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Lot |
Price | Description |
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1177
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$46,000.00 |
RARE SMITH & WESSON COMMERCIAL FIRST MODEL SCHOFIELD SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER THAT BELONGED TO THE FAMOUS OUTLAW COLE YOUNGER.
SN 13. Cal 45 S&W. Blue finish with 7″ keyhole shaped bbl, pinned half-moon front sight & V-notch rear sight in the bbl latch. Both sides of the ejector housing have Smith & Wesson address & patent dates. Mounted with smooth 2-pc walnut grips matching numbered to this revolver. Accompanied by a period, orig slim-jim russet brown leather holster with belt loop on the back attached with 4 copper harness rivets. Also accompanied by an undated, handwritten 2 page note over the signature of Mrs. George Willson which states that this revolver was given to her husbands grandfather who had been the defense counsel for Cole Younger in Northfield, MN after he was captured subsequent to the attempted holdup of a bank. She states that he (Cole Younger) “was touring the country giving talks to young men at churches and clubs and while he was in Rome, NY. My father-in-law went to the hotel to meet him”. He (Cole Younger)”went and called on mother and father Willson and presented them with the gun. In later years the gun was given to my husband George F. Willson and my husband gave it to my brother Mr. Winton Wilkes”. Additional information regarding this revolver is provided in a letter on Wm Dykes Antiques of Wiscasset, ME letterhead which briefly describes this revolver and provides the additional information regarding George Potter Wilson (sic) who states that Mr. Willson was the Minnesota Attorney General at the time of the Northfield, MN attempted bank holdup which resulted in the capture of Cole Younger. He states that Mr. Willson was a state Senator in 1898 and in 1899 introduced a bill known as the “Younger Bill” for the parole of life sentence prisoners. The bill was initially defeated but was reintroduced and passed. Cole Younger was paroled through the effort of George P. Willson who was also apparently responsible for Cole Younger finding employment and setting up speaking arrangements at churches and civic groups with the subject of “crime doesn’t pay”. It was apparently for Mr. Willson’s efforts in getting Cole Younger pardoned and assisting him with employment that Mr. Younger gave this revolver to Mr. Willson. The revolver has passed down through the Willson descendants until obtained by the consignor. The information regarding the “Younger Bill” was apparently extracted from the book Biography of Minnesota and is found on page 283 of that publication under the heading of “George P. Wilson” (sic). There have been many firearms with very sketchy provenance to members of the James-Younger Gang attempted bank robbery in Northfield, MN that have come to light in past years. Only one other had any decent provenance comparable to this revolver and that was a Smith & Wesson First Model American revolver documented to another gang member, Clell Miller who was killed during the attempted robbery. According to The Blue Book of Antique American Firemans & Values, Fjestad & Allen there were 3,035 First Model Schofield revolvers produced in 1875. Three thousand of that number were sold to the U.S. Military with only 35 being civilian models, of which this revolver is one, making it one of the most rare Smith & Wesson revolvers. CONDITION: Very good, all matching including cylinder & grips. Overall retains about 40% orig blue, strong in sheltered areas, thin and turning silver elsewhere. Backstrap is a gray/brown patina. Trigger guard & hammer retain traces of faded case colors. Trigger retains about 75% orig fire blue. Cylinder is a gray/brown patina. Bottom edges of grips has a series of light marks otherwise grips are sound with a hand worn patina. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. Holster shows heavy wear with restitching. 51438-1 JRL (50,000-70,000) – Lot 1177
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1178
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$11,500.00 |
WONDERFUL MARTIALLY MARKED SMITH & WESSON FIRST MODEL SCHOFIELD U. S. CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER.
SN 267. Cal. 45 Schofield. Blue finish with 7″ keyhole bbl, half moon front sight with 2-pc walnut grips, numbered to this revolver, that have a partially legible cartouche on left side. The Springfield Armory “US” marking is stamped on the toe of the butt. Ejector housing has usual markings on both sides and there are small inspector initials on various parts. This revolver will letter as having been shipped to the Springfield Armory on July 12, 1875. Only about 3,000 of these fine revolvers were ordered by the Government in 1875. Virtually the entire shipment was issued to front line Cavalry units where they saw action in the Indian Wars. The majority of these revolvers were sold in 1881 as government surplus to Schuyler, Hartley & Graham of New York City, with the majority of them having their bbls shortened to 5″ and resold to Wells Fargo. Others were also sold by Hartley & Graham on the commercial market. Few survive completely orig today with any orig finish and configuration. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, all matching including grips, cylinder, bbl & latch. Bbl retains 30-40% orig blue, mostly in sheltered areas with balance a blue/gray patina. Cylinder has strong blue in flutes with outer diameter a blue/gray patina. Frame & sideplate retain 60-70% orig blue with “candy striping” on sideplate and right side of frame. Grip frame also has candy striping, being mostly a blue/gray patina. Grips are sound showing moderate wear with visible cartouche on left side and traces of orig finish in top flutes. Mechanics are crisp, very bright shiny bore. 51670-3 JRL (9,000-12,000) – Lot 1178
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1179
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$9,200.00 |
SCARCE MARTIALLY MARKED SMITH & WESSON SCHOFIELD 1ST MODEL SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER.
SN 1580. Cal 45 S&W (Schofield). Blue finish with 7″ keyhole shape bbl, half moon front sight with fixed rear sight in the bbl latch. Sides of the ejector housing have standard markings. Mounted with matching numbered, smooth, 2-pc walnut grips with a clear, legible cartouche on the left side. Toe of the buttstrap is marked with a small “US”. The U.S. Government ordered and had delivered 3,000 of these revolvers in 1875 which were issued to various Cavalry units. Many of this production were issued to the 4th Cavalry Regiment, “Buffalo Soldiers”, a regiment of black Cavalry who fought courageously during the Indian Wars and saw service in the Geronimo campaign. Various outlaws & lawmen are recorded as having carried Schofield revolvers including brothers Frank & Jesse James and Cole Younger of the James Gang. U.S. Marshall Bill Tilghman & Custer Chief Scout, “Lonesome Charlie” Reynolds also were known to carry Schofield revolvers. These revolvers remained in service only a short period of time before being sold as surplus to Schuyler, Hartley & Graham, New York distributors who shortened the barrels to 5″ and sold them to Wells Fargo. Very few orig specimens remain today, especially with orig finish. CONDITION: Very good to fine, all matching. Bbl retains traces of orig blue in sheltered areas being mostly a blue/brown patina with moderate pitting around the muzzle & right side of the bbl. Frame retains about 60% thinning orig blue, stronger in sheltered areas. Frontstrap, backstrap & buttstrap along with the trigger guard are a gray metal patina. Hammer retains about 40-50% strong case colors. Cylinder shows thin blue in the flutes being a blue/brown patina on the outer diameter. Grips show heavy wear and a hand worn patina. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with scattered pitting. 51735-2 (7,000-10,000) – Lot 1179
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1180
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$2,530.00 |
RARE SMITH & WESSON FAVORITE 44 DA REVOLVER.
SN 9717. Cal 44 Russian. Nickel finish with 5″ keyhole shaped bbl, target front sight & fixed U-notch rear sight as part of the bbl latch. Mounted with smooth 2-pc ivory grips. Frame has lightening cuts on the bottom forward sides below the cylinder. Cylinder also has lightening cuts around the circumference and the front portion is a smaller diameter. Lands between the flutes on the cyl are marked with the Smith & Wesson name and address along with various patent dates. Accompanied by a Smith & Wesson factory letter which identifies this revolver as having been shipped Dec 10,1887 to the M.W. Robinson Co. who was Smith & Wesson’s major distributor of that era. There were about 1,000 of these revolvers produced 1882-1883 in 5 different bbl lengths, both nickel & blue with nickel predominating. 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 good. Overall retains 15-20% nickel in sheltered areas with the balance having been cleaned to light metal patina. Cylinder is matching patina. Hammer, trigger & trigger guard are also matching patina with traces of case colors on sides of the trigger. Certifiable antique ivory grips, which are probably old replacements, have lanyard cutouts in the bottom edges. Grips have fine hairlines in the bottom edges and show moderate to heavy wear with a fine ivory patina. Mechanics are fine, strong frosty bore. 51505-7 JRL (2,500-3,500) ESA – Lot 1180
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1180A
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$0.00 |
VERY RARE TOOLED F A HAKE, DALLES, OREGON HOLSTER WITH IVORY GRIPPED SMITH & WESSON OLD MODEL ARMY.
SN 11908. Beautiful F.A. Hake, The Dalles, Oregon made California-style tooled “Slim Jim” holster with 6″ Smith & Wesson old Model Army revolver. The Dalles at the end of the Oregon Trail was an important Northwest city for pioneers, soldiers, gold miners, gunslingers, floozies and scallywags according to it’s destination website. It is also the 4th oldest city in the State of Oregon. This is one of the few early Oregon holsters known and F.A. Hake, an apparent itinerant saddler, is not even listed in Oregon, though known to have worked in Idaho City, Idaho in 1865. 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: Gun is very good overall, retaining 80% plus orig silver. Gun appears all matching and orig with restored hinge screw. Elephant ivory stocks appear orig to gun, though not SNd. Gun is functional with discernible rifling in a pitted bore. Holster is sound and solid overall with crazing and scuffing at high areas; still tightly sewn on edge. Orig belt loop is missing and a new addition has been added for display. Tooling and makers mark are discernible as seen in photographs. 50412-42 (5,000-7,000) ESA – Lot 1180A
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1181
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$0.00 |
EXTRAORDINARY SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1875 TYPE III OFFICER’S RIFLE.
NSN. Cal. 45-70 Absolutely outstanding and possibly the finest Springfield Officers Model known. This is a standard type III sporting rifle made in 1885 with 26″ rnd bbl, gold-washed Beach’s patent front sight, 1200-yd, “ski-jump” rifle rear sight and tang sight with 3-1/2″ staff inletted into the top of the wrist. Bottom of bbl has a single iron guide containing an orig silver plated brass-tipped hickory ramrod. Mounted in straight grain American walnut, half stock with checkered forestock & wrist with an orig M1873 buttplate without trap. Left side of wrist is marked with the rectangular “SWP / 1885” cartouche (Inspector Samuel W. Porter). It has 2-pc case colored trigger guard with serrated single set trigger. Bottom of wrist has an attached Frank Freund, Denver patented checkered pistol grip attachment. Tip of the forestock is inletted with an engraved foliate shaped silver plated pewter nosecap. Breechblock has 1873 markings and bbl standard Springfield “VP/eagle” proofs. Engraved lockplate is marked “U S / SPRINGFIELD” and eagle. Inside trigger bow is stamped with a “K” and “L”. Lockplate, hammer shank, breechblock, top front of receiver, top tang, trigger bow & buttplate tang are all very nicely engraved in matching foliate arabesque patterns. There were about 100 type III rifles produced in 1885. These rifles were intended for purchase by military officers, with several high condition surplus guns known. This example, however, is so extremely fine retaining virtually all of its orig finish and plating it is doubtful it could ever be upgraded. PROVENANCE: Eric Vaule, 1993. CONDITION: Extremely fine+. Overall retains 99+% crisp orig finish with strong bright blue on bbl, brilliant case colors on lockplate, hammer, breechblock, top tang & trigger guard. Trigger bow is muted. Buttplate retains about 95% bright orig blue with only loss at rounded edge. Nosecap and ramrod tip retain virtually all of their orig bright plating with some thinness and wear on ramrod trip. Tang sight retains most of its orig fire blue. Wiping rod is crisp and near new. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant shiny bore appears to be new and unfired. 51685-4 (40,000-50,000) – Lot 1181
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1182
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$10,925.00 |
RARE AND FINE SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1873 CARBINE, CUSTER SERIAL RANGE WITH “INDIAN STAR” SYMBOL.
SN 34136. Cal. 45-70. There have been several articles published about Springfield carbines shipped to the 7th US Cavalry at Ft. Abraham Lincoln in April and May of 1876 in the serial range 33,000-43,000. Several guns in this serial range have been noted with a carved or stamped star on the right buttstock. Several are published in an article by Robert Smith, Weapons with Spiritual Power, Man at Arms, August 1995 and SN 36509 is shown in Man at Arms – Roll of Honor, November 6, 2002, which has an identical star. The author “believes that the star is a Sioux symbol, perhaps indicating that the gun was captured by Indians at the Battle of the Little Bighorn”. This appears to be a very honest orig gun in the correct configuration with no alterations, still retaining some orig finish, good inspectors marks and set of initials crudely cut in left stock. This is probably the nicest of this Custer era carbines with Indian star symbol. PROVENANCE: Purchased as a shooter from a store in Dundee, Michigan just 20 miles from Custer’s home in Monroe. CONDITION: Very good overall. Bbl and lock retain strong traces of orig finish with scattered pitting. Stock is sound with hand worn patina, numerous small dings and scuffs. Points of star emblem appear stamped with the initials opposite carved. Mechanically gun functions well with crisp bright bore. 51346-3 JS (5,000-10,000) – Lot 1182
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1183
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$8,050.00 |
VERY FINE CUSTER RANGE MODEL 1873 SPRINGFIELD TRAPDOOR CARBINE.
SN 33777. Cal. 45-70. This is a very fine example with good collection history that is in the serial range of some Custer used carbines. Two carbines in the 37000 range (37178 & 37225) were returned after the Little Bighorn Battle June 25, 1876. Other 33000 serial range guns are found in records of the 3rd, 4th, 6th, 9th, & 10th U.S. Cavalry also in the Indian War era. This gun was originally in the collection of Howard Cole, the well known author of numerous books on American fighting knives and later in the collection of author Stephen Dorsey. Mr Dorsey described this carbine “Simply this is the finest U.S. Springfield carbine I have ever seen for sale, it has been in my collection for 25 years…”. This is a standard trapdoor carbine with 22″ rnd bbl, square base front sight and 1200 yard ladder rear sight. Breechblock and lockplate both have standard 1873 markings. Mounted in a 1-pc walnut half stock with single band that has stacking swivel and sling bar and ring in left side with 2-pc trigger guard. Left side of wrist has a strong “ESA” cartouche, and circle “P” proof on bottom rear of trigger guard. PROVENANCE: Ex-Collection of M. Howard Cole, Birmingham, Alabama; Ex-Collection of Stephen Dorsey 1982; David Pierce Collection in 2007. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall, appears all matching and orig. Markings are crisp and discernible. Metal is overall plum/blue retaining about half of its orig finish with scattered cosmetic defects, light pitting. This gun did see use as noted by solid well fit stock with hand-worn patina with light saddle wear. Mechanically gun functions well with crisp rifling in bore. 51735-3 JS (6,000-8,000) – Lot 1183
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1184
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$7,475.00 |
FINE SHARPS NEW MODEL 1863 SADDLE RING CARBINE.
SN C18027. Cal. 50-70. Standard carbine with 22″ rnd bbl that has 3-groove rifling, square base front sight with nickel silver blade and 800 yard carbine ladder rear sight. Chamber area of bbl is marked “NEW MODEL 1863”. Receiver and lockplate have standard markings. Left side of receiver and wrist have a sling bar and ring. Mounted with replacement, uncheckered straight grain American walnut that has a small cartouche under the sling bar and a “DFC” (David F. Clark) replacement wood cartouche on the left side. Stock is without patchbox. Approximately 27,000 of these carbines were converted from percussion to center fire cartridge. These carbines usually saw hard service on the American frontier after the war and are rarely found today with any orig finish. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Overall retains about 99% crisp blue and case colors with only slight sharp edge wear. Stock and forearm have a few very small bumps and bruises, otherwise wood is sound and retains virtually all of its orig oil finish. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant shiny bore seems to be unfired since conversion. 51774-2 JRL (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1184
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1185
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$0.00 |
SPECTACULAR AND EXTREMELY RARE ENGRAVED DELUXE SPENCER SPORTING RIFLE.
SN 21165. Cal. 56-50. This unique freshly discovered rifle was made most likely for exhibition with 30″ half oct to rnd bbl, mounted with deluxe flame grained American walnut engraved and white metal/silver plated action with engraved “SPENCER / REPEATING RIFLE CO” in ribbon on top of receiver. Left side of frame is engraved with a flying American eagle surrounded by scrolls and punch-dot background as is remainder of frame, buttplate, lock and lever. The hammer is similarly engraved along with a dog/serpent head in style noted of Nimschke shop. SN 21165 is found on back of frame showing that this gun was made from a surplus Civil War military frame as other early Spencer Sporters were. There is a presentation Spencer engraved by Nimschke to Spencer company President Frank Cheney in 1868, which this gun was emulated. This is a most unusual and deluxe Spencer sporting rifle which no other example has not been offered previously. CONDITION: Very fine overall. Bbl retains virtually all of its orig thinning blue finish. Plated components retain about 97% orig plate with worn areas at high spots with pitting and brown patina. There are several scratched areas to plating where rust was attempted to be removed, which does not affect the overall aesthetics. There are numerous dents and dings on top edge of receiver, along breech which can be seen in photos but which again do not affect aesthetics. Forestock is larger than frame but is beveled to match with matching assembly “10” found inside and on bbl. Bbl shows no other marking other than assembly numbers and engraving at breech. Bbl exhibits a long German silver blade mounted on dove-tailed post not noted on other Spencer’s previously. Screws are all blued and engraved. Mag tube is not engraved or plated. Buttstock was not removed, but matching assembly number “10” is found internally on two parts of case colored breech and on lever. Stocks are well fit with several scuffs and small dents, retaining a newer applied varnish. Mechanically crisp with bright, shiny bore with 6 lands and grooves. 51063-1 JS (30,000-50,000) – Lot 1185
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1186
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$20,700.00 |
Revised: 4/10/2017
Please Note: Upon closer examination, we noted a small crack at the screw hole on the left hand side cover plate.
EXTREMELY RARE ENGRAVED WHITNEY-LAIDLEY STYLE 1 DELUXE SPORTING RIFLE.
SN 9611. Cal appears to be 45-70. Spectacular Whitney Sporting rifle with 34″ tapered rnd bbl, Spirit level windgage front sight, no provision for a rear sight & vernier tang sight with 4-3/4″ staff graduated to 800 yards. Mounted with spectacular shell grain European walnut with long, tapered, checkered forearm that has horn tip and raised side panels at the receiver and Sharps style checkered pistol grip buttstock that has smooth steel shotgun buttplate. Receiver & trigger guard are beautifully engraved by master engraver L.D. Nimschke. Engraving consists of full coverage on the receiver with the small round vignette of 2 quail on the left side and a bird dog on point on the top flat. The remainder of the receiver is engraved in Mr. Nimschke’s typical, intertwined flowing foliate arabesque patterns with fine pearled background. The engraving is surrounded by very fine borders with feather patterns on top edges of the receiver by the breech block slot. Hammer, breech block & breech block safety are engraved to match with a variety of patterns including Mr. Nimschke’s trademark diamond & dot patterns. Screw heads are all engraved and the breech block & hammer pins have an engraved rosette around each tip. Trigger guard is engraved to match. This beautiful rifle was originally gold washed and was evidently an exhibition piece for a World Expo, probably the 1876 Colombian Exposition. Serial number was observed on the bottom tang, bottom of the bbl, inside the forend barrel channel, inside top tang and inside toe of buttplate. The tang screws are gold washed also and it appears that the buttplate was nickel plated with nickel plated screws. Rear face of buttstock also has the hand written name “J. Deeks”. Accompanied by 2 small museum acquisition tags from the Cody Firearms Museum. John Deeks was the consignor’s brother and lived in Globe, AZ until the time of his death in 2007. The consignor purchased the rifle from his brother before his death. Previously, the rifle was loaned in 1996 to the Buffalo Bill Historic Center where it remained until transferred for auction in December, 2016. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms only about 5,000 sporting and target rifles were produced by Whitney 1871-1881. Obviously very few of that number were Deluxe and incredibly few were engraved, making this one of the most rare of all single shot rifles. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, appears to be new & unfired. Bbl retains about 99% crisp orig blue. Receiver & attached small parts retain traces of gold wash being mostly bright nickel. Inside the receiver, under the wood retains strong gold wash. Buttplate retains about 50% orig nickel. Wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retains most of its orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, appears to be unfired. 51703-1 JRL (15,000-20,000) – Lot 1186
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1187
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$0.00 |
SCARCE REMINGTON ROLLING BLOCK NO. 1 SPORTING RIFLE.
SN 8021. Cal. 40-70 Sharps Bottleneck. Usual configuration with 30″ oct-rnd bbl, dovetailed front sight with thinned nickel silver blade and Remington sporting leaf rear sight. Made without provision for a tang sight. Top flat of bbl is marked “E.REMINGTON & SONS, ILION, N.Y.”. Left side of receiver has patent date markings and bottom of bbl has the Cal. marking. Mounted with very nicely figured, tiger striped, uncheckered American walnut with color case hardened steel schnable tipped forearm and straight stock with Remington’s semi-crescent buttplate. There were as many as 12,000 of these rifles produced, 1867-1888. They were very popular with the buying public and usually saw hard service as hunting rifles and defense weapons. Most often, they saw service from the back of a horse or wagon box often with limited maintenance and are rarely found today with high orig finish. Exposure to the ultraviolet rays of sunlight rapidly fades case colors. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Bbl retains 96-98% crisp orig blue with sharp markings. Receiver, trigger guard, forend cap and buttplate retain most of their orig case colors. Hammer, breechblock pins & keeper show moderate wear of their fire blue. Wood is sound with a few light, minor nicks and retains most of its orig oil finish. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant shiny bore. 51670-2 (5,500-7,000) – Lot 1187
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1188
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$0.00 |
EXTRAORDINARILY RARE REMINGTON BEALS NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER WITH EXCEPTIONALLY RARE ORIGINAL BLACK LEATHERETTE BOX AND ACCESSORIES.
SN 2491. Cal 36. Very rare Beals Navy percussion revolver, blue finish with 7-1/2″ oct bbl, dovetailed German silver cone front sight & fixed groove rear sight in the top strap. Bbl has 2-line Beals address with the SN on the bottom flat. Mounted with 2-pc smooth walnut grips that are matching numbered to this revolver. Serial number was observed on bottom flat of bbl, left side of buttstrap under the grip and in pencil inside each grip. Accompanied by an incredibly rare, original Remington 2-pc black leatherette box that is partitioned in the bottom for the revolver, an eagle & stars flask, a Remington brass bullet & ball mold with blue steel sprue cutter, a hickory & steel worm/cleaning rod and a rare cardboard box of Scheidt Brothers percussion caps. This revolver, box & accessories is pictured on page 33 of The Guns of Remington, Madus & Remington Society. This book was a compilation of Remington Arms loaned to the Cody Firearms Museum for a stand-alone exhibit in 1997 titled It Never Failed Me: The Arms & Art of the Remington Arms Company. Page 33 of referenced publication also pictures an identical set, SN 460 with the notation “Only two cardboard boxed sets of Remington-Beals belt revolvers are known to survive.” According to consignor there are actually four known surviving sets. Regardless, this is an extremely rare offering. Our revolver SN 2491 is misidentified in the book as SN 2941 but there is no doubt whatsoever that this is the revolver, box & accessories in the photograph. The lender of this revolver at that time was F. “Slim” Kohler. PROVENANCE: F. “Slim” Kohler Collection. Gary Phillips Collection. CONDITION: Revolver, for a Beals Navy is extremely fine. Few of them survive today and of those extremely few have any orig finish remaining. This revolver shows about 80-85% glossy orig blue on the bbl & loading lever with the loss areas flaked to a light patina. Frame retains traces of finish in the most sheltered areas being mostly a blue/gray patina with a few scattered pin-pricks of pitting just above the left grip. Cylinder retains 85-90% orig blue with some flaking losses and a cylinder line with fine pitting on the cylinder face. Hammer retains about 70% glossy fire blue. Grip frame is a gray metal patina. Trigger guard retains about 80% orig silver. Grips are sound showing light wear with a few nicks and retain most of their orig factory varnish. Mechanics are crisp, very bright shiny bore with a few scattered spots of pitting. Box is sound with some extremely professional repairs to one end of the lid and a slightly open seam on one end of the bottom. Interior is moderately soiled with some light foxing. Exterior shows very little soil with some light rubs on the lid and moderate wear on the edges and overall retains about 85% orig black finish. Flask is extremely fine and retains about 90% orig finish with bright gold wash on the collar. Mold shows light battering with sharp bright cavities and about 75-80% blue on the sprue cutter. Cleaning rod is fine with the metal tip having been cleaned. Cap box is intact and lightly soiled. All together an extraordinarily rare set the likes of which are unlikely to be encountered for sale anytime in the near future. 51683-2 JRL (20,000-35,000) – Lot 1188
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1189
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$6,325.00 |
SCARCE REMINGTON NEW MODEL ARMY FACTORY CONVERSION REVOLVER WITHOUT EJECTOR.
SN 142259. Cal. 46 RF. Blue finish with 8″ oct bbl, standard dovetail front sight with fixed groove rear sight in the top strap. Top flat of bbl has the 3-line address including “NEW-MODEL”. Bottom flat of bbl is marked with the SN along with the factory conversion number “4516”. Matching conversion number is found on left side of front strap under the grip and the number “101” is on left side of backstrap under the grip. Right side of the backstrap under the grip is marked “4416”, obviously an assemblers mistake. The 5-shot cylinder has the Rollin white patent date horizontally on the outer circumference. Mounted with smooth 2-pc walnut grips pencil numbered to this revolver inside right grip. Left grip has a crisp cartouche and there are various small inspector initials on the revolver. The 1858 New Model Army was an extremely popular revolver during the Civil War and few survive today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: George McAllister Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, appears to be unfired. Bbl retains about 95% strong orig blue with muzzle end and sharp edge wear. Rammer handle retains about 60% orig blue with the loss areas from flaking, not wear. Frame & grip frame retain about 96-97% glossy orig blue with only very faint sharp edge wear. Hammer retains most of its orig case colors, slightly muted. Cylinder retains about 90-92% glossy orig blue with some edge wear and minor spots of flaking. Trigger guard is a dark mustard patina. Grips show edge wear and retain most of their orig oil finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 51669-1 JRL (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1189
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1190
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$17,250.00 |
EXTREMELY RARE REMINGTON MODEL 1875 SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER WITH EXPERIMENTAL OR PROTOTYPE GRIP FRAME AND GRIPS.
SN 24. Cal 44 WCF (44-40). Nickel finish with 7-1/2″ rnd bbl, full front sight with 1-line “E. REMINGTON & SONS, ILION, N.Y. U.S.A.” address. Revolver has the 1875 web on the ejector housing with standard 6-shot fluted cylinder and steel trigger guard, marked on the left rear web “44”. The grip frame is most unusual with a rounded backstrap and corresponding contoured front strap that is only 3-1/8″ long with square butt versus the usual flared butt of the standard model 1875. Close examination of the grip frame under the grips disclosed that the front strap, backstrap & buttstrap are integral, never having been altered or welded in any respect. They are completely original from the factory. Mounted with 2-pc highly figured smooth walnut grips matching numbered to this revolver. Serial number was observed on left side of buttstrap under the grip inside each grip and on the trigger guard tenon. This revolver is pictured on page 204 of The Guns of Remington, Madus & Remington Society. It is fully identified as a “Third Type” with date of 1881-1885. It was on loan from the F. “Slim” Kohler Collection. This book was a compilation of Remington Arms loaned to the Cody Firearms Museum for a stand-alone exhibit in 1997 titled It Never Failed Me: The Arms & Art of the Remington Arms Company. This revolver is also pictured, both sides, as photos 6A and 6B on page 16 of the January 1978 issue of The Gun Report in a 5-page article by the late renowned dealer/collector Ron Ogan. The article relates that this revolver was purchased by Charles Lee Karr Jr. from the Remington family when he was writing his book on Remington handguns. The article continues that Mr. Karr later sold this revolver after which it passed through a number of well known and renowned collectors, listed under provenance in this description. PROVENANCE: Charles Lee Karr Jr; Roger C. Peterson; Leon (Red) Jackson; Champ Wilson; Stanley Shapiro, Gary Green who was the owner at the time of this article and F. “Slim” Kohler Collection. Gary Phillips Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching. Overall retains 95-96% strong orig nickel finish with a couple of small scattered spots on the bbl. Frame has scattered pin-prick surface spotting. Cylinder shows what is probably holster wear around the front edge. Grip frame & trigger guard are strong & clean. Grip is sound showing moderate to heavy wear on the right side. Left side retains about 75% orig oil finish and the right side about 25%. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with a couple small scattered spots of pitting. 51683-1 JRL (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1190
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1191
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$0.00 |
RARE ENGRAVED REMINGTON MODEL 1888 SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.
SN 485. Cal 44 WCF (44-40). Usual configuration with 5-3/4″ bbl, altered nickel silver front sight with 1 line “E. REMINGTON & SONS, ILION. N.Y. U.S.A.” that reads from muzzle to frame. Mounted with 2-pc replacement Remington logo embossed hard rubber grips. Front of the frame and bottom of bbl under ejector rod housing and inside ejector rod housing are stamped with the assembly number “115”. Revolver has nearly full coverage Nimschke-style engraving which consists of flowing foliate arabesque patterns with fine pearled background. Recoil shield & loading gate are engraved with Mr. Nimschke’s trademark sunburst patterns. Cylinder has matching foliate arabesque patterns on lands between the flutes with a fine zig-zag pattern around the rear edge. Matching engraving extends over the top strap & both sides of the bbl with geometric patterns around the address. Buttstrap has a plugged lanyard hole. Revolver has the overall appearance of having been close to a fire with fine pitting over most surfaces from smoke damage. There were less than 1,000 of these revolvers produced 1888-1889. They were the improvement on the Model 1875 with the reduced ejector housing web and shorter bbls. This model was unknown until an Hartley & Graham catalog of about 1888 was recently discovered which pictured the Model 1888 alongside the Model 1875. CONDITION: Very good to fine, all matching except grips which are replacements. Metal retains a cleaned gray metal patina with the aforementioned fine pitting. Replacement grips are fine with a purple tone. Timing needs adjusting otherwise mechanics are fine. Strong bore with scattered pitting. 51619-3 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 1191
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1192
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$11,500.00 |
SCARCE REMINGTON MODEL 1890 SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER DOCUMENTED TO BUFFALO WYOMING RANCHER AND UNDERTAKER.
SN 177. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Blue finish with 7-1/2″ bbl. Full nickel silver front sight and 1-line address “REMINGTON ARMS CO. ILION, N.Y.” Left side of frame is marked “44 C.F.W.” Mounted with 2-pc checkered hard rubber grips with the Remington Arms monogram at the top. Inside of the left grip has the hand scratched brand “JAT” connected. Inside right grip has a “T”. Buttstrap is fitted with a factory lanyard swivel. Accompanied by a packet of information regarding ownership of this revolver, including a notarized statement from the consignor who states that he had inherited this revolver down through his family from the original owner, John Albert Jones (1849-1919) who was consignors maternal grandfather. He states that Mr. Jones, according to family legend acquired this revolver in the early to mid 1890s. He had arrived in Wyoming territory in the early 1870s as an employee of the Union Pacific Railroad Co. working out of Rawlins & Rock Springs Wyoming where he rose to the position of Freight Conductor which position he held 1874-1883. In about 1886 Mr. Jones, with his new wife moved to Buffalo Wyoming territory where he opened a saloon and became the regional undertaker for Johnson County, a career he maintained through the Johnson County wars, burying some of the more famous names from that conflict. He is mentioned by name in the book The Johnson County War, O’Neil. Upon his wifes urging Mr. Jones sold the saloon but maintained the undertaking business and opened a furniture store. An original hang-tag from the furniture business, imprinted “J.A. JONES, / House Furnishings & Undertaking, / BUFFALO, WYO.” Somewhat later Mr. Jones established a cattle ranch southeast of Buffalo and sold the undertaking business which he operated until his death in 1919. Upon Mr. Jones death ownership of this revolver passed to his 2 sons John Paul Jones (1891-1927) and Otto Neben Jones (1890-1934). Paul reportedly carried this revolver as an employee in the several banks where he worked in Buffalo, Sheridan and Casper Wyoming. Paul gave this revolver to Otto in the 1920s where Otto, a well known cowboy, horse wrangler and cattle rancher in the area, carried it on his ranch just outside of Buffalo. Consignors father, Charles Oliver Buxton (1879-1964) married one of J.A. Jones’ daughters and when Otto died the revolver was passed to Mr. Buxton. Mr. Buxton operated the JAJ Ranch until 1944 when he retired and moved into Buffalo and passed away in 1964. Mr. Buxton gave this revolver to consignor in 1962. Accompanied by 3 original photographs of J.A. Jones, all in formal wear, one of which is an official Union Pacific Railroad photograph. Also accompanied by copies of photographs of Paul & Otto Jones. Also accompanied by the March 1928 issue of The Union Pacific Magazine wherein on page 47 there are pictures of 16 “Older Old Timers”, one of which is captioned “J.A. Jones, / Freight Conductor / 1874”. There is a pencil notation in the margin “Father”. According to the Blue Book of Antique Firearms & Values, Fjestad & Allen there were about 2,000 of these scarce revolvers produced 1891-1894. There may have been one additional revolver produced in 1896. The Model 1890 was the successor to the Remington Model 1875 but met with very little acceptance from the buying public. By the time this model came on the market the sales of big bore revolvers was waning. In addition to which Remington’s competition, the Colt Model 1873 Single Action Army revolver was very well established with both the buying public and with government contracts. Remington’s advertising campaign could simply not compete with Colt. PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Collection Of Noted Expert And Author Warren Buxton. CONDITION: Very good. Overall retains about 40-50% thin orig blue, stronger in sheltered areas on the bbl & frame. Grip frame & trigger guard are a gray metal patina. Cylinder retains strong blue in the flutes with the outer diameter a blue/gray patina. Right grip has a chip below the locator pin hole otherwise grips are sound showing moderate to heavy wear. Mechanics are crisp, strong bore with fine pitting. Photographs are all fine with good images and slight yellowing and soil. Magazine covers are detached. 51568-45 JRL (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1192
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1193
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$5,175.00 |
RARE REMINGTON LARGE DOG’S HEAD PERCUSSION CANE GUN.
NSN. Cal. 31. All dark brown gutta percha (hard rubber) construction over a steel liner, 32″ overall with on the handle and the large molded dog’s head motif on the handle. The transition from handle to shaft has a 1/4″ silver band and the trigger button is cone shaped with concentric rings. Tip of the shaft has a brass sight pin with an iron tip that has an added silver plated band at the top. Only about 500 percussion Rifle Canes were produced 1858-1866 with an additional 1,800 cartridge versions produced 1866-1888. The handle unscrews from the main shaft to expose the chamber in the handle for loading which, when returned to the shaft lines up with the rifled bore in the shaft. The firing mechanism is actuated by withdrawing the handle to the rear cocking the striker which is released by means of the small trigger button. This cane is the shortest length produced by Remington. Very few survive today completely intact. The gutta percha is rather fragile and easily chipped and broken. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Shows moderate wear with a few small nicks and a long scratch in the main shaft at the juncture of the handle and the shaft. There is a small chip in the same area. The iron tip is heavily pitted. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore. 51676-1 JRL (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1193
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1194
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$5,175.00 |
RARE BOXED FACTORY ENGRAVED REMINGTON MODEL 1 FIRST VARIANT DOUBLE DERRINGER.
SN 2067. Cal. 41 RF. Nickel finish with 3″ superposed bbls, fixed sights with early style markings on side ribs “ELLIOT’S PATENT DEC. 12th” and “E.REMINGTON & SONS, ILION N.Y.”. Extractor is in left side rib. Mounted with 2-pc smooth pearl grips that are numbered “F 5779” inside each grip. Pistol is engraved with nearly full coverage foliate arabesque scrolls with foliate & floral engraving on frame. Backstrap is engraved with snake & dot patterns around hammer slot. A large flower blossom behind hammer slot with snake & dot borders down the backstrap and geometric patterns on the butt. Accompanied by an orig 2-pc Double Derringer box with dark green lid that has an end label marked “DOUBLE BARREL REPEATER / FULL PLATE”. Inside the lid has a “DIRECTIONS FOR LOADING” label. Bottom of box is a blue/green color with a couple of minor repairs. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms only about 100 of these derringers were produced in the period 1867-1868. Few of these derringers were ever engraved and even fewer boxes survive today. PROVENANCE: Ex-Robert Howard Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, all matching except grips as noted above. Overall retains 85-90% dull nickel finish with some bare metal on front strap; grips have lightly chipped edges, otherwise are sound with good fire & color. There are 2 hairline cracks in hinge. Mechanics are fine, strong bright bores with moderate pitting. Box has one broken corner and one repaired corner in the top and a couple of repaired seams in bottom. 50412-48 (6,000-8,000) – Lot 1194
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1195
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$0.00 |
RARE AND HISTORICAL SHARPS MODEL 4 DERINGER PISTOL PURPORTED TO BE THE PROPERTY OF THE INVENTOR, CHRISTIAN SHARPS.
NSN. Cal. 32RF. Blue&cased colored with 3-1/2″ bbl cluster, German silver front sight. Groove in the top of the frame as a rear sight. It has flat side frame with flattened recoiled shields and the knurled release button on the left side of the frame. It has spur trigger and with the Sharps patent marking on the right side of the frame and is mounted with spectacular deep relief carved eagles heads on the grips. The carving is extremely clever using the grip screw escutcheons for eyes in the eagles. This pistol is pictured on page 156 of the book Sharps Firearms, Sellers. Mr. Sellers states in his book that “this pistol was supposedly the personal property of Christian Sharps but the documentation is a little sketchy”. No indication of what the documentation was but, having known Frank Sellers for many years, there must have been something available to him for him to have even considered putting such a statement in print. Given that this pistol is not serialized lends strong credence to the probability that it, in fact, did belong to Christian Sharps. PROVENANCE: Ex-Robert Seiforth Collection; Ex-Frank Sellers 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: Fine. Bbl cluster retains 60-70% glossy orig blue with the sides of the two right bbls moderately heavily pitted. Frame retains traces of smoky cased colors having turned silver to gray with pitting on the right side. Grips are certifiable antique ivory, extremely fine showing light to moderate wear and retain a wonderful mellow ivory patina. Mechanics are fine. Strong bright bores with scattered pitting. 51649-1 JR252 (12,500-17,500) ESA – Lot 1195
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1195A
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$460.00 |
SPECIAL DANA-FARBER CANCER INSTITUTE LOT.
This lot consists of twelve past Julia auction catalogs, together with their prices realized list. These catalogs serve as a valuable reference source. We regularly sell our past auction catalogs to collectors and dealers alike for that purpose. Please note, the hammer price of the lot will be matched dollar for dollar up to a $1,000 match and donated to the Dana-Farber Institute, commonly known as the “Jimmy Fund” locally. Founded in Boston in 1947, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is world-renowned for its leadership in adult and pediatric cancer treatment and research. Your gift provides Dana-Farber with crucial dollars that can be directed where and when they are needed the most. Thank you for your participation. CONDITION: Very good. 51808-3 MPN (300-400) – Lot 1195A
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1196
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$0.00 |
RARE CASED ENGRAVED TIPPING & LAWDEN MODEL T2 4-BARREL DERRINGER PISTOL.
SN 5572. Cal. 30 RF. Beautiful Sharps type derringer appears to be a direct copy of the Sharps Model 1A Derringer and, according to Sharps Firearms, Sellers, may have been made from parts shipped to England by Sharps. 2-7/8″ bbl cluster with brass pin front sight. Frame is brass with 2-pc smooth ivory grips. Assembly number “10” was observed in front of the frame in the bbl dovetail slot which number is also found on bottom of bbls. Pistol is beautifully deluxe engraved with bbl cluster having wonderful flowing foliate & floral patterns with fantasy animal heads and a very fine stippled background. Frame has full coverage, extremely well-executed, flowing foliate arabesque patterns with clusters of flower blossoms on sides of standing breech and wolf’s heads on top of standing breech. Left rear edge of frame is engraved with a man’s head that has the foliate arabesque patterns emanating from his mouth. Right rear side of frame is engraved with a large wolf’s head. Top of backstrap is engraved with an additional bouquet of flower blossoms and backstrap in feather patterns. Buttstrap and grip keeper are engraved in foliate arabesque patterns. Engraving on sides & bottom of frame has a wonderful detailed punch dot background. This is one of the most elaborately engraved Tipping & Lawden pistols. Accompanied by its orig burl walnut veneer, blue felt lined casing with empty brass shield & ribbon in lid. Interior is compartmented for pistol, a small turn-screw, an ebony handled blued steel cleaning rod, a Hawksley pewter oil bottle and in front left corner a rectangular compartment with sliding lid that contains four 30 caliber rimfire cartridges. PROVENANCE: Jackson Arms (1977); Ex-Robert Howard Estate 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. Bbl cluster retains virtually all of its strong orig factory blue showing little or no wear; frame is a dark mustard patina; trigger retains dark case colors and hammer is a plummy blue finish; ivory grips are sound with a wonderful mellow ivory patina. Mechanics are fine, pitted dark bores. Pistol has been fired very little but apparently was not cleaned after firing corrosive ammo. Case has grain checks in the lid with light handling & storage nicks & scratches and retains about 90% orig varnish; interior is lightly faded and moderately soiled; accessories are fine. 51649-2 JR87 (7,500-12,500) ESA – Lot 1196
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1197
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$0.00 |
SCARCE CASED ENGRAVED TIPPING & LAWDEN MODEL T1 4-BARREL SHARPS DERRINGER PISTOL.
SN 496. Cal. 22 Short. Almost a direct copy of the Sharps Model 1A Derringer and, according to Sharps Firearms, Sellers, may have been made from parts shipped to England by Sharps. Pistol has 2-5/8″ 4-bbl cluster with pin front sight and silver plated brass frame with standard markings around the hammer screw hole. Mounted with 2-pc, deep relief, cast Gutta Percha grips. Pistol is engraved with full coverage, very well-executed, intertwined foliate arabesque patterns on frame with rosettes around hammer screw. Bbl cluster is also engraved in foliate arabesque patterns with fine stippled ovals on each side for grasping spots. Accompanied by an orig English style burl walnut casing with empty brass shield in lid. Interior is green felt lined and compartmented for pistol with two empty covered compartments and one open compartment. According to the referenced publication only about 2,000 of these scarce revolvers were produced. PROVENANCE: Ex-Robert Howard Estate Collection, acquired 1980 at Ft. Worth show. CONDITION: Fine. Bbls retain 65-75% glossy orig blue with balance a light patina; frame retains traces of orig silver finish with exposed brass a dark mustard patina; grips are sound showing light to moderate wear. Mechanics are fine, lightly pitted bores. Case has light separation around lid, otherwise is sound and retains most of a restored finish on lid; interior, possibly relined, shows light soil. 51649-3 JR80 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1197
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1198
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$1,725.00 |
SCARCE COOPER NAVY PERCUSSION DA REVOLVER.
SN 7003. Cal 36. Second Model Navy revolver, usual configuration with 5″ oct bbl, brass cone front sight and 3-line address on the top flat. Cylinder is rebated with 5 chambers and has matching SN. Frame & hammer are unmarked. The brass trigger guard & backstrap contain a varnished 1-pc walnut grip with matching SN in backstrap channel. There are only about 15,000 of these well made revolvers produced 1864-1869. There are no known military contacts but they are considered to be secondary martial. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching, every part visible is numbered. Bbl retains about 60% glossy orig blue with the balance flaked to a dark patina. There is a spot of pitting on the left side flat. Rammer & handle retain dark case colors. Frame retains dark case colors with a forging flaw hole in the left recoil shield and another on left side of frame. Cylinder retains about 75% glossy orig blue with the losses from flaking, not wear. Grip frame is a medium mustard patina. Bottom edges of grip are somewhat battered otherwise grip is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and a couple of chips in the bottom edges and retains most of its orig factory varnish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, may be unfired. 51746-1 JRL (1,250-2,000) – Lot 1198
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1199
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$57,500.00 |
VERY RARE CONFEDERATE OCTAGON BARREL DANCE DRAGOON REVOLVER CARRIED BY CORP. JOHN HARGRAVE, WHITFIELD’S TEXAS LEGION, FROM DIRECT FAMILY DESCENT.
NSN. Cal. 44. The six-shot percussion revolver produced by Dance is readily recognizable by its flat frame, rather than the Colt’s rounded recoil shield. Dance revolvers are extremely well made, comparing very favorably with Colt products, and generally exhibiting higher quality workmanship than their both CS and Colt counterparts. James Henry Dance and his three brothers, Perry, David and Isaac, settled in a small town directly south of Houston, Texas, called Columbia, which was located on the banks of the Brazos River. It was the year 1853. The original Dance family, having migrated from Virginia to North Carolina, then Alabama, finally chose Texas as the home for their manufacturing talents. The Dance Brothers machine shop was converted to a revolver manufactory at the outset of the Civil War, and while all four brothers enlisted in the 35th Texas Cavalry, only 1st Lieutenant James Henry Dance remained on active duty, the other brothers being detailed back to the Dance pistol factory for the duration of the war, where they made pistols for the Confederacy. Of the known authentic 104 Dance pistols that survived, 90 are 44 caliber Dragoons; only five of these have full octagonal barrels, the four other substantiated guns with full oct bbls are SN’s 121, 164, 172 and 247 and all had higher grade finish and this example has better grade grips retaining traces of original varnish. This is the only octagonal barrel Dance cryptically marked. Gun is orig and complete, all matching with the cryptic serial <><><><> found on bbl, loading arm, frame, hammer, trigger-guard, and backstrap. Overall edges are sharp. Action is tight and crisp. Five other known cryptically numbered examples are <>, <><>, <><><>, OO, and O<>O, This gun by NRA standards grades good to very good. By Confederate standards this gun is quite fine. Dance revolvers saw hard Confederate use, and Texans who carried these knew where they were made and were proud to carry them. This gun has been in the Hargrave/Hamby family ever since. There is an accompanying copy of a 1964 published family history showing history of the first Hargrave’s dating back to American Revolution including Ezekiel Hargrave who served with the 4th Carolina regiment under George Washington at the Battle of Trenton, NJ. John Howard Hargrave was grandson of Ezekiel, born in 1840 in Indiana moving to Hancock County Texas with his family in 1843. John Hargrave enlisted February 1, 1862 in Whitfield’s Texas cavalry, a hard fighting unit that saw service first with Sterling Price in the Army of the West, later with Van Dorn in Mississippi and Tennessee, then Sol Ross in Atlanta campaigns and finally with N. B. Forrest’s cavalry near war’s end. Whitfield’s Texas Legion is known to have been in over 80 actions, skirmishes and battles as found on “Handbook of Texas Online” compiled by Ron Brothers. This is a rare and exemplary example of Dance revolver carried by Texas cavalryman who served in one of the hardest fighting Texas units in the Confederacy. Of the known authentic 104 Dance pistols that survived, 90 are 44 caliber Dragoons; only five of these have full octagonal barrels, the four other substantiated guns with full oct bbls are SN’s 121, 164, 172 and 247 and all had higher grade finish and this example has better grade grips retaining traces of original varnish. This is the only octagonal barrel Dance cryptically marked. Gun is orig and complete, all matching with the cryptic serial <><><><> found on bbl, loading arm, frame, hammer, trigger-guard, and backstrap. Overall edges are sharp. Action is tight and crisp. Other known cryptically numbered examples are <>, XXXXXXXXXXXXX This gun by NRA standards grades good to very good. By Confederate standards this gun is quite fine. Dance revolvers saw hard Confederate use, and Texans who carried these knew where they were made and were proud to carry them. This gun has been in the Hargrave/Hamby family ever since. There is an accompanying copy of a 1964 published family history showing history of the first Hargrave’s dating back to American Revolution including Ezekiel Hargrave who served with the 4th Carolina regiment under George Washington at the Battle of Trenton, NJ. John Howard Hargrave was grandson of Ezekiel, born in 1840 in Indiana moving to Hancock County Texas with his family in 1843. John Hargrave enlisted February 1, 1862 in Whitfield’s Texas cavalry, a hard fighting unit that saw service first with Sterling Price in the Army of the West, later with Van Dorn in Mississippi and Tennessee, then Sol Ross in Atlanta campaigns and finally with N. B. Forrest’s cavalry near war’s end. Whitfield’s Texas Legion is known to have been in over 80 actions, skirmishes and battles as found on “Handbook of Texas Online” compiled by Ron Brothers. This is a rare and exemplary example of Dance revolver carried by Texas cavalryman who served in one of the hardest fighting Texas units in the Confederacy. PROVENANCE: John Howard Hargrave, 1863-1920; ………… Curtis Hamby (1893-1951); Curtis Edwin Hamby (1930-2006); Katheryn Hamby. CONDITION: Gun appears to be orig and authentic in every regard and is much above average of most encountered specimens. With the exception of two screws replaced, gun appears as manufactured. Several other screws are buggered but all function. Cryptics are all well struck and fully discernible. Cryptic assembly markings appear internally also on left side trigger guard under grips. Brass backstrap & trigger guard have mustard colored patina. Original one-piece walnut grips are well fit with edge wear retaining traces of original varnish. Iron surfaces of gun are dark grey/brown with patina and scattered pitting overall. There is a chip on bottom left barrel housing over corresponding frame been. There is hairline crack on left side of frame which is seen on a few other Dances and small casting flaws noted on trigger guard also occasionally seen on other Dance Revolvers Mechanically functional with crisp well-defined rifling in bore. All-in-all this is among the best identified Dance Dragoons extant. 51728-1 JGS (50,000-70,000) – Lot 1199
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