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.
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1159
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$0.00 |
RARE NIMSCHKE ENGRAVED COLT #3 THUER SINGLE SHOT DERRINGER PISTOL.SN 8577. Cal 41 RF. Standard model with nickel finish and 2-1/2″ rnd bbl that has half moon front sight and a large “COLT” engraved on top. Pistol is beautifully engraved by master engraver L.D. Nimschke with about 75-80% coverage exquisite foliate arabesque patterns that have pearled & shaded background. Left side of the bbl, over the chamber area is engraved with Mr. Nimschke’s mythical dogs head. Outside of the ejector tube is engraved in very fine detailed leaf patterns. Each side of the frame, by the hammer slot is engraved with a fan pattern which is also found at top of backstrap. Buttstrap & bottom of frame are engraved to match. Mounted with most unusual full checkered 2-pc ivory grips. This little pistol has a long history dating back to 1981 with a sale at Christie’s and later Butterfield’s in 1999. While the #3 Derringer is not uncommon such fine engraved specimens are extremely hard to find. These little pistols were produced in fairly large numbers 1870-1912 and were extremely popular with ladies as muff pistols and gentlemen and gamblers for vest pocket pistols. Few survive today with orig finish. Special Note: This item(s) contains plant or animal properties that may be covered by the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We have taken care to ensure that this item(s) meets the standard for sale under the ESA. However, certain states and other countries have laws that are more restrictive than the ESA. It is the bidder’s responsibility to ensure that it is lawful to purchase or transport this item(s) into their state, and to obtain the necessary import and export approvals. Delay or failure to obtain any such permit or approval does not relieve the buyer of paying for the item(s) and consummating the purchase. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Overall retains virtually all of its crisp orig factory nickel. Hammer & trigger retain strong case colors. Grips are sound with a golden ivory patina. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 51732-5 (8,000-12,000) ESA – Lot 1159 Click here to view provenance |
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1160
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$0.00 |
SCARCE ENGRAVED COLT #3 THUER SINGLE SHOT DERRINGER.SN 285. Cal 41 RF Short. Nickel finish with 2-1/2″ rnd bbl, half moon front sight and large “COLT” on top. Mounted with 2-pc birdhead walnut grips matching numbered to this pistol. Pistol is engraved by L.D. Nimschke with about 70% coverage fine foliate arabesque patterns with pearled background. Front sides of the frame are engraved in Mr. Nimschke’s feather patterns and the backstrap & buttstrap in his typical geometric patterns. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Overall retains most of its orig nickel somewhat thin on rear sides of the frame. Grips show moderate/heavy high point wear and retain about 75% orig varnish. Mechanics are fine, dark bore with heavy pitting. 51785-2 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1160 |
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1161
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$5,750.00 |
SCARCE CASED PAIR OF COLT NO. 2 DERRINGER PISTOLS.SN 2551/4706. Cal 41 RF. Nickel finish with usual 2-1/2″ ovoid shaped bbls, half moon front sights with rear sight notches in the hammer spurs. Both are mounted with bird head checkered walnut grips matching numbered to their respective pistols. Both pistols have tiny British proofs on bottoms of bbls and have standard markings on top flats. Accompanied by a beautiful blue velvet lined, burl walnut casing, compartmented for the pistols with a covered compartment in left rear & right front corners. Cased pairs of these little derringers are very rare. CONDITION: Pistols are nearly identical, retaining most of their strong orig nickel with some losses around muzzle and bottom of bbl of #2551; #4706 has some light pimpling on the frame; screw heads retain most of their orig blue with dark case colors on hammers. Left grip on #4706 has a hairline crack by the escutcheon, otherwise grips are all sound showing sharp edge wear and retain most of their orig varnish. Mechanics are fine, strong bores with moderate pitting. Case has a few minor nicks & scratches, otherwise is extremely fine retaining most of its orig varnish. Interior is lightly faded & soiled. 51688-5 JRL (5,500-7,500) – Lot 1161 |
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1162
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$2,587.50 |
SCARCE CASED ENGRAVED COLT OPEN TOP SPUR TRIGGER REVOLVER.SN 71109. Cal. 22 Short. Silver & nickel finish with 2-3/8″ rnd bbl, half moon front sight with 2-line bbl address, silver plated brass frame with 7-shot cylinder and fitted with, what appear to be, smooth, factory, birds head ivory grips. Engraving is in New York style consisting of large flower blossoms & leaves on each side of frame with geometric designs at top of back strap & down each side of bbl. Accompanied by a fine red velvet lined walnut box that is possibly an orig Colt box that has been relined. Bottom is compartmentalized for revolver, a full orig box of Winchester smokeless cartridges, a small turn screw & orig functioning key. Special Note: This item(s) contains plant or animal properties that may be covered by the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We have taken care to ensure that this item(s) meets the standard for sale under the ESA. However, certain states and other countries have laws that are more restrictive than the ESA. It is the bidder’s responsibility to ensure that it is lawful to purchase or transport this item(s) into their state, and to obtain the necessary import and export approvals. Delay or failure to obtain any such permit or approval does not relieve the buyer of paying for the item(s) and consummating the purchase. CONDITION: Fine, all matching, bbl retains about 90% strong orig nickel with cylinder bright polished metal with a few scattered spots of light pitting. Frame retains traces of silver plating in engraving & under grips. Grips are well fit with ivory patina. Mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with a few spots of light pitting. Box is fine with a few light nicks & stains. Interior is lightly soiled. Ammunition & accessories are fine. 51785-3 (3,000-5,000) ESA – Lot 1162 |
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1486
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$0.00 |
*EXTRAORDINARILY RARE COLT CAMP PERRY “MODEL W” SERIAL NUMBER 1 REVOLVER PRESENTED TO CONNECTICUT GOVERNOR TRUMBULL.SN 1. Cal 22. Blue finish with 10″ tapered rnd bbl, adjustable front & rear sights and 2-line address with caliber marking on the left side. Mounted with 2-pc silver medallion checkered walnut grips. Sideplate is engraved by renowned master engraver Rudolph Kornbrath. The engraving consists of a flowing ribbon upon which is inscribed “GOVERNOR JOHN H. TRUMBULL DECEMBER 1926”. Engraving has decorative borders with a fine shaded background. Sideplate also has the Rampant Colt trademark. The SN was observed on the inside of the bbl crane and left side of buttstrap under the grip. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter addressed to renowned dealer/collector the late Herb Glass which identifies this pistol in 22 caliber, bbl length & type of stocks not listed, blue finish and presented to Governor John H. Trumbull by Mr. Samuel M. Stone, President Colt’s Patent Firearms Co., 150 Huyshope Avenue, Hartford, CT on December 6, 1926 in a one gun shipment. Under remarks section the following is noted “Records do not indicate any inscription on this revolver, however, we feel this fact could have been omitted by the recorder.” John H. Trumbull (March 1873-May 1961) formed the Trumbull Electric Co. in 1891 and was that company’s President 1911-1944, when it apparently became part of the General Electric Corporation. Mr. Trumbull served in the Connecticut National Guard rising to the rank of Colonel. He was elected Governor of Connecticut and served January 1925-January 1931. He was a delegate to the Republican National Convention on numerous occasions and was apparently an active conservative Republican. Additionally accompanied by two targets fired with this pistol, one of 25 shots at 15 yards which is annotated “Target made with first model W produced with new tools 25 shots at 15 yards offhand.” The other is simply annotated “10 shots” in a very small grouping. Additionally accompanied by a large packet of the orig blueprints and drawings used in the manufacture of this model of pistol. Also accompanying is a 3-page handwritten parts list for the Camp Perry Single Shot Target Pistol Model W dated Oct 31, 1944 under the initials “JA”. Additionally there is a typewritten sheet listing the 82 parts of this pistol with their drawing numbers. Also accompanying are 5 American Riflemen magazines dated June, August and December 1927, September 1928 and June 1929 all of which have full page ads for the Colt Camp Perry Model. In addition there is a page 12 from the U.S.R.A. BULLETIN magazine which is a full page ad for the Camp Perry. Additionally there are several copies of newspaper articles regarding Governor Trumbull’s activities. According to Flayderman’s Guide To Antique American Firearms there were 2525 of these pistols produced 1926-1941 with less than 100 experimental models made in 1920 “All with serials under 100”. According to referenced publication this pistol was “among the smallest production of all Colt Cartridge Handguns”. This exact gun is pictured in “The Book of Colt Engraving” 3rd edition, by R. L. Wilson and had previously been on loan and displayed at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center Museum. This rare pistol encompasses virtually all of the rare features desired in a collectible firearm, rarity, condition, engraving by a renowned engraver with presentation to a noted figure. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains 96-97% strong orig Colt blue with some minor thinning and a few spots on the bbl. Frame has sharp edge wear with a spot of pitting on right side of bbl boss. Hammer & cylinder latch retain bright fire blue with sides of hammer polished bright. Trigger retains virtually all of its orig fire blue. Grips are sound showing only minor diamond point wear. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Has been fired but very little. 51665-1 JRL (40,000-65,000) C&R – Lot 1486 | Click here to view provenance |
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1487
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$0.00 |
*EXTREMELY RARE FACTORY ENGRAVED COLT OFFICER’S MODEL FLAT TOP TARGET REVOLVER WITH BOX.SN 20240. Cal 22. Blue finish with 6″ tapered rnd bbl. Adjustable Patridge target front sight and adjustable rear sight in a dovetail in the top flat of the frame. Bbl has standard for the period 2-line address on top and is marked “COLT OFFICERS/MODEL .22 LONG RIFLE” on the left side. Left side plate has the Colt trademark Rampant Colt. Trigger is checkered and all blue finish while the hammer is polished bright on the sides with blued top & rear edges. Top flat of the frame and rear of the frame are matte finish and the backstrap is checkered. Revolver is engraved by William Gough with class “B” coverage of about 60% of the revolvers surface. Engraving consists of fine arabesque scrolls with pearled background. Revolver is mounted with factory 2-pc pearl grips that have left & right Rampant Colt silver medallions and a raised carved eagle on the right side. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in caliber 22 with 6″ bbl, blue finish, pearl stocks, class “B” engraving and shipped to Loan Account,(These rare loan account guns were the Colt Exhibition guns and were shipped for display purposes to selected and important Colt Dealers to exhibit the BEST Colt had to offer.) Spaulding W. Arms, Salt Lake City, Utah on May 31, 1938 in a one gun shipment. Remarks section indicates that the revolver was returned to the factory on Feb 1, 1939 and shipped 6 additional times to businesses in Albany, NY, Indianapolis, IN, Jamestown, NY, Detroit, MI, Chicago, IL and Jenkintown, PA and was finally sold on April 5, 1940 to the Bacharach Raisin Company in Baltimore, MD. Also accompanied by an orig burgundy hinged lid cardboard box with black & white end label identifying this revolver. Additionally there are 3 black & white overlabels, 2 on the end of the lid “TARGET” and “PATRIDGE SIGHTS”. The 3rd label is diagonally over the top “ENGRAVED” from which “EN” is missing. This exact revolver is pictured on page 330 of The Book of Colt Engraving, Wilson and on page 306 of Colt Pistols, Wilson & Hable wherein they state that it is “one of the most traveled of sample guns”. Wilson also states that this box was shipped 6 or 7 times and shows the travel wear but protected the gun during its travels. To say that this revolver is beautiful is a gross understatement. It is exceptionally beautiful and exceedingly rare. PROVENANCE: R.E. Hable Collection, Vince Sepulveda Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, appears to be new and unfired showing no evidence whatsoever of having been fired. There is only the most faint cylinder line and a small spot or two on left side of the trigger. Grips are extremely fine, showing great fire and color. Box has worn edges and a couple of broken corners with the right end of the top partially detached, otherwise it is intact with mostly legible labels. This is the rare opportunity to own one of the most rare Colt’s extant. 51546-1 JRL (35,000-45,000) C&R – Lot 1487 | Click here to view provenance |
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1488
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$8,625.00 |
*EXTREMELY RARE FACTORY ENGRAVED BANKER’S SPECIAL DA REVOLVER.SN 370638. Cal 22. Blue finish with 2″ rnd bbl, integral front sight with serrated rear edge and fixed rear sight in top strap groove. Mounted with beautiful 2-pc, silver medallion ivory grips that have a raised carved steer head on the right side. Revolver is factory engraved in A-style which consists of about 25-30% coverage foliate arabesque patterns without background but has light shading. Bbl has standard markings on both sides. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in caliber 22 with 2″ bbl, blue finish, ivory stocks with carved steer head motif and type “A” engraving, shipped to Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co. Chicago, IL for “A. Horton, Pradera Farm, Valporaiso, IN on May 9,1939 to order # 8391 in a one gun shipment. According to The Book of Colt Firearms, Wilson, there were about 35,000 Bankers Special revolvers produced in 3 calibers, 22, 38 Colt Police Positive (New Police) and 38 S&W. They were offered in both blue & nickel finish with round and square butt. According to referenced publication there were fewer than 50 engraved or inscribed Bankers Special revolvers with few of those surviving today. Special Note: This item(s) contains plant or animal properties that may be covered by the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We have taken care to ensure that this item(s) meets the standard for sale under the ESA. However, certain states and other countries have laws that are more restrictive than the ESA. It is the bidder’s responsibility to ensure that it is lawful to purchase or transport this item(s) into their state, and to obtain the necessary import and export approvals. Delay or failure to obtain any such permit or approval does not relieve the buyer of paying for the item(s) and consummating the purchase. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Overall retains virtually all of a restored blue finish with the cylinder and sideplate slightly purple color. Left grip has a repaired chip by the locator pin hole and there are a couple of small age lines, otherwise grips are sound with a wonderful golden ivory patina. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 51732-2 JRL (6,000-10,000) C&R; ESA – Lot 1488 Click here to view provenance |
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1489
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$0.00 |
*INCREDIBLE KURT JAEGER ENGRAVED AND GOLD INLAID COLT NEW SERVICE FITZ SPECIAL DA REVOLVER.SN 340748. Cal 45 COLT. Blue & gold finish with Fitz special 2″ bbl, cutaway trigger guard and bobbed hammer spur with serrated top edge of the hammer. Mounted with incredible gold Colt medallion 2-pc ivory grips that have full coverage, relief carved grape leaf & vine patterns with a fine stippled background. Revolver is incredibly engraved by master engraver Kurt Jaeger with full coverage intertwined foliate arabesque patterns that have extremely fine pearled background. The entire perimeter of the revolver, cylinder & sideplate are outlined in flush gold wire inlay. The sideplate is inlaid with a spectacular gold Bald Eagle executed in exquisite detail. The right side flat has an equally detailed Indian warrior’s head with braids, necklace & feathered war bonnet. Bottom of the frame, just in front of the trigger is engraved in diamond patterns with matching diamond patterns on rear of trigger guard and on the cylinder latch. The Fitzgerald configuration of this revolver was the trademark of John H. Fitzgerald, a Colt field representative from about 1930-1944. He was an expert trick-shot and speed artist, usually with a new service revolver in caliber 45 Colt. He specialized in police training and promoted the use of this style of revolver as a carry piece. According to a previous sale record this revolver will not letter from Colt as a Fitz Special, however given the precise details of the alteration it seems very likely that this was an original Fitz Special custom engraved by Mr. Jaeger. Special Note: This item(s) contains plant or animal properties that may be covered by the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We have taken care to ensure that this item(s) meets the standard for sale under the ESA. However, certain states and other countries have laws that are more restrictive than the ESA. It is the bidder’s responsibility to ensure that it is lawful to purchase or transport this item(s) into their state, and to obtain the necessary import and export approvals. Delay or failure to obtain any such permit or approval does not relieve the buyer of paying for the item(s) and consummating the purchase. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Overall retains 99% plus crisp custom blue. Details in the gold inlays are crisp & sharp. Grips are sound showing little or no wear. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 51732-3 JRL (8,000-12,000) C&R; ESA – Lot 1489 Click here to view provenance |
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1490
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$8,050.00 |
*SCARCE COLT MODEL 1917 DA REVOLVER WITH ORIGINAL BOX.SN 336341. Cal 45 Auto Cartridge (45 ACP). Blue finish with 5-1/2″ bbl, full orig front sight with groove rear sight in the top strap. Top of bbl has 2-line Colt address & patent dates and left side is marked “COLT MODEL 1917 .45 AUTO. CTGE.” Left side plate has the Rampant Colt trademark. Mounted with checkered 2-pc walnut grips with silver Rampant Colt medallions. Accompanied by its orig burgundy 2-pc cardboard box that has black & white end label & matching SN in pencil on the bottom. Inside the box is a small Colt instructions pamphlet, a Colt marked small manila envelope containing 2 half-moon clips & a wire handled bristle brush. Box also contains the orig brown tissue paper. Also accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal .45 auto-cartridge with 5-1/2″ bbl, blue (war-time finish), type of stocks is not listed and shipped to Shapleigh Hardware Co. St. Louis, Missouri on July 28, 1932 to order number 3622 in a 500 gun shipment. Almost certainly that large of a shipment was intended for a state militia or foreign government purchase. CONDITION: Extraordinarily fine. Crisp & new, appears to be unfired with only a partial, extremely faint hint of a cylinder line. Grips are equally crisp. Box is equally new showing only minor corner wear and a small dimple in the lid. 51505-5 JRL (5,000-8,000) C&R – Lot 1490 Click here to view provenance |
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1491
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$1,437.50 |
*COLT MODEL 1895 NEW ARMY DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER WITH WELLS FARGO & COMPANY MARK STAMPED ON THE BUTT.SN 266433. Cal. 38 Colt. 4-1/2″ bbl. Blue finish. Checkered walnut grips with Colt medallions. Top of bbl shows correct 3-line address on top with model and cal mark on left side. Assembly no. “1697” is stamped on inside of frame opposite crane on inside of crane and on outside of cyl latch. SN is stamped in 2-lines on toe of butt. Correct “W.F. & Co.” mark is stamped to the right of SN on butt. Rampant Colt logo in a circle is stamped on left side of frame above grip. This revolver was manufactured in 1906. CONDITION: Very good, for a revolver of this type. Bbl has a gray brown finish overall, with traces of blue at the breech end and around front-sight. Front-sight has been slightly dressed. Bbl markings are sharp and clear. Bore is frosty with strong rifling. Frame is also a plumb-brown patina overall, with strong traces of blue in protected areas. Colt logo is sharp. Assembly nos. are sharp. Cyl is a gray-brown patina overall, with traces of blue in flutes. Back of hammer shows traces of fire-blue, as does the trigger. Grips are from a later vintage Colt revolver, and are in good condition with sharp checkering and only some small dents on lower right side. SN is sharp. W.F. & Co. mark is also sharp. Butt is slightly battered over both SN and roll die mark. Wells Fargo & Company purchased many revolvers from Colt over a period of years including this model. The revolvers were rolldie marked with this logo on butt at the factory. Revolvers of this type are increasingly scarce and hard to fine. This gives the collector of Express Company items the opportunity to purchase an example of one of these desirable revolvers. 50412-69 (2,000-3,000) C&R – Lot 1491 |
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1492
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$10,925.00 |
*RARE WILBUR GLAHN ENGRAVED CASED COLT MODEL 1903 SEMI-AUTO PISTOL.SN 316065. Cal 32 ACP. Blue finish with 3-3/4″ bbl, fixed sights and standard slide markings. Mounted with smooth 2-pc factory ivory grips that have left & right Rampant Colt deep silver medallions. Pistol is engraved by Wilbur Glahn in “C” plus coverage consisting of fine, intertwined, flowing foliate patterns with fine shaded background. Engraving extends fully over the slide, both sides of the frame, bottom front of the frame & slide, trigger guard, front strap, grip safety housing and rear of the slide & frame. Accompanied by an orig Colt black leatherette covered hard case that has burgundy satin lining inside the lid that is in the top embossed with the “COLT” trademark. Bottom is lined in burgundy velvet and recessed for the pistol. Very few of these early Colt pistols were factory engraved and few are known today, especially cased examples. Also included with this gun is a June 3, 1980 Colt Factory letter confirming the gun in its current configuration and lists this gun as a 1 gun shipment to B.H. Dyus Co. Los Angeles, CA. PROVENANCE: The Frank H. Wheaton, III Collection. Special Note: This item(s) contains plant or animal properties that may be covered by the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We have taken care to ensure that this item(s) meets the standard for sale under the ESA. However, certain states and other countries have laws that are more restrictive than the ESA. It is the bidder’s responsibility to ensure that it is lawful to purchase or transport this item(s) into their state, and to obtain the necessary import and export approvals. Delay or failure to obtain any such permit or approval does not relieve the buyer of paying for the item(s) and consummating the purchase. CONDITION: Very fine. Pistol retains about 85% orig blue showing sharp edge wear, a thin front strap and spring housing that is worn to gray metal from handling. Grips have a few small age lines otherwise are completely sound and show a mellow ivory patina. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with light pitting. Case is extremely fine, completely sound with only some minor chips in the bottom edges. Interior shows very light fading & soil. 51516-17 JRL (12,500-17,500) C&R; ESA – Lot 1492 Click here to view provenance |
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1493
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$4,025.00 |
*COLT MODEL 1903 SEMI-AUTO POCKET PISTOL PURPORTEDLY BELONGING TO INFAMOUS BANK ROBBER AND OUTLAW JOHN DILLINGER.SN 216003. Cal 32 ACP. Blue finish with 3-3/4″ bbl, fixed sights, standard slide markings with Rampant Colt at the left rear end and mounted with Rampant Colt checkered hard rubber grips. Accompanied by one orig two-tone magazine with marked base plate. Also accompanied by a brown leather flap holster probably from the 1920s or 30s. Additionally accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this pistol in caliber 32, bbl length and type of stocks not listed, blue finish and shipped to Shapleigh Hardware Co., St. Louis, MO on August 7, 1916 in a 100 gun shipment. Further accompanied by an extremely large archive of research material on the life & times of John Dillinger including his known personal contacts, crimes and convictions leading up to his death in July 1934. Included in this archival material are several notarized affidavits by Robert A. Hufsmith who is the son of George W. Hufsmith who was the Assistant Attorney General of Indiana from 1929-1936. Mr. Hufsmith states that this pistol was kept in his fathers’ bedside table and that he had been admonished not to touch it under any circumstance, that it had belonged to John Dillinger. Mr. Hufsmith states that his father had been assigned to prosecute Dillinger for bank robbery & murder, but Dillinger escaped and traveled to Chicago where he eventually was killed. Mr. Hufsmith states that he never learned how his father came into possession of the pistol but that it was common practice for policemen to keep “trophies” from high profile criminals and present them to their superiors. Mr. Hufsmith speculates that one of the policemen gifted this pistol to his father. Also included is a newspaper article which includes a photograph of four East Chicago, Indiana police officers holding a Colt semi-auto pistol that could be this pistol. There are copies of other photographs in the archive of George Hufsmith standing beside the body of Dillinger in the morgue. Mr. Hufsmith states that his father carried this pistol for about 15 years while serving in a legal capacity in Rio de Janeiro Brazil and that Mr. Robert Hufsmith had carried this same pistol while acting as a prosecuting attorney for Teton County, WY in Jackson Hole. Mr. Robert Hufsmith identifies this pistol by serial number. Mr. Hufsmith was unable to directly link this pistol to John Dillinger, however the circumstances lead one to believe that it is in fact John Dillinger’s pistol. At the inquest, after the shooting of Dillinger no firearm was produced to justify the shooting although later a pistol was produced and put on display by the FBI but was later proven that that pistol was manufactured after Dillinger was killed. One newspaper article states that when Dillinger was shot his pistol went “clattering” down the street. This scenario further promotes the strong theory that one of the 4 Indiana policemen, who were present as witnesses then picked up the pistol and later gave it to Mr. Hufsmith’s father. Further accompanied by 4 books regarding Dillinger: Dillinger A Short and Violent Life, Cromie & Pinkston; Dillinger The Hidden Truth, Stewart; John Dillinger, Matera; Dillinger The Untold Story, Giardin & Helmer. Further accompanied by a VHS, Public Enemy #1. The cover the the Giardin book and the VHS sleeve picture Dillinger holding a Thompson sub-machine gun and a Colt semi-auto pistol. The cover of the Stewart book pictures what is probably the same Thompson, Colt small caliber automatic pistol & a severely modified 1911 style pistol along with what is probably Dillinger’s straw boater and a plaster death mask. PROVENANCE: George H. Hufsmith; Robert A. Hufsmith; consignor. CONDITION: Good. Traces or orig finish remain in the most sheltered areas being mostly a gray/brown patina showing moderate to heavy wear. Grips are sound also showing heavy wear. The slide-lock will not hold in the open position,safety has been internally disabled as was described in the text from Mr.Hufsmith. This was purportedly done by Dillinger so as to be always at the ready. Other than the non functioning safety and hold open mechanics are fine, strong dark bore. Holster is extremely fine. Books are fine. 51640-1 (5,000-7,500) C&R – Lot 1493 Click here to view provenance |
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1494
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$3,737.50 |
*COLT SUPER .38 AUTOMATIC PISTOL WITH EXTRA BARREL.SN 3888. Cal. .38 Super. Manufactured August 21, 1929, including extra bbl and bushing, bbl marked “Colt Super .38 Auto”. Orig bbl had no observable markings. Both bbls have in-the-white area visible through ejection port. Only one pin and link supplied. Right hand slide marked “Colt Super .38 Automatic” with Rampant Colt logo. Left side of slide has Colt’s patent information showing noticeable broken letters on the roll die. Wide front sight and wide notched rear sight. Wide spur hammer and milled checkered trigger with blued stock screws. Right receiver marked with SN and final assemblers mark (60) on the upper trigger guard bow. Left of trigger guard bow marked “Verified Proof” and “L” inspectors mark. Stocks are coarse full checkered walnut. Mainspring housing properly lacks lanyard loop. Top of receiver properly “S” marked. CONDITION: Colt marked bbl in as new condition, orig bbl shows moderate bushing wear and frosted bore. Upper left stock screw missing most of finish. Stocks are very good with some flattening of the checkered diamonds and a few missing diamonds, but overall are very pleasing. Slide missing finish on edges and many scratches overall. Receiver missing most of the finish on the front grip strap and partially missing on rear strap and mainspring housing, dings just ahead of SN on receiver. Take down scratch on left hand side. Two toned Super .38 mag with bottom marked “Colt Super .38 Auto” with some finish deterioration on bottom, mag sides are very good +. Overall a very nice early all orig Super .38 Auto with an additional spare new bbl and bushing. 51221-2 KXK (3,500-5,000) C&R – Lot 1494 Click here to view provenance |
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1495
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$0.00 |
*COLT COMBAT COMMANDER PISTOL FACTORY ENGRAVED BY R. BURT, WITH WOODEN BOX.SN 70BS28500. Cal. .45 ACP. Factory nickel finish, factory engraved by R. Burt, genuine Ivory stocks. Left stock engraved with steer head, right engraved with flying eagle. Bbl marked “Colt .45 Auto”. Slide fully engraved on three sides, right side marked “Colt’s Combat Commander”, left side marked “Combat Commander Colt Automatic Caliber .45”, receiver marked “Engraved by R. Burt” above slide stop. Right side of receiver marked “Colt’s Pt. F.A. Mfg. Co. Hartford, Conn. U.S.A.” above SN. Serrated mainspring housing with no lanyard loop. Grip safety with short tang. Serrated hammer with lanyard hole. 70’s type thumb safety. Front sight serrated ramp, rear sight square notched. Mag is marked “Colt .45 Auto” with engraving. Entire gun has full coverage engraving very tastefully done. Pistol is housed in a Colt factory wood box with no label but has prancing pony on the lid interior and Colt logo on outside lid, interior has red velvet lining.With an additional black french fitted case with purple lining with provision for a spare magazine and ammunition. PROVENANCE: The Frank H. Wheaton, III Collection. Special Note: This item(s) contains plant or animal properties that may be covered by the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We have taken care to ensure that this item(s) meets the standard for sale under the ESA. However, certain states and other countries have laws that are more restrictive than the ESA. It is the bidder’s responsibility to ensure that it is lawful to purchase or transport this item(s) into their state, and to obtain the necessary import and export approvals. Delay or failure to obtain any such permit or approval does not relieve the buyer of paying for the item(s) and consummating the purchase. CONDITION: Bore is shiny and appears like new. Mag is fully nickled with no sign of wear. Overall gun appears to be completely orig with no apparent wear and no sign of firing. Box is near excellent, small rub mark on interior lid lining near pony. 51516-16 KXK (10,000-15,000) C&R; ESA – Lot 1495 |
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1496
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$0.00 |
*SCARCE CASED COLT PYTHON SILHOUETTE DA REVOLVER.SN K49719. Cal 357 MAG. Colt royal blue finish with 8″ vent ribbed bbl, red ramp front & white outline rear sights. Left side of bbl is marked “PYTHON SILHOUETTE / 357 MAGNUM CTG.” Right side of bbl has the Colt name & address and sideplate is marked with the Rampant Colt trademark. Mounted with Colt gold medallion Pachmayr grips and a Leupold M8-2X extended eye relief handgun scope. Left side of the scope is inlaid with a bronze medallion marked “Colt / Leupold” surrounding the Rampant Colt trademark. Accompanied by its orig black fiberglass case that has reinforced corners with handle & latches. Case is foam lined and compartmented for the revolver with scope attached, a 50 rnd cartridge box with Colt trademark, a small cleaning kit with Colt trademark containing a bore brush, jag, 2 Allen wrenches and a Colt 3-prong screwdriver,the case also has a laminated wood handle cleaning rod with brass bore guide and the owner’s manual along with other Colt papers. These revolvers were produced about 1983. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Appears to be new & unfired. Scope is equally new. Case is crisp & clean as are the contents. 51732-1 (7,000-9,000) – Lot 1496 |
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1497
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$0.00 |
*ENGRAVED COLT WOODSMEN SEMI-AUTO PISTOL.SN 105793. Cal 22 LR. Blue finish with 6-5/8″ tapered rnd bbl, adjustable front & rear sight and mounted with full checkered walnut grips. Pistol is aftermarket engraved in about “C+” coverage fine foliate arabesque patterns with pearled background. Right side of grip frame, under the grip is marked “ENGR. BY R. MAREK”. Accompanied by 1 orig, refinished 2-tone magazine. PROVENANCE: The Frank H. Wheaton, III Collection. CONDITION: Very fine plus. Overall retains 99% plus strong custom blue with a few freckles of fine pitting under the blue on front strap, and bolt face. Grips are sound showing light diamond point wear. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 51516-18 JRL (2,000-3,000) C&R – Lot 1497 |
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1498
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$5,175.00 |
*LOT OF 2 COLT DA REVOLVERS.1) COLT PYTHON. SN 44627. Cal 357 MAG. Early Python, blue finish with 6″ ribbed bbl & adjustable rear sight. Has target hammer with standard bbl markings & the Rampant Colt trademark on the side plate. Mounted with gold medallion checkered walnut grips. Early Pythons are considered to be superior to the later production. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Overall retains 98-99% crisp, glossy orig blue with only an extremely faint cylinder line. Grips are crisp with one small bruise and some minor scratches on the right side. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Has been fired, but very little. 2) COLT DIAMONDBACK. SN S62974. Cal 22. Diamondback revolver, blue finish with 6″ ribbed bbl & adjustable rear sight. Mounted with gold medallion checkered walnut grips. Bbl has standard markings with the Rampant Colt trademark on the side plate. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Overall retains about 98% crisp, glossy orig blue with some slight dulling on each side at the muzzle. Grips show very light diamond point wear. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 51663-1, 51663-2 JRL (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1498 |
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1499
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$1,495.00 |
*LOT OF TWO POST-WAR COLT SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOLS.1) COLT WOODSMAN & GOVERNMENT MODEL. SN 262765-C. Cal 45 ACP. Government Model pistol. Blue finish with 5″ bbl, fixed sights and standard post-war markings. It has short hammer spur and long grip safety spur with arched spring housing and is mounted with 1911 style diamond checkered walnut grips. Accompanied by 1 orig commercial magazine with marked base. 1953 production. CONDITION: Fine. Overall retains 90-92% strong orig finish showing sharp edge wear and some light discoloration over the top of the slide and the front strap. Grips show light diamond point wear. Mechanics are fine, brilliant shiny bore. Magazine is fine. C&R 2) COLT WOODSMAN. SN 39823-S. Cal 22 LR. Woodsmen Sport 2nd Model. Blue finish with 6″ rnd bbl, ramp front sight & fully adjustable rear sight. Bbl, frame & slide have standard markings. Mounted with mottled red/brown thumb-rest composition grips and accompanied by 1 orig 2nd model magazine with marked base. Left side of frame has push button magazine release. CONDITION: Fine. Overall retains about 85% orig blue showing wear on the bbl with rust spotting on top of the bbl, frame & slide. Frame retains bright blue on the sides with rust spotting on the front & backstraps & trigger guard. Left grip has a chip otherwise grips are sound. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 51663-3, 51663-4 JRL (1,750-2,750) – Lot 1499 |
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1629
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$8,625.00 |
*SUPERB CONDITION 1905 COMMERCIAL 45ACP PISTOL.SN 4569. Cal. 45 ACP. Standard model 1905 commercial with verified proof on left upper trigger guard bow, “W” on lower left trigger guard bow. Left slide marked “Patented/APR. 20, 1897, Sept. 9, 1902, Dec. 19, 1905”, “Colt’s Pt. F.A. Mfg Co. Hartford, CT U.S.A.” Circle horse to rear. Right slide marked “Automatic Colt/Calibre 45 Rimless Smokeless”. Unmarked orig mag. Grips with brass reinforcing inserts around screws. Fire blued extractor and wedge. PROVENANCE: The Frank H. Wheaton, III Collection. CONDITION: Verdigris apparent around grip screw bushings. Light finish deterioration front of left slide. Right side of slide shows scattered spotting, some of which may be dried grease. Top of slide shows minor deterioration. Receiver has small amount of pitting on lower rear edge, slight amount of finish missing from rear grip strap. Spot of minor pitting on left receiver muzzle. Fire blue on trigger near excellent. Front and rear grip straps near excellent. Quite a bit of dried grease on hidden areas which may cover something. Small amount of spotting above left grip. Orig mag in near excellent condition. Near excellent bore. Grips are near excellent except for verdigris around bushings. Front and rear sights in near excellent orig condition. Small amount of peening around firing pin hole rear of slide. Overall a superb looking all orig 1905 Commercial. 51516-14 KXK (10,000-20,000) C&R – Lot 1629 |
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1633
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$6,325.00 |
*SCARCE COLT MODEL 1908 GENERAL OFFICER’S PISTOL THAT BELONGED TO GENERAL U. S. AIR FORCE MAJOR ROBERT W. DOUGLASS, JR.SN 136512. Cal 380 ACP. Blue finish with 3-3/4″ bbl fixed sights and mounted with full checkered, silver medallion walnut grips. Right side of frame, above the trigger guard, is marked “U.S. PROPERTY”. Left rear side of frame, behind the thumb safety, has a partial small ordnance wheel. Slide has standard markings with Rampant Colt trademark at the left rear. Accompanied by one orig two-tone magazine with marked base and a craft colored 2-pc cardboard box with faint pencil notation on the top right rear corner which shows the serial number and “Douglass, R.W.”. This pistol was manufactured in 1942 as part of military contact. After WWII they were issued to newly promoted Brigadier Generals’. The book Colt Pocket Hammerless Automatic Pistols, Brunner, has a listing which shows an unspecified Colt 380 was issued to R. W. Douglas (sic), Jr. Previous information disclosed that this pistol was purchased from the grandson of General Douglass. Additionally accompanied by a copy of the official U. S. A. F. biography of Major General Robert W. Douglass, Jr. (1900-1976). The biography shows that General Douglass, a native of Tennessee, was graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1922 and served continuously until February 1957. During his career he was Commander of various units including the Seventh Fighter Command, based in Hawaii, from 1942-1944, following assignment that he served as Commander of the Seventh Air Force, the center of Allied Pacific airborne logistics, which was responsible for long range fighter escort for bombers & cargo aircraft throughout the war for the Pacific. In addition, during World War II and for its duration, MG Douglass sat on the Permanent Joint Board on the Defense of Canada and the United States. After WWII he became Commanding General of the 1st Air Force and subsequently Chief of Staff, U. S. Air Forces – Europe, as well as working in the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He commanded various other units until being assigned to Air Force Headquarters in Washington D.C. where he served as Senior U.S.A.F. Member of the Joint Mexican-U.S. Defense Commission; The Senior U.S.A.F. delegate to the Inter-American Defense Board, and as Senior Member of the U.S. Delegation to the Joint Brazil-U.S. Defense Commission. His numerous awards and decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Legion of Merit and the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal. After retiring in 1957 he worked for 10 years as a Representative for United Aircraft International, parent company of Pratt & Whitney and Sikorski, both major players in the American Military Industrial Complex, later known as United Technologies Corporation and was also President of the Wings Club of New York. Additionally accompanied by a volume of public documents and numerous photos, as well as 2 hardcover books; 1). Air Commando One, Trest, wherein General Douglass is mentioned on page 66. 2). Air Mobility, Owen. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Appears to be new & unfired retaining virtually all of its orig bright factory blue with only faint sharp edge wear and a few small scattered spots of surface discoloration on the left side. Magazine & grips are equally new. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Box shows slight edge wear and very minor soil. Books are fine. 51670-1 JRL (4,500-6,500) C&R – Lot 1633 Click here to view provenance |
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2134
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$3,737.50 |
SCARCE COLT MEDIUM FRAME LIGHTNING SLIDE ACTION SADDLE RING CARBINE.SN 18603. Cal 44 WCF. Standard grade carbine with 20″ rnd bbl, full magazine, barleycorn front sight and reverse mounted carbine ladder rear sight. Left side of receiver has a staple & ring along with the Rampant Colt trademark. Mounted with straight grain American walnut including a double schnable checkered forearm & straight stock with carbine buttplate. Trademark on receiver is applied with a pantograph. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Overall retains 99% plus crisp Turnbull factory style restored finish by a very skilled professional restoration artist with brilliant blues & case colors. Wood is sound and retains virtually all of its restored oil finish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 51567-5 JRL (2,500-3,500) – Lot 2134 |
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2135
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$4,600.00 |
RARE SEMI-DELUXE COLT MEDIUM FRAME SLIDE ACTION RIFLE WITH COLOR CASE HARDENED RECEIVER.SN 65085. Cal 44 WCF (44-40). Scarce semi-deluxe rifle with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, Rocky Mountain front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered, nicely figured walnut with smooth, single Schnable 2-pc forearm & pistol grip stock with crescent buttplate. Receiver & trigger guard are color case hardened with the Rampant Colt trademark roll marked on left side. This model was Colt’s first slide action rifle produced in large quantities 1884-1902. Very few are known in semi-deluxe configuration and extremely few are color case hardened. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl retains about 95% strong orig blue with only sharp edge wear. Magazine tube retains about 50-60% strong orig blue with the balance a thin blue/brown patina. Receiver retains most of its orig case colors, moderately to heavily faded and turning silver on the top & bottom edges. Trigger guard & front extension along with the top & bottom tangs are a silver/gray patina. Buttplate is a dark brown patina. Wood is sound with a few scratches and retains most of its orig oil finish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with scattered very fine pitting. 51567-4 JRL (4,500-5,500) – Lot 2135 |
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2136
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$2,300.00 |
COLT MEDIUM FRAME LIGHTENING PUMP ACTION RIFLE.SN 58480. Cal 32 WCF (32-20). Standard grade rifle with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, Rocky Mountain front sight & semi-buckhorn rear sight. Receiver has Rampant Colt trademark, Mounted with straight grain uncheckered buttstock with straight grip & crescent buttplate. Forearm is made of 2 pieces of checkered walnut with small Schnable at each end. This rifle was produced 1884-1902 in large numbers as a companion piece to Colt handguns and was the first slide action rifle produced by Colt. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl retains 94-95% strong orig blue showing only sharp edge wear and some minor freckling. Receiver retains 85-86% glossy orig blue with candy striping on both sides and thinning on the top right side and on the bottom at the carry point. Hammer retains strong case colors. Buttplate is mostly a gray patina. Stock has a small hairline at the receiver otherwise wood is sound showing most of its orig finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 51439-1 JRL (3,500-5,000) – Lot 2136 |
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2138
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$2,415.00 |
SCARCE COLT MODEL 1878 HAMMER SHOTGUN.SN 19693. Cal. 12 ga. 30″ laminated twist bbls. 2-3/4″ chambers. Full length laminated top rib with brass front bead. Dbl triggers, round knob pistol grip buttstock checkered in two-point pattern with 14-1/8″ LOP over case hardened steel buttplate. Splinter forearm with long Deeley release checkered in two-point pattern with triangular ebony tip. Unengraved receiver marked “Colt’s PT.F.A.MFG.Co.” on both sides. Weight: 8 lbs. CONDITION: Very good. Bbls retain approx 80% orig brown laminated pattern with some minor toning. Small crimp at muzzle on bottom of left bbl. Buttstock and forearm are very good with minor handling marks and light impressions throughout and retain approx 80% orig varnish, checkering lightly thinned. Forearm tip with shrinking. Receiver retains approx 20-30% orig case color mostly in protected areas. Bores are very good showing a few old dings having been removed. Buttplate with orig case color. Mechanics are good. 51567-14 JSL (2,000-3,000) – Lot 2138 |
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2139
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$1,610.00 |
SCARCE AS FOUND COLT 1883 GRADE 1 SHOTGUN.SN 6440. Cal. 12 ga. 30″ Damascus bbls. 2-3/4″ chambers. Chokes Full/Full. Full length matted top rib with brass front bead. Dbl triggers, extractors, auto safety. Full knob pistol grip buttstock checkered in two-point pattern with brass oval engraved with fancy “C” (Colt family connection?) and 13-7/8″ LOP over orig Colt HRBP. Splinter forearm with Deely release checkered in four-point pattern and triangular ebony tip. Receiver is border line engraved. Weight: 7 lbs. 8 oz. CONDITION: Very good as found. Bbls retain 70% browned orig Damascus pattern. Buttstock and forearm are excellent and retain most orig finish with scattered scratches, handling marks, and hunting bumps, though some finish has been added for preservation. Receiver retains better than 40% orig color and will benefit from gentle cleaning. Action is a bit gummy, and will also benefit from gentle cleaning. Bores are bright and shiny with scattered beginning erosion. This gun should be further researched. 51717-1 JSL (1,500-2,500) – Lot 2139 |
