Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.
If you have questions please email firearms@jamesdjulia.com.
| Image | Lot | Price | Description |
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2001
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$92,000.00 |
SPECTACULAR VOLCANIC ARMS NO. 2 NAVY LEVER ACTION PISTOL ONCE IN SAMUEL COLT’S PERSONAL COLLECTION.SN 1275. Cal. 41. Wonderful Volcanic Navy in near new condition in standard configuration with 8″ oct bbl that has integral magazine, silver pin front sight & fixed rear sight in top flat of receiver. Top flat of bbl has a crisp 3-line Volcanic Repeating Arms address. Mounted with smooth 2-pc walnut grips that are matching numbered to this pistol. Serial number was observed on left side of buttstrap under the grip, inside each grip & right side of lever. No further disassembly was affected to check for other matching numbers. Accompanied by a 39-pg letter from renowned author & Colt historian R. L. Wilson wherein he certifies that this pistol, identified by SN was de-assessed from the Connecticut State Museum Collection where the Samuel Colt arms collection was housed since 1957. Contained in this voluminous letter linked here in provenance are details of Colt’s close affinity to other manufacturers of his era and why he collected arms of competitors invention. Prospective bidders should read the detailed history of this particular arm and the minutiae associated as it is quite involved and interesting. There were only about 1,500 of these pistols produced 1855-1857. The Volcanic Arms Co. succeeded the Smith & Wesson Volcanic line in 1855 and then were themselves bought by Oliver Winchester and became the New Haven Arms Co, remaining in business under that name until 1860. The Volcanic design fostered the venerable model 1860 Henry rifle which became very famous during the Civil War & later on the American frontier. The Volcanic line is extremely important in the history of the development of repeating arms. PROVENANCE: Samuel Colt Firearms Collection; Colt Factory Museum, Hartford, CT; Connecticut State Library/Museum, after 1957; inventoried by Norm Flayderman in 1974 and given tag #1319; traded by State of Connecticut Museum, 1980; Theodore Hutcheson Collection, Chattanooga, TN. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Appears to be new and unfired. Bbl & magazine retain about 98% crisp orig blue with crisp sharp edges. Frame and sideplates are also crisp & new with clean sharp edges and only 2-3 very faint, very minor scratches and overall shows a wonderful mustard patina. Hammer retains about all of its orig case colors, showing wear on left side. Lever retains about 70% thin orig blue. Grips are sound with crisp sharp edges and retain virtually all of their orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore with a few spots of rust that may clean. Bolt & carrier retain most of their orig fire blue except on bottom of carrier which has faded to grey. 50142-1 JS101 (75,000-85,000) – Lot 2001 | Click here to view provenance |
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2009
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$230,000.00 |
HISTORIC AND SPECTACULAR NIMSCHKE ENGRAVED, IVORY STOCKED WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 SADDLE RING CARBINE PURPORTEDLY MADE FOR EMPEROR MAXIMILIAN OF MEXICO AND LATER OWNED BY PRESIDENT OF MEXICO PORFIRIO DIAZ.SN 21921. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Incredible and well known ’66 carbine with 20″ bbl, full magazine that has integral front band/front sight and a 2-position rear sight graduated to 500 yards. Carbine is mounted with an extraordinary carved, solid elephant ivory buttstock & forearm with straight grip & brass crescent buttplate with trap. Left side of buttstock is wonderfully, deep relief raise carved with the Mexican eagle perched on cactus holding a snake in its beak and right talon. The carving is extremely well detailed and has the appearance of engraving done by master engraver L. D. Nimschke. Receiver & buttplate tang are beautifully engraved in very fine, intertwined foliate arabesque patterns with very well executed pearled background showing very little overlapping in the pearls. Raised area between the sideplates and front flats are engraved in feather patterns and front flats are engraved to match the sideplates. Matching engraving extends over top three flats of the receiver, receiver ring,top tang, & buttplate tang. Most unusually, the bbl is also engraved with matching patterns over the chamber area, before & after the forearm band and behind the front band. Bottom of the receiver has one small matching pattern with bottom of the carrier engraved in diamond & dot patterns with a small 4-petal flower blossom in the center, all surrounded by very fine zigzag border. Bbl is marked with the Henry’s & King’s patent address in 2-lines. This exact carbine is pictured in full color with a full page spread on pg 53 of Winchester Engraving, Wilson. In the caption, Mr. Wilson states that this carbine is “traditionally attributed as having been created for the Emperor Maximilian and documented from the arms collection of Mexican President Porfirio Diaz”. Accompanied by a beautiful burgundy leather covered, burgundy velvet lined case with gold embossed lid. It has a leather panel in the top embossed “HIS EXCELLENCY / PORFIRIO DIAZ / PRESIDENT OF MEXICO”. This exquisite case was handmade by Arno Werner. Inside the case has a green leather label embossed identically. This case was created by Arno Werner, Master Bookbinder for Harvard University’s Houghton Library rare book collection. It has long been believed that this gun was made for Emperor Maximilian who was executed on June 19, 1867. Production records published by Madis would imply the gun was completed after Maximilian’s execution. However, Madis’ dates are speculative there are no factory records for these early 66’s and we are told various documented and date inscribed Model 66’s affirm this theory. It is also important to note that a similar Ivory stocked Model 66 ornamented with Mexican Eagle is in the Mexican Military museum in Chapultepec. It is identified as having been owned by Miguel Gregorio de la Luz Atenógenes Miramón y Tarelo. General Miramón was executed with Maximilian on June 19, 1867 and thus very strong support for the Maximilian ownership. This exact carbine is also pictured on pg 505 of The Wm M. Locke Collection book. It is also beautifully illustrated in the Texas Gun Collector “Antique Arms Annual” 1st Ed. 1971 on pg 97. At the time it belonged to Herb Glass (Sr). It is also illustrated in the 1970’s Sotheby’s Annual of Sales Results when it was auctioned by Sotheby’s at Los Angeles for Walter B. Ford, III. The gun was also featured on the front cover of Gun Report July 1963 with an accompanying article on pg 44. It is also illustrated in “Winchester: An American Legend” by R. L. Wilson and on pg 335 it depicts Mrs. John B. Solley III seated with this very gun at her feet. Obviously created by a master, probably Mr. Nimschke. This is generally considered to be the finest Ivory stocked Model 66 known, a true masterpiece. This ivory stocked Winchester, SN 21921, was awarded SN 5 Silver Medal in the NRA Annual 10 Best Firearms in the first year of that competition in 1960. Included is a detailed R. L. Wilson letter detailing much of this. In 1946, the Model 66 was temporarily loaned to Winchester, as arranged by the Metropolitan Museum for the special exhibition and again in 1966 it was loaned for the Centennial exhibition at PepsiCo Company in New York City. PROVENANCE: Acquired from the Estate of Porfirio Diaz, President of Mexico (1830-1915), after his death, by collector Walter Douglas who bought Diaz’s collection. Most of the pieces were donated to the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario, Canada and those donated are fully documented, however this gun as per information from Lt. Col. Leslie Collins was one of various guns sold by Douglas to collector Lt. Col. James W. Flanagan. Flanagan’s collection subsequently sold at Parke-Bernet Gallery April 21-22, 1944 and was lot 351. William M. Locke acquired from this same sale in 1944; Richard P. Mellon via Herb Glass; W. Buhl Ford III via Herb Glass; John B. Solley III; Joseph T. Hajec; Carl Press; Paul Tudor Jones II Collection. 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 the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 98% orig blue with some fine surface freckling. Receiver, sideplates & buttplate retain strong traces of orig silver that has turned dark with the loss areas a pleasing dark mustard patina. Receiver & sideplates show sharp, crisp corners. Buttstock has several age lines with some cracks by right side of top tang, but is sound. Forearm has a couple of minor age lines and overall the ivory is a mellow, golden patina. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore. Case is extremely fine. 49941-1 IVORY (150,000-250,000) – Lot 2009 | Click here to view provenance |
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2017
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$184,000.00 |
EXTREMELY RARE 1 OF 1000 WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 DELUXE LEVER ACTION RIFLE.SN 31270. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Rare 2nd Model rifle with 28″ oct bbl, full magazine, a gold-washed Beach’s combination front sight, early style semi-buckhorn rear sight with checkered edges & thin base sporting rear sight with 4″ staff. Mounted with 2-3 X flame grain American walnut with early style checkered forearm and straight stock with crescent buttplate that has trap containing an orig 4-pc steel & brass cleaning rod. Left side of lower tang, under the wood, is marked with the assembly number “897” and “XX”. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock & inside toe of buttplate. Receiver is 2nd type with attached dust cover rail and 3rd type dust cover with impressed checkered thumbprint and has single-set trigger. Bbl is engraved over the chamber area in what is commonly accepted as 4th style with script panel “One of One Thousand”. This panel has a fine chip & dot border and an elaborate fleur-de-lis at the front end. The top side panels in the same area are very nicely engraved in foliate arabesque patterns in fine pearled background and it has a silver band at the receiver. Matching engraving patterns are found on 7 of the 8 flats around the muzzle and front sight, also with a silver band around the muzzle. Magazine tube is 1st type with screwed in plug. This rifle was the 4th Model 1873 1 of 1000 reported in 1950 during the search for such rifles by the Universal Movie Studio who produced the James Stewart film Winchester ’73. This rifle was at that time owned by Scott Merry of Tacoma, WA, who reported that he had purchased it “from an old rifleman by the name of Widum”. According to the book The Story of the Winchester 1 of 1000 and 1 of 100 Rifles, Lewis, this rifle was received in the warehouse November 14, 1878 along with 5 other consequentially number 1 of 1000 rifles and shipped November 20, 1878 to order number 13488. The same order also contained 3 Winchester Model 1876 1 of 1000 rifles. Remarks on two of the 1876 rifles states “returned by Skinker 5/1881”. John Skinker was Winchester’s West Coast agent based in San Francisco. It is well documented that he ordered a large number of the 1 of 1000 rifles, both 1873 & 1876 and later sold them at a discount when sales lagged. It can be stated with almost certainty that this rifle was one of the “Skinker” rifles which lends credibility to it having surfaced in Washington State. PROVENANCE: Scott Merry Collection; Robert Watt Collection; Paul Tudor Jones II Collection. CONDITION: Fine, all matching. Bbl retains about 88-90% strong orig blue with sharp edge wear and some minor flaking which areas show as a brown patina. Magazine tube retains blue in the sheltered areas being an overall plummy/brown patina. Receiver and sideplates retain faded case colors, stronger on right sideplate and in sheltered areas, being mostly a mottled silver/grey patina. Hammer retains strong case colors, faded on top edge. Lever retains traces of case colors being mostly a silver patina. Buttplate is a mottled silver/grey patina. Stock has a couple of tiny hairlines back of the top tang, otherwise wood is sound with normal handling and use marks with the buttstock showing light to moderate diamond point wear and retains most of its orig oil finish. Forearm is sound showing moderate to heavy wear on the checkering and is a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine. Strong bright bore with scattered light pitting. 49941-3 JR68 (175,000-275,000) – Lot 2017 | Click here to view provenance |
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2032
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$103,500.00 |
*EXTREMELY RARE FACTORY ENGRAVED, JOHN ULRICH SIGNED SPECIAL ORDER DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1894 TAKEDOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE.SN 274583. Cal 30 WCF (30-30). Very rare Winchester with tapered 26″ rnd bbl, full magazine, ivory bead Jack front sight, 3-leaf express rear sight with platinum line in the 200 yard leaf & Lyman combination tang sight. Mounted with 3-4X center crotch, flame grain American walnut with “D” carved forearm & capped pistol grip stock with ossified Silvers rubber buttplate. Receiver is wonderfully engraved by John Ulrich and signed on the bottom tang. Engraving is nearly full coverage on the receiver in #4 pattern which consists of the very large vignette of a hunter shooting from behind a tree in the background and a dying bull elk and a wounded bull elk in the foreground. Right side has the smaller vignette of a grizzly bear on a rocky promontory. Both vignettes are surrounded by extremely well detailed foliate arabesque patterns with fine shaded background. Top of the left vignette has multiple borders and the right side is surrounded on 3 edges with latchhook borders. Engraving extends over the top of the receiver, onto the top tang, bottom edges of the receiver, floorplate, lever & hammer. Bbl extension and about 1″ of the bbl are engraved to match. Rear edges of the receiver, front edge of bbl extension, over chamber area of the bbl edges of floorplate and forend cap have fine gold wire inlay. Screw heads, most unusually, are all engraved. Right side of buttstock is inlaid with a 1-3/8″ x 1-1/8″ oval silver medallion, beautifully engraved with intertwined initials “GH”. Accompanied by a Cody Firearm’s Museum records office work sheet which identifies this rifle in Cal. 30 with rnd bbl, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, front and rear Lyman sights, Silvers recoil pad, takedown, “D” carved, “Target 100 Yards” & engraved $24.00. Letter also shows that there is a silver plate in side of stock engraved monogram “G.H.”, received in warehouse Nov 10, 1905 and shipped same day to order number 28944. This rifle is known to have been a gift to the 1st National Bank of Cincinnati, Ohio for inclusion in their Winchester collection where it remained and which was on display in the bank for several decades over the last quarter of the 20th Century. Pg 172 of Winchester Engraving, Wilson pictures two other Model ’94 rifles both of which are identically engraved, one of which has identical gold wire inlay. One is SN 222901 and the other is SN 308993. Engraved Winchesters in and of themselves are rare. Very highly engraved arms are even more rare. Add in the engraver’s signature & the very rare gold inlays and it becomes incredibly rare. Couple that with exceptional high condition and it is off the charts 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 the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, as new. Overall, the metal retains about 99% crisp orig factory finish with only some very faint thinning on the raised rib at the front side of the receiver and some very faint sharp edge wear. Forend cap retains virtually all of its orig blue. Lever & hammer retain brilliant case colors, moderately faded on outer faces of lever. There is a chip in the right side of the grip at the cap, otherwise wood is sound with a very few, very light nicks in the varnish and overall retains about 99% crisp, orig piano varnish finish. Silver’s pad is dry, hard & crackled, but orig, showing losses at the heel & toe. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore, may have been fired but if so very little. 50141-1 JR96 IVORY (55,000-85,000) – Lot 2032 | Click here to view provenance |
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2057
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$14,375.00 |
IMPORTANT FINELY ENGRAVED REMINGTON NUMBER “2” ROLLING BLOCK SHOTGUN WITH RELIEF CARVED STOCK, OWNED BY SAMUEL REMINGTON, SON OF ELIPHALET REMINGTON.SN NSN. Cal. 16 ga. 2-1/2″ Chamber. 32″ Bernard Damascus steel bbl is gold inlaid “E Remington & Sons Ilion New-York, U.S.A.” on full length flat rib. Bottom bbl is affixed with another rib in the manner of guns and rifles of the percussion era, mounted with two plain pipes holding ebony ramrod with bulbous German silver head and tail with removable cap. Rear portion of bbl is stamped with Belgian proofs. Slim, case hardened, no. 2 rolling block action with distinctive shaped back, and absence of pin retaining saddle, is marked “REMINGTON’S ILION. N.Y. U.S.A.” and with 1864 and 1866 patent dates on top tang. A crowned “V” proof is behind hammer. Action is finely engraved with sprays of scroll surrounding nicely detailed hunting scenes on each side. A pair of pointers pointing and honoring a pheasant flushing over rail fence, is on left side; and it appears that the same dogs are chasing after a rabbit, on right. Top of action is emblazoned with heraldic American eagle with a shield and “E Pluribus Unum” banner. A small circular stamp around a “G” bridges the joint between bbl and nicely filed transition to action. Trigger guard portrays fine rendition of side-on stag browsing on tree branch. Plain American walnut straight grip buttstock is fitted with trap steel buttplate with medium top spur. Some cleaning equipment is in recesses under cover. There is some mother-of-pearl inlay on rear of comb line. Left side of buttstock is fully relief carved. It is obvious that the carver was familiar with similar ornamentation found on elaborate German Schuetzen Target Rifles, this carving, however, distinctively American and in a most wonderful folksy manner; It depicts a Frontiersman in buckskins shooting a running stag. This carving flanks small cheekpiece, which is further embellished with full relief scrolling tendrils with punch-stippled background. In place of checkering there is some more stippled decoration surrounding foliate scroll on left, and a rectangular area on right of stippling outlining “Mohawk” in old English script. The Mohawk river valley was the site of the Remington Mansion and its possible it may have been referred to as “Mohawk”. It is known that Remington built an extraordinary mansion in this region purposefully to impress Russian royalty who were customers. Of course the Remington factory was also located in this region. Right rear of butt is decorated with the stippled monogram “SR” for Samuel Remington who was son of Eliphalet. Matching forend with engraved steel thimble, attaches to bbl with side nail through oval steel escutcheons, and is embellished with more relief carved scroll and trailing flowers, which have mother-of-pearl centers. Bore diameter: .670. Bore restrictions: .000 (cylinder), Drop at heel: 2-7/8″, drop at comb: 2-11/16″. Weight: 6 lbs. 3 oz. Samuel Remington was E.R. & S’s highly successful and influential foreign sales agent. It is most probable that this highly ornamented sporting gun was created by the Nagant brothers, Remington licensee in Liege Belgium, as a token of their esteem. PROVENANCE: Paul Tudor Jones II Collection. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine. Bbl retains nearly all of its dramatic brown finish with excellent definition to pattern. Action has only high edge wear to its lovely orig case hardening color, tangs slightly faded and silvered. Stocks retain nearly all of their orig finish with some light marks and scratches, and a couple of fairly deep scratches on cheekpiece. Carving has a fine hand worn brightness. Bore is excellent. Action is crisp. 49941-43 MGM178 (10,000-20,000) – Lot 2057 |
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2075
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$92,000.00 |
MAGNIFICENT FACTORY ENGRAVED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER ETCHED BARREL FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER WITH PEARL GRIPS SHIPPED TO CHARLES HUMMEL & SON, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS IN 1885 ACCOMPANIED BY THE HOLSTER AND BELT THAT WERE PURCHASED NEW WITH THE REVOLVER.SN 115349. Cal. 44 WCF. 4 3/4″ bbl. Full nickel finish. Nickel hammer. Nickel trigger. Blue screws. 2-pc mother of pearl grips. Master engraved in the American Style and attributed to the hand of Cuno Helfricht. Engraving is full coverage on both frame and barrel with slightly less coverage on trigger guard, backstrap and ejector rod housing. Bbl engraving shows American Scroll on both sides with a border around bbl address and a splay in front of address. Unique to this revolver is the engraving around front sight which is seldom seen on a Colt single action army revolver. Frame engraving is full coverage with border and checker board on either side of hammer. Recoil shield displays a scallop pattern with a wonderfully executed cross-hatch and punch dot border. Loading gate reflects same design. Top strap is also full coverage except in sight groove. The gullets in front of cylinder exhibit punch dot and walking line work on both sides and bordered scroll work on both sides in front of cylinder. Backstrap exhibits a wonderfully executed scallop design behind the hammer with punch dot and walking line work down the backstrap and on butt. Presentation panel on backstrap is blank. Trigger guard shows border work and scroll on forward end above SN and interrupted scroll on outer side of trigger guard bow. Ejector rod housing has scroll work on either end with star pattern in middle with punch dot and walking line work in the gullet next to barrel. Cylinder exhibits scroll work between each flute with a scalloped border around rear edge of cylinder with punch dot and walking line accent. Bbl shows 2-line bbl address with index mark toward frame. Etched panel “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” on left side of bbl. Frame has 3-line patent on forward left side. On right rear flat of frame under trigger guard there is a “C” over a “u” stamp. Assembly no. 654 is stamped on inner surface of loading gate and on forward part of frame under the trigger guard. Matching SN is stamped on frame, trigger guard, and backstrap. A small “G” inspector mark is under the SN on trigger and backstrap. “44.CF” is stamped on left forward part of trigger guard bow. Ejector rod housing is unmarked. Pearl grips are unmarked grips and fit perfectly. Revolver is accompanied by a early Slim-Jim style Texas holster and cartridge belt which according to family legend was purchased new with this revolver. 7-1/2″ bbl holster has “short barrel bend” showing that a 4-3/4″ SA has been in it for years. Cartridge loops hold special mesquite cartridges used to maintain shape of loops. Revolver is cased in a walnut display case that was made by Peter Werner of Blue Hill, ME to preserve this special Colt. Case contains an orig Winchester Repeating Arms Company unopened box of 44 cal. cartridges with a green label on top and an image of a model 73 carbine on the side. Case is French fit with maroon felt lining. This revolver was shipped to Charles Hummel & Son in San Antonio, Texas in 1885 on special order, probably for a display piece in his store on Commerce St. in San Antonio. Charles Hummel & Son was the largest Colt dealer west of the Mississippi at the time. In 1885 the railroad had just reached San Antonio, the town was booming, and crawling with Texas Rangers, Law Men, Cattle Men, and other local characters. The orig owner was in Texas from New York to check on some business interests, and purchased this revolver, belt and holster as a souvenir of his visit to Texas. Ralph Hyde of New York,the grandson of the orig owner, contacted the Colt Collectors Association in the early part of the 21st century wishing to sell the revolver to someone who would appreciate its historic significance. The revolver was purchased by Rampant Colt Editor Kurt House who then sold it to the late Bill Spicer of Rosebud, Texas. When Mr. Spicer encountered some health issues, he reluctantly but confidently sold it to the present consignor. Also accompanying this revolver is a Colt factory letter confirming cal., bbl length, finish, grips, factory engraving and shipment to Charles Hummel & Son, San Antonio, Texas on October 29, 1885. Also included is a picture of Mr. Hyde as a young boy, circa 1920, sitting on a pinto pony in front of family “cottage” on Long Island, NY. Mr. Hyde stated that he was allowed to wear his grandfather’s gun on very special occasions. The billet of gun belt has been restitched in order to fit a young boy. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains 80-85% orig nickel finish that has slightly dulled with age blending into a very pleasing uncleaned chocolate brown patina toward muzzle. Muzzle has slight wear on either side. Bbl address is sharp. Front sight retains 80% nickel and is full-sized. Etched panel is excellent with all letters clearly legible. Bore is bright with sharp rifling and slight staining toward muzzle. Ejector rod housing retains 40-50% orig nickel finish with balance turning a pleasing uncleaned chocolate brown patina. Ejector rod head retains nearly all orig nickel finish. Frame retains 80-90% of orig nickel finish with most of wear on loading gate which has also blended to a pleasing uncleaned chocolate brown patina. Patent mark on frame is sharp. Hammer retains 50-60% orig nickel finish blending to a chocolate brown patina on hammer spur. Trigger retains nearly all orig nickel finish. Frame screws, trigger guard screws, backstrap screws, cylinder pin retaining screw and ejector rod screw all retain most of orig fire blue finish. Screws are unmarred with the exception of a very slight mars on hammer screw and butt screw. Cylinder base pin is unmarred and retains nearly all of orig fire blue. Trigger guard retains 80% orig nickel finish with most of loss inside trigger guard bow and on forestrap. Cal. marking is sharp. Backstrap retains 10% orig nickel finish in protected areas with balance a pleasing uncleaned chocolate brown patina. Cylinder retains 80-85% orig nickel finish with 1 section on either of one flute and in flute showing a even uncleaned chocolate brown patina. Pearl grips are excellent with vivid rainbow hues throughout on both sides with only 1 tiny chip at toe of right grip and a very miniscule chip at top of left grip. Action functions perfectly. A rare opportunity to purchase a wonderful engraved Colt Single Action Army revolver shipped to Texas in 1885 with a provenance trail to the consignor who is only the fourth owner of this magnificent revolver. 50074-1 TEP (100,000-125,000) – Lot 2075 | Click here to view provenance |
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2077
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$54,625.00 |
*EXCEPTIONALLY RARE COLT BISLEY SHERIFF’S MODEL SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER.SN 259273. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue and color case hardened with 4″ bbl, full front sight and 2-line address, marked on left side “(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 with last two digits of matching SN inside each grip. Accompanied by several items of provenance from Dr. Cox which documents the purchase of this revolver from a gentleman named Ernest Head from St. Angelo, Texas in 1975. In this letter, Mr. Head states that this revolver has been in his family since 1913. He further states that his father worked for the Robertson Paint Company in St. Angelo and purchased the revolver from a painter. A Colt factory letter, dated June 1975, states that after 3 hours of research no shipping record or other info could be found. It appears that this revolver was produced in about 1904 although on page 266 of The Book of Colt Firearms, Wilson, there is a photograph of another 4″ Sheriff’s Model Bisley, SN 259336 which is only 73 numbers later than this revolver and the shipping date is indicated as October 1911. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran, there were 8500 Bisley Model revolvers chambered for the 45 Colt out of the approximately 44,350 produced, 1894-1912 of which, according to Mr. Wilson “Less than a dozen Sheriff’s Models were made”. PROVENANCE: The Dr. Robert G. Cox Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, matching as noted. Bbl retains about 80% glossy orig blue with holster wear on both sides. Frame retains most of its orig case colors, bright in sheltered areas, stronger on right side, faded elsewhere. Hammer retains bright case colors on left side and back edge, faded on right side and top edge. Trigger retains about 90% fire blue, a little thin on the front. Cyl retains 85-90% orig blue, strong and bright in the flutes with some light etching and a little thinner on the outer diameter. Trigger guard and backstrap retain about 60-70% glossy orig blue, thin and turning plum on the front and backstraps with a series of scratches on heel of buttstrap. Grips are sound showing moderate wear. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. A chance to own a great Single Action rarity which has been out of circulation for 40 years! 50018-217 JR40 C&R (12,500-17,500) – Lot 2077 | Click here to view provenance |
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2109A
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$0.00 |
EXTRAORDINARILY RARE ENGRAVED BOOK CASED COLT MODEL 1862 POLICE PERCUSSION REVOLVER.SN 30747 I. Cal 36. Blue and color case hardened with 5-1/2″ rnd bbl, brass pin front sight and 1-line New-York US America address. Left side of frame is marked with a small “COLTS PATENT” and left rear web of trigger guard is marked “36 cal”. Cyl is rebated and half-fluted with 5 chambers. The silver-plated brass trigger guard & backstrap contain a full checkered, 1-pc “certifiable antique elephant ivory” grip with last 3 digits of matching SN in backstrap channel. Grip is made in the orig manner of 2 slabs of ivory attached to an ivory spacer. Revolver is beautifully engraved in late vine pattern without background, probably by Gustave Young with about full coverage on the frame and sides of the hammer. Engraving extends up the sides of the bbl with one scroll on the bbl terminating in Mr. Young’s mythical bird figure, several scrolls on the frame terminate in flower blossoms and the hammer has a wolf’s head on each side of the nose. Top of the backstrap is engraved in Mr. Young’s distinctive fan pattern with other foliate arabesque patterns down the backstrap, on the buttstrap and trigger guard. Accompanied by an extraordinarily rare, incredible book casing that measures 11-1/2″ x 6-5/8″ x 2″, covered in burgundy leather with gold embossing on both covers and the spine. The spine is embossed “COLT / ON THE CONSTITUTION / HIGHER LAW & / IRREPRESSIBLE CONFLICT” and further down is the inscription “DEDICATED / BY THE AUTHOR / TO / ——–“. Bottom of the spine has only the date “1861” visible. The covers are secured by a unique brass latch and a mortised brass lock. Interior is burgundy velvet lined and compartmented in the bottom for the revolver, a single sided “COLTS PATENT” eagle & stars flask, a blued steel bullet & ball “COLT’S PATENT” mold with sprue cutter marked on the right side “36P”, a paper wrapped tin of Ely’s caps with blue label and 2 sealed packets of orig Colt’s Cartridge Works combustible envelope cartridges. There were about 28,000 of this model Colt produced 1861-1873 of which extremely few were engraved and incredibly few are known with this extraordinarily rare casing. These revolvers were produced at a time when the west was very wild and carrying a firearm was expected. Few of these revolvers survive today with any orig finish. Book casings such as found here are only known to a very few exclusive collectors and of those extremely few remain in this fine condition. This set is suitable for the most discriminating collector or museum collection. PROVENANCE: William Meyers Collection; Eric Vaule; The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. 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 the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Revolver is all matching including wedge, cyl and grip. Bbl retains about 60% glossy orig blue with the balance turning plumy brown with some fine pitting on each side of the muzzle. Frame & hammer retain about 75% faded case colors, stronger on the recoil shields and in sheltered areas. Hammer retains about 80% dark case colors. Screws retain most of their orig fire blue. Cyl retains about 30-40% thin orig blue, strongest in the flutes and rebated area, 3 of the 5 safety pins are serviceable. Trigger guard retains 50-60% orig silver with the front strap a light mustard patina. Backstrap & buttstrap are a dark mustard patina. Grip has a couple of age lines on the bottom edges otherwise is sound, showing very light wear and has a fine golden ivory patina. Mechanics are fine. Brilliant shiny bore with 3 or 4 small spots of pitting. Case is very fine with only light crackling on the hinge and some light chipping on the edges. Bottom of the spine has a 3/4″ x 1″ area of faded color which is now a lighter red. The front, top & bottom edges have darkened gold finish. Inside the lid has faded to a mellow gold color with light soil. The bottom retains dark burgundy in the bottom of the compartments otherwise is also faded to matching color. Flask has a couple of small dents in the back and retains about 60% orig finish. Mold is exceptional and appears to be new and unused. Cap tin is missing part of its paper wrapping with light soil and faded label but appears to be still sealed. Cartridge packets are extremely fine. This is one of the finer book casings to come to market in recent history. 49631-31 JR6 IVORY (75,000-110,000) – Lot 2109A |
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2123
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$69,000.00 |
RARE ROSEWOOD CASED GUSTAVE YOUNG ENGRAVED COLT MODEL 1851 NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER.SN 91858. Cal. 36. Incredible 1851 Navy, blue and color case colored with 7-1/2″ oct bbl, dovetailed front sight and 1-line Hartford address. Left side of frame is engraved “COLT’S PATENT” in a pillow-shape. Cyl is unfluted with Ormsby Naval battle scene roll marking and all 6 safety pins crisp and serviceable. The silver plated brass trigger guard & backstrap contain a smooth 1-pc “certifiable antique elephant ivory” grip that has last four digits of matching SN in backstrap channel. Grip is constructed of two slabs of ivory attached to an ivory spacer. Revolver is beautifully engraved by master engraver Gustave Young with his deluxe full coverage on the frame which consists of fine foliate arabesque patterns with pearled background. Several scrolls terminate in flower blossoms. Matching engraving extends over the bbl lug and top three flats of the bbl. The major scroll around the wedge on the left side terminates in a serpent. Rammer pivot is engraved to match and ends of the wedge are also engraved. Hammer is deluxe engraved with a wolf’s head on each side of the nose and fish scale patterns on top edge and sides of spur. Top of the backstrap is engraved with Mr. Young’s typical fan pattern with foliate arabesque patterns down the backstrap, on the buttstrap & trigger bow. Accompanied by an incredible, orig, brass bound rosewood Colt casing that has gold-washed appointments with an empty rectangular plate in the lid and matching lock escutcheon. Interior is burgundy velvet lined and compartmented in the bottom for the revolver, a double-sided trophy of arms & flask, eagle & shield with stars flask that has angled spout, a brass “COLTS PATENT” bullet & ball mold with bright steel sprue cutter, a paper wrapped tin of Eley’s caps, a packet of Colt’s Cartridge Work’s combustible cartridges and an L-shaped nipple wrench. Accompanied by a 3-pg letter from renowned author & Colt historian, R.L. Wilson which corroborates this information. This revolver was produced in about 1859, obviously for someone of considerable wealth or as a presentation to someone of great importance, or possibly a reward for an act of valor. There were approximately 215,000 Models 1851 produced 1850-1873. From their introduction until well into the 1870’s, these revolvers were extremely popular and usually saw very hard service on the American frontier and literally around the world with such notable figures Wild Bill Hickock and many others from both sides of the law. Only a small percentage were engraved and incredibly few were fitted with the ivory grip and spectacular casing. Few of those survive today. PROVENANCE: Jim Epplen Collection; The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. 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 the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching including rammer, wedge, cyl and grip. Bbl retains about 75% glossy orig blue with the loss areas flaked, not worn to a dark patina, showing only light sharp edge wear. Rammer pivot retains strong case colors with the handle lightly cleaned in the center. Frame retains virtually all of its orig case colors, strong and bright on the right side, moderately faded on the left. Hammer shows faded case colors with fine pitting on the hammer nose. Cyl retains about 40% thinning orig blue with the balance flaked to a medium patina and shows about 95% Naval battle scene roll marking. Trigger guard retains about 60% strong orig silver, thin on front strap and buttstrap. Backstrap retains most of its orig silver. Grip is sound with a few age lines and shows a wonderful, mellow ivory patina. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore with a few scattered spots of light pitting. Case has a couple of grain checks in the bottom with most of its oil cloth bottom covering intact, otherwise is sound and retains virtually all of its orig varnish. Brass appointments retain strong gold-wash. Interior is strong and bright with only light wear from revolver contact in the bottom. Flask retains about 97-98% bright orig finish on the body with traces of gold-wash on the collar and spout. Mold is crisp and clean with some minor dings on the sides. Cap tin is open with slight losses and faded label. Cartridge packet and nipple wrench are fine. 49631-16 JR18 IVORY (60,000-80,000) – Lot 2123 | Click here to view provenance |
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2144
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$345,000.00 |
EXTREMELY RARE CASED COLT NO. 5 HOLSTER MODEL TEXAS PATERSON PERCUSSION REVOLVER.SN 892. Cal 41. This exact cased gun is pictured on full page with description in The Paterson Colt Book, R. L. Wilson, pg-153. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ oct bbl, tiny German silver front sight & usual left-hand Patent Arms address with a snake at each end. Mounted with very highly figured, burl walnut 1-pc grip constructed from 2-pcs of walnut with flared butt. Cyl is unfluted with round stop notches, 5-chambers & has the stagecoach holdup scene roll marking. Accompanied by an orig burgundy velvet lined, fluted lid mahogany casing with empty German silver plaque in the lid that is recessed in the bottom for the revolver, a spare matching numbered cyl, an orig charger with matching No. “44” on each half, an orig Paterson capper matching numbered “68”, a single cavity blued steel ball bullet mold with sprue cutter, 3-turned walnut handles that have brass ferrules, an orig loading tool/screwdriver/nipple pick, a steel cleaning rod with walnut handle & brass ferrule and a functioning key. Matching SN’s were observed on rear face of bbl lug, wedge, cyl spindle collar, cyl rotating ring, trigger, hammer, backstrap, buttstrap, grip & both cylinders. There are only about 1,000 of these largest of the Paterson revolvers produced 1838-1840 and although many were cased, few are known today with their orig casing & accessories. These revolvers gained fame from their use by Col. Jack Hays of the Texas Rangers where they were employed in innumerable fights with indians and outlaws of every persuasion, mostly in west and south Texas. The Paterson design was Colt’s first foray into the firearms market which was ultimately successful and led to the dynasty still in business today. Having seen such hard service on the American frontier well into the 1850’s until fully supplanted by the increasingly improved succeeding models of Colt revolvers, few Paterson revolvers survive today and incredibly few with orig casing & orig finish. This is one of the finest “Texas” Paterson extant suitable for the most discerning collector or museum collection. PROVENANCE: Page 153 “The Paterson Colt Book”, R. L. Wilson. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching as noted. Bbl retains about 93-95% glossy orig blue showing only sharp edge wear with a few light surface nicks & scratches. Rear face of lug has a few dings and a small break beside the left frame pin hole. Frame shows orig blue in the more sheltered areas, being mostly a light silver patina. Hammer retains 50-60% faded case colors. One cyl retains about 80% orig blue & shows about 98% stagecoach holdup scene roll marking. The other cyl retains a light plummy patina with blue in sheltered areas & shows about 98% stagecoach holdup scene roll marking. Backstrap retains traces of faded blue being mostly a gray metal patina. Grip is sound & well fit showing most of a fine old added varnish finish highlighting areas of orig factory varnish. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore. Case is sound with light handling of storage, nicks and scratches with some crackling to the finish & overall retains about 95% orig varnish. Interior is lightly faded inside the lid with chemical staining from contact with the cyls & light soil from the charger. Bottom is lightly to moderately faded showing heavy wear under the cyl & at the muzzle with damage from the front sight. Charger retains about most of its gold wash on the powder spout end & about 60% on the ball end with the main body showing traces of bright copper polish, being mostly a dark copper patina. Both ends are completely functional. Charger is fine with a few nicks and scratches showing light high point wear & retains a medium mustard patina. Mold retains about 75% thin orig blue with solid handles. The large handles are reduced in diameter on the inside faces to facilitate closing completely, otherwise handles are solid with a hand worn patina & dark brass patina on the ferrules. Loading tool retains 40-50% thin org blue and is completely intact. Cleaning rod shows traces of orig brown with handle having worn edges and a dark brass patina on the ferrule. All together an incredible and complete orig set and one of the finest in private hands. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own the best of the most rare. 50140-1 JS102 (300,000-600,000) – Lot 2144 | Click here to view provenance |
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2149
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$212,750.00 |
EXTRAORDINARILY RARE CASED CONSECUTIVE NUMBERED PAIR OF EXHIBITION QUALITY COLT MODEL 1860 ARMY PERCUSSION REVOLVERS FROM THE GENERAL JOSEPH R. HAWLEY ESTATE.SN 151388/151389. Cal. 44. Incredible pair of ’60 Army revolvers that are consecutively numbered and nearly identical with blue & color case hardened finish, each having 8″ rnd bbl, German silver front sight, 1-line New-York U.S. America address and mounted with smooth 1-pc ebony grip. Frames are 3-screw type cut for shoulder stock. Cyls are rebated with Ormsby Naval battle scene roll marking. Revolvers are engraved, probably by Master Engraver Gustave Young in late vine style with about full coverage foliate arabesque patterns on the frames with some scrolls terminating in flower blossoms. Left side of frame on SN 151388 has “COLTS PATENT” engraved n a pillow shape while SN 151389 has the small stamped “COLTS PATENT”. Engraving extends over the sides of the bbls and terminates forward of the address. Several scrolls terminate in flower blossoms with a scroll on the left bbl lug of number 151389 terminating in Mr. Young’s dogs head and the right side in his mythical birds head. Backstraps, buttstraps & trigger guards are engraved to match with shoulders of backstrap engraved in quarter flower blossoms. Tops of the backstraps are engraved in Mr. Young’s typical fan pattern. Ends of the wedges are also engraved and the hammers are deluxe engraved with wolf heads on each side of hammer noses, foliate arabesque patterns on the shanks, & fish scales on top edge and sides of spur. Accompanied by their orig, most elaborate and spectacular silver mounted, solid rosewood double casing versus the usual veneered style. The casing was made by William Milton and his casings were recognized as the very finest. Case has silver reinforced corners with a silver English style lifting ring in the center of the lid, a mortised lock with scalloped escutcheon & sliding latches at each front corner. The interior is purple velvet lined and compartmented in the bottom for the revolvers, a spectacular “COLTS PATENT” trophy of arms & flags angle spout flask, a bow-legged, blued steel “COLT’S PATENT” bullet & ball mold with sprue cutter marked on the right side “44H”, a packet of Colt’s Cartridge Works combustible cartridges, 2 L-shaped nipple wrenches, 2 lacquered tins for Eley’s caps, 2 spare hammer springs, a spare trigger & a spare trigger return/lockbolt spring, a set of 11 spare screws and a centenary of American independence, a pressed oak medallion with the bust of General Joseph R. Hawley who was the President of the U.S. International Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876. These wooden medallions were created at the Expo and sold as part of a set of 6 in a fitted case. These revolvers are in the same 151,000 serial range as the more elaborately engraved General Grant “Liberty” and “Union” Model 1860, SN 151713 and another nearly identically engraved ’60 Army with ebony grip that belonged to Lt. Huntington Frothingham Wolcott, a Civil War veteran, SN 151385. Joseph Roswell Hawley (Oct 1826-March 1905) was the 42nd Governor of the State of Connecticut, a Republican politician, Civil War general, journalist & newspaper editor. In 1857, he was a leading organizer of the Connecticut Republican Party and became the editor of the party newspaper. In April 1861, Hawley helped recruit and organize and infantry company, the 1st Connecticut Infantry, and was elected Captain. That unit saw combat at the first Battle of Bull Run in July. His term of service was only 3 months and after mustering out assisted Col. Alfred Terry in raising the 7th Connecticut Infantry, a 3 year regiment and was named Lt. Col. Hawley’s unit participated in the major battles of Port Royal, Ft. Pulaski, Siege of Charleston Harbor, Battle Oulstee, Bermuda Hundred Campaign, Siege of Petersburg & the Battle of Wilmington along with several other minor battles & skirmishes. He rose through the ranks, being promoted to Brig. General in Sept 1864. He remained Chief of Staff for the Department of Virginia until October 1865, having risen to the rank of Brevet Major General and was mustered out of the Army Jan. 1866. He served as Gov. of Connecticut April 1866 – April 1867 and had Oliver Winchester as his Lt. Governor. After leaving office he purchased the Hartford Courant newspaper and combined it with the Press newspaper. He served 2 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and 4 terms as a U.S. Senator. From 1873-1876 he served as President of the United States Centennial Commission which planned and ran the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. He was a trustee of Hamilton College from whence he received a law degree in 1875 and later in 1888 another law degree from Yale. Two weeks after stepping down from his office in the Senate, he died in Washington, DC. These revolvers are pictured in the Texas Gun Collector July 1969 and in color in books by R. L. Wilson Colt An American Legend and Colt Heritage, both on pg 103. Part of the caption reads: “According to tradition, the set had been borrowed from Colonel Colt for an exhibition, and was never returned to the factory”. It is believed General Hawley was presented these pistols by the Centennial Committee for his effort as President for the Centennial Commission. They are truly extraordinary Colts and are some of the most elaborate known today. PROVENANCE: Jonathan M. Peck Collection; Jay Altmayer Collection; Larry Scherrin Collection; Warren Anderson Collection; Paul Tudor Jones II Collection. CONDITION: Pistols are nearly identical with SN 151388 retaining about 99% glossy, special polish bright blue and brilliant case colors. Grip frame retains about 60% orig silver and grip is crisp & new. Cyl has a long thin scratch over 1 chamber. SN 151389 is also crisp and new but shows some flaking on the bbl and thinning of the finish on the major diameter of the cyl. Otherwise, retains brilliant case colors with crisp grip. Grip frame retains about 60% orig silver. Both guns appear to have never been fired or used and as such, are in extraordinary orig finish. It should be noted that the rebated part of the cylinder on 151388 had some teeny prickling or pitting and was partially polished at the time the guns were finished at the factory. SN 151389 is missing the wedge screw, which has been missing for as long as anyone can remember. Case has a couple of grain checks in the lid, otherwise is sound with light handling & storage nicks & scratches and retains most of its bright orig varnish. Silver furniture is also fine. Interior is lightly faded inside the lid with a couple of stains from contact with revolver cylinders. Bottom is heavily faded with damage from front sights & hammer spurs. Mold & flask are superb and like new. Nipple wrenches & spare parts are also crisp & clean. Cartridge packet has old cellophane tape over a broken toe edge. Cap tins are fine. Wood medallion is crisp & clean. 49941-2 (250,000-350,000) – Lot 2149 | Click here to view provenance |
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2151
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$86,250.00 |
VERY RARE COLT WALKER PERCUSSION REVOLVER.SN C COMPANY 26. Cal. 44. Usual configuration with 9″ oct to rnd bbl, altered German silver front sight with added fixed V-notch, tiny rear sight at the breech end of the top flat which is also marked “ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY”. The brass square-back trigger guard & steel backstrap contain a varnished 1-pc walnut grip with number “26” in the bottom front web of the front strap channel. Cyl also is unfluted with oval stop notches and a distinctive pressure ridge. Cyl has the Dragoon/Indian fight scene roll marking with “MODEL U.S.M.R. / COLT’S PATENT” cartouches surrounding an open area that ordinarily would contain the SN, which has been obliterated with light rust. The partial SN “C – OMPAN – 26” is partially visible on the buttstrap. The number “26” is also found on rear face of bbl lug, front of the frame between frame pins, bottom of cyl spindle & right side of front strap, under the grip. SN markings on left side of bbl lug, left side of frame & the “U.S. / 1847” marking on right side of bbl lug were obliterated during the refinishing process. At the same time, varnish was added to the grip. Accompanied by a volume of information, mostly by renowned author and Colt historian R. L. Wilson, wherein he makes the case that this revolver had been stolen from the military and the markings were purposely removed. He cites two other such revolvers: 1) “C Co. 40” and 2): “D Co. 13” whose markings apparently were purposely removed. It is the contention of this cataloger that the markings of this revolver were obliterated simply as part of a refinishing process. No trace of the frame or bbl lug markings can be noted, even under magnification, however, the buttstrap marking, although thin and partially obscured, is still legible. Therefore, the logical conclusion is that no attempt was made to obliterate all the markings, especially to attempt to “hide” the U.S. markings since the “MODEL U.S.M.R.” marking is still mostly legible on the cyl. The cyl does not appear to have been refinished. It is now fairly well documented that the cylinders of Walker revolvers were never blued but remained “in the white”. C Company of the Army sent to Mexico during the Mexican-American War was led by Capt. Samuel Walker. Capt. Walker’s C Company was to receive the 1st shipment of 220 Walker revolvers, but Capt. Walkers arrival in Mexico was delayed The C Company revolvers were issued to A Company under Col. John Hays. Capt. Walker’s Company were subsequently issued other Walker revolvers which they used throughout the Mexican War. Upon embarking from Mexico to return to the U.S., the majority of arms issued to the troops were recovered with a few having been stolen and others battle losses. All the arms collected at that time were transported to the San Antonio Arsenal, including 500 new, un-issued Walker revolvers. Shortly thereafter, these arms were issued to Mounted Dragoons and Texas Rangers where they saw extreme hard service with few surviving today. In a letter by R. L. Wilson, he states that as of 2008 there have been a total of 192 Walker revolvers discovered and recorded, about 17% of the 1,100 revolvers produced. This revolver is listed in The 1955 Revision of Colt-Walkers Pistol Owners, W.F.S. Quick, as having been owned at the time by F.P. Mills of Old Deerfield, MA of 1955. The Walker revolver along with the Texas Paterson are two of the most rare and sought after of all collectible Colts. Although this revolver has had some refinish it is still a real Walker and would add to any Colt collection. PROVENANCE: F.P. Mills Collection; Bobby Smith Collection. CONDITION: Very good, numbered as noted above. Bbl retains about 60-70% restored blue, faded to silver over the top with light pitting. Frame retains a dark restored blue with some fine pitting around the hammer screw on right side and scattered very light pitting on the left side. Cyl remains in its orig white finish with the distinctive pressure ridge and shows 35-40% Dragoon/Indian fight scene roll marking. Trigger guard retains traces of silver, mostly under the grip and backstrap is a mottled grey patina with fine pitting. Grip is sound with no trace of cartouches and shows about 60-70% added varnish finish. Wedge, trigger & several screws appear to be replacements. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with good shine and scattered pitting. 50142-2 JS115 (75,000-125,000) – Lot 2151 | Click here to view provenance |
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2158
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$0.00 |
ENGRAVED GOLD AND SILVER IVORY GRIPPED COLT MODEL 1860 ARMY REVOLVER WON AS SHOOTING PRIZE BY CALIFORNIA NATIONAL GUARDSMAN ALONG WITH SHOOTING MEDALS.SN 197438. Cal 44. This fabulous “as found” cased Colt Army percussion revolver was only the second prize in the Centennial Shooting Competition of the California National Guard at San Bruno, California, Oct. 24, 1876. First prize was a gold watch and chain. You would think that such a special Colt with fabulous carved ivory grips, with Mexican eagle and snake, factory engraved with gold and silver wash would have been a more valuable prize, but this is 1876 and cartridge Colt single actions are now king. This fancy 3-4 year old percussion revolver was now obsolete. This gun was provided by the well known arms and sporting store of A.J. Plate of San Francisco. This must have been one of his trophy display guns as it would have been among the most expensive manufactured by Colt in its day. Gold and silver plated Colts are among the rarest to survive in fine condition, and this is a wonderful survivor, retaining most of its gold plate on loading lever. Unloading lever, hammer and rebated portion of cyl, silver plating is retained on all other metal surfaces of the gun. The gun is cased in a beautiful Colt mahogany case compartmented with its .44 caliber silver plated 2-cavity mold and would originally have had a silver plated flask which is now missing, but in it’s stead are displayed 5 medals, 2 of which are silver 1864 (Ellis Guard) & 1866 (Tittel Zouaves) dated shooting medals with (California state seals.) Another medal has brass, silver and gold bars for 10,15 & 20 years faithful service. What a wonderful identified grouping with provenance; the original owner and recipient of this gun as a prize was California Militiaman John William Sturke. His son William Sturke loaned this gun and medals to the California State Park Commission and they were on display at Sutter’s Fort State Historical Park from 1942 to 1957 when they were returned to the family. Factory engraving is excellent and well done with arabesque and punch dot design typical of early 1870’s and the first single action Armies. This gun was originally manufactured in 1872. There are few gold plated Colt percussion revolvers that retain such excellent condition and there are few that have ever been offered with such aesthetics and provenance. PROVENANCE: John William Sturke 1876. William Sturke, Sutters Fort State Historical Park 1942-1957. 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 the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Gun is excellent overall, all matching, orig and authentic in every regard retaining over 90% orig silver plate and 95% gold wash on loading arm, rebated section of cyl and hammer with only minor freckling. Gun has possibly only been fired one time as 5 of 6 nipples retain most of their orig gold color and only one cone has been darkened. The bore and cyl chambers are quite crisp, though with scattered areas of staining and light pitting. “ESA certifiable antique elephant ivory grips” exhibit fine age patina, sharp edges and little wear. Screws all retain most of their orig fire blue finish. Mold retains about half its orig silver plate marked “Colt’s Patent” and “44H”. Accompanying tin of percussion caps is excellent. The 1866 dated medal has top bar broken, but still present as sewn to top stud with ribbon. Top bar is lose but complete on long service medal. There is a gold and enamel patriotic pin of unknown origin to this cataloger. There is an additional 1876 dated 3-piece brass shooting medal that is uninscribed. The mahogany casing is very good overall with attached newspaper article telling of William Sturke’s first place medal won with a score of 40 out of a possible 50 at shots of 200 yards and 500 yards for small bore rifle. Also attached to lining is the display card from Sutters Fort Historical Park when on display. Casing is very good overall with light fading from years of display. The polished bone key hold finial has a chipped edge as can be seen in photos. Case is missing top portion of lock which is no longer embedded in lid. 49962-1 JS IVORY (30,000-50,000) – Lot 2158 | Click here to view provenance |
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2159
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$17,250.00 |
RARE ONE OF TWO MANUFACTURED AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY “THE AMERICAN EAGLE” SILVER AND GOLD INLAID COLT MODEL 1860 ARMY PERCUSSION REVOLVER DESIGNED BY TIFFANY.SN 202294. Cal. 44. Spectacular gold & silver Model 1860 Army percussion revolver, #1 of only two made by the American Historical Society Cir. 1994. It has 8″ rnd bbl, sculpted front sight in the shape of a feather with heavy gold overlay. Top of the bbl is inlaid in gold “THE AMERICAN EAGLE . DESIGNED BY TIFFANY & CO.” The entire bbl lug and about 5″ of each side of the bbl have heavy gold overlay masterfully engraved in the shape of an eagle’s wing with matching heavy gold feathers on the rammer handle. Bbl has a heavy gold engraved ring around the muzzle. Sides of frame are inlaid in silver depicting an eagle’s talon holding an olive branch, with one gold olive on the left side and an eagle’s talon clutching 3 arrows on the right side. Cyl has an incredible heavy silver overlay of 6 eagles heads with gold beaks and a heavy band around the front edge with alternating gold feathers & smooth silver. One chamber is overlaid with a heavy gold cartouche bearing the inscription “COLT’S PATENT”. Recoil shields have heavy gold overlay feather patterns with bands of feather patterns by the hammer slot which flow down the rear edge and across bottom edges of the frame. Toward the front the gold feathers are alternated with graduated, smooth silver partitions. Bottom left front of the frame is inlaid with a gold “1”. Bottom front of the frame, adjacent to the SN is engraved with the engravers name “A. BOURBON”. This extraordinary work of art was designed by Tiffany & Co. and manufactured in the early 1990’s. It was originally intended that only 10 of these superb works of art would be created however only 2 were executed. This one bearing number “1”. The work was created by Andrew Bourbon, a renowned engraver of jewelry and firearms. Bourbon was born in Providence, Rhode Island in 1949 and later worked for a considerable period of time with the renowned firearms engraver, A. A. White. He developed the skill of his art while in the tutelage of A.A. White. This is an extraordinary and almost unique work of art; it being one of only two in existence. Top of the backstrap is engraved with the American Historical Society double-eagle logo and the backstrap is engraved “United States Historical Society”. Buttcap is sculpted steel with feather patterns and inlaid gold patterns on the toe. It is mounted with 1-pc pearl grip that it has inlaid U.S. $5 dollar gold piece on the left side and a large gold Colt medallion on the right side. Trigger guard & backstrap are gold plated. SNs on bottom of bbl lug and bottom front of frame are inlaid in gold. The gold & silver embellishments along with the concealed frame screws are by Andrew Bourbon. An example of this revolver is illustrated on pg 306 of The Colt Engraving Book Volume One, R. L. Wilson. Also, this exact gun is illustrated in “Steel Canvas” by R. L. Wilson on both the frontice page and page 23. Also, the only other example of “The American Eagle” resides in the renown collection of Robert M. Lee. His gun (SN 20315) is illustrated and replete with a very detailed write up of the engraver and the gun on pages 466, 467, 468 and 469 of the Art of the Gun, Magnificent Colts. PROVENANCE: Paul Tudor Jones II Collection. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, crisp and new. The only flaw found by the cataloger was a loss of a teeny fleck of bluing on the left side of the forward portion of the barrel. It is otherwise in superb condition. 49941-10 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 2159 |
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2170
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$25,875.00 |
EXTRAORDINARY CASED COLT LONDON MODEL 1862 POLICE PERCUSSION REVOLVER.SN 35232L. Cal. 36. Blue & color case hardened with 5-1/2″ rnd bbl, brass pin front sight and New-York U.S. America address. Left side of frame is marked “COLTS PATENT” and the blued steel trigger guard & back strap contain a varnished 1-pc walnut grip. Cyl is full fluted with five chambers and left side of bbl & flutes of cyl are stamped with British proofs. The SN on bottom of bbl lug, frame, trigger guard & butt strap are accompanied by a small “L” which indicates that this revolver, although made in Hartford, was destined for the English market. Given the pristine new unfired condition of this revolver, no disassembly was effected to check for other matching numbers. Accompanied by its orig English oak casing with an empty brass medallion in the lid. Case is green baize lined with a “Directions for Loading Colt’s Pistols” label inside the lid. Bottom is compartmented for the revolver, a small Dixon’s bag flask, a blued steel 2-cavity bullet & ball “COLTS PATENT” mold with sprue cutter marked “36P” on right side, an L-shaped nipple wrench, a Dixon-style pewter oil bottle, an empty lacquered tin for Eley’s caps and a blued steel, formed wire cleaning rod in its slot in bottom rear. Right rear covered corner compartment has a “certified antique ivory” pull. Colt ’62 Police revolvers are not uncommon with approx. 28,000 of them produced in period 1861-1873 and cased versions are occasionally encountered but pristine new unfired examples such as this one are almost unknown. 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 the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Extraordinarily fine. Overall retains about 99%+ crisp orig factory finish with only a faint cyl line, a few small nicks by the wedge slot and slight thinning on the left end of the wedge, otherwise all finishes are brilliant, complete and original. Grip is sound with one small scratch and a tiny bruise on left side, otherwise there are no discernible flaws. Case is completely sound with light storage & handling marks and overall retains virtually all of its orig factory varnish. Interior is crisp & clean with very slight fading to the baize and yellowing of the label. Flask is equally pristine & new, with some light flaking on the mold handles. Wrench, oil bottle & cleaning rod are equally new. Cap tin is undoubtedly a replacement, probably having been removed for return transportation to the U.S. A truly exceptional and never to be encountered again ’62 Police revolver. 49642-1 IVORY (25,000-40,000) – Lot 2170 |
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2179
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$0.00 |
RARE NIMSCHKE ENGRAVED COLT MODEL 1862 POCKET NAVY CONVERSION REVOLVER WITH RARE MEXICAN EAGLE TIFFANY GRIP.SN 1972. Cal. 38RF. This exact gun once in the collection of Robert Q. Sutherland & pictured in his book states “Purchased with an interesting history which attests to original ownership by several Mexican military officers & revolutionaries, including Diaz, Villa, & Zapata. Nickel and silver finish with 5-1/2” rnd bbl, brass pin front sight, & 1-line New-York U.S. America address. Right side of lug has an attached ejector housing with bullseye/half-moon ejector rod head. The old rammer slot is plugged. Left side of frame is marked “COLTS PATENT”. Mounted with a fine, nicely detailed silver plated cast brass Tiffany grip with rare Mexican eagle on the backstrap and raised foliate arabesque patterns with acanthus leaves around the bottom edge. Bottom edge of the buttcap is beaded with 4 flower blossoms. Buttcap insert is typical Tiffany sunburst. Inside the cap is numbered “88”. Under the buttcap, on the grip has two small punch dots with corresponding dots on bottom edge of grip frontstrap. Revolver is very nicely engraved by L. D. Nimschke with about full coverage on the frame, recoil shield & loading gate. Left recoil shield is engraved with Mr. Nimschke’s typical flower blossom with radiant rays on the loading gate. Edge of the conversion plate is engraved in chain & dot patterns and shoulders of the trigger guard are engraved in diamond & dot patterns with matching pattern on bottom front of frame. Foliate arabesque patterns extend over the bbl and each side of the muzzle with a long oval pattern on the ejector housing with foliate sprays at each end. Cyl has engraved wavy borders at the front & rear edges of the major diameter and chip & dot border around the rear edge. Cyl has 5 chambers with stagecoach hold up scene roll marking and the last 3 digits “087” of a SN. Very rarely are orig & authentic Tiffany gripped revolvers seen in market. PROVENANCE: Robert Q. Sutherland Collection; Pictured on pgs 229, 576-577 “The Book of Colt Firearms” by Sutherland & Wilson, 1971; Lot 913 July 23, 1996 Butterfield & Butterfield, SF. CONDITION: Fine, matching except wedge which is unnumbered & cyl as noted. Ejector housing door & cyl pin both numbered “1915”. There are small assembly letters also found on face of cyl & rear of bbl housing. A very similar 62 conversion with Tiffany grips, SN 1029, is found on pg 327 “A Study of Colt Conversions and Other Percussion Revolvers”, Bruce McDowell 1997. Bbl retains about 80% orig nickel showing wear on each side of the muzzle and some fine pimpling on bottom edges. Frame retains virtually all of its orig nickel and the hammer about 70% nickel. Cyl retains traces of nickel, being mostly a cleaned metal patina and shows about 75% stagecoach holdup scene roll marking. Trigger guard & front strap retain about 70% nickel. The loading gate spring is broken or missing. The Tiffany grip shows light to moderate high point wear and retains about 60-70% orig silver. Buttcap with its orig nut retains about all of its orig silver. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore with a few scattered spots of pitting. 50140-3 JS109 (25,000-35,000) – Lot 2179 |
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2198
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$224,250.00 |
LEMAT SN 8, GENERAL P.G.T. BEAUREGARD’S PERSONAL REVOLVER AND FINEST KNOWN.SN 8. This is the finest identified Confederate handgun extant that belonged to one of the most important Confederate personalities, that of General Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard, who was LeMat’s cousin by marriage. P.G.T. Beauregard was a prominent military officer prior to war who championed these pistols to be manufactured for the U.S. Army. When the war began and he sided with his beloved Confederacy and he became the first Confederate General officer on March 1, 1861; he became full General in the Confederate Army on July 21, 1861. The only other Confederate field officers with this rank were Robert E. Lee, Albert Sidney Johnston and Joseph E. Johnston. Beauregard would order the first shots of the Civil War upon Fort Sumter, April 12, 1861. Beauregard had a stellar and historic military career, which is easily researched. Probably his best biographer was L.S.U. Professor T. Harry Williams, who wrote Napoleon in Gray, 1955. Beauregard owned 25% of the LeMat manufacturing company and gave several of the revolvers as gifts. The most famous of these was given to Stonewall Jackson in 1862 based on newspaper accounts, though its current whereabouts or SN are unknown. In The Confederate LeMat Revolver by Doug Adams, on pg. 37 referring to this pistol offered: “Serial number eight deserves special mention. It is one of the finest surviving First Models known. It was also Beauregard’s original pistol, which, in his haste to return to Charleston, South Carolina, he left it at the home of Thomas Henderson in 1862. Family correspondence indicates that rather than retrieve the pistol, he simply made it a gift to his long-time friend.” This extraordinary pistol is accompanied by the finest known LeMat holster. PROVENANCE: General P.G.T. Beauregard; Thomas Henderson, Savannah Volunteer Guards, 1862; Thomas Hunter Henderson; Lindsey P. Henderson Jr.; Pictured on pg. 360 of “Civil War Guns” by William Edwards, 1962; Displayed at the National NRA Centennial Show and won an NRA Silver Medal for being one of the 10 best guns at the show, 1976; John Sexton, Stone Mountain Relics, May 2, 1988; R.E. Neville, January 1993; Don & Kathlee Bryan Collection, December 1993; Pictured on pgs 110-111 “Arming the Glorious Cause” by Whisker, Hartzler & Yantz 1998; Pictured on pg. 39, “The Confederate LeMat Revolver”, by Doug Adams, 2005. CONDITION: Gun is extremely fine, retaining over 95% of its original bright blue finish with slight reductions on top of bbl with scattered staining and some scattered areas of pitting. Externally, SNs can be found on bbl, loading assembly, cyl and frame. Grips are well fit showing raised grain and sharp diamond point detail. Rifled bore and cyl chambers retain much of their original blue finish. Gun is possibly un-fired as the bores are so crisp and bright. Shotgun cyl that is typically stated in the literature to be finished bright is overall mottled plum/silver with large portions of sky blue color in protected areas, showing at least on early shotgun barrels, they were blued. The accompanying holster is also extremely fine and the best LeMat holster to surface, overall supple with light craquelure, sewn edge has several chips with reinforced glove leather lining which is dry and cracking at folds. The 9 LeMat cartridges are finely made facsimiles for display. 50122-16 JS (200,000-300,000) – Lot 2198 | Click here to view provenance |
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2287
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$0.00 |
SUPERB AND EXTREMELY RARE IVORY DECORATED GERMAN FLINTLOCK HOLSTER PISTOL STOCKED BY THE GREAT 17th CENTURY MASTER CARVER JOHANN MICHAEL MAUCHER OF SWABISCHE-GMUND CIRCA 1680.SN NSN. Cal. 28 bore. This magnificent work of art flintlock holster pistol features a two-stage barrel with plain tang, a ringed muzzle, and a breech with longitudinal ribs. The convex shaped lock plate is finely engraved with scrolling foliage. The steel triggerguard is fluted, as is the baluster steel ramrod pipe. Contrasting with the relatively austere yet elegant metal of the lock and barrel is the splendid dark walnut stock, which is masterfully carved in high relief, almost in the round, in the style identified as uniquely Maucher’s, transforming a firearm into a work of art. The relief carving depicts a triton and a mermaid. The butt is carved with fruit, berries, and foliage and a mounted horseman dressed in 17th century costume blowing a trumpet. The fore-stock and sideplate are inset with the wonderfully relief carved ivory plaques that are Maucher’s signature work and depict scrolls and scenes of the chase taken from the engraved designs of Jost Amman, the famous 16th century German artist. The spurred ivory pommel is carved in the round as a warrior’s head after the Roman antique in the style known as ‘all’antica’ above a band of medallions and grotesque masks. The helmet itself is adorned on each side of the bowl with a double-headed eagle surmounted by a crown. Pistol is 18 and ¼ inches overall (46.4cm) PROVENANCE: Metropolitan Museum Curator Emeritus, Stuart W. Phyrr has identified this pistol as being one of a pair, the mate to it being in the Odescalchi Collection in Rome and mentioned in an exhibition catalog. The Italian government was unsuccessful in acquiring it in 2002. Johann Michael Maucher worked in Schwabisch-Gmund until 1688 when he moved to Augsburg. Maucher presented a decorated gun to Emperor Leopold I in 1688. Altogether there are approximately 30 known Maucher firearms, nearly all in museums, almost all rifles, with the largest group in the Bavarian National Museum in Munich. There are two rifles in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. There are only three Maucher pistols in America, a pair formerly in the Joseph Kindig Jr. Collection, now in the Herbert G. Ratner Jr. Collection and the present pistol. Maucher firearms were created as princely gifts for a royal Kuntskammer (art chamber). Given that the United States has banned the importation of all ivory including antiques, this is almost certainly the only opportunity for a collector or institution to acquire an ivory decorated Johann Michael Maucher firearm. There have been two other ivory Maucher guns at auction, both sold by Christie’s. A rifle from the armoury of Schloss Dyck sold in April of 1992 as lot 169 for 137,500 pounds and another from Albert von Rothschild sold on July 8th 1999 as lot 84 for 106,000 pounds. This is undoubtedly the most artistically significant single flintlock pistol to be offered at auction in decades and represents a rare if not unique chance to acquire the rarest and 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 the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Steel surfaces are cleaned with no original finish. Engraving remains quite crisp for its age. Wood stock and carving remain very crisp overall, with no significant repairs and excellent detail. The “certifiable antique elephant ivory” plaques are excellent and the magnificent ivory pommel is pristine. The pistol even retains the original iron tipped ramrod. Note that in Christie’s description of 16 December 2002 mention is made of one panel as a possible replacement “(one later?)”. Neither Christie’s expert nor we are certain, though if one panel is later it was replaced during the period and no doubt certifiable as antique elephant ivory. 49867-2 IVORY (60,000-80,000) – Lot 2287 | Click here to view provenance |
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2288
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$0.00 |
VERY RARE AND MAGNIFICENT GERMAN WHEELOCK RIFLE WITH FULLY CARVED STOCK BY GEORG MAUCHER THE ELDER OR HIS SON GEORG THE YOUNGER OF SCHWABISCH-GMUND CIRCA 1650, EX-COLLECTION WILLIAM SIMON, US SECRETARY OF TREASURY.SN NSN. This fabulously carved wheelock is convincingly attributed as an autograph work to one of the two Mauchers by Dr. Stuart W. Phyrr, Emeritus Curator of Arms and Armor at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Dr. Phyrr states in a letter dated August 1, 2000: “Although the rifle is not signed, I think it is safe to assign the carving of the stock to Georg Maucher or his son Georg.” The heavy rifled octagonal barrel is relatively plain. The flat lock has a wheel cover engraved with two female figures and the hammer is engraved with a warrior’s face surmounting a serpent. A pierced lever actuated the hair trigger. The iron triggerguard is decorated with light but well executed engraving. Maucher rifles all have relatively plain metalwork so as not to compete with the artistic glories of the carved wooden stocks and polished bone panels. The stock on the rifle is superbly carved throughout its length and the coverage is so extensive that it takes up more than 95% of its surface. The fore-end is carved with scenes of the hunt and animals engaged in chasing other animals. The area forward of the lock is carved with a nude female figure, likely Diana, Goddess of the Hunt. A monster head adorns the ramrod channel and a large man’s head is carved below the lock. The underside of the stock is carved with foliage ending in a large hare. The sideplate area depicts an extensive scene in which a hunter in 17th century costume is piercing a stag beset by three hounds. The patchbox depicts a sylvan scene in which a woman holds a lyre playing to a boar, a horse, a stag, a unicorn, an elephant, a lion, a rabbit, a dog, a doe, and a bull. The upper edge of the stock features foliage and the hunt while the cheekpiece is carved with a woodland scene in which a crowned king sits in a chariot drawn by two horses. He holds a globe (orb) in his left hand and a scepter in his right, the classic posture of a European monarch. The inside edge of the cheekpiece is carved with a boar being attacked by three hounds while a hunted holds a boarspear. This rifle is likely the forth in a series of Maucher masterpieces made for European Royalty with allegorical representations of the Four Continents: Africa in Vienna, America in Dresden, and Asia in the Metropolitan Museum. The crowned monarch in this rifle represents Europe (Europa). Being the previously undiscovered rifle in such an important series, which was obviously a royal commission, makes this Maucher masterpiece more than a supreme work of art by of one of history’s finest woodcarvers. This rifle is a true treasure firearm and represents as does the Maucher flintlock pistol, a rare if not unique opportunity for the collector or institution to acquire one of the finest examples of the gunmaker’s art. PROVENANCE: William Simon Collection; Eric Vaule Collection; Lot 568A James D. Julia Auctions, October 10, 2000. CONDITION: The rifle is original and in fine condition throughout. The barrel and lock have been cleaned to natural steel color in the European tradition leaving the slightest traces of fine pitting. There are a few extremely minor imperfections in the carving and slight chipping in the ramrod channel. A small wood sliver on the left side of the barrel near the for-end is a replacement. The polished bone forend tip itself has its 1/2″ top section replaced area on the left side of of less patinaed bone carved to match. There is a professionally restored break between on bottom of gun running about 6″ on flat panel in same plane of lockspring tapering on either side terminating where ramrod enters stock; this professional conservation occurred about 20 years ago when gun fell from display when in Secretary Simon’s Collection. Regardless, overall the Maucher Europa rifle is in a remarkable state of preservation. 49867-1 (60,000-80,000) – Lot 2288 | Click here to view provenance |
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2289
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$31,625.00 |
MAGNIFICENT HIGHLY DECORATED 1601 SAXON WHEELOCK PISTOL IN FINE ORIGINAL CONDITION.SN NSN. Most unusual long bbld military pistol with “pineapple-shaped” pommel. Ball pommel pistols of this genre are much more common and this is no doubt a rare variation, once in the collection of Randolph Hearst. This gun exhibits fine black lacquered textured wood with carved borders with 16 large scrimshawed bone insets which show figures of monstrous animals and human figures. The metal is chisel engraved with a gryphon on the lock, floral and arabesque relief designs on breech, trigger guard, cock mechanism and 7″ fluted & ribbed bbl section forward of breech. Flared muzzle also has engraved designs. The brass and gilted pan cover is engraved with floral and birds. Breech is dated 1601 with initials “H S” which most likely represents the maker. This gun is truly fine, complete and original and better examples are not seen in institutional collections. PROVENANCE: Randolph Hearst Estate; Hammer Galleries, New York, 1930; Private Collection, 1941; CONDITION: 29-1/4″ overall, 18-1/2″ bbl, 3lbs 14oz. Iron overall is gray smooth patina with darker plum colors in protected areas of engraving, scattered areas of staining and light pin prick pitting. Stock is sound, retaining most of its dark color, well fit with several small chips that do not effect aesthetics at ramrod channel, and a hairline crack about 1/2″ long below brass pan cover spreading forward about 2″. There are minor chips and cracks in bone insets, but all are original and complete with exception of the left breech tang inset piece which has human figure and has at least one 1/4″ chip restored. Mechanically gun appears functional with no missing parts with a fairly clean smooth well defined bore with visible original tool marks. Two original descriptions with Randolph Hearst inventory numbers accompanying on Hammer Galleries stationary. 50169-1 JS (25,000-35,000) – Lot 2289 | Click here to view provenance |
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2291
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$189,750.00 |
*TRULY EXCEPTIONAL PAIR OF .410 PURDEY “GOLDEN AGE” EXTRA FINISH BY KELL GAME GUNS WITH CASE, QUITE POSSIBLY THE FINEST SMALL BORE PRE-WAR GUNS IN EXISTENCE.SN 25411/25412. (ca 1937) Cal. .410. 3″ Chambers. 26″ Chopper lump bbls with slightly swamped, narrow, matted ribs, are engraved “J. Purdey & Sons.” “Audley House. South Audley Street. London. England.” on tops. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 3″ chambers and 9/16 oz of shot. Bottoms of bbls are stamped “CHOKE” and with SNs. Bbl makers initials “SS” (Sam Simons) are on left bbls. Bottoms of rear lumps are engraved “1” and “2”. Tube numbers “1752” and “1753” are on gun “1”, “1754” and “1755” on gun “2”. Guns were built as a pair, with “1” and “2” engraved on top levers, and on forend irons. Case hardened actions are specially scaled down to accommodate .410 cartridge, with action bars 1.53″ wide and .885″ deep. Firing pins are .848 center to center. Breeches are 1.73″ wide. The scaling down of the Beesley patent self-opening sidelock action is a challenging task, as it’s difficult to accommodate its rather complicated mechanism in small scale. Shorter springs and smaller hammers must do all the work required to ignite the same primer as a 12 bore. Ejector springs need the strength to clear a small, long, fired cartridge. The first of these actions was made by famed Purdey craftsman, Harry Lawrence, ca. 1928. The small actions on this pair of guns, made around 1937, feature side clips (an unusual feature for a .410), automatic safeties (SAFE inlaid in gold), bushed strikers, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and dbl triggers. Actions and lockplates are engraved and carved in a pattern often used by Purdey’s before WWII as “extra finish”. This pattern is so highly regarded that Purdey’s recently used it on the side by side shotgun made as one of their “Bicentennial guns”. On this pair of .410’s, the engraving consists of over 90% coverage exceptionally well cut small scroll with rose bouquet highlights surrounding oval vignettes of game birds, with snipe on left lockplate, and ducks on right. A pair of geese are on bottom front of action, with herons flanking trigger plate mortise. Fences are beautifully carved in full relief scrolling acanthus with floral central whorls. “J. Purdey & Sons” is in small open field on each lockplate. This exceptional engraving is undoubtedly by the revered Harry Kell, one of the top London engravers to the trade. Top levers are blued, and also scroll engraved. Blued trigger guards are engraved with a pair of ducks on bows, and with SNs on tang, which extend to small horn grip caps. Very fine, nicely matched, well marbled, and lightly figured European walnut capped semi-pistol grip buttstocks measure 14-3/4″ over checkered wood butts, and feature classic drop points, point pattern checkering at grips, and gold ovals on toe lines engraved “W. P. I”. Matching splinter ejector forends have Anson releases. Irons are stamped with SNs, and with actioners initials: gun no. “1” with “MT” (Maurice Timbers), and gun “2” with “FW” (Fred Williams). (Both long time Purdey actioners.) Gun no. “1”: Bore diameter at muzzles: left – .384 (full ?), right -.390 (mod?). Wall thickness: left -.030, right -.033. Drop at heel: 2-1/2″, drop at comb: 1-1/2″. Weight: 5 lbs. 3 oz. LOP: 14-3/4″. Gun no. “2”: Bore diameter at muzzles: left – .495 (mod ?), right -.495 (mod ?). Wall thickness: left -.033, right -.032. Drop at heel: 2-1/2″, drop at comb: 1-1/2″. Weight: 5 lbs. 2 oz. LOP: 14-3/4″. Orig makers oak and leather two gun case with brass corners and round central medallion, is embossed “W. P. I.” on top (matching initials on stock ovals). Interior is lined in burgundy cloth, and has gold embossed black leather Purdey label in lid, along with charge card for these guns. Case contains striker key with ebonized handle, long half of 2-pc brass and ebony cleaning rod (short handle missing) with turks head, mop, jag and brush, two pairs of snap caps, Purdey marked square oil bottle, bone striker bottle containing a pair of strikers, red morocco leather case containing action cleaning brushes, and 1911 edition of Purdey instruction booklet. PROVENANCE: Griffin & Howe research with orig specifications and copy of ledger page where the guns were entered into inventory on Dec 14, 1937, and shipped directly to customer, Walker P. Inman. Brief info about Mr. Inman. CONDITION: Excellent. Bbls retain nearly all of their orig factory blue, with only a hint of silvering on sharp edges, mostly along ribs. Actions retain approx 90% of their orig case hardening colors, pleasingly silvered on beads and sides of fences. Lockplates retain essentially all of their fine color hardening. Hinge pins retain most of their orig fire blue, as do tumbler ends. Top levers retain over 95% of their orig bright charcoal blue, slightly silvered on thumbpieces. Trigger guards retain essentially all of what is most likely an exceptional quality restored charcoal blue, engraving remains sharp and clear. Replacement buttstocks retain essentially all of their fine hand rubbed oil finish, checkering has very slight wear. (Guns are accompanied by their orig stocks which have been epoxy bedded in action area to use as templates for present stocks. Present stocks match shaping and styling of originals exceptionally well, the major difference is that new stocks have longer LOP.) Orig stocks are good, retaining nearly all of their orig finish and checkered wood butts (approx LOP 14-1/4″). Gold oval removed from one stock. Forends were refinished at time of re-stocking to match color of new buttstocks. Bores are excellent. Mechanically crisp. Case leather is excellent, still light in color, with a few scratches and rubs. Orig handle is very fine. Interior cloth is good, with some rubs and considerable insect damage in small patches, mostly on partitions. Case was stored in a relatively damp environment, separate from guns, for many years. Accessories are excellent. Top of striker bottle is cracked. After searching factory records, Ronald Gabriel in AMERICAN & BRITISH 410 SHOTGUNS relates that “Purdey built a total of six” (Best 410 shotguns) “before World War II; and another 18 after WWII up until 1982”. A unique opportunity to acquire an unprecedented, investment quality pair of small bore Purdeys. 50031-1 MGM57 (150,000-250,000) – Lot 2291 | Click here to view provenance |
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2309
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$92,000.00 |
*MAGNIFICENT PAIR OF EXCEPTIONALLY RARE BOSS SIDE LEVER HAMMER EJECTOR GAME GUNS WITH CASE; LOVINGLY RESTORED WITH NEW LONDON MADE BARRELS AND EXCEPTIONAL STOCKS BY DAVID TREVALLION.SN 4089/ 4090. Cal. 12 ga. 2-3/4″ Chambers. 30″ Chopper lump bbls are engraved “Boss & Co 73, St. James’s Street, London.” on slightly swamped, concave game ribs. “1” and “2” are gold inlaid on engraved breech ends, as well as on tops of actions, and engraved on forend irons. Bbl flats are stamped with year 2000 London nitro proofs, and SNs are stamped on bottoms of bbls in large Boss style numbers. Guns are accompanied by bbl sets they “wore” when found; Gun “1” with newer 30″ dovetailed Boss bbls no. “5307”, with orig London nitro proofs for 2-1/2″ chambers (currently in proof). Gun “2” has 28″ dovetailed bbls with a variety of proofs, including London nitro proofs and Birmingham re-proofs for 2-3/4″ chambers. These bbls are engraved “Boss & Co” and “London” on tops, and are stamped “BOSS” either side of front lump on flats, and with small numbers “5307” on bottoms of bbls. Case hardened actions with typical Purdey bolts operated by side levers, are fitted with rebounding bar locks having round bodied, serpentine hammers with tall spurs. (Most Boss hammer guns have back locks.) This is the third pair of hammer ejector guns built by Boss, and feature Holland & Robertson type ejectors (as used until the highly regarded Boss ejector system was patented in 1897). Action and lockplates are engraved with near full coverage exceptionally well cut, medium to small scroll within geometric and small scroll borders. “Boss & Co” is on riband at front portion of each lockplate. Blued side levers and trigger guards are also scroll engraved. SNs are at grips. Wonderfully matched and exceptionally well marbled and lightly figured European walnut straight grip buttstocks measure 15-1/8″ over checkered wood butts with engraved steel heel and toe plates. Well carved drop points are behind locks. Flat top point pattern checkering with mullered borders is at grips. Vacant gold ovals are on toe line. Splinter ejector forends have Anson releases. Gun no. “1” New bbls: Bore diameter: left -.726, right – .726. Bore restrictions: left – .027 (IMod), right – .011 (IC). Wall thickness: left – .033, right – .034. Drop at heel: 2-1/16″, drop at comb: 1-7/16″. Weight: 7 lbs. 0 oz. LOP: 15-1/8″. Gun “1” Older bbls: Bore diameter: left -.733, right – .734. Bore restrictions: left – .021 (Mod), right – .009 (IC). Wall thickness: left – .020, right – .019. Drop at heel: 2-1/16″, drop at comb: 1-7/16″. Weight: 6 lbs. 13 oz. LOP: 15-1/8″. Gun no. “2” new bbls: Bore diameter: left -.726, right – .726. Bore restrictions: left – .024 (mod), right – .011 (IC). Wall thickness: left – .033, right – .034. Drop at heel: 2-1/16″, drop at comb: 1-7/16″. Weight: 7 lbs. 0 oz. LOP: 15-1/8″. Gun “2” Older 28″ bbls: Bore diameter: left -.729, right – .729. Bore restrictions: left – .008 (IC), right – .004 (IC). Wall thickness: left – .030, right – .032. Drop at heel: 2″, drop at comb: 1-3/8″. Weight: 7 lbs. 0 oz. LOP: 15-1/8″. Boss oak and leather case with brass corners and circular central medallion is lined in scarlet cloth, and has large paper Boss 13 Dover Street label in lid. Case has been partially fitted for these guns. Case contains a work order from Boot Hill Case Company for the refitting and restoration of this case, with notes by Harley Parlin, owner, now deceased, as well as paper templates. PROVENANCE: Barely legible copy of “build sheet” stating guns were ordered 1890 (?) and made for Lord Loughborough (?) Consignors notes concerning restoration work and craftsmen involved. Boot Hill Case Co work order. CONDITION: Excellent, as refurbished, without re-hardening actions. All bbl sets retain essentially all of a fine London blue. New bbls were made by Mick Kelly, previously with Purdeys. Older bbls were put in “top knick” at the same time. Actions and locks retain traces of orig case hardening color where protected, and are now mostly a very pleasing pewter gray. Engraving remains excellent. Other parts, side levers, trigger guards, pins, etc. have engraving picked up by ex-Purdey engraver, Barry Lee Hands, and retain essentially all of their newly applied charcoal blue. New buttstocks and forends are perfectly executed by ex-Purdey stocker, David Trevallion, with his signature “DT” stamp in trigger guard tang inletting. Stocks have only the lightest of minor handling marks, checkering still light in color. All bores are excellent. Older bbls of gun “1” have very slight striations toward breech ends. Actions are tight. All bbls are on face. (New hinge pins) Ejectors are strong and in time. Case leather is dark with a number of scuffs, rubs, and marks. Straps are missing. Old handle is good. Interior cloth is very fine with some compressions and rubs. Partitions are in the process of being reworked, and are mostly intact, with smaller bits in covered compartment. A truly great pair of Boss hammer ejectors. 50237-1, 50237/2, MGM281 (70,000-90,000) – Lot 2309 | Click here to view provenance |
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2310
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$51,750.00 |
*EARLY BOSS OVER-UNDER HEAVY GAME/ PIGEON GUN WITH EXTRA BARRELS AND CASE.SN 6054. (1912) Cal. 12 ga. 2-3/4″ Chambers. Both sets of 30″ demi-bloc bbls are fitted with broad, flat, matted, solid ribs. One set is original to gun, and the other was made by Boss in 2011. The early bbls are marked with Dover Street address, and have early London nitro proofs for 1-1/4 oz of shot. The newer bbls are marked “70MM” and only “Boss & Co London”. These bbls also have an inlaid gold star at breech ends. Both sets have rib extension, and are stamped with SNs on bottom bbls. O/U action incorporates all the features of the then new Boss “vertical gun” including single trigger. It is engraved with patent no. 3307.1909 on each side of action, referring to the action itself, with patent no. 3308.1909 referring to the ejector. Trigger plate is engraved with single trigger patent number. Action also features non-automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), rising bite third fastener, and gold band tumbler end cocking indicators. Action and lockplates are engraved with classic Boss house pattern rose and scroll, with “Boss & Co” in ribands on each lockplate. This fine engraving is as completed by noted London engraver, Jack Sumner, and orig handwritten engraving instructions for this gun are included. Blued top lever and small bow single beaded trigger guard are also scroll engraved. SN is at grip. Nicely marbled and figured European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-3/16″ over black leather covered pad over 1/4″ black spacer. Stock features standard drop points and checkering, and has a gold oval on toe line engraved “G. D. B. B.” Matching ejector one piece forend has Anson release. Original BBLS: Bore diameter: top -.731, bottom – .734. Bore restrictions: top – .034 (full), bottom – .037 (full). Wall thickness: top – .022, bottom – .021. Drop at heel: 2-7/8″, drop at comb: 1-3/4″. Weight: 7 lbs. 6 oz. LOP: 14-3/16″. Newer BBLS: Bore diameter: top -.726, bottom – .726. Bore restrictions: top – .006 (IC), bottom – .021 (Mod). Wall thickness: top – .038, bottom – .039. Drop at heel: 2-7/8″, drop at comb: 1-3/4″. Weight: 7 lbs. 12 oz. LOP: 14-3/16″. High quality oak and leather case with brass corners and circular central brass medallion is lined in scarlet cloth. A large paper Boss Dover Street label and instruction label, are in lid. Case is nicely fitted for gun and both sets of bbls, as well as for old 2-pc brass and ebony cleaning rod with short handle, bone backed dusting brush, bone striker case with two sets of strikers, and Boss marked round oil bottle. New accessories include horn handled chamber brush, two horn handled Boss marked turnscrews, and four Boss marked snap caps. PROVENANCE: Boss Pattern averages for new bbls with cover letter. Copy of orig ledger page indicating gun was built for G. D. B Bonbright of Rochester, NY ordered in 1911. Previously mentioned note from Mr. Sumner to John Robertson of Boss regarding engraving, and stating that this gun originally had two sets of bbls. Invoice from Hodgins for work performed. Gun Report for Boss 6054 indicating that it needed work. Consignors notes. Lifelong Collection of Gentleman Collector Herbert Hyatt. CONDITION: Good. Older bbls retain nearly all of a nicely done re-blue with some marks and scratches, and thinning at muzzles. There is a fairly deep nick on right side of rib toward rear. Gold star bbls retain essentially all of their factory finish. Action retains traces of orig case hardening color where protected, but is mostly a pleasing pewter gray. Engraving is sharp and clear. Top lever and trigger guard retain approx 90% of an old re-blue. Top lever is silvered at thumbpiece, and trigger guard on bead, thinning at grip. Stocks retain most of an old oil refinish over a number of marks and dents, edges slightly rounded. Checkering is slightly worn and dirty. Bores are excellent. Orig bbls are quite loose, and off face, but most likely can be repaired with judicious micro-welding and refitting. These bbls are also missing their extractor retaining screws. New made bbls fit flawlessly, as would be expected from this fine maker. Ejectors are strong and in time. Trigger works. Relatively new case leather is excellent with some light marks and rubs. Straps and handle are very fine. Interior cloth is excellent. Old labels are considerably foxed, somewhat tattered, with a few rubs. Old accessories are fine. Other accessories are “as new”. A lovely old Boss. 49896-2 MGM47 (50,000-80,000) – Lot 2310 | Click here to view provenance |
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2355
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$149,500.00 |
EXCEPTIONALLY FINE GOLD INLAID TEN BORE HOLLAND & HOLLAND HAMMER RIFLE MADE FOR THE NIZAM OF HYDERABAD WITH ORIGINAL CASE AND SPECTACULAR NEW DISPLAY CASE WITH IVORY ACCESSORIES.SN 8243. (1876) Cal. 10 bore. (.780 groove diameter, 9 groove Enfield type rifling) 3-1/4″ Chambers. This truly exceptional rifle, made by Holland & Holland for the Nizam of Hyderabad in 1876, was sold to the consignor by Holland & Holland in December 1982. This rifle, in its orig case, is pictured on page 158 of THE SHOOTING FIELD, 150 YEARS WITH HOLLAND & HOLLAND. This rifle is complete with the Nizam’s crest on large gold oval on toe line, and with rack number “6” inlet in silver and stamped on left side of stock near butt. It has 24″ dovetailed steel bbls with dolls head extension. Bbls are gold inlaid “Holland & Holland. 98. New Bond Street. London.” on rear portion of full length slightly swamped top rib. A single standing leaf express rear sight marked for 50 yards is dovetailed through rib. A silver bead front sight with flip-up porcelain night bead, is longitudinally dovetailed into front portion of rib. Breech portions are exquisitely gold inlaid with large flowing scrolls of gold wire with foliate terminations. Muzzles are engraved with acanthus bands. Bbl flats are stamped with London black powder proofs for 12 bore. SNs are stamped on bottoms of bbls, and a wide sling loop is soldered to bottom rib. Robust, case hardened, Jones underlever, round bodied action has top strap which extends over comb in the classic H&H “best” manner. Peninsula back action back locks are fitted with flat faced rebounding serpentine hammers. Front trigger is “loose” to move forward when firing rear trigger. The most striking feature of the embellishment of this rifle is the exceptionally well done flush gold inlay of thin attenuated scroll with foliate highlights within thin gold line borders with geometric flourishes. This gold work is on all metal parts, and is enhanced by a background of very well cut small open scroll engraving. “HOLLAND & HOLLAND” is in gold on rectangular device on both lockplates. SN is in gold on trigger guard tang, which extends to matching steel grip cap. Very fine, dark and dense, heavily marbled and lightly figured European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 13-15/16″ over old Silver pad with small widow’s peak. Stock features classic shadow line right hand cheekpiece and flat top point pattern checkering at grip. The aforementioned rack number is on left side at butt. The Nizam’s crest (initial monogram under shield type device with Arabic inscription under a rampant tiger. All over a ribbon with Arabic inscription) is in large gold oval on toe line. Matching short splinter forend attaches to bbls with forward pivoting bolt. Drop at heel: approx 3-1/4″, drop at comb: approx 2″. Weight: 13 lbs. 2 oz. LOP: 13-15/16″. Orig oak and leather case with silver plated brass corners and central medallion is raised enameled with the Nizam’s initials and “10 BORE” on lid. An old label is inscribed in Arabic. Another paper H&H inventory label is on right side of top, and is marked with this rifle’s SN, caliber and “Stock”. Interior is lined in royal blue velvet, and has deeply embossed dark morocco leather Holland & Holland New Bond Street label with sovereign’s crown (a scarce label only used during the 1880’s), in lid. Case is semi-french fitted for rifle and a number of old accessories, including horn handled H&H marked turnscrew, ebony handled striker key which does not quite fit this rifle, Hawksley marked round pewter oil bottle, hollow pointing pin with rosewood handle, 12 bore broken case extractor, horn striker bottle with strikers, walnut handled crimping tool, horn handled German silver powder dipper marked “9 Drs”, and a rosewood wad rammer. Covered compartment holds some cleaning equipment, and a boxwood striker bottle contains spare front sight, spring loaded strikers, and nipples (bottom is marked with SN 3821). There is also a paper label marked in Arabic, as well as some wads. Newly made oak and ostrich leather case for this rifle has shaped brass corners. Leather is russet brown and is quite striking in that it appears the whole back skin of an ostrich was used in its construction, with dramatic heavy feather follicle patterning. Interior is lined in black velvet, and has gold embossed black leather H&H label in lid. Case is semi french fitted for a fine array of old and new tools and accessories, most with new ivory handles. This “certifiable pre-ban ivory” was supplied by the consignor and sourced from a large African elephant trophy tusk legally harvested by the consignor in 1980. Ivory handled tools consist of set of three large turnscrews, large H&H marked brass powder dipper, striker key, wad rammer, pair of small turnscrews, 3-pc brass cleaning rod, large vaseline jar (?), patchbox, dusting brush, hollow pointing tool, and striker bottle with spare strikers. Other accessories include H&H marked round plated oil bottle, another small pewter oil bottle, pair of brass snap caps, wad punch, mainspring vice, brass broken case extractor, two brass molds (one for Paradox type bullet, and the other for a conical bullet), and brass 12 bore bullet fixer. A covered compartment holds a pull through cleaning brush. PROVENANCE: Copy of ledger page for this rifle indicating it was gold inlaid and confirming other specifications, and also indicating it went to Rogers Rock Co, (agent for the Nizam). H&H correspondence and invoice regarding the 1982 sale of this rifle by H&H to consignor. Also letter from treasury declaring rifle an “antique”. 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 the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Excellent, near new, perhaps lightly freshened by factory. Bbls retain essentially all factory blue, with a few light marks, and some scratches. Action and lockplates retain nearly all of their fine factory most likely orig case hardening color, somewhat faded on opening lever and top strap. Orig blue of trigger guard has some minor flaking on bow, and considerable silvering at grip. Stocks retain nearly all of what appears to be an old factory freshened oil finish, checkering a bit thin either side of top strap. A small chip is missing from left top rear of forend. Bores are excellent, bright sharp and shiny rifling throughout. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Locks are crisp. Orig case leather is still light in color, with a number of darker stains, and a myriad of light and heavy scuffs, marks, and rubs. Corners and medallion are beginning to show brass. Black of lettering wearing through to show white enamel. Orig handle is good, but a bit tender. Interior velvet has a number of rubs, marks, and compressions, with some areas rubbed through, mostly from contact with heavy bbls and action. Label is very fine. Accessories are good, somewhat tarnished. New case is excellent, with only a few light marks in exterior leather. Straps and handle are excellent. Interior cloth is also excellent, with only minor compressions. Nearly all ivory is also excellent, with few noted checks. Early accessories including molds, have been polished over a number of marks and dings. This rifle balances and handles very well. A superb specially made big bore, and a unique investment opportunity. 49958-15 MGM73 IVORY (65,000-95,000) – Lot 2355 | Click here to view provenance |
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2375
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$40,250.00 |
*EXCEPTIONAL, SPECIAL ORDER HOLLAND & HOLLAND “ROYAL DELUXE” DOUBLE RIFLE WITH CASE.SN 35432. (ca 1968) Cal. .458 Winchester Magnum. This is the first .458 magnum rifle made by Holland & Holland, and it was made for John H. Batten, a Holland & Holland director at the time. It has 24″ chopper lump bbls fitted with classically filed, matted, quarter rib, sighted with one standing, two folding leaf express rear, and gold bead front in ramp base with flip-over “moon” bead. Tops of bbls are engraved “Holland & Holland” “13 Bruton Street, London.” Caliber is engraved on mid rib. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for .458 at 2.5″ and 22 tons. Bottom rib is engraved “Made in England” where covered by forend, and “The Royal” in front of soldered on sling eye. French greyed Royal sidelock action with top strap extending over comb, and reinforcing bolsters, features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), hidden third fastener, bushed strikers, gold band tumbler end cocking indicators, hand detachable Brazier locks, and dbl triggers (front articulated). Action is engraved with near full coverage exceptionally fine varying sized shaded open scroll surrounding exceptional scenes of cape buffalo and elephant. These well detailed animals are modeled after etchings in “MEINE TIERE” by Wilhelm Kuhnert, orig published in 1925. A cape buffalo stands in open mopane woodlands on left lockplate, with flat top mountain in background, and an elephant is running across opening with sinilar background on right lock. A trumpeting elephant, head raised, front feet off the ground, is on bottom of action. “Holland & Holland” is on double ended pennants on each reinforcing bolster. (No engravers signature found) Blued and scroll engraved single beaded trigger guard has SN on tang, which extends to steel grip cap with trap, which is engraved to match action. Trap cover is engraved with charging rhinoceros. Beautifully marbled, dark and dense European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-7/8″ over russet brown leather covered pad, and features classic right hand H&H style shadow line cheekpiece, point pattern checkering, and drop points. A sling eye matching that on bbl is on toe line, along with individual inlet gold initials “J H B”. Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release. Drop at heel: approx 2-15/16″, drop at comb: approx 1-3/4″. Weight: 10 lbs. 1 oz. LOP: 14-7/8″. Original makers green canvas case with brass corners and leather trim, is embossed “JOHN H. BATTEN” “3030, MICHIGAN BLVD.” “RACINE, WISCONSIN.” “U.S.A.” Interior is lined in green cloth, and has gold embossed H&H label in lid. Case contains 2-pc yellow plastic coated cleaning rod, with mops, brushes, and pull-through in black morocco wallet, H&H marked round oil bottle, horn handled striker key, small horn handled turnscrew, horn striker case with spare strikers, and a pair of snap caps. Also included is a tooled leather “Cobra” type carrying sling and a cartridge belt with space for four cartridges. PROVENANCE: Factory correspondence dated Aug 1968 stating that this is the first H&H dbl rifle made in .458, and confirming engraving choices, and thanks for a letter of appreciation. Another letter dated 1983 stating that by this time H&H had made 49 .458 rifles. CONDITION: Excellent, showing evidence of limited field use, perhaps one safari. Bbls retain approx 90% orig blue with high edge wear and some silvering on sides at muzzles, and at normal position and balance point toward action. Action retains nearly all of its orig French grey finish, silvered on top strap, and on action beads. Stocks have a number of light marks and scratches in their orig hand rubbed oil finish, checkering lightly worn, with some deep dents in checkering at bottom of forend. Leather of pad is scuffed, considerably at heel, and slightly at toe. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Bbls are a touch off face (jointed on circle ?). Ejectors are strong and in time. Case is good, with some scuffs and rubs (some through), in canvas. Some leather trim renewed. Straps and handle are good. Interior cloth is fine with some rubs and soiling. Partitions are good. Accessories are fine. A nicely balanced fast handling double in a caliber readily found throughout the hunting grounds of Africa. 50242-1 MGM275 (40,000-60,000) – Lot 2375 | Click here to view provenance |
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2381
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$74,750.00 |
*VERY RARE (ONE OF 37) .600 NITRO EXPRESS W. J. JEFFERY GRADE 1 UNDERLEVER EJECTOR DOUBLE RIFLE WITH CASE AND AMMUNITION.SN 12175. Cal. .600 NE. 24″ Chopper lump bbls with square shouldered dolls head extension are engraved “W. J. Jeffery & Co” and “13. King Street St. James’s. London” on tops. Bbls are fitted with matted quarter rib holding one standing, two folding leaf express rear sight, with standing leaf marked for 50, and leaves for 100 and 200 yards. Central portion is also matted. Stippled front ramp holds longitudinally dovetailed silver bead front sight. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for .600 express, for 100 grains of cordite, and 900 grain bullet. Bottoms of bbls are stamped with Krupp steel logos and information. A sling eye is screwed into bottom rib. Robust, case hardened, push forward underlever action features automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold), bushed strikers, and dbl triggers. Action is engraved with 80% coverage well cut large shaded scroll. “W. J. Jeffery” is on each side. Scroll engraved floorplate is blued, as are underlever and trigger guard. SN is engraved on tang which extends to steel grip cap. Nicely marbled and figured, dense, European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-3/4″ over Silver type pad, and features drop points, point pattern checkering with mullered borders at grip, and a sling eye, matching that on bbl, as well as a vacant silver oval, on toe line. Matching splinter forend fitted with Southgate ejector, has forward pivoting release. Drop at heel: approx 2-5/8″, drop at comb: approx 1-3/4″. Weight: 15 lbs. 0 oz. LOP: 14-3/4″. Old oak and leather case with brass corners, and circular central medallion, is embossed with “D” surmounted by a baronet’s crown. Lower left is embossed “4”. Interior is lined with scarlet cloth, and has W. J. Jeffery label in lid. Case contains 3-pc brass cleaning rod with ebony handle, three turnscrews (one with ebony handle, and two with ebonized handle), scroll engraved broken case extractor, new rectangular pewter oil bottle, old round oil bottle marked Hawksley, boxwood striker case, small round oil bottle, pair of snap caps, ebony handled dusting brush, and ivory handled dusting brush. Covered compartment has cleaning brushes in black leather wallet. Another compartment holds rifle sling with Supergrade type swivels. Also included are two 5-round boxes of Kynoch solids. PROVENANCE: Thad Scott invoice. H&H correspondence regarding another Jeffery rifle no. 11800. This rifle is listed in THE .600 NITRO EXPRESS by Cal Pappas, and Jeffery records indicate that it was completed by Saunders, 8 Feb 1902, and says it has a Baker ejector. This is definitely the same gun, however the ejectors are of Southgate type. 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 the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Excellent, as completely and competently refurbished, most likely by factory, retaining nearly all of very fine finishes on wood and metal. It appears all engraving has been picked up, and new pins fitted as necessary. Stocks show some light marks with finish applied over some dark areas. Pad is relatively new. Checkering competently re-cut. Forend wood renewed, and is excellent. Bores are excellent with a hint of frosting in right bbl. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are strong and in time. Case leather is dark with many scuffs, marks and rubs, reattached to frame with tacks along front edge. Old strap and handle are good. Renewed interior cloth is excellent. Reproduction Jeffery label has been distressed. “Certifiable pre-ban elephant ivory” accessories are fine. Despite its weight, this rifle sits well in your hands, and handles very fast. 49958-28 MGM96 IVORY (80,000-120,000) – Lot 2381 | Click here to view provenance |
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2401
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$54,625.00 |
*BEAUTIFULLY APPOINTED PAIR OF AUGUSTE FRANCOTTE .410 SIDELOCK EJECTOR GAME GUNS WITH CASE.SN 1044/1045. Cal. .410. 3″ Chambers. 28″ Chopper lump bbls with narrow game ribs gold inlaid “1” and “2” (also gold inlaid on top levers and forend tips) on rear portions are engraved “Aug. Francotte a Liege” on tops of left bbls. There are 3/4″ sprays of large scroll at breech ends. Bbl flats are stamped with 2010 London nitro proofs for 3″ chambers, along with what appears to be Belgian proofs and AF logos. Bottoms of right bbls are engraved with SNs, and splinters are engraved with importers name and address (BSA Millbrook, N.Y.). Diminutive, case hardened, sidelock actions are fitted with non-automatic safeties (S inlaid in gold), bushed strikers, raised rib tumbler end cocking indicators, and dbl triggers. Actions are engraved with full coverage large, open, shaded acanthus scroll surrounding well done portrait of squirrel on branch gnawing on pine cone, under makers name, on the bottom of each action. Lockplates have matching scroll at front portions, rear portions are engraved with game scenes; coveys of quail flushing from fence row on left side of gun “1”, and from open woodlands on gun no. “2”. Right locks depict scenes reminiscent of “WATERSHIP DOWN” with three rabbits running through woodlands on gun “1”, and with two rabbits, one surveying the distance from hillside, while another crouches behind a big tree, on gun “2”. Case hardened trigger guards are engraved with matching relief acanthus and have SNs gold inlaid at grips. Master engravers signature “J. M. Smetts” is on trigger plates. Exceptionally well matched, strikingly marbled, and nicely fiddle figured European walnut straight grip buttstocks measure 15-1/2″ over checkered wood butts. Fluted drop points are behind lockplates, and well cut point pattern checkering with line borders is at grips. Matching splinter ejector forends have Anson releases. Gun no. “1”: Bore diameter at muzzles: left -.385, right -.386. Drop at heel: 2-1/2″, drop at comb: 1-3/8″. Weight: 5 lbs 7 oz. LOP: 15-1/2″. Gun no. “2”: Bore diameter at muzzles: left -.389, right -.388. Drop at heel: 2-7/16″, drop at comb: 1-3/8″. Weight: 5 lbs 8 oz. LOP: 15-1/2″. High quality leather case with stitched leather corners has brown canvas outer cover with stitched tan leather trim. Case is lined in burgundy cloth, and has gold embossed black leather Francotte label in lid. Case contains 2-pc walnut and brass cleaning rod with brush and jag, two pairs of snap caps, and a square oil bottle. PROVENANCE: Factory certificates numbered to these guns. Consignor states: “These guns are the last to be made by Auguste Francotte of Liege, and it is doubtful that they will ever be replicated.” CONDITION: Essentially as new, with only scant evidence of having been fired since proof, and a few light handling marks on wood and metal. Mechanically crisp. Case leather is excellent as protected by its outer cover, which has some light marks. Interior cloth shows some very light compressions. Accessories are excellent. 49574-1 (45,000-65,000) – Lot 2401 | Click here to view provenance |
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2409
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$0.00 |
*IVO FABBRI TITANIUM ACTION PINLESS SIDELOCK EJECTOR SINGLE TRIGGER OVER-UNDER GAME OR PIGEON GUN WITH CASE.SN E1010. Cal. 12 ga. 2-3/4″ Chambers. Finely struck 28-3/8″ demi-bloc bbls are fitted with medium width file cut flat solid rib gold inlaid “1” at rear. Gun is one of a pair with “1” engraved at rear of top tang and on forend tip. Left side of top bbl is engraved “IVO FABBRI – BRESCIA”. “FABBRI SS 2002 STEEL” is on right. Bottom bbl flat is stamped with makers name, gauge, importer, SN, and 2007 Italian nitro proofs. Dark anodized low profile OU action with pinless sidelocks, is made of titanium, noted for its extreme strength combined with light weight. Action features automatic safety (SAFE engraved) and single non-selective trigger. Action and lockplates are engraved with classic small scroll and rose bouquets in “British Best” tradition. “IVO FABBRI” is on both sides of action under lockplates, and on bottom. Engravers signature (Creative Art) is on trigger plate. Small bow trigger guard has SN at grip. Exhibition quality, beautifully flame/ fiddle figured, well streaked, European walnut extreme pistol grip buttstock measures 14-5/8″ over thin black Decelerator pad. Well cut point pattern checkering with line border is at grip. A vacant gold oval is on toe line. Matching one piece full forend has gold pigeon sitting on branch inlet into wood at rear. Bore diameter: top -.733, bottom -.734. Bore restrictions: top -.011 (IC), bottom -.011 (IC). Drop at heel: 1-15/16″, drop at comb: 1-7/16″. Weight: 6 lbs 8 oz. LOP: 14-5/8″. High quality tan leather two gun motor case by Nizzoli has stitched leather corners. Case is lined in burgundy cloth and has Fabbri paper label in lid. PROVENANCE: Copy of letter from Tullio Fabbri stating that “they are the first pair of titaniums ever shipped to the U.S. These guns are the first choice of the King of Spain, and many other people that pride quality and performance above all.” He goes on to explain many of the special features and materials inherent in the making of Fabbri guns today, not only the titanium actions, but also including their special bbl steel, micro welded construction, and superior finishing, including a black colored diamond coating of the bbl surface. CONDITION: Excellent, essentially as new with little evidence of firing since proof, with only one or two of the lightest marks in all finishes on wood and metal, most notably two or three light scratches on butt. Mechanically crisp. Case leather is excellent, with a few scuffs. Interior is excellent. Fabbri is the creator of some of the finest guns in the world. The Titanium model currently starts at 125,000 euros in Italy without engraving. The light weight action of the Titanium model yields a gun with exceptional dynamics. Gun no. “2” of the pair is also in this auction. 49335-1 (85,000-115,000) – Lot 2409 | Click here to view provenance |
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2413
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$0.00 |
*IVO FABBRI “MAJESTIC” OVER-UNDER “FOREST” GAME GUN WITH 25″ BARRELS, ENGRAVED BY TOMASONI WITH CASE.SN E665. Cal. 12 ga. 25″ Demi-bloc bbls are fitted with slightly raised, matted, solid rib. Left side of top bbl is engraved “IVO FABBRI – BRESCIA” and right side “VACUUM ARC REMELTING STEEL”. Bottom flat is stamped with 1987 Italian nitro proofs for 2-3/4″ chambers. Coin finished, low profile, OU sidelock action features non-automatic safety (SAFE engraved), grooved tumbler end cocking indicators, and single non-selective trigger. Action and lockplates are engraved in semi-relief Baroque style with large, open, shaded acanthus and scroll with floral highlights emanating from the mouth of a sphinx-like crouched griffin on each lockplate. Bottom of action with more open scroll has pair of female angels flanking trigger plate. “IVO – FABBRI” “-BRESCIA-” are in shield above angel scene. This engraving pattern appears to have been originated by, and is a favorite of, Claudio Tomasoni, whose signature appears on trigger plate. This fine engraving extends to trigger guard with “3309” at grip. Nicely marbled and very lightly figured European walnut round knob pistol grip buttstock measures 14″ over checkered wood butt. Point pattern checkering is at grip. Individual gold initials “G.P.” are on toe line. Matching one piece forend has Anson type release. Bore diameter: top -.726, bottom – .727. Bore restrictions: top – .004 (IC), bottom – .007 (IC). Wall thickness: top – .029, bottom – .029. Drop at heel: 2-3/8″, drop at comb: 1-3/8″. Weight: 6 lbs. 12 oz. LOP: 14″. Tan leather case with stitched leather corners by Nizzoli, is lined in burgundy cloth. PROVENANCE: The Ioannis Koilakos Collection. CONDITION: Excellent, near new, with little evidence of firing, and very limited field use. There are a few light marks in finish of wood. Case leather has a few minor scuffs, is still light in color. Straps and handle are good. Interior cloth is excellent. A snappy short barreled gun, often referred to in Europe as a “forest gun”, ideal for grouse and woodcock. Fabbri produces 20 – 25 guns per year, with a starting price for a standard model of approx $110,000.00, extra for special engraving. 50108-3 MGM122 (35,000-55,000) – Lot 2413 |
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2429
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$120,750.00 |
SPECTACULAR PRESIDENTIAL LEFEVER “OPTIMUS” QUALITY SHOTGUN, PRESENTED TO BENJAMIN HARRISON FOR HIS “PROTECTION TO AMERICAN INDUSTRY”; PROBABLY THE FINEST AND MOST IMPORTANT NINETEENTH-CENTURY AMERICAN SHOTGUN.SN 10784. Cal. 12 ga. 2-3/4″ Chambers. This wonderful high grade American shotgun was presented to Pres. Benjamin Harrison, for “Protection to American Industry” as emblazoned on gold inlaid eagle on trigger guard. Similar Lefever guns are known to have been presented to iconic figures, such as Andrew Carnegie. A testimonial used for many years in Lefever’s advertising from Harrison dated December 14, 1894 reads: “My dear sirs, I have your kind letter of the 11th. The gun made for me by the Lefever Arms Co several years ago is still in perfect condition. I have shot it a good deal and with most satisfactory results. I am obliged to you for the offer to do anything that might be necessary to put it in repair, but it does not require any, so far as I can see.” This gun has 30″ chopper lump bbls fitted with hand matted concave rib with Lefever’s usual square shouldered dolls head extension. Tops of bbls are engraved “WHITWORTH FLUID STEEL” and “LEFEVER ARMS CO MAKERS SYRACUSE N.Y.” The only marks on bottoms of bbls are the SN. This early Lefever hammerless gun has all of Lefever’s compensating features designed to take up wear on any point of contact, including tapered screw set into front bbl lump; tightening of which would spread sides of lump to compensate for any side wear (not used for very long). Bbls are also fitted with Lefever’s compensating loop. Early self-compensating self-cocking action using cocking levers with roller ends (instead of later cocking hooks), and early type pivoting top lever with compensating screw behind dolls head mortise, has usual Lefever features of ball and socket hinge, automatic safety which can be rendered non-automatic with screw on top strap, trigger pull regulating screws on sides of lockplates (found on high grade guns), and pin type cocking indicators. Other early features include compensating screws through bottom of action to regulate mainsprings, and lockplates with attached sears. Gold-plated triggers have checkered finger blades. Water table is marked only with SN. No grade markings appear as is usual with “presentation” guns to cloak value. Action is beautifully filed with beads around fences which transition into ogee bosses on bbls, and then to fine beads and fillets around bottom of action. Lockplate tails are rebated. Top lever has filed-in V-shaped molding. Fences are relief carved with shamrocks and acorns. These acorns may symbolize the growth of American industry, and are found on a few other high grade Lefevers. Action is engraved with about 50% coverage of very well cut scroll within geometric borders. A fine scene of a woodcock is on bottom of action, and Lefever patent dates are engraved on coiled ribbon on trigger plate. Lockplates are engraved with exceptionally fine, varying sized, open, shaded scroll within knotwork borders. Floral accents are at front portions. This fine scroll surrounds oval vignettes of exceptionally well detailed dogs in hunting poses; pointing setter and pointer honoring point on left plate, and pointing pointer with setter honoring, on right. “LEFEVER ARMS CO” is in diagonal band across the front of each lockplate. Blued trigger guard has scroll matching action surrounding oval scene of flush gold inlaid quartering American eagle, wings outstretched, holding a banner in its beak engraved “PROTECTION TO” “AMERICAN” “INDUSTRY”. Eagle has background of engraved conifers. This exquisite engraving is signed “Spangler S C” under left dog scene (A. E. Spangler, noted American engraver of high grade shotguns). SN is on trigger guard tang which extends to nicely finished horn grip cap with grooved edges. Very fine, honey colored, well streaked, and slightly flame figured Circassian walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 13-7/8″ over orig leather faced Silver pad with short spur. Deeply carved beads around lockplates terminate in arrowhead drop points. Checkering pattern is exceptional with typical point pattern toward action, but with more closely spaced fancy crenelated sections extending toward comb and with flourishes into butt which are separated from grip checkering by ribbons. Bottom section of grip checkering is even more closely spaced, perhaps 40 LPI, and is separated from front portion with arcaded ribbons having diamond points. A vacant gold shield is on toe line. Removal of grip cap reveals stockers signature, “D. GIDDINGS”. Splinter forend has fancy inlet horn tip with varying sized checkering matching style of butt, and Lefever’s push-button release. Button is relief gold inlaid “BH”. Bore diameter: left – .752, right -.752. Bore restrictions: left -.034 (full), right -.033 (full). Wall thickness: left -.029, right -.026. Drop at heel: 3-3/16″, drop at comb: 1-5/8″. Weight: 8 lbs. 0 oz. LOP: 13-7/8″. PROVENANCE: This gun is illustrated in STEEL CANVAS by R. L. Wilson, on p. 238, wherein the author states “In every respect the Benjamin Harrison Lefever is one of the finest expressions of the gunmaker’s art in America.” Paul Tudor Jones II Collection. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, original, as found. Bbls retain 90 – 95% orig blue, with some light marks overall, thinning on sides, with some light cleaned pitting on tops of rear portions. Action retains 80 – 85% orig case hardening color, silvering on high points, especially relief engraving on fences, as well as top lever, and thinning around bottom section from normal hand wear. Lockplates retain over 90% of their muted color. Trigger guard retains most of its orig bright blue, flaking and silvering at grip. There is some lifting of gold on triggers. Forend release escutcheon is mostly silver. Stocks retain over 90% their orig french polish finish with numerous nicks, dings, and scrapes associated with several years of normal field use. Checkering is lightly worn, especially that of forend, which has a few dings. Orig pad is deteriorating and crystallized with chipping and cracking at toe and heel. Bores are excellent, with a few very light scattered pits, mostly in right bbl. Gun has not been cleaned for quite some time. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. An iconic Lefever worthy of the most advanced collection. 49941-9 MGM176 (75,000-125,000) – Lot 2429 |
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2434
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$69,000.00 |
*EXTREMELY RARE “ALL OPTION” L. C. SMITH “PREMIER” GRADE TRAP OR PIGEON GUN IN EXCEPTIONALLY FINE ORIGINAL CONDITION.SN RE123256. Cal. 12 ga. 2-3/4″ Chambers. With a total production of 28 guns in this grade, 21 in 12 gauge, the “Premier” is indeed a rare gun. Only the later “Premiers” had gold inlay. This fine gun has 32″ Whitworth steel bbls, fitted with raised, matted, ventilated rib with one “certifiable pre-ban ivory” mid, and translucent front, beads. Rear portion is engraved “L. C. SMITH Premier GRADE”. Tops of bbls are engraved “SIR JOSEPH WHITWORTH’S FLUID COMPRESSED STEEL” and “MADE TO ORDER BY THE Hunter Arms Co Inc. FULTON, N.Y.” There are 2-1/2″ triangles of nicely cut, shaded scroll at breech ends, and 1/2″ triangles around muzzles. Engine turned bbl flats are engraved with SN and grade, and stamped with Hunter proofs. Bottoms of bbl are stamped “62A” and with Whitworth sheaf-of-wheat trademarks. Case hardened, standard weight, sidelock action features non-automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold) and Hunter single selective trigger. Action is engraved with near full coverage very nicely cut, large, shaded scroll within geometric borders and interspersed with matching bands, all with floral bouquet highlights. “L. C. SMITH” is on arched band around tumbler ends. Nicely filed beads are around fences. All this fine scroll embellishment surrounds oval vignettes of dogs on lockplates, grape clusters and leaves on fences, and a ruffed grouse on trigger plate. These subjects are beautifully relief gold inlaid; the grape clusters in three color gold with red gold stems and light gold leaves. Finely detailed dogs; a setter on left, and a pointer on right, are on lighter gold “ground”. A regular colored gold ruffed grouse perches on red gold leaves. Blued trigger guard with matching scroll has SN on short tang. Fine Circassian walnut horn capped pistol grip buttstock has lovely smoky watermarked coloring and fine fiddle figure. It measures 14-3/16″ over thin black pad, and features elaborate fleur-di-lis style borderless checkering at grip with uncheckered thin ribbons running through pattern, and with large crenelated flourishes into butt. A vacant gold oval is on toe line. Matching wide short schnabeled beavertail forend has scroll engraved iron, also engraved with ejector patent information, and has typical J-spring and secondary release with knurled roll in guitar shaped blued escutcheon. Bore diameter: left – .724, right -.724. Bore restrictions: left -.038 (full), right -.037 (full). Wall thickness: left -.042, right -.040. Drop at heel: 1-7/8″, drop at comb: 1-1/2″. Weight: 8 lbs. 3 oz. LOP: 14-3/16″. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum factory letter confirming the gun’s configuration as Premier grade, 12/32″ VR, Reg frame, Hunter One trigger, BTFE and indicating dates started, proofed, patterned, finished, and shipped. Sold on salesman account ” E.B. Trach & Co” Dec. 24, 1929, order number 31164, and then to to Von Lengerke & Antoine, Dec. 31, 1929. According to L.C. Smith records a matching configuration “DeLuxe” grade gun (serial:RE123015/order:31156) was also sold/shipped to Trach at this same time. 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 the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine. Except for the addition of the new pad, this gun is in mostly what appears to be orig condition. Bbls retain 90 – 98% orig blue with some silvering on sharp edges, and some light marks and scratches. Action retains over 90% orig case hardening color, slightly silvering on bottom, and on edges of fences, as well as thumbpiece of top lever. Blue of trigger guard and forend escutcheon is excellent, too good to be true, possibly redone. Trigger guard has only a hint of silvering on sharp edges of bow. Stocks retain 70 – 80% orig oil finish, thinning from normal hand wear at grip and forend, with a number of light marks, and a few deeper dings. Checkering is lightly worn. Pad is new. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Ejectors are slightly out of time. Trigger works. As fine an example of this ultra rare, beautifully presented, L. C. Smith, as one could hope to find. Worthy of the finest collection. 50098-1 MGM142 IVORY (50,000-70,000) – Lot 2434 | Click here to view provenance |
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2462
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$17,250.00 |
*SCARCE PARKER 28 GAUGE VHE WITH BEAVERTAIL FOREND.SN 153956. Cal. 28 ga. 2-3/4″ Chambers. 0 Frame. 28″ Bbls are marked “Parker Brothers, Makers, Meriden, Conn.” and “Vulcan Steel” on concave, matted rib. Bbl flats and lumps have all correct markings. Case hardened action features non-automatic safety and dbl triggers. Action is engraved with typical wiggle borders. “Parker Bros” is on each side. SN is on trigger guard tang. Nicely figured American walnut Parker capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-3/8″ over Parker dogs head buttplate without spur. Typical point pattern checkering is at grip. Vacant German silver shield is on toe line. Matching beavertail ejector forend has reinforcing bolt, typical latch, and ejector patent date on iron. Bore diameter: left – .556, right -.556. Bore restrictions: left -.023 (full), right -.015 (Mod). Wall thickness: left -.023, right -.024. Drop at heel: 2-1/8″, drop at comb: 1-1/2″. Weight: 6 lbs. 9 oz. LOP: 14-3/8″. This gun is not listed in the PARKER GUN IDENTIFICATION & SERIALIZATION ledger. CONDITION: Excellent, as refurbished, most likely by Delgrego, retaining essentially all custom finishes applied at that time, with numerous flecks on trigger guard bow, and flaking at tang. Replacement wood has a few pings and light scratches, checkering very slightly darkened. Bores are excellent. Action is tight. Ejectors are strong and in time. An unusual long barreled 28 bore. THE PARKER STORY indicates 503 were made with 28″ Vulcan steel bbls. 49708-4 MGM10 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 2462 |
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2548
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$6,325.00 |
THE GERMAN GUN COLLECTORS ASSOCIATION AND FRIENDS OF THE ARMS MUSEUM IN SUHL GERMANY OFFER THIS VERY FINE REPRODUCTION FLINTLOCK JAEGER RIFLE TO RAISE FUNDS TO AID THE MUSEUM FOR ACQUISITIONS.SN GGCA001. Cal. 62. (.635 Groove diameter) The rifle is put together by master gun maker Helmut Adamy of Adamy Brothers of Suhl Germany with European walnut stock selected by Dunlap Woodworks of Chantilly, VA. and high quality brass furniture. The swamped match grade barrel is from the Rice Barrel Company and the Jaeger style lock is from the R. E. Davis Co. Rifle is engraved by master engraver, Hendrik Fruehauf of St. Kilian/Breitenbach, Germany, and case hardening is by Dr. Jörg Schilling of the Alfred Schilling Firm, Zella-Mehlis. (The G.G.C.A. and Friends of the Arms Museum, Suhl, are non-profit foundations dedicated to preserving the history of German gunmaking.) 31″ Swamped octagonal bbl is mounted with traditional standing leaf rear, and brass blade front sights. Case hardened curved lock with octagonal pan and unbridled friction frizzen, is deeply chamfered and has rebated long tail. Lock is fitted with tall serpentine cock and is engraved with classic flourishes of shaded scroll. Makers name is under pan. Trigger plate is fitted with set trigger with lever type spring compressor at rear. Nicely streaked straight grain European walnut stock with brass cap, extends to muzzle, and is carved with swept right hand cheekpiece. Brass furniture consists of heavy buttplate with long broad top tang, long brass trigger guard with hooked grip, heavy chambered sideplate which holds lock with two pins, and bulbous turned ramrod pipes and thimble holding hickory ramrod with brass tip. Brass parts are engraved with classic foliate scroll. Sideplate is inscribed “German Gun Coll Assn” and “Förderverein Waffenmuseum Suhl” flanking classic Suhl trademark blacksmith under arched scroll terminated riband which is marked “SUHL”. A plain sliding wooden patchbox is on right side of stock. There is a grooved fillet along ramrod channel. Stock attaches to bbl with three circular pins. PROVENANCE: Consignors notes concerning press releases, etc. CONDITION: Excellent, essentially as new. Frizzen has been sparked but remains unfired after official proofing at Suhl proof house. 50077-1 MGM184 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 2548 | Click here to view provenance |
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2619
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$11,500.00 |
*◊ SCARCE MAUSER C96 FLATSIDE CARBINE WITH 12″ BARREL AND GLOBE FRONT SIGHT.SN 242. Caliber 7.63mm. Mauser made approximately 200 Large Ring Flatside carbines. This example has a 12″ bbl with a hooded, drift adjustable bead front sight and a slip-in 50-500 rear sight. The elongated chamber is marked with the Mauser address while the SN “242” is on the left chamber flat. Right side of the frame is import marked while the serial number is repeated on the left side of the frame and on the left side of the stock iron at their juncture. The #242 is additionally marked under the rear sight bar, on the back of the cursor, and the back of the hammer. Limited disassembly shows the matching SN on the follower, floorplate, bolt and firing pin. The extractor has been repaired, the firing pin retainer is an unnumbered replacement, the firing pin has a repaired tip, and the bolt stop is an unnumbered, altered replacement. The rear sight components, including the sight bar, are fire blued as is the safety while the trigger and attendant housing are in-the-white. Standard smooth forearm. Buttstock has an attached, rotating sling swivel on the left side. The buttplate is an original Mauser with an intertwined “MW”. PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess. CONDITION: Original blue estimated at 85-90% with early toning. Faded blue on floorplate and under trigger guard. Repaired extractor is in-the-white. Fire blue on bolt stop, sight bar/cursor and firing pin retainer are in keeping with the balance of the pistol. Most of the fire blue from the stock lug has faded to a pleasing grey. Forearm and buttstock retain most of their orig varnish with numerous but light handling dings. No discernible splits or significant losses. Near excellent condition buttplate. Bright bore with strong rifling and only mild oxidation in grooves. Perfect manual mechanics. 43475-92 C&R (12,000-15,000) – Lot 2619 |
