
Premier Firearms Auction - Day 3
Premier Firearms Auction - Day 3
See Special Terms for additional fees
Cash Payment Discount: 3.5%
Description
Documented Savage Model 1899F Saddle Ring Carbine in .303 Savage
Lot # 3050 (Sale Order: 51 of 616)
Offered here is a desirable example of a Savage Model 1899F saddle ring carbine. This exact carbine is pictured on page 26 of the book "A Collector's Guide to the Savage 99 Rifle" (2016) by David Royal above a photo caption that mentions it by serial number. The included Savage factory letter, dated November 10, 2009 and addressed from John T. Callahan, states in relation to this rifle by serial number, "The entry for this Model 1899 shows that it was originally made in caliber .303 Savage with a 20" round barrel. The entry also shows it to be a 'carbine'. This little rifle was accepted from the factory to the warehouse at the Savage plant in Utica, New York on August 9, 1919. It was shipped on August 15, 1919 to the Kelly, How, Thompson Co. of Duluth, MN. From the information, this is a Model 1899-F Saddle Ring Carbine. It was first introduced in 1899 and continued in active production with little cosmetic change until discontinued in 1919." Features a 20 inch barrel with a dovetail mounted Marble No. 5 beaded blade front sight and an adjustable elevator notch rear sight, with the Savage Arms Co. Utica, N.Y. address above 1893, 1899, 1907 and 1909 patent dates marked in two lines on top of the barrel, a saddle ring mounted on the left of the receiver, and a steel carbine buttplate.
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Very fine, retains 80% original matte blue finish with some thinning to gray and brown patina mostly concentrated on the bottom of the receiver, and 50% original darkened case colors on the lever. Wood is fine as lightly sanded and re-oiled with a few light scratches, a small re-glued cracked section visible at the upper left rear corner of the forearm, and distinct edges. Absent rear sling swivel on the bottom of the buttstock. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The David Royal Collection
Factory Engraved Stevens-Pope Ideal No. 49 "Walnut Hill" Rifle
Lot # 3051 (Sale Order: 52 of 616)
Offered here is an exceptional No. 49 "Walnut Hill" rifle, with the highly desirable "Stevens-Pope" barrel which was offered in Stevens catalogs for a short time at the beginning of the 1900s. Manufactured c. 1896 into the 1930s, Stevens No. 49 "Walnut Hill" rifles were one of the more premium target rifles in their extensive lineup. Competitive shooting was an extremely popular pastime around the turn of the century, especially in America, and these "Walnut Hill" rifles would have been highly prized by competitive shooters. No. 44 1/2 type frame featuring factory floral scroll pattern engraving, marked "49 0" on the front surface of the frame. The top barrel flat has the "STEVENS-POPE" marking above the J. Stevens A&T Co. address, and the caliber marking "32.40" is on the upper left ahead of the number "321" which is also on the face of the muzzle. The same number is repeated on the included false muzzle piece which is marked "3/S/POPE/32.40/321" on the side. The barrel is marked with the matching serial number to the rifle "10165" on bottom ahead of the forearm, with "1" ahead of "1927" and "25/141" on bottom of the barrel concealed beneath the forearm. The serial number "10165" is marked on the lower tang with partial matching serial number also on the rear surface of the forearm, underside of the buttplate, and partly visible as handwritten on the rear surface of the buttstock. It is fitted with a windgauge front sight, a J. Stevens Arms Company scope numbered "368" mounted on the barrel, and an adjustable Pope patent peep sight mounted on the upper tang. It is mounted with a walnut checkered Schnabel tip forearm with a palm rest, and a fancy walnut pistol grip stock with checkered wrist a nickeled schuetzen buttplate.
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Exceptionally fine, retains 90% original blue finish on the barrel with a few small patches of very minor surface pitting, 85% original case colors, and 95% refinished nickel on the palm rest base, lever and buttplate. Wood is very fine as refinished, with highly attractive grain patterns, a few light handling marks, a small replacement circular section of wood on bottom of the buttstock where a sling swivel may have once resided, and crisp recut checkering. Mechanically excellent. Scope is fine, retains 80% original blue finish on the tube, with slightly hazy but viewable optics.
Engraved J. Stevens A&T Co. No. 52 "Schuetzen Junior" Rifle
Lot # 3052 (Sale Order: 53 of 616)
Manufactured c. 1897-1916. This example has a gold finished No. 44 1/2 type frame featuring factory scroll pattern and border engraving, marked "52 0" on the front surface of the frame, with an octagon barrel marked with the J. Stevens A&T Co. address on top, "25. R.F." on the upper left, dovetail mounted globe front sight, tang mounted ladder peep sight, double set triggers, nickel plated lever and schuetzen buttplate, checkered walnut forearm, walnut pistol grip stock with a checkered wrist, and matching serial number "875" marked on the bottom of the barrel, rear surface of the forearm, and on the lower tang.
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Exceptionally fine as period refurbished, retains 97% blue finish on the barrel with some minor finish wear around the muzzle, 85% gold finish on the frame with some areas of flaking on the balance, and 95% plus nickel finish on the lever and buttplate. Wood is very fine as re-oiled, with defined edges, a few light handling marks, and a few nicks in the otherwise crisp checkering. The front sight is loosely seated in its dovetail slot. Mechanically excellent.
Stevens-Pope Ideal No. 47 "Modern Range" Single Shot Rifle
Lot # 3053 (Sale Order: 54 of 616)
Manufactured c. 1901-1903, this rifle is an exceptionally fine example of a small number of rifles built during a short lived partnership between J. Stevens Arms & Tool Co. and the legendary riflesmith Harry M. Pope. Pope was one of the most highly respected American gunsmiths of the late 19th and early 20th century, however, due to personality clashes between him and Stevens company officials, the partnership was only destined to last a few years, making these Stevens-Pope rifles very scarce. This rifle is built on the Ideal No. 47 "Modern Range" rifle frame, a very capable target rifle offered by Stevens. It is fitted with a .32 caliber muzzleloading barrel with muzzle machined for interfacing with a false muzzle and starter, both of which are included, (bullet loaded at the muzzle, cartridge at the breech) for serious accuracy when target shooting. The top flat on the barrel has the standard two-line Stevens-Pope address, and there are Stevens-Pope proofs on the barrel and receiver ring. The bottom of the barrel is marked with an import mark and "1953". The model marking is on the lower tang just behind the trigger. The serial number is also marked on the lower tang, with the last three digits of the serial number, "343", marked on the rear face of the forearm, the butt of the stock, and inside the buttplate. The barrel is fitted with a globe front sight and there is a peep sight mounted on the upper tang. It is mounted with a nicely figured Schnabel tip forearm with multi-point checkering and a pistol grip stock with a Schuetzen pattern buttplate. Includes reloading tools, false muzzle, short starter, and ramrod.
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Fine, retains 40% of the original blue finish and 60% of the original case colors with the balance mostly a smooth grey-brown patina and some scattered speckled spotting. The buttstock is fine with some scattered minor handling marks. The forearm shows a long, horizontal, recheckered/re-glued splice of wood on the top right side. Mechanically excellent.
Sharps Borchardt Model 1878 Officers Model Rifle
Lot # 3054 (Sale Order: 55 of 616)
Only 48 of these Officers Model rifles were reportedly manufactured between March 1878 to February 1879. Page 274 of Frank Sellers book "Sharps Firearms" states, "Almost without exception, the Officers Rifles were sent as prizes in rifle matches or to influential men in military circles. They were charged off to 'expense accounts' and very few were actually sold. Since they were usually sent complimentary, the recipients had little choice as to what the company sent them. Consequently, no variation of the Officers Model is known other than sights, which are in most cases nonfactory additions." It has a standard military type blade/bayonet stud front sight, Lawrence pattern adjustable notch and folding ladder rear sight, sling swivels on the front barrel band and bottom of the action, the Old Reliable marking and Sharps Bridgeport address on top of the barrel, two sets of small filler screws on top of the barrel from what was possibly a previously mounted telescopic sight, and the serial number "6613" on the bottom of the action.
Class: Antique
Excellent, retains 95% plus original blue finish with some minor areas of finish loss on the barrel bands, and 90% plus vivid original case colors. The bright cleaning rod has some brown surface spotting. Wood is also excellent with attractive grain pattern, nearly all of the original glossy varnish finish, some scattered minor handling marks, defined edges and tight fitment. Mechanically excellent.
Remington No. 1 Rolling Block Long Range "Creedmoor" Rifle
Lot # 3055 (Sale Order: 56 of 616)
Reportedly, a few hundred of the original Long Range "Creedmoor" Rolling Block Rifles were manufactured by Remington c. 1873-1890. These were among the finest target rifles of the 19th century and certainly among the finest 19th century arms manufactured by the Remington factory. The part octagon barrel is marked with the "E. REMINGTON & SONS. ILION. N.Y." address on top and has a windage adjustable globe front sight with a spirit level, "44 S 100" marked on the bottom of the barrel ahead of the forend. The frame has the patent markings on the left and a long range Vernier peep sight mounted on the upper tang. Additional mounting base for the peep sight located on the top rear of the buttstock. Matching serial number "6266" marked on the bottom of the barrel beneath the forearm, on the lower tang and underside of the buttplate. The forearm is smooth and has a steel end cap, and the pistol grip stock has a checkered wrist, horn inlay, and a smooth flat steel buttplate.
Class: Antique
Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus original blue finish on the barrel with some light wear areas at the muzzle, 80% plus original niter blue finish on the small parts, 70% vivid original case colors, with some scattered light freckling, and distinct markings and edges in the metal overall. Wood is very fine with defined edges, some areas of discreet filler visible at the edges behind the frame and lower tang, a few scattered minor handling marks, some nicks on top of the stock comb from the folding tang sight, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. This exceptional Remington No. 1 Long Range "Creedmoor" Rolling Block rifle would make a fine addition to any early American firearms collection!
Prototype Swingle & Huntington Model 1874 Lever Action Rifle
Lot # 3056 (Sale Order: 57 of 616)
Offered here is an extremely rare example of a prototype Swingle & Huntington Model 1874 lever action rifle, as manufactured in the mid-1870s. This well made rifle is the only example of its kind ever offered for sale by Rock Island Auction Company, and serves as a significant evolutionary example of a unique lever action firearm developed during the height of the popularity of the Winchester lever action and the beginnings of the California gold rush. It is the first type of lever action rifle known to have been manufactured in the state of California. This rifle is covered under the designs illustrated in U.S. patent number 150,102 originally filed March 11, 1874 and granted April 21, 1874 to Alfred Swingle and Frank A. Huntington of San Francisco, California. This exact rifle is featured on the cover of November 1962 edition of "The Gun Report" magazine and is described in detail on pages 6-9 in the article "The Swingle & Huntington Rifle Model of 1874" by Tommy L. Bish, in which the author refers to this rifle as "California's Own Yellow-Boy." The article indicates that Alfred Swingle was listed in the San Francisco directories as a pattern maker with the Aetna Iron Works in 1867-1868, and subsequently listed as a "machinist and model maker" in 1870 at 20 Fremont Street, then later listed at 13 Fremont Street in 1876 as a "machinist and gun manufacturer." Frank Atwood Huntington is also listed in the San Francisco directories at 17 and 19 Fremont Street as a "machinist," and in 1876 he is listed as the proprietor of Globe Iron Works. The article further states, "It is known that the Huntington family was prominent in the goldfields and in railroading circles of early California, so it is safe to assume that Alfred Swingle was the gunsmith and designer in this venture and that Huntington was the financial partner." Single and Huntington patented their first lever action firearm in 1873, covered under U.S. patent number 135,947 granted February 18, 1873, with this 1874 patented example offered being slightly refined and improved. This lever action rifle uses a "friction lock" lever that locks and unlocks with a finger actuated latch, and once unlocked, the barrel is manually slid forward by the other hand of the operator for ejection and chambering of another round, with the barrel assembly manipulated in a similar manner to a pump action. The breech face is stationary with a firing pin and extractor. It has an internal tube magazine inside the buttstock that loads from the rear with a removable threaded plug at the toe. The hammer has a button on top that requires pressing in order to unlock the hammer for cocking. The internal cartridge elevator mechanism is absent. "PAT. APR. 21. 1874" marked on the top flat of the octagon barrel with a dovetail mounted blade front sight, dovetail mounted notch and ladder rear sight graduated to 900 yards, magazine cut-off switch on the right side of the frame, and a hickory/steel cleaning rod mounted below the barrel.
Class: Antique
Fine, exhibits a mix of original blue finish thinned to a plum brown patina and scattered freckling on the iron surfaces, highly attractive evenly aged golden patina on the brass with some minor dings around the tip of the forend, with defined barrel patent markings. Stock is also fine with a few light scratches and dings, some cracks at the toe ahead of the buttplate, and defined edges. Absent cartridge elevator mechanism, otherwise mechanically fine. This is a rare opportunity to acquire this neat prototype Swingle & Huntington Model 1874 lever action rifle, referred to as "California's Own Yellow-Boy."
Provenance: The Tommy L. Bish Collection; The Doug Baneck Collection; Private Collection
Antique Factory Engraved Single Action Army Revolver
Lot # 3057 (Sale Order: 58 of 616)
Manufactured in 1884. There are few firearms that exude the character, grit, and style of the American frontier like the Colt Single Action Army revolver. The revolver found itself almost immediately popular as a sidearm upon its release in the mid-late 1800s, and that popularity continued well into the 20th century among those with a desire for unwaveringly reliable firepower. This documented factory engraved example with factory pearl grips displays a certain flair that is often associated with the "Wild West", having the look of a gun that is not hard to imagine in the hand of a flamboyant Texas gunslinger. Adding credence to this revolver's potential former life, is the fact that the included factory letter lists it as having shipped on July 19, 1884, to Simmons Hardware Co. of St. Louis, Missouri, the gateway to the West. Along with this shipment information, the factory letter confirms the 5 1/2 inch barrel in .45 caliber, nickel finish, factory engraving, and pearl stocks. On page 333 in "The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver 1873-1895," the authors accounted for only 35 factory engraved SAAs in the 1-164100 serial number range in this configuration (5 1/2 inch barrel, .45 caliber, nickel finish, pearl stocks). The scroll engraving is unique to patterns commonly used by Colt master engraver Cuno Helfricht and more closely resembles a Louis Nimschke deluxe style than the aforementioned engraver. Fan patterns decorate the recoil shield, loading gate, and behind the hammer, zig-zag line motifs adorn the ejector rod, top of the barrel, cylinder, trigger guard, and back strap, and a rope pattern decorates the top strap. The top of the 5 1/2 inch barrel has the two-line Colt Hartford address, a marking generally reserved on revolvers with barrel lengths 4 3/4 inches or less. The frame has the two-line patent date marking on the left side, and the left side of the trigger guard has the caliber designation "45 CAL." Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap.
Class: Antique
Fine, retaining 40% original nickel finish with a smooth dark gray associated with a well traveled sidearm on the balance, proving that not all art hangs on the wall. The grips are very good and show similar working gun character with a few chips. Mechanically fine. A documented, fine original example of a factory engraved, pearl stocked Colt Single Action Army Revolver with a few stories to tell!
50-Count Box of .45 LC Cartridges by U.S. Cartridge Co.
Lot # 3058 (Sale Order: 59 of 616)
This is a rare full 50-count box of United States Cartridge Co. .45 Long Colt cartridges for the Colt Single Action Army revolver. The box is of cardboard construction with a yellow label on the lid featuring black text and imagery including the manufacturer name, an image of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver, and states that the cartridges are for "COLT'S NEW BREECH LOADING ARMY REVOLVER, ADOPTED by the UNITED STATES ARMY for the CAVALRY SERVICE" as well as that the shells can be reloaded many times. The box contains a full compliment of non-headstamped period .45 Long Colt cartridges.
Class: Other
Very fine, the box shows some light aging and edge wear with the label retaining strong color as well as distinct text and imagery, and opened seals. Cartridges are also very fine. This rare full 50-count picture box of .45 Long Colt cartridges is a must have to accompany a Colt Single Action Army!
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection
J.A. McDonald Single Action Army Revolver Holster and Belt
Lot # 3059 (Sale Order: 60 of 616)
Manufactured c. 1880s to 1890s, this is a rare and desirable example of a J.A. McDonald marked holster with a cartridge/money belt. Little information is available about J.A. McDonald other than, like many frontier holster makers, he was primarily in the business of saddles, bridles, and other horse tack. "The Expositor" of Alamosa, Colorado in December of 1883 shows a J.A. McDonald saddler in the town "on State Avenue between Fifth and Sixth Streets". The makers mark is prominent in an oval on the body of the holster with Alamosa spelled "Alamoosa", the body having scalloped tooling around the edges and being retained by three loops cut from the skirt. The holster is configured for a right handed shooter and will accommodate a 7 1/2 inch barreled Single Action Army revolver. Included is an unmarked cartridge/money belt which shows similar wear to the holster, is 3 inches wide, has a single row of .44/.45 caliber cartridge loops, and a money pocket opening near the nickeled California style buckle. The billet of the belt is marked "3569/44" and it measures 41 inches including the billet. Along with being from a very rarely seen maker, Alamosa is a town steeped in frontier outlaw history.
Class: Other
Near fine, with some mild wear, scattered light age-related cracking, and a crisp maker's mark on the holster, while the cartridge/money belt shows similar condition with the numbers on the billet faint. A rare western made triple loop holster and cartridge belt that would be a fine addition to a frontier collection!
Engraved Silver & Gold Plated Colt Lightning Baby Carbine with Factory Letter
Lot # 3060 (Sale Order: 61 of 616)
The included factory letter lists the gun as a "Colt Lightning Magazine Slide Action Baby Carbine" and "Medium Frame" in .44 CLMR (.44-40) with a 20 inch barrel, blue finish, and wood stock and indicates it was one of ten Baby Carbines in an order shipped to A. G. Spalding Brothers in Chicago, Illinois, on September 8, 1885. The carbine was subsequently embellished by Master Engraver L. D. Nimschke and displays highly attractive scroll engraving with beaded backgrounds. The Rampant Colt trade mark relief engraved on the left side of the frame ahead of the saddle ring, a silver plated primary finish, gold plated frame and small parts, multi-point checkered slide handle, and a deluxe, highly figured, multi-point checkered walnut buttstock. The barrel is equipped with a "barley corn" front sight along with a notch and folding ladder rear sight, and is marked with the Colt address and Elliott patent marking in two-lines on top and "44 Cal." in an oval panel on the left at the breech. The matching serial number is on the lower tang and on the underside of the barrel at the breech. This carbine's engraving, finish, and stock are extremely similar to Colt Lightning Baby Carbine 27981 sold by Rock Island Auction Co. in September 2015 and December 2022. That carbine was also finished in silver and gold plating. The engraving patterns are very similar and in many areas, essentially identical, with the main exception being the spectacular Rampant Colt relief engraved on the left side of the frame on the current carbine and the more complex entwining scrollwork on the right side of the frame. No. 27981, lettered as fitted with a "fancy wood" stock and was shipped "soft" to Hartley & Graham in New York, New York, on May 9, 1888, as part of a three gun shipment. The "soft" notation indicates that the carbine was intended to be engraved and finished by Hartley & Graham. Many Colt firearms shipped soft by Colt to Hartley & Graham were engraved by Master Engraver L. D. Nimschke. That carbine is illustrated and described on page 192 of "The Book of Colt Engraving" by R. L. Wilson where it is listed as engraved by L.D. Nimschke and Wilson stated: "Engraved Baby carbines are extreme rarities."
Class: Antique
Fine with 90% plus silver plating remaining on the barrel, magazine tube, and buttplate with darker aged patina on the buttplate; 50% of the original gold plating visible on the frame, strong gold plating on the bolt and hammer, and smooth gray and brown patina on the balance. The wood is also fine and has attractive figure, mild wear on the otherwise crisp checkering, numerous scratches and dings, and most of the finish remaining. Mechanically needs work as the slide only retracts halfway. This is an extremely rare, highly embellished Colt Lightning Baby carbine very similar to another example identified as engraved by L. D. Nimschke.
U.S. Colt Richards Conversion Model 1860 Army Revolver
Lot # 3061 (Sale Order: 62 of 616)
The historic Richards revolvers set the stage for the Colt Model 1871//72 Open Top and the ever famous Colt Single Action Army revolver. This ultra rare, Ainsworth inspected, nickel-plated Colt First Model Richards "Model Gun" was manufactured from new components c. 1871 and is chambered for .44 Colt centerfire. This revolver pattern was designed by Charles B. Richard, assistant factory superintendent of the Colt factory. The design efficiently transforms the iconic Colt Model 1860 Army of the Civil War into a then state of the art single action centerfire revolver by replacing the loading lever with an ejector, fitting a breech loading cylinder, installing a recoil shield/conversion plate with an integral notch rear sight and hinged loading gate as well as a bushed firing pin, and using a modified hammer. Only 1,126 Colt Model 1860 revolvers converted to the Richards system for the U.S. Ordnance Department. Per R. Bruce McDowell on page 152-153 of "A Study of Colt Conversions and Other Percussion Revolvers", there were only 130 new frames made into US Richard's. These revolvers can be picked out as they had not been cut for a shoulder stock and have only one serial number. It has been further estimated that only 50 "Model Gun" were originally made for trials. These revolvers thus represent only a small percentage of the approximately 9,000 "conversions" that were manufactured c. 1871-1878 using the Richards system. Most of the U.S. contract revolvers were reportedly issued to U.S. cavalry units on the frontier, most notably the famous 10th Cavalry Regiment (Buffalo Soldiers). Nearly all of the examples known today show signs of considerable frontier use, but this example remains in considerably higher condition. This revolver has U.S. Ordnance Inspector Orville W. Ainsworth's "A" inspection mark on the left side of the barrel at the breech, on the side of the cylinder, and just ahead of the trigger guard. The factory "P" inspection mark is double struck next to Ainsworth's mark on the cylinder, and there is a "T" inspection stamped at the front of the cylinder. In addition, an "M" is stamped above the serial number on the barrel and below the serial numbers on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The matching serial number "1165" visible on the cylinder, recoil shield, loading gate, ejector, barrel lug and barrel lug flat, trigger guard, and back strap. The revolver also features a German silver blade front sight, notch rear sight on the recoil shield, ejector with knurled "C" shaped button and rounded rod tips, the one-line "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" barrel address, the classic naval battle scene and "COLTS PATENT No" marking on the cylinder, "COLTS/PATENT" on the left side of the frame, "44 CAL" on the left side of the trigger guard, and bordered and underlined knurling.According to McDowell on page 150 of "A Study of Colt Conversions and Other Percussion Revolvers", "it is strongly believed, though not substantiated that the letter 'M' designates 'Model Gun'". On page 148 he wrote, "Model guns were produced and shipped to the Ordnance Department for their approval. Such guns are indicated in Ordnance letters from Dyer (Brevet Major General A.B. Dyer. Chief of Ordnance). Specifically, there are only two of these model guns known to the author, serial numbers 1216 and 1201 with all numbers matching. Number 1216 is in the collection at the Smithsonian Institution, complete with all documentation and 1201 is in a private collection. All major parts of both guns are stamped with single four digit numbers, meaning that the serial numbers and assembly numbers are the same... Notice that the gate is numbered externally and has an internal spring. Uncommon to the U.S. Richards, the ejector rod tip is rounded... The hammer spur has a bordered and underlined knurl, possibly one of the revolvers replacement hammers reported in the October 7 Day Journal entry." On page 154 he wrote, "Because of the extreme rarity of the U.S. Richards with matching serial numbers (on two known to the author), it is believed that these particular guns were those carried by officers, and sent back to Colt by those officers for conversion by the Richards system". This revolver matches McDowell's description as well as those discussed by Charles Pate in "The 'M' Marked Colt Richards Conversion" in "The Gun Report" Vol. 52 No. 9 from February 2007 which also references serial number 1148. This revolver is in remarkable condition compared to the other examples and the wider U.S. contract Richards revolvers.
Class: Antique
Fine with 50% original nickel plating remaining and concentrated primarily on the barrel, cylinder, and trigger guard; smooth gray patina on most of
more...
UMC Box of .44 Colt CF Cartridges for Army Conversion Revolver
Lot # 3062 (Sale Order: 63 of 616)
Offered here is a rare full 50-count picture box of Union Metallic Cartridge Co. .44 Colt centerfire cartridges for the Colt Army conversion revolvers manufactured in the 1870s. These revolvers, utilizing a mix of leftover 1860 Army and new made parts, were manufactured at Colt alongside the Single Action Army and saw significant use out west. The box features an orange label with an illustration of Colt's conversion revolver, the UMC logo, ".44 Calibre./FIFTY CENTRAL FIRE AMMUNITION FOR COLT'S NEW ARMY REVOLVER" above the UMC manufacturer name, Bridgeport, Connecticut address, and "WITH NO. 2 WESSON PRIMER./Under A.C. Hobbs' Patent Oct. 31st, 1876./THESE SHELLS CAN BE RELOADED MANY TIMES". The box contains 50 non-headstamped period cartridges.
Class: Other
Fine, the box shows some light aging and mild edge wear with the label retaining strong color as well as distinct text and imagery, and opened seals. Cartridges are also very fine. This rare full 50-count picture box of .44 Colt centerfire cartridges is a must have to accompany a Colt conversion revolver!
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection
Hoggson Game Scene Engraved T.J. Stafford Single Shot Derringer
Lot # 3063 (Sale Order: 64 of 616)
Manufactured in the early 1860s, this is one of only an estimated 2,100 T.J. Stafford single shot deringers produced, with this unique example exhibiting an exhibition quality level of engraving executed by Samuel J. Hoggson. Hoggson is probably best known for his masterful engraving for the New Haven Arms Company on their iconic Henry rifles, and this little deringer shows many of his typical patterns. Both the New Haven Arms Company and Stafford's firm were located in New Haven, Connecticut, so it is no surprise that they would have employed the same local engraver. This specific pistol shows near full coverage engraving on the frame that shows dense acanthus scroll with a bird nestled in the leaves on the left. This bird is nearly identical to the one engraved on a deluxe, "triple presentation" Henry rifle which is pictured and discussed on p. 18 of "Winchester Engraving" by R.L. Wilson. Henry comparisons continue on the breech sides of the barrel, where this pistol is engraved with a large flower bloom of exactly the same pattern seen on the forward panels of the frame on many engraved Henrys. It is very clear that Hoggson took heavy inspiration from his engraving on Henry rifles when embellishing this pistol. The single line T.J. Stafford address is marked on the barrel rib, and the 1860 patent date is marked on the butt. The rear face of the barrel is marked "00", which is repeated on the barrel latch and left of the grip frame. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and a pair of smooth pearl grips. It is quite possible that this deringer was specifically embellished to match an iconic, "triple signed", deluxe, Hoggson engraved Henry rifle!
Class: Antique
Fine, retains most of the period plated nickel on the barrel with scattered visible pitting under the plated finish, and the frame showing a mix of replated gold and bright brass with a few patches of darker aged patina. The engraving remains distinct overall. The grips are very fine with a few light edge chips. Mechanically fine.
New York Engraved Colt Model 1871-72 Open Top Revolver
Lot # 3064 (Sale Order: 65 of 616)
The Colt Model 1871-72 Open Top Revolver is highly prized by collectors for its limited production and its significance as the transition model between the Colt cartridge conversions and solid frame Single Action Army revolver, paving the way for the Single Action Army which was an immediate success shortly thereafter. Approximately 7,000 Model 1871-72 revolvers were manufactured between 1872 and 1873. These were some of the first Colt cartridge revolvers available in the West and often saw hard use on the western frontier, remaining in use as working guns well into the period of dominance of the Single Action Army. As a “frontier working gun,†this model of Colt rarely featured deluxe embellishments. The rarity of period engraved examples is explicitly noted by R. L. Wilson in "The Book of Colt Firearms": “[E]ngraved specimens of the 44 open Top Frontier are extremely rare. Of the few known engraved, the majority were decorated outside the Colt factory, principally by the dealers Schuyler, Hartley and Graham of New York City†(page 237). These “engraved specimens†are highly prized by collectors and the limited availability means that even the most advanced private or public collections lack an example. Without a doubt No. 164 is a true rarity in Colt collecting and is a crown jewel in 19th century American firearms artistry. The revolver a wonderful profuse period L.D. Nimschke style New York engraving consisting of mostly floral scrollwork on a punch dot background along with a star burst pattern behind the front sight, fan motifs on the recoil shield, loading gate and top of the back strap, entwining line and dot pattern on the butt and trigger guard, and checkerboard pattern on the ejector rod housing. This highly finished arm is made even more spectacular by having a two-tone finish of nickel and gold and checkered one-piece grip. The barrel, frame, and grip straps are plated in nickel. The ejector rod housing, hammer, and cylinder are plated in gold. The revolver is featured in the 2nd edition of “Fine & Historic Arms Annual†where it is cited as “the finest known early production 1871/72 Open Top revolver†(page 181). This is a stunning showpiece that has no equal available to collectors. The writer only knows of one other example featuring a Nimschke style engraving and two tone finish (silver and gold) and that is no. 4974, which is part of the Autry Museum of the American West collection (see “The Book of Colt Firearms,†page 237 and the Autry’s collections online).The top of the barrel has the one-line New York address, "COLTS/PATENT," which appeared on the first 1,000 revolvers produced, is stamped on the left side of the frame, and the cylinder has the roll engraved naval engagement scene along with engraved scallop bands. The loading gate has the assembly number "125." Matching serial numbers are on the frame, barrel, trigger guard, back strap, and cylinder.
Class: Antique
Exceptionally fine overall. The barrel, frame and grip straps retain 95% plus of the retailer applied nickel plating with some very scattered edge wear and general loss on the barrel lug. The engraving is crisp. The remaining surfaces retain traces of gold in the protected areas, otherwise showing an untouched smooth brown patina. The cylinder has some bruising on the front edge and retains virtually all of the crisp naval scene. The grip is very fine with slight age shrinkage, couple surface chips along the high edge, few typical age hairline cracks mostly on the bottom and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A fantastic showpiece of one of the handful of known New York retailer engraved Model 1871-72 Open Top Revolvers that will make a grand statement in any Colt collection no matter how advanced.
Provenance: The C.D. Terry Collection; The Nick Shannon Collection
Colt Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army with Box and Letter
Lot # 3065 (Sale Order: 66 of 616)
The factory letter for this revolver lists it in .44 caliber with a 5 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, and rubber stocks and indicates it was part of a two gun shipment to Murta Appleton & Co. in Philadelphia on November 29, 1927. Incredibly, the revolver looks as if it never even left the factory nearly a century ago, and it is even accompanied by an original factory box with matching end label and the serial number "351210" and "16-70" marked on the left end of the lid as well as the serial number again on the bottom. The box contains a wood "BAIR'S PAT" rod, cleaning brush, wax paper, Colt's Revolvers flyer, and Colt "Proper Ammunition" flyer warning of using "cheap and inferior foreign cartridges..." The revolver features a blade front sight and the one-line Hartford address on top of the barrel, "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER .44-40" along the left side of the barrel, the two-line patent marking followed by the Rampant Colt trade mark on the left side of the frame, "3" over the "VP" proof on the left side of the trigger guard, assembly number "700" on the loading gate and rear of the frame, "10" and "29" on the rear of the cylinder, and the matching serial number "351210" on the frame, right side of the grip straps, and on the inside of the grips.
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Excellent overall with 98% plus original bright high polish blue finish and vibrant original case colors, minimal light handling and storage marks, slight scratches on the left at the muzzle, very faint cylinder turn lines, slight aged tone to the grips, and otherwise near new appearance. Mechanically excellent. The box is fine overall and has mild edge wear. This is an outstanding time capsule Colt First Generation Single Action Army in the beloved Frontier Six Shooter configuration.
Provenance: The Collection of Ken Gibilisco
Remington Elliot's Patent Ring Trigger "Zig-Zag" Derringer
Lot # 3066 (Sale Order: 67 of 616)
Less than 1,000 of these small pocket pistols were manufactured in 1861-1862. These were the first Remington firearms designed to fire metallic cartridges, with period advertisements listed them as "Elliott's Pocket Revolvers." Many have been lost or destroyed leaving few to fill their places in advanced Remington collections. They are difficult to find in any condition due to generally spending a lot of time pocketed. The left side of the frame has the standard three-line Elliot's patent marking, while the right of the frame has the standard three-line Remington address. The matching serial number is on the left of the grip frame and stamped inside each grip panel. It is fitted with a pin front sight on each of the six barrel ribs, a notch rear sight, and a pair of smooth gutta percha grips.
Class: Antique
Very good plus, retains 20% of the original blue finish and 50% of the original silver finish, both primarily in sheltered areas, with some light flaking, mild wear, and the balance mostly grey-brown patina. The grips are fine with some light handling marks. Mechanically excellent.
Remington Elliot's Patent Type II Over/Under Derringer
Lot # 3067 (Sale Order: 68 of 616)
Manufactured c. 1888-1911. The top of barrel marked with single line "REMINGTON ARMS CO. ILION, N.Y." address with extractor on the left side. The serial number "718" is marked on the frame under the left grip and on the bottom of the lower barrel. There are British proofs on the left side of both barrels and the back strap is retailer inscribed "F.T. BAKER. 88. FLEET ST. LONDON". Includes a rare suede coin purse type holster/case, which was likely provided by the retailer.
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Very fine, retains 95% plus of the original nickel finish with some scattered light dings and handling marks. The inscription is cut through the plating and is crisp. The grips are excellent with only the slightest handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with some mild wear and scuffs.
Factory Engraved E. Remington & Sons Elliot No. 2 Derringer
Lot # 3068 (Sale Order: 69 of 616)
Remington manufactured these distinctive multi-shot pistols from the mid-1860s through around 1888. They were advertised in 1866 as "Repeating Pistol, (Elliot pt.) No. 22 Cartridge" and "Repeating Pistol, (Elliot pt.) No. 32 Cartridge." The former is often referred to as the No. 1 size and the latter as the No. 2 size. This is a fine example of a No. 2 Deringer with rare factory engraving. The engraving consists of floral scroll on the sides of the frame and back strap, as well as on the top two barrels at the muzzles and breeches. The left rib between the barrels is marked with the one-line address, while the right has the Elliot's patent dates. The matching serial number is marked on the frame under the barrels and on the bottom of the barrels. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and a pair of smooth antique ivory grips.
Class: Antique
Very good, retains traces of the original silver finish in sheltered areas with the balance a mottled grey brown patina, some light surface pitting/oxidation, and mostly crisp engraving. The attractive grips are fine with an attractively aged tone and some hairline age lines around the screws. Mechanically excellent.
Engraved E. Remington & Sons No. 1 Vest Pocket Pistol
Lot # 3069 (Sale Order: 70 of 616)
These "Saw Handle Derringers" were manufactured in 1865-1888. The vast majority were plain, but this example has beautiful period retailer applied floral scroll and pointer dog scene engraving, with an arrow on top of the barrel. The top has the two-line address and patent marking, and the serial number is on the left of the grip frame, bottom of the barrel, and in pencil inside both grip panels. It is fitted with a pair of smooth antique ivory grips.
Class: Antique
Fine, retains 40% of the period retailer applied silver plated finish with the balance mostly a dark grey patina, a few small patches of light oxidation, and mostly crisp engraving. The grips are also fine with a few tight, darkened hairline age cracks and attractively aged tone. Mechanically excellent.
Chicago Firearms Co. Protector Palm Pistol
Lot # 3070 (Sale Order: 71 of 616)
Manufactured in the 1890s, with the typical floral patterned border accents on the barrel and frame, this example has the attractive nickel finish. Produced without sights, the standard model and patent markings on the frame and the Chicago Firearms address on the side plate. The frame, side plate and turret cylinder are numbered to match. It is fitted with checkered hard rubber panels on the side plate, frame, and palm pad.
Class: Antique
Very fine, retains 90% of the original nickel finish with a few scattered patches of light flaking and a few minor handling marks. The hard rubber panels and palm pad are also very fine with a few scattered light handling marks. Mechanically fine.
Factory Engraved Colt Police Positive DA Revolver
Lot # 3071 (Sale Order: 72 of 616)
The included factory letter states the revolver was to loan account Von Lengerke & Antoine of Chicago on May 21, 1926, with a 4 inch barrel in .32 caliber, blue finish, factory engraving, and pearl stocks. This was a single gun shipment. Fitted with half moon blade front and frame notch rear sights. The barrel displays a wedge of floral scroll engraving on either side which surrounds the model and caliber marking. The frame is engraved with floral scroll, light wavy line borders at the rear, geometric motifs on the yoke and crane, underside of the frame, and front of the top strap. Light flourishes of floral scroll are cut between the flutes. The revolver is fitted with a pair of Colt medallion pearl grips.
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Excellent, with 95% original blue finish with light handling marks, high edge wear, a cylinder drag line, some light spotting on the forward cylinder, and crisp engraving. The attractive grips are also excellent with fiery coloration. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection
Documented Glahn Engraved Colt Police Positive DA Revolver
Lot # 3072 (Sale Order: 73 of 616)
Manufactured in 1921, this revolver is Class A engraved with approximately 25% coverage of open vine scroll without punch dot. The rear sides of the barrel, cylinder flats, frame, top strap, backstrap and trigger guard all have flourishes of the open vine scroll engraving. In addition the revolver features the standard barrel markings and is fitted with checkered walnut grips with silver medallions. The revolver is accompanied with a factory letter confirming the guns configuration, except the grips which are " Not Listed" and that it was one of five shipped to Powell and Clement Co., Cincinnati, Ohio on August 15, 1921. The revolver is also accompanied by a letter from author R.L. Wilson, who thoroughly examined this revolver and concluded that the engraver was Wilbur A. Glahn, which in his opinion, shows the unmistakable style and quality of Glahn. Mr. Glahn was the hand picked successor to Cuno A. Helfricht as Colt's factory chief engraver and began his Colts engraving career in 1919 making this revolver an early example of his engraving. Glahn's career is covered in some detail in the "Colt Engraving" texts. Additionally, this revolver is pictured and described on page 592 of R. L. Wilson's "The Colt Engraving Book: Volume Two", where Wilson again states that it was engraved by Glahn. Engraving is not mentioned in the factory letter, these omissions are encountered from time to time, usually a factory oversight or simply not all the records have survived.
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Very fine as factory refurbished, with 99% of the blue finish remaining with very slight muzzle wear, a very faint drag line on the cylinder, softened Rampant Colt and proof markings, and light overall handling marks. The grips are excellent with only very slight handling marks. Mechanically excellent. An attractive Glahn engraved Police Positive DA revolver.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection
Special Order Pre-World War II .38 Special Colt SAA Revolver
Lot # 3073 (Sale Order: 74 of 616)
This Colt Single Action Army revolver was manufactured in 1929. The included factory letter lists the revolver in ".38 Colt" with a 5 1/2 inch barrel, and nickel finish and under special features notes it is furnished with a 3 1/2 lb. trigger pull. It was shipped to Buckeye Cycle Company, Akron, Ohio, March 12, 1931. This revolver has black checkered hard rubber grips with the Rampant Colt motif in an oval at the top. The butt is fitted with a special order factory lanyard loop, not mentioned in the letter. The revolver is chambered for the .38 Special cartridge, and the cylinder has beveled chamber mouths which indicate that it was manufactured for the .38 S&W Special cartridge rather than the .38 Colt Special cartridge. Colt Single Action revolvers chambered for the .38 Colt Cartridge had chamber mouths with 90 degree shoulders. The "Book of Colt Firearms" by R.L. Wilson states that 25 Colt Single Action Army revolvers were chambered for the .38 S&W Special cartridge and 82 were chambered for the .38 Colt Special cartridge. The left side of the barrel is roll-stamped with fourth style barrel marking "COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .38 SPECIAL" introduced in 1929. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." in one line. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the three-date/two-line patent marking followed by the Rampant Colt trademark. The left front trigger guard bow is stamped with a "1" assembler's mark over the Colt triangle "VP" proofmark. A "5" inspection mark is stamped in the hammer well. The assembly number "779" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. The full serial number is stamped on the bottom of the frame and the right side of the trigger guard and back strap underneath the grip. The partial serial number "57" is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder. The full serial number is etched on the inside of both grips. All of the visible serial numbers match.
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Exceptionally fine. The revolver retains 95% plus of the much frosted original nickel-plated finish. The only other significant wear is some minor flaking on the face of the cylinder. There is a light drag line on the cylinder. The nickel-plating on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap and sides of the cylinder exhibits minimal handling wear. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection
Helfricht Factory Engraved Colt New Service Revolver
Lot # 3074 (Sale Order: 75 of 616)
This is a beautiful example of an early low serial number pistol that was factory engraved in the Cuno Helfricht pattern that exhibits a "C" plus (75%) coverage on all the metal surfaces except the front and rear grip straps, the cylinder flutes and the underside of the barrel. It is finished with the Colt high polish blue and a gold washed cylinder, and is fitted with a two-piece set of smooth ivory grips. This revolver is very similar to the two revolvers shown on the back cover of the "Colt Firearms" by R.L. Wilson that were prepared for the 1914 Colt exhibit in South America. This revolver is pictured and described in R.L. Wilson's book "Fine Colts: The Dr. Joseph A. Murphy Collection" on page 165. It is noted that fewer than 75 New Service revolvers were ever engraved and certainly this has to be one of the earliest. It is also pictured and described in "Colt's New Service Revolver" by Mullin on page 18. This revolver was manufactured in late 1899 or early 1900 and exhibits all the early characteristics, such as the single line barrel address without any patent dates, the fixed firing pin, and the early style top strap that is very similar to the SAAs without the front and rear cutouts also produced during this time. The engraving was clearly done by Cuno Helfricht, or certainly in his shop by one of the senior engravers as it exhibits a meticulous scroll engraving that is perfectly balanced with large scrolls with a heavy punch dot background mixed with his trademark geometric pattern borders and highlights on each side of the lower frame area, the top of the barrel around the barrel markings and the top strap of frame that extends down the frame (by the sides of the hammer), the top and rear section of the back strap, and around the lanyard loop. The engraver did not sign the gun, but it has the typical single Colt prick-punch dot mark on the back side of the crane and the corresponding cutout area of the frame with the typical small letter O on the left flat of the frame under the grip, both typical Colt factory inspector marks found on engraved revolvers that were unsigned. The top of the barrel bears the early one line address of "COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. Co HARTFORD U.S.A." with no patent dates. The left side of the barrel is marked "NEW SERVICE 45 COLT" in one line. The left side plate has the early Rampant Colt trademark encircled by "COLT'S NEW SERVICE". The serial number is stamped on the inside of the frame and crane. The revolver has the standard clipped blade front sight and grooved receiver rear sight. The butt is fitted with a lanyard loop. The revolver has the high polish commercial blue finish with niter blue trigger and casehardened hammer and ejector rod. The included factory letter states the revolver was shipped on January 15, 1901, to Iver Johnson Sporting Goods Co. with locations in Boston, Worcester, & Fitchburg, Massachusetts, and confirms the 5 1/2 inch barrel in .45 caliber, blue and gold finish, and ivory grips. The letter goes on to state "the revolver was returned to the factory on January 18, 1901. Unfortunately, we are unable to locate any additional information pertaining to the final disposition of this revolver." The factory record suggests that the revolver was returned to the factory for engraving.
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Excellent overall with 97% of the bright original high polish blue finish with some slight wear or thinning on the grip straps, the front edges of the muzzle, and some general edges and high spots like the edges of the trigger guard. 95% of the original gold still remaining on the cylinder showing only light fading or thinning. The grips are also excellent that have aged very nicely showing some slightly darker age striations running lengthwise on the sides of the grips with some very minor age cracking on the bottoms of each grip panel. Mechanically excellent. A beautiful example of the turn-of-the-century gun maker's art.
Provenance: The Dr. Joseph A. Murphy Collection; The William Powell Collection; The Charles Marx Collection