EXTREMELY RARE WINCHESTER BRIGGS PATENT LEVER ACTION RIFLE. SN 1. Cal. 44 RF Henry. This very famous and well documented Briggs Patent rifle has been found in several very well known collections for many years. It is described as having a 24″ rnd bbl with full magazine and two carbine style bands, the front of which is brass and the rear is blued steel. The brass band has an integral brass sling loop with sling eye on bottom of stock. Bbl is mounted with a windgage, ivory bead, combination front sight and Henry 900 yard ladder rear sight. It also has a later added tang sight with 4″ staff. Receiver is that of a late style Henry rifle and it has a small brass forearm which has a screw-head button latch on right side that, when depressed, allows the forearm to slide forward exposing a cutout in the magazine tube to load cartridges. Mounted with very highly figured, burl & flame grain, uncheckered American walnut with straight stock & late Henry style brass buttplate with trap. Left side of lower tang is stamped with the SN “1” and an “E”. The matching SN is found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Receiver is spectacularly engraved with the large oval vignette on the left side plate which is engraved in period script “Presented to / W.C. Dodge Esq. / by the New Haven Arms Co. / as a Testament of voluntary services / in behalf of Breech Loaders / 1865”. This vignette is surrounded by very well executed foliate arabesque patterns with fine punch dot background and a zig zag border. Left front flat is wonderfully engraved with a spray of flower blossoms & leaves with fine punch dot background. right sideplate has the engraved, oval vignette of a wonderfully detailed Spanish style mission with a cross over one turret, mountains in the background and desert style foliage in foreground, all surrounded by foliate arabesque patterns and a zig zag border. Right front flat is engraved identically to the left side and the transition flats between sideplates & front flats are engraved with Nimschke style feather patterns. Top front edge of receiver is engraved in foliate patterns. The top of receiver, top tang & brass forearm are lightly engraved with foliate arabesque patterns with punch dot background. All of brass was originally gold plated. The bottom tang is fitted with an unusual swinging lever latch, probably an experimental or prototype. All screws are Henry type. This famous rifle is pictured on the first page of Chapter 7, the Model 1866 chapter of The Winchester Book, Madis. In one of these photos it is pictured without a rear sight and has a tang sight. It is also pictured in full detail with three photos on p. 30 of The Book of Winchester Engraving, Wilson with credit to the Norm Flayderman Collection. In these photos it has the Henry style rear sight. It has a full page, p. 39, in color, in the book, Winchester Engraving, Wilson, at which time it had no rear sight. This famous rifle has appeared in numerous other publications & articles over the years. PROVENANCE: Norm Flayderman Collection; Wes Adams Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain about all of a fine professional restoration showing light wear from the sliding forearm; forearm & receiver retain traces of gold in the engraving with lightly worn edges and overall retain a dark mustard patina; buttplate is matching condition with a few small spots of stain; stock is sound with a few minor nicks, dings & scratches and retains about all of a very fine professionally restored finish. Mechanics are fine; strong, frosty bore, dark in the grooves. 4-44558 (75,000-125,000)

*EXTRAORDINARILY RARE, ONE OF A KIND, ENGRAVED & GOLD INLAID LIGHTWEIGHT WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 TAKEDOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE MADE FOR AUTOMOTIVE MAGNATE JOHN F. DODGE. SN 151483. Cal. 33 WCF. Usual configuration with 24″ tapered lightweight rnd bbl, takedown, half magazine with pedestal mounted Sheard front sight and flat top rear sight. Top of bbl is fully matted. Rifle is mounted with exceptional English walnut with custom carved & checkered forearm & capped pistol grip stock with Roosevelt cheekpiece & Winchester checkered steel buttplate. Checkering is in fantastic 32-lines per inch with elaborate carved arabesque patterns and with a carved fleur-de-lis on the bottom of forearm and each side of grip. Receiver is elaborately engraved by John Ulrich and signed on bottom tang back of trigger. Receiver has complete, full coverage engraving which consists of a large elliptical vignette on the left side of a gold inlaid white tail buck, doe & fawn in an extremely detailed forest scene surrounded by elaborate foliate arabesque patterns with fine shaded background. The areas front & rear of the vignette are also engraved with matching maple leaves. Right side is engraved with a smaller vignette of a standing gold bull moose & reclining gold cow moose, also in a very detailed forest scene. The entirety of the rear portion of the right side is engraved in very fine foliate arabesque patterns with shaded background and has a Moorish pattern centered above the loading gate with maple leaves at each end. Loading gate base is engraved with a fan pattern, a maple leave and has a rosette around the screw. Bottom of receiver has a large vignette with gold inlaid intertwined initials “JFD” with the balance of the belly of the receiver engraved in foliate arabesque patterns with an intertwined ribbon. The flat surrounding the lever opening is engraved in fan patterns. Takedown ring, top of receiver, top & bottom tangs, forend cap, magazine tube cap, sides & edges of lever & hammer and buttplate are all engraved to match. This is one of the most elaborately engraved & gold inlaid Model 1886 rifles extant. Left side of lower tang is stamped with assembly number “1309” and “OS”. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock, again twice on rear of buttstock under buttplate and inside toe of buttplate which also has an “S” stamped twice. Left side of top tang, under the wood, is stamped with a small “C” and a triangle with a dash inside. Accompanied by an extraordinary Cody Firearms Museum 2-page letter which, quite unusually, details extensive information about this rifle. The letter identifies this rifle in caliber 33 W with matted rnd bbl, checkered trigger “trigger pull as light as possible consistent with safety”, checkered stock with pistol grip, hand made English walnut stock, design Roosevelt cheekpiece, oil finish, rear sight with U-notch, Sheard medium gold bead front, 1/2 magazine, shotgun butt, metal buttblate, takedown, “finish off the points with light testy scrolls of single line, engrave and inlay on one side of receiver in gold: buck, doe and fawn and on the other side: bull-moose and cow, inlay in raised gold work a rustic monogram “J.F.D” about 1-1/4 inch in length on underside of receiver, balance of receiver, finger lever, barrel at breech and muzzle, forearm, tip top of breech bolt, upper and lower tangs, screw heads, magazine plug, and takedown lever highly engraved.” The second page continues “no gold lines or bands on barrel or receiver, target at 100 yards and send target, 195 gr. of gold, $125.00 – eng (J. Ulrich), $25.00 checkered (C. Ulrich), make nice smooth working gun”. It shows that this rifle was charged to E.A. Pallman – city – sample consignment account April 11 1913 Order #511323.” It was returned 4-16-1913, received in warehouse April 25 1913 and shipped May 12 1913 to Order #505952 to Jos. A. Marks Co. – Detroit Michigan. This is one of the more detailed letters ever encountered by this cataloger, especially in that it not only identifies the engraver and the amount of gold used in the inlays but most unusually identifies his brother, Conrad Ulrich, who checkered & carved the stock. This is one of the most extraordinary, fully documented Winchesters to come to market in recent memory. PROVENANCE: John F. Dodge Collection; Art Bedner Collection; Jack Puglisi; Wes Adams Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all matching, probably unfired. Overall retains virtually all of its bright factory blue over all the blued steel parts; hammer retains brilliant case colors; lever retains case colors in sheltered areas, mostly faded to gray; buttplate retains 75-80% thin orig blue; wood is sound with minor handling & storage nicks and overall retains about all of its orig oil finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 4-44455 JR (175,000-275,000)

*EXTRAORDINARY & SPECTACULAR ONE OF A KIND INSCRIBED WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 DELUXE ENGRAVED GOLD INLAID & CARVED LEVER ACTION RIFLE. SN 124863. Cal. 45-70. Wonderful Model ’86 with 22″ lightweight, tapered rnd bbl with full magazine, pedestal mounted Lyman ivory bead hunting front sight & semi-buckhorn Winchester rear sight. Just in front of the rear sight on top of the bbl is engraved, in a single line, “BUILT for BENJAMIN TAFT”, reading from muzzle to receiver. Mounted with spectacular center crotch-cut, flame grain, American walnut with B-style carved forearm & capped pistol grip stock that has Winchester hard rubber buttplate. Receiver is phenomenally engraved by John Ulrich & signed on bottom tang. Engraving consists of deep relief vignettes of a large oval on left side with figures of a walking bull elk, a standing & a reclining cow elk in a mountainous forest scene with fine shaded background. Right side of receiver has a deep relief engraved walking bull moose vignette just forward of loading gate & a smaller oval vignette of a whitetail buck above loading gate, both with extremely detailed backgrounds. Bottom of receiver is engraved with the round vignette of the head of a whitetail buck inlaid in gold. Balance of receiver has about 80% coverage very fine foliate arabesque patterns with heart shaped borders. Top of receiver, receiver ring, bolt, top tang, lever, takedown ring & forend cap are all engraved to match. Large vignette on left side & gold inlay on bottom are surrounded by gold wire inlay with a gold wire border on both sides of the receiver & around takedown ring, rear edge of receiver & forend cap. Top tang also has gold wire inlay. Chamber & muzzle ends of bbl have gold wire bands. All screwheads are also beautifully engraved which is indicative of the extraordinary level of engraving on this rifle. All this combines to present one of the most stunning Winchesters extant. Left side of lower tang, under wood, is stamped with assembly number “274” and “XX R”. This assembly number is also found in the top tang channel of buttstock, on bbl under forearm & inside forearm cap. Accompanied by several copies of Cody Firearms Museum letters with different dates all stating the same thing. They fully identify this spectacular rifle as found in caliber 45-70, 22″ rnd bbl, plain trigger, style “B” carved fancy pistol grip stock with oil finish, takedown, with bbl marked “BENJAMIN TAFT”, engraved $50.00, style #3, moose in place of Rocky Mtn. goat, smokeless, received in warehouse July 19, 1901, returned to warehouse Aug. 7, 1901 & shipped again Aug. 7, 1901 to order #100821. Also accompanying is a letter from Waddy Colvert’s Research Service which notes that there were only 2,213 Models 1886 made with 22″ bbls out of the approx. 159,000 produced. Mr. Colvert also states that genealogical research of Mr. Taft revealed that he was born in 1854 to Henry Taft of Cincinnati, Ohio & that he was cousin of President William Howard Taft and a distant cousin to Robert Taft, Governor of Ohio. This rifle is pictured on p. 343 of Winchester-An American Legend, Wilson. It was also pictured in the James Fowler Collection of the Antique Arms Annual and was featured as a “Members’ Favorite” in the Winchester Arms Collectors Association publication. And finally it is pictured on the cover of Norm Flayderman’s No. 65 Catalog of February 1964 and is Item #704 in the catalog with an asking price of $2,500.00. A copy of the Flayderman Catalog accompanies this rifle. PROVENANCE: Norm Flayderman, Feb. 1964 catalog, Item #704; James Fowler Collection; Gary Robertson Collection; LeRoy Merz; Clyde “Junior” Stewart Collection; Randy Saba Collection; Wes Adams Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 98% strong orig blue with some slight spiraling on magazine tube from take down with magazine tube turned slightly dull; receiver retains most of its orig factory blue with some slight sharp edge wear & thinning on bottom; lever retains traces of orig case colors with balance turned silver & hammer retains about 95% bright case colors; wood is sound with minor handling & use marks with light wear on carving and overall retains most of its orig oil finish; right side of forearm has a series of several small bruises. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 4-44440 JR (75,000-125,000)

*EXTREMELY RARE SAVAGE MODEL 1899 MONARCH GRADE DELUXE ENGRAVED LEVER ACTION RIFLE. SN 45264. Cal. 303 Savage. Spectacular rifle with 26″ oct to rnd bbl, German silver Rocky Mountain front sight, Lyman 6A 2-leaf folding rear sight and an early style Lyman combination tang sight that appears to have replaced a longer sight as there is a crease in the wood reminiscent of the longer sight. Top flat of the bbl has the 2-line Savage name & address and patent numbers forward of the rear sight. Top left flat is marked “SAVAGE HI-PRESSURE STEEL / MODEL 1899” and it has caliber marking over chamber area. Mounted with very highly figured circassian walnut with checkered and deep relief carved in patterns of grape leaves and clusters of grapes on the schnable tip forearm. Buttstock has serpentine pistol grip with crescent steel buttplate with raised side panels which, along with the grip, also has deep relief carved grape leaves, vines & clusters of grapes. All the carving is with a fine stippled background. Receiver, lever boss & buttplate tang are fabulously engraved by Enoch Tue with matching grape leaves, vines & clusters of grapes with fine stippled background which extend over the exposed flats of the bbl in the chamber area. Sides & face of the lever are engraved to match. Screws are mostly all gold washed and the SN is inlaid in flat gold. Bolt is jeweled on the side as is the cartridge cutoff and hidden part of the lever. Top of bolt is relieved and finely stippled. SN was observed on bottom of receiver, bottom flat of bbl under forearm, rear face of forearm, rear face of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Accompanied by Rae S. Clark Savage historian letter which identifies this rifle in caliber 303 with half round, half octagon bbl, circassian walnut stock with pistol grip and carved in “oak leaf design”. The receiver was engraved with “oak leaf design” also. Letter also states that there is a “note stating pistol-grip special, carbine, and checkered”. It was accepted from the factory March 21, 1904 and shipped March 3, 1911 to Harry E. Haynes (an earlier letter states that the rifle was returned March 15, 1912). The letter continues that the rifle was shipped again May 16, 1918 to H.D. Griffen (the earlier letter states that it was again returned to the factory) and “finally it was shipped, on job number 15091, June 9, 1923 to R.V. Gibson”. It is apparent from the lengthy residence in the factory that this rifle was an exposition piece which was finally sold in 1923. PROVENANCE: George R. Adams Collection; LeRoy Merz Collection; Wes Adams Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all matching. Overall retains virtually all of its crisp orig factory finish with only faint sharp edge wear on the metal and a very few, very scattered light nicks & scratches; lever retains strong case colors on sides & sheltered areas, turned silver on outer faces; buttplate retains dark case colors. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, possibly unfired. 4-44811 JR385 (40,000-60,000)

*RARE SAVAGE MODEL 1899 RIVAL/MONARCH GRADE DELUXE ENGRAVED LEVER ACTION RIFLE. SN 46434. Cal. 303 Savage. Spectacular rifle with 26″ oct to rnd bbl, Lyman ivory bead front sight, slot blank in rear seat and a Lyman, windage adjustable, locking tang sight. Mounted with beautiful, highly figured circassian walnut with schnable tip forearm and serpentine pistol grip stock that has crescent steel buttplate. The forearm, raised side panels and grip area of the stock are wonderfully deep relief carved in flower & vine patterns with fine stippled background. Carving patterns extend down each side of buttstock. Receiver is wonderfully engraved, by Enoch Tue, with “F” style vignettes of a large whitetail buck and three does in a field scene with a tree and mountains in the background and the right side has the large vignette of a bull moose standing behind a reclining cow moose in a marsh scene with mountains in background. Bottom of receiver is engraved with the large oval vignette of a grizzly bear in a mountain scene, all surrounded by very fine foliate arabesque patterns with very fine stippled background. Engraving extends over top of receiver and lever boss with sides and outer face of lever, along with the buttplate tang- engraved to match. Exposed flats of bbl are engraved about 2-1/2″ over chamber area, with the caliber marking hand engraved. Screws are all gold washed. Top of receiver has been drilled & tapped for a scope base with the holes containing plug screws. Bolt is jeweled on top & right sides. Face of buttplate is black enamel painted. SN was observed on bottom of receiver, rear face of forearm, rear face of buttstock under buttplate and inside the buttplate. Accompanied by a Savage historian letter which identifies this rifle in caliber 303 Savage with half oct bbl, accepted from the Savage factory to the warehouse on Feb. 18, 1907 and shipped same day to Burhaus & Black, no address indicated. The listing also notes that this rifle was factory engraved in grade “F”, “The highest grade available at the time”. It also had pistol grip stock with special carving & gold washed screws. The letter also states that the engraving of this era, 1901 until about 1926, was done at the factory by Mr. Enoch Tue. While this rifle is listed in the records with “F” grade engraving it has Monarch grade carved wood and Rival grade engraving as depicted in the circa 1905 catalog. PROVENANCE: Mark S. Graham Collection; Wes Adams Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbl & receiver retain about 98% glossy orig factory blue with only faint sharp edge wear and some slight thinning on bottom at carry point; bolt shows light wear on jeweling; lever retains faded case colors on sides, turned silver on outer faces; buttplate tang retains strong case colors which may also be present under the black paint on the face; wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retains most of a very professional, partially restored finish only on the smooth parts of the wood. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-44813 JR386 (40,000-60,000)

EXTREMELY RARE FULL NICKEL ENGRAVED HENRY MODEL 1860 LEVER ACTION RIFLE. SN 9389. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Usual configuration with 24-1/4″ oct bbl with integral magazine, late style square back German silver front sight and late style 900 yard Henry ladder rear sight. Mounted with very unusual deluxe, uncheckered American walnut buttstock with straight grip and late style crescent buttplate with sharp heel and trap that contains a 4-pc brass & iron cleaning rod. SN was observed in the usual places on top flat of the bbl between receiver & rear sight, on left side of lower tang under the wood, inside top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of the buttplate. The rnd portion of the bbl, under the loading sleeve is marked with assembly number “91”. The matching assembly number is also found on rear face of loading sleeve. Receiver is engraved by Samuel Hoggson with a bird dog on point on left side surrounded by very well-executed foliate arabesque patterns and a dbl border. Right side of receiver is engraved with a large panel of intertwined foliate arabesque patterns which are also on the top three flats of the receiver, around rear edge and on top tang. Buttplate tang is engraved to match. Left side of buttstock & left side of bbl are mounted with factory installed sling swivels. This rifle, identified by SN, is pictured full length, both sides, on pp. 174 & 175, and closeup of left side on p. 176 with credit to the Norm Vegely Collection in the book The Henry Rifle, Quick. Mr. Quick, in the referenced publication, states that plated & engraved rifles were common in the early production of this model but as the Civil War progressed “the manufacture of specially embellished and plated rifles declined. At the peak of production, during the Civil War, it has been reported that the company discouraged the placing of such special-feature orders.” This rifle would have been produced in about 1865, probably just around the end of the Civil War. It seems likely that it would have been ordered by someone of importance or as a presentation for a high ranking military officer or civilian official. Regardless, it is a most rare & unusual Henry rifle with deluxe wood. CONDITION: Very fine plus, all matching. Overall retains about 90% strong orig nickel with some light wear on the carry point on the bottom of the magazine and edges of the receiver. The loading sleeve shows areas of flaking to bare metal which has turned to a dark patina. Stock has a repaired chip at the top left side of the tang, at the receiver, otherwise wood is sound with light nicks & scratches and a series of tiny gouges & scratches by the left heel and retains a wonderful hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with scattered pitting turning dark in the grooves. 4-47083 JR125 (75,000-125,000)

EXTREMELY RARE CASED 2ND MODEL COLT DRAGOON PERCUSSION REVOLVER IN OUTSTANDING CONDITION. SN 10705. Cal. 44. Spectacular Dragoon with 7-1/2″ oct to rnd bbl, German silver front sight and New York City address. Left side of frame is marked with a small “COLT’S PATENT” over a tiny “U.S.”. Cyl is usual 6-shots with Dragoon/Indian fight scene roll marking and “MODEL U.S.M.R. / COLT’S PATENT” panels surrounding the SN. All six safety pins are crisp & prominent. The silver plated brass square back trigger guard & backstrap contain a varnished 1-pc walnut grip that has the matching SN in the backstrap channel. Bottom left edge and top left corner of the grip have small inspector initials as do several of the metal parts including the backstrap, cyl, trigger guard & bbl. Given that this revolver has a varnished grip in spite of the military inspected parts it is a scarce civilian model. It is known that civilian revolvers were built from military contract overrun parts. Accompanied by an orig, burgundy velvet lined mahogany Colt casing, compartmented in bottom for the revolver, a sgl-sided Dragoon size trophy of flags & arms “COLTS PATENT” flask with low-mounted triangle hangers, a brass 2-cavity bullet & ball “COLTS PATENT” mold with sprue cutter which is also inspected on the sprue cutter & body and a large tin of Eley’s caps. While the 2nd Model Dragoon was the highest production of the three Models of the Dragoon, it was also one of the most used having served on the American frontier prior to the Civil War and throughout the Civil War then back on the American frontier well into the 1870s. They usually saw very hard service under harsh conditions with little or no maintenance and are rarely ever found with any orig finish and cased examples are nearly non-existent. PROVENANCE: Dr. John M. Pickup Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all matching except wedge which is numbered “607”, appears to be new & unfired. Bbl retains 96-97% orig blue, lightly cleaned with scattered fine pitting on left side with strong & dark blue on the bbl lug; rammer retains bright case colors on right side of pivot, faded on left side & handle; frame retains moderately faded case colors with strong bright fire blue on screws; hammer retains strong case colors on left side, faded on right side; cyl retains 92-94% strong orig blue with crisp legends and shows about 99% Dragoon/Indian fight scene roll marking with all six safety pins crisp; face of cyl retains thinning orig blue with strong blue in the chambers & bore; grip frame retains virtually all of its orig silver finish. Grip is crisp with only a couple of very minor surface nicks and retains virtually all of its bright orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Case has three grain checks in the lid, otherwise is sound, missing its shield shaped escutcheon, with usual handling & storage nicks & scratches and some minor chemical spotting on top; inside lid is lightly faded & soiled from contact with the revolver; bottom is lightly to moderately faded & soiled; flask is extremely fine & retains about 95% crisp orig finish; mold is fine with a few light nicks & scratches with a mottled metal patina on the sprue cutter; cap tin is fine with yellowed & chipped label. 4-46440 JR110 (75,000-125,000)

Revised: 3/1/2013

Correction: Condition should read 98% overall nickel.

RARE ENGRAVED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER. SN 136939. Cal. 45 Colt. Nickel finish with 5-1/2″ bbl, full front sight, 1-line block letter address and caliber marking on the left side. Frame has 2-line, 3-patent dates and bottom of the bbl has a tiny “45” under the base pin. Mounted with smooth 2-pc pearl grips. Revolver is engraved from the shop of Cuno Helfricht in about C-coverage well-executed foliate arabesque patterns with pearled or punch dot background. Top strap is engraved in snake & dot patterns with a hunter’s star on the ejector housing boss and a foliate pattern on the base pin boss on the left side. Engraving extends nearly full length both sides of the bbl and the top gullet of the ejector housing is engraved in a zig zag snake pattern. Top of back strap is engraved with a fine fan pattern and the back strap & trigger are engraved in geometric patterns. Cyl is engraved in foliate arabesque patterns on the lands between the flutes and has a snake & dot pattern around the rear edge. Screws are fire-blued with a color case hardened hammer. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal 45 wiwth 5-1/2″ bbl, blue finish and type of stocks not listed, shipped to Hartley & Graham NY, NY on Dec 12 1890 in a 2 gun shipment. Also accompanied by a letter from renowned restoration artist, engraving authority and former Colt master engraver, Daniel Cullity, wherein he states that this revolver is engraved in the “New York School” during the period of manufacture of this revolver. He cites several distinctive features which support his thoughts that it was engraved outside the factory. This revolver was produced in 1890 at a time when the west was still wild and it is likely that it was ordered for or by a person in law enforcement or a rancher of some means. It appears to have had a little use and some carrying but no extensive use or abuse. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Overall retains 96-98% strong orig nickel with light holster wear on left edge of the muzzle, ejector rod tip, left recoil shield and loading gate; cyl also shows light front edge wear; hammer retains faded case colors. Grips are sound showing little or no wear and retain wonderful fire & iridescent colors. Hammer is not solid in safety or half cock notches, otherwise mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with a few tiny scattered spots of pitting. 4-48201 JR319 (60,000-80,000)

RARE EARLY NIMSCHKE ENGRAVED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER. SN 87320. Cal. 45 Colt. Nickel finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address. Left side of the frame has 3-line patent dates and the left front web of the trigger guard is marked with the caliber. Mounted with smooth 2-pc pearl grips. Revolver is engraved by L.D. Nimschke with foliate arabesque patterns on sides of frame, a large flower blossom on left recoil shield and a smaller version on the loading gate. Sides of the ejector housing boss and base pin boss are engraved in hunter’s stars with snake & dot patterns in the front gullets. Top strap is engraved in a leaf & vine pattern. Matching foliate arabesque patterns extend about half way up the sides of the bbl with the forward half engraved in snake & dot patterns and geometric patterns around the address. Top gullet of the ejector housing is engraved in snake & dot pattern. Back strap, butt strap & trigger guard are engraved in zig zag geometric patterns with a fan pattern at the top of the back strap. Cyl is engraved with foliate arabesque patterns on the lands between the flutes and zig zag patterns in the flutes with a snake & chip border pattern around the rear edge. Base pin is first type with dimpled ends and screws are fire-blued. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in caliber 45, bbl length not listed, nickel finish, type of stocks not listed, factory engraved and shipped to Wexell & DeGress, Mexico City, Mexico on Feb. 7, 1883 in a 6-gun shipment. Undoubtedly this revolver would have been intended for presentation to a high ranking official in Mexico or was purchased by a wealthy ranch owner down there. It is very rare to find any firearm returning from Mexico with high orig finish such as this one. PROVENANCE: John Stewart Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl & ejector housing retain 90-92% strong orig nickel with a dark area on right side of front sight at the muzzle and some wear on the outer radius of the ejector housing; frame retains virtually all of its strong orig nickel with the loading gate showing a gray metal patina; hammer retains virtually all of its orig nickel; cyl also retains about all of its orig nickel turned a little milky; trigger guard retains about all of its orig nickel with some dulling on the front of the trigger plate & trigger bow; back strap is mostly a light gray metal patina with bright nickel at the top. Right grip has a repaired heel, otherwise grips are sound and retain great fire & iridescent color. Mechanics are crisp, sharp bore with good shine and scattered pitting that may clean much better. 4-48149 JR306 (50,000-75,000)

*SPECTACULAR ENGRAVED FIRST GENERATION COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER. SN 349941. Cal. 32 WCF (32-20). Blue and color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, slightly altered front sight, 1-line block letter address and cal marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates with rampant colt. Mounted with 2-pc silver medallion ivory grips with raised carved ox head on right side. SN was observed on bottom of frame and right side of front and backstraps under the grip. Revolver is engraved by Wilbur Glahn in about C coverage of his distinctive intertwined foliate and floral arabesque patterns with fine pearled or punch dot background. He also incorporated his distinctive V-shaped patterns into the engraving on the recoil shield, loading gate, top of backstrap and buttstrap. Cyl is engraved to match with a wavy border around rear edge. Accompanied by a copy of a Colt Factory Letter identifying this revolver in cal 32-20 with 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, carved steer head ivory stocks, factory engraved grade 2 and shipped to R.S. Elliott Arms Co., Kansas City, Mo, October 12, 1926 in a 1-gun shipment. PROVENANCE: Richard Garvis (1994); Robert Howard Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all matching except cyl and grips which are unnumbered. Overall retains about 99% crisp orig factory finish with glossy blue and brilliant case colors. Grips are sound with a fine mellow ivory patina. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, appears to be unfired. 4-48205 JR314 (40,000-60,000)

*EXTRAORDINARILY RARE & BEAUTIFUL DELUXE ENGRAVED WINCHESTER MODEL 1885 HI-WALL SINGLE SHOT RIFLE WITH EXTRA BARREL. SN 96428. Cal. 38-55 & 32-40. Spectacular hi-wall with 30″ No. 3 weight orig oct bbl with Rocky Mtn. front sight, flat top rear sight and locking Lyman tang sight with short base. Accompanied by a 30″ oct to rnd bbl with pedestal mounted Marbles #2 gold bead front sight and no rear seat. The half rnd bbl is mounted on the rifle and is marked on the top left flat over the chamber area “-A-O-ZISCHANG-SYRACUSE-N-Y-“. Right top flat is marked “-FLUID-STEEL-KRUPP-ESSEN-“. Mounted with spectacular 4X, center crotch, flame grain American walnut that is B-carved & checkered with black insert schnable tip forearm and capped pistol grip stock with crescent buttplate. Fitted with checkered Schuetzen dbl set triggers and a short Schuetzen finger lever. Receiver is extraordinarily engraved by one of the Ulrichs, probably John. The signature “ULRICH” appears between the set triggers without the initial “C” or “J” preceding. The engraving consists of the exceptional large vignettes of a flat gold walking bull moose in a very detailed woodland scene on the left side and a standing Big Horn ram in a detailed mountain scene on the right side. Both vignettes are surrounded by extremely fine foliate arabesque patterns with very fine shaded background and spade shaped borders. Both sides of the receiver are outlined in gold wire as are the vignettes. Top & bottom of the receiver, along with the front edge, are outlined in gold & platinum wire and have nearly full coverage matching engraving. Tang sight base & screws, along with the internal pivot, is engraved to match. Lever is also engraved to match with gold wire inlay. The area between the rear edge of the tang sight and the top tang screw is inlaid in platinum with the initials “WHC”, or a combination thereof. Buttplate tang is lightly engraved and has gold & platinum wire inlay. The Winchester bbl is engraved to match about 2″ over the chamber area and is inlaid with gold & platinum bands. Muzzle end of the bbl & around the front sight are engraved to match with a gold band. The Zischang bbl has the top flat of the oct section hand matted and the top center of the receiver is hand matted. Top edge of the breech block, top & rear edges of the hammer are also engraved. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in caliber 38-55 with 30″ No. 3 oct bbl, Schuetzen set trigger, fancy wood stock with pistol grip, palm rest, one Swiss plate to interchange (which apparently has been misplaced), Lyman rear cup disc and windgage, no rear seat, carved “B”, gold inlaid with vignettes #9 and #12, bbl inlaid at breech & muzzle, engraved $60.00, received in warehouse Oct. 30, 1903 and shipped next day to Order #207943, repair & return Oct. 9, 1913. This is truly one of the most elaborate & rare Winchester Hi-Wall rifles extant. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Orig bbl retains about 95% strong orig blue with light sharp edge wear and one small area of thinning about mid-point; it has brilliant shiny bore; the Zischang bbl retains about 99% crisp orig blue with faint sharp edge wear and one tiny thin spot near the muzzle and has brilliant shiny bore; receiver retains virtually all of its crisp orig blue with a couple of nicks on the gold animals; hammer & breech block retain strong orig case colors and the lever smoky case colors with brighter colors in sheltered areas; buttplate retains most of its orig blue with wear at the heel & toe. Wood is sound with a few minor nicks & scratches and retains virtually all of its orig hand rubbed oil finish. Mechanics are crisp. 4-48155 JR358 (150,000-250,000)

PAIR OF NATIONAL ARMS CO. BROOKLYN, N.Y. SHORT BARREL IRON FRAME DERINGERS. SN 10179 & 10176. They are reputed to be the finest pair of short barrel Nationals known to exist. They are deluxe presentation engraved with silver plated bbls and gold washed frames with pearl grips. PROVENANCE: John Battaglia Collection, L.D. Eberhart Collection. CONDITION: The iron frames which are profusely engraved very much in the New York style of L.D. Nemschke. The original finish of gold gilt over the entire frame is still very apparent down in the engraving and retains probably 15% of the original gold finish. Both guns have the knife blade ejector. SN 10179: The hammer retains about 50% of the fading case color. The bbl which was originally silver plated retains portions of silver and the gun is still extremely sharp in every respect and only shows use with no abuse. The pearl grips have wonderful coloration and luster. It has one tine nick on the right hand side just as where the pearl meets the frame at the top. Other than that, nearly perfect. The SN 10176 is in a similar condition and has almost the same little flake missing in the same position on the left hand grip. The case color on the hammer is about 75% probably 50% and fading on the trigger, does have the knife blade ejector system. National Arms Co.,Brooklyn is very sharp and apparent on top of the bbl flat with traces of silver plating. These are truly a magnificent matched pair that cannot be equaled by any other National pair known to L.D. Eberhart. Must be seen to completely be appreciated. 4-47771 DE127 (17,000-24,000)

CASED MATCHED PAIR OF COLT PAT. F.A. MFG. CO. 3RD MODEL DERINGER 5TH VARIATION. SN 6628 & 6604. Cal. .41 Short RF. This English proofed set is cased in their orig 14 Pall Mall oak box with the label. These guns have seen little or no use and retain all the silver and blue finish as well as all of the varnish on the select grade walnut grips. Casing also has the combination screwdriver and cleaning rod. PROVENANCE: L.D. Eberhart Collection. CONDITION: SN 6604: Gun is Class C engraved all over with many of the L.D. Nimschke style motifs. Stamped “41 Cal” on left side of frame. Gun is in as issued condition retaining 99% bright blue and nearly 100% bright nickel. Nearly 100% case color remains on hammer and 90% blue on trigger. All screws were fire blued color and 4 out of 5 have nearly 100% remaining. Walnut grips, which are deluxe grain have no bruising and retain nearly 100% of orig varnish. SN 6628:In exact same condition as its mate with the exception of two small patches of discoloring on left side of bbl, just forward of the proof mark. This is one of the most extraordinary cased pairs known and in near perfect condition for the most discriminating collector. They are housed in their orig 14 Pall Mall oak casing with the interior label in the blue velour lining. Label has some small staining but in same condition as guns. Two compartments with ivory pulls where orig key is housed and the orig cleaning rod combination turn screw screw. Exterior of case is just like the guns and lock works. 4-47459 DE79 (45,000-65,000)

CASED COLT PAT. F.A. MFG. CO. 2ND MODEL DERINGER 2ND VARIATION. SN 2493. Cal. 41 Short RF. It is English proofed and cased in its orig 14 PALL MALL English Oak casing that it was sold in. PROVENANCE: L.D. Eberhart Collection. CONDITION: This gun is finished in 100% factory nickel finish with 99% still remaining intact. Reputed to be the finest all nickel 2nd Model Colt in existence. Fire blue screws throughout which still retain 100% of their color as does the trigger. Hammer retains 100% of orig case color and grips have almost no scratches or dings except from storage and case. Checkering is absolutely as issued. Has a case hardened knife blade ejector. The condition of this gun cannot be improved upon. Blue velour lined case includes two ivory pull compartments; one which is empty and the other containing 8 orig, old .41 Short RF shells; and a key which does not fit the lock. Label inside top lid is perfect except for some foxing and some staining from age. Orig combination cleaning rod and turn screw still in case as issued. Case, at a way earlier date, has been pried open using a screwdriver which has put several dents in the wood before the lock was managed to be broken. 4-47456 DE76 (15,000-25,000)

CASED COLT PAT. F.A. MFG. CO. 2ND MODEL DERINGER 2ND VARIATION FACTORY FITTED TO FIRE ELY .41 CAL. SHORT CENTRAL FIRE. SN 7794. Cal. .41 Short CF. Is housed in the orig 14 Pall Mall labeled English oak casing, which it was sold in. There are only 5 known examples of this very rare gun. PROVENANCE: L.D. Eberhart Collection. CONDITION: Gun with standard finish of blued bbl and silver plated frame. English proofed blue bbl retains 85% bright blue with some scuffing and wear from its casing. Silver has long since flaked off from iron frame leaving a pleasing gray and no pitting. All screws were fire blued; bbl screw is nearly perfect and other screws still have traces of blue remaining. Fitted with a case colored knife blade ejector which is about new. Case coloring on hammer is 90% as well as trigger. Grips are near perfect having nearly 100% of checkering and orig varnish. Case, which is orig English oak casing, is blue velour lined with one compartment with ivory pull lid and factory cleaning rod as well as a period pewter oil can. Five very rare Ely Central Fire cartridges, specially manufactured for this gun, are also within the case. Interior of case has normal wear from hammer spur and sight. Label is in its entirety but does have foxing and oil stains from bygone years. No key is present but lock is working. Top lid has orig half dollar size inlay in center bears the initials “WHP”. Exterior of case does retain most of the orig varnish and hinges are perfect and in good order.To the best knowledge their are only 2 other cased guns that shoot this extremely rare cartridge and few others that are not cased, in existence. It has been stated, by previous authors, that there were some 200 of these guns made in this caliber. Because of the extreme rarity of the cartridges and the guns I seriously doubt that statement. 4-47457 DE77 (25,000-30,000)

CASED MATCHED PAIR COLT PAT. F.A. MFG. CO. 3RD MODEL DERINGER 3RD VARIATION. SN 10101 & 11367. Cal. .41 Short RF. This matched pair was sold in England by Boss & Co,. 73 St. James St,. London. They are cased in their orig leather over wood casing with the orig oil can and turn screw. Both Deringers are Class C+ engraved and British proofed and fitted with fancy walnut grips. Cased pairs by this dealer are almost never seen. PROVENANCE: Norm Flayderman Collection, L.D. Eberhart Collection. CONDITION: SN 11367: Finished with blued bbls and silver frames, blue screws and case colored triggers and high hammers. Retains, in area where proof marks are on bottom of bbl very strong blue, fading overall to the top of bbl but has faded to a very nice, deep gun metal gray which does not detract from the gun. Silver plating on frame has 99% coverage. Case color on hammer and trigger are about 95%+ and all screws retain portions of the orig fire blue. The deluxe, striped walnut grips have only small storage marks and retain nearly 100% of orig varnish. SN 10101: Finished in same manner as its mate has 90%+ of orig blue, fading in some areas. Silver plate on frame is about 99% and blue screws still retain most of the fire blue and hammer and trigger are both 90%+ case color remaining. Grips are deluxe walnut with only light storage marks and retain nearly 100% of orig varnish. The very rare leather covered wood case that the guns were fitted to by Boss & Co. bears their label on the interior of the top lid affixed to the red blase which covers the entire interior. Guns are fitted in a most unusual way as evidenced by the pictures. There are ribbons under each gun to extract them from the casing. Interior of case contains: orig turn screw; 9 orig 41 short RF cartridges; orig “L” shaped cleaning rod and turn screw combination and pewter oil can. This is a unique, magnificent and very rare casing with super guns. Exterior of case has initials “J.B.G” in gold leaf on top lid. Some scuffing and dings over the years, but leather is sound. Leather hinge that holds lid on does have some cracking and damage but is still complete. At one time there was a strap present holding top tight but it is not present. The two keepers, one on front and one on back are present and complete with orig screws. 4-47462 DE82 (25,000-35,000)

2ND VARIATION 3RD MODEL COLT, SN 994. SN 994. 41 cal. short-rim fire. This style Deringer was manufactured up to serial number 2400, then the frame-style was changed to make it stronger. (A copy of Eberhart’s article which appeared in “Man At Arms” magazine can be furnished to show how this transition came about. Subtracting the first style variations, which numbered 500 total, that leaves 1,900 of this rare second variation. This variation also retains the very rare pot-bellied or ‘bubble’ frame and high hammer as well as the tight-curve grip. Through Mr. Eberhart’s research we can find no other engraved gun of this variation. PROVENANCE: L.D. Eberhart Collection. CONDITION: This gun which is New York style, class C engraved bears a number of the L.D. Nimschke-style engraving patterns. The frame retains 70%+ of its orig silver plate, screw heads and trigger retain traces of their orig blue. The high hammer retains 50% of its orig case color. The bbl retains 50% of its bright blue. The ivory grips which are orig to the gun are panel checkered. The screw-head and end tip both have bright fire blue. The ivory grips are perfect as issued and have mellowed over the years, more so on one side than the other because of storage. This gun is reputed to be by most advanced Colt Deringer collectors to be the finest example known of this variation. 4-47429 DE49 (12,000-15,000)

*FINELY ENGRAVED EXTRA FINISH JAMES PURDEY SIDELOCK EJECTOR DANGEROUS GAME DOUBLE RIFLE WITH SCOPE AND CASE. SN 28977. (1992) Cal..470 NE. 24″ Chopper lump bbls are gold inlaid “J. Purdey & Sons.” and “London. England.” in Old English script on tops. Caliber is inlaid on mid rib. Matted quarter rib is mounted with windage adjustable one standing, one folding leaf express sight marked for 25 and 50 yards, and claw scope mount bases. Front sight ramp holds longitudinally dovetailed silver bead front with flip-up night sight, and is fitted with unique flip-open front sight protector. Bbl flats are stamped with 1992 London nitro proofs for .470 Nitro express. SNs are stamped on bottoms of bbls, and tube nos. “65895” and “65896” are on loop. Sling loop is mounted to heavy lozenge shaped base soldered to rib bottom. Robust Beesley patent self-opening action features non-automatic bolted safety with SAFE and BOLTED gold inlaid. Action features long top tang that extends over comb, bolstered sides, side clips, disc set strikers, sliding third fastener, gold-plated internals, gold line tumbler end cocking indicators, and double triggers. Single beaded trigger guard with SN gold inlaid on tang extends to steel trap grip cap. Trap contains spare front sight wrapped in cloth. Extra finishing is applied to all metal parts and are engraved with a mix of beautifully cut relief shaded acanthus scroll. Fences and bolsters are in high relief. This fine scroll surrounds and offsets nicely rendered Bulino vignettes of game suitable for a rifle of this caliber; a trio of lionesses are protecting their cub and kill while male lion charges onto the scene demanding his share, all in open savannah with Kilimanjaro in background on left lockplate. Right lockplate depicts pair of cape buffalo bulls, one staring at YOU, with the “owe him money” look. Bottom of action depicts charging large tusker, trunk down, and bent on destruction, with Kilimanjaro in background. This very fine work is by Purdey contract engraver Stephen Kelly, whose signature appears on trigger plate. Dense, reddish brown, intricately marbled and lightly figured European walnut full pistol grip buttstock measures 14-1/2″ over rounded Silver pad and features shadow line right hand cheekpiece, typical Purdey drop points, and standard point pattern checkering with mullered borders. A sling loop, as well as gold oval engraved with initials “GRB”, are on toe line. Rifle is equipped with two matching ejector forends with Anson releases, one beavertail, the other splinter, both of which are factory supplied. Iron needs to be shifted from one to the other. Drop at heel: approx 2-1/4″, drop at comb: approx 1-5/8″. Weight: 10 lbs. 5 oz. Weight with scope: 11 lbs. 9 oz. LOP: 14-1/2″. Factory installed Schmidt & Bender 1-1/4 x 4 x 20 Scope with post and crosshair reticle is in Recknagel claw mounts with windage adjustment at rear. Makers oak and leather case with brass corners has central brass medallion engraved “GRB”. Interior is lined in royal blue cloth with gold embossed black leather Purdey label on lid, and contains Purdey marked accessories including a trio of ebony handled turnscrews, brass topped nickel-plated oil bottle, and snap caps. There is also a test target marked with a cross used to shoot in this rifle at 50 yards, showing 1-1/2″ 6-round group with a flier. CONDITION: Excellent, showing evidence of use, but no abuse, as would be expected from a few safaris. Bbls retain nearly all of their orig lustrous blue. Coin finish of action brightened, at high points, tangs and thumb lever. Stocks dulled and showing a fine patina of minute marks, knocks, and rubs associated with a number of weeks spent in the bush. Consignor states he has shot elephant, lion, and “a few” trophy cape buffalo with this rifle. Bores are excellent, bright and shiny with strong rifling throughout. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are perfectly timed. Scope is excellent with a number of minor marks and rubs on exterior lacquer. Optics clear. Case leather remains bright with some slight scuffs and marks. Interior cloth is excellent with some minor rubs from contact with rifle and accessories, which are also excellent. A very fine, well balanced, fast handling rifle aching for a return to the Dark Continent. 4-47685 MGM89 (80,000-100,000)

*EXTRAORDINARY INVESTMENT QUALITY GOLD INLAID PARKER A1 SPECIAL 16 GAUGE SHOTGUN. SN 235676. Cal. 16 ga. 2-1/2″ Chambers. No. 1 frame. 30″ Peerless steel Bbls. Of the 79 Parker A1 Specials known to have been produced, only six were made in 16 ga., three of which were made with Peerless steel and only two with 30″ bbls. This fine gun matches all specifications in PARKER GUN IDENTIFICATION AND SERIALIZATION ledger, and is exceptionally unusual in that it has relief gold inlays of birds and dogs in the manner of the two known Invincible grade guns. Bbls with concave, matted rib mounted with two ivory beads, are marked “PARKER BROS. MAKERS. MERIDEN. CT. U.S.A. PEERLESS STEEL”. There are 2-1/4″ triangles of well cut scroll engraving at breech ends. Engine turned bbl flats are stamped with Parker proofs, Peerless Steel logos, and all other correct marks. Breech ends of bbls are damascened as are tops of lumps. Typical case hardened action is filed with four beads around fences with bottom bead extending around transition to bottom of action and has scrolled finial. Action features automatic safety and gold-plated single selective trigger with blade checkered. Action is engraved with near full coverage well cut small scroll framing very unusual relief gold inlaid vignettes of birds on action, with grouse on trigger plate, duck rising from marsh on left, another passing over marsh on right side. “Parker Bros” is in raised gold on bottom of action. A pointing setter is in relief gold on trigger guard bow, with raised gold SN at grip. Lovely dark red, finely marbled, and lightly figured European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14″ over engraved steel skeleton buttplate, checkered portion having fleur-di-lis points. Checkered side panels with fleur-di-lis drop points, have ribbons through checkering. Approx 28 LPI grip checkering has bold flourishes extending into butt in fleur-di-lis pattern toward action, all with fine mullered borders. Horn grip cap has beaded gold line at transition to stock, and large gold oval in top engraved with portrait of curly haired dog. Matching splinter ejector forend has engine turned iron. Accompanied by a best quality contemporary oak and leather trunk case with a brass medallion on the lid engraved “Parker Bos./16 Gauge/Invincible Quality”. Lined with rich burgundy felt with leather Parker Brothers trade label on lid and compartmentalized for 30″ bbls and accouterments incl ebony handled brass chamber brush,2 turnscrews, oil bottle, 2pc cleaning rod and accessories. Bore diameter: left-.662, right -.662. Bore restrictions: left -.025 (Full), right -.018 (Mod). Wall thickness: left -.020, right -.026. Drop at heel: 3″, drop at comb: 1-13/16″. Weight: 6 lbs. 15 oz. LOP: 14″. PROVENANCE: Parker letter with specifications of this gun. The 1930 price for an A1 Special grade was $796.00. This gun is illustrated on p. 368 and 369 of Volume I of “THE PARKER STORY”. CONDITION: Excellent. Bbls retain 90 – 95% orig blue, silvering near fences, and along sharp edges of rib, thinning at normal carry point. Action retains 80 – 85% orig case hardening color, pleasingly silvered on fences, around bottom, and on beads. Thumbpiece has considerable silvering, as does trigger guard which is mostly silver. Stocks retain most of what appears to be their orig varnish finish with one or two minor marks, and some chattering on top left of buttstock. Checkering is excellent, lightly worn. All damascening and engine turning of water table, bbl flats, etc., is excellent. Bores are excellent, bright and shiny throughout with no visible imperfections. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Trigger and ejectors are excellent. Case is excellent inside and out with only very minor rubs on contact points. An exceptional and iconic Parker shotgun, the last A-1 Special to be made at the Meriden, CT factory. 4-48257 MGM208 (135,000-165,000)

*EXCEPTIONAL ONE-OF-A-KIND L. C. SMITH DE-LUXE GRADE TRAP GUN. SN RE87803. (1926) Cal. 12 ga. 2-3/4″ Chambers. This very fine custom ordered shotgun has every option available from the factory at its time. It has 32″ Whitworth steel bbls, with raised, matted, flat, ventilated rib. Rear portion is engraved “MADE TO ORDER BY THE Hunter Arms Co Inc FULTON, N.Y.” and “L. C. SMITH De-Luxe GRADE” is inlaid in gold on rear extension. Breech ends of bbls are engraved with large shaded scroll with floral highlights. There are raised relief vines and leaves in two colored gold around breech ends of bbls. Engine turned bbl flats are engraved with SN and grade, and stamped with Hunter Arms proof and “NP”. Bottoms of bbls are stamped with late Whitworth logos. Bbls are fitted with one piece loop and reinforced splinter. Case hardened action has nicely filed continuous sinuous bead around fences and over the top of action. Top tang has never been fitted with a safety. Action is engraved with exceptionally well cut medium scrolled acanthus at nearly full coverage, as background for vignettes of realistic high relief, gold inlaid game and hunting scenes with gold leaves and branches, oak twigs, and grape clusters as counterpoint. Grape clusters on fences are in three colors of gold, vines being dark red, leaves bright, and grapes a more mellow yellow gold. The oak leaf sprig with acorn on trigger guard bow is especially well done, the cap of the acorn being in dark red gold. Left lockplate portrays a number of feeding and flying partridge. Right lockplate has portrait of hunter standing behind his pointing dog in pine and palmetto forest. This is undoubtedly a custom request by and depicts, Mr. C. W. Stribley of Ft. Meyers, Florida whose name is engraved on water table. A full relief quail on trigger plate is also exquisitely limned. SN is relief engraved on trigger guard tang. Hunter one-trigger and its engraved selector slide are gold-plated. Very fine stump figured European walnut capped pistol grip buttstock measures 14-3/4″ over red open sided “Hawkins” pad. Borderless modified fleur-di-lis checkering has very fine ribbons running through pattern with large shaped flourishes extending into butt. What appears to be original grip cap, made of antler, is relief engraved with monogram “C W S”. Fine early style schnabeled beavertail forend has large inset horn tip. Interior of forend iron is fully engraved with “Ejector pat’d May 28 1901″ along with SN in oval. Bore diameter: left -.722, right -.725. Bore restrictions: left -.027, right -.028. Wall thickness: left -.032, right -.032. Drop at heel: 1-15/16″, drop at comb: 1-3/8″. Weight: 8 lbs. 10 oz, LOP 14-3/4”. PROVENANCE: L C Smith Collectors Assn. Letter confirming configuration of this gun and relating that total production of deluxe grades is 30, with 20 being in 12 ga. CONDITION: Excellent. Bbls retain essentially all of a high quality re-black, engraving, especially at at the muzzles slightly washed. Action retains 70 – 80% orig case hardening color, silvering on sharp edges and thinning on bottom, top tang and thumbpiece (considerably silvered). Locks retain nearly all of their color hardening, slightly silvered at tails, especially on right side. Trigger guard retains most of its orig blue, pleasingly silvered at grip. Gold-plating on trigger worn on face, and selector button is slightly worn. Stocks retain nearly all of their orig rubbed oil finish, with a few very minor marks, and appear dry and untouched. Checkering is very slightly worn and dark. Bores are excellent, bright and shiny throughout. Action is tight. Ejectors are in time. Trigger works. A beautifully appointed top of the line gun. 4-46171 MGM56 (65,000-95,000)