplates show moderate edge wear with light nicks & scratches having been cleaned a long time ago. Lever & hammer are a plummy brown, artificially aged patina. Buttstock has an internal crack through the lower buttplate screw hole, otherwise wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retains about all of a restored finish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with some minor scattered pitting. 4-48098 JR278 (7,500-12,500) – Lot 1188
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1189
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$29,900.00 |
ENGRAVED MODEL 1860 HENRY LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 2166. Cal 44 RF Henry. Silver & blue finish with 24-1/4″ oct bbl that has integral magazine, early style square back, nickel silver front sight and 900 yd Henry ladder rear sight. Top flat of receiver also has a dovetail for rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered, slab sawed American walnut buttstock with straight grip and early style brass buttplate that has rnd reel & large trap with corresponding large recess in buttstock to accommodate the 4-pc hickory & iron wiping rod, which accompanies. Jag end of cleaning rod section is broken. Rifle has other early features including small 2-line bbl address, sharp radius at top rear of receiver, small loop lever and slight perchbelly stock. Left side of buttstock has the remnants of a “Henry Bump”. SN was observed on top flat of bbl, left side of lower tang under the wood, top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. All three screws through the wrist and both buttplate screws are matching numbered to this rifle. Rnd section of bbl, under loading sleeve is marked with the assembly number “511” which number is also found on rear face of loading sleeve. Receiver & buttplate tang are silver plated and after market engraved in L.D. Nimschke style with about full coverage on the sides consisting of the large vignette of a dog chasing a stag in a woodland scene on left side plate and an empty presentation panel on right side plate, all surrounded by very fine, deep engraved, foliate arabesque patterns with fine pearled background. Front side flats are engraved to match with a scrolls terminating in large flower blossom. Top of receiver is engraved with three matching panels and top tang is engraved to match. Carrier is engraved with the Nimschke style flower blossom. Buttplate tang has matching foliate arabesque patterns. CONDITION: Fine, all matching. Bbl & magazine retain 60-70% orig blue, strong in the gullets turning a little plum elsewhere; receiver & buttplate retain about all of their custom silver finish. Stock has a couple cracks in the toe otherwise is sound with nicks & dings and retains most of a very old, period of use refinish. Mechanics are fine; strong bright bore with scattered pitting. 4-55422 JR309 (10,000-20,000) – Lot 1189
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1190
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$25,875.00 |
EXTREMELY RARE FIRST MODEL FLATSIDE WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 SADDLE RING CARBINE.
SN 14484. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Standard carbine with 20″ rnd bbl, full magazine, front sight integral with bbl band and a 2-position rear sight graduated 100-300-500 with a heart-shaped cutout. Left side of receiver has a staple & ring. Mounted with nicely figured, uncheckered American walnut with straight stock and 2nd type Henry brass crescent buttplate with trap. Serial number was observed on left side of lower tang under the wood, inside top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Receiver has features of the parent Henry rifle with its sharp radius at the top rear edge, dovetailed sideplates at front & rear edges vs. later models with dovetails only at the front edges. Front flats of the receiver are without a flare at the front edges which leaves the forearm wood thin & vulnerable. Left side of lower tang is also marked with the tiny assembly numbers “325” which are also found inside the sideplates (not verified but accepted as fact from examination by renowned author George Madis). Bottom of bbl, under forearm, is marked with the matching SN, also verified by Mr. Madis. Magazine tube is first type with screwed-in cap. Bbl has Henry & King’s patent markings. Most unusually, the buttstock has the rare “Henry bump” on left side as occasionally found on Henry rifles and rarely, and only on the very early First Models 1866. This carbine was produced in 1866 while the parent 1860 Henry rifle was still being manufactured and retains strong features and parts interchangeable with the Henry rifle. Accompanied by a 5-page letter from renowned researcher & author, George Madis, wherein he details most of the above information. CONDITION: Very fine plus, all matching & all original parts. Bbl & magazine tube retain a medium to dark smooth brown artificially aged patina with some fine pitting above the forearm by the bbl band and just in front of the receiver; bbl address is slightly thinned which is normal for these early ’66s; receiver & sideplates retain sharp edges with a wonderful medium to dark mustard patina; hammer retains faded case colors on the sides, stronger on the back edge; lever is a brown patina. Wood is sound with light nicks, dings & scratches and retains a fine restored finish. Mechanics are crisp, strong bright bore with scattered pitting. 4-47919 JR2 (30,000-50,000) – Lot 1190
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1191
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$35,650.00 |
EXTREMELY RARE 1ST MODEL FLATSIDE WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 15052. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Standard rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine with screwed-in cap and attached magazine spring follower stop. Bbl band is attached to the bbl with two screws and has a thru-pin securing the tube. Front sight is German silver with a 1000 yard Henry-style ladder rear sight. Top flat of the bbl has the 2-line Henry’s & King’s Patent markings. Bbl & forearm are probably modern replacements by the late Ron Kudrick of Reno, NV. Receiver & buttstock are orig. Receiver has a staple & ring attached to the left side which is not uncommon for early ’66 rifles. Mounted with nicely figured, uncheckered American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate with trap containing an orig 4-pc brass & iron wiping rod. Forearm is matching figured wood of the earliest type without forend cap having a sgl screw through brass escutcheons to retain the forearm through a hole in the bottom of the bbl. Tip of the forearm has dimpled ends. Serial number is found on left side of lower tang under the wood, in top tang channel of buttstock, inside toe of buttplate and bottom flat of bbl. Bottom flat of the bbl also has two small crosses which signify proof testing, along with three small punch dots. Bottom tang also has the tiny assembly numbers “1676” which are also found inside each sideplate. These early ’66 rifles began production as the parent 1860 Henry rifle was going out of production with the early ’66s having many features of the parent rifle including a sharp radius at the top rear of the receiver, dovetailed sideplates and the small Henry-style finger lever. Accompanied by 5-page hand written letter of authentication from renowned researcher & author George Madis. This rifle is mentioned by SN on p. 75 of The Winchester Book, Madis, which also lists the assembly number. These rifles held 17-rds and were extremely popular on the American frontier. They are almost never found in orig configuration with any orig finish. This rifle was produced in about 1867 at the height of the Great Westward Expansion and almost certainly would have seen continuous hard service on the American frontier. The fact that it survived at all is a testament to the durability of these rifles. CONDITION: Fine, all matching. Bbl & magazine tube retain a cleaned and artificially aged dark brown patina; receiver, sideplates & buttplate show lightly rounded edges and may have been cleaned a long time ago, retaining a current medium mustard patina; loading gate, lever & hammer are a dark natural patina. Forearm has a repaired crack near the left front tip, otherwise wood is sound with light nicks & scratches and retains an old restored finish. Mechanics are fine, strong dark bore with good rifling & scattered pitting. Cleaning rod is fine. 4-47920 JR3 (25,000-40,000) – Lot 1191
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1192
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$25,300.00 |
SCARCE HENRY MARKED 2nd MODEL WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 15972. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Standard rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine with screwed-in plug and 2nd type magazine band. Front sight is blued steel with a 900 yard Henry ladder rear sight and an attached windage adjustable sporting tang sight. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent brass buttplate with trap containing an orig 4-pc brass & iron wiping rod. Forend cap is also brass with dimpled front edges and integral sling wire with matching sling wire on the stock. Serial number is found on left side of lower tang under the wood, in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Bottom tang is also marked with the initials “RV” and a small “W”. Top flat of the bbl has the Henry’s & King’s 2-line Patent markings. The 2nd Model ’66s had flared front edges on the receiver to allow for a thicker forearm, which had been a much maligned fault on the 1st Models. In addition, the loading gate on the 2nd Model and subsequent models had tapered concave grooves instead of the flat loading gate of the 1st models. Receivers of the 2nd and subsequent models were also more streamlined at the top rear edge with a sloping radius instead of the sharp Henry-style radius of the 1st Models. This rifle appears to have been produced in 1868 at the height of the post-Civil War Westward Migration when any repeating cartridge firearm was in tremendous demand. Those firearms usually saw extreme hard service under very harsh conditions and are rarely found today with any orig finish. This is a completely untouched and orig ’66 rifle. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Bbl & magazine tube retain 60-70% orig blue with the balance mixed patina; receiver & sideplates show slightly worn edges and retain a dark mustard patina with some minor chemical spotting and green verdigris; hammer retains faded case colors on the sides with dark colors on the rear edge; lever is a dark brown patina; tang sight retains traces of orig blue; buttplate is a matching dark mustard patina. Stock has a hairline crack through the bottom buttplate screw hole, otherwise wood is sound with usual nicks, dings & scratches; buttstock retains about 60% orig varnish and the forearm about 40%. Mechanics are crisp, strong dark bore with sharp rifling. Cleaning rod shows heavy use. 4-54020 JR4 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1192
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1193
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$25,300.00 |
FINE NIMSCHKE ENGRAVED & INSCRIBED WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 SADDLE RING CARBINE THAT BELONGED TO CUSTER’S BLACK HILLS EXPEDITION PHOTOGRAPHER WILLIAM H. ILLINGWORTH.
SN 103751. Cal. .44 RF Henry. Usual configuration with 20″ rnd bbl, full magazine that has screwed in cap, integral front band/front sight and 2-postioin flip rear sight marked “1”, “3” and “5”. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock & carbine buttplate that has trap which contains an orig 3-pc brass & steel wiping rod. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number “7678”, which number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Rifle is beautifully engraved by L.D. Nimschke with about 60-70% coverage intertwined, flowing foliate arabesque patterns with pearled background. Transitions between sideplates & front flats are engraved in feather patterns. Both sideplates have counterpoint panels with the left side aftermarket engraved in period script “Wm. H. Illingworth / St. Paul, Min. / 1873”. Right side panel is empty. Bottom of carrier is engraved in Mr. Nimschke’s traditional flower blossom. The area between the timing screws is engraved in foliate arabesque patterns with a ribbon engraved “LDN”. Top of the receiver, top tang and buttplate tang are engraved in geometric & other matching patterns with a very fine, detailed hunter’s star on the receiver ring. Accompanied by an unmarked, silver-cased fusee movement pocket watch with bull’s eye crystal and gold hands. Inside the back cover is pantograph inscribed in script “Wm. H. Illingworth / St. Paul, A.D. 1874”. This watch, even at that time, would have been considered an antique. By 1850, the Waltham watch company was making a new design watch which was very popular & readily available. It seems unlikely that such an antique watch would have been presented about 25 years after the advent of a more convenient & reliable timepiece. The inscription on the carbine shows considerable wear and is probably of the period of use, possibly applied by his father’s jewelry store. William Henry Illingworth was born in England in 1844 and immigrated to the U.S. as a young child. In 1850, the family moved to St. Paul, MN where his father operated a jewelry business where young Illingworth worked until about age 20. After which he moved to Chicago to study photography. In 1866, he returned to St. Paul and joined Capt. James Fisk’s 4th Expedition to Montana Territory, working as a photographer. Upon his return to St. Paul, he operated a gallery & studio and from 1870-1873, worked as a railroad photographer. Due to his experience with the Fisk expedition, Mr. Illingworth was selected to photograph Custer’s 1874 expedition to the Black Hills for which he was paid $30 a month. In return, Illingworth was expected to provide six sets of plates to the Army. The expedition ran from early July to the end of August 1874. During the expedition, Illingworth produced 70 glass plates but only provided one set to the army. He was sued for the other five sets, but prevailed on technicalities. The negatives remained in Illingworth’s possession until he committed suicide in March 1893. His collection of Black Hills images were ultimately sold for $60 to the South Dakota State Historical Society in 1919. CONDITION: Fair to good. No orig finish remains with the steel parts a mottled, cleaned metal patina with scattered pitting. Front band screw is replaced with a rivet. Receiver shows moderate to heavy wear with worn edges & a few nicks & scratches. Hammer retains a restored blue finish. Lever is moderately to heavily pitted and shows grey/brown patina. Wood is sound with nicks & dings and retains most of an old refinish. Mechanics are fine. Worn, dark bore with two rings about 4″ & 5″ from the muzzle. Cleaning rod is fine. Watch shows heavy wear with intact orig crystal, not running, needs repair. 4-48097 JR261 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1193
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1194
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$31,050.00 |
ENGRAVED WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 120924. Cal 44 RF Henry. Fine ’66 rifle with silver & blue finish, 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight and 900 yd musket style ladder rear sight with flat tension spring. Bbl has 2-line address forward of the rear sight and a “WP” Winchester proof at the receiver. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate with trap containing an orig 4-pc brass & iron cleaning rod. Buttstock & forend cap have factory sling swivels. Top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate are marked with last four digits of matching SN. Receiver is after market engraved in L.D. Nimschke style with about full coverage beautiful, deep intertwined foliate & floral arabesque patterns on both sides. Left side plate has the vignette of two dogs attacking a stag in a field scene and a mythical dogs head on front flat. Right side plate has an empty counterpoint panel and a matching dogs head in the front flat. Left side transition area is engraved with Mr. Nimschke’s style of flower blossom & feather patterns with matching feather patterns on right side. Engraving extends over the top & bottom of the receiver with sunbursts & flower blossoms around the ejection port & hammer slot. Carrier is engraved in Mr. Nimschke’s patterns with “NIMSCHKE, N.Y.” engraved on a ribbon between the timing screws. Bottom tang is also nicely engraved with border patterns and top tang with another Nimschke style pattern. Forend cap & buttplate are engraved to match. CONDITION: Fine, all matching. Bbl retains 88-90% thinning orig blue with some scattered fine pitting; magazine tube retains about 90% orig blue; receiver, buttplate & hammer retain about all of their fine custom silver finish; receiver has three tiny casting holes in the lower right rear side; hammer retains faded case colors and the lever traces of blue. Stock has a hairline in the left side of the wrist, otherwise wood is sound with light nicks & scratches and shows most of an old refinish. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore with a few small spots of pitting. 4-55424 JR308 (7,500-15,000) – Lot 1194
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1195
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$18,400.00 |
WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 29067. Cal 44 RF Henry. Early ’66 rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, slightly altered front sight and fixed buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate with trap containing an orig 4-pc brass & iron cleaning rod. Buttstock & forend cap have factory sling swivels. Toe of buttstock has a repaired crack through the bottom screw hole. Comb of the stock is stamped in two places with a small “6”. Top tang channel of buttstock & inside toe of buttplate have last four digits of matching SN. This rifle was produced in about 1869 during the height of the Great Westward Expansion when repeating firearms were in great demand. They usually saw continuous hard service under harsh circumstances in all kinds of weather, and are rarely found today with any orig finish and orig configuration. CONDITION: Fine, all matching. Bbl retains about 65-70% thin orig blue with a couple of dings in the sharp edges and some cleaned areas; magazine tube retains about 85-90% thin orig blue; receiver retains sharp clean edges with no evidence that side plates have ever been removed and shows a smooth medium mustard patina; buttplate & forend cap retain a matching patina. Stock, with the aforementioned repaired toe, has light nicks & dings with a couple of small bruises, also on the forearm and retains a lightly applied restored finish. Mechanics are fine; very bright shiny bore; cleaning rod is fine. 4-55423 JR307 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1195
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1196
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$80,500.00 |
HISTORIC INSCRIBED 1873 WINCHESTER RIFLE FROM BUFFALO BILL.
This extremely important and historic Winchester SN #291 is the rarest first variation of the Winchester 1873 rifle. This gun includes rare early features such as hand engraved model designation and serial number on the lower tang “Model 1873, 291”. The left sideplate appears engraved in the same hand “Presented To Major Frank North U.S.A. from Buffalo Bill”. Frank North and William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody had been great friends and fellow scouts since 1869. According to Buffalo Bill’s biography concerning meeting North at Fort McPherson, in 1869, Cody states, “I made the acquaintance of Major Frank North and I found him and his officers perfect gentlemen, and we were all good friends from the start”. There are numerous accounts in Cody’s and North’s biographies concerning their association. There are numerous accounts of Frank North’s and Buffalo Bill’s Indian fighting, scouting and friendship in massive accompanying files with this gun. This gun that was made early in 1873 and though factory letter does not state presentation, the inscription and provenance are impeccable. There is also known a Remington conversion revolver with Buffalo Bill presentation to North still in family of North descendants today. In a published memoir by Frank’s brother Luther North, he states in an interview in the March 1927 issue of the American Rifleman, in an article titled The Truth About Wild Bill “we were in the cattle business in the ’70s, after we quit ‘Injuns’ with Cody for a partner. One day, up on our ranch on North Platte, Bill and me were out back of the ranch house shooting our Winchesters, 1873 Model, 44 caliber, 8-squar magazine (just like subject gun). We struck up a ‘tomatter’ can and fired at it 50 yards off. Was we sober? You ask-absolutely. It was like the days around Fort McPherson as I was observing, 50 yards off, and Bill was missing it. Frank came out of the house and let go of all six shots, 44’s, in his revolver and plugged the can five times out of six. He used at the time, one of a pair of Smith & Wesson Russian Model 44’s. Cody walked off, and chucking his rifle up onto the dirt roof of the ranch house remarked I guess I won’t shoot anymore today”. About the time of the presentation of this gun, is about the time that William F. Cody was just becoming famous as “Buffalo Bill”. He is mentioned in newspaper accounts as Buffalo Bill as early as January, 1873 and is thought to have received this nickname from the Grand Duke Alexis of Russia when Cody and George Custer took the Grand Duke hunting buffalo in 1872. Needless to say Cody was enamored enough with his new fame as “Buffalo Bill” to present his good friend Frank North using his new “sobriquet” which William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody would now be known through history. At memorial services for Major Frank North, Buffalo Bill eulogized his partner as “one of the truest friends I ever had, he was a man on whom you could stake your life”. This gun is in wonderful “as found” condition is one of the most historic Winchesters and the earliest known Winchester presented by William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody. PROVENANCE: Frank North, North family descendants. Private Collection. CONDITION: This gun is very good overall, all matching. Bbl retains traces of finish being mostly gray/brown overall with scattered staining, pitting, nicks and dings. Rifling in bore still good and discernible with pitting. Magazine tube is smooth gray overall with scattered staining and pitting with small nicks and dings. Receiver and hammer retain tiny traces of case color turning silver/gray with areas of staining and pitting. Side plates are gray/silver with engraving crisp and discernible. Buttplate is gray overall with scattered staining and pitting especially at top toe. Stocks are sound and solid with scattered scratches, dings and dents. There is a 4″ hairline crack starting at nosecap on right side of forestock and a 1″ crack in same position on left side of forestock continuing back as can be seen in photos. The gun mechanically functions well and is complete with exception of left side nosecap screw and dustcover which are missing. The magazine tube bracket is loose at its dovetailed junction sight on barrel. 4-54482 JS102 (75,000-125,000) – Lot 1196
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1197
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$23,000.00 |
EXTRAORDINARILY RARE WINCHESTER 2ND MODEL 1873 DELUXE SADDLE RING CARBINE.
SN 40686. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Wonderful & rare deluxe 2nd Model carbine with 20″ rnd bbl, full magazine that has screwed-in plug, front band with integral sight and 2-position flip rear sight graduated 1-3-5. Receiver is 2nd type with attached dust cover rail and 3rd type dust cover. Left side of receiver has a staple & ring. Mounted with extremely beautiful, tiger-striped, about 3X American walnut with early style checkered forearm and straight stock that has carbine buttplate with trap containing an orig 3-pc brass & iron wiping rod. Left side of the wrist is inlaid with 1/4″ silver numbers “1873”. Left side of lower tang is marked with the assembly number “356” and “XXX”. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Accompanied by two identical Cody Firearms Museum letters dated 1998 and 1999 which identify this carbine with checkered stock and case hardened, received in warehouse Dec. 6, 1879 and shipped two days later with three other Model 1873s to Order #18365. Also accompanied by a Winchester Museum card dated “1975” over the signature of “T.E. Hall” which shows identical information. Model 1873 carbines are not especially rare although 2nd Model carbines are substantially more rare, deluxe carbines of this vintage are extraordinarily rare. This carbine was produced at a time of the great Westward expansion of the post-Civil War era at a time when any repeating firearm was in great demand and very few special order items were produced. Undoubtedly this carbine was for someone of great wealth or importance or for a special presentation. The fact that it has survived all these years is a wonderful thing for the collector. CONDITION: Very good to fine, all matching. Traces of finish remain in most sheltered areas with the metal being an overall medium gray patina. Forearm has a very old crack by the bbl band, otherwise wood is sound and retains most of a very old restored finish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. A truly rare and unusual carbine. 4-47922 JR9 (30,000-50,000) – Lot 1197
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1198
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$25,875.00 |
RARE EARLY WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 DELUXE 32 CALIBER LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 103476. Cal. 32 WCF (32-20). Rare deluxe rifle with 24-1/4″ oct to rnd bbl, full magazine, express front sight, special rear sight and vernier tang sight with 2-3/4″ staff. Receiver is third type with milled dust cover rail and is color case hardened. Receiver is small-bore type with stepped top front edge. Mounted with 1-2X second style checkered forearm and straight stock that has crescent buttplate with trap. Buttstock & forend cap have sling eyes. An additional special order feature is the nickel finished cartridge carrier in the receiver and sliding trap door in the buttplate. Left side of lower tang, under the wood, is marked with the assembly number “775”, “X”, “R” and “CF”. Left side of upper tang, under the wood is marked “32”. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum research request yellow sheet which identifies this rifle with 1/2 oct bbl, plain trigger & checkered stock; received in warehouse Nov. 17, 1882 and shipped Nov. 20, 1882 to Order #1046. Also accompanied by a copy of the ledger sheet for this rifle. While the 1873 rifle in caliber 32 is not extremely rare, they are very rarely found with color case hardened receiver and in deluxe configuration with special order features. The buttplates on these rifles are almost never found with trapdoors. These small bore rifles were not considered “men’s” guns but were thought of as boy’s or lady’s rifles and usually saw very hard service with poor maintenance and are almost never found with high orig finish. CONDITION: Very fine plus, all matching. Bbl & magazine tube retain 95-97% strong orig blue with only light sharp edge wear; receiver & sideplates retain about 70-75% orig case colors, strong in sheltered areas, faded toward the front; hammer retains about 90% bright colors and the lever strong case colors on the sides, faded on outer faces; forend cap & buttplate retain most of their faded orig case colors. Wood is sound with a few light handling & storage nicks & scratches and retains most of its orig factory piano varnish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with a couple of small spots of roughness. 4-47923 JR6 (30,000-50,000) – Lot 1198
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1199
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$16,675.00 |
SCARCE EARLY 2ND MODEL DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 31314. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Fine deluxe ’73 with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight and early style short heart shaped rear sight with checkered edges. Receiver is second type with attached dust cover rail and impressed thumb print dust cover. Receiver also has single set trigger. Mounted with about 2X, early style checkered American walnut with straight grip and crescent buttplate with trap. Receiver is color case hardened. Top left flat of the bbl, over the chamber area and correspondingly on the receiver are marked with small British proofs. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number “894” and “X”. The last two numbers of the assembly number appear to be stamped over “63” or “93”. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Bottom portion of toe of buttplate appears to have had an assembly number obliterated and the matching number stamped higher up. In the bottom tang channel of the buttstock is a vertically applied reinforcing screw to support the repaired crack in the wrist. Accompanied by a 5-page letter of authentication from renowned researcher & author George Madis wherein he substantiates most of the above information. Also accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum research request yellow sheet which identifies this rifle with oct bbl, set trigger, checkered stock and case hardened; received in warehouse March 10, 1879 and shipped same day to Order #14808. Given the extra cost features found on this rifle and the time period of its production, it seems very likely that it would have been ordered by a wealthy individual or was intended for a special presentation. CONDITION: Fine, all matching as noted above. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 80-85% thinning orig blue turning plum on the magazine tube; receiver & sideplates retain about 85% thinning orig case colors, strong & bright in sheltered areas; hammer retains about 80% strong orig case colors and the lever traces of colors in sheltered areas; forend cap & buttplate are dark patina. Stock has the aforementioned repaired crack, otherwise wood is sound with numerous nicks & scratches with a few light bruises and retains most of its orig varnish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-47921 JR5 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 1199
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1200
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$28,750.00 |
Revised: 3/14/2015
Please Note: The stock is old, has been on the gun for a long time and is a correct stock. However, it does not have a Serial Number on it. This means to us that it could have been a factory replacement during period of use (?).
RARE WINCHESTER 1ST MODEL 1873 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 23038. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight and orig, short, semi-buckhorn rear sight that has checkered edges. Receiver is 1st type with 2nd type impressed thumb print dust cover. Mounted with 1-2X uncheckered American Walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate that has trap. Buttstock & forend cap have factory sling swivels. This rifle was produced in late 1876 at the time of the Great Westward Expansion of Manifest Destiny when any repeating firearm was in great demand, especially the “new” ’73 repeater. These rifles, from first production were incredibly successful and became known as “the gun that won the west”. These rifles usually saw daily hard use in saddle scabbards, wagon boxes and every other method of transportation under very adverse circumstances and are rarely found today with high orig finish, especially those with color case hardened parts. Simple exposure to the ultra-violet rays of sunlight had an almost immediate effect in fading the colors. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain 96-97% strong orig blue flecked with brown; receiver, sideplates & dust cover retain brilliant case colors, lightly to moderately faded on bottom at the carry point; forend cap retains most of its orig case colors, lightly faded; buttplate retains brilliant case colors on the tang and part of the face with fading on left side & toe; hammer retains brilliant case colors; lever retains about all of its orig case colors, moderately faded. Stock has a couple of fine cracks in the wrist, otherwise is sound with a hand rubbed patina, possibly lightly cleaned. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore; shows only light use with the loading gate retaining most of its orig blue. An exceptional & rare ’73. 4-55542 JR344 (25,000-35,000) – Lot 1200
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1201
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$0.00 |
BEAUTIFUL WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 396440. Cal. 38 WCF. Standard grade 3rd Model rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, blued Rocky Mountain front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Receiver is small bore type with stepped receiver ring and integral dust cover rail with 3rd type dust cover. Bottom of carrier has caliber marking. Mounted with extra-finish, perhaps 2X, uncheckered American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate that has trap containing a 4-pc all steel wiping rod. This rifle was produced in about 1891 when most business & work was conducted from the back of a horse, wagon or buggy and carrying a firearm as a working tool was an everyday way of life. The Model 1873 was the most popular repeating rifle on the frontier at that time and as such usually saw daily hard service under extreme weather conditions and are rarely found today with high orig finish, especially color case hardened examples such as this one. Simple exposure to the ultra-violet rays of sunlight rapidly fades the colors. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbl retains about 95% strong orig blue with some freckles of rust on the left side just forward of the forend cap; magazine tube retains about 98% orig blue; receiver & side plates retain brilliant case colors showing only light fading on bottom front at the carry point; hammer also retains brilliant case colors and the lever brilliant case colors on the sides, lightly to moderately faded on outer faces; buttplate retains faded case colors; forend cap retains bright, strong case colors. Stock has a grain crack through the wrist, otherwise wood is sound with light nicks & scratches and retains virtually all of its orig factory finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Shows very little use, retaining virtually all of its orig factory blue on bolt face & loading gate. Wiping rod is fine 4-55543 JR341 (17,500-27,500) – Lot 1201
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1202
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$23,000.00 |
EXTRAORDINARY WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 SMALL BORE LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 353106. Cal. 22 Long. Standard grade 3rd Model rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Receiver is small bore type with stepped receiver ring and right sideplate is without loading gate. Caliber marking is on the top bbl flat, over the chamber and on bottom of carrier. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut including straight stock and crescent buttplate without trap. There were about 19,552 Model 1873 rifles manufactured in 22 rimfire in both 22 Short & Long. This model was the first repeating rifle chambered in caliber 22. They were generally considered boys’ or ladies’ rifles and usually saw very hard service, frequently with little maintenance and are rarely found today with any orig finish. These rifles chambered for 22 Long seem to be somewhat more scarce than those in 22 Short. Given that the majority of these rifles seldom have any orig finish remaining it is extremely rare to find one with high orig finish. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 98% crisp orig blue with a few small spots of surface etching; receiver retains 92-93% bright orig blue with the front side flats & side plates having been lightly cleaned at one time, probably with coarse steel wool leaving very fine scratches; hammer retains strong case colors, faded on top; lever retains strong case colors on sides, moderately faded on outer faces; buttplate retains smoky case colors mixed with light surface etching. Inside magazine tube is original. Wood is sound with a few light scratches and retains most of its orig factory varnish. Mechanics are crisp, strong bright bore with a few scattered spots of pitting. 4-55544 JR340 (17,500-27,500) – Lot 1202
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1203
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$18,400.00 |
RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 FULL-NICKEL SMALL BORE LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 243914B. Cal. 22 Short. Nickel finish with 24-1/4″ rnd bbl, full magazine, Rocky Mountain front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Caliber marking is over the chamber on the bbl and on bottom of carrier. Receiver is small bore type with stepped front receiver ring. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate without trap. All the metal is nickel finish and is factory applied. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter stating configuration of .22 caliber,round barrel, plain trigger on order 22680 for Aug 26, 1887; Full nickel finish on Nov 30, 1887 for order #1761. These small bore ’73s were considered to be boys’ or ladies’ rifles and usually saw very hard service with little or no maintenance and are rarely ever found with orig finish. CONDITION: Very Fine. Overall retains most of its strong factory nickeling with sharp edge wear and minor flaking on sideplates and sides of receiver. Wood is sound with light nicks & scratches and retains an most of its old factory finish. Mechanics are fine, slightly worn but very shootable bore. 4-55368 JR331 (12,500-17,500) – Lot 1203
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1204
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$12,650.00 |
DELUXE WINCHESTER 2ND MODEL 1873 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 39310. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Fine deluxe ’73 with 24-1/4″ rnd bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight and early style semi-buckhorn rear sight with checkered edges. Receiver is 2nd type with attached dust cover rail and 3rd type dust cover. Mounted with about 2X, center crotch, flame grain American walnut with “H” style checkered forearm and straight stock and crescent buttplate with trap. Left side of lower tang, under the wood, is marked with the assembly number “100” and “XX”. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. According to consignor this rifle letters as a 28″ oct bbl standard rifle. That is obviously a factory clerical error. This rifle was produced in about 1879 when any repeating rifle was in great demand, especially the Model 1873. Undoubtedly the ’73 was the most popular on the frontier where they usually saw extreme hard service under very adverse conditions and are rarely found today with any orig finish. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 98% strong bright blue; bbl address appears to have been enhanced; receiver & side plates retain 65-70% blue that has been cleaned; lever & hammer retain strong case colors, faded on outer faces of lever; buttplate retains most of its orig case colors, lightly to moderately faded. Wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retains most of a restored finish. Mechanics are fine, strong sharp bore, dark in the grooves. 4-55352 JR332 (14,000-18,000) – Lot 1204
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1205
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$14,375.00 |
*RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 CALIBER 32 SADDLE RING CARBINE.
SN 708906. Cal. 32-20. Standard carbine with 20″ rnd bbl, full magazine, barleycorn front sight and 2000 yard carbine ladder rear sight. Left side of receiver has a staple & ring. Mounted with uncheckered gum wood straight stock and carbine buttplate without trap. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this carbine in caliber 32, received in warehouse Nov. 27, 1917 and shipped March 28, 1919. No other information available. Very few carbines in caliber 32 were produced in the Model 1873 and few of those survive today. The caliber was insufficient for large game and therefore was generally considered a lady’s or boy’s arm and usually saw hard service with little or no maintenance. Very few are found today with any orig finish. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all orig, appears to be unfired. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 98% crisp orig blue with a few small nicks on the bbl; receiver & sideplates retain about 70% dark orig blue with the loss areas flaked, not worn, to a dark patina with overall light sharp edge wear; lever, hammer, buttplate & bbl band retain most of their strong orig blue. Stock & forearm have a few small nicks & dings and overall retain virtually all of their orig factory finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Bolt face retains virtually all of its orig factory finish. 4-47925 JR7 (15,000-20,000) – Lot 1205
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1206
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$12,980.00 |
VERY FINE WINCHESTER 1ST MODEL 1873 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 25260. Cal 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine that is 1866-style with screwed-in cap, half nickel front sight and a later style semi-buckhorn rear sight. Receiver is 1st type with mortised, impressed thumbprint dustcover. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number “977”. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Mounted with uncheckered, slab-sawed American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate with trap containing an orig 4-pc brass & iron wiping rod. These early 1873 rifles were Winchesters first offering of center fire rifles and were readily and enthusiastically purchased by those intrepid souls migrating to the Great American Frontier. They usually saw very hard & continuous service, usually under harsh climatic conditions, often with little or no maintenance and are rarely found in orig configuration with fine orig finish. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter stating configuration above with a ship date of 11/15/1877, order number 10630. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, all matching. Bbl retains 90-92% strong orig blue with several small freckles of pitting just above the forend cap; magazine tube has a couple small dents and retains about 98% orig blue; receiver & side plates retain about 80-85% orig blue, strong & bright in sheltered areas, lightly thinned with candy striping. There are a couple small spots of pitting over receiver ring; hammer retains bright case colors and the lever strong case colors in sheltered areas faded to silver elsewhere. Buttplate retains 60-70% faded case colors. Stock & forearm have a couple small dings and retain most of an old restored finish. Mechanics are crisp; brilliant shiny bore, shows very little use with strong blue on bolt face and loading gate. Cleaning rod is fine. 4-55426 JR306 (10,000-20,000) – Lot 1206
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1207
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$9,200.00 |
SCARCE 1ST MODEL 1873 WINCHESTER LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 3822. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4″ heavy rnd bbl, full magazine, slightly modified half-nickel front sight and early style short, semi-buckhorn rear sight with checkered edges. Receiver is 1st type with mortised, impressed thumbprint dustcover. Left side of bbl & receiver have British proofs. Mounted with a replacement uncheckered, straight grain American walnut buttstock that has straight grip and crescent buttplate with trap. Forearm is orig. Left side of lower tang has the assembly number “203”. Buttstock has spurious matching number in top tang channel. Buttplate has authentic matching number. Bbl has a large spot of blood pitting on right side about 4″ from the muzzle and a streak of blood pitting on top. This was very likely an Englishman’s small game rifle in India or Africa. These early 1873s usually saw very hard service under adverse conditions and are rarely found today with high orig finish. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter stating configuration above with a ship date of 4/27/1875, order number 3123. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Bbl with the aforementioned blood pitting retains about 75% orig blue with the areas around the pitting cleaned a long time ago and now with a light patina. Other losses are from flaking. Magazine tube retains about 90% strong orig blue and the forend cap about 60% glossy orig blue with the losses from flaking. Receiver retains 80-85% orig blue turned a little dull with sharp edge wear and some light scratches with a wear spot on the right sideplate. Hammer retains brilliant case colors and the lever bright case colors on the sides, fading on outer faces. Trigger also retains bright case colors. Buttplate retains about all of its orig case colors, moderately faded. Stock is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retains most of its custom oil finish. Forearm retains most of its orig oil finish with a few light nicks & dings. Mechanics are crisp; brilliant shiny bore, shows very little use with strong blue on bolt face and most of its orig blue on the loading gate. 4-55425 JR304 (7,500-12,500) – Lot 1207
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1208
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$9,775.00 |
SCARCE ATLANTA POLICE MARKED WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 331952. 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 with serrated edges. Left sideplate is engraved “102 / Atlanta Police”. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate with trap. Left side of lower tang under the wood is marked with assembly number “17” which number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock. Buttplate is not marked, however it is readily apparent that it has been in place the life of the rifle. Buttstock & forearm have factory sling loops. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in caliber 44 with oct bbl, plain trigger, sling & swivel, engraved “102 / Atlanta Police” on left sideplate; received in warehouse Feb. 21, 1890 and shipped 3 days later with 25 other Model 1873s to Order #9045. Also accompanied by a 3-page hand-written letter from renowned researcher & author, George Madis, wherein he verifies most of the above information. The known Atlanta Police rifles usually saw hard service and are seldom found with high orig finish. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, matching as noted above. Bbl retains about 90% strong orig blue with sharp edge wear and a few light spots of pitting; magazine tube retains about 95% orig blue turned plum; receiver & sideplates retain 65-70% strong orig blue with the loss areas a dark patina; lever & hammer retain faint faded case colors having mostly turned silver. Wood is sound with numerous light nicks & scratches and retains about 75-80% of an old wiped-on finish with some orig finish underneath. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-47924 JR8 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1208
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1209
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$6,900.00 |
SCARCE SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER 2ND MODEL 1873 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 83787. Cal. 38 WCF (38-40). Standard grade 2nd model rifle with 24-1/4″ rnd bbl, button magazine, slightly altered half nickel front sight & early, short, semi-buckhorn rear sight with checkered edges. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock & smooth, steel buttplate. Receiver has attached dust cover rail with 3rd type dust cover. This rifle was produced in about 1882 at the height of the great Westward expansion when about any repeating arm was in great demand, especially the Model 1873. The fact that this is a special order rifle lends credence to the idea that it was ordered by someone of greater means than a simple cowboy who, in all probability, would have not opted for the more expensive special order features. The firearms of that era were usually hard used and are seldom found today with any orig finish. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains 97-98% strong orig blue with a few small freckles of light surface rust. Receiver & sideplates 88-90% glossy orig blue showing only light sharp edge wear with loss areas flaked, not worn, to a medium to dark patina. Hammer retains bright case colors, turned a little dark on top edge. Lever retains bright case colors on sides, fading to silver on outer faces. Forend cap retains about 95% glossy orig blue, and the buttplate about 80%. Wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retains most of its orig oil finish. Mechanics are crisp, very bright shiny bore, shows very light use with most orig blue still on bolt face & loading gate. 4-55309 JR283 (5,000-7,000) – Lot 1209
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1210
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$4,025.00 |
DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 378815. Cal. 38 WCF (38-40). Deluxe ’73 with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, nickel silver Rocky Mountain front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Receiver is 3rd type with integral dust cover rail and 3rd type dust cover. Reciever is also small bore type with stepped receiver ring. Mounted with about 3X, center crotch, flame grain American walnut with “H” style checkered forearm and black insert, serpentine grip buttstock that has crescent buttplate with trap. Left side of lower tang, under the wood, is marked with assembly number “239” which number is also found inside toe of buttplate. Top tang channel of buttstock is covered in a heavy coating of old wax & crud and no number was visible. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in caliber 38 with oct bbl, plain trigger, case hardened and checkered pistol grip stock, received in warehouse March 23, 1891 and shipped next day to Order #1241. This rifle likely would have been owned by someone of more than average means such as a rancher, law enforcement officer or a gentleman hunter. CONDITION: Good. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 85% restored blue; receiver, lever, hammer & buttplate retain about 90% restored case colors with the left sideplate heavily cleaned. Stock has a fine hairline by the top tang, otherwise wood is sound with tiny nicks & scratches and retains about all of a restored finish. Mechanics are fine, worn dark bore with shootable rifling. 4-55395 JR356 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1210
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1211
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$69,000.00 |
WINCHESTER MODEL 1876 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 14488. Cal. 45-60. Standard grade rifle with 28″ rnd 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 nicely figured, uncheckered American walnut including straight stock with crescent buttplate that has trap containing an orig 5-pc brass & steel wiping rod. Left side of lower tang, under the wood, is marked with the assembly number “1156” and “CF”. Matching assembly is also found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. This rifle was produced in about 1880 at a time of the Great Westward Expansion when big bore repeating rifles were in great demand. Virtually all standard grade rifles were sold as working guns and usually saw continuous hard service under adverse circumstances and are rarely ever found today with high orig finish, especially color case hardened guns. Exposure to the ultra-violet rays of sunlight rapidly fades these colors. The Model 1876 was the first big bore, high powered cartridge to be introduced in a repeating rifle and as such earned great popularity and favor among the shooting public. Their large cartridges with heavy bullets were capable of taking about any North American game and were reasonably effective at longer ranges. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all matching. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 99% crisp orig blue with only faint muzzle end wear; receiver, forend cap & buttplate retain virtually all of their orig case colors, brilliant on sides of receiver, lightly to moderately faded elsewhere; hammer retains muted case colors and lever retains strong case colors on the sides, moderately faded on outer faces. Wood is sound with a few light scratches and retains about all of its orig finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Shows very little use, retaining about all of its orig blue on bolt face and showing only light wear on loading gate. 4-55545 JR339 (40,000-60,000) – Lot 1211
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1212
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$0.00 |
Revised: 3/3/2015
Please note: Great news! The turnbull work order ledgers indicate this rifle had its case colors only restored by the firm, and not a complete restoration as stated in the catalog.
FABULOUS RESTORED DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1876 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 37868. Cal. 45-60. Fine deluxe ’76 with 28″ oct bbl, full magazine, sourdough front sight and later style semi-buckhorn rear sight. Bbl has usual 2-line markings with caliber marking over the chamber area. Carrier also has the caliber marking. Mounted with beautiful 3X, center crotch, flame grain American walnut with “H” style checkered forearm and black fleur-de-lis inlaid serpentine grip buttstock that has crescent buttplate with trap containing a 4-pc brass & iron wiping rod. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with assembly number “1749”, “XXX” and an “R”. Matching assembly number is also found inside toe of buttplate. Buttstock is not marked. Rifle has had a complete Turnbull restoration in 2004, with apparent replaced buttstock. The case colors on the receiver, sideplates, lever, hammer, grip cap & buttplate are virtually authentic Winchester colors. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains about 97% restored blue with the magazine tube about 98% plummy brown; receiver, sideplates & hammer retain about all of their beautiful restored case colors; lever retains brilliant case colors on the sides, moderately faded on outer faces; buttplate retains most of its restored case colors, lightly to moderately faded. Buttstock has a couple of fine hairlines left side of top tang, otherwise wood is sound and retains most of its restored finish. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with light to moderate pitting. 4-55351 (25,000-35,000) – Lot 1212
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1213
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$17,250.00 |
WINCHESTER MODEL 1876 SADDLE RING CARBINE WITH INSCRIBED SIDEPLATE.
SN 1852. Cal. 45-75. Standard grade Saddle Ring Carbine with 22″ rnd bbl. Barleycorn front sight and Model 1866 style 2-position flip rear sight graduated “1”, “3” and “5”. Receiver is 2nd Model with attached dust cover rail and 2nd type dust cover with impressed thumb print. Left side of receiver has a stud & ring. Left sideplate is engraved “JNO. RIGBY & CO. / 72 ST. JAMES’S ST. / LONDON”. Lever has the bottom & rear faces of loop covered in brown leather. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut which includes a full length forearm and straight stock that has carbine buttplate without trap. Left side of lower tang, under the wood, is marked with two assembly numbers “339” and “386”. Both numbers are also found in top tang channel of buttstock. Buttplate is numbered “386” inside the toe. Bbl & receiver have British proofs. Very likely this carbine would have belonged to an English gentleman for hunting in Africa or India. Those rifles usually saw hard service and are often found with very little orig finish. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching. Bbl retains about 98% orig blue with the forend cap showing about 96% orig blue and the middle band about 95%; receiver retains about 90% orig blue, a little dulled on bottom & top edges with a few scattered chemical spots on left front flat; lever & hammer retain strong case colors, faded on outer faces; buttplate retains about 70-75% strong case colors, moderately faded. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 4-55546 JR337 (17,500-27,500) – Lot 1213
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1214
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$10,925.00 |
SCARCE CANADIAN NORTH WEST MOUNTED POLICE WINCHESTER MODEL 1876 SADDLE RING CARBINE.
SN 44172. Cal. 45-75. Standard NWMP carbine with 22″ rnd bbl, full magazine, barleycorn front sight and special “Spanish Meter” ladder rear sight. Receiver is 3rd type with milled dust cover rail and 3rd type dust cover. Left side of receiver has a stud & ring. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with full length forearm that has a metal forend cap and one band with straight stock and carbine buttplate without trap. Right side of buttstock is marked in a blocked arc “N.W.M.P.” The North West Mounted Police purchased 1,261 of these carbines which remained in service 1878-1914. Until the advent of smokeless powder cartridges with higher velocity bullets these carbines remained extremely popular with the Mounties. Late in their service life and after 1914 several hundred of the carbines were sold to police & militia forces and therefore remained in service far beyond 1914. This carbine is identified by SN as having been issued to the NWMP and is listed on p. 185 of Arms & Accoutrements of the Mounted Police 1873-1973, Phillips & Klancher. Another listing of NWMP carbines shows that this carbine, identified by SN, was in case #113 of a shipment of 150 carbines on March 28, 1885. This carbine was purchased by Peter & Patty Murray of Huntington Beach, CA from L.D. Libke, a retired RCMP Staff Sergeant, who went on to become the advertising & public relations manager for Winchester, Canada. In a variety of correspondence between Mr. Murray & Mr. Libke, Mr. Libke states that he had purchased this carbine from a custom gun shop in Edmonton, Alberta in July 1976. He states that he was led to believe, by Irv. Hyman the owner of the gun shop, that thiscarbine had been purchased in early 1976 from the estate of the late Chief Superintendent, George Prime of the RCMP who had been a member for 35 years. Superintendent Prime was the son of an officer in the NWMP and the Royal NWMP and was the Adjutant of the Force in Headquarters Division, Ottawa. Mr. Libke states that it is his contention that this carbine was issued to the senior Mr. Prime when he joined the NWMP and was subsequently passed down through the family. No documentation supporting this contention has been found as of this writing. Accompanied by a large volume of correspondence, as noted, and also a Buffalo Bill Historical Center letter which identifies this carbine as having been received in the warehouse March 28, 1885 and shipped same day with 110 other rifles with the same specifications to the same order. Additionally accompanied by two photographs of Staff Sgt. Libke in uniform with the date “November 1977”. Also accompanied by three gold RCMP hat badges that belonged to SSgt. Libke, two small and one large. Also accompanied by a pair of early nickeled handcuffs & key with attached tags stating they were orig early RCMP handcuffs from Lloyd Libke. Also accompanied by two cased RCMP Commemorative Canadian $1.00 silver coins. Further accompanied by two rare Dominion Cartridge Co. caliber 45-75 cartridges with head stamps of 1899 & 1900 markings, made exclusively for the RCMP, mounted to a small mahogany board with a card providing complete information. And finally accompanied by a small uniform shoulder patch. While an NWMP carbine is occasionally encountered they almost never have any history or provenance. The fact that this carbine is descended from an old time NWMP officer is very significant. PROVENANCE: R.C.M.P. Adjutant Prime; Chief Superintendent George Prime; Irv Hyman Custom Gun Shop; SSgt. L.D. Libke; Peter & Patty Murray CONDITION: Very good. Appears to be completely orig & intact; bbl retains traces of orig blue being mostly a thin silver/brown patina; receiver & sideplates retain about 40% orig blue with a series of small cuts on right sideplate and nicks on the lever. Wood is sound showing moderate wear with nicks & scratches and having been lightly cleaned. Mechanics are fine, strong dark bore. Accessories are fine. 4-47927 JR11 (12,500-17,500) – Lot 1214
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1215
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$20,700.00 |
Revised: 3/12/2015
Please Note: Certifiable antique ivory bead sight. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object“. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31.
FINE SPECIAL ORDER DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1876 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 48672. Cal. 40-60. Scarce deluxe 76 with rare 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full mag, Beach’s combination front sight, 1876 marked ladder rear sight and a thin base Vernier tang sight with 3″ staff. Mounted with 2-3X center crotch, flame grain American walnut with H-style checkered forearm and fluer-de-lis insert, serpentine grip buttstock and crescent buttplate with trap containing an orig 4-pc brass and iron cleaning rod. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number “2389” and “XX”. 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 40-60 with 24″ oct bbl, plain trigger and checkered pistol grip stock, received in warehouse Oct 9, 1885 and shipped same day to order #860. It is believed that there are only 2 such rifles with 24″ bbls ever made. This cataloger at one time owned the other one. The top tang on this rifle has one extra hole used for mounting the tang sight. CONDITION: Very good to fine, bbl retains blue in sheltered areas, being mostly a smooth plummy brown patina. Magazine tube also retains blue in sheltered areas, being mostly a mottled brown patina. Receiver retains about 20% case colors, stronger in the more sheltered areas with the balance turned silver gray. Hammer retains dark case colors and the lever traces of case colors. Wood is sound with a couple of small grain checks in buttstock and with handling and use nicks and scratches. The buttstock retains about 75-80% orig varnish with forearm a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore with a few spots of light pitting. 4-53766 JR193 (12,500-17,500) – Lot 1215
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1216
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$12,075.00 |
RARE SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER MODEL 1876 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 27758. Cal. 45-60. Standard grade rifle with scarce 26″ oct to rnd bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight with screw and “1876” marked 1000-yard ladder rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate with trap containing an orig 5-pc brass & iron wiping rod. Buttstock & forend cap have factory sling loops. Left side of lower tang, under the wood, is marked with assembly number “1681”. Stock & buttplate are unmarked but are undoubtedly orig to this rifle. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle with 26″ half oct bbl, plain trigger and sling & swivels; received in warehouse May 16, 1883 and shipped same day to Order #4316. This rifle was produced at the height of America’s great westward expansion when repeating firearms were in extreme demand. Most of the firearms of that era saw continuous hard service under extreme harsh conditions rarely with any maintenance and are almost never found with high orig finish. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 93-95% strong orig blue with sharp edge wear on the bbl and a series of small scratches on the magazine tube; receiver & sideplates retain about 70-75% orig blue with sharp edge wear, thinning on the right front flat, turning brown in that area; hammer retains about 95% faded case colors; lever retains faded case colors on sides, turned silver on outer faces; forend cap & buttplate retain about 85% orig blue; receiver has a small ding in left front flat. Wood is sound with light nicks & scratches and retains about 98% strong orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, very bright shiny bore. Cleaning rod is fine. 4-47926 JR10 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 1216
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1217
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$6,900.00 |
DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1876 LEVER ACTION SHORT RIFLE.
SN 45479. Cal. 45-60. Deluxe short rifle with 22″ rnd bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight with screw and “1876” marked ladder rear sight. The caliber marking is on left side of bbl over the chamber area. Mounted with deluxe, about 2X American walnut that has early style checkered 8-3/8″ forearm & straight grip with smooth steel shotgun buttplate. Left side of lower tang is unmarked, however top tang channel of buttstock has matching SN “45479”. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle with 22″ rnd bbl, plain trigger and shotgun butt, received in warehouse June 22, 1885 and shipped June 25, 1885 to Order #20839. Also accompanied by a Winchester Gun Museum letter and Winchester Gun Museum postcard which reports basically the same information. Deluxe ’76 rifles are scarce and special order ’76s are very rare, especially those with orig short bbls. Very few are known and of those, very few have any orig finish. CONDITION: Very good. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 80% orig blue turning a little plum; receiver & side plates retain about 85% fine restored blue with very fine pinprick pitting, having been cleaned a long time ago; dust cover is a blue/brown patina; lever & hammer retain a mottled blue patina. Wood is sound with light nicks & scratches showing moderate to heavy wear and retains an old refinish. Mechanics are crisp, strong bore with good shine and fine pitting. 4-55394 JR353 (5,000-9,000) – Lot 1217
Click here to view provenance
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1218
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$3,450.00 |
SCARCE SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER MODEL 1876 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 26227. Cal. 45-60. Standard grade rifle with 28″ oct bbl, button magazine, altered half nickel front sight, a replacement, late, semi-buckhorn rear sight and an orig 1876 thick base vernier tang sight with 4″ staff. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate that has trap. Left side of lower tang is marked with assembly number “1061” 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 in caliber 45-60 with oct bbl, half magazine and plain trigger, received in warehouse Sept. 6, 1882 and shipped same day to Order #34686. In 1882 a rifle was a necessity on the American Frontier and most firearms of that era saw daily hard use under adverse circumstances and are rarely found with any orig finish. CONDITION: Fair to good. Bbl retains 80-85% plummy blue/brown patina and the receiver about 90% plummy blue/brown patina; lever & hammer are gray patina and buttplate is a dark brown patina. Stock has a major repair through the wrist with wood fill in left side and overall the wood retains an old refinish, probably from the time of the repair. Mechanics are fine, very worn dark bore that appears to have been reamed with no visible rifling. 4-55401 JR351 (2,500-4,500) – Lot 1218
Click here to view provenance
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1219
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$8,050.00 |
SCARCE NORTHWEST MOUNTED POLICE WINCHESTER MODEL 1876 SADDLE RING CARBINE.
SN 43952. Cal. 45-75. Standard carbine with 22″ rnd bbl, full magazine, barleycorn front sight and Spanish meter ladder rear sight. Left side of receiver has a stud & ring. Mounted with very nicely figured, uncheckered American walnut with full length forearm & straight stock that has carbine buttplate without trap. Right side of buttstock is marked “N.W.M.P.” in an arc. This carbine is listed by SN on p. 185 of Arms & Accoutrements of the Mounted Police, Phillips & Klancher. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this firearm as a carbine, received in warehouse March 27, 1885 and shipped next day to Order #19589. The Model 1876 carbine was in service with the Mounted Police 1878 until 1914, skipping 1906, for a total of 35 years. It served through the North-West Rebellion and the Yukon Gold Rush era around many untold and unwritten skirmishes. Altogether the N.W.M.P. purchased 1,611 Model 1876 carbines and several hundred thousand rds of ammunition. Once they were declared obsolete in 1914 many of these carbines were sold to provincial police departments where they remained in service for many more years after all those long years of hard frontier service. Very few are found today with orig finish. CONDITION: Good. No orig finish remains being an overall cleaned gray/brown patina. Wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retains about all of a modern refinish. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with good shine and light pitting in the grooves. 4-55400 JR352 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1219
Click here to view provenance
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1220
|
$74,750.00 |
DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 36597. Cal. 45-90. Deluxe rifle with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with very nicely figured 1-2X American walnut with “H” style checkered forearm and black insert, serpentine grip buttstock that has crescent buttplate. This rifle was produced in 1889 during the time of America’s Great Westward Expansion when the daily carrying of a rifle was a way of life. The Model ’86 was one of the most popular rifles of its era with its powerful high velocity cartridges, including the 45-90 which was a somewhat more powerful cartridge than the 45-70. Most of these rifles saw daily hard use under extreme conditions and are almost never found with crisp orig finish such as found here. Such color case hardened colors are rapidly faded with simple exposure to the ultra violet rays of sunshine. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Overall retains 99%+ crisp orig factory finish with bright crisp blues and brilliant case colors. Wood is equally new with brilliant piano varnish finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore; appears to be new & unfired retaining virtually all of its orig factory blue on bolt face & loading gate. 4-55547 JR346 (30,000-50,000) – Lot 1220
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1221
|
$25,875.00 |
*WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 135502. Cal. 45-70. Standard grade rifle with 26″ rnd bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight with screw and unmarked 1876-1886 style ladder rear sight. This sight is most unusual but is absolutely original. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate. This rifle was produced in about 1902 when most business was still conducted from the back of a horse, wagon or buggy and carrying a firearm as a daily use tool was a way of life. This rifle being a standard grade was of the type affordable by the average working man of that era as a hunting or self-protection arm. These rifles were extremely popular on the western frontier, the northern woods, Canada, the Yukon & Alaska. They usually saw very hard service and are almost never found with high orig finish. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 99% crisp orig blue as does the forend cap; receiver retains about 98% crisp orig blue with some very faint scratches and a few small bright spots on the most sharp edges; lever & hammer retain brilliant case colors, slightly faded on face of outside loop; buttplate retains faded case colors. Wood is sound with a few light handling & storage nicks & scratches and retains most of its orig factory finish. Mechanics are crisp, inside receiver has orig heavy factory grease; bright shiny bore with a coating of heavy factory grease. 4-55548 JR342 (17,500-27,500) – Lot 1221
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1222
|
$8,050.00 |
EXTREMELY RARE SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 SADDLE RING CARBINE.
SN 70041. Cal. 38-56. Standard grade carbine with very rare special order 20″ bbl, vs standard 22″ bbls. It has full length magazine, square base front sight and “1886” marked 1000 yd carbine ladder rear sight. Left side of receiver has a stud &ring. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock and carbine buttplate. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with assembly number “90”. Buttstock & buttplate are unnumbered. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this carbine in cal 38-56 with 20″ bbl, received in warehouse Sept 2, 1892 and shipped same day to order number “3035”. 1886 carbines, while not terribly rare are almost never found with special order features, making this one of the most rare of this model. This carbine was produced in the era of the Great Westward Expansion when the daily carrying & use of a firearm was expected. The saddle ring carbine was undoubtedly of about equal popularity with a Colt revolver. These arms were exposed daily to hard service under harsh conditions and few survive today especially with any orig finish. CONDITION: Good to very good. No orig finish remains with the metal being an overall grey patina showing light to moderate wear. Forearm has a crack in the tip and buttstock is missing a chip by the lower tang, has a plugged sling stud hole on the bottom and overall retains an old refinish. Mechanics are fine. Strong bore with some shine and sharp rifling. 4-47929 JR15 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1222
Click here to view provenance
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1223
|
$6,900.00 |
*WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 SADDLE RING CARBINE.
SN 137897. Cal. 45-70. Standard grade carbine with 22″ rnd bbl, full magazine, square base front sight and 1000-yard carbine ladder rear sight. Left side of receiver has a stud & ring. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock and carbine buttplate. It appears that this carbine was produced in 1905 when about all business was conducted from the back of a horse, wagon or buggy. The daily carrying of a firearm in that era was expected and the 1886 saddle ring carbine was one of the most popular in use at that time in the American West. They usually saw daily hard use under harsh conditions and are rarely found today with high orig finish. CONDITION: Good to very good. Bbl retains about 50% thinning orig blue turned brown over the top radius; magazine tube retains about 95% dull orig blue; receiver retains 15-20% blue with the balance a medium patina. Wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches on the buttstock, some light battering on the forearm and overall retains most of a light restored finish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 4-47930 JR14 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 1223
Click here to view provenance
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1224
|
$16,100.00 |
EXTREMELY RARE SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 EXTRA HEAVY LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 52076. Cal. 45-90. Standard grade rifle with 30″ extra heavy oct to rnd bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight with screw and semi-buckhorn rear sight with serrated edges. Receiver has single set trigger. 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 caliber 45-90 with 30″ half oct extra heavy bbl, set trigger and sporting leaf sight; received in warehouse Feb. 7, 1891 and shipped Feb. 18, 1891 to Order #24273. Although standard grade 1886 rifles are not rare, those with extra length bbls and especially those with extra heavy bbls are exceedingly rare. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Bbl retains a thin silver/brown patina with a couple of small scattered nicks; magazine tube is mostly a silver/blue patina with a cleaned area on the bottom and four spots of blood pitting; receiver retains traces of smoky case colors in sheltered areas having mostly turned silver; lever & hammer retain traces of dark case colors. Wood is sound with light handling & storage nicks & scratches and retains a fine hand worn patina. Mechanics are crisp, strong bore with good shine and scattered fine pitting. A truly rare rifle that likely would have seen frontier service. 4-47928 JR12 (7,500-12,500) – Lot 1224
Click here to view provenance
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1225
|
$9,775.00 |
Revised: 3/12/2015
Please Note: Certifiable antique ivory bead sight. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object“. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31.
*DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 LIGHTWEIGHT TAKEDOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 141131. Cal. 33 WCF. Beautiful deluxe rifle with 24″ tapered lightweight rnd bbl, half magazine, takedown with Lyman hunting front sight on a ramp and altered semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with about 2-3X, center crotch, flame grain American walnut with “H” style checkered forearm and capped pistol grip stock with Winchester trademark hard rubber buttplate. Left side of lower tang, under the wood, is marked with the assembly number “326”. Matching assembly number is also found inside top tang channel of buttstock. The caliber 33 cartridge is very powerful and suitable for any North American big game up to and including grizzly, brown bear and polar bears. The lightweight 1886 was very popular for North Woods hunters completely across the northern tier of the United States into Canada, the Yukon & Alaska. Frequently they saw hard service and most often are found with very little orig finish. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Bbl, magazine tube & forend cap retain about 98% crisp orig blue; bbl extension retains 97-98% orig blue; receiver retains about 95% orig blue showing wear on the bottom with sharp edge wear and a few light scratches; lever & hammer retain bright case color, moderately faded on outer faces of lever. Wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retains virtually all of its orig piano varnish finish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 4-55366 JR330 (7,000-10,000) – Lot 1225
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1226
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$0.00 |
WINCHESTER DELUXE MODEL 1886 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 28480. Cal 45-70. Usual configuration with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight and 1886 marked ladder rear sight. Mounted with about 2X, flame & shell grain American walnut that has H-style checkered forearm and black insert, serpentine grip buttstock with crescent buttplate. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number “722” and “XX”. Matching assembly number is also found inside top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. SN is hand engraved. Receiver, lever, hammer, bolt, buttplate & forend cap have cyanide case colors. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter stating configuration above with a ship date of 12/20/1888, order number 16659. CONDITION: Very good to fine as restored, all matching. Bbl & magazine tube retain about all of a fine restored blue; part of the bbl address and caliber marking are very thin; receiver, lever, hammer, bolt, forend cap and buttplate retain about all of their custom cyanide case colors; screws show bright fire blue. Stock has a crack back of top tang and forend a crack at the receiver, otherwise wood is sound and retains a fine custom oil finish. Mechanics are fine; strong bore with bright lands, frosty in the grooves. Would make a great hunting piece or recreational shooter. 4-55427 JR310 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1226
Click here to view provenance
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1227
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$6,325.00 |
Revised: 3/12/2015
Please Note: Certifiable antique ivory bead sight. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object“. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31.
*WINCHESTER MODEL ’86 DELUXE LIGHT WEIGHT TAKEDOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 133760. Cal. 33 WCF. Late deluxe rifle with 24″ lightweight tapered rnd bbl, half magazine, pedestal mounted white bead hunting front sight and flat top sporting rear sight. Receiver is takedown style. Mounted with about 2X center crotch, flame grain American walnut with “H” style checkered forearm and capped pistol grip stock with Winchester embossed hard rubber buttplate. PROVENANCE: Thomas W. Connally Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 98% crisp orig blue with a couple of small scratches on the bbl; receiver retains 97-98% bright orig blue with faint sharp edge wear, a small spot of flaking on the top right side and a few scattered pin pricks of surface rust; loading gate base is moderately flaked; takedown ring shows light flaking with a few small spots of rust. Wood is sound with nicks & scratches and retains most of its lightly cleaned oil finish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 4-55671 JR13 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1227
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1228
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$51,750.00 |
RARE WINCHESTER DELUXE MODEL 1887 LEVER ACTION SHOTGUN.
SN 36588. Cal. 12 GA. Beautiful shotgun with 30″ fine Damascus bbl, half magazine & single bead. Receiver is color case hardened and has the “WRACO” intertwined company logo on the left side. Mounted with spectacular, about 3X, center crotch, flame grain American walnut with double diamond checkered forearm side panels and rnd knob pistol grip stock that has checkered steel buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this shotgun in 12 GA, with “good Damascus barrel”, 30″ bbl and fancy checkered stock, received in warehouse May 16, 1892 and shipped two days later. These shotguns were very popular throughout the United States in an era when hunting and self protection was a way of life. They were also very popular with law enforcement on the frontier and various guards for their convenience and multiple shots. Frequently their bbls were shortened for quick handling as demonstrated in some of Arnold Schwarznegger movies. Generally they saw very hard service and are rarely found today with any orig finish and in orig configuration. The extra cost of the deluxe wood and color case hardening would likely have prevented the ordinary citizen from ordering one in this configuration, opting more for the standard examples which are far more common. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. No disassembly was effected to check for matching SNs. Bbl retains about 98% strong Damascus pattern with blue brown background; magazine tube retains about 85% strong orig blue showing wear around the carry point just forward of the receiver. Receiver retains about 90-92% strong orig case colors, lightly to moderately faded, turned silver on bottom front at the carry point; breechbloock & hammer retain brilliant case colors; lever retains bright case colors on the sides turned silver on outer faces. Wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retains about 98% crisp piano varnish finish. Mechanics are crisp; bright shiny bore. Shows very little use. 4-47931 JR47 (20,000-35,000) – Lot 1228
Click here to view provenance
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1229
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$6,325.00 |
LOT OF TWO SCARCE WINCHESTER MODEL 1887 LEVER ACTION SHOTGUNS.
1). Cal 10 GA. SN 32789 Standard grade shotgun with 32″ steel bbl, half magazine & one bead. Receiver is color case hardened and has the intertwined “WRACO” Winchester logo on the left side. Mounted with nicely figured, uncheckered, slab sawed American walnut with rnd knob, pistol grip stock and checkered steel buttplate. 2). Cal 12 GA. SN 49292 Standard grade shotgun with 30″ steel bbl, half magazine & one bead. Receiver is color case hardened and has the intertwined “WRACO” Winchester logo on left side. Mounted with nicely figured, uncheckered, slab sawed American walnut with rnd knob, pistol grip stock and checkered steel buttplate. These shotguns were very popular through out the United States with citizens from all walks of life as hunting arms. They were especially popular with law enforcement, bank guards, stage coach shotgun riders, express train guards and mine guards for their rapid multiple shot capability. They were frequently modified with shorter bbls for quick handling. They usually saw daily use and are rarely found today with any orig finish. This model of shotgun was also used by Arnold Schwarznegger in some of his movies. CONDITION: 1). Very good. Bbl and magazine tube retain a smooth blue grey patina with faded blue in sheltered areas; receiver, breechblock & lever retain about 70% faded case colors with bright case colors on the hammer. Wood is sound with a few nicks & scratches and an old refinish. Mechanics are fine; strong lightly pitted bore. 2). Very good to fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain a smooth blue brown patina with strong blue in sheltered areas; receiver retains bright case colors on the right side, more faded on the left; breechblock and hammer retain bright colors. Stock has a hairline in the toe, otherwise wood is sound and retains an old added finish with orig finish showing through. Mechanics are fine; very bright shiny bore. 4-54033 JR48 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1229
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1230
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$1,380.00 |
WINCHESTER MODEL 1887 LEVER ACTION SHOTGUN.
SN 11984. Cal. 12 ga. Standard grade ’87 with 30″ steel bbl, half magazine and single brass bead. Receiver has the intertwined “WRACo” Winchester trademark on the left side. Mounted with uncheckered American walnut including flat side panels on the bbl/magazine tube and round knob pistol grip stock with checkered Winchester steel buttplate. There were about 65,000 of these shotguns manufactured 1887-1901. They were one of, if not the first, successful repeating shotgun and as such saw extensive hard service around the world but especially on the American Frontier. They were very popular with law enforcement and guard forces of all types. Given that they had standard 30″ & 32″ bbls and their most popular use was in law enforcement or as a guard weapon they are frequently found with amputated bbls. However Winchester did make a “riot” version with short bbl. This model remained in production until the advent of the Model 1901 Winchester which was only produced in 10 gauge. The Model 1887 remained in service well into the 20th century and are still a favorite with cowboy action shooters, so much so that there are cheap import reproductions being sold today. These shotguns were also used in a number of different genre of movie including those by famous actor Arnold Schwarzenegger. CONDITION: Good. No orig finish remains being an overall dark, smooth plummy brown patina with some minor spots of pitting on the bbl and magazine tube and some pinprick pitting on the receiver. Stock has a few fine grain checks on right side of the butt, otherwise is sound and overall shows heavy wear with a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine, dark bore with moderate pitting, should clean better. Would make a fine cowboy action shooter. 4-48071 JR288 (1,200-1,500) – Lot 1230
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1231
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$25,300.00 |
*EXTREMELY RARE AND DESIRABLE WINCHESTER MODEL 1892 TRAPPER SADDLE RING CARBINE.
SN 691532. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade carbine with the exceptionally rare 14″ bbl, full magazine, square base front sight and 2000-yd carbine ladder rear sight. Left side of receiver has a staple & ring. Mounted with uncheckered American walnut with straight stock and carbine buttplate. Forearm is 7-7/8″ long. Accompanied by a Department of Treasury, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms letter which exempts & removes this carbine from the provisions of the National Firearms Act and declares it to be a curio & relic. Also accompanied by a 2-pg handwritten letter from renown researcher & author George Madis who authenticates this carbine. These carbines are rarely encountered in the U.S. and are usually in deplorable, near relic condition. The vast majority of the Trapper carbines were sold to Central & South America for use in the jungles where they were exposed to extreme harsh conditions over their useful life and are rarely ever found with orig finish. Some Trappers are still in use today. CONDITION: Very good to fine, all orig parts. Metal overall has been cleaned with the bbl & magazine tube retaining about 70% blue; receiver traces of blue being mostly a fine brown patina. Wood is sound with numerous nicks, dings & scratches and retains a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine; strong bore with scattered pitting. 4-47932 JR21 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 1231
Click here to view provenance
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1232
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$20,700.00 |
Revised: 3/6/2015
Please note: There is no charge to the buyer. We will do everything necessary to acquire the exemption.
Please note: This gun requires an exemption from the NFA amending its status to Curio & Relic. The buyer of the lot will: 1) pay for the gun immediately; 2) gun will be sent to NFA to acquire the exemption; and then 3) once the exemption has been acquired and gun has been returned, it can then be released to the buyer. Please note it normally takes months for this process.
*RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 92 TRAPPER SADDLE RING CARBINE.
SN 893509. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade carbine with rare 15″ bbl, full magazine, square base front sight and 2000-yd carbine ladder rear sight. Left side of receiver has a staple & ring. Mounted with highly figured, uncheckered gum wood with straight stock and carbine buttplate. Accompanied by a 3-pg handwritten letter from renowned researcher and author George Madis wherein he authenticates this carbine and verifies the above information. These carbines are rarely encountered in the U.S. and are usually in deplorable, near relic condition. The vast majority of the Trapper carbines were sold to Central & South America for use in the jungles where they were exposed to extreme harsh conditions over their useful life and are rarely ever found with orig finish. Some Trappers are still in use today. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 99% crisp orig blue as does the front bbl band; forearm band has some light flaking; receiver retains about 70% crisp orig blue with the loss areas flaked, not worn to dark patina; lever & hammer also retain strong blue with moderate flaking on the lever; buttplate retains about 90% bright blue; forearm has a crack in the tip, otherwise wood is sound with a few minor nicks & dings and overall retains about 98% of its orig factory finish. Mechanics are crisp; brilliant shiny bore, shows very little use. 4-47934 JR19 (22,500-27,500) – Lot 1232
Click here to view provenance
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1233
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$13,800.00 |
*RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 1892 TRAPPER SADDLE RING CARBINE.
SN 859891. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade carbine with 16″ bbl, full magazine, square base front sight with tin rear face and 2000-yd carbine ladder rear sight. The tin faced front sight was intended for sale to Central & South American customers. Left side of receiver has a staple & ring. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain gum wood with straight stock and carbine buttplate. These carbines are rarely encountered in the U.S. and are usually in deplorable, near relic condition. The vast majority of the Trapper carbines were sold to Central & South America for use in the jungles where they were exposed to extreme harsh conditions over their useful life and are rarely ever found with orig finish. Some Trappers are still in use today. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 95% strong orig finish with some slight thinning about mid-point of bbl and a couple spots of fine pitting; receiver retains about 80% orig blue mixed with light flaking with the balance a light patina; lever & hammer retain strong blue mixed with light flaking; buttplate is a plum patina. Wood is sound with nicks & dings and large bruise on buttstock and overall retains about 85% orig factory finish. Mechanics are crisp; bright shiny bore. 4-47933 JR20 (17,500-22,500) – Lot 1233
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1234
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$11,500.00 |
*EXTRAORDINARILY RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 92 LEVER ACTION SHORT RIFLE.
SN 949110. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade rifle with the incredibly rare 16″ oct bbl, full magazine, tin faced patented front sight and a replacement, Marlin-style rear sight. Bbl markings are on the left side as standard for this serial range. The tin faced rear sight has the 1902 patent date and was primarily for the Central & South American trade. Mounted with very nicely figured, uncheckered American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate. Forearm is 7-3/8″. Accompanied by a 3-pg handwritten letter from renowned researcher & author George Madis wherein he authenticates this rifle and speaks of its great rarity. These special short rifles are rarely encountered and are usually found in less than stellar condition, especially those that saw service in the jungles of Central & South America. CONDITION: Fine, all orig parts except rear sight as noted. Bbl retains 95-96% strong orig blue with only light sharp edge wear; magazine tube retains about 95% dull orig blue; receiver retains traces of orig blue, being mostly a silver grey patina; hammer retains dark blue and the lever thin blue on the sides turned silver on the outer faces; buttplate & forend cap have turned silver. Wood is sound with light nicks & scratches and overall retains about 90% orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp; very bright shiny bore. Shows very little use and no abuse just poor storage. 4-47935 JR23 (15,000-20,000) – Lot 1234
Click here to view provenance
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1235
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$20,125.00 |
RARE FIRST YEAR PRODUCTION MODEL 1892 SADDLE RING CARBINE.
SN 1342. Cal. .44 WCF (44-40). Very rare, early 1892 saddle ring carbine with 20″ Model 1873 bbl, full magazine, 1873 barleycorn front sight, 1873 bbl bands and 1873 marked 900 yard carbine ladder rear sight. Left side of receiver has a staple & ring. The Model 1892 was hurriedly introduced for marketing in South and Central America before 1892 parts were being produced. The Winchester company, being very frugal, simply used leftover Model 1873 parts to get the orders out. It is unknown how many of these very early carbines were produced with the 1873 suite of parts but they are very seldom ever encountered, with the implication that most were shipped out of the country and very few sold within the U.S. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl retains 95-96% orig blue with light muzzle edge wear & a couple small spots. Magazine tube retains blue in sheltered areas, being mostly a blue/brown patina. Receiver retains about 75% orig blue, thin on bottom & top edges with some light freckling on sides. Hammer retains 75-80% strong case colors and the lever strong case colors on sides, turned silver on outer faces. Buttplate retains 65-70% thinning orig blue showing wear on heel & toe. Wood is sound with two or three gouges on stock and a few light nicks & scratches, and retains fine hand-worn patina. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 4-54775 JR259 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1235
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1236
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$9,200.00 |
Revised: 3/12/2015
Please Note: Certifiable antique ivory bead sight. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object“. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31.
*VERY RARE SEMI-DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1892 SADDLE RING CARBINE.
SN 559314. Cal. .44 WCF (44-40). Late carbine with 20″ bbl, full magazine and square base front sight with 3-leaf express rear sight & a Lyman locking combination tang sight. Left side of receiver has a staple & ring. Mounted with very nicely figured, straight grain American walnut with I-style checkered forearm and capped pistol grip stock that has Winchester trademark embossed hard rubber buttplate and hard rubber grip cap. Left side of lower tang, under the wood, is marked with the assembly number “8781” and “R”. The R indicates rubber buttplate. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock. Model 1892 carbines are not especially rare but any one of them with a special order feature, such as found here, is exceedingly rare. This rifle was produced in about 1910 when most of the country’s business was still being conducted from the back of a horse, buggy or wagon. Firearms of that era usually saw very hard service and are rarely found today with any orig finish. Special order items, such as this, are almost never encountered. CONDITION: About fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain 96-98% strong orig blue with the front band retaining about 70% orig blue and the middle band a grey metal patina. Receiver retains about 20% orig blue mixed with flaking with most of the losses from flaking and are now a medium patina with bottom & top edges mostly worn to a silver patina. Stock has hairline crack in the toe, otherwise wood is sound showing moderate wear to checkering with a few light nicks & scratches and retains about 95-96% orig varnish on stock and about 75% on forearm, dull at the receiver. Mechanics are crisp, very bright shiny bore with a few scattered spots of light pitting. 4-54773 JR258 (7,500-12,500) – Lot 1236
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1237
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$23,000.00 |
*RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 92 CHAMBERED IN THE VERY RARE .218 BEE CALIBER.
SN 982839. Cal. .218 Bee. Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4″ tapered rnd bbl, button magazine, with integral front ramp with hood and a Remington-style semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with Model 65 style semi-beavertail forearm and straight stock with serrated flat steel buttplate. Bbl markings are virtually identical to the Model 65 but show Model “92” in the proper location. Top tang has the very late style of marking. This exact rifle is pictured on p. 390 of the 1985 edition of The Winchester Book, Madis. Mr. Madis states that these rifles are very rare and implies that only a few were produced. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains 95-96% orig blue with some slight areas of thinning & muzzle edge wear. Receiver retains about 90% orig blue with loss areas flaked, not worn to a dark patina. Lever & hammer retain most of their orig blue. Wood is sound with a few light nicks & dings and retains most of its orig factory varnish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. A truly rare Winchester rifle. 4-54774 JR260 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1237
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1238
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$17,250.00 |
Revised: 3/12/2015
Please Note: Certifiable antique ivory bead sight. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object“. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31.
RARE FIRST PRODUCTION WINCHESTER MODEL 1892 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 327. Cal. .38 WCF (38-40). Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, Beach’s style combination front sight, semi-buckhorn rear sight and Lyman combination tang sight. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate. This rifle was probably made within the 1st two weeks of 1892 production. These little rifles were the successor to the Model 1873 and chambered in the same calibers. They were extremely popular with the buying public. They were, in reality a “working man’s gun”. As such, they usually saw hard service, outdoors, under adverse circumstances, and are rarely found today with high orig finish. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 98% strong orig blue with one small cleaned area on bottom of magazine tube that is now a medium patina. Forend cap retains about 95% orig blue. Receiver also retains about 95% glossy orig blue with light, sharp edge wear & a few small scratches. Hammer retains about 75% orig case colors, faded on top edge. Sides of lever retain bright case colors, turned silver on outer faces. Buttplate retains smoky case colors, being mostly a silver patina. Screws are all fine, hammer screw may be replacement. Wood is sound with a few light scratches & nicks, with stock retaining 95-97% orig varnish, and the forearm about 70% orig varnish, showing wear on bottom near receiver. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 4-54776 JR272 (12,500-17,500) – Lot 1238
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1239
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$12,650.00 |
Revised: 3/12/2015
Please Note: Certifiable antique ivory bead sight. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object“. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31.
Please note: A Winchester factory letter confirming the configuration as cataloged will accompany this lot.
SCARCE ANTIQUE SPECIAL ORDER THIRD YEAR PRODUCTION WINCHESTER MODEL 1892 TAKEDOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 37362. Cal. .44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, takedown with Beach’s style combination front sight, semi-buckhorn rear sight and Lyman combination tang sight. Mounted with uncheckered American walnut, straight stock and crescent buttplate with trap containing an orig 4-pc brass & steel wiping rod. The Model 1892 succeeded the Model 1873 and was chambered for the same cartridges. With their lighter weight, stronger action and easier handling, they were an instant success and saw widespread service around the world. They were a “working man’s gun” and usually saw very hard service, especially those from the early years and are rarely found today with high orig finish. Given that they were more commonly purchased and used by the working man, they are rarely found with special order features such as takedown and especially the buttplate with trap, an extremely unusual feature on an 1892. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain 95-97% strong orig blue, turning a little plum on bbl with a few small scattered spots of surface rust. Bbl extension retains about 50% orig blue with loss areas flaked, not worn, to a medium patina. Receiver retains about 90% strong orig blue with some very fine flaking & light candy striping, showing sharp edge wear. Hammer retains bright case colors on sides & rear edge with top edge dark case colors. Lever retains strong case colors on sides, turned silver on outer faces. Buttplate is a grey metal patina. Wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches with the buttstock retaining about 98% orig finish & the forearm about 80% showing wear at the carry point. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Wiping rod is fine. 4-54778 JR275 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 1239
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1240
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$8,625.00 |
ANTIQUE, SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER MODEL 1892 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 54278. Cal. .44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade rifle with special order 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight with screw and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Top flat of bbl has standard roll marking about mid-point with caliber marking over chamber area. Mounted with uncheckered, nicely figured straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate. The Model 1892 was the successor to the Model 1873 and was chambered for the same cartridges. It was an extremely popular model with citizens from all walks of life, and usually saw very hard service, frequently under adverse conditions with limited maintenance. Very few were ever ordered with special features such as the extra length bbl found here. This model was a “working man’s gun” and is rarely found today with high orig finish. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain 95-96% strong orig blue with sharp edge wear on bbl & a few scattered spots of fine surface rust. Receiver retains 93-95% glossy orig blue, strong on the sides with sharp edge wear, thinning over the top & bottom edges. Top & bottom tangs retain strong blue. Hammer shows faded case colors, turned silver on top edge. Lever shows strong case colors on sides, turned silver on outer faces. Buttplate retains traces of case colors, being mostly a silver patina. Wood is sound with light scratches, nicks & dings with the buttstock retaining about 95% orig varnish and the forearm about 60% with hand wear on rear half. Mechanics are crisp, very bright shiny bore. 4-54777 JR273 (6,500-9,500) – Lot 1240
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1241
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$8,260.00 |
RARE FIRST YEAR PRODUCTION WINCHESTER MODEL 1892 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 10029. Cal. .44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight, altered semi-buckhorn rear sight and Lyman combination tang sight. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate. The Model 1892 was the successor to the Model 1873 Winchester and was chambered for the same cartridges. With its stronger action, shorter throw and lighter weight, this model was an instant success and was sold literally around the world. They were a “working man’s gun” and usually saw very hard service, frequently with little or no maintenance and are rarely found today with high orig finish. This applies especially to the earliest production of this model. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl, magazine tube & forend cap retain 96-98% strong orig blue with slight muzzle end & sharp edge wear with a ding on bbl by the front sight. Forend cap blue is bright & glossy. Receiver retains 95-96% orig blue, glossy & bright on sides, slightly thinned on top &^ bottom edges, showing sharp edge wear. Hammer retains strong case colors on sides & back edge, turned silver on top edge. Lever retains bright case colors on left side, more faded on right side, turned silver on outer faces. Buttplate is faded to silver. Wood is sound showing light cleaning but no additional finish, with a few nicks & dings and retains most of its orig oil finish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with some very light scattered pitting. 4-54780 JR274 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1241
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1242
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$4,600.00 |
*RARE DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1892 SPECIAL ORDER TAKEDOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE RESTORED BY TURNBULL.
SN 364207. Cal. 25-20. Rare deluxe ’92 with 24-1/4″ tapered oct to rnd bbl, 3/4 magazine, silver bead front sight, Lyman 1A leaf & folding rear sight and a Lyman combination tang sight. Receiver is takedown style. Mounted with about 3X American walnut with H-style checkered forearm and straight stock with Swiss cheekpiece and Winchester embossed hard rubber buttplate. Left side of lower tang is marked with the assembly number “3123” and a variety of other initials. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock. Accompanied by a Cody research report confirming all of the rare special order features observed, for order 97224A on 5-18-1907. This rifle has been properly conserved by Turnbull Restorations in 1992. The bore has been sleeved, probably at the time of restoration by Turnbull. While there were over one million Model 1892 arms produced 1892-1941 very few were deluxe. Extremely few had additional special order features and of that number not many survive today. PROVENANCE: Thomas W. Connally Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain most of the Winchester quality blue finish; the receiver, takedown ring, forend cap, lever & hammer retain about 99% plus of Turnbull’s wonderful, brilliant, Winchester-style color case hardened finish. Wood is sound with a couple of minor grain checks in the buttstock and overall retains a fine hand rubbed oil finish. Mechanics are crisp; bright shiny bore. 4-55670 JR24 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1242
Click here to view provenance
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1243
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$5,750.00 |
*WINCHESTER MODEL 1892 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 865108. Cal. 32 WCF (32-20). Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, standard front sight with screw and flat top rear sight. Mounted with very nicely figured, unchecked American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate. The 1892 rifles were produced in fairly large quantities from 1892 to 1941. They were extremely popular with the buying public and usually saw extended hard service. The small caliber ’92s were considered not sufficient for big game and were usually relegated to ladies and boys where they frequently had little maintenance and are rarely found today with much orig finish. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, possibly unfired. Bbl and magazine tube retain about 99% crisp orig blue; receiver retains about 95% crisp orig blue with the loss areas flaked, not worn to a dark patina; lever & hammer retain virtually all of their orig factory finish turning a little brown on outer face of lever; forend cap retains bright blue with two or three spots of flaking; buttplate retains about 50% blue with the balance flaked. Mechanics are crisp; brilliant shiny bore. 4-55049 JR16 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1243
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1244
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$2,012.50 |
*WINCHESTER MODEL 1892 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 468149. Cal. 25-20. Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, slightly altered front sight with screw and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate. This rifle was made in about 1908 when a rifle was almost a necessity in most areas of the U.S. These small bore rifles were not really suitable for big game and were generally considered ladies’ or boys’ rifles. As such they usually saw hard service with very little maintenance and are seldom found today with high orig finish. CONDITION: Very good. Bbl retains about 80% restored blue and the magazine tube about 90%; receiver retains about 80% restored blue and the lever & hammer are gray/brown patina; buttplate is a dark patina. Stock has a small broken sliver at left side of top tang and another at right side bottom tang, otherwise wood is sound and retains a restored finish. Mechanics are fine, strong dark bore. 4-55397 JR357 (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1244
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1245
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$7,670.00 |
*RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 1892 LEVER ACTION MUSKET.
SN 674935. Cal. .25-20. Very rare musket with 30″ rnd bbl, full magazine, square base front sight/bayonet lug and 900 yard musket ladder rear sight. Bbl has standard roll markings between rear sight & rear band and caliber marking left side of chamber area. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with full length forearm that has three Model 1873 style heavy bands and straight stock with carbine/musket buttplate. Bottom of stock & middle band have sling wires. Receiver has very rare (for a musket) close-coupled double-set triggers. This exact musket is pictured on p. 387 of the 1985 edition of The Winchester Book, Madis, with credit to the Dr. Mason W. Wolf Collection. The caption to this picture in the book states that the rear sight is graduated for the .25-20 cartridge ballistics. Although this musket was light and handled well, Winchester was never able to generate U.S. Government contracts, although fairly large numbers were sold to foreign governments. A number of muskets were sold in the U.S. for bank & mine guard arms. Regardless, Model 1892 muskets are rare, double-set triggers on a musket are extremely rare and combined with caliber .25-20, makes this an exceedingly rare musket. CONDITION: Very good. Overall retains traces of blue in sheltered areas, being mostly a smooth plummy brown patina. Wood is sound with nicks, dings & light bruises and retains strong orig oil finish on buttstock and 60-70% orig finish on forearm, showing wear between the receiver & rear band. Hammer will not catch in safety or half-cock notches, otherwise mechanics are fine. Worn bore, dark in the grooves. 4-54779 JR276 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1245
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1246
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$51,750.00 |
Revised: 3/12/2015
Please Note: Certifiable antique ivory bead sight. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object“. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31.
EXTREMELY RARE SPECIAL ORDER DELUXE COLOR CASE HARDENED WINCHESTER MODEL 1894 TAKEDOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 16464. Cal. 30 WCF (30-30). Beautiful deluxe rifle with 26″ rnd bbl, full magazine, takedown, Beach’s style combination front sight, platinum line 3-leaf express rear sight and a Lyman tang sight. Bbl has full matted top with address rolled through the matting and caliber marking to the left side. Mounted with spectacular 3X, center crotch, flame grain American walnut with “H” style checkered forearm and capped pistol grip stock that has crescent buttplate. Left side of lower tan, under the wood, is marked with the assembly number “3354”, “XX”, “S”, “R” and “P”. Top tang channel of buttstock has assembly number “2484” which number is also on rear face of buttstock along with “94”. Inside toe of buttplate has the number “2484”. This rifle was produced in 1896 and, undoubtedly was a special order with its color case hardened receiver. A Cody Firearms Museum letter has been ordered that will list this rifle in caliber 30 with rnd bbl, plain trigger, Lyman combination front sight and Lyman combination rear sight with cup disc, color case hardened with matted bbl and checkered pistol grip stock received in warehouse Dec. 14, 1896 and shipped next day to Order #24371. Very few ’94 rifles were ordered with this feature which makes them very rare. Almost certainly there are many other color cae hardened rifles out there but the colors have faded to gray and are no longer recognizable as case colored receivers. Simple excessive handling of the receiver will fade the case colors but more importantly, exposure to the ultraviolet rays of sunlight also fades colors very quickly. Very few of these rifles are found today with orig factory finish. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain 96-97% strong orig blue with a few scattered spots of light surface discoloration; bbl extension has a few small dings and retains about 80% bright orig blue; receiver retains brilliant case colors on the sides, lightly faded over the top and turning gray on the bottom; both sides show light surface etching; lever & hammer retain bright case colors, faded on outer faces of lever; buttplate retains strong, bright case colors. Forearm has a series of bruises at the front & rear left side, otherwise wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retains about all of its orig piano varnish finish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-55549 JR349 (25,000-40,000) – Lot 1246
Click here to view provenance
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1247
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$51,750.00 |
Revised: 3/12/2015
Please Note: Certifiable antique ivory bead sight. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object“. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31.
*DELUXE ENGRAVED & INSCRIBED WINCHESTER MODEL 1894 TAKEDOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 188984. Cal. 25-35. Rare ’94 with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine and Lyman front sight, no provision for rear sight and a Lyman combination tang sight. Bbl address is of the small size and top left flat over the chamber area is marked “NICKEL STEEL BARREL / ESPECIALLY FOR SMOKELESS POWDER”. Mounted with about 2X flame & shell grain American walnut with “F” carved forearm and capped pistol grip buttstock that has crescent buttplate. Left side of lower tang, under the wood, is marked with the assembly number “17583” and “X”. Matching assembly number is also found on rear face of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Rear face of buttstock is also marked “94”. Receiver is engraved by John Ulrich in #6 style which consists of the large vignette of a Rocky Mountain Big Horn sheep standing on a promontory and the right side a standing whitetail buck. Both vignettes are surrounded by very fine foliate arabesque patterns that have fine shaded background. Both sides of receiver have small wavelet borders. Matching engraving patterns extend over the five exposed flats of the bbl around the caliber marking, and on sides of bbl extension, sides of lever, outer face of lever, sides & rear edge of hammer, over receiver ring and bottom edges of receiver. Matching patterns are also on forend cap and buttplate tang. Floorplate is engraved, apparently from the factory “A.E. Hammond”. It seems likely that this was a rifle presented to Mr. Hammond and as such saw very little use although it does appear to have been carried & fired. A Cody Firearms Museum letter has been ordered which will list this rifle in caliber 25-35 with oct bbl, plain trigger, extra finish stock, pistol grip, carved style “F”, Lyman front & rear sights, no rear seat, takedown and $10 engraving in No. 6 pattern, received in warehouse 11 Nov. 03 and shipped next day to Order #200218. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain 97-98% crisp orig blue with only very light muzzle end and very fine sharp edge wear with one scratch on top flat near front sight; bbl extension retains about all of its orig blue turned a little dull on bottom of the carry point; receiver retains 95-96% bright orig blue, a little dulled on the carry point bottom edge with some light sharp edge wear; lever, hammer & buttplate retain about all of their bright orig case colors, faded on outer faces of lever and moderately faded on buttplate; forend cap retains about 75% orig blue with the main losses from a scrape on left side. Stock has a series of small gouges on the left side at the buttplate, otherwise wood is sound with a few light creases in the finish and light wear on the forearm at the receiver and overall retains about 98% bright piano varnish finish. Mechanics are crisp, very bright shiny bore. 4-55555 JR348 (25,000-35,000) – Lot 1247
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1248
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$33,350.00 |
*EXTREMELY RARE ENGRAVED & SILVER PLATED WINCHESTER MODEL 1894 TAKEDOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 479756. Cal. 25-35. Blue & silver finish with 26″ oct to rnd bbl, full magazine, takedown, gold bead Sheard front sight and a King rear sight. Mounted with about 3X, center crotch, flame grain American walnut with “H” style checkered forearm and capped pistol grip stock that has crescent buttplate. Left side of lower tang, under the wood, is marked with assembly number “9480” and “X”. Matching assembly number is also found on rear face of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Receiver, forend cap & buttplate are silver plated. Receiver is beautifully engraved in #6 pattern by one of the Ulrichs. Engraving consists of the rnd vignette of a standing buck on the left side in a field scene and a bugling bull elk in a mountain scene on the right side. Both vignettes are surrounded by foliate arabesque patterns and have a continuous wavelet border. Back edge of receiver & top tang have light foliate arabesque patterns which are also on each side of forend cap and each side of bbl extension. Bbl is dbl proofed with the standard “WP” factory proof and a circle “P” proof indicating installation by an outside gunsmith. Engraved ’94s are not extremely rare but are seldom encountered. Those with special plating are extraordinarily rare and are almost never found with any orig finish. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain 97-98% strong orig blue with only light muzzle end & sharp edge wear; receiver, bbl extension and buttplate retain most of their strong orig silver finish which has tarnished to a dark patina; hammer also retains most of its orig silver as does the lever; lever has moderately to heavily bubbled plating; buttplate has a few small spots of lifted plating. Wood is sound and retains about all of a fine, bright refinish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-55551 (27,500-42,500) – Lot 1248
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1249
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$25,875.00 |
EXTREMELY RARE WINCHESTER 1ST MODEL 1894 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 679. Cal. 38-55. Standard grade rifle with 26″ rnd bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight with serrated edges. Receiver is 1st type with external cartridge guide screws. Mounted with nicely figured, slab sawed, uncheckered American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate. Right side of upper tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number “557” which number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock. Buttplate is not numbered but there is little doubt that it has been in place the entire life of the rifle. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in cal 38-55 with rnd bbl and plain trigger, received in warehouse Nov. 24, 1894 and shipped Jul. 11, 1895 to order number “15314”. The 1st Model ’94 was produced sporadically in the first two or three years of production with an unknown number having been made. Of those few survive today in any condition especially in such high condition as found here. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching as noted above. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 98% orig factory blue; receiver & loading gate also retain about 98% orig blue; hammer retains virtually all of its orig case colors, slightly faded; lever retains bright case colors on the sides, faded on the outer faces. Buttplate retains case colors turn silver and the forend cap about 60% flaked blue. Wood is sound with light nicks & scratches and overall retains about 98% orig varnish with some dulling on the forearm. Mechanics are crisp; very bright shiny bore. 4-47936 JR25 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 1249
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1250
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$12,650.00 |
*LATE DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL ’94 TAKEDOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 947401. Cal. 32 Winchester Special. Beautiful deluxe rifle with 26″ rnd bbl, full magazine, takedown, Lyman front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with about 2X American walnut with H-style checkered forearm and straight stock with crescent buttplate. It appears that this rifle was produced in about 1924 in the waning years of lever action popularity after the advent of the more powerful bolt action rifles. By 1924 there were few full length rifles being produced and of those extremely few in takedown deluxe configuration. By that time these rifles were primarily used for hunting and this rifle would likely have belonged to someone of reasonable wealth or great importance. It might have been a special presentation to someone. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 98% crisp orig blue, as does the forend cap; takedown ring is a dull blue, possibly with some light touch-up blue added; receiver retains 97-98% bright orig blue with sharp edge wear and a couple of small scratches; bottom & side front edges are lightly thinned. Wood is sound with a few light handling marks and retains most of a lightly restored finish. Buttplate may be restored. Mechanics are crisp; bright shiny bore. 4-47940 JR26 (15,000-20,000) – Lot 1250
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1251
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$21,275.00 |
*DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1894 TAKEDOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 444434. Cal. 38-55. Beautiful Deluxe ’94 with 26″ rnd bbl, half magazine, takedown, half nickel front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with exceptional 3X, flame & shell grain American walnut with “H” style checkered forearm and capped pistol grip stock that has smooth steel shotgun buttplate. Left side of lower tang, under the wood, is marked with assembly number “7472” and “XR”. Rear face of buttstock is marked “92 / 21339”. Inside toe of buttplate is marked “21389”. There is no indication of when the wood was replaced as this rifle is too late to letter. This is an exceptional and beautiful rifle in extraordinarily high condition. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain 99%+ crisp orig blue with a couple of small nicks from the takedown arm; forend cap and bbl extension also retain about 99% orig blue; receiver retains about 98% crisp orig blue with a couple of very small, very fine scratches; lever & hammer retain brilliant case colors and buttplate about 97-98% glossy bright blue. Wood is sound with only a couple of minor storage & handling nicks & retains about 99% plus wonderful piano varnish finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, appears to be new & unfired. 4-55552 (17,500-27,500) – Lot 1251
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1252
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$25,300.00 |
RARE SPECIAL ORDER DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1894 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 119550. Cal. 30 WCF (30-30). Beautiful deluxe rifle with very rare rapid taper 24″ oct bbl, button magazine, Lyman front, sight missing its bead, semi-buckhorn rear sight altered to flat top and Lyman tang sight. Mounted with very highly figured, center crotch, flame & shell grain American walnut with “H” style checkered forearm and capped pistol grip stock that has crescent buttplate. Receiver has close-coupled dbl-set triggers. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with assembly number “6695” and “XXX”. Rear face of buttstock is marked “92” and “10555”. Inside toe of buttplate is marked “12750”. This little lightweight rifle would have been an outstanding hunting gun, easy to carry with great balance when fully loaded. However it is readily apparent that this rifle was never fired let alone hunted. This rifle was produced in 1898 when hunting was a way of life and the Model 94 was rapidly becoming the most popular hunting rifle in America along with the 30-30 caliber cartridge, which has reportedly killed more North American big game than any other single cartridge. All that having been said it is near miraculous that this little rifle has survived with virtually all of its orig finish. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbl & forend cap retain about 99%+ crisp orig blue; receiver retains 92-93% crisp orig blue with only faint sharp edge wear and with the losses from light flaking around the top rear edges which is now a dark patina; lever & hammer retain bright case colors, lightly faded on outer faces of lever; buttplate retains about 98% brilliant case colors. Forearm has a faint hairline on the left side at the receiver, otherwise wood is sound and retains about 99% crisp orig piano varnish finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 4-55550 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1252
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1253
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$13,800.00 |
**SUPER RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 1894 SPECIAL ORDER EXTRA LIGHT WEIGHT TAKEDOWN LEVER ACTION SHORT RIFLE WITH NFA REGISTERED MAXIM SILENCER.
SN 430590. Cal. .30 WCF. Special order rifle with 22″ rapid taper rnd bbl, half magazine, takedown, with ramp mounted half nickel front sight and a Winchester Model 1890 stamped sheet metal rear sight. Muzzle end of bbl is threaded for the accompanying Maxim silencer that is stamped on top rear edge “30” and is fully company marked with patent date on rear face. Rifle is mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock & Winchester trademark embossed hard rubber buttplate. Silencer is a registered NFA item & fully transferable with a payment of a $200 transfer tax and proper paperwork for BATFE. Anyone involved with the firearms trade for any length of time will have encountered a rifle with threaded muzzle, but very few have ever had a NFA registered suppressor attached to its orig rifle. These “silencers” were not actually silent, but only suppressed the gas explosion from the burning powder. The supersonic bullet still made a crack sound as it broke the sound barrier in flight. PROVENANCE: NFA FORM 4 for Suppressor. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Bbl, magazine tube & forend cap retain 98-99% strong orig blue with some light freckles of rust on the bbl. Takedown extension also retains about 98% orig blue with a few light freckles. Receiver retains 95-97% strong orig blue with some light flaking on sides & receiver ring. Hammer retains about 98% bright case colors and the lever about 70%, bright on sides, faded on outer faces. Forearm has a hairline at bbl extension, otherwise wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retains most of its orig finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, shows very little use with most of its orig blue still on bolt face. Silencer is equally fine, showing about 92-93% orig blue with some scattered surface rust spots & one small cleaned area. A very compelling opportunity for the serious Winchester collector. 4-53698, 4-53699 JR263 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1253
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1254
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$12,362.50 |
RARE FIRST YEAR PRODUCTION WINCHESTER MODEL 1894 DELUXE LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 543. Cal 38-55. Fine deluxe rifle with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight with screw, semi-buckhorn rear sight and an Lyman combination tang sight for either Highwall or Model 1886 Winchester. Receiver is 2nd type with internal guide screws. Left side of lower tang is marked with the assembly number “6” & “XXX”. Top tang channel of buttstock has matching assembly number. Buttplate is unmarked. Close examination of the buttplate shows that it fits perfectly and undoubtedly is the orig buttplate. The Model 1894 was Winchesters first smokeless powder rifle for new high velocity cartridges and as such were an instant hit with the buying public. They are rarely found today with orig finish, having usually experienced hard service with exposure to the elements. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter stating configuration above with a ship date of 11/26/1894, order number 2596. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Bbl retains about 95% dull orig blue and the magazine tube about 98%; receiver is a grey aged patina with traces of orig blue; hammer retains faded case colors and the lever traces of case colors turned silver; buttplate is a mottled grey patina. Stock has a few very small grain checks, otherwise wood is sound with a ding in the forearm and overall shows moderate wear and retains an old added finish. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore. 4-55428 JR305 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 1254
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1255
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$20,700.00 |
*EXCEEDINGLY RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 1894 TRAPPER SADDLE RING CARBINE.
SN 842523. Cal. 30 WCF (30-30). Standard grade carbine with the extraordinarily rare 14″ nickel steel bbl, full magazine, square base front sight and 2000-yd carbine ladder rear sight. Left side of receiver has a stud & ring. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain gum wood with straight stock and carbine buttplate. Forearm is 7-7/8″. Accompanied by a Department of Treasury, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms letter which exempts & removes this carbine from the provisions of the National Firearms Act and declares it to be a curio & relic. Also accompanied by a 2-pg handwritten letter from renown researcher & author George Madis who authenticates this carbine. These carbines are rarely encountered in the U.S. and are usually in deplorable, near relic condition. The vast majority of the Trapper carbines were sold to Central & South America for use in the jungles where they were exposed to extreme harsh conditions over their useful life and are rarely ever found with orig finish. Some Trappers are still in use today. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine, all orig parts. Bbl, magazine tube & front band retain about 99% crisp orig blue with slight wear on high points of band. Forearm band retains about 60% orig finish; receiver retains 70-75% orig finish with loss areas flaked, not worn to a dark patina; loading gate retains about 99% orig blue; hammer retains dark orig blue and the lever is flaked to a dark patina; buttplate retains about 97-98% orig blue mixed with fine flaking. Wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retains most of its orig finish. Mechanics are crisp; brilliant shiny bore. Shows very little use. 4-47938 JR22 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1255
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1256
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$7,475.00 |
Revised: 3/6/2015
Please note: There is no charge to the buyer. We will do everything necessary to acquire the exemption.
Please note: This gun requires an exemption from the NFA amending its status to Curio & Relic. The buyer of the lot will: 1) pay for the gun immediately; 2) gun will be sent to NFA to acquire the exemption; and then 3) once the exemption has been acquired and gun has been returned, it can then be released to the buyer. Please note it normally takes months for this process.
*VERY RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 1894 TRAPPER SADDLE RING CARBINE.
SN 259195. Cal. 32-40. Standard grade carbine with rare 15″ rnd bbl, full magazine, German silver front sight in square base and 900 yd carbine ladder rear sight. Left side of receiver has a stud & ring. Mounted with very nicely figured, uncheckered American walnut with straight stock and carbine buttplate. Forearm is 7-3/4″ long. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms museum letter which identifies this carbine in cal. 32-40 with 15″ bbl, received warehouse Apr. 15, 1905 and shipped Apr. 22, 1905 to order number “7568”. The vast majority of Trapper carbines was sold to South & Central America where they were exposed daily to harsh elements and are rarely found today in any condition and in orig configuration with any orig finish. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 30% orig blue with the balance lightly cleaned and artificially aged; receiver also retains light orig blue under light artificial aging. Wood is sound with only a few light nicks & scratches and retains about all of a wonderfully restored finish. Mechanics are fine; strong bore, frosty in the grooves. 4-47937 JR18 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1256
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1257
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$5,175.00 |
*RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 1894 LEVER ACTION SHORT RIFLE FROM PASADENA POLICE DEPARTMENT.
SN 843326. Cal. 30 WCF (30-30). Standard grade rifle with rare 20-1/8″ rnd bbl, full magazine, standard front sight with screw and flat top rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate. Accompanied by a letter on city of Pasadena letterhead over the signature of Mr. R. O’Brien which identifies this rifle by serial number and states that it was purchased from the Winchester factory through the Pasadena Hardware Co. on July 1, 1927 for 15.00. The letter also states the rifles were ordered with short rnd bbls for use in police cars as field weapons. Another letter, over the signature of Vicky Randolph, Records Section Administrator, Pasadena Police Department states that Mr. O’Brien had been employed many years by the police department and handled the issuance & management of the department’s weapons. She verified his signature. Also accompanied by a copy of a City of Pasadena police department acquisition card for eleven rifles at $15.00 each from Pasadena Hardware Co., dated 7-1-27. Also accompanied by a 2-page letter of authentication by renowned researcher & author George Madis wherein he verifies some of the above information. PROVENANCE: Pasadena, CA Police Department CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 98% crisp orig blue with only faint muzzle end wear; rcvr retains about 95% orig blue with sharp edge wear and a few light nicks & scratches with some slight thinning over the top & bottom. Buttstock has what appears to be bruising from a vehicle rack, otherwise wood is sound and retains most of its orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 4-47939 JR17 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1257
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1258
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$3,450.00 |
Revised: 3/12/2015
Please Note: Certifiable antique ivory bead sight. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object“. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31.
*SPECIAL ORDER DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1894 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 276795. Cal. 32 WS. Deluxe ’94 with 26″ oct to rnd bbl, 2/3 magazine, replacement Marbles Model 50W front sight and its orig smokeless rear sight. Mounted with 1-2X flame grain American walnut with “H” style checkered forearm and a replacement capped pistol grip stock that has Winchester trademark hard rubber buttplate. Left side of lower tang, under the wood, is marked with the assembly number “22192” and “R”. Buttstock is unmarked and is probably a period of use replacement. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in caliber 32WS with oct bbl, plain trigger, plain checkered pistol grip stock with Lyman “semi-Jack #28” sight, 2/3 magazine and rubber shotgun buttplate, received in warehouse June 11, 1906 and shipped July 31, 1906 to Order #56142. The bbl configuration discrepancy is attributable to a clerical error where the recording clerk simply wrote “octagon” instead of “half octagon half round”. This rifle was produced in 1906 at a time when most business & work was still from the back of a horse, wagon or buggy and carrying a rifle as a daily use tool was a way of life. Most firearms of that era saw very hard use under adverse conditions. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain light orig blue being mostly a blue/brown patina with stronger blue in sheltered areas; receiver shows a restored blue with fine pinprick pitting and a few scattered spots of rust; lever & hammer have also been blued. Buttstock has a loose chip at the toe with a small hairline and a corresponding chip in toe of buttplate, otherwise wood is sound and retains a restored finish. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with moderate pitting. 4-55396 JR355 (2,000-4,000) – Lot 1258
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1259
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$31,625.00 |
*EXTREMELY RARE VERY LATE SPECIAL ORDER DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1895 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 425772. Cal. 30 Army (30-40 Krag). Wonderful special order ’95 with rare 24″ tapered rnd bbl vs. the standard 28″ bbls. The pedestal front sight base has a Lyman silver bead sight with a slot blank in the rear seat and a Lyman Model 42 or 45 combination receiver sight that has windage adjustment. Mounted with extremely rare & unusual birds-eye maple with black insert, Schnable tip, H-style checkered forearm and straight stock with cheek piece and crescent brass buttplate with brass screws. Buttplate may have been created from a Swiss buttplate but if so, at the factory. Rear face of the buttstock is marked in ink with the assembly number 772 which number is hand scratched inside toe of buttplate. Accompanied by a 3-pg handwritten letter from renown researcher and author George Madis wherein he authenticates this rifle and states that it is one of the most rare of the Model ’95. Bottom of the bbl is marked with the caliber and “CMS” (chrome moly steel) and the year “34”. 1934 was very near the end of production and there were fewer than 800 Models ’95 produced before the model was discontinued in 1940. Given that this rifle was special order at substantial extra cost during the height of the Depression it stands to reason that it would have been ordered by a wealthy person or as a gift to someone of great importance. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains 95-96% strong orig blue; receiver retains about 40-50% orig blue, mostly on left side around the receiver sight; lever retains about 95% orig blue. Stock has a couple of tiny grain checks, otherwise wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retains about 95% orig factory varnish. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore. 4-47942 JR28 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1259
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1260
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$34,500.00 |
RARE 1ST FEW DAYS OF PRODUCTION FLAT SIDE WINCHESTER MODEL 1895 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 605. Cal. 40-72. Standard grade rifle with 26″ tapered oct bbl, half nickel front sight with screw and semi-buckhorn rear sight with serrated edges. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with black insert, schnable tip forearm and straight stock that has crescent buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter and a Cody Firearms Museum research request sheet, both of which identify this rifle in cal 40-72 with oct bbl and plain trigger, received in warehouse Jul. 13, 1896 and shipped three days later to order number 9789. Also accompanied by a copy of the shipping record for this rifle. While 95 rifles are not uncommon, the early flat side style is quite scarce. They were produced at a time when hunting was a way of life and these high powered rifles were readily adopted by the buying public. They usually saw continued service, usually under harsh circumstances and are rarely found today with much orig finish. CONDITION: Extremely fine, plus. Bbl retains 98-99% crisp orig blue with only a couple small nicks and faint muzzle end wear; receiver & bolt retain about 95% glossy orig blue with a few light scratches and very light sharp edge wear; lever retains about 75% strong orig blue with the loss areas flaked, not worn to a medium patina; trigger block retains about all of its lightly faded case colors; magazine box retains 80-85% orig blue showing lever wear on the left side; hammer retains strong, bright case colors and the buttplate most of its orig case colors, lightly to moderately faded. Wood is sound with a small gouge on the forend tip and a couple small scratches and overall retains about 99% crisp orig factory varnish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Shows very little use with the bolt face retaining almost all of its orig finish, possibly unfired. 4-47941 JR29 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 1260
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1261
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$5,750.00 |
*DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1895 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 84862. Cal. 405 WCF. Beautiful deluxe ’95 with 24″ tapered rnd bbl, pedestal mounted sourdough front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with very highly figured, about 3X flame grain American walnut with “H” style checkered, black insert, schnable tip forearm and straight stock with checkered steel Winchester buttplate. The 405 WCF caliber was produced by Winchester to compete with the then popular English dbl rifles for North American & African big game hunting. It was, in fact, one of President Theodore Roosevelt favorite hunting calibers. CONDITION: Very good. Overall retains a fine restored finish to both metal & wood; bbl retains most of this restored blue and the receiver 90-92%. Wood is sound with only a few light nicks & scratches. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. Would make a great shooter. 4-55399 JR354 (2,500-4,500) – Lot 1261
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1262
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$0.00 |
*SCARCE DELUXE WINCHESTER LOW WALL SINGLE SHOT RIFLE.
SN 105244. Cal. 25-20 Single Shot. Scarce rifle with 28″ #1 weight rnd bbl, globe front sight, slot blank in the rear seat and a Lyman combination tang sight. Mounted with I-style checkered straight grain American walnut with black insert schnable tip forearm and capped pistol grip stock with crescent buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in cal. 25-20 with 28″ #1 rnd bbl, plain trigger and checkered plain stock with pistol grip, received in warehouse Oct. 26, 1907 and shipped same day to order #1265060. These small caliber single shot rifles were suitable only for small game and target practice and generally considered boys or ladies guns seeing hard use with little maintenance and are rarely found today with high orig finish. Very few had special order features. Although this rifle was shipped in 1907, in the modern era, it is considered to be an antique due to the fact that there is a precedent model and caliber in the antique era, and the fact that ammunition is no longer available in modern commerce. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbl retains about 98% crisp orig blue; receiver retains about 95-96% strong orig blue with a few small scratches and light candy striping on both sides; hammer & breechblock retain bright case colors; lever retains strong case colors on the sides turning dark on the outer face; buttplate retains about all of its orig case colors turned a little dark. Wood is sound with a few light handling & storage nicks & scratches and retains virtually all of its bright orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp; strong sharp bore, a little dark in the grooves. 4-54009 (5,500-6,500) – Lot 1262
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1263
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$2,950.00 |
*CUSTOM ENGRAVED WINCHESTER MODEL 71 DELUXE LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 7701. Cal. 348. Fine 1st type ’71 with 24″ tapered rnd bbl, half magazine, ramp front sight with hood, slot blank in rear seat and a bolt mounted peep sight. Mounted with checkered straight grain American walnut including beavertail forearm and capped pistol grip stock that has checkered Winchester steel buttplate. Buttstock & forend cap have deluxe sling swivel bases. Receiver is very nicely post-market engraved with large foliate arabesque scrolls on both sides. Left side has the vignette of a raised gold flying eagle. Both sides are outlined in fine gold wire border. Bbl has two gold bands at the receiver, two more at the muzzle and an additional two gold bands, 3-3/8″ from the muzzle. Matching engraving patterns are also found on bottom of receiver and top tang. The 348 caliber is a fine hunting cartridge suitable for any North American big game. CONDITION: Very fine. Metal retains about all of its fine custom blue with no discernible defects; receiver is plum colored. Wood is sound with a few minor nicks & scratches and retains about all of its fine restored finish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 4-54484 JR333 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1263
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1264
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$0.00 |
EXCEEDINGLY RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 1910 MOTORCYCLE, ONE OF ONLY TWO WINCHESTER MOTORCYCLES KNOWN OF THE TWO HUNDRED ORDERED BY WINCHESTER 1909-1911.
SN 5661. The Winchester Firearms Co. is one of the worlds most recognizable and iconic brands, generally associated with their internationally famous firearms. The company was built by Oliver F. Winchester, an extremely successful shirt manufacturer in the mid 1800s. Mr. Winchester purchased stock in the floundering Volcanic Arms Co., a company that had evolved from the Smith & Wesson Co., manufactures of handguns. They were producing a series of lever action pistols which were not overly successful when Mr. Winchester bought into the company. In April 1857 Smith & Wesson divested themselves of the Volcanic Co. and Mr. Winchester reorganized it into the New Haven Arms Company. That company produced Volcanic pistols until about 1860 when they began producing a rifle based on the Volcanic action which had been designed by B. Tyler Henry, along with a large caliber (44) rimfire cartridge. The Henry rifle was extremely successful throughout the Civil War and remained popular for many years thereafter. In 1866 Winchester introduced a newly designed rifle which became enormously successful and the company was off and running, remaining in the business until the present. In the late 19th century internal combustion engines were introduced along with rapid improvements in bicycles. An enterprising gentleman by the name of Charles H. Metz (1863-1937) co-founded a bicycle manufacturing company in 1893 in partnership with the Waltham Manufacturing Company which had expanded into automobile & motorcycle manufacturing. The Waltham Manufacturing Company was a subsidiary of the Waltham Watch Company. In 1902 Metz left the Waltham Manufacturing Company and founded the Metz Motorcycle Co. in Waltham, Massachusetts, where in 1905 he joined into partnership with David Marsh who had founded the Marsh Motorcycle Co. in Brockton, Massachusetts. The merger became the American Motorcycle Company. They produced the most reliable engines of the time called the “Marsh-Metz”. At about the same time, in 1906, Edwin F. Merry opened his automobile & motorcycle parts business in San Fransisco, CA. where he became very successful. The Merry Company remains in business today as “Merry Sales”. By the early 1900s the Winchester Co. saw declining business sales and so expanded into numerous other enterprises including tools, ice boxes, bicycles and all forms of sporting equipment, all branded with the Winchester name. With the success of these expanded lines Winchester commissioned the Merry Co. to manufacture a test run of 200 motorcycles “utilizing the finest parts available” including several Winchester patent items. There is no record of the actual number of motorcycles produced, however what is known is that there are only two surviving examples known today, the Model 1910 being sold here is the only one of its model known along with a Model 1909 also being sold in this auction which is also the only one of its model known. This motorcycle has a single cylinder, 6-hp Marsh-Metz engine mounted in its all steel frame. It has bicycle style handlebars with throttle control and the suspension is a front leaf spring shock absorbing system and coil springs in the seat. It utilizes bicycles pedals and chain to propel the motorcycle for starting. Once the engine starts the pedals disengage and propulsion is by means of a wide direct drive leather belt on a pulley on the left side of the crank case which connects to a rim attached to the rear wheel. The seat is of cowhide mounted on the vertical post with coil spring shock absorbers. The fuel & oil tanks are mounted in the frame. The rear axle has an attached kickstand which is secured into a clip from the back fender during travel. All the metal parts are painted a bright blue with the iconic “WINCHESTER” trademark on each side of the fuel tank and each end of the parts/tool can which is mounted under the rear fork. This motorcycle was discovered by consignor in the shop of a friend who had purchased it from a very early owner who, as a kid in the 1920s, reportedly rode it in violation of his father’s wishes so the father removed the rear wheel and hid it from the boy. He never rode the bike again but kept it for some forty years thereafter before selling it to consignor’s friend who then owned it for about twenty years before selling it to consignor. The motorcycle was in highly orig condition except that it was missing the rear wheel. Consignor had the bike restored and was able to find a proper rear fender, 40-spoke New Departure hub, sheave & rim which were new old stock. The front fender is original. Both the gas & oil tanks had to be re-made because of rust but the restorer was able to utilize the orig tank ends. This motorcycle also has a Kingston 5-ball carburetor which was offered as an option in the Marsh-Metz parts book vs. the standard, ultra-simple “tomato-can” carburetor. The ignition system is “total-loss” battery system without a charging mechanism. The fuel tank holds enough gasoline for about a 200 mile range. This motorcycle has been started & driven but remains in museum quality today. It was recently on display at the Cody Firearms Museum, Cody, WY where it was the Museum’s center of attraction for over a year. Words fail when attempting to describe the ultimate rarity of this motorcycle. Any early 20th century motorcycle is a great rarity but when one considers that this is the only known example of its type, words simply fail to describe just how rare it really is. CONDITION: Extremely fine as restored. All painted surfaces are crisp and bright with no visible flaws. The seat is bright tan leather, soft & supple. Other attached pieces and parts are equally fine. Drive belt & tires are modern. The engine was not started but it is presumed that it is in running condition after restoration. 4-54057 JR369 (350,000-600,000) – Lot 1264
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1265
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$0.00 |
Revised: 3/11/2015
Please Note: This bike will be offered with a set of period correct white tires. These tires were not put on the motorcycle for photography purposes, but do convey to the purchaser of the bike.
EXCEEDINGLY RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 1909 MOTORCYCLE, ONE OF ONLY TWO WINCHESTER MOTORCYCLES KNOWN OF THE TWO HUNDRED ORDERED BY WINCHESTER 1909-1911.
SN 6908. The Winchester Firearms Co. is one of the worlds most recognizable and iconic brands, generally associated with their internationally famous firearms. The company was built by Oliver F. Winchester, an extremely successful shirt manufacturer in the mid 1800s. Mr. Winchester purchased stock in the floundering Volcanic Arms Co., a company that had evolved from the Smith & Wesson Co., manufactures of handguns. They were producing a series of lever action pistols which were not overly successful when Mr. Winchester bought into the company. In April 1857 Smith & Wesson divested themselves of the Volcanic Co. and Mr. Winchester reorganized it into the New Haven Arms Company. That company produced Volcanic pistols until about 1860 when they began producing a rifle based on the Volcanic action which had been designed by B. Tyler Henry, along with a large caliber (44) rimfire cartridge. The Henry rifle was extremely successful throughout the Civil War and remained popular for many years thereafter. In 1866 Winchester introduced a newly designed rifle which became enormously successful and the company was off and running, remaining in the business until the present. In the late 19th century internal combustion engines were introduced along with rapid improvements in bicycles. An enterprising gentleman by the name of Charles H. Metz (1863-1937) co-founded a bicycle manufacturing company in 1893 in partnership with the Waltham Manufacturing Company which had expanded into automobile & motorcycle manufacturing. The Waltham Manufacturing Company was a subsidiary of the Waltham Watch Company. In 1902 Metz left the Waltham Manufacturing Company and founded the Metz Motorcycle Co. in Waltham, Massachusetts, where in 1905 he joined into partnership with David Marsh who had founded the Marsh Motorcycle Co. in Brockton, Massachusetts. The merger became the American Motorcycle Company. They produced the most reliable engines of the time called the “Marsh-Metz”. At about the same time, in 1906, Edwin F. Merry opened his automobile & motorcycle parts business in San Fransisco, CA. where he became very successful. The Merry Company remains in business today as “Merry Sales”. By the early 1900s the Winchester Co. saw declining business sales and so expanded into numerous other enterprises including tools, ice boxes, bicycles and all forms of sporting equipment, all branded with the Winchester name. With the success of these expanded lines Winchester commissioned the Merry Co. to manufacture a test run of 200 motorcycles “utilizing the finest parts available” including several Winchester patent items. There is no record of the actual number of motorcycles produced, however what is known is that there are only two surviving examples known today, the Model 1909 being sold here is the only one of its model known along with a Model 1910 also being sold in this auction which is also the only one of its model known. This motorcycle has a single cylinder, 6-hp Marsh-Metz engine mounted in its all steel frame. It has bicycle style handlebars with a front leaf spring shock absorbing system. It utilizes bicycles pedals and chain to propel the motorcycle for starting. Once the engine starts the pedals disengage and propulsion is by means of a wide leather belt on a pulley on the left side of the crank case which connects to a rim attached to the rear wheel. The seat is of cowhide mounted on the vertical post with coil spring shock absorbers. The fuel & oil tanks are mounted in the frame. The rear axle has an attached kickstand which is secured into a clip from the back fender during travel. All the metal parts are painted a bright crimson with the iconic “WINCHESTER” trademark on each side of the fuel tank and each end of the parts/tool can which is mounted under the rear fork. This motorcycle had reportedly been the centerpiece of the famous Marion Dietrich collection of over 3,000 pre-1915 motorcycles. He had acquired many items of the collection through trade in his legendary Harley-Davidson dealership in Seattle. When Mr. Dietrich acquired this Model 1909 Winchester it was complete & original, but unrestored and original, needing only some engine maintenance, paint & plating to complete the restoration. This motorcycle has its orig seat, chain and unique headstock badge which identifies it as a Model 1909. It also has a very early variant of the Marsh-Metz engine. The term unique is inadequate to describe the rarity of this motorcycle. Any early 20th century motorcycle is a great rarity but when considering that this is the only one of its type known all terminology and euphemisms are inadequate to convey just how rare this motorcycle really is. PROVENANCE: Marion Deitrich Collection; Ray A. Gibson Collection; Jerry Morrison Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine as restored. All painted surfaces are crisp and bright with no visible flaws. The orig seat shows some soil, stains & crackling but is in fine condition. Other attached pieces and parts are equally fine. Drive belt & tires are modern. The engine was not started but it is presumed that it is in running condition after restoration. 4-54056 JR315 (350,000-600,000) – Lot 1265
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1266
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$63,250.00 |
Revised: 3/11/2015
Please Note: Great News! We have some additional information for you: 1) Barrel & magazine tube are matching numbered to rifle. 2) Letter prefix on Serial # is “B” not an “R” which is great because the rifle has many early features. 3) Three renowned collectors of Whitney Arms have stated they believe the engraving is correct and an outstanding example!
VERY RARE DELUXE ENGRAVED WHITNEY-KENNEDY LIGHT FRAME LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN R947. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Spectacular and probably one of a kind deluxe engraved Whitney-Kennedy rifle with 28″ oct bbl, full magazine, gold-washed Beach’s combination front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Top flat of bbl is marked “WHITNEYVILLE ARMORY, CT, U.S.A. KENNEDY”. Caliber marking is on top flat over the chamber area. Lever is the earlier serpentine style. Mounted with very nicely figured center crotch, flame grain American walnut with checkered forearm and straight stock that has crescent buttplate with trap. Receiver is beautifully engraved, probably by Conrad Ulrich, with the large vignette of a hunter in a woodland scene, shooting from behind a tree with a wounded elk in the foreground. Right side has a smaller vignette of a running bull moose in a forest & field scene. Both vignettes are surrounded by very fine foliate arabesque patterns with fine pearled background. Dust cover on the bolt is engraved with intertwined initials that appear to be “WJW”. Floorplate of receiver and lever are engraved with matching foliate arabesque patterns. Top three flats of the bbl, over the chamber area are also engraved to match. Forend cap has a small rnd vignette engraved with a “W”. Buttplate tang has matching foliate arabesque patterns. Left side of upper tang, under the wood, is marked with the matching SN which is also found inside toe of buttplate. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were about 15,000 Whitney-Kennedy rifles produced 1879-1886 in at least six calibers and three different styles making this a rather rare specimen. Extremely few were deluxe and of those a very small number were engraved. Whitney-Kennedy arms are very rarely encountered and almost never are found with any orig finish with most having served on the American frontier. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Overall retains about 98% glossy orig blue showing a little more wear on the high points of the receiver with sharp edge wear; hammer retains brilliant case colors; lever tang is moderately flaked, as is the buttplate. Wood is sound with a few scratches in the varnish and overall retains about 98% orig factory finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore; appears to have been used very little. 4-55556 JR358 (25,000-35,000) – Lot 1266
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1267
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$333,500.00 |
INCREDIBLE FACTORY ENGRAVED GOLD & SILVER COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER THAT WAS PART OF THE 1876 COLT EXHIBIT AT THE PHILADELPHIA WORLD’S FAIR.
SN 11089. Cal. .45 Colt. Silver & gold finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line script address. Left side of frame has the 2-line September 19, 1871 and July 2, 1872 patent dates. Mounted with smooth, 1-pc certifiable antique ivory grip. The first type ejector rod housing has a bull’s eye ejector rod head and is gold-plated including the spring. Cylinder, hammer, trigger guard & backstrap are gold washed over silver plating with the bbl & frame strong bright silver. Screws & base pin are fire blued. Revolver is spectacularly engraved, probably by Herman Ulrich, with about 80% coverage intertwined foliate arabesque patterns on the frame which extend over the top strap onto the bbl around the address and around the front sight with a fine scalloped border around the muzzle. Hammer, backstrap, buttstrap & trigger bow are engraved to match and all of this engraving is without shading or background. Cylinder is engraved in matching patterns on lands between flutes with a partial, very fine pearled background. The area behind five of the flutes are engraved in delicate flower blossoms with the other flute having the last four digits of matching SN enclosed in a stylized ring. Front edges of the cyl and around the flutes are engraved in a single line border with a triple line border around the rear edge enclosing an incredibly fine circle & dot border. The area of the cyl forward of the rear borders has very fine reeded engraving. Hammer spur has a large oval panel with hand-cut checkering and sides of hammer are engraved with matching foliate arabesque patterns. That this revolver was part of the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Expo (World’s Fair), is indisputable, although no records exist to positively establish this. The renowned Colt historian, researcher & author R.L. Wilson has studied this revolver & one or two others which were positively identified as having been displayed in 1876 by Colt on their huge “wheel” of firearms and has identified many of the revolvers in that display as being identically engraved like this one. The likelihood is that this revolver was sold directly from the display as the close of the Expo and no record exists. This cataloger has also carefully studied and examined two of the Colt Single Action revolvers that were positively identified as having been on the 1876 “wheel” display and has reached the conclusion that there is no doubt whatsoever that this revolver was engraved by the same hand as those other two. It is documented that Colt loaned the Henry Folsom & Co. a large number of arms from the Expo display after the Expo closed. While examining & describing another of the Expo single actions, this cataloger was able to also examine a 2-page invoice from the Henry Folsom Co., dated St. Louis October 15, 1877, returning a long list of these revolvers including SN 11086 which is only three numbers away from this revolver. #11086 is described on the invoice as “Colt Army 45 Cal Ivory Nickel Eng Gold”. With that information, the identical engraving & plating leaves little doubt that this Colt was also on the display. Accompanied by a fine brown leather covered, green velvet-lined Arno Werner casing that is French fitted in the bottom for the revolver. Case has removable, fitted lid that is gold embossed with very decorative border and inscribed in the center “PHILADELPHIA CENTENNIAL / 1876 / COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER / NO. 11089”. Also accompanied by an 11-page letter from Mr. Wilson wherein he extols the quality of this revolver and relates its history as he knows it. This revolver appears in full color on pgs. 172-177 & 178 of Colt Pistols, Wilson & Hable; several times in Mr. Wilson’s Colt engraving books, the original and Volume I; in color on pgs. 174, 181 & 305 The Colt Heritage, Wilson; again in Colt An American Legend, Wilson; and on p. 28 Buffalo Bill’s Wild West An American Legend, Wilson & Martin. Also accompanying is a framed, poster size, copy of a photograph of the Colt “wheel” display at the 1876 Expo which includes the 18 engraved & ivory-gripped Colt single actions in the center, one of which is undoubtedly this revolver. Additionally accompanying is an orig book, Leslie’s Historical Register of the Centennial Exposition 1876, Frank Leslie; Colt’s Pistols, Wilson & Hable, Deluxe slip cover edition; the book Souvenir of the Centennial, Curtis; the book Centennial Exposition, Ingram (leather bound); Industrial and Fine Arts Illustrated, Sandhurst et al (with flyleaf titled “The Great Centennial Exposition”); 1876 Centennial small picture booklet; an orig James Creamer stereoview of the interior of the exhibit hall showing the United States booth, showing back side of Colt’s display; and one orig admission ticket to the 1876 Philadelphia Expo. This revolver won “MOST OUTSTANDING WEAPON” as a 1-gun display at the 1981 Texas Gun Collectors Spring Show. The display incorporated a large framed photo of the 1876 Colt’s Exhibit Case as a back drop. This is perhaps the last opportunity anyone will have to purchase a genuine 1876 Centennial Expo Single Action revolver in this lifetime, and this is one of the best. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our “Ivory Position Statement” and the “Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object”. This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: Dr.Gianfranco Spellman Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine+. Overall retains about 99%+ orig silver finish on bbl & frame. Ejector housing retains about 65-70% orig gold wash with the loss areas showing silver. Cyl retains virtually all of its strong orig gold wash with only faint sharp edge wear. Hammer also retains virtually all of its orig gold wash. Trigger guard & backstrap retain thin gold wash in sheltered areas being mostly silver. Screws are all completely intact & appear to be unturned showing virtually all of their bright fire blue. No disassembly was affected to check for matching numbers as there is no doubt of the authenticity of this revolver. Case is extremely fine+ showing no flaws. Books are generally fine with one or two showing loose spines, yellowed pages & light soil. The Colt Pistols book in its slip case is extremely fine. The Leslie’s book is fine, showing only light wear & moderately yellowed pages. Small articles are also very good to fine, small picture booklet has a slightly loose spine. 4-54040 JR267 (175,000-225,000) – Lot 1267
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1268
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$80,500.00 |
*RARE FACTORY ENGRAVED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.
SN 198011. Cal. .45 Colt. Nickel finish with 5-1/2″ bbl, full front sight & 1-line Hartford address. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Cylinder has last two digits of matching SN on rear face. Mounted with 2-pc pearl grips that have a deep relief carved ox head on right side that has ruby red eyes. Revolver is beautifully engraved by Cuno Helfricht with about C coverage foliate arabesque patterns that have fine pearled background. Top strap, front frame gullets & rear edge of cyl are engraved with snake & dot patterns. Left recoil shield & loading gate are engraved in flower/sunburst patterns with a light sunburst pattern at top of backstrap. Foliate arabesque patterns extend up sides of the bbl with a foliate spray forward of the address. Top gullet of ejector housing is engraved in a zigzag snake pattern. Cyl has Mr. Helfricht’s typical foliate patterns on lands between flutes. Backstrap & buttstrap are engraved in geometric patterns & trigger bow has a large hunters star. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in caliber .45 with nickel finish, 5-1/2″ bbl, type of stocks not listed and factory engraved, shipped to Schoverling, Daly & Gales, New York, NY on August 6, 1900 in a shipment of three same-type revolvers. This revolver was purchased when most business was still being conducted from the back of a horse, wagon or buggy and carrying a sidearm was a daily way of life. Most of these revolvers saw hard service and are frequently found with little or no finish, showing hard use. This exact gun is pictured on full page page 430 of R. L Wilson’s The Colt Engraving Book Volume One Finding one today with such high orig finish is a great rarity. CONDITION: Extremely fine+, all matching. Overall retains 97-98% crisp orig nickel with slight holster wear on left muzzle edge & tip of ejector housing, with some minor flaking on ejector housing. Frontstrap & heel of backstrap also show light flaking. Cylinder retains about 98% crisp orig nickel with one small area of fine flaking. Hammer retains most of its orig nickel & screws most of their orig fire blue. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 4-48065 JR230 (55,000-65,000) – Lot 1268
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1269
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$11,500.00 |
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″, relocated 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 on the 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; left grip has a chipped toe and right 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. 4-54746 (7,500-12,500) – Lot 1269
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1270
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$12,650.00 |
SCARCE COLT FLAT TOP TARGET SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.
SN 152116. Cal. .450 Eley. All blue finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, blade target front sight & fixed rear sight in top strap. Bbl has 1-line Hartford address and left side of frame has 2-line 3 patent dates with Rampant Colt in a circle. Bbl has the very rare Metford rifling, found primarily only in Colt revolvers chambered for English calibers. Frame is smokeless powder type with crossbolt & base pin without dimples. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips, matching numbered to this revolver. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran, there were 917 flat top target single action revolvers produced 1890-1898, of which only 84 were in caliber .450 Eley. The vast majority of the English caliber revolvers were shipped to England and have British proofs. This revolver has very tiny British proofs on bottom of bbl & in cyl flutes. Few of these revolvers survive today with high orig finish. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl & ejector housing retain about 90% glossy orig blue with holster wear on left side of muzzle and outer radius of ejector housing. Frame shows sharp edge wear with a couple of small nicks & retains 93-95% strong orig blue and the screws about all of their orig blue. Hammer has bright polished sides with bright blue on the edges. Trigger guard & backstrap retain about all of their orig blue, slightly thin on front & backstraps. Cyl is a blue-grey patina with strong blue in the flutes. Grips show light diamond point wear with left side having turned chocolate. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, has been fired but very little. 4-54739 JR228 (15,000-20,000) – Lot 1270
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1271
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$13,225.00 |
NETTLETON INSPECTED COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.
SN 48198. 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 large “US”. Mounted with 1-pc walnut grip with last four digits of matching SN in back strap channel. Left side of grip has the “JEG” (Capt. John E. Greer) inspector cartouche under the date “1878” and right side of grip has the “HN” (Henry Nettleton) sub-inspector cartouche. “HN” initials are also found on various parts including bottom right edge of the grip, bottom of bbl, frame, trigger guard, back strap & hammer. Cyl has the last four digits of the SN “1432” and sub-inspector initials “RAC” (Rinaldo A. Carr). Ejector housing is second type with bull’s-eye ejector rod head and base pin is a later replacement without dimpled ends. The book Cavalry and Artillery Revolvers…A Continuing Study, Kopec & Fenn, lists another Cavalry revolver, SN 48200, only two numbers from this one, as being unique with an “X” instead of the “HN” initials on the frame. It also has a mismatched cylinder. The vast majority of these revolvers were issued to front line cavalry units fighting Indians in the West. They usually saw continuous hard service and are rarely found with high orig finish. Large numbers of them were later recalled in the 1890s and early 20th century for refinishing and reissue to militia units or were altered to artillery configuration with 5-1/2″ bbls. The fact that this revolver survived the recalls without being refinished or altered attests to the thought that it was either stolen from the military or remained with a militia unit. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Bbl retains about 85% strong orig blue with some flaking on the right side of the muzzle and light thinning on the left side; both sides of the front sight & ejector housing stud show light, orig feathers; frame retains brilliant case colors in the front gullets and front sides of bbl boss with strong, bright case colors on the top strap & recoil shields with loading gate a silver patina; sides of the frame are lightly cleaned; cyl retains strong blue in the flutes, flaked & worn to a blue/brown patina on the outer diameter; trigger guard & back strap retain strong orig blue. Grip is sound showing light to moderate edge wear, with a few nicks & dings and retains most of its orig oil finish. Hammer is not solid in safety notch, otherwise mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-54740 (15,000-20,000) – Lot 1271
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1272
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$19,550.00 |
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. The revolvers of this era were still being issued to active front line cavalry units and frequently saw hard service under adverse conditions, and are rarely found today with high orig finish. Large numbers of them however, were issued to various militia units where they remained with little use until they were sold as obsolete and surplus. The fact that this revolver remains in orig configuration, having escaped the recalls of the 1890s and early 20th century where the majority of them were altered to artillery configuration, speaks to the thought that it was issued to a militia unit. 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. 4-54741 (12,000-17,000) – Lot 1272
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1273
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$21,850.00 |
SCARCE CASEY INSPECTED COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.
SN 16432. 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 frame has 2-line patent dates, the top line of which is extremely faint from a light strike. It also has a small “U.S.”. Ejector rod housing is first type with bull’s eye ejector rod head. Mounted with a 1-pc walnut grip that has last four digits of matching SN in back strap channel. Left side of grip has a legible “APC” (A.P. Casey) sub-inspector’s cartouche. Several of the revolver parts have a small “C” inspector initial. Mr. Casey’s inspection period ran from Dec. 1874 thru March 1875 and encompassed a rather small contract, making Casey-inspected Colts substantially scarce. In most instances Casey-inspected single actions were issued to fighting cavalry regiments including the 2nd, 5th and 10th, in the American west fighting Indians, all of which were up and down the northern plains, Rocky Mountains and Southern plains from Montana to Texas. The 2nd Cavalry fought at the Battle of the Rosebud which immediately preceded Custer’s fiasco at the Little Big Horn. Few Casey inspected Cavalry Colts survive today in any condition. To find one completely orig with high orig finish is truly a great rarity. A majority of these revolvers were recalled in the 1890s and early 20th century and were altered to artillery configuration, usually with mixed parts and bbls shortened to 5-1/2″. Apparently at one time an owner removed the orig 1-pc grip and replaced it with 2-pc grips as there is a grip locator pin hole in the front strap, now missing. Equally apparent the past owner retained the orig grip and eventually returned it to the revolver. According to our consignor, this is the earliest serial numbered Casey inspected Colt SSA, with #16433 being listed in John Kopec’s book as the earliest in his survey in Colt Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching including bbl & grip. Cyl is matching numbered but appears to be a replacement. Bbl retains about 95% strong orig blue with visible feathers on each side of the front sight; ejector housing retains about 90% strong orig blue with some flaking on outer radius; frame retains about 70% bright case colors with some fading on the sides; hammer retains faded case colors; cylinder retains 96-97% strong orig blue with only faint sharp edge wear and some minor nicks & flaking; grip frame retains about 90% strong orig blue with some candy striping on the front & back straps and trigger guard. Grip has chipped toes and a chipped left heel with some nicks & dings in the edges and retains a fine hand worn patina. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with a few small scattered spots of pitting. 4-87738 (20,000-28,000) – Lot 1273
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1274
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$16,100.00 |
SCARCE COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.
SN 54373. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue and color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address. Left side of the frame has 3-line patent dates and a small “U.S.”. Ejector housing is first type with bull’s eye ejector rod head. Mounted with 1-piece walnut grip with matching serial number in backstrap channel. Left side of grip has the faint outline of a cartouche and what appears to be the date 1880. The inspector initials “DFC” (David F. Clark) appear on various parts including bottom edges of the grip, frame, bbl, and cylinder. Cyl is a replacement and appears to have had the orig number peened over and matching four digits over-stamped. Accompanied by a Colt Factory Letter identifying this revolver, as found, delivered to U.S. Government inspector at the Colt plant on March 20, 1880 in a shipment of 300 guns. Under remarks section the letter also indicates that this revolver was returned to the factory for refurbishing and was again delivered to the U.S Government inspector on October 23, 1895. When this revolver was initially produced it undoubtedly was issued to an active line Cavalry unit for use in the Indian wars. The fact that it was refurbished in 1895 speaks to that premise of hard military use and then that it escaped the recalls of the 1890’s and early 20th century indicates that it was again in use or possibly residing in a Militia armory. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching including grip, cyl as noted. Bbl retains about 90% glossy factory blue with a series of light scratches and nicks with some minor flaking. Ejector housing retains about 85% glossy factory blue with light flaking. Frame retains virtually all of its factory case colors, fading on the top strap and recoil shields, brilliant on the sides. Hammer retains faded case colors. Cylinder is a plum blue-brown patina with strong blue in the flutes. Trigger guard and backstrap retain bright factory blue with some minor thinning. Grip has chipped toes and overall shows moderate edge wear with a hand worn patina. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 4-87737 (15,000-20,000) – Lot 1274
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1275
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$20,700.00 |
SCARCE CUSTER RANGE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.
SN 5555. Cal. .45 Colt. Usual configuration with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight & 1-line script address. Left side of frame has 2-line 2 patent dates and a small “U.S.” Ejector housing is first type with a replaced half moon ejector rod head. Base pin is a replacement. Mounted with extremely worn 1-pc walnut grip with matching SN in backstrap channel. This revolver was part of lot 6 for 1011 revolvers that were issued prior to September 30, 1874, 300 of which were issued to the 7th Cavalry. Companies D & I were each issued 83 revolvers from lot 6 in the 3rd quarter of 1874. Company I died with Custer at the Little Big Horn while Company D was with Captain Benteen and only lost three troopers killed in action. In addition, the 35 Indian scouts under Major Reno were issued revolvers from lot 6, six of which were lost in action at the Little Big Horn. Given the time frame of the issue of the revolvers from lot 6, it can be stated with certainty that they were all issued to front line cavalry units fighting the Indians in the Rocky Mountain region ranging from Montana to Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. The likelihood is, this revolver was with one of those units at the Little Big Horn from either the 7th or 2nd Cavalry Regiments. CONDITION: Fair to good, all matching including bbl, cyl & grip. Traces of orig finish remain at the bbl root & faint case colors on the frame. Hammer also retains light case colors with the balance of the revolver a grey metal patina. Grip is missing large slivers from left toe & right heel, and shows heavy wear with nicks & gouges. Mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with scattered light pitting. 4-54747 JR229 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1275
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1276
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$4,425.00 |
*COLT BISLEY SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER.
SN 284899. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, slightly reduced front sight and 1-line Hartford address. Left side of bbl is marked “(BISLEY MODEL) 45 COLT”. 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 initials crudely inscribed on the inside. There were about 44,350 Bisley Model revolvers produced 1895-1915 in eighteen different calibers and three bbl lengths, of which only about 8,005 were manufactured in caliber 45 Colt. These revolvers were produced at a time when carrying a sidearm as a daily use tool was a way of life. The Bisley Model was somewhat popular and usually saw hard service and are seldom found today with high orig finish. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Bbl retains about 85% glossy orig blue with the loss areas flaked, not worn, to a dark patina; ejector housing retains 90-93% glossy orig blue; frame & hammer retains most of their orig case colors, strong & bright in sheltered areas, more faded elsewhere; trigger guard retains bright blue around the trigger bow showing wear on the front strap; back strap retains about 75% orig blue; cyl retains about 85% orig blue, strong & bright in the flutes, a little thinner on the outer diameter. Grips are sound and show heavy wear and may not be orig to this revolver. Hammer is not solid in safety notch, otherwise mechanics are fine, brilliant shiny bore. 4-55380 JR323 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1276
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1277
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$5,750.00 |
ENGRAVED COLT MODEL 1877 THUNDERER DA REVOLVER.
SN 71372. Cal. 41 Colt. Nickel finish with 5″ bbl, half moon front sight and 2-line address. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and left rear web of trigger guard has caliber markings. Mounted with 2-pc pearl grips. Revolver is very nicely engraved in New York style from the L.D. Nimschke shop. Engraving consists of foliate arabesque scrolls with pearled background on the frame, bbl and lands between the flutes on the cylinder. Sides of the trigger guard are engraved in snake & dot patterns with a fan at top of backstrap and geometric patterns down the backstrap and on the trigger bow. Ejector housing is probably an old replacement with half moon ejector rod head replacing the bulls-eye ejector rod head. The ejector rod screw hole in the stud has been drilled through into the bore. Base pin is a replacement. Although the Model 1877 was produced in fairly large numbers in three calibers with the 41 cal had rather low production and of those very few were engraved. The 1877 was a very popular revolver in its day and usually saw very hard frontier service with the famous & infamous. These are rarely found today in orig configuration with much orig finish. PROVENANCE: Thomas W. Connally Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Overall retains about 93-95% nickel finish showing muzzle and high point wear. Cyl retains about 70% orig nickel; right grip has a repaired break with a small chip near the top otherwise grips are fine with great fire and color. Mechanics are fine; strong bore with fine pitting. 4-55691 JR35 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1277
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1278
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$4,600.00 |
RARE CASED COLT MODEL 1877 ETCHED PANEL DA LIGHTNING REVOLVER WITH PALL MALL LONDON ADDRESS.
SN 7222. Cal. 38 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 4-1/2″ bbl, half moon front sight and 2-line “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. / DEPOT 14. PALL MALL LONDON” address. Left side of bbl has a clear etched panel “COLT D.A. 38”. 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. Accompanied by an orig, green baize lined English oak casing with empty brass medallion in the lid and the Colt Pall Mall label inside the lid. Bottom is compartmented for the revolver, a covered compartment in the right rear and an open compartment in the front containing a cleaning brush with twisted wire handle. Left center has an oak cartridge block containing twenty modern cartridges with copper primers. According to The Book of Colt Firearms, Wilson, there were only about 1,500 of these revolvers with the London address produced, making it one of the more rare of the Models 1877. This revolver was produced in about 1878 when the British Empire was embroiled in a number of conflicts. This may have been a private purchase by a British officer. CONDITION: Fine plus. Bbl & ejector housing retain about 75% orig blue mixed with flaking that is a dark patina; frame retains 60-70% strong orig case colors fading on left recoil shield, loading gate & top strap; hammer shows remnants of bright polished sides with fire blue on rear edge, turned dark on top; cyl retains about 75% orig blue, strong & bright in the flutes; trigger guard & back strap retain strong, bright blue, flaked on front & back straps. Grip is sound showing light diamond wear with some sharp high point wear and retains most of its orig varnish. Mechanics are fine, very bright shiny bore. Case has a crack across the bottom, otherwise is sound with usual nicks, dings & scratches and retains most of its orig varnish; interior is moderately faded with a moth hole inside the lid lining and moth damage in the bottom lining around the revolver recess; cartridges are fine. 4-55316 JR298 (4,500-6,500) – Lot 1278
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1279
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$8,050.00 |
SCARCE COLT LONDON AGENCY MARKED THIRD MODEL SINGLE SHOT DERINGER PISTOL WITH RODDA CASE.
SN 24141. Cal. .41 RF Short. Nickel finish with 2-1/2″ rnd bbl, tiny half moon front sight & large “COLT” on top. Mounted with 2-pc bird head burl walnut grips matching numbered to this pistol. Left side of frame has the tiny London Agency Rampant Colt & “C” marking. This marking was applied after Samuel Colt’s relative, Baron Frederick Von Oppen took over the agency and noticed that there were counterfeit Colt products being sold. He ordered that all authentic Colt products passing through the London Agency be stamped with this small mark. Accompanied by a small burgundy leather covered, purple velvet and silk fabric lined metal case, French fitted in the bottom for the pistol in one compartment and a cigar holder in the other compartment containing four early, thin cigars. Inside the pistol compartment lid is embossed in gold “R.B. RODDA & CO / LONDON & CALCUTTA”. Right rear of pistol compartment has a small covered compartment. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Overall retains90-92% strong orig nickel with light flaking on left bbl flat. Hammer retains brilliant case colors and the trigger & screws retain most of their orig fire blue. Grips are sound showing light wear with a few chips in the varnish & retain most of their orig factory finish. Mechanics are fine, strong dark bore. Case has a loose frame, otherwise is fine showing light to moderate wear. Interior is bright purple fabric. 4-48068 JR234 (6,500-8,500) – Lot 1279
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1280
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$4,600.00 |
FINE AND RARE CASED COLT NEW LINE .22 REVOLVER ENGRAVED WITH FACTORY DEGRESS PATENTED GRIPS.
SN 1463. Cal. .22 Nickel 2-1/4-inch oct bbl, the left side etched panel “COLT NEW 22”. Scroll-engraved frame stamped “22 CAL” on left side lower strap. Long fluted cylinder engraved similarly to frame and bbl with blue finish as is knurled cylinder pin. Grips are silver plated cast brass patented Wexell & DeGress deep relief horsehead motif on right, left grip marked: “PAT APR 28 / 1874. Note that in Colt’s ledger 1875-1879 that payment was made to DeGress for grips and screws. This is only new lines noted with Colt serial numbered DeGress grips. This is a beautiful little gun in a custom casing. Overall an exceedingly rare gun with engraving that is attributable to Nimschke. CONDITION: Extra fine overall, all matching serial numbers on bbl, cylinder, frame and grips. Retaining about 90% finish overall with wear to frame in front of cylinder and some relief edges. Case hardened hammer with some fading. Mechanically gun functions well with well discerned bore. Accompanying fruit wood custom case is sound and displays pistol nicely with compartment for cartridges. Lid is slightly warped. 4-55194 JS (4,500-7,500) – Lot 1280
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1281
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$1,150.00 |
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 1281
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1282
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$86,250.00 |
Revised: 3/6/2015
Please note: According to the former owner, this was purchased from Glode Requa who purchased it from Al Kelley. This exact gun was featured in Al Kelley’s ad in The Gun Report, April 1980, on page 2.
RARE CASED NO. 2 PATERSON BELT MODEL PERCUSSION REVOLVER.
SN 60. Cal. 34. Blue finish with 4-1/2″ oct bbl, tiny orig front sight and 1-line “Patent Arms M’g Co Paterson N-J Colt’s Pt.” with small bow tie at each end. Two matching numbered cylinders have five chambers with square shoulders and centaur scene roll marking. Mounted with 1-pc walnut grip, matching numbered to this pistol. SN was observed on rear face of bbl lug, rear face of both cyls, rotating ring, side of trigger, inside back strap, left side of front strap under the grip & hammer. Hammer spring is a replacement. Accompanied by an orig fluted lid, burgundy velvet lined mahogany casing that has an empty nickel silver plaque in the lid and brass escutcheon in the bottom front. Interior is recessed for the revolver, a sgl cavity ball mold with three turned walnut handles that have brass ferrules, an orig charger matching numbered “84”, an orig capper numbered “200” in the base and inside the lid, a combination loading tool with intact nipple pick, turn screw and nipple wrench and a brass cleaning rod with turned walnut handle and brass ferrule. There was a total of about 850 Belt Model No. 2 & No. 3 revolvers produced 1837-1840. The No. 2 revolver was produced in two styles with flared grip & straight grip. These revolvers were very popular and are rarely found today in any circumstance with any orig finish. Very few of these little revolvers survive today and of those extremely few are cased. To find one with a complete set of accessories is extraordinarily rare. CONDITION: Fine, all matching except wedge which is unnumbered but is an orig Paterson wedge. Bbl retains traces of blue in the most sheltered areas with thin blue on sides of bbl lug and scattered over the bbl flats with the loss areas a dark patina and one area of light pitting; frame retains 20-30% orig blue with the loss areas a light to medium patina, showing stronger blue on cyl plate; grip frame retains traces of blue being mostly a mottled silver brown patina; one cyl retains traces of blue with the balance a dark patina and shows about 50% centaur cyl scene roll marking; the other cyl is an even dark brown patina with scattered pitting and shows 50-60% centaur scene roll marking. Grip has a couple of grain checks on right side, otherwise is sound showing moderate to heavy wear and a dark hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with good shine and moderate pitting. Case is sound with numerous light nicks & scratches in the varnish and overall retains about 85% strong orig varnish with most of the losses on the top. Interior is moderately to heavily faded inside the lid and moderately faded in the bottom with heavy soil; charger is fine and retains about 60% orig copper finish on the body and strong gold wash on the cyl end; mold retains thin blue, turning a little plum with crisp cavity and fine handles; capper is very fine showing about all of its fine detail and a medium to dark brass patina; tool is a dark metal patina and is fine; cleaning rod is a dark brass patina with solid handle. Altogether a wonderful and complete cased No. 2 Paterson. 8-76410 JR368 (80,000-120,000) – Lot 1282
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1283
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$22,425.00 |
RARE COLT PATERSON NO. 2 BELT MODEL PERCUSSION REVOLVER.
SN 473. Cal. 34. Rare Colt with 5-1/2″ oct bbl, German silver front sight and 1-line “Patent Arms M’g Co Paterson N-J Colt’s Pt” address with small bow ties at each end. Cyl has five chambers with the centaur scene roll marking. Grip frame is straight style with 1-pc nicely figured walnut grip. SN was observed on rear face of bbl lug, wedge, rear face of cyl, rotating ring, hammer, right side of front & back straps under the wood and a “3” visible on bottom right side of grip. According to various publications there were about 850 Belt Model Paterson revolvers produced 1837-1840 with those SNs shared by both the No. 2 and No. 3 revolvers. Very few of these revolvers survive today in any configuration with orig finish. They were Colt’s first attempt at a small size pocket pistol and as such were very popular with the buying public although not a terribly effective side arm. CONDITION: Good to very good, all matching as noted above. No orig finish remains being an overall dark gray patina with areas of scattered light pitting on side flats of bbl and recoil shields; cyl is matching patina and shows 30-40% centaur scene roll marking; grip frame is a cleaned light gray patina. Grip is sound showing moderate edge wear and retains about 50-60% orig varnish. Hammer nose is battered. Mechanics are fine, strong bore, pitted and dark in the grooves. 4-55344 JR366 (25,000-40,000) – Lot 1283
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1284
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$43,125.00 |
OUTSTANDING CASED COLT 3RD MODEL DRAGOON PERCUSSION REVOLVER.
SN 15711. Cal. .44. Blue and color case hardened with 7-1/2″ octagon to rnd bbl, nickel silver front sight and 1-line New York City address with vertical rammer latch. Left side of frame has small “COLTS PATENT”. The silver-plated brass trigger guard & backstrap contain a 1-pc walnut grip with last 4 digits of matching SN in backstrap channel. Accompanied by an orig burgundy velvet lined mahogany casing with beveled bottom edge, compartmented in the bottom for the revolver, a one-sided, angle spout trophy of arms & flags “COLTS PATENT” flask, a blued steel “COLT’S PATENT” bullet & ball mold with sprue cutter marked on right side with a small “S”, a packet of combustible cartridges, a Dixon pewter oil bottle, a bone screw-top bits box, a sealed tin of Goldmark’s caps, an L-shaped screwdriver, and a functioning key. There are about 10,500 of these revolvers produced 1851-1861. They were initial issued mostly to mounted infantry in the Southwest. Those civilian models such as this revolver also saw hard service on the American frontier and are rarely found with high orig finish. The likelihood is this revolver would have seen service during the Civil War and later on the American frontier. the fact that is survived today attests to the thought that it likely belonged to someone of importance or a high ranking officer who used it very little and maintained it. PROVENANCE: Dr. John & Margaret Pickup Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching including wedge, cylinder and grip. Bbl retains 80-85% glossy orig blue with only a slight amount of holster wear on left side of muzzle with the majority of the losses flaked, not worn, to a medium patina. Rammer pivot retains strong case colors with the handle faded to silver. Frame retains 75-80% strong case colors on the sides, fading to silver on recoil shields. Hammer retains dark case colors. Cylinder retains mottled silver & blue patina and shows about 90% dragoon and in fight scene with most of the “MODEL U.S.N.R.” and “COLTS PATENT” panels legible. Five of the six safety pins are serviceable. Trigger guard retains about 90% strong orig silver and backstrap about 75%. Grip shows moderate to heavy edge wear with a few minor nicks & scratches and retains 60-70% orig varnish. Mechanics are fine, brilliant shiny bore. Case has a crack in lid; otherwise is sound with normal handling & storage nicks & scratches and retains about 90% orig varnish. Interior is moderately to heavily faded with light soil inside the lid & moderate soil in bottom. Flask is fine & retains about 75-80% orig finish. Mold is exceptionally fine showing no use with crisp bright blue. Other accessories are fine. 4-54743 JS221 (40,000-60,000) – Lot 1284
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1285
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$57,500.00 |
RARE AND FINE COLT 3RD MODEL LONDON DRAGOON PERCUSSION REVOLVER.
SN 612. Cal. 44. Blue and color case hardened with 7-1/2″ oct to rnd bbl, German silver front sight and 1-line New York City address with dashes. Bbl and cylinder both have standard London proofs consistent with other English assembled Colts. Frame has engraved “COLT’S PATENT” about centered on the left side. Cylinder has usual 6-chambers with Dragoon/Indian fight scene roll marking and “MODEL U.S.M.R.” and “COLT’S PATENT” cartouches surrounding the SN. All 6 safety pins are crisp and prominent. The silver plated brass trigger guard and backstrap contain a varnished 1-pc walnut stock. There were only about 700 of these rare revolvers produced 1853-1857, primarily from Hartford made parts assembled & finished in England. These revolvers are rarely encountered today especially with high orig finish. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching and orig. Bbl retains about 95% glossy orig blue with small areas of flaking and pin-prick pitting. Loading arm, frame and hammer retain much of their orig muted case colors with balance silver/grey. Cylinder is plum overall with crisp, well discerned rolled Dragoon/Indian fight scene roll markings with both cartouches crisp and legible surrounding SN. Trigger guard and backstrap retain traces of thin orig silver finish. Grip is sound, well fit with most of its bright orig varnish with edge wear and minor small nicks, bruises and scratches. Mechanics are crisp with bright shiny bore. 4-55345 (40,000-60,000) – Lot 1285
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