Premier Firearms Auction - Day 1
Premier Firearms Auction - Day 1
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Winchester Model 94 Carbine with Stainless Steel Barrel
Lot # 26 (Sale Order: 26 of 688)
Manufactured in 1929, this carbine is fitted with a rare stainless steel barrel with Japanned black finish. These stainless steel barrels were very short lived and unpopular because the finish tended to wear off very easily. The left rear of the barrel is marked "-MODEL 94-WINCHESTER/-TRADEMARK-" and "-STAINLESS STEEL-" followed by "32 W.S.", the right rear is marked with the two-line address and the Winchester oval proof is marked on top of the barrel and receiver at the breech. The upper tang is marked "WINCHESTER/-TRADE MARK-/-MADE IN U.S.A.-" and the serial number is on the bottom of the receiver. Pinned blade front sight and folding ladder rear sight graduated to 200 yards. Full length magazine, saddle ring and stud on the left side of the receiver, blue remaining parts and mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a steel carbine buttplate. The factory letter states the serial number was applied on July 23, 1930.
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Excellent. The barrel retain 95% original black Japanned finish with some muzzle wear and a few minor scratches. The remaining parts retain 90% plus original blue finish with some edge wear and a few light scratches. The high points of the barrel bands show normal wear and have a smooth brown and gray patina on the exposed areas. The wood is also excellent with a few overall scattered minor dings and handling marks. The buttplate has strong original blue finish remaining with a smooth mottled brown patina on the balance. The markings remain sharp. The action is excellent. both an exceptional and extremely rare stainless steel barreled Winchester Model 94 Saddle Ring Carbine.
Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle
Lot # 27 (Sale Order: 27 of 688)
The accompanying factory letter for this deluxe Winchester Model 1886 rifle confirms the octagon barrel in .45-90 caliber, set trigger and checkered pistol grip stock. The rifle was received in the warehouse on December 28, 1889 and shipped six years later on December 28, 1895. Dovetail blade front and elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sights on a barrel stamped with the two-line Winchester New Haven address ahead of the rear sight and "45-90 W.C.F." at the breech. The upper tang is stamped "-MODEL 1886-". The lower tang has the two-line patent dates marking and the serial number. The frame, hammer, lever, forend cap and buttplate have the desirable casehardened finish. The loading gate is niter blue. The barrel and full length magazine are blued. The forearm and pistol grip stock are highly figured deluxe "XXX" walnut and feature multi-point "H" style checkering. The pistol grip has an ebony insert, and the buttstock is fitted with a crescent buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is marked "252 XXX." The assembly number "252" is repeated on the stock inlet and buttplate.
Class: Antique
Very fine. The barrel and magazine retain 70% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance and some patches of dark pitting in an area behind the front sight. The vast majority of the original blue finish remains on the bolt. 80% original niter blue remains on the loading gate. The frame retains 95% vivid original case colors. 90% original case colors remain on the forend cap, hammer, lever and buttplate. The wood is also very fine with a small, barely noticeable, chip at the lower tang, a slight stress line at the upper tang, slightly undersized forearm, minor handling marks and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. A highly attractive factory documented Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 rifle in desirable .45-90 WCF that will make a great addition to any lever action collection no matter how advanced.
Winchester Third Model 1873 Lever Action Carbine
Lot # 28 (Sale Order: 28 of 688)
The accompanying factory letter confirms this Model 1873 as a carbine in .44 caliber. The carbine was received in the warehouse on January 22, 1902 and shipped on May 29. This carbine has the Third Model receiver with integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrated edges. The barrel has a block mounted front sight located behind the upper barrel band and folding, adjustable leaf rear sight. A staple mounted saddle ring is located on the left side of the receiver. The upper tang is factory drilled and tapped for a rear sight. The buttplate has a sliding brass trapdoor, and the butt trap contains a three-piece jointed steel cleaning rod. The barrel, magazine, barrel bands and receiver have a commercial blue finish. The hammer, lever and carbine style buttplate are color casehardened. The stock and forearm are oil-finished straight grain walnut. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the two-line legend: "WINCHESTER'S REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./KING'S IMPROVEMENT PATENTED MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860." The top of the barrel between the rear sight, and the receiver is stamped with the caliber designation: "44 W.C.F." "44 CAL" is stamped in script letter on the bottom of the cartridge elevator. The serial number "551052B" is stamped in script on the lower tang between the lever latch and the tang screw. The upper tang is roll-stamped: "-MODEL 1873-" in fancy letters with foliate devices at either end.
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Excellent. The carbine retains 90% thinning original blue finish and shows only very limited storage wear. The barrel, magazine tube and barrel bands retain 97% of the original blue finish. The blue finish on the receiver and upper tang has a few scattered and very minor storage marks. The blue finish on the top of the receiver on either side of the dust cover rail and the upper tang has thinned slightly. The left side of the receiver has the usual scuff marks from contact with the saddle ring. The case colors on the lever have a brown patina. The case colors on the buttplate and hammer are vivid. The stock is in excellent plus condition with very minor scratches and dents. The forearm has scratches and dents. This is an excellent example of an original Winchester Model 1873 carbine that shows only very minor storage wear. Model 1873 carbines with this amount of high condition are very scarce!
Special Order Winchester Model 1894 Takedown Rifle
Lot # 29 (Sale Order: 29 of 688)
Manufactured in 1905 with special order half octagon barrel marked with the standard two-line address/patent date, two-line nickel steel marking, and "32 W.S." at the breech. The barrel and receiver are also marked with factory oval proofs at the breech. The upper tang is marked with the three line model/trademark marking, and the serial number is on the bottom of the receiver. The left side of the lower tang is marked "1716 CF", while the toe of the buttplate and stock under the buttplate are marked "1617". Fitted with dovetailed combination front, elevation adjustable "SMOKELESS" marked notch rear, and tang mounted peep sights. Mounted with a straight grain, checkered forearm and pistol grip stock with hard rubber grip cap and crescent buttplate. The included factory letter states the rifle was received in the warehouse on September 22, 1906 and shipped on September 24 with a half octagon barrel in .32 WS, plain trigger, plain, checkered pistol grip stock, half magazine and takedown configuration, and was returned to the factory for repair on August 30, 1911.
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Fine, retains 75% original blue finish, faint traces of original case color patterns, and 30% original nitre blue on the loading gate with the balance mostly a mottled dark grey-brown patina. The lightly reoiled wood is very good with a few scattered light dings and scratches, and a small repair in the bottom of the buttstock. Mechanically excellent.
Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle in .22 Long
Lot # 30 (Sale Order: 30 of 688)
Manufactured in 1896 as a Third Model, the barrel has the two-line address/King's patent marking and caliber marking at the breech and on the bottom of the cartridge elevator. The upper tang is marked with the model designation and the serial number is on the lower tang. Fitted with German silver blade front and elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sights. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. Winchester manufactured approximately 19,552 Model 1873s in .22 short or .22 long between 1884 and 1904.
Class: Antique
Very fine, retains 75% of the original blue finish and strong traces of the original case colors on the hammer and lever with the balance having thinned to a smooth grey patina and some scattered minor dings. The wood is fine with some minor dings and scratches scattered throughout. Mechanically excellent.
Winchester Model 1895 Lever Action NRA Musket
Lot # 31 (Sale Order: 31 of 688)
Manufactured in 1912. These N.R.A. muskets were made to comply with the specifications of the National Rifle Association of America's "any military arm" matches with special 24 inch barrels, Krag style rear sights, and special flat buttplates. It has standard markings including a Winchester factory oval proof on the receiver ring above the "30/1903" caliber marking. "NRA" is stamped on the left side of the chamber. Fitted with a beaded blade W.F. Sheard front sight and a folding ladder rear sight graduated to 2,000 yards. Mounted with a finger grooved forearm and straight grip stock with the flat NRA style buttplate. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a leather sling.
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Excellent, retaining 90% plus original blue finish with smooth brown patina on the balance and a couple patches of pitting. The wood is very fine with a series of minor dings on the underside of the forearm, otherwise minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The George Moller Collection
New Haven Arms Co. Henry Lever Action Rifle
Lot # 32 (Sale Order: 32 of 688)
This late production rifle was manufactured c. 1865 and is inscribed as being presented on May 6, 1867, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Henry E. Darby (1834-1890) from his friends. As outlined in detail in the included research binder, Henry E. Darby was a private in Company G of the 181st Regiment of Ohio Infantry. Included copies of some of Darby’s government records, including pension records, list him as a veteran of the 124th Indiana and 181st Ohio Infantry and indicate a first enlistment on May 9, 1864, in the former and as discharged from his first enlistment on September 2, 1864. He re-enlisted on September 23, 1864, in the 181st and served until final discharge in Columbus, Ohio, on June 16, 1865. The 181st Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry was organized at Camp Dennison in Ohio in September-October of 1864 to serve for one year. They were ordered to Huntsville, Alabama, on the 24th of October and arrived on the 29th. They operated around Decatur, Alabama, in November and went by rail to Murfreesboro, Tennessee. In December, they participated in the defense of Murfreesboro against Confederate General Forest and also engaged with Confederate forces while foraging around Murfreesboro that month. They were assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 23rd Army Corps on Christmas Eve and joined their command at Columbia, Tennessee, on December 29th. On January 2, 1865, they traveled to Goldsboro, North Carolina, where they joined up with Sherman’s forces. In April, they advanced on Raleigh, North Carolina, and they mustered out on July 14, 1865. Private Darby and his family appear to have returned to Indiana and then moved to Drakesburo, Kentucky. His daughters were born in Indiana in 1864 and 1866, and his son was born in in 1878, likely in Kentucky. There has been other conflicting information about Darby, but another included pension document from 1908 indicates Darby died on October 4, 1890, and was survived by his wife, Elizabeth Taylor, whom he married on December 16, 1859 in Dearborn County, Indiana. She followed him in death on July 12, 1920, and they are both buried in Hayden Cemetery in Drakesboro, Kentucky. The right side plate has "Henry E. Darby/From his Friends/Cincinnati Ohio, May 6, 1867," and the left side plate has a spread wing bald eagle and shield motif and banner inscribed "E PLURIBUS UNUM" based on the Great Seal of the United States. The sides of the frame are also engraved. The inscription and engraving are not factory and show signs of wear underneath suggesting they were added after the rifle had seen some use, but the quality is good. The barrel has a brass blade front sight, sling loop on the left, "HENRY'S PATENT OCT. 16. 1880/MANUFACTURED BY THE NEWHAVEN ARMS CO. NEWHAVEN. CT." stamped on top ahead of the adjustable notch and ladder rear sight, and the serial number stamped on top at the breech. The left side of the buttstock has a sling swivel. A "W" is double stamped on the lower tang behind the lever thumb screw. The buttplate has a trapdoor compartment (empty).
Class: Antique
Very good with traces of original blue finish, mostly gray patina on the barrel, mild natural aged patina on the brass frame and buttplate, mix of dark brown and lighter gray patina on the lever, minor dings and scratches throughout, some patches of faint pitting on the barrel, light scratches from cleaning on the receiver, and general mild wear overall. The re-oiled stock is also fine and has some scrapes and faint hairline cracks in the wrist, small gap on the right side of the lower tang, and some dents and cracks at the toe. Mechanically fine. Overall a very attractive Civil War era Henry rifle inscribed for a Midwestern veteran of the war and dated to when the South was still occupied by U.S. troops.
Provenance: The Eisley Collection, Thurston Van Horn (twice), Ed Luke, Doug Jahnake, Rex Thrower and Property of a Gentleman
Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Rifle
Lot # 33 (Sale Order: 33 of 688)
The accompanying factory letter confirms the octagon barrel in .38 caliber, plain trigger and screw eyes. The rifle was received in the warehouse on April 24, 1896 and shipped on December 10, 1897. Combination Beach front sight, Marble filler block in the rear sight seat, and Marble tang sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line legend ahead of the rear sight and "38 WCF" at the breech. Sling eyelets are mounted on the underside of the forend cap and buttock. With a leather sling. Mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock. The buttstock is fitted with a crescent buttplate.
Class: Antique
Exceptionally fine, retaining 85% plus original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. 70% original case colors remain on the hammer, lever and buttplate. 70% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The wood is fine with minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. A desirable, high condition antique Winchester Model 1892 rifle.
Winchester Model 1894 Lever Action Rifle in .32-40 W.C.F.
Lot # 34 (Sale Order: 34 of 688)
Manufactured in 1904 with standard markings. Fitted with dovetailed German silver blade front and elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sights. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. The included factory letter lists serial number application on 26 August 1904 and confirms the current configuration apart from the barrel which is listed as octagon, as well as receipt at the warehouse on 10 September 1904 and shipment on 6 October 1904 in order number 251547.
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Excellent, retains 95% plus blue finish, 80% of the original vivid case colors, and 70% original nitre blue on the loading gate with the balance a smooth grey patina. The wood is also very fine with some minor dings and scratches scattered throughout. Mechanically excellent.
Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Rifle
Lot # 35 (Sale Order: 35 of 688)
Manufactured in 1901 with dovetailed German silver blade front and adjustable buckhorn rear sights. The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line address ahead of the rear sight and "25-20 W.C.F." at the breech. It has the three-line model/maker/patent marking on the upper tang, the serial number on the bottom of the receiver, full length magazine tube, blue finish with casehardened hammer and lever, and a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a steel crescent buttplate. The accompanying Cody Museum Records Office sheet verifies the rifle configuration, caliber, octagon barrel, plain trigger, serial number application date of March 27, 1901, and that it was shipped in order number 9562 on April 20, 1901.
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Fine. The rifle retains 60% plus original blue finish showing some bright edge wear, some thinning to a gray and plum patina, and some minor scratches on the receiver. Most of the original vivid case colors remain on the hammer, and the lever is a mix of original case colors and a smooth gray patina. The refinished wood is very good with some scattered minor dents and scratches. The markings are crisp and clear. Mechanically excellent.
Antique Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1894 Rifle
Lot # 36 (Sale Order: 36 of 688)
Manufactured in 1897. The included factory letter lists the rifle in .30 caliber with a round barrel, plain trigger, oil finished checkered pistol grip stock, half (4 cartridge) magazine, and a rubber shotgun buttplate when received at the warehouse on 5 January 1898 and shipped the next day. The barrel has the two line address and caliber marking at the breech, model/trademark/patent dates on the upper tang, and serial number on the bottom of the receiver. The left of the lower tang is marked "5044 OFRB" and "5044" is faintly repeated in the stock inlet. It is fitted with a Lyman white beaded blade front sight, elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight, and a Marble tang mounted peep sight. Mounted with a finely figured "H" pattern checkered forearm and pistol grip stock with a hard rubber shotgun buttplate.
Class: Antique
Fine, retains 40% plus of the original blue finish, 30% of the original case colors, and 25% of the original nitre blue with the balance having thinned to a mostly smooth grey patina. The wood is very good with some scattered minor dings and scratches scattered throughout and mostly well-defined recut checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Inscribed Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1895 Rifle
Lot # 37 (Sale Order: 37 of 688)
Manufactured in 1900, with nickel steel barrel marking on the upper left and caliber marking at the breech. The left side of the receiver has the standard Winchester address and patent dates, partially obscured by the receiver mounted sight, and the right is engraved "C.F. Lamb./Cambridge, Mass." in script. The serial number is on the lower tang and there is a small crescent moon stamped in the upper interior surface of the lever. Fitted with a pinned beaded blade front sight (bead painted yellow), no provision for a rear sight on the barrel, and a Lyman peep sight mounted to the left of the receiver. Mounted with a finely figured "H" pattern checkered forearm with ebony insert in the Schnabel tip and a straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. Information provided by a previous consignor states that "C.F. Lamb" is Carrie F. Lamb, and an 1895 copy of the Cambridge Blue Book confirms a Carrie F. Lamb as a resident. Lamb died in 1954 and is remembered for "the somewhat unusual fact that she was very well known as a marksman and a hunter of caribou," as one friend remarked. She participated in hunting trips to Canada, was involved in various rifle and pistol organizations, had a collection of "first-class quality and workmanship" firearms such as this rifle and worked for the USO. Multiple issues of the Boston Globe from around the turn of the century list Lamb as competing and winning medals in various shooting competitions. The included factory letter lists the rifle in .30 caliber with a 22 inch barrel, fancy checkered stock, and Lyman front and receiver sights with no rear seat when received at the warehouse on 12 October 1900 and shipped the next day. Also included are a grouping of Boston area target shooting competition medals from around the turn of the century and some assorted boxes of .30-40 Krag ammunition.
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Fine, retains 50% plus of the original blue finish with the balance having thinned to a smooth grey patina and a few scattered patches of extremely light surface pitting near the muzzle. The wood is also fine with some scattered slight flaking of the varnish and light dings, and mostly crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The medals are very good showing a generally attractive antique patina and some mild wear.
Winchester Model 1886 Saddle Ring Carbine
Lot # 38 (Sale Order: 38 of 688)
The accompanying factory letter confirms the carbine configuration in .40-82 caliber and states the carbine was received in the warehouse on June 13, 1892 and shipped on November 28, 1892. According to research conducted by John T. Madl and presented in the summer 2018 issue of "The Winchester Collector", Winchester only manufactured 1,416 Model 1886 carbines chambered in .40-82 WCF caliber. The barrel is fitted with a pinned blade front sight and a folding ladder rear sight marked "1886" and graduated to 1,000 yards. The top of the barrel has the two-line address legend ahead of the rear sight and "40-82/W.C.F." at the breech. The upper tang is marked "-MODEL 1886-." The lower tang has the patent dates marking and the serial number. The receiver has the desirable casehardened finish. Mounted with a standard carbine forearm and buttstock with carbine buttplate.
Class: Antique
Exceptionally fine. The barrel, magazine and barrel bands retain 85% plus original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. The frame retains 75% plus original case colors. The bolt retains 90% original blue finish. The hammer, lever and buttplate retain 70% original case colors. 95% original blue remains on the loading gate. The wood is fine with minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. An attractive and rare Model 1886 .40-82 WCF carbine missing from even the most advanced collections.
Engraved Hopkins & Allen XL No. 3 Spur Trigger Revolver
Lot # 39 (Sale Order: 39 of 688)
Manufactured around the mid-1870s to 1880s. Near full coverage factory floral scroll engraving mixed with geometric patterns and subtle bestial designs.
Class: Antique
Very fine, retaining 80% plus original nickel, scattered areas of oxidation, and some spots of flaking. The grips are also very fine with a few minor dings and scratches. Trigger does not always catch, otherwise mechanically functions fine.
Provenance: The John Fox Collection
Engraved Hood Firearms Centennial 1876 Spur Trigger Revolver
Lot # 40 (Sale Order: 40 of 688)
Manufactured c. 1876. Near full coverage factory broad floral scroll engraving on a punch dot background with sunbursts ahead of the cylinder on the frame. Matching serial numbers on the barrel, cylinder, butt, and grips.
Class: Antique
Excellent, retaining 98% plus original nickel, scattered minor spotting, and minor handling evidence. The grips are very fine with some light age rings. Mechanically, the hammer retracts but does not rotate the cylinder.
Provenance: The John Fox Collection
Engraved Hopkins & Allen Ranger No. 2 Spur Trigger Revolver
Lot # 41 (Sale Order: 41 of 688)
Manufactured around the 1870s-1890s. Near full coverage floral leaf engraving with accompanying punchdot scrolls. The leaves have been cut through the finish creating a nice contrast. Matching serial number marked on the bottom of the barrel, front of the cylinder, inside the right grip, and left side of the grip frame.
Class: Antique
Very fine overall, retaining 85% plus original nickel, some minor flaking in areas, heavy wear to the cylinder pin, and crisp grip checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The John Fox Collection
Hartley & Graham Engraved Colt Single Action Army Revolver
Lot # 42 (Sale Order: 42 of 688)
The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with a "soft finish," indicating this SAA left the factory in the white for engraving outside the factory, 4 3/4 inch barrel in .44-40 caliber and hard rubber stocks when shipped to Hartley & Graham, New York City on April 12, 1884 as part of a 20 unit delivery. The engraving consists of profuse bold scrollwork on a punch dot background. The top of the barrel has the two-line Hartford address, the left side of the frame has the three-line patent dates marking, and the left side of the trigger guard is marked "44 CF." The pearl grips feature a relief carved steer head on the right panel and were likely supplied by Hartley & Graham. The revolver has a gold over silver plated finish. Matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard and back strap.
Class: Antique
Fine as period New York retailer engraved and period replated. 40% of gold remains and 70% of the silver plating remains. The engraving is crisp. The grips are very good with a couple chips and crisp carving. Mechanically excellent.
Factory Engraved Colt 1st Generation Single Action Army Revolver
Lot # 43 (Sale Order: 43 of 688)
The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver the 5 ½ inch barrel in .45 caliber, silver finish (currently gold over silver plating), factory engraving and pearl grips with carved ox head motif (wide silver bands have been added to each panel towards the top). Colt historian and author R.L. Wilson noted, only "a few" SAAs had factory hand carved steer head motif grips. The relief carving is especially rare on pearl grips. The revolver was shipped to Cullum & Boren of Dallas, Texas, on June 17, 1912. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address on top and “45 COLT” inside a banner on the left side. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking inside a banner followed by a circled Rampant Colt. The right side of the trigger guard has a Colt factory rework star. Matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. Estimates have placed only 2,500 1st Generation Colt SAAs of the 357,800 manufactured as factory engraved. Factory engraved Single Action revolvers are rare and highly desirable.
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Very good as period replated, retaining scattered traces of gold in the protected areas, heavier amounts of gold on the hammer and trigger and more than half of the silver with the balance a smooth gray patina. There is light pitting on the cylinder. The grips are very good with a chip near the bottom (right side) and crisp carving with added gold, metal, and jewel ornamentation. Mechanically fine.
Two L.A. Huffman Related Group Portrait Prints
Lot # 44 (Sale Order: 44 of 688)
Both of these prints appear to have been done by famous Montana photographer L.A. Huffman. The larger of the two group portraits appears to include Huffman himself, as well as possibly other local notables. The back lists Huffman as one of the subjects as well as the names of the others (Huffman likely back row far left). The smaller photo is of Huffman's two young daughters, the front matting marked "HUFFMAN. MILES MONTANA." and back labelled "Bess Huffman/Ruth Huffman". The larger measures 10 x 12 inches including the matting, and the smaller is 6 1/2 x 5 1/2 including the matting.
Class: Other
The larger is fine with some mild wear, some minor discoloration/staining, and a few tears in the matting, and the smaller is very fine with minimal wear.
Provenance: The John Fox Collection
Four Documents Signed by or Related to L.A. Huffman
Lot # 45 (Sale Order: 45 of 688)
Included are four documents related to legendary Montana photographer Laton Alton Huffman (1854-1931). 1) Not on Huffman letterhead describing the print "Sioux Chief Spotted Eagle's Village" and the situation in which the original photo was taken, possibly written by Huffman himself but unsigned. An example of this print is available in lot 3056. 2) Two-page letter on Huffman letterhead from L.A. Huffman to a Miss Snively regarding a decision she is making regarding a local school, dated 1900. 3) Note to Huffman from W.J. Johnston Jr. of the 10th Cavalry asking for a picture of him to be sent to a woman, dated 1894. 4) An example of Huffman postcard advertising a small image of his print "After the Buffalo Run, North Montana 1879".
Class: Other
All are fine or better with generally only light wear, a few stains, and clear text/imagery.
Provenance: The John Fox Collection
Large Grouping of Photographic Equipment Attributed to Huffman
Lot # 46 (Sale Order: 46 of 688)
This grouping of cameras and photographic equipment is attributed to the legendary Montana photographer, Laton Alton Huffman, with some of the pieces being marked as such. This equipment is very likely some of that used by Huffman to take many of his famous photographs documenting life in the American west. Included are two wooden camera frames that look very similar to those manufactured by Eastman, two desirable Prosch Triplex shutters, a Korona folding studio stand, a Huffman marked leather portfolio, a Huffman labelled tin containing numerous Huffman post cards and some period photographs, a tube containing two maps of oil fields, a briefcase with camera equipment, and various other camera components including film holders. The lot looks every bit the part of a late-19th or early-20th century photographers kit.
Class: Other
The equipment is good or better overall, showing generally mild wear and some mechanical parts needing adjustment. A very interesting grouping of early photographic history attributed to one of the most famous photographers of the American west!
Provenance: The John Fox Collection
Self-Portrait Print by L.A. Huffman with Hat and Portfolio
Lot # 47 (Sale Order: 47 of 688)
This grouping contains three very desirable pieces associated with the legendary Montana photographer, L.A. Huffman (1854-1931). Huffman is known for his photography portraying the changes in nature and lifestyle of the Montana frontier. The centerpiece of the lot is a self-portrait, almost certainly taken by Huffman himself, though no markings are visible. The portrait appears to have been taken later in his life, likely c. 1925-1931, and shows him wearing a pinstriped suit and a light colored wide brimmed hat. A very similar hat is included in the lot with John B. Stetson & Co. marked interior headband and a Jos. Sullivan Farm Implement and Heavy Hardware tag. Also included is a large leather photo portfolio marked "HUFFMAN PICTURES/MILES CITY 1878" and "THE INDIAN COWMAN/BUFFALO/SHEEPMAN PLOWMAN", a list of many of the subjects of his pictures.
Class: Other
The print is very fine with some scattered very light blemishes and some scattered light handling/storage marks on the frame. The hat is fair with extensive wear, crumpling, and a couple worn holes. The portfolio is very good with some mild wear.
Provenance: The John Fox Collection
Documented Pair of Nickel Plated Colt 1860 Army Revolvers
Lot # 48 (Sale Order: 48 of 688)
Documented Schuyler, Hartley & Graham Shipped Pair of Nickel Plated Closely Serialized Colt Model 1860 Army Percussion Revolvers with Slim Jim Holsters, Factory Letters, and Kopec Letters -A) Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver
These nickel plated Colt Model 1860 revolvers are only three serial numbers apart. The included factory letters include both of these revolvers as part of the same shipment of 50 on March 17, 1877 to Schuyler, Hartley and Graham of New York. The included John Kopec letter indicates that this revolver, serial number 176469, was purchased by Kopec on September 13, 1992, and the individual he purchased it from indicated that he acquired it from Sheriff Lloyd Low during the 1950s, who confiscated this revolver from an Indian on the Klamath Indian Reservation, near Chiliquin, Oregon during the late 1940s. A newspaper obituary for Lloyd Low, Sheriff of Klamath County, Oregon, is included that indicates he passed away at age 75 on October 9th, 1963 and states, "Lloyd Low first ran for sheriff in 1921 after an honorable discharge Oct. 27, 1919, from the Army. He served in World War I as a first sergeant overseas with the 302nd Division, Remount Squad Cavalry including the Army Occupation in Germany at the end of the war. He served in the sheriff's office for 24 years, earning statewide recognition for courage, undaunted approach to difficult duty and earnest devotion to his responsibilities. Mr. Low retired in 1948." Although both of the factory letters mention these revolvers as being shipped with blue finish, Kopec states this revolver and the other one in this lot are factory nickel. Kopec states, "The cylinder of this revolver is nickel plated and has a mismatched serial number '169'. It is believed that this revolver was shipped originally from the factory with this mismatched cylinder. The revolver appears to be totally correct except for the replaced barrel wedge and the brass tacks which had been added to both sides of the grips." The book "The Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver" by Charles Pate states on page 351, "Collector/author John Kopec has two nickel-plated NMA revolvers marked with the 'I.P.', and again, those pistols have matching wood stocks rather than ones made with ivory. The screws on these revolvers appear to have originally been blued. The author could not find inventory data on these two revolvers, SN 176469-I.P. and SN 176472-I.P., but both were in a shipment of 50 'Army P&B' (powder and ball) revolvers to Schuyler, Hartley & Graham on March 12, 1877. It is interesting to note that both the cylinders are mismatched... both match the pistols well in appearance." It has a German silver blade front sight and "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW YORK U.S. AMERICA.-" marked on top of the barrel. Matching numbers on the barrel, frame, and triggerguard. Properly hand-written matching number "6469" in black ink in the rear mortise of the grip. Includes leather slim jim holster.
Manufacture: Colt
Model: 1860 Army
BBL: 8 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 44
Finish: nickel
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 176469
Class: Antique
Condition: Fine, retains 80% of the period Hartley & Graham retailer applied nickel plating with some areas of light flaking, and some dings on the barrel around the wedge. Crisp markings and cylinder scene. Grip is fair as tack decorated, with some tacks absent, finish wear, some hairline crack visible on the left, a repaired section on the bottom right front corner, some light scratches and minor chips. Mechanically fine. Included holster is very good with some mild age wear and cracking.
B) Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver
Reference A description. The included John Kopec letter indicates that this revolver, serial number 176472, was purchased by Kopec on July 7th, 1979, and the individual he purchased it from indicated it had been handed down from his great grandfather, Francis Howell of Springfield, Missouri. Kopec states "... the cylinder of this revolver #176472 is numbered '528'. It originated from another M1860 Army revolver #176528 that had been earlier shipped to J.P. Moores & Sons on March 12th 1877. There is no question that this revolver (and its mate) were both originally shipped with mismatching cylinders." German silver blade front sight and "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW YORK U.S. AMERICA.-" marked on top of the barrel. Matching numbers on the barrel, frame, and triggerguard. Properly hand-written matching number "6472" in black ink in the rear mortise of the grip. Includes leather slim jim holster.
Manufacture: Colt
Model: 1860 Army
BBL: 8 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 44
Fin
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James B. Hume 1864 Inscribed New Haven Arms Co. Henry Rifle
Lot # 49 (Sale Order: 49 of 688)
This Henry rifle is boldly inscribed with "James B. Hume" in script on the top of the action between the hammer and ejection port and "1864" on the top of the receiver at the breech. It also has a nickel-silver blade front sight, "HENRY'S PATENT OCT. 16 1860/MANUFACT'D BY THE NEWHAVEN ARMS CO. NEWHAVEN. CT." marked on the barrel ahead of the notch and ladder rear sight, sling bar affixed by two screws on the left side of the barrel/magazine tub, corresponding sling swivel mounted on the left side of the buttstock, and matching serial numbers marked on the barrel on top at the breech, the left side of the lower tang, the upper stock mortise, both buttplate screws, and inside of the buttplate. An original four-piece cleaning rod is in the stock. This rifle is shown along with Humes magnificent gold and enamel badges from lot 50 on El Dorado County's website and also shown in the article "Black Bart: The Bloodless Bandit" by Lee Silva. In the article it is captioned as "One of Hume's favorite rifles was his .44 Henry. It is engraved on the top of the receiver 'James B. Hume 1864.' A copy of the article is included. Also included is an old typed document identifying the rifle as owned by Sheriff James B. Hume of El Dorado County. It indicates the rifle was sent by Hume to George Nail of the Somerset district because they did not have repeaters in the county at the time of the Bullion Bend robbery. Nail drowned in December 1884, and the document indicates the rifle was then owned by a man identified as McAfee. The writer indicates he got the gun from that man's son, Ernest McAfee. It is not signed. An included Geo. Rieber & Son Hardware receipt from January 19, 1921, notes $20 "Received of George Rieber on Acct of Gun. J.B Hume Gun. Ernest McAfee Send check to George Rollers. Very truly yours George Rieber. I am glad that I was able to get the gun for you." A December 14, 1950, dated letter from a Mrs. Sybil S. Jones to Wells Fargo Bank Historical Collection states that her uncle, H.P. Blanchard had loaned the rifle to the historical collection in 1943 and that her son Robert Blanchard Jones was authorized to claim and receive the rifle. A 1994 dated letter from Assistant Vice President Robert J. Chandler of Wells Fargo Bank states: "The History Department had on loan Jim Hume's Henry rifle, Serial #4905 from 1949 to 1982. In 1850, James Bunyon Hume (1827-1904) came to California with his brother John in search of gold. He started his career as a peace officer when he became a deputy tax collector in El Dorado County in 1860. In 1864, he was appointed the City Marshal of Placerville, California, and also hired as under sheriff of El Dorado County. He fought and killed members of the Confederate Bushwhackers known as the Ingram’s Rangers after they committed the Bullion Bend Robbery on June 30, 1864 and had also killed El Dorado County Deputy Sheriff Joseph Staples in a shootout at the Somerset House. In 1868, Hume was elected as El Dorado County sheriff. He was hired as a private detective by Wells, Fargo & Company in 1871, and worked for the company for the rest of his life with the exception of 11 months leave to serve as the deputy warden of the Nevada State Prison in Carson City after the warden was wounded when 29 inmates escaped. In 1873, Hume was promoted to Chief Special Officer and head detective of Wells, Fargo & Company and tasked with protecting their stages. Stage robberies were all too common despite the company's security measures. He employed state of the art techniques, including keeping an album of photos and detailed descriptions of robbers. The company offered $250 for the arrest and conviction of a robber in addition to 1/4 of the value of any valuables recovered. He became known as “the Sherlock Holmes of the Wild West” and continued to work for Wells Fargo until his death in 1904. By far Hume’s most famous case was his long pursuit of the famous stagecoach bandit Black Bart. During one of his robberies in 1880, Bart asked the stage driver to give James Hume his compliments. In 1882, he completed his 22nd holdup. During his 23rd, he was grazed by a shot fired by George Hackett, the man riding "shotgun." He kept on holding up stages nonetheless. On November 3, 1883 he held up the same stage, on the same route, at the same spot he had first robbed back in 1875. He watched Jimmy Rolleri exit the stage with a Henry rifle and then approached, demanded that stage driver Reason McConnell dismount and unhook the horses and take them over the hill. McConnell circled back and sho
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James B. Hume's El Dorado County Under Sheriff & Sheriff Badges
Lot # 50 (Sale Order: 50 of 688)
These badges along with Hume's Henry rifle from the previous lot are shown on El Dorado County's website. In 1850, James Bunyon Hume (1827-1904) came to California with his brother John in search of gold. He started his career as a peace officer when he became a deputy tax collector in El Dorado County in 1860. In 1864, he was appointed the City Marshal of Placerville, California, and also hired as under sheriff of El Dorado County. He fought and killed members of the Confederate Bushwhackers known as the Ingram’s Rangers after they committed the Bullion Bend Robbery on June 30, 1864, and had also killed El Dorado County Deputy Sheriff Joseph Staples in a shootout at the Somerset House. In 1868, Hume was elected as El Dorado County sheriff. He was hired as a private detective by Wells, Fargo & Company in 1871, and worked for the company for the rest of his life with the exception of 11 months leave to serve as the deputy warden of the Nevada State Prison in Carson City after the warden was wounded when 29 inmates escaped. In 1873, Hume was promoted to Chief Special Officer and head detective of Wells, Fargo & Company and tasked with protecting their stages. Stage robberies were all too common despite the company's security measures. He employed state of the art techniques, including keeping an album of photos and detailed descriptions of robbers. The company offered $250 for the arrest and conviction of a robber in addition to 1/4 of the value of any valuables recovered. He became known as “the Sherlock Holmes of the Wild West” and continued to work for Wells Fargo until his death in 1904. By far Hume’s most famous case was his long pursuit of the famous stagecoach bandit Black Bart. During one of his robberies in 1880, Bart asked the stage driver to give James Hume his compliments. In 1882, he completed his 22nd holdup. During his 23rd, he was grazed by a shot fired by George Hackett, the man riding "shotgun." He kept on holding up stages nonetheless. On November 3, 1883, he held up the same stage, on the same route, at the same spot he had first robbed back in 1875. He watched Jimmy Rolleri exit the stage with a Henry rifle and then approached, demanded that stage driver Reason McConnell dismount and unhook the horses and take them over the hill. McConnell circled back and shot twice at Black Bart with Rolleri’s Henry, and Rolleri then took the rifle and hit Black Bart in the hand. Bart nonetheless escaped but left behind his derby hat, opera glasses, a belt, a razor, a bloodstained handkerchief filled with buckshot, three shirt cuffs, and two of the empty flour sacks he had been using to haul away the loot from his holdups. After a complete investigation, Hume noticed the handkerchief had a laundry mark. After over a week of visiting over 100 launderer’s in the area, the handkerchief led Hume and his special detective Harry Morse to Ferguson & Bigg's California Laundry. Launderer Thomas C. Ware identified the mark as for Charles E. Bolton. Ware took Detective Morse to meet Bolton who he had identified as a "semi-wealthy mining man." Ware was led to believe Morse was also a miner and wanted to talk business. Morse brought Bolton back to Hume's office at Wells Fargo for questioning. He had a tell-tale wounded hand but claimed he hurt it in an accident. Hume then brought Captain Appleton Stone of the San Francisco Police Department, and they searched Bolton's rooms. They found clothes that matched the robbery suspect, another handkerchief with the same laundry mark and scent, a letter in the same hand as Black Bart's taunting notes, and a Bible inscribed to Charles E. Boles. The recovered derby hat fit him perfectly. Bolton, now known to be Boles, jokingly offered to buy the hat. He later confessed to the earlier robberies but denied the more recent ones. He was sentenced to 6 years for his final robbery. He admitted to 29 robberies and being Black Bart once in prison at San Quentin. He had been wounded twice but had never fired a shot himself. He said he had never even loaded his shotgun because he didn't want to hurt anyone. He was released on January 21, 1888, and shortly thereafter, "Black Bart disappeared, but he remained a legend”; a Robin Hood of the West. The under sheriff badge is formed as an encircled star and is marked "JAMES B. HUME" at the top of the circle, "Under/Sheriff" on the star, and "El Dorado Co." on the bottom of the circle. It is border engraved and with light branch engraving at the star points. Has a large gold horizontal back-pin. The markings are highlighted by black enamel. The second or “sheriff badge” is of a convex shield shape and has "James B. Hume/SHERIFF/EL DORADO/COU
more... Provenance: Greg M