
Arms, Armor and Militaria
Arms, Armor and Militaria
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Description
**Griffin & Howe Customized Winchester 54 of Townsend Whelen
Lot # 251 (Sale Order: 251 of 262)
.270 Winchester. 24" barrel length. SN: 1161. Blued metal finish with color case hardened safety flag and rear sight bracket mount, polished bolt, and semi-pistol grip Circassian walnut stock with horn forend cap, double bordered multipoint checkering to wrist and forend, and Griffin & Howe engraving to the metal parts. Bolt action repeating rifle fed by an internal box magazine that belonged to Colonel Townsend Whelen, former director of Frankford Arsenal, prolific outdoorsman, and the author of multiple volumes about hunting, marksmanship, and firearms instruction. Rifle is fitted with pinned front brass bead sight, folding notch rear sight, Lyman rear sight bracket, and a Carl Zeiss telescopic sight on a Griffin & Howe two-lever mount. The mount displays the two-line address and patent marking GRIFFIN & HOWE INC. N.Y./PAT. # 231,055 OCT 13 '31 with the mounted sight marked CARL ZEISS/JENA Zielklein/Nr. 27617. In order to accommodate the scope, the bolt was turned down and a slide safety fitted. The magazine floorplate is marked GRIFFIN & HOWE, INC./NEW YORK within an engraved wave pattern border and above a diamond pattern engraved Arabesque flourish. The semi pistol grip cap, trigger guard, buttplate, all the stock screws, and the sling swivel studs feature additional spiral scroll and floral patterns. A silver oval plate in the toe bears the initials T.W. The rifle mounts a steel buttplate with widow's peak and a trapdoor. Standard Winchester make and model markings appear elsewhere. The barrel is marked -MODEL 54-WINCHESTER-NICKEL STEEL-/-TRADE MARK-. Winchester monogram proof stamps appear at the left receiver and barrel, the latter below caliber marking .270 W.C.F. The serial number has been marked into the bolt with electropen. Comes with the Lyman rear aperture sight detached in order to make space for the scope, an additional blued rear sight bracket contained in box with a handwritten note reading "Original sight base to Townsend Whelen Winchester M54 .270".
The rifle was described in Mister Rifleman by Bradford Angier and Townsend Whelen, (Petersen Publishing Company, Los Angeles, Calif, 1965) on page 318 with this rifle matching the description precisely, though the book does not specify the serial number. Co-author Bradford Angier related, "In a letter to me Colonel Whelen stated: 'Winchester gave me this rifle about 1926. It was one of the first .270's they made!'" The book then quotes an article that Whelen wrote for American Rifleman in August, 1941 reading "My favorite big-game rifle for the past 15 years has been a .270 Winchester Model 54, fitted with a 2 1/2-power Zeiss Zielklein scope with Griffin and Howe mount. Five years ago I had the bolt handle turned down, mount lowered, and a slide safety fitted, thus practically turning it into a model 70. I also had John Hutton restock it with very tight bedding and a high Monte Carlo comb. It is a very fine rifle under practically any conditions. At boulders in my pasture at unknown distances I find that I can make surer hits at longer ranges than with any other rifle I own. If I were off to the wilderness tomorrow I would take this rifle with me."
In addition to the notes provided by Whelen, Mister Rifleman goes on to further describe the alterations to the rifle. According to the book, the stock was modified later and the high comb cut down, "From articles Colonel Whelen wrote I am sure that the scope was originally mounted high enough to clear the unaltered bolt and that there was a Monte Carlo comb so the nose of the cocking piece barely cleared it. When this comb was lowered at the time the bolt was altered and the scope remounted lower, the stock was not refinished and the section where the Monte Carlo was removed, and that portion refinished can be plainly seen."
Included with the rifle are 67 scoring cards and note cards ranging from 1925 to 1946. The earliest hand written card reports the results of tests performed in May and July of 1925 of a Winchester Model 54 Number 17. After grouping poorly in the first series of tests, the rifle was returned to Winchester to have its .280 groove depth barrel replaced with a standard .278 resulting in substantially improved groups in the later tests. An inauspicious beginning for what would become Whelen's favorite rifle and caliber combination. The remaining cards specify rifle number 1161, and report the performance observed by Colonel Whelen with numerous different loads at assorted ranges in all manner of conditions.
Born on March 6, 1877 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Townsend Whelen's early life in America's densely populated East contrasted starkly with the tremendous love for the Great Outdoors that would characterize most of his life. As a youth, Whelen took up target shooting, and soon began competing in that sport prior to joining the National Guard in 1895. Thus began a long military career
**High Quality B-Grade Lefever Arms Company SxS Hammerless "Pigeon Gun" with Krupp Barrels
Lot # 252 (Sale Order: 252 of 262)
Circa 1907
12 gauge. 30" barrels. 14" length of pull. 1.5" drop to comb. 2.25" drop to heel. 2.75" chambers. Full and modified chokes. SN: 58538. Blued metal finish to barrels and triggerguard, with bare finish to frame and parts, possibly case hardened at some point. Two piece walnut stock has multi-point checkering to straight grip and beavertail forearm, with carved tear drops to side panels, checkered butt, clamshell forend release, and a copper oval escutcheon engraved with initials DLG to bottom edge. Break action side by side hammerless sidelock shotgun with a solid matted rib and ivory bead sights to mid-barrel and front. Item features double triggers, ejectors, and thumb toggle barrel selector. Engravings include tight bank note scroll, chain link borderwork, rosette screws, and neoclassical floral motifs overall to frame and parts. Frame also features double game scene vignettes to both sides including two pointers and a marshland bird to left side, two spaniels and a duck to right side, and two ducks to bottom of frame. Fences are arcaded and have daisy flower relief engravings. Markings include LEFEVER ARMS CO banners in relief to both sides of frame, and PAT/1872./88-94/1902 to bottom of frame. Barrels are marked LEFEVER ARMS CO./KRUPP to right side and STEEL./SYRACUSE/NY. U.S.A. to left side. Bottom of barrels show Krupp steel markings and serial number. Serial number is also marked to lower tang and to water table, along with a B on water table indicating the grade of finish.
According to the Lefever Arms Collector's Association, post-1905 hammerless shotguns finished with B-Grade details and a straight grip stock were called a "Pigeon Gun."
This lot is located in Cincinnati.
Property from a Midwest Collection
CONDITION: Very good as refurbished. Bores are bright, with residue toward chambers. Finish on barrels most likely reapplied at some point, with all markings having a weak and faint smeared appearance and a few scattered light scratches. Frame finish is mostly bare of any finish, showing scattered light scratches, residue, and some pit marks. Wood stock has scattered light scratches and mars. There is a small 0.25" crack/loss behind frame on right side next to break lever. Butt shows some wear to heel. Action is functional.
** Spanish Victor Sarasqueta 5-E 28 Gauge
Lot # 253 (Sale Order: 253 of 262)
28 Gauge. 27.5" barrel lengths. SN: 111380. Full Choke left and Improved Choke right barrels with 2.75" chamber lengths. 14.25" length of pull. 1.4" drop to comb. 2.5" drop to heel. Blued metal finish, polished lockplaes and frame, walnut beavertail forend, and rounded semi-pistol grip stock. Double barrel hammerless seven-pin sidelock shotgun with tang mounted safety, automatic ejectors, and animal hide wrapped buttplate. Shotgun features bordered diamond checkering following a two point pattern on wrist and three point on forend. The frame and small parts feature floral scroll designs surrounded by border scroll. The fences display leaf pattern scrollwork above a stippled ground. The sights consist of a white bead set atop a matted rib. The rib itself is marked VICTOR/SARASQUETA/EIBAR, while the tang mounted safety reads SEGURO when engaged. Triggerguard features further floral scroll along with the marking Mo 5-E MADE/IN/SPAIN. Barrel flats and watertables show Spanish firing proof markings. Maker initials on the barrel include VS on barrels and AM on flats. The toe of the stock features an unsigned gold oval plate. The serial numbers match where visible.
This lot is located in Cincinnati.
CONDITION: Very Good. Bores are Very Bright with some lead residue near chambers. Blued finish shows edgewear and some patched loss along left breech. Locking lever retains the majority of its blued finish but shows some patinaed flecks to right side and loss of blue on knurling. Right barrel has a 2" long scratch just beyond mid length with barrels showing some additional scattered scuffs and losses. A spot of brown patina is forming to polished surface of left fence. Polished frame otherwise shows some faint scratches. Forend has some handling wear, mars and dings. Checkering displays some scattered skips, particularly at left side. Wood to metal finish is tight, but wrist has a crack running through material right of triggerguard that has been repaired, and has left a gap along the first 0.5" of the sidelock. A hairline crack is just visible at the edge of the right lockplate. Some bubbling of finish at left wrist. Barrels are tight and rest on face with the locking lever showing righthand deviation.
*Pair of Vincenzo Bernardelli "Holland V.B. Inciso" 12 Gauge SxS Shotguns
Lot # 254 (Sale Order: 254 of 262)
Pair of Vincenzo Bernardelli ""Holland V.B. Inciso"" 12 gauge side by side shotguns including:
1.) 12 gauge. 27.5"" barrels. 14.5"" length of pull. 1.5"" drop to comb. 2.25"" drop to heel. 3"" chambers. Full and improved modified chokes. SN: 1059. Blued metal finish to barrel and parts, with coin silver finish to frame. Two piece figured walnut stock has four-point checkering to straight grip and splinter forearm, with horn teardrop inlays to both side panels. Break action side by side hammerless sidelock shotgun with a solid matte rib and brass bead front sight. Item features double triggers, auto ejectors, 8-pin Purdey sidelocks with cocking indicators, Anson forend release, and a solid orange rubber recoil pad. Forearm is fitted with a brass shield shaped escutcheon. Engravings include tight scroll surrounding floral and ribbon bouquets, rosette screws, and fish fin borders overall to frame and parts. Markings include arched V. BERNARDELLI GARDONE V.T. to bottom of frame. Barrels are marked ACCIAIO - SPECIALE - EXTRA to top of right barrel, V. BERNARDELLI - GARDONE - V.T. to top of left barrel, and MADE - IN - ITALY to side of left barrel. Water tables are marked with serial number and Italian proofs, barrel flats are also marked with serial number, Italian proofs, and date code XIX (1971).
2.) 12 gauge. 28"" barrels. 14.5"" length of pull. 1.25"" drop to comb. 1.625"" drop to heel. 2.75"" chambers. Full and improved modified chokes. SN: 3490. Blued metal finish to barrel and parts, with coin silver finish to frame. Two piece figured walnut stock has four-point checkering to straight grip, butt, and splinter forearm. Break action side by side hammerless sidelock shotgun with a solid matte rib and brass bead front sight. Item features double triggers, auto ejectors, 8-pin Purdey sidelocks with cocking indicators, and an Anson forend release. Engravings include tight scroll surrounding floral and ribbon bouquets, rosette screws, and fish fin borders overall to frame and parts. Markings include arched V. BERNARDELLI GARDONE V.T. to bottom of frame. Barrels are marked in script Made in Italy to right barrel, and V. Bernardelli s.p.a. Gardone V.T. to left side barrel. Water tables are marked with serial number and Italian proofs, barrel flats are also marked with serial number, Italian proofs, and date code AM (1997).
Included with items is an aftermarket Americase with green felt interior.
Items were manufactured in 1971 and 1997 respectively, according to Italian date codes marked on bottoms of barrels. Item 1 (manufactured in 1971) has same grade of engravings, but is of better quality finish than Item 2 (Manufactured 1997).
This lot is located in Cincinnati.
Property Of Dr. K. William Harter, Alexandria, VA
CONDITION: 1.) Very good. Bores are bright. Finish is strong, with some scattered light scratches, faint thinning around manufacturer marks on barrel, and light loss to bottom of barrel from removing and reattaching forearm.
*Beretta Silver Pigeon II 20/28 Gauge Shotgun Two Barrel Set
Lot # 255 (Sale Order: 255 of 262)
20/28 Gauge. 28" barrel length. SN: N54578B. 2.75" chamber length to 28 Gauge. 3" to 20 Gauge. Interchangeable chokes Modified over Cylinder to 28 gauge. Cylinder over Cylinder to 20 gauge. Blued finish with bright stainless frame and small parts, gold trigger, and deep relief engraving to the frame set in walnut semi-pistol grip stock with Schnabel forend. Double barrel over under boxlock ejector shotgun with a pair of barrels, each mounting a full length matted and vented barrel rib with single brass bead sights. Frame shows the maker and model marking P. BERETTA/SILVER PIGEON II below MADE IN ITALY to recess behind hingepin. Further marks to frame include PAENTED to trigger plate and {Beretta Logo} to the triggerguard. Both barrels are marked P. Beretta-Made in Italy and EXCELSIOR-HIGH STRENGTH ALLOYED STEEL. Right barrels marked Beretta U.S.A. Corp. Ackk. MD. Serial numbers match. The 28 Gauge barrel is marked with the number 1 at the rear of the rib while the 20 Gauge is marked 2, indicating they were paired at the factory. Engraved embellishments include deep relief engraved vignettes to both flanks of the frame surrounded by sunburst border scroll. Right vignette features a pair of pheasants, and the left two ducks rising. Tight spiral scroll covers the remainder of the frame with floral engraving on the hingepin and lever pivot points. Barrel fence is arcaded, and encloses tight floral engraving. Gold oval plate to toe is unsigned. 14.5" length of pull. 1.5" drop to comb. 2.25" drop to heel.
This lot is located in Cincinnati.
CONDITION: Very Good to Excellent. Bores show some firing residues that should clean to Very Bright or better. Blued finish exhibits few faint abrasions on the upper barrel of the 28 gauge example with few scattered scratches overall. Stainless components retain their bright finish with some traces of grease residue. Gold finish to trigger remains even and bright. Stock shows a tight wood to metal fit with no cracking at tang, and some scattered light dents. Action locks up tight with the barrels on face, and lever resting right of center with both sets.
**Engraved Gold & Silver Washed Colt Bisley Revolver
Lot # 256 (Sale Order: 256 of 262)
.32-20. 5.5" barrel. SN: 242726 (mfg. ca. 1903). Gold washed frame and barrel, silver washed cylinder and triggerguard, blued ejector housing, raised carved one-piece horn grip with Mexican "Eagle & Snake" motif. Single action "smokeless powder" frame revolver with a six-chambered fluted cylinder, loading gate and barrel mounted ejector, lowered hammer spur, Bisley target grip frame, notch rear sight at back of frame and blade front sight. Top of barrel with one-line address reading COLT'S PT.F.A. MFG. Co HARTFORD, CT USA and right side of barrel roll marked BISLEY MODEL 32 W.C.F. Lower left of frame with three date in two line patent marking reading PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871/JULY 2, 72. JAN 19, 75. Revolver is decorated with Arabesque scroll engraving, along with floral and geometric motifs on the frame, backstrap, cylinder and barrel, with nominally 70%-80% coverage. The carved one-piece grip with the Mexican "Eagle & Snake" motif is not factory and was likely added when the gun was engraved and received the gold and silver washed finish. The grip fits relatively well, although it is somewhat proud of the grip frame and backstrap at the butt and lower leading edge. A really lovely engraved silver and gold finished Bisley from the early 20th century in a popular target caliber.
This lot is located in Cincinnati.
CONDITION: Fine as embellished. Bore very good, partly bright with strong rifling showing moderate frosting in the grooves and some moderate oxidation as well. Revolver retains much of the applied silver and gold plating with some thinning and loss, particularly on high edges and points of contact. Metal retains crisp engraving and slightly soft barrel and frame markings from the enhanced finish application. Mechanically functional action, with four distinct clicks when the hammer is cocked, showing tight lock up and crisp indexing. Grip fine with some minor fit issues along the butt and the lower leading edge and some minor gapping at the frame junction.
*Colt Model 1911 Heritage Series .38 Super in Box with Accessories
Lot # 257 (Sale Order: 257 of 262)
.38 Super. 5" barrel length. SN: GV041332. Blued metal finish overall with polished blued slide, brushed frame flats and matte blued edges, gold plated small parts, and mounting blued grips featuring COLT logo over {Rampant Colt} logo. Short recoil operated single action autoloading pistol fed by detachable single stack magazines. Item features floral scroll engraving to both flanks of the slide enclosing a gold {Rampant Colt} to the left slide and a banner on the right reading COLT'S MFG. CO HARTFORD CT USA. Further markings include GOVERNMENT MODEL mark to the right side of the dustcover and COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A. above the right grip panel. Item comes in a matching blue synthetic hard case with one magazine, the owner's manual, and a cable lock in its package.
This lot is located in Cincinnati.
CONDITION: Very Good to Excellent. Bore is Minty with sharp rifling throughout. External metal finish is strong. Shows some light operating wear to the left side of the grip safety, a faint impact mar on the face of the hammer, and a crack forming in the right grip panel above the lower securing screw. Box has some light scuffs and mars on the edges.
*Colt Model 1911 Heritage Series .38 Super in Box with Accessories
Lot # 258 (Sale Order: 258 of 262)
.38 Super. 5" barrel length. SN: GV036570. Nickel Plated finish to slide with brushed frame flanks and matte edges, gold plated small parts and accents, and mounting silver and gold accented smooth grips. Short recoil operated single-action autoloading pistol mounting blued rear notch and front blade sights. The slide flanks feature floral scroll engraving enclosing a gold banner to the right with the address COLT'S MFG. CO HARTFORD CT USA. Left slide features a gold {Rampant Colt} logo within a further gold circle. Right frame is marked GOVERNMENT MODEL on the dustcover with the rear frame showing the single line address mark COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A. Comes in a matching blue synthetic hard case with one magazine, the owner's manual, and a cable lock in its package.
This lot is located in Cincinnati.
CONDITION: Excellent. Bore is Minty with sharp rifling throughout. Metal finish shows some slight operating abrasions to the flanks of the grip safety mechanism. Some light scratches on the flanks of the hammer, and a faint impact mar on the hammer face. Grips retain their polish with the right panel showing some slight wiggle. Box has some scuffs to the exterior and edges.
*Generation Colt Python 8"
Lot # 259 (Sale Order: 259 of 262)
.357 Magnum. 8" barrel length. SN: PN00071. Blued metal finish with polished hammer flanks mounting checkered black rubber {Colt} medallion grips and featuring a full length underlug and vented barrel rib. Double action six-shot hand ejector revolver mounting adjustable target rear notch and pinned front ramp sight with red plastic insert. Sideplate struck with {Rampant Colt} logo with the left barrel marked PYTHON .357/.357 MAGNUM CTG. Single line address to right barrel reads COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.
This lot is located in Cincinnati.
CONDITION: Very Good. Bore is dirty with some firing residues that should clean to Minty with sharp rifling throughout. Item shows some light scratches to the forward barrel with firing residues to the interior frame. White residue to right frame forward of cylinder. Some lubricant residues to the hammer flanks. Upper corners of the right grip panel flaking. Action shows good timing.
*3rd Generation Colt Single Action Army
Lot # 260 (Sale Order: 260 of 262)
.45 LC. 7.5" barrel length. SN: S12304A. Blued finish with case colored frame and polished hammer flanks mounting checkered black synthetic Eagle grips. Single-action loading gate six-shot revolver featuring topstrap notch and front blade sights. Left frame is struck with the two-line patent mark followed by non circled {Rampant Colt} logo. Left triggerguard displays Colt's VP monogram firing proof mark. Barrel markings include COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45 to the left and single line address reading COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A. Comes in blue cardboard Custom Shop box with gold COLT'S MFG. CO., INC./HARTFORD, CT. enclosing {Rampant Colt} logo on lid. Comes with owner's manual, warranty card, and congratulatory letter.
This lot is located in Cincinnati.
CONDITION: Excellent. Bore is Minty with sharp rifling throughout and some dust. Blued finish shows some thinning on interior of triggerguard and few faint scratches. No visible turn ring on cylinder. Grips retain fine edges with some residues and dust. Box shows a tear to one corner and some scuffs on edges. Action not tested to preserve finish.
*3rd Generation Colt Single Action Army in Box
Lot # 261 (Sale Order: 261 of 262)
.45 LC. 4.75" barrel length. SN: S10624A. Blued finish with case colored frame, polished hammer flanks, and mounting black synthetic Colt Eagle grips. Single action six-shot loading gate revolver mounting topstrap notch and front blade sights. Markings include two-line patent mark to the frame followed by {Rampant Colt} logo. Barrel marks include single line address reading COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A. with left struck COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45. Comes with blue velvet lined cardboard box with Colt logo in gold on lid and owner's manual.
This lot is located in Cincinnati.
CONDITION: Excellent. Bore is Minty with sharp rifling throughout. Metal finish shows a single flake to the right edge of the ejector rod housing, and some pinpoint gray patina forming on hammer in recess. Grips retain fine details with some specks of dust. Box has some scuffs on the edges. Action not tested to preserve finish.
*Colt Comp Commander .45 in Box
Lot # 262 (Sale Order: 262 of 262)
.45 ACP. 4.8" barrel (With compensator). SN: CMPC0522. Matte blued metal finish to slide with matte stainless finish overall mounting wrap-around checkered black rubber Colt medallion grips. Single action short recoil operated autoloading pistol fed by detachable single stack magazines. Item mounts an extended magazine release, smooth three hole trigger, six port muzzle brake, skeletonized Commander hammer, extended beavertail grip safety, flared magazine well extension, full length steel guide rod, and triple white dot Novak style sights with matted rear notch and front ramp. Right slide struck COMBAT COMMANDER MODEL with address to right frame reading COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A. Left side is engraved COLT COMP COMMANDER. Comes in blue cardboard custom shop box with gold {Rampant Colt} logo to the lid, and white cardboard shipping sleeve. Included are the owner's manual, warranty card, package of three SUPER TUFF CP BUFFS recoil buffers, and a pair of high grade walnut diamond checkered grips.
This lot is located in Cincinnati.
CONDITION: Excellent. Bore shows some dust and residues that should clean to Minty with sharp rifling. Internals show faint oil residue with traces of cycling scratches. Some pinpoint patina forming on the magazine well extension with further specks to the base of the mainspring housing. Rubber grips hardening but retain crisp edges. Extra grips are without escutcheons and do not appear to have been mounted. Box has some light scuffs to interior and exterior.