RARE FRENCH “COLLETTE SYSTEM” GRAVITY FED REPEATING PISTOL.

RARE FRENCH “COLLETTE SYSTEM” GRAVITY FED REPEATING PISTOL. SN VC726. Cal. 41. This is a rarely offered pistol with a very small production. Victor Collette marketed a gun patented in 1853. He, along with the inventor Herman Jean Nicolas, co-exhibited this gun at the 1855 Paris Universal exhibition to present this new invention. This is one of the first working self-loading firearms that actually worked. It is interesting that the top rib would contain a series of cartridges that when gun was cocked, breech would rise, accept cartridge when gun was tilted up, hence, gravity-fed. Gun exhibits 9″ multi-grooved bbl, engraved frame and trigger guard, carved and fluted grip with shaped iron buttcap. Note the VC in front of SN stands for Victor Collette, the well-known Liege gun maker. This is a nice example appears to be complete and fully functional. CONDITION: Gun overall is very good to fine. Bbl and breech retain strong traces of blue finish with balance turning plum. Frame, trigger guard and buttcap are smooth gray/brown with scattered areas of pitting and staining. Stocks are very good with maybe 20% original varnish, scattered small dings, dents and scratches. 8-76300 JS114 (3,000-5,000)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2011

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.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2274	$3,450.00	RARE FRENCH “COLLETTE SYSTEM” GRAVITY FED REPEATING PISTOL. SN VC726. Cal. 41. This is a rarely offered pistol with a very small production. Victor Collette marketed a gun patented in 1853. He, along with the inventor Herman Jean Nicolas, co-exhibited this gun at the 1855 Paris Universal exhibition to present this new invention. This is one of the first working self-loading firearms that actually worked. It is interesting that the top rib would contain a series of cartridges that when gun was cocked, breech would rise, accept cartridge when gun was tilted up, hence, gravity-fed. Gun exhibits 9″ multi-grooved bbl, engraved frame and trigger guard, carved and fluted grip with shaped iron buttcap. Note the VC in front of SN stands for Victor Collette, the well-known Liege gun maker. This is a nice example appears to be complete and fully functional. CONDITION: Gun overall is very good to fine. Bbl and breech retain strong traces of blue finish with balance turning plum. Frame, trigger guard and buttcap are smooth gray/brown with scattered areas of pitting and staining. Stocks are very good with maybe 20% original varnish, scattered small dings, dents and scratches. 8-76300 JS114 (3,000-5,000) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2011 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.

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