Premier Firearms Auction - Day 1

Premier Firearms Auction - Day 1

Friday, August 23, 2024  |  9:00 AM Central
Auction closed.
Premier Firearms Auction - Day 1

Premier Firearms Auction - Day 1

Friday, August 23, 2024  |  9:00 AM Central
Auction closed.
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Large variety of antique and modern firearms to be sold over three days. Read More http://www.rockislandauction.com
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Winchester First Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

Lot # 1 (Sale Order: 1 of 568)      

Fine Documented Winchester First Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter

Manufactured in 1876 as a first model with integral dust cover grooves on either side of the ejection port and dust cover with checkered "thumbprint" grip area. Only around 31,000 of these First Models were manufactured. Very few have survived in very good or better condition. This well above average condition example comes with a factory letter stating the rifle was received in the warehouse on January 31, 1876, and shipped on October 12 with an octagon barrel and plain trigger. This early production example correctly lacks caliber markings, as .44-40 W.C.F. was the only caliber offered until 1879. The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line Winchester address and King's patent marking. The model designation is marked on the upper tang, and the serial number is on the lower tang. It is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight. It is mounted with nicely figured walnut forearm and straight grip stock. The buttstock is fitted with a trapdoor buttplate (cleaning rod not included). Known simply as “The Gun that Won the West,” the Winchester Model 1873 Rifle stands as an icon of American firepower on the open frontier that still resonates with modern collectors, especially those in high condition like this example. This first model Winchester Model 1873 will be a worthy addition to any lever action or Western collection. It is certainly a must have for the serious Winchester collector.

Class: Antique

Fine, retaining 60% original blue finish with a smooth brown patina on the balance. Patterns of original case colors remain on the hammer and lever. 30% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The wood is also fine with some minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. An attractive Winchester First Model 1873 lever action rifle.

Provenance: The Collection of David L. DeLullo

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Early Production Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Carbine

Lot # 2 (Sale Order: 2 of 568)      

Early Production Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine with Desirable Henry's Patent Barrel Address

Manufactured in 1868. These Model 1866 carbines were highly valued in the American West, both for their durability and their mobile firepower. Their rate of fire was nearly unmatched when compared to other long guns of the period. The 1866 is often cited as one of the "guns that won the west" and was carried throughout the Western Frontier by settlers, Native Americans, outlaws, lawmen, cowboys, and ranchers. Many of the Model 1866s were later converted to centerfire to utilize more advanced cartridges; however, this example remains in its original rimfire configuration. This example has the desirable, early production, two-line Henry and King's patent barrel address. There is an "A" marked on the lower tang. The matching serial number "18261" is marked on the left of the lower tang, in the stock inlet, and inside the buttplate ("8261"). It is fitted with a blade front sight, integral to the front barrel band, a two-leaf rear sight, and a saddle ring mounted on the left of the receiver. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate.

Class: Antique

Very good, the iron showing mostly a smooth dark, untouched brown patina with some scattered light surface pitting/spotting and the fine brass showing an attractively aged patina. The wood is good with some rough grain texture on the forearm and some scattered minor handling marks. Mechanically functions if the trigger is manually reset; otherwise, the hammer does not hold at full cock. This "Yellow Boy" Winchester 1866 saddle ring carbine really has the "Old West" look!

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Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1895 Rifle

Lot # 3 (Sale Order: 3 of 568)      

Scarce Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1895 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1903. The special order rapid taper barrel is marked with the two-line nickel steel marking on the upper left and "35 W.C.F." on top at the breech. The receiver has the two-line Winchester address/patent marking on the left, a matted section on top of the receiver ring, the two-line trademark and model marking on the upper tang, and serial number on the lower tang. The lower tang under the stock, stock mortise, and buttplate are unmarked. Fitted with a raised dovetailed German silver blade front sight, elevation adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight, and receiver mounted Lyman peep sight. Mounted with a very finely figured checkered Schnabel tip forearm with ebony insert and an equally well-figured straight grip stock with checkered wrist and a hard rubber Winchester shotgun buttplate.

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Very fine, retains 80% original blue finish with some patches on the lever and receiver thinned to a mixture of brown and grey patinas, and some scattered chemical type spotting and minor scratches on the barrel. The wood is fine with some scattered light scratches and dings, a few hairline cracks in the grain on the right, and a chip in the toe including the buttplate. Mechanically excellent.

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Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Lightweight Rifle

Lot # 4 (Sale Order: 4 of 568)      

Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Lightweight Lever Action Rifle

This desirable example of a Winchester Model 1886 special order lightweight rifle was manufactured in 1905. The special order features include a pistol grip stock, extra fancy deluxe walnut stock and forearm, stock and forearm checkering, and half length magazine. The left side of the barrel has the two line address/patent dates marking, the two line smokeless powder marking and "33 W.C.F." The Winchester factory oval proof is stamped on top of the barrel and receiver at the breech. The lower tang is roll-stamped with the 1884 and 1885 patent dates behind the trigger and the serial number behind the rear tang screws. Fitted with a Marble 31W front sight, folding two leaf rear sight and folding tang peep sight. The stock has a hard rubber factory grip cap, sling swivels and checkered steel flat buttplate. The included Cody Firearms Records Office serial number verification states that no configuration information on this rifle is available.

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Excellent. The rifle retains 90% original blue finish with wear concentrated on the forend cap, otherwise some thinning to a brown. The wood is very fine showing a number of minor handling marks with most of the varnish remaining. The checkering is crisp overall. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: The Collection of David L. DeLullo

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Antique Winchester Second Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

Lot # 5 (Sale Order: 5 of 568)      

Exceptional Documented Antique Winchester Second Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle in .44-40 W.C.F. with Factory Letter

Manufactured in 1880, this exceptionally fine rifle has the second model receiver, with dust cover guide retained with two screws and dust cover with gripping serrations at the rear. The Model 1873 is often cited as one of the "guns that won the West", and thus many of these earlier production standard configuration, "working" guns saw hard use on the unforgiving Western Frontier, making high condition examples such as this one rare. The included factory letter lists the rifle with a round barrel and plain trigger when received at the warehouse on 16 December 1880 and shipped on 12 February 1881 in order number 24248. The top of the barrel has the standard Winchester address and King's patent marking. The rifle correctly lacks caliber markings as the Model 1873 was initially only offered in .44 W.C.F. and it was considered standard. The model designation is marked on the upper tang, and the serial number is on the lower tang. It is fitted with a set of "sporting" sights including a German silver blade front and buckhorn rear, as well as a peep sight mounted on the upper tang. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate containing an included four-piece cleaning rod.

Class: Antique

Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus of the original high polish blue finish, strong traces of the original case colors on the lever, hammer, and buttplate, and 70% of the original nitre blue on the loading gate with some scattered light handling wear and a few patches of very light spotting. The wood is very fine with some scattered minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. High condition Winchester Second Model 1873s like this example are difficult to find!

Provenance: The Andrew Singer Collection

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Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Rifle

Lot # 6 (Sale Order: 6 of 568)      

Very fine and Desirable Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1920 with standard markings including Winchester factory oval proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breach. Fitted with dovetailed blade front and elevation adjustable notch rear sights. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Very fine, retains 97% original blue finish with a few patches of scattered light spotting and some light muzzle/edge wear. The wood is also very fine with some scattered light dings and dents and a minor scuff on the left of the buttstock. Mechanically excellent.

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Framed Winchester Henry R. Poore "Bear Dogs" Advertising Print

Lot # 7 (Sale Order: 7 of 568)      

Highly Desirable Framed Winchester Repeating Arms Co. Henry R. Poore "Bear Dogs" Advertising Print

These Winchester advertisements were an excellent eye-catching piece in the early 20th century that were perfect for pulling potential customers into shops to buy Winchester firearms and ammunition. Used in a number of Winchester advertisements, the print depicts a barn setting with white "bear dogs" in the foreground and two large brown dogs that may be bloodhounds in the background. These dogs were reportedly part of the Winchester family hunting pack. The lower left corner is signed by the artist "H. R. Poore/Philadelphia". A printed wood grain border surrounds the art, with red Winchester "W" logos in each corner, 3 shot shells on each side, "WINCHESTER" in gold paint at the top and "RIFLES, SHOTGUNS", "FOR SALE HERE" and "and AMMUNITION" at the bottom. The walnut frame measures approximately 50 inches wide and 40 1/2 inches tall, with the observable area of the print measuring approximately 41 1/2 inches wide and 32 inches tall.

Class: Other

Very fine. The print shows strong color and detail, with some horizontal creasing visible at the center and some crazing along the edges. The professionally made Winchester style custom frame is excellent. These Winchester advertising prints are highly desirable and make an excellent display piece to enhance your collection or as a statement piece in your office!

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Winchester Model 1887 Deluxe Lever Action Shotgun

Lot # 8 (Sale Order: 8 of 568)      

Rare and Desirable, Documented, 1897 New York Exhibition "Factory Display Gun", Special Order Winchester Model 1887 Deluxe Lever Action Shotgun with Factory Letter

Manufactured in 1897, this is a very finely finished example of a special order Winchester "semi-deluxe" Model 1887 shotgun which was shipped to and displayed at one of the 19th century's premier exhibitions. The included factory letter lists the shotgun in 12 gauge, with a 30 inch barrel, "good Damascus", and an oil finished, fancy, checkered stock with a rubber buttplate when originally received at the warehouse on 4 March 1897, with the additional notation "To Russ". The letter goes on to state that the shotgun was again received at the warehouse on 19 July with the notations "made fancy" and "NY Ex '97". The final notations on the letter are that it was again received at the warehouse 7 July 1899 and a return and repair date of 5 August 1899 as part of order number 33075. The writer has concluded that "NY Ex ’97" notation references the American Institute Fair, which was held annually in New York City from 1829 to 1897 and has been considered the first world’s fair in the U.S. A period publication referred to the American Institute Fair as an "important gathering of the inventors and manufacturers of America." In the late nineteenth century, Winchester certainly met the criteria to be among America’s top innovators displaying to the public "the finest products of agriculture and manufacturing." For 40 days in 1897, the American Institute Fair was held at Madison Square Garden. The shotgun has a single bead sight on the barrel with a 2 5/8 inch chamber and choke marked "FULL". It is marked with the standard "WRACO" monogram on the left side of the casehardened receiver along with double line border engraving. The left side of the lower tang is marked "320 XXX", with "320" repeated in the stock inlet. It is mounted with a double-diamond checkered, two-piece slab forend and very finely figured, checkered, pistol grip stock with checkered hard rubber buttplate and 13 inch length of pull.

Class: Antique

Exceptionally fine, retains 85% of the original blue finish and 60% of the original case colors, more vibrant in sheltered areas, with a few scattered patches of light surface spotting. The highly figured wood is fine with a small filler repair at the toe between the wood and buttplate, some scattered minor handling marks, and mostly well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: The James Windy Collection

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Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle

Lot # 9 (Sale Order: 9 of 568)      

Exceptional Antique Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle in Desirable .45-70 Caliber with Factory Letter

Manufactured in 1890. The John Moses Browning designed Model 1886 was the first Winchester repeater capable of chambering the .45-70 and had one of the strongest lever actions ever used in a Winchester rifle. It was developed as a replacement for the weaker toggle link action Model 1876, but their production was fairly limited at around 160,000 between 1886 and 1935. The powerful Winchester Model 1886 remains one of the most iconic lever action rifles of all time. This classic Winchester Model 1886 rifle is chambered in the popular cartridge: .45-70 Government. The factory letter indicates the serial number was applied on November 21, 1890, and confirms the rifle in .45-70 with round barrel and plain trigger when it was received in the warehouse on January 7, 1891 and shipped on January 14, 1891 to order number 24365. It is a high condition example that will make a great addition to any Winchester or lever action collection. The rifle is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight and a folding ladder rear sight marked "1886." The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line Winchester legend ahead of the rear sight and the caliber designation "45-70" at the breech. The upper tang is marked "-MODEL 1886-", and the lower tang has the serial number and two-line patent dates. The receiver has the desirable casehardened finish. Mounted with plain walnut forearm and straight grip stock. The buttstock is fitted with a crescent buttplate.

Class: Antique

Exceptionally fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 85% plus original blue finish with scattered patches of dark oxidation. The breech bolt retains 98% original blue finish and is hand marked "OWS" on the left side. 30% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The receiver retains 80% plus original case colors with some light spotting mostly on the left side. 98% plus original case colors remain on the forend cap. The hammer and lever retain 70% original case colors. Slight patterns of original case colors remain on the buttplate. The wood is excellent with minimal handling marks. Mechanically excellent. A solid representative example of a Winchester Model 1886 lever action rifle.

Provenance: The Collection of David L. DeLullo

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Glass Winchester Store Display Gun Cabinet

Lot # 10 (Sale Order: 10 of 568)      

Rare and Highly Desirable Glass Winchester Store Display Gun Cabinet

This factory store display cabinet was manufactured in the early 1900s to aid Winchester dealers in displaying their Winchester long guns. There is a brass Walrus Mfg. Co. Decatur, Illinois rectangular manufacturer plaque attached to the bottom. It is constructed of dark varnished oak, with full length glass panels and a cathedral top with glass panels. The top of door is stamped with the serial number for the cabinet "616". It stands approximately 73 inches in height on four legs with the typical brass feet sheathes present, and each side is approximately 18 inches wide. The inside display height is approximately 45 inches. On the inside is a four sided rack that will hold 20 long guns. All four sides are 5/8 inch thick and are marked "WINCHESTER" in white and black bordered red letters with black lettered "PATENT APPLIED FOR" on a white background below. The bottom of the case and the inner edge of the rack is lined with original green felt.

Class: Other

Very fine overall, with all of the glass panels intact, crisp text and vibrant color on the labeling, and the wood showing crazing to the varnish, a few scattered minor handling/storage marks otherwise. This would be a fantastic piece to enhance the display of your Winchester collection!

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Smith & Wesson No. 1 Small Frame, Lever Action Repeating Pistol

Lot # 11 (Sale Order: 11 of 568)      

Factory Engraved Smith & Wesson No. 1 Small Frame Lever Action Repeating Pistol

Manufactured by Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson in Norwich, Connecticut, c. 1854-55. Total production of the No.1 lever action repeating pistol was approximately 1,200 pistols. This pistol has the distinctive part-round/part-octagon barrel with integral six-shot magazine, toggle lever with finger hole and two-piece bag-shaped grips. The pistol has the early flat muzzle and wide muzzle collar with later rounded T-bar spring and "clam-shell" magazine follower. The loading lever has the spur found only on the first 100 No.1 pistols. The barrel has a brass front sight with flattened blade. A fixed rear sight is mounted on the receiver. The receiver, side plates, back strap and back of the hammer are decorated with the open scroll and leaf pattern engraving which was standard on most S&W No.1 pistols. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "SMITH & WESSON/NORWICH CT." The right barrel flat is stamped: "CAST-STEEL" reading toward the receiver. The left flat is roll-stamped: "PATENT/FEB. 14. 1854." The serial number is stamped on the left side of the grip strap beneath the grip. "72" is stamped on the bottom of the lever and on the inside of each grip. The barrel/magazine and receiver are blued, and the hammer and lever are casehardened. The bag shaped rosewood grips have a varnish finish. The S&W lever action repeating pistols are rare and historically significant. The toggle lever action, spring-loaded magazine and self-contained, primed cartridge were important developments in the evolution of repeating firearms. The Smith & Wesson Lever Action Repeating Pistols were pioneer arms for both Smith & Wesson and Winchester and are rare and very desirable pistols.

Class: Antique

Fine, with 30% of the bright high polish blue finish on protected areas of the barrel and receiver. The balance of the barrel and receiver have a gray-brown patina with scattered spots of age discoloration. The case colors on the hammer and lever have faded to a mottled dove-gray patina and 40% remain. The toggle lever has several small spots of age discoloration on the bottom and inside surfaces. The open scroll engraving on the receiver, back strap and hammer is sharp and deep. The barrel markings are crisp. The grips are also fine with most of the original varnish and moderate handling wear. Produced in limited numbers, small frame S&W No. 1 Lever Action Pistols are rare in any condition.

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Winchester "Double W" 1897 Pattern Cartridge Board

Lot # 12 (Sale Order: 12 of 568)      

Highly Desirable Winchester Repeating Arms Co. "Double W" 1897 Pattern Cartridge Board

This is a very desirable 1897 pattern Winchester bullet board showing the iconic "Double W" pattern of cartridges. A gold painted border is mounted around the green board and a wood frame outside that. The board displays a dark green background, red and white lettering and vignettes of a duck, bear hunting scene, and a moose bust (see photograph). The display consists of various cartridges and shotgun shells and nine containers of primers, each described below in white lettering. All of the cartridges appear to be present and attached, with a few having the bullets absent from the casings. A very similar pattern board was made in 1902 with the mallard slightly shifted so that it wasn't partially blocked by cartridges, as it is on this pattern. The back of the board has the paper label stamped with the compliments of the factory and hanging instructions. Also stamped on the back is "No 1982". Including the original frame it measures approximately 39 5/8 x 57 1/4 inches.

Class: Other

Very good overall, the board itself showing an attractively aged patina, some mild fading, and some scattered minor scuffs. The cartridges themselves generally show an attractively aged patina. The gold portion of the frame retains much of the gilt finish and has an aged patina. The outer wood frame is fine with some scattered minor handling/storage marks. This desirable Winchester bullet board would look fantastic in your gun room or office!

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The Marshfield Find: Winchester Model 1886 Rifle

Lot # 13 (Sale Order: 13 of 568)      

The Marshfield Find: Extraordinary, Newly Discovered, Documented Mint Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action .45-90 WCF Rifle Time Capsule with Original Shipping Crate Containing Scabbard and Five Boxes of Ammunition, and Factory Letter

Rock Island Auction is proud and privileged to unveil a new discovery in the field of fine and historic Winchester collecting: The Marshfield Find. This nearly perfectly preserved Model 1886 rifle is truly an “out of the crate” discovery that will be celebrated for years to come and immortalized in future publications. It is a story that celebrates the Winchester legacy and one family’s nearly 140 year curatorship. Named after the salt marshes that border the early Pilgrim town, Marshfield, Massachusetts, sits where Cape Cod Bay meets Massachusetts Bay and is where our story begins. Up on “Big Hill” sat a colonial era home built circa 1660 by John Rogers who received a land grant from the King of England. In the “History of Marshfield” the home was described as a “’block house,’ built in Pilgrim days with a view to protect themselves from the Indians. A portion of the top of the house projected over the main body, and had port holes in it, so that they could fire down upon the Indians if attacked.” Over the years additions were added to the home, and the old walls from the days of King Philip’s War were incorporated into the first floor parlor. In 1872, the home and the surrounding 200 acre farm was purchased by Henry W. Nelson. The Nelson farm was a large establishment. There were horses, Holstein cattle, pigs, and chickens. An apple orchard overlooked the North River. Large greenhouses facilitated the growth of a wide variety of cash crops such as the Marshall strawberry known for its delicious taste. An irrigation system was installed that pumped water from a brook. A labor force of fifty full time employees was employed. The Nelson farm marked a turning point in American agriculture. In 1800, the average American farm was about 10 acres and produced enough food for one family. By the turn of the century the average American farm covered 150 acres and raised large quantities of crops and livestock sold for cash. The Nelson farm was at the dawning of an agricultural revolution that gave way to the agribusiness of today. Upon his death in 1897, Henry Nelson passed the farm to his son, Episcopal Reverend Henry W. Nelson, Jr. Rev. Nelson was a Doctor of Divinity and by 1876 had become the rector of Trinity Church, Geneva, New York, where he remained until 1901 when blindness due to cataracts forced him to retire. He wore cobalt lenses in his glasses in an effort to help his vision. In retirement he gained an interest in the financial markets. He passed away in 1928 as a wealthy man. According to family accounts Rev. Nelson was a “character.” His blindness had caused him to use a wicker wheelchair for assistance, but not one to let his disability bring him down, the reverend preferred to cause a little mischief. One of his go to pranks was to roll down “Big Hill” in the wheelchair yelling out to his wife as if he had lost control. Family stories portrayed Rev. Nelson as a man with little to no interest in firearms, but nevertheless, have him as the purchaser of the rifle. He was not a trophy hunter, recalled the family. There were no animal heads on the wall. No taxidermy sitting in the corner. So when Rev. Nelson’s Winchester Model 1886 in .45-90 WCF was discovered in the attic of the family home up on “Big Hill” in the 1970s, it was a big shock to his descendants. “He must have gotten a quirk and got it,” became the only logical answer. In ordering a rifle in .45-90 WCF the reverend was certainly not looking to shoot tin cans off a split rail fence. The .45-90 WCF cartridge meant business and was more than capable of stopping even the most dangerous North American game. In Massachusetts wolves and mountain lions had mostly been eliminated in the state by the mid-1800s and populations of coyotes, black bears, and bobcats roamed the landscape as they continue to do today. When this rifle was manufactured during the model’s debut year of 1886 the Nelson family was well settled on the farm. Given the rifle’s unbelievable condition its likely the crate was never opened by its original owner, and was persevered in its original crate with its original accessories and packing paper and tucked away in the attic of the Nelson home to be completely forgotten for nearly 90 years. The farm passed to two of the reverend’s daughters, Margaret and Dorothea. The two siblings donated 133 acres of the farm to the New England Forestry Foundation and today those acres make up the Nelson Memorial Forest where hikers find adventure on 3 miles of trails and can even discover the remnants of the water pump system that irrigat
more... Provenance: Reverend Henry W. Nelson, Jr. and his descendants

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Factory Engraved Robbins & Lawrence Jennings Rifle

Lot # 14 (Sale Order: 14 of 568)      

Very Scarce Documented Factory Engraved Robbins & Lawrence Jennings Breech Loading Rifle with Automatic Pill Primer Formerly in the William M. Locke Collection

The Jennings rifles were designed by Lewis Jennings and are considered to be an improvement of the Hunt Repeating Rifle and forefathers of the famous Winchester rifles. The sliding internal bolt, the tubular magazine (on the repeaters), the automatic pill primer, and the "Rocket Ball" cartridges are all related to the Hunt design. They were manufactured by Robbins & Lawrence of Windsor, Vermont, in 1848-1851, and production is believed to have been limited to less then 1,000, which includes both the repeaters, single shot breech loaders, and single shot muzzle loaders. Benjamin Tyler Henry was the foreman at Robbins & Lawrence, and Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson were also involved. Smith's later revision of the design, the Smith-Jennings, was also manufactured by Robbins & Lawrence for a brief period around 1851 and are the predecessors of the Smith & Wesson lever action pistols which in turn evolved to become the Volcanic pistols and carbines, then Henry rifle, and finally the Winchester Model 1866. Given this line, the Jennings firearms are considered forbearers of the beloved Winchester rifles. The connection with both Winchester and Smith & Wesson has long made these rifles very desirable. This variation loads from the breech using a folding door, has an automatic pill primer operated by the ring trigger which connects to a rack and pinion mechanism, and has a long ramrod/cleaning rod tube in place of the magazine tube that was used on the repeaters under the barrel. The barrel has a blade front sight and a notch rear sight and engraved floral scrollwork at the muzzle and breech. Additional scrollwork is featured on the receiver, hammer, trigger guard, upper receiver tang and buttplate tang. The left side of the receiver has the Robbins & Lawrence and Dixon agent markings in two blocks. The stock has a scroll engraved silver oval on the left side. This rifle is illustrated and discussed on page 494 of "The William M. Locke Collection" by Frank Sellers.

Class: Antique

Fine. The barrel retains 60% thinned original brown finish with numerous scattered dents visible on top of the barrel, rear of the muzzle. Generous traces of original blue finish remain in and around the protected areas on the frame, otherwise a mixed brown-gray patina. The engraving is crisp. The wood is very fine with minor dings and scratches and retaining most of the original varnish. Mechanically fine. Difficult to find in any condition, this is an important early breech loading design, particularly for advanced collector's of Smith & Wesson and Winchester firearms as it has connections to both historically significant firms.

Provenance: The William M. Locke Collection; The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection; Property of a Gentleman

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Silver Plated Winchester Deluxe First Model 1873 Rifle

Lot # 15 (Sale Order: 15 of 568)      

Rare, Documented, Special Order Silver Plated Antique Winchester Deluxe First Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter

Manufactured in 1876, this is a scarce special order example of a silver "trimmed", deluxe Winchester first Model 1873 Rifle. The first model receiver has the integral dust cover guides on either side of the ejection port and the dust cover with the flush, checkered "thumbprint" grip area. According to James D. Gordon's survey of first Model 1873s on p. 349 of "Winchester's New Model of 1873 A Tribute Vol. II", around 5% of first model production received a plated finish. On p. 201 of "Vol. I" of the previously mentioned books by Gordon, he notes that of the Model 1873s with plated finishes, "... the large majority were nickeled. Silver and gold plating were very uncommon." The included factory letter lists this rifle with a round barrel, set trigger, "XXX stock, checkered", and silver when received at the warehouse on 21 April 1876 and shipped from the warehouse on 29 June 1876 in order number 6325. The barrel is octagon and appears to have been paired with the rifle originally; the factory ledger notation quite possibly is an error. The set trigger components are now absent. The top flat of the barrel is marked with the two-line address and King's patent marking and correctly lacks caliber markings as .44-40 W.C.F. was initially the only caliber offered. The upper tang is marked with the model designation and the early serial number is on the lower tang. The left side of the lower tang is marked "XXX 4739", with "4739" repeated in the stock inlet and inside the buttplate. It is fitted with a set of "sporting" sights including a German silver blade front and elevation adjustable buckhorn rear. It is mounted with a dark, nicely figured, checkered forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate containing a three-piece cleaning rod.

Class: Antique

Fine, the barrel and magazine showing a mix of dark brown patina and bright polished areas as well as extensive scattered moderate pitting. 80% of the original silver plating remains on the receiver and forearm cap with some scattered patches of dark oxidation and flaking. There are traces of original silver on the mostly dark, lightly pitted buttplate. The wood is fine with some scattered minor handling marks, light crazing, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A rare, documented, special order silver plated Winchester deluxe first Model 1873 lever action rifle!

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Winchester Model 1873 .22 Rimfire Lever Action Rifle

Lot # 16 (Sale Order: 16 of 568)      

Excellent Winchester Model 1873 .22 Rimfire Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter

Manufactured in 1887, this is an exceptional original example of a Winchester Model 1873 .22 rimfire rifle that is chambered for .22 Long cartridge. This rifle is accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter that describes this Model 1873 as: "Type: Rifle, Caliber: 22 L, Barrel Type: Octagon" and "Trigger: Plain". The letter states that this rifle was shipped from Winchester on September 1, 1887. The rifle has a blued barrel, magazine, forearm cap and receiver. The hammer, trigger lever and crescent buttplate are color casehardened. The stock and forearm are straight grain American walnut with a varnish finish. The early style magazine tube has the heavy steel ring and separate stop ring. The octagon barrel has a sporting style front sight with nickel-silver blade and buckhorn rear sight. The upper receiver tang is factory drilled and tapped. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the two-line legend "WINCHESTER'S REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A./- KING'S IMPROVEMENT PATENTED MARCH 29, 1866. OCTOBER 16, 1860-" ahead of the rear sight. The top line of the legend uses serif letters, and the bottom line is stamped in block letters. The caliber "22 LONG" is stamped in block letters on the top barrel flat between the rear sight and the receiver. "22 CAL/LONG" is stamped in script letters across the bottom of the cartridge elevator. The upper tang is roll-stamped "- MODEL. 1873. - " in fancy letters with foliate devices at either end. The serial number is stamped in script numerals on the lower tang behind the lever latch. Introduced in 1884, the Winchester Model 1873 was the first Winchester .22 caliber rifle and the first .22 caliber repeating rifle made in the United States.

Class: Antique

Excellent. This rifle is all original and retains 95% plus of the bright original blue finish overall. Wear is limited to scattered minor handling and storage marks on the barrel and receiver. The hammer, trigger, lever and crescent buttplate have 90% plus of the casehardened finish with vivid case colors. All of the markings are crisp. The stock and forearm are both in excellent condition and retain most of the varnish finish with some minor handling marks. This is an excellent example of a scarce and highly desirable .22 Rimfire variation of the Winchester Model 1873 lever action rifle.

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Presentation New Haven Arms Co. Volcanic Lever Acton Pistol

Lot # 17 (Sale Order: 17 of 568)      

Extraordinary Documented Factory Engraved New Haven Arms Co. Volcanic No.1 4 Inch Pocket Pistol with Presentation Inscription from the First Baptist Choir in New Haven to Theodore Rockwood, Extremely Rare Box with "Plated & Engraved" Label, and Ammunition Tin

This incredibly high condition and historic "Volcanic" No.1 Pocket pistol was manufactured after Oliver Winchester gained control of the insolvent Volcanic Repeating Arms Company and reformed it as the New Haven Arms Company on May 1, 1857. "Plated and Engraved" No. 1 4-Inch Pocket Pistols cost $13.50 and could carry 6 rounds of ammunition per the company price list on May 1, 1859. The brilliantly high polish blued barrel is marked "NEW HAVEN CONN." and "PATENT FEB. 14 1854" on top. A "pinched" blade front sight is fitted at the muzzle, and a notch rear sight is fitted to the dovetail at the back of the frame. Many of the other smaller components are also brilliantly blued. The hammer is casehardened and knurled, and the frame and sideplate are plated in silver and feature classic factory scroll and border engraving. The serial number is marked on the left side of the butt under the left grip. The grips are piano-varnished walnut and are numbered to the pistol. The butt is crisply engraved with the historic inscription: "Theodore H. Rockford/from the/First Baptist Choir,/New Haven." in three different beautifully cut scripts. The pistol comes in an extraordinarily rare green pasteboard box with a "PLATED & ENGRAVED" label on one end flap and an empty lacquered tin container for ammunition with a New Haven Arms Company label inside.As an extremely high condition "plated and engraved" Volcanic, this pistol would already rank as one of the most desirable examples. Very, very few of these pistols retain significant finish, and only a select few boxes are known. Once this pistol's historic inscription is taken into account, it becomes truly one of the most desirable and valuable of all Volcanic firearms extant today. Naturally, the set has received previous attention. The pistol and box are featured and discussed on pages 108 and 109 of "Volcanic Firearms: Predecessor to the Winchester Rifle" by Lewis & Rutter who note: "Boxed pistols of this quality are extremely rare." That is certainly an understatement! Considering the high condition, the extremely rare box with the "PLATED & ENGRAVED" end label still complete, and the historic inscription, this pistol is truly elite. The book also shows the "Regimental Descriptive Book (List of Commissioned Officers) of the 19th U.S.C.T." entry for Major Theodore H. Rockwood showing him as appointed major on Nov. 28, 1863, and as mustered in by Colonel Binney on December 21, 1863 and "Killed in front of Petersburg, Va. Jul. 30, 64", indicating he was killed in the famous Battle of the Crater. The authors write: "Theodore H. Rockwood was born in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1836 and as a young adult received, from the Choir of the First Baptist Church, a presentation pistol made by the New Haven Arms Company. Just why he received this gift is unknown. Perhaps it was because he mustered into the service of the United States in Company E of the 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery on May 21, 1861, during the Civil War. He was given the rank of First Lieutenant and served in that unit before he transferred to become Major of the Infantry in December of 1863. He joined the 19th Regiment of U.S. Colored Troops (U.S.C.T.) as a staff officer and trained with the troops at Camp Stanton in Benedict, Maryland. The unit was attached to the Fourth Division of the Army of the Potomac from April until July of 1864, when it found itself in front of the Confederate defenders around Petersburg, Virginia. The rebels were deeply entrenched and, in an attempt to break the stalemate, the Union forces devised a plan to detonate 8,000 pounds of gunpowder under the Confederate breastworks. The explosion killed many defenders and created a huge crater. The Confederate defenders recovered, and the 'Battle of the Crater' followed with the Union soldiers attacking across the canister swept 'No Man's Land.' Colonel Henry G. Thomas tried to rally his men after getting pinned down on the western edge of the crater. Thomas saw officer after officer fall dead and said one officer, Major Theodore H. Rockwood of the 19th U.S.C.T., that he 'mounted the crest of a trench and fell back dead with a smile on his lips.' Had Major Rockwood stayed with the Heavy Artillery and not transferred to the Infantry to get a promotion, he may have survived the Civil War."The pistol's exact provenance is not recorded, but researching the inscription proved enlightening. Major Theodore Hubert Rockwood (1835-1864) was the son of Josiah Rockwood (1802-1859), a deaco
more... Provenance: Major Thomas H. Rockwood; The Alden S. Bradstock III Collection; Property of a Gentleman

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Special Order Winchester Model 1873 Rifle with 32 Inch Barrel

Lot # 18 (Sale Order: 18 of 568)      

Antique Special Order Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with Desirable Documented 32 Inch Extra Length Barrel and Factory Letter

Manufactured in 1890 as a third model with integral dust cover guide and dust cover with serrations at the rear. This Model 1873 has the very rare and desirable special order feature of an extra length 32 inch barrel. It is easy to imagine this rifle in the hands of a skilled marksman or hunter on the western frontier, the rifle likely as much of a legend as the man himself. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard two-line address and King's patent marking as well as the caliber marking at the breech. The upper tang is marked with the model designation, and the serial number is on the lower tang. It is fitted with a blade front sight and an elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with the crescent buttplate. The included factory letter states the rifle was received in the warehouse on January 24, 1891, and shipped on August 8 with a 32 inch octagon barrel in 32 caliber and plain trigger.

Class: Antique

Fine. The barrel retains and other metal surfaces retain traces of original blue finish in the protected areas with a smooth artificially enhanced brown patina on the balance and a coat of varnish, showing what may have been years of use in the American West. The revarnished wood is also fine with minor dings and scratches. Mechanically fine.

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Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle in .22 Long Caliber

Lot # 19 (Sale Order: 19 of 568)      

Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle in .22 Long Caliber

Manufactured in 1889. These small caliber Model 1873 rifles would have been valued in the American West for small game hunting and practice. This rifle is a third model with integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrations at the rear and is chambered in .22 Long. Winchester only manufactured approximately 19,552 Model 1873s in .22 short or .22 long between 1884 and 1904. 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 a dovetail blade front sight, a filler block in the rear sight dovetail, and folding peep sight. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Class: Antique

Very good plus with 30% original blue finish remaining in the sheltered areas with a brown patina. Traces of original case colors remain on the hammer. The wood is also very good with a number of minor dings and scratches. All signs of a gun that has many hundreds of miles of travel under its belt. Mechanically fine.

Provenance: The Collection of David L. DeLullo

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Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Saddle Ring Trapper's Carbine

Lot # 20 (Sale Order: 20 of 568)      

Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Saddle Ring Trapper's Carbine in .44-40 WCF with Highly Desirable 16 Inch Barrel

Manufactured in 1907, this is a very scarce Winchester Model 1892 Trapper's Carbine with a highly desirable 16 inch barrel (no ATF exemption required). These shorter than standard carbines were highly prized in the American West for their firepower in a small and mobile package. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard two-line Winchester legend ahead of the rear barrel band, Winchester oval proof ahead of the rear sight, and "44 WCF" at the breech. A second Winchester factory oval proof appears on top of the receiver at the breech. The upper tang has the standard thee-line model and trademark information, while the serial number is on the bottom of the receiver. It is fitted with a pinned German silver blade front sight, ladder rear sight, and a saddle ring on the left of the receiver. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a carbine buttplate.

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Very good with a mix of reapplied blue finish and smooth brown patina. The wood is also very good displaying working gun character with a filled blemish on the forearm (left side), dings, scratches, and heavier wear on the comb. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: The Collection of David L. DeLullo

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Colt Lightning Small Frame Slide Action Rifle

Lot # 21 (Sale Order: 21 of 568)      

Fine Colt Small Frame Lightning Slide Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1899, a rifle such as this would have been highly valued in the American West for small game hunting and varmint control. The standard two-line address and patent dates is marked on top of the barrel, and the caliber marking is offset on the left at the breech. There is an import mark on the lower right flat of the barrel. The Rampant Colt is marked on the left side of the frame, and the serial number is on the lower tang. It is fitted with a blade front sight and fixed notch rear sight. It is mounted with a mostly smooth forearm, having simple border carving, and a straight grip stock with a hard rubber shotgun buttplate.

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Fine, retains 50% of the original finish with some handling evidence, light edge wear, and some areas of spotting and oxidation, tell-tale signs of years as a working gun. The fine wood shows some dings and scratches, a chip at the buttplate toe, and areas of thinned varnish. Mechanically excellent.

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Early Production Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Carbine

Lot # 22 (Sale Order: 22 of 568)      

Exceptional Early Production Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Carbine with Henry Patent Barrel Address

This Winchester Model 1866 carbine was manufactured in 1868. The carbine has the Second Model features which include receiver with flare at the junction with the forearm and graceful curve in the hammer area, single upper tang screw, concealed serial number on the lower left side of the tang and Henry and King's patent barrel legend. The carbine has a distinctive brass receiver and crescent buttplate with blue barrel, 13-shot magazine and barrel bands. The hammer, trigger and lever are casehardened. The oil finished stock and forearm are straight grain American walnut. The front sight blade is an integral part of the upper barrel band. The barrel has a dovetail mounted two leaf fixed rear sight with "1, 3," and 5" elevation marks. The magazine has the early threaded cap. A staple mounted saddle ring is located on the left side of the receiver. The hammer has coarse knurling on the spur. The crescent buttplate has a sharply pointed heel and hinged butt trapdoor. The top of the barrel is roll stamped with the early pattern, two-line marking "HENRY'S PATENT-OCT. 16. 1860/ KING'S PATENT-MARCH 29. 1866." located between the lower barrel band and the rear sight. The serial number is stamped on the left side of the lower tang, in the upper stock inlet and on the inside of the buttplate. All of the visible serial numbers match.

Class: Antique

Excellent. The retains 90% of the original blue finish on the barrel. The upper and lower barrel bands have a blue/brown patina. The two-line Henry and King's patent markings are sharp. The brass receiver and crescent buttplate are both excellent with a mellow untouched patina. The side plate joints are perfect and both the receiver and buttplate show only a few very minor handling and storage marks. The hammer, lever and buttplate have a mottled brown patina. The hammer retains most of the casehardened finish. The stock and forearm are both very fine with an area of refinish visible on the right upper side. Wear is limited to a few minor and barely noticeable handling and storage marks. Mechanically excellent. Early production 1866 carbines in exceptional condition are extremely scarce.

Provenance: The Joe Marlin Hilliard Collection

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Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle

Lot # 23 (Sale Order: 23 of 568)      

Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle

This is an attractive Winchester Model 1866 lever action rifle that was manufactured in 1877. The rifle has a blued, full octagon barrel and magazine, casehardened hammer and loading lever and brass forearm cap, receiver and crescent buttplate. The walnut stock and forearm have a varnished finish. The barrel has a dove-tail mounted front sight with nickel-silver blade and a sporting style rear sight. The brass forearm tip is factory drilled for a sling swivel but none has been fitted. The upper receiver tang is factory drilled and tapped for a tang sight. The buttplate is fitted with a hinged brass trap. 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." ahead of the rear sight. The serial number is stamped in block letters on the lower tang behind the trigger.

Class: Antique

Fine. The barrel and magazine retain 30% of the original blue finish; the balance has faded to a brown patina. The loading gate has traces of the original niter blue finish. The case colors on the lever and hammer are lightly visible with the balance having faded to a mottled brown patina. The brass forearm tip, receiver and buttplate are all fine. The brass has a mellow and very attractive patina. The side plate joints are tight. The top and sides of the receiver are smooth and show only minimal handling wear. Markings are crisp. The stock and forearm remain in fine condition with scattered and relatively minor handling wear. There is a non-factory hole for a sling swivel visible on the underside of the stock, and the forearm swivel is absent. Mechanically excellent.

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Winchester 50 Count Box of 44 Flat Ammunition for Model 1866

Lot # 24 (Sale Order: 24 of 568)      

Very Fine and Desirable Winchester 50 Count Box of 44 Flat Ammunition, Label Marked for Model 1866 Rifle

Constructed from brown cardboard, with a black-on-green lid label and a black-on-green seal. The lid label bears a picture of the 44 Flat Rimfire cartridge, and is marked for 50 rounds, with the New Haven address below. The seal reads, ".44 FLAT R.F." on three sides with the Winchester guarantee on the fourth. Though the factory seal is broken, the box contains a full compliment of cartridges, which all appear "H" headstamped.

Class: Other

Very fine, the label retaining much of the original color with some mild fading and a few minor scuffs. Most of the side and end labels remain with a few absent pieces. The factory seal is broken but the box contains the full compliment of cartridges, which all appear to bear an "H" headstamp. The cartridges themselves show some mild oxidation. This is a must-have accessory to pair with the fine Winchester Model 1866 in your collection!

Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection

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Special Order Winchester First Model 1873 Rifle

Lot # 25 (Sale Order: 25 of 568)      

Documented Special Order Winchester First Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter

Manufactured in 1876, this is a desirable first model variation of the Model 1873 featuring a dust cover held in place with grooved guides and cover with checked oval grip. The accompanying factory letter lists this rifle with a round barrel and special order set trigger when received in the warehouse on May 24, 1876, and shipped nearly a year later on April 19, 1877. Dovetail blade front and elevation adjustable rear sights, standard Winchester markings (correctly lacks caliber markings), and straight grip stock with trapdoor buttplate (cleaning rod not included).

Class: Antique

Very good plus, retaining 30% plus original blue finish with the balance a mixture of smooth brown and gray patinas. The wood is very good with minor dings and scratches. The set trigger does not function; otherwise, the action cycles properly.

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1.178.0.1267.3ffcadc.12.141