Iconic Firearms Collections at Auction, Day One

Iconic Firearms Collections at Auction, Day One

Sunday, March 15, 2015  |  10:00 AM Eastern
Auction closed.
Iconic Firearms Collections at Auction, Day One

Iconic Firearms Collections at Auction, Day One

Sunday, March 15, 2015  |  10:00 AM Eastern
Auction closed.
Internet Premium: 21%
See Special Terms for additional fees
Cash Payment Discount: 3%
Share:

Description

An Event for the Ages, this highly anticipated fresh to the market offering will be the focus of those passionate about firearms history.12 prestigious collections will be featured.

James D. Julia Inc.


(207) 453-7125
Catalog Terms of sale
Search Catalog :
Sort By :
Go to Lot :
Go to Page :
Per Page :
Pg : 1 of 23

*ONE OF A KIND ELMER KEITH'S RUGER NO. 1 SINGLE SHOT RIFLE PRESENTED BY RUGER TO HONOR MR. KEITH'S M

Lot # 1000 (Sale Order: 1 of 563)      

SN 15. Cal. .375 H&H. Usual configuration with 24" rnd bbl, ramp front sight on a sleeve with replacement sourdough sight. Chamber area of the bbl has a quarter rib with folding leaf sight & mounted with conetrol bases & rings containing a Leupold 1-4X Vari-X II scope with duplex cross hairs. Top of the bbl has standard Ruger Southport markings with caliber marking on left side of chamber area. Mounted with exceptional, center crotch, flame grain American walnut with Alex Henry checkered forearm and capped pistol grip stock with thin Ruger red buttplate. Buttstock has a sling swivel stud with corresponding stud on a stalking band around the bbl. Receiver is beautifully engraved by renowned engraver Alvin White of the A.A. White Engravers, Inc. Left side has a standing grizzly bear standing on a rocky promontory, executed in great detail. Right side has flat gold inlay "Elmer Keith". Both vignettes are surrounded by very fine foliate arabesque patterns which extend over the bottom of the receiver & onto the lever. This rifle is one of only a very few presented to sporting & outdoor writers and one or two close friends of William B. Ruger who were members of the "21 Club". The origin of the name 21 Club is unclear but it is believed to have been created by the intrepid writer & gun guru Jack O'Connor who was a fan & regular customer at the famous esteemed 21 Club restaurant in New York City. This rifle differs substantially from other 21 Club rifles in that it has an engraved grizzly bear as ordered by Steve Vogel in a letter to A.A. White engravers on August 4, 1969. In the same letter, he also orders that Mr. Keith's full name be engraved which is another deviation from the other 21 Club rifles, which had only initials. The bear vignette, as found here, is one of only two engraved by Mr. White on Ruger No. 1's. There exists a picture of Mr. Keith in his trophy room holding this rifle without his trademark hat but with a cigar in his face. Much of the information regarding the "21 Club" was obtained from the website: www.classicsportingarms.com/engraved-ruger-no-1s. Accompanying is a copy of the August 1969 letter from Steve Vogel, Ruger Sales Manager, to A.A. White Engravers. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine+. Overall retains 99%+ strong orig finish with a few minor nicks in the wood and small cut in butt pad. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, sharp clear optics. 4-47972 JR268

Bid Not Accepted!

Bid Accepted!

You've been outbid!

Sold for: USD 19,000.00

You've been outbid  to onsite! to YOU!

Placing your bid. please wait...

*ENGRAVED EARLY RUGER SUPER BLACK HAWK SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER THAT WAS PRESENTED TO ELMER KEITH.

Lot # 1001 (Sale Order: 2 of 563)      

SN 1806. Cal. .44 Magnum. Blue finish with 7-1/2" rnd bbl, ramp front sight & Micro adjustable rear sight. Cyl is unfluted with six chambers. Mounted with 2-pc pre-ban African ivory grips, smooth on the left side with raised carved "Elmer Keith" on right side which is a facsimile of Mr. Keith's signature. Revolver is very tastefully engraved by Charles Jerred on factory order and was one of two engraved in Mr. Jerred's "revised standard pattern" with light, strategically located foliate arabesque patterns and rosettes around each screw hole. Trigger, lock bolt & front trigger guard screw are engraved. Hammer screw is probably a replacement. Matching engraving patterns are at the top of the backstrap & heel, on buttstrap, trigger guard and bottom front of frame. The entire frame is outlined in fine gold wire as is the backstrap & buttstrap. Bbl has a silver band around the muzzle and a gold band at the frame, with matching gold band on ejector housing. Frame has silver wire inlay connecting into the gold wire on each side, back of the cyl opening and front edge. Top center of the bbl has a matching foliate arabesque pattern with gold & silver wire worked into the engraving patterns. Top strap is outlined in gold & silver wire. Cyl has a gold wire around the rear edge and a silver wire around front edge with small foliate arabesque patterns over the webs between the chambers which also has gold & silver wire inlaid in the patterns. Rear edge of the cyl has a very fine shaded scalloped pattern. This is a high polish, short frame revolver without eagle logo on bbl. The other Jerred engraved Super Blackhawk, SN 4806, remains in the factory collection. All together, a very beautiful & tastefully engraved revolver. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object". This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Overall retains all of its fine custom blue applied post engraving. Grips are crisp showing no wear & no discernible flaws, and overall retain a light ivory patina. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, has been fired but very little. 4-47989 JR241

Bid Not Accepted!

Bid Accepted!

You've been outbid!

Sold for: USD 12,500.00

You've been outbid  to onsite! to YOU!

Placing your bid. please wait...

*EXTREMELY RARE PROTOTYPE RUGER SUPER BLACKHAWK .44 MAGNUM SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER FURNISHED TO ELMER

Lot # 1002 (Sale Order: 3 of 563)      

SN 15527. Cal. .44 Magnum. Blue finish with 7-1/2" bbl, ramp front sight & Super Blackhawk style top strap with unmarked Micro adjustable rear sight and protective ears. Left side of bbl is roll marked "STURM, RUGER & CO. / SOUTHPORT, CONN. U.S.A.". Left side of frame is marked "RUGER BLACKHAWK / .44 MAGNUM CAL.". It has a serrated wide hammer spur & serrated trigger with offset ejector housing and unfluted cylinder. Grip frame is short, dragoon style. Mounted with 2-pc custom Circassian walnut grips. According to p. 48 of Reference of Ruger Firearms, Volume One, Hiddleson, states that there were "two prototype Super Blackhawks serial numbers 15527 (this revolver) and 15528, which numbers were taken from the .44 Blackhawk (flattop) production and both guns are listed as .44 Blackhawk - Super Blackhawk configuration. These were called the 'second pilot model' and had 7-1/2" bbls, protective sight ribs, 'a flattop' style rear sight which is not 'MICRO' marked, grips the thickness of an XR3 dragoon style grip frame (of the variety termed 'short frame'), wide serrated trigger, wide spur hammer, offset ejector housing and unfluted cylinder. S/N 15528 is also known to have an unrollmarked barrel and 'RUGER BLACKHAWK .44 MAGNUM CAL.' rollmarked cylinder frame. It is presumed serial number 15527 (this revolver) was the same but this gun has not been seen.". #15528 is in a private collection. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Overall retains 98-99% strong, orig factory blue with only slight muzzle edge wear on left side & a faint cyl line. Grips have a couple of minor scratches & retain about all of their custom varnish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, shows very little firing. 4-48045 JR262

Bid Not Accepted!

Bid Accepted!

You've been outbid!

Sold for: USD 8,000.00

You've been outbid  to onsite! to YOU!

Placing your bid. please wait...

*VERY RARE, ONE OF TWO KNOWN, PRE-PRODUCTION FLAT TOP RUGER BLACKHAWK SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER WITH 4-

Lot # 1003 (Sale Order: 4 of 563)      

SN 2331. Cal. .44 Magnum. It has ramp front sight & Micro adjustable rear sight on flat top frame. Left side of frame has standard markings "RUGER BLACKHAWK / 44 MAGNUM CAL." with the Ruger eagle trademark. Right side of frame has the SN. Trigger guard & backstrap are brass which contain 2-pc yellow cow horn grips with Ruger black eagle medallions. Right side of the cast brass grip frame, inside the toe has the casting marks "MR / 3DB" along with a small mark in a circle. Buttstrap is hand-stamped "ELMER KEITH". Reportedly, this is one of only two such revolvers ever made with 4-5/8" bbl & is known to have been shipped to Elmer Keith for testing. A picture posted on the Ruger Collector's Website depicts Mr. Keith sitting in front of his home fireplace holding this exact revolver. Page 46 of Reference of Ruger Firearms Volume One, Third Revision, Hiddleson discusses this revolver and states that it was shipped to Elmer Keith and shows it as having a 4-5/8" bbl. The other 4-5/8" gun was ordered by renowned dealer Herb Glass for a customer. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Bbl, frame & cyl overall retain 97-98% strong orig blue with only very light muzzle end wear on left side & tip of ejector housing. Hammer retains strong blue on edges with bright polish on sides. Screws appear to be untouched & retain about all of their orig blue. Grip frame is solid & retains a medium mustard patina. Right grip has a small grain check at right heel, otherwise grips are sound & show a fine patina with little or no wear. Mechanics are unconverted & crisp, brilliant shiny bore shows very little use. 4-48044 JR256

Bid Not Accepted!

Bid Accepted!

You've been outbid!

Sold for: USD 9,000.00

You've been outbid  to onsite! to YOU!

Placing your bid. please wait...

*RARE RUGER BEARCAT SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER SN 15 THAT BELONGED TO ELMER KEITH.

Lot # 1004 (Sale Order: 5 of 563)      

SN 15. Cal. .22. Old Model Bearcat, all blue finish with 4" rnd bbl & full front sight with grooved rear sight in top strap. Trigger guard is light colored metal and it is mounted with smooth 2-pc fancy grain wood grips. Left side of grip frame, under grip, is hand-scratched "EK". Right side, under grip, has the casting number "PR-1". Cylinder has usual six chambers with wolf & bear cylinder scene. When Mr. Keith's son Ted, became a smoke jumper, Mr. Keith gave him this revolver which has Mr. Keith's personal Ruger serial number "15". He had a special belt holster built for the revolver, right hand, with a strap & buckle attached to absolutely secure the revolver during the parachute jump and landing. Many of Mr. Keith's SN "15" Ruger firearms are being sold by the Poulin Auction Co. prior to this sale. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Overall retains about 98% crisp orig blue with only faint muzzle edge wear and sharp edge wear on tip of ejector housing. Grips show a few light, minor nicks & scratches and retain about all of their orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, shows very little use. 4-48010 JR257

Bid Not Accepted!

Bid Accepted!

You've been outbid!

Sold for: USD 5,000.00

You've been outbid  to onsite! to YOU!

Placing your bid. please wait...

*THE MOST FAMOUS OF ALL ELMER KEITH'S HANDGUNS, COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER, "THE LAST WORD - O

Lot # 1005 (Sale Order: 6 of 563)      

SN M5. Cal. .44 Special. All blue finish with 5-1/2" bbl that has 1-line address & dual caliber markings on left side. Bore is 6 lands & grooves with left hand twist. Muzzle is fitted with a sleeve that is mounted with a Colt double action style adjustable front sight. Top strap has been reworked & redesigned into a flat top style which extends over the hammer slot and has a Colt style, windage adjustable rear sight. The base pin is of custom design that has a ribbed hourglass shaped head and is secured with a swinging latch replacing the screw or spring-loaded crossbolt and is retained by a spring-loaded detent. Hammer is Bisley style that has a widened & extended spur. The trigger is also wider & a little longer than a standard single action trigger. Backstrap is an altered Bisley part attached to a single action frontstrap/trigger guard. The hammer spring is a custom design between the originator of this design and Mr. Keith. Mounted with 2-pc pre-ban African ivory grips, custom built to fit this frame with a raised, carved Mexican eagle on right side. The orig customized single actions that led to the final development of this revolver "Old Number 5" was begun by S. Harold Croft who, having heard of Mr. Keith's legendary long range handgun shooting skills, traveled to Durkee, Oregon with "a box full of guns" for a demonstration of Mr. Keith's long range shooting. He was so impressed with Mr. Keith that he began working with him to re-design the single action army revolver. The No. 5 Colt was as its name suggests the fifth iteration of Harold Croft's highly modified Colt revolvers. The first four were Croft's designs and called "Featherweights." After experimenting with these Elmer made final design changes to create what was in his mind the perfect revolver. The final design became No. 5, being sold here. In an April, 1929 American Rifleman article, titled "The Last Word", Mr. Keith details the specifics surrounding the concept, and manufacture of the revolver including those who assisted on the project. In a side note, he states that the orig walrus ivory grips had shrunk, and so he had a new pair made from elephant ivory carved with a Mexican eagle which are mounted on the gun today. The engraving on this revolver was commissioned by Mr. Croft for Mr. Keith and consists of flowing foliate & floral patterns with about full coverage on the frame, bbl, cyl, frontstrap & trigger guard. Top strap is engraved with the Masonic symbol of a square & compass. Backstrap is engraved "Elmer Keith" and buttstrap is engraved "Durkee, Oregon". This revolver is pictured on p. 103 of Mr. Keith's book Six Guns and on p. 169 in the accompanying Keith designed Lawrence holster. Holster is beautifully tooled with a light buckstitch edge and has a thumb strap with snap. It also has Mr. Keith's designed integral leg strap. This storied revolver has been the subject of numerous articles over the last 80 years. More recently on the cover of the May, 2003 edition of Guns & Ammo magazine. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object". This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains 96-97% strong custom blue showing holster wear & sharp edge wear. Grips are sound showing light wear on eagle and retain light ivory patina. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. Holster is crisp showing only very light wear & retains about all of its orig brown finish. This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to own handgun history, the iconic "Last Word" from Elmer Keith. 4-47801 JR244

Bid Not Accepted!

Bid Accepted!

You've been outbid!

Sold for: USD 70,000.00

You've been outbid  to onsite! to YOU!

Placing your bid. please wait...

CUSTOM COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH BRIDGEPORT STYLE BELT RIG THAT BELONGED TO ELMER KEITH.

Lot # 1006 (Sale Order: 7 of 563)      

SN 81965. Cal. .45 Colt. This was originally a U.S. property Cavalry Colt that has been customized with an all blue finish and bbl altered to 4-7/8" with a sleeve-mounted thick front sight. Top strap is rounded & fitted with an adjustable early Smith & Wesson style rear sight. Hammer has been altered with a wide checkered spur and the trigger is checkered to match the hammer. The hammer screw is a long stud with mushroom head like the orig Bridgeport rig from the late 19th century. Frame was polished & blued which has obliterated the patent dates & "U.S." Ejector housing is first type with bull's eye ejector rod head and base pin is a later replacement. Mounted with pre-ban African 1-pc ivory grip with a hexagonal panel on left side carved "EMK" and the right side carved with the Masonic square & compass with "G" in the center. Mr. Keith was a well known member of the Masonic Order. Bbl, frame & cyl are orig to this revolver with "DFC" David F. Clark sub-inspector initials and last four digits of matching SN on cyl. Bbl is not serial numbered and trigger guard is without SN. Accompanied by a beautifully tooled 2-1/2" wide cartridge/money belt with engraved, scalloped edge silver buckle that has space for 38 large caliber cartridges in adjustable laced loops. Right side of the belt, behind the tongue billet is a 3-5/8" x 2-1/4" flat steel plate riveted to the outside with a fork attached at an up angle to accommodate the hammer stud on the revolver. Page 167 of Mr. Keith's book Six Guns shows Mr. Keith demonstrating the fast draw with this exact rig which he refers to as the "Jesse Thompson S.A. Colt Belt Clip" with the statement that it is the "Fastest of all gun rigs". This revolver was also pictured on p. 160 of Mr. Keith's book Gun Notes Volume II. This is another example of Mr. Keith's continued experimentation with all forms of firearms and especially cartridge, handgun use & development. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our"Ivory Position Statement"and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object". This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Overall retains about 75% fine custom blue with most of the losses on bbl from holster storage & holster wear. Grip is sound with a couple small age lines & retains golden ivory patina. Mechanics are fine with a smooth, tuned action, bright shiny bore with scattered pitting. Belt is supple & flexible and retains most of its orig brown leather finish. 4-48018 JR243

Bid Not Accepted!

Bid Accepted!

You've been outbid!

Sold for: USD 13,000.00

You've been outbid  to onsite! to YOU!

Placing your bid. please wait...

RARE KEITH LONG RANGE CUSTOM COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

Lot # 1007 (Sale Order: 8 of 563)      

SN 134626. Cal. .44 Special. All blue finish with 5-3/8" bbl that has 1-line address & dual caliber "Russian and S&W Special" markings on left side. Top strap has been altered by Neal Houchins to flat top style which extends out over the hammer slot and has a dovetailed, Keith Long Range 3-leaf sight that has one standing & two folding leaves. Front sight is mounted to a sleeve with serrated back edge and is Partridge style 1/8" wide. Top flat of frame is engraved "KEITH LONG RANGE COLT". Left side of frame is engraved "AUG. 23-1928" and right side of frame "OCT. 24-1929". Left front web of trigger guard is marked "45 CAL". Backstrap is engraved "Theodore Roosevelt" and buttstrap "NORTH DAKOTA". Mounted with a rare, raised carved & checkered 1-pc rosewood grip. Hammer is customized with the addition of a checkered Bisley spur and it has a custom, serrated wide trigger. It also has a custom base pin with very large serrated head and the retaining screw in the frame has a large head with coin slot and reeded edge. Hammer screw is replaced with a long stud that has a mushroom head for use in the Thompson quick draw rig being sold elsewhere in this auction. This feature very closely resembles the orig 19th century Bridgeport rig. This revolver is a composite of an 1890 frame with a more modern bbl & cyl. Trigger guard & backstrap had their SNs obliterated during the refinish process. Accompanied by a hand-printed manila tag which states that this revolver is "Theodore Roosevelt's gun / his name engraved on / back stap (sic) / Philadelphia Pawn Shop / $5.00". This revolver is pictured in Mr. Keith's book Six Guns on p. 103. Caption for this picture states that the 1-pc rosewood grip was by Pachmayr. No indication as to what the two engraved dates on the frame represent. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains 96-98% strong custom blue with only light muzzle & sharp edge wear. Cyl retains about 99% fine blue. Hammer retains strong case colors & trigger jeweling on the edges. Grip is sound showing very light diamond point wear & retains about all of its fine custom oil finish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 4-47995 JR247

Bid Not Accepted!

Bid Accepted!

You've been outbid!

Sold for: USD 13,000.00

You've been outbid  to onsite! to YOU!

Placing your bid. please wait...

SCARCE COLT FLAT TOP TARGET SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER THAT BELONGED TO ELMER KEITH.

Lot # 1008 (Sale Order: 9 of 563)      

SN 130432. Cal. .44 Special. All blue finish with 7-1/2" bbl, rectangular base target front sight and 1-line address with "COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .44 SPECIAL" on left side. Frame is a factory flat top style with fixed sight in top strap and 3-line patent dates on left side. Mounted with Rampant Colt/eagle hard rubber grips. Bbl & cyl are later replacements. Left front web of trigger guard is stamped with the "VP" proof & a small "B". Base pin is also a replacement. This revolver is pictured in Mr. Keith's book Six Guns on p. 103. A favorite factory configuration of Elmer. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl & cyl retain virtually all of their orig blue with only light sharp edge wear. Frame & ejector housing retain about 70-75% glossy orig charcoal blue with most of the losses flaked, not worn, to a light patina. Hammer retains about all of its lightly faded case colors, and trigger most of its orig fire blue. Front & backstraps are a grey metal patina. Grips, which are not orig to this revolver, show very light wear with only a small nick or two. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 4-48017 JR248

Bid Not Accepted!

Bid Accepted!

You've been outbid!

Sold for: USD 9,500.00

You've been outbid  to onsite! to YOU!

Placing your bid. please wait...

*CUSTOM COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER THAT BELONGED TO ELMER KEITH.

Lot # 1009 (Sale Order: 10 of 563)      

SN 335426. Cal. .44 Special. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2" bbl, 1-line address and "RUSSIAN AND S&W SPECIAL 44" on the left side. Front sight is the Keith long range model on a sleeve with three silver bands on rear face of the Partridge blade. It has a Smith & Wesson long base, white outline adjustable rear sight milled into the top strap. Hammer has a Bisley spur attached to the single action shank. Trigger is extra wide & checkered. Mounted with orig Colt 2-pc pre-ban African ivory grips that has a raised carved ox head on right side and silver "COLT" medallions. Inside each grip has the hand-scratched initials "EMK" and right grip is also marked "VIIII". Left side of buttstrap & front strap under the grip is marked "1120B" which number is also found on bottom of frame, and inside gullet of ejector housing. Ejector housing also has the number "71688" scratched on the inside. Bbl is otherwise unmarked other than as noted above. Left side of hammer is stamped "KING / COCKEYED / HAMMER". Right side of frame is lightly engraved "Elmer Keith". Accompanied by a Lawrence 120F tooled, brown leather belt holster with Mr. Keith's designed brown leather leg strap. This revolver is pictured in Mr. Keith's book Six Guns on p. 103 with the caption "King Short Action Job, 7-1/2 inch Barrel". Hammer, while fully functional, is a very short throw and without safety notch. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object". This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl retains about 93-95% custom blue with most of the losses on sight ring & muzzle. Frame retains strong case colors in front gullets with the balance turning silver. Hammer retains bright blue on edges, polish bright on sides. Trigger guard retains strong custom blue with front & back straps a blue/grey patina. Cyl retains about 60% orig blue. Grips are sound with a few age lines & show a fine ivory patina. Hammer is not solid in half-cock notch, otherwise mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. Holster is extremely fine showing very light wear. 4-47800 JR249

Bid Not Accepted!

Bid Accepted!

You've been outbid!

Sold for: USD 12,000.00

You've been outbid  to onsite! to YOU!

Placing your bid. please wait...

*SCARCE COLT NEW FRONTIER SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER OF ELMER KEITH, WITH BOX.

Lot # 1010 (Sale Order: 11 of 563)      

Additional information (3/3/15): The gun was shipped from Colt to Elmer Keith on a special loan account. Notation on the factory order states "Selected & Targeted". SN 4932NF. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2" bbl, ramp front sight that has Mr. Keith's gold insert. Left side of bbl is marked "COLT NEW FRONTIER S.A.A. .45" and left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and rampant Colt. Frame is flat top style with adjustable rear sight. Mounted with smooth 2-pc ivory grips. SN was observed on bottom of frame, left side of front & back straps under the grip and last three digits of matching SN on front face of cylinder with rampant Colt on rear face. Accompanied by its orig gold & black 2-pc box. This revolver was produced in about 1964. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object". This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine, as new, all matching, shows very little if any use. Bbl & ejector housing retain 99%+ glossy midnight blue and the frame 99%+ brilliant case colors; hammer retains all of its orig blue on the edges with bright polished sides; cyl, trigger guard & back strap also retain 99%+ brilliant, glossy midnight blue. Grips are sound with a light ivory patina. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Box is sound showing light edge wear and a couple of nicks. 4-48047 JR316

Bid Not Accepted!

Bid Accepted!

You've been outbid!

Sold for: USD 6,000.00

You've been outbid  to onsite! to YOU!

Placing your bid. please wait...

COLT POCKET NAVY CONVERSION REVOLVER WITH EJECTOR OF ELMER KEITH.

Lot # 1011 (Sale Order: 12 of 563)      

SN 12837. Cal. 38 RF. Nickel finish with 4-1/2" rnd bbl, brass front sight and 2-line Hartford address. Right side of bbl lug has an ejector housing with a replacement ejector rod head. Left side of frame has the 2-line "1871" and "1872" patent dates. Left shoulder of trigger guard is marked "36 CAL". Cyl has five chambers and the stagecoach holdup scene roll marking. The silver plated brass trigger guard & back strap contain an orig Colt 1-pc certifiable antique ivory grip with deep relief carved Mexican eagle on left side. Inside right grip has matching SN. According to Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms there were about 6,000 of these revolvers produced in two calibers, 1873-1875. These small pocket pistols, upon introduction, were immediately very popular with the buying public. They usually saw hard service under adverse conditions and of those few surviving today, very few have any orig finish. Grips are certified to be original Colt factory carved ivory grips and certifiable as "ESA Antique". Grips are original and unchanged since this gun was originally produced in percussion in 1862. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object". This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good, all matching except wedge which is numbered "13964". Bbl retains traces of orig nickel in the most sheltered areas being an overall mottled silver/brown patina; frame retains about 30% orig nickel with the balance a gray patina; cyl retains traces of orig nickel with the balance a gray patina and shows about 50% stagecoach holdup scene roll marking; trigger guard & back strap are a medium mustard patina. Grip has a chipped left heel & toe and a small crack in the left heel, otherwise is sound with a few age lines and shows a wonderful golden ivory patina. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with good shine and moderate to heavy pitting. 4-48019 JR320

Bid Not Accepted!

Bid Accepted!

You've been outbid!

Sold for: USD 4,000.00

You've been outbid  to onsite! to YOU!

Placing your bid. please wait...

SCARCE RICHARDS CONVERSION OF COLT 1860 ARMY REVOLVER THAT BELONGED TO ELMER KEITH.

Lot # 1012 (Sale Order: 13 of 563)      

SN 4556. Cal. .44 Colt. Nickel finish with 8" bbl, nickel silver front sight & 1-line New-York U.S. America address. Right side of bbl lug has an attached ejector housing with checkered half moon ejector rod head. Cylinder is rebated with usual six chambers and Ormsby Naval Battle scene roll marking. Left side of frame has 2-line patent dates & left shoulder of trigger guard is marked "44 CAL". Mounted with 1-pc certifiable antique ivory grip made in the orig pattern consisting of two slabs of ivory attached to two wooden spacer blocks. Inside each grip has matching SN in ink. Loading gate has assembly number "2983" with matching number on cylinder spindle. Accompanied by a very early, orig, brown leather, left hand Slim Jim holster with light tooled decorations on front and a belt loop on reverse side secured with copper harness rivets. There were about 9,000 of these revolvers produced 1873-1878. These revolvers were essentially a stop-gap measure by Colt until production of their Model 1873 Single Action Army revolvers caught up with demand. These revolvers were widely dispersed and were in great demand throughout the American frontier. They usually saw very hard service and are rarely found with high orig finish. Once the stronger Model 1873 revolver with its larger, heavier caliber was widely distributed, the open top model with its weaker frame, fell out of favor and production ceased. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object". This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching including grip, except wedge which is properly unnumbered. Bbl retains 65-70% orig nickel with losses around the muzzle & forcing cone area. Frame retains about 90% orig nickel & cyl about 70%. Cyl shows about 95% Ormsby Naval Battle scene roll marking. Trigger guard & backstrap retain most of their strong, orig nickel with slight wear on trigger bow. Grip is sound with a few age lines & shows a wonderful, mellow ivory patina. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with fine pitting. Holster shows considerable wear but is completely sound with a slightly crackled finish. Altogether a rare frontier set. 4-47992 JR250

Bid Not Accepted!

Bid Accepted!

You've been outbid!

Sold for: USD 6,500.00

You've been outbid  to onsite! to YOU!

Placing your bid. please wait...

ENGRAVED COLT MODEL 1851 NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER THAT BELONGED TO ELMER KEITH.

Lot # 1013 (Sale Order: 14 of 563)      

SN 90592. Cal. .36. Usual configuration with 7-1/2" octagon bbl, scarce dovetailed blade front sight and 1-line Hartford address. Top flat of bbl between the address & front sight is lightly engraved "Elmer Keith". Left side of frame has a small "COLTS PATENT". Cylinder is usual six chambers with Ormsby Naval Battle scene roll marking and has last two digits of SN "66". Cyl also has military inspector initials. The large guard silver-plated brass trigger guard & backstrap contain 1-pc certifiable antique ivory grip built in the orig manner of two pieces of ivory attached to two wooden spacer blocks. Left side of grip has a deep relief carved ox head. Revolver is beautifully engraved by Gustave Young in his deluxe coverage of very fine foliate & floral arabesque patterns that has fine pearled background. Frame has about full coverage engraving which extends over the bbl lug & top side flats of bbl and onto rammer pivot. Left side of bbl lug has a scroll which terminates in Mr. Young's mythical bird's head & another on the right side which terminates in a flower blossom. Back strap is engraved with Mr. Young's typical fan pattern at the top with foliate arabesque patterns at the top, heel, buttstrap and trigger bow. All of the SNs on bottom of revolver are accompanied by a small punch mark which indicates extra attention to polishing for engraving. Screws are domed head English style. Grips are original and unchanged since this gun was originally manufactured in 1860. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object". This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: About good, all matching except cyl as noted. No orig finish remains, being an overall dark grey/brown patina showing moderate to heavy wear. Cyl retains a blue/grey patina with all six safety pins crisp & serviceable and shows about 95% Ormsby Naval Battle scene roll marking. Trigger guard & backstrap retain traces of orig silver, being mostly a light mustard patina. Grip has numerous small age lines but is sound and shows heavy wear, retaining a fine mellow ivory patina. Hammer is not solid at half-cock notch, otherwise mechanics are fine, strong bore with moderate to heavy pitting. Wedge screw is a replacement. 4-47991 JR251

Bid Not Accepted!

Bid Accepted!

You've been outbid!

Sold for: USD 11,500.00

You've been outbid  to onsite! to YOU!

Placing your bid. please wait...

RARE COLT 2ND MODEL 1851 NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER OF ELMER KEITH.

Lot # 1014 (Sale Order: 15 of 563)      

SN 3503. Cal. 36. Usual configuration with rare 6-1/2" oct bbl, brass pin front sight and 1-line New York City address with dashes. Left side of frame has a tiny "COLTS PATENT". Cyl has 6-chambers with Ormsby Naval battle scene roll marking. The small square back brass trigger guard & back strap contain an orig Colt certifiable antique ivory 1-pc grip that has the partial SN "070" inside each grip. Grip is constructed in the orig manner of two slabs of ivory attached to two wood spacer blocks. There were about 2,500 2nd Model Navys produced early in the production run. This revolver was made in 1851. Bbl appears to be orig with heavy pitting on the flat muzzle. Grip is an orig Colt product contemporary to era but obviously a period of use replacement. Very few of these early 1851 revolvers survive today in any condition. Those with non-standard bbls are extremely rare. The Model 1851 was Colt's first medium sized revolver after the demise of the Paterson Project. They were introduced at a time when any repeating firearm was in great demand by those heading to the Great American Frontier and literally around the world. They are rarely found today in any condition or orig configuration. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object". This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Good to very good, all matching except grip, as noted. Bbl retains traces of blue, being mostly a thin blue/brown patina with spots of rust; rammer handle retains dark case colors on the pivot; frame is a dark brown patina with traces of silvered case colors and an area of heavy pitting on left rear side; cyl is a blue/brown patina with an area of moderate pitting, apparently from laying in a holster and shows about 40% Ormsby Naval battle scene roll marking; hammer also has pitting on the sides; trigger guard & back strap retain traces of silver finish being mostly a medium mustard patina. Grip has a very old broken sliver from the right heel, otherwise is sound showing heavy wear with numerous age lines and retains a golden ivory patina. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with moderate to heavy pitting. 4-48046 JR319

Bid Not Accepted!

Bid Accepted!

You've been outbid!

Sold for: USD 4,500.00

You've been outbid  to onsite! to YOU!

Placing your bid. please wait...

MARTIALLY MARKED COLT THIRD MODEL DRAGOON PERCUSSION REVOLVER THAT BELONGED TO ELMER KEITH.

Lot # 1015 (Sale Order: 16 of 563)      

SN 11295. Cal. .44. Usual configuration with 7-1/2" oct to rnd bbl, nickel silver front sight & 1-line New-York City address with brackets. Left side of frame is marked "COLTS PATENT" over a tiny "U.S.". Cylinder is usual six chambers with dragoon/Indian fight scene roll marking and has "MODEL U.S.M.R. / COLT'S PATENT" panels surrounding SN. The unplated brass trigger guard & backstrap contain a 1-pc walnut grip with matching SN in backstrap channel. Left side of grip has the outline of a military inspector cartouche and there are small inspector initials on various parts. Grip has a hole through the grip just at top of cartouche which was probably cut for a lanyard by the mounted trooper who used the gun. A note attached to this revolver from the Keith family states "Colt Dragoon .44 / Confederate General / Casey's Dragoon". There were about 10,500 of these revolvers produced 1851-1861. They were mostly all issued to active, front line units fighting Indians out West, primarily in the Southwest, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. These revolvers usually saw very hard service during that period and remained in service throughout the Civil War with many being captured and used by the Confederates. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine, all matching including rammer, wedge, cyl & grip. Overall retains a mottled dark brown patina with some fine pitting on right side of bbl. Right side of muzzle shows heavy holster wear. Frame is smooth dark patina as is the cyl. Cyl shows 60-70% dragoon Indian fight scene roll marking with the cartouches around SN mostly all legible. Trigger guard & backstrap are a light mustard patina. Grip has a couple chips in left heel & a chipped right toe and shows heavy wear with a hand-worn patina. Mechanics are fine, crisp strong bore with good shine & scattered pitting. 4-47993 JR252

Bid Not Accepted!

Bid Accepted!

You've been outbid!

Sold for: USD 12,000.00

You've been outbid  to onsite! to YOU!

Placing your bid. please wait...

*EXTREMELY RARE COLT MODEL 1905 SEMI-AUTO PISTOL WITH ORIGINAL LEATHER HOLSTER STOCK THAT BELONGED T

Lot # 1016 (Sale Order: 17 of 563)      

SN 883. Cal. .45 ACP. Blue finish with 5" bbl, orig fixed sights with thin front blade & round top, round notch rear sight. Slide has usual markings on both sides with Rampant Colt in a circle on left rear. Left side of frame, over the trigger area is marked with the SN. Mounted with diamond checkered walnut grips. Accompanied by one orig, all blue magazine. Also accompanied by an orig black leather covered, metal framed holster stock with brown leather lining. There were about 6,000 of these pistols produced 1805-1911 but only a few had the grooved backstrap for stock attachment & extremely few still have an orig stock. This pistol was Mr. Keith's property and is pictured on p. 101 in Six Guns, Keith. Undoubtedly, Mr. Keith would have studied this pistol & cartridge during the developmental years working on the number of cartridges that he personally designed during his life. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains 88-90% glossy orig blue, showing holster wear around muzzle & sharp edges and along the slide. Frontstrap has some candy striping and stock wear on backstrap. Hammer retains strong case colors. Grips are sound showing light diamond point wear with very little hand oil staining. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with some minor scuffing in the grooves. Holster stock has a small separation in the flap hinge but is overall sound showing edge wear & light scuffs, retaining about 75% orig black finish. Even without Mr. Keith's connection, this is a rare pistol & holster combination. 4-48011 JR235

Bid Not Accepted!

Bid Accepted!

You've been outbid!

Sold for: USD 25,000.00

You've been outbid  to onsite! to YOU!

Placing your bid. please wait...

*RARE COLT MODEL 1905 SEMI-AUTO PISTOL & RARE AUDLEY HOLSTER THAT BELONGED TO ELMER KEITH.

Lot # 1017 (Sale Order: 18 of 563)      

SN 136. Cal. .45 ACP. Blue finish with 5" bbl & orig fixed sights. Slide has standard markings & Rampant Colt in a circle on the left rear. Mounted with diamond checkered walnut grips. Top screw of left grip is missing. Accompanied by one orig all blue magazine. Also accompanied by a rare Audley brown leather holster with long drop belt loop and an unusual flap attached to a brass wire through the belt loop which secures over a brass stud on front of holster. Inside the holster has a spring loaded nickel-plated brass lock button which secures through the trigger guard with the pistol firmly seated and keeps the pistol secure until depressed. Only about 6,100 of these pistols were produced 1905-1911 and were the forerunner of the incredibly durable Colt Model 1911 Semi-Auto pistol. These pistols were without a manual safety, relying only on the safety notch of the hammer, a situation which was remedied in the later models with the addition of both grip & thumb safety. Mr. Keith wrote several times about testing the .45 automatic for long range target shooting & hunting. It seems likely that he would have used this pistol during those tests and would have tested various hand loads in the process. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Overall retains 65-75% orig blue showing heavy holster wear & thinning on the slide. Right front side of the slide, by the wedge slot, has a small crack, probably from overpowered loads by Mr. Keith. Front edge of slide on both sides has fine pitting. Hammer retains strong case colors & the trigger about 50% fire blue. Grips are sound showing moderate wear with the aforementioned missing screw. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with good shine & light pitting. Magazine shows moderate wear & retains about 75% orig finish. Holster is sound with light nicks & scuffs and retains most of its orig russet brown finish. 4-48012 JR254

Bid Not Accepted!

Bid Accepted!

You've been outbid!

Sold for: USD 6,500.00

You've been outbid  to onsite! to YOU!

Placing your bid. please wait...

*SPRINGFIELD ARMORY MODEL 1911 SEMI-AUTO PISTOL THAT WERE GIFTED TO ELMER KEITH.

Lot # 1018 (Sale Order: 19 of 563)      

SN 104312. Cal. 45 ACP. Blue finish with 5" bbl. Slide has standard markings with flaming bomb proof at left rear and the Springfield eagle on right side. Left side of frame is marked "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" also with a flaming bomb proof. Mounted with 2-pc pre-ban African ivory grips scrimshawed on right side with a skull & crossbones and on the left side with a hexagon inscribed "EP" and what appears to be an elongated "A". Inside each grip is scratched with Mr. Keith's initials "EMK" and right grip is also dated "1924". Sights are King replacements with a mirrored partridge style front, missing its bead and an adjustable rear sight. Mirror slat is milled into the slide. Most King illuminated sights are on a ramp and the mirror is in the ramp. Spring housing is checkered 1911A1 style. Accompanied by one all blue 1950s commercial magazine. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our"Ivory Position Statement"and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object". This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: Keith family notes for this gun state the pistol was gifted by U.S. Army Capt W.R. Strong, who carried it in France, and used in action against German forces at Ch. Thiery. EK added King sights arched housing, grip safety and hammer. Scrimshawed grips were a wedding gift to EK by E.A. Price of Garland City AR. The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Overall retains about 90% professionally blued finish showing muzzle end and light frame wear. Grips are sound showing moderate to heavy wear and fine aged patina. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. Magazine is fine. 4-47999 JR318

Bid Not Accepted!

Bid Accepted!

You've been outbid!

Sold for: USD 12,500.00

You've been outbid  to s****p! to YOU!

Placing your bid. please wait...

*INSCRIBED CUSTOM ENGRAVED SMITH & WESSON MODEL 1917 GOVERNMENT MODEL DA REVOLVER THAT BELONGED TO E

Lot # 1019 (Sale Order: 20 of 563)      

SN 64328. Cal. .45 ACP/Auto Rim. Blue finish with 5-1/2" rnd bbl, custom front sight milled into the orig sight base & a fixed custom rear sight in the top strap. Grip frame has a lanyard swivel in the buttstrap and has standard U.S. Army Model 1917 markings. Mounted with pre-ban African 2-pc ivory grips that have a deep relief carved spread winged American eagle clutching an American shield in its talons on right side. Frame, cyl & bbl are beautifully deep relief engraved in flowing foliate arabesque patterns that has very fine shaded background. Top strap, sides of top strap & left side of frame below cyl opening are all engraved in feather patterns. Right sideplate is inlaid with a walking, spread winged American eagle in raised 3-color gold that has great feather pattern details. Right front of frame has "ENGR. BY / T. MORO / 1974". Backstrap is inscribed "Elmer Keith". This revolver will letter from Smith & Wesson in caliber .45 ACP with 5-1/2" bbl, blued finish, smooth walnut grips & butt swivel shipped June 4, 1918 to the U.S. Government at Springfield Armory, Springfield, MA. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object". This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Frame & bbl retain fine, strong custom blue. Cylinder & ejector pin are a bright plum color from bluing salts not being the correct temperature. Trigger & hammer retain faded case colors. Grips are sound with a few age lines & light wear on eagle, and show a wonderful, mellow ivory patina. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-47976 JR240

Bid Not Accepted!

Bid Accepted!

You've been outbid!

Sold for: USD 6,000.00

You've been outbid  to onsite! to YOU!

Placing your bid. please wait...

*IMPORTANT SMITH & WESSON HAND EJECTOR FIRST MODEL (TRIPLE LOCK) TARGET DA REVOLVERS WITH RARE BERNS

Lot # 1020 (Sale Order: 21 of 563)      

SN 14145 & 6146. Cal. .44 Special. Revolvers are virtually identical with 6-1/2" bbls, one with Call gold bead front sight and the other with Mr. Keith's "long range" modified thick front sight blade with two gold bars for distance shooting. Both have round top straps with adjustable sights. Frames are 5-screw type and the cranes have a third fastener in the ejector rod housings. Both have standard color case hardened hammers & smooth triggers. Revolvers are mounted with mirror-image Magna-sized burl walnut 2-pc grips, carved on one side with deep relief "Elmer Keith" and oak leaves, and the other grip with oak leaves. All the carving has a coarse stippled background. Revolver #6146 has a small 5-pointed star by the SN on the buttstrap which indicates factory refinish; Accompanied by a rare double holster rig by the Berns-Martin Co. consisting of left & right hand permanently mounted, full basketweave tooled, front opening spring holsters with thumb straps across the front. They are mounted to a 3-1/2" wide lined cartridge/money belt that is matching tooled and has a double row of sewn-on cartridge loops for fifty-eight .44/.45 caliber cartridges. Belt has a short, sewn-on tongue billet and a square, cut corner nickeled brass buckle. Rig is completely unmarked. Mr. Keith is pictured on pgs. 150, 162 & 165 of Mr. Keith's book Six Guns, wearing this exact rig, demonstrating fast draw & shooting. The entire rig, with two 1917 revolvers, is pictured on p. 163 of the referenced publication. The caption to one of the pictures on p. 162 states that one of the revolvers is a Triple Lock .44 Special. These revolvers will letter from Smith & Wesson as follows: #6146 is a first Model hand ejector in .44 Special with 6-1/2" bbl shipped February 18, 1913 to Lovell Brothers Seal Co. Boston, MA. #14145 is identical shipped December 14, 1917 to Stanbaugh-Thompson Co. Youngstown, OH. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: #6146 is very fine to extremely fine. Overall retains 96-97% strong, deep, restored factory blue with light muzzle end & some sharp edge wear. #14145 is extremely fine. Overall retains 97-98% crisp orig blue with very light muzzle end & sharp edge wear and a light cylinder line. Triggers & hammers on both revolvers show strong case colors. Both sets of grips extremely fine showing little or no use. Mechanics of both revolvers are crisp & sharp with fine-tuned actions and 2-1/2 to 3 lb triggers. Holsters & belt are very fine to extremely fine showing very light wear with solid cartridge loops. The thumb strap snap on left holster has separated from its base. 4-48016 JR246

Bid Not Accepted!

Bid Accepted!

You've been outbid!

Sold for: USD 34,000.00

You've been outbid  to onsite! to YOU!

Placing your bid. please wait...

*ENGRAVED RARE SHORT BARRELED SMITH & WESSON MODEL 1950 TARGET DA REVOLVER THAT BELONGED TO ELMER KE

Lot # 1021 (Sale Order: 22 of 563)      

SN S79233. Cal. .44 Special. Blue finish with rare 4" ribbed bbl, red ramp front sight and white outline adjustable rear sight. It has standard trigger & hammer. Mounted with 2-pc Magna-sized pre-ban African ivory grips with deep relief carved ox head on right side and a 1/2" square inlaid gold Masonic emblem on the left. Revolver is beautifully engraved in flowing foliate arabesque patterns with nearly full coverage on the frame. Engraving extends up both sides of bbl & onto the ejector shroud. Cylinder is engraved to match on the outer diameter with the flutes not engraved. Frame is 5-screw type. Right side plate is engraved "Elmer Keith". This revolver will letter from Smith & Wesson as a .44 Target model of 1950, shipped April 20, 1951 to Elmer Keith. It letters with 4" bbl, blue finish and Baughman front sight. It was charged to the advertising account and the invoice was marked "Mr. Keith has for many years been a very good friend of S&W and assisted in the development of the 357 Magnum. He is now connected with the National Rifle Association as one of the editors of the Technical Department. This presentation has been authorized by Mr. Hellstrom and Mr. Austin." A copy of this document accompanies this revolver. The engraving is not mentioned in the records, however the inscription on the sideplate is exactly like others presented by Smith & Wesson to Mr. Keith. Accompanied by a Lawrence Model 34F tooled brown leather belt holster. This revolver appears to be 3rd from the top in a picture on p. 179 of Mr. Keith's book Six Guns. At that time, it still sported its orig diamond checkered walnut grips. This revolver was another of Mr. Keith's carry guns and has a wonderful, crisp, tuned action. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object". This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains 96-97% strong dark blue showing only light holster wear on muzzle & sharp edges. Hammer retains strong case colors & the trigger faded case colors, mostly a bright polished metal finish. Grips are sound showing a light golden ivory patina. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. Holster is fine. 4-48014 JR245

Bid Not Accepted!

Bid Accepted!

You've been outbid!

Sold for: USD 10,000.00

You've been outbid  to onsite! to YOU!

Placing your bid. please wait...

*ONE OF THE FIRST SMITH & WESSON PRE-MODEL 29 HIGH LUSTRE DA MAGNUM REVOLVERS THAT WAS GIVEN TO ELME

Lot # 1022 (Sale Order: 23 of 563)      

SN S147220. Cal. .44 Magnum. High lustre blue finish with 6-1/2" ribbed bbl, red ramp front & white outline adjustable rear sight. Frame is 5-screw type with standard trigger & hammer. Mounted with 2-pc Magna-size pre-ban African ivory grips scrimshawed with an outstanding likeness of Mr. Keith on right side and a fine likeness of a pint bottle, with label, of Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky. Inside the grips are artist signed "W.C. Shotts / L.A. Calif. / 1-1978" and what is presumably the work order number "BL-3570". This revolver will letter from Smith & Wesson as having been shipped January 26, 1956 directly to Elmer Keith on advertising account at no charge. A copy of this document accompanies this revolver. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object". This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Overall retains about 98% glossy orig blue with only slight muzzle edge wear & faint sharp edge wear elsewhere along with a very light cyl line. Grips have a couple age lines, otherwise they are fine with sharp, clear artwork and retain a light ivory patina. Mechanics are crisp with tuned action, brilliant shiny bore, has been fired but very little. 4-47975 JR239

Bid Not Accepted!

Bid Accepted!

You've been outbid!

Sold for: USD 29,500.00

You've been outbid  to onsite! to YOU!

Placing your bid. please wait...

*RARE ENGRAVED ELMER KEITH'S PERSONAL CARRY SMITH & WESSON PRE-MODEL 29 DA MAGNUM REVOLVER.

Lot # 1023 (Sale Order: 24 of 563)      

SN S153830. Cal. .44 Magnum. Blue finish with 4-1/2" ribbed bbl, gold insert front & white outline target rear sights. it has standard trigger & hammer. Mounted with 2-pc pre-ban African ivory Magna-sized grips with a deep relief raised ox head on right side. Right sideplate is inlaid with a 1-3/16" x 1/4" oval platinum plate engraved "Elmer Keith". Revolver is beautifully period engraved in flowing foliate arabesque patterns with about full coverage on the frame, bbl & cyl with only a few counterpoint open spaces. Frame is 5-screw type. Accompanied by a copy of a page from one of Mr. Keith's books which shows him shooting a short barreled Magnum revolver. Another page shows several of Mr. Keith's revolvers including this one laying on an invoice from the Gun Re-Blu Co. Page 329 of Six Guns, Keith pictures a 4" .44 Magnum which the caption states "Was engraved and stocked by Gun Re-Blu Co. of Biltmore, NC". The revolver, in the black & white picture, is obviously engraved precisely like this one with white grips that may be the grips on this revolver. This revolver will letter from Smith & Wesson as a .44 Magnum shipped August 14, 1956 to Jesse Harpe Distributor Co., Tampa, FL (Mr. Jenks notes there is no invoice found). Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object". This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Overall retains 96-97% crisp bright blue as applied after engraving. There is light muzzle holster wear with sharp edge wear on frame & cyl. Grips are sound with good detail in the carving and show a fine ivory patina. Mechanics are crisp on a tuned action. Bright, shiny bore shows very little use. 4-47977 JR237

Bid Not Accepted!

Bid Accepted!

You've been outbid!

Sold for: USD 18,500.00

You've been outbid  to onsite! to YOU!

Placing your bid. please wait...

*RARE ONE OF A KIND SMITH & WESSON PRE-MODEL 29 MAGNUM REVOLVER PRESENTED TO ELMER KEITH BY CARL HEL

Lot # 1024 (Sale Order: 25 of 563)      

SN S161577. Cal. .44 Magnum. Blue finish with 4" ribbed bbl, red ramp front & white outline adjustable rear sight. It has semi-target trigger & target hammer. Mounted with 2-pc pre-ban Africa ivory Smith & Wesson Magna-sized grips with gold "S&W" trademark medallions. Right grip has a deep relief carved American eagle & left grip is mounted with a 7/8" x 7/8" gold shield engraved "PRESENTED TO / Elmer Keith / BY / Carl R. Hellstrom" with some light engraved decorations. Revolver is beautifully engraved by George Dallas in fine foliate & floral arabesque patterns without background or shading. Engraving is virtually full coverage over the revolver with blank counterpoint panels artistically placed on the bbl, ejector housing & frame. Flutes of the cyl are also without engraving. Right sideplate is engraved in script, "Elmer M. Keith", a facsimile of Mr. Keith's signature. Left side of backstrap, under the grip is engraved "ENGRAVED BY GEORGE S. DALLAS". Left heel of frame is marked with a small diamond and a "B" which indicates factory restored blue finish and left toe is marked "8 59" which indicates the work was accomplished in August of 1959. This revolver will letter from Smith & Wesson as having been shipped November 20, 1956 directly to Elmer Keith with 4" bbl and blue finish, on advertising account at no charge. A copy of this document accompanies this revolver. Accompanied by a beautiful, hand-tooled stiff brown leather belt holster of Mr. Keith's design, made by the famous Bohlin Co. of Hollywood, CA and so marked on rear face of skirt. Mr. Keith's design incorporates a thumb strap for the revolver spur attached to a coil spring to maintain tension but still be releasable very quickly. Body of the holster has a matching tooled, narrow leather strap with Bohlin marked silver buckle set that is also beautifully engraved. Back of the holster is marked "Pat Pend." Accompanied by a reproduced page from one of Mr. Keith's articles which pictures him shooting a 4" .44 Magnum Model 29, which is probably this revolver. Also accompanied by a copy of p. 20 of the October, 1959 issue of The American Legion Magazine which depicts Mr. Keith holding two short-barreled .44 Magnums, one of which is probably this revolver. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object". This information is located in our catalog on pages 30 and 31. PROVENANCE: The Elmer Keith Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Overall retains 97-98% glossy Smith & Wesson blue showing very little use. Trigger & hammer retain strong case colors. Grips are sound with some minor age lines with good detail in the carved eagle, and overall shows very light wear with a fine light patina. Mechanics are crisp with a wonderful tuned action; bright shiny bore. Holster shows light wear & retains about all of its orig Bohlin finish. 4-47980 JR236

Bid Not Accepted!

Bid Accepted!

You've been outbid!

Sold for: USD 17,000.00

You've been outbid  to onsite! to YOU!

Placing your bid. please wait...

Search Catalog :
Sort By :
Go to Lot :
Go to Page :
Per Page :
Pg : 1 of 23

1.178.0.771.56c32e2.13.167