Rock Island Auction Company Auction Catalog - Premier Firearms Auction - Day 3 Online Auctions

Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1894 Lever Action Takedown

Lot #3000 (Sale Order 1 of 606)

Documented Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1894 Lever Action Takedown Rifle with Rare Factory Gold Shield/Monogram and Factory Letter

Per the Madis serial number data published by Winchester, this rifle is legally an antique. The accompanying factory letter states the rifle was received in the warehouse on December 13, 1899 and shipped the same day to order number 45268 with a half octagon barrel in .30 caliber, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, Lyman rear and Jack front sights, half magazine, hard rubber shotgun buttplate, takedown configuration, and monogram "FAJ" on the "gold shield they sent fitted in cap of grip." A deluxe Model 1894 with a factory monogram gold inlay is rarely encountered. The deluxe configuration and monogram gold inlay make for a rare combination of rare features missing from even the most advanced collections. The rifle is fitted with a Lyman white beaded blade front sight, an elevation adjustable rear sight, and a fold tang peep sight. The barrel has the two-line address ahead of the rear sight and "30 WCF" at the breech on the top flat and the two-line nickel steel marking on the upper left flat. The serial number is stamped on the underside of the frame. As confirmed by the factory letter, a gold shield with a "FAJ" monogram is inlaid on the grip. The buttstock is fitted with a hard rubber Winchester shotgun buttplate. The checkered forearm and pistol grip stock are nicely figured XX walnut. The buttstock lacks provision for a factory hard rubber grip panel, another rare factory feature. The left side of the lower tang is marked "8924 XX OH." The assembly number "8924" (faint) is repeated on the stock inlet.

Class: Antique

Very good. The barrel and magazine tube retain 40% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance and a few patches of pitting. The forend cap, takedown collar, bolt, and frame retain 30% original blue finish with a smooth gray patina on the balance. The wood is also very good with minor handling marks and softened checkering. Mechanically excellent. A special order Winchester Deluxe Model 1894 Takedown Rifle with factory gold monogram inlay that is a must have for the serious Winchester or lever action collector!

WWI Russian Contract Winchester Model 1895 Musket with Bayonet

Lot #3001 (Sale Order 2 of 606)

Exceptional World War I Russian Contract Winchester Model 1895 Lever Action Musket with Winchester Marked Bayonet

The outbreak of World War I in August of 1914 seemed to have taken the Russian Empire by surprise. Though they had a standing army of over one million prior to the war, and quickly added more than three million conscripts, they remained completely incapable of supplying such vast formations with arms, ammunition, and equipment. These shortages drove the tsar to searching for arms and supplies in almost any form, from nearly anywhere they could be acquired. The Russian government approached nearly all major American arms companies, including Colt for Government Model pistols, Remington and New England-Westinghouse for Mosin-Nagant rifles, and striking a deal with Winchester for 300,000 Model 1895 muskets manufactured to Russian specifications and chambered in 7.62x54 R. By the time of the of the Russian Revolutions of February and October 1917, Winchester had virtually completed the contract. Many of these rifles were issued to Finnish and Baltic troops and saw hard use on the Eastern Front of World War I, through both revolutions of 1917, the civil war that followed, and some were shipped to Spain for use during their civil war of the 1930s, leaving relatively few surviving examples on the American market in any condition and even fewer in exceptional condition like this example. This example was manufactured in 1916, the receiver having the distinguishing charger guides mounted on either side. The standard Winchester markings are on the left of the receiver, upper tang, the serial number is on the lower tang, and Russian acceptance mark on the right of the receiver. There is an import mark on the receiver. The receiver ring has a Winchester oval proof and the "7.62/M.M." caliber marking. It is fitted with a pinned brass blade front sight and folding ladder rear sight. It is mounted with a musket length forearm and upper handguard, as well as a straight grip stock with Russian inspection stamp on the right and a trapdoor military pattern buttplate (cleaning rod not included). Includes a correct Winchester marked bayonet with scabbard and frog, as well as a brown leather sling (partially torn).

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Very fine, retains 75% plus of the original blue finish, well above average for these Russian contract 1895s, with the balance having thinned to mostly a grey-brown patina. The wood is also very fine with some scattered minor handling marks and crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent. One would search a long time to find a better example of a Russian contract Winchester Model 1895 musket!

Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle

Lot #3002 (Sale Order 3 of 606)

Attractive Documented Antique Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter

This is a stunning deluxe rifle was manufactured in 1895. The powerful Winchester Model 1886 remains one of the most iconic lever action rifles. It was the first lever action rifle designed by John Moses Browning. Special order '86s remain especially popular, and examples in high condition like this one are highly sought after. It will make for a standout piece in any lever action collection. The accompanying factory letter states the rifle had a half octagon barrel in .45-70 caliber, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, Winchester express Lyman rear sight, shotgun hard rubber buttplate, sling, and swivels when received in the warehouse on April 1, 1895 and shipped the same day to order number 9267. The letter indicates the rifle was returned to the factory to receive a half magazine on May 3, 1895 on order number 11478. As Winchester expert and author George Madis noted, "Deluxe Model 86s in the rifles made after 1900 are hard to find, partly due to the higher cost of deluxe features." The buttstock is fitted with a modern Turnbull supplied reproduction Winchester shotgun buttplate (invoice included). The rifle is fitted with a dovetail beaded blade front sight and a three leaf express rear sight with platinum sighting lines. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Winchester legend ahead of the rear sight and "45-70" at the breech. The lower tang has the two-line patent dates marking as well as the serial number. The eyelets mounted on the underside of the forend cap and buttstock hold sling swivels. The forearm and pistol grip stock are highly figured XX deluxe walnut and feature factory "H" style checkering. The left side of the lower tang is marked with the assembly number "536" along with "XX" and "RB". "RB" stands for "rubber buttplate." The matching assembly number "536" appears on the stock inlet.

Class: Antique

Very fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 95% period refinished blue. 95% plus original blue remains on the bolt. 80% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The receiver retains 90% vivid original case colors with fading on the underside. The forend cap, hammer, and lever retain 95% plus original case colors. The metal surface have a coat of dried grease. The wood is also very fine with a repaired chip in the pistol grip, some scattered minor handling marks, and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A highly attractive representative example of a deluxe variation of Winchester's legendary Model 1886 lever action rifle.

Provenance: The Collection of David L. DeLullo

Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1894 Lever Action Rifle

Lot #3003 (Sale Order 4 of 606)

Desirable Documented Early Production Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1894 Lever Action Rifle with Extremely Rare Casehardened Receiver and Factory Letter

Manufactured in 1895, the rifle offered here is an exceedingly rare example of an early production special order deluxe version of the most successful lever action rifle in history, the Winchester Model 1894. John Moses Browning's design has scarcely been changed between 1894 and today. It is one of about 155 Model 1894s built with a casehardened receiver. It is believed that only 16 of the 155 were deluxe versions such as this example, and it is the sixth of the 155 casehardened Model 1894s made. This is certainly one of the earliest casehardened examples. Moreover, the full octagon barrel, full magazine, and crescent butt configuration is uncommon among the 16 casehardened deluxe Model 1894s. The accompanying factory letter states that this rare rifle was received in the warehouse on April 8, 1895, and shipped the next day to order number 9915 and confirms the octagon barrel in .38-55 caliber, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, and casehardened receiver. The rifle is fitted with a combination Beach front sight, an elevation adjustable rear sight, and a folding tang peep sight. The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line address ahead of the rear sight and "38-55" at the breech. The underside of the frame has the early production serial number. Sling eyelets are mounted on the underside of the forend cap and buttstock. The checkered forearm and pistol grip stock are nicely figured XXX walnut. The buttstock has a hard rubber Winchester grip cap and a casehardened crescent buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is marked "1813" followed by a crossed out "1774" next to "XXX." The assembly number "1813" appears again on the stock inlet.

Class: Antique

Fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 40% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. The bolt retains 80% original blue finish. The loading gate retains 30% original nitre blue. The frame retains 30% original case colors most vivid on the lower tang. 30% original case colors remain on the lever and hammer. Slight patterns of original case colors remain on the forend cap. The wood is also fine with minor handling marks mostly on the buttstock and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A rarity in Winchester collecting, this special order deluxe Model 1894 rifle with casehardened receiver will bring added dimension to any lever action collection.

Union Metallic Cartridge Co. Cartridge Display Board

Lot #3004 (Sale Order 5 of 606)

Desirable Union Metallic Cartridge Co. Cartridge Display Board

Cartridge boards such as this were a great advertisement provided to sporting goods stores by cartridge manufacturers to hang in their shops, giving consumers a physical representation of the wide range of cartridges they provided. One of these boards is clearly shown hanging in the well-known photograph of the interior of J.P. Lower & Sons' shop in Denver, and other examples would have hung in other gunshops around the country as promotional items distributed by the Union Metallic Cartridge Co. in the late 19th century. These cartridge display boards, especially excellent examples like this, naturally make eye-catching display pieces in gun rooms, gun shops, homes, and businesses. Being one of the largest American cartridge manufacturers, Union Metallic Cartridge Co. would have wanted boards such as this hanging in as many retail locations as possible to compete with the likes of Winchester. This impressive board includes cartridges ranging from the tiny BB cap up to the massive 1 inch Gatling. Centered around a central diamond shaped image depicting a herd of deer and the "U.M.C." logo, a number of primers, caps, wads, and cut away brass shotgun shells join the myriad of rifle and revolver rounds. The original inner U.M.C. frame has been reframed (original outer frame removed) in a new outer hardwood frame with glass over the display area. It measures approximately 35 1/4 inches by 48 1/4 inches including the outer frame.

Class: Other

Very fine as professionally reframed, the board itself shows distinct imagery and vibrant color with only the slightest fading overall. The cartridges are almost entirely bright and show minimal aging. The inner frame and outer frame are both very fine with only the slightest handling/storage wear.

New Haven Arms Co. Henry Lever Action Rifle

Lot #3005 (Sale Order 6 of 606)

Exceptional New Haven Arms Co. Henry Lever Action Rifle

This Henry lever action rifle was manufactured by the New Haven Arms Co. in June 1865. The rifle has the distinctive brass receiver and crescent buttplate with octagon barrel and integral 15-shot magazine. The stock is oil-finished, straight grain American walnut. The barrel has a mid-late production, nickel-silver, square back front sight with tapered profile blade and the final style folding leaf rear sight. The rear sight has a 900 yard notch on the top of the blade, elevator bar stop screw and elevator bar with rounded ends. The stock has the second style buttplate with pointed heel. The buttplate has a hinged brass trapdoor, and the butt trap contains the four-piece, jointed steel ramrod with brass tip furnished with later production Henry rifles. The left side of the stock and the barrel have a factory sling swivel and screw-fastened loop for a sling hook that were standard on later production Henry rifles. The magazine has the late, large diameter follower, and the receiver has the late milled follower cut. The buttplate and tang screws are the cap head style used on mid-late production rifles rather than the hand-fitted and serial numbered screws used on early production rifles. The barrel and magazine are blued, the hammer, lever and trigger have a color casehardened finish, and the receiver and crescent buttplate have the natural brass finish. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the second style legend: "HENRY'S PATENT. OCT. 16. 1860/MANUFACT'D BY THE NEWHAVEN ARMS CO. NEWHAVEN.CT." in two lines ahead of the rear sight. This late marking is slightly larger than the first style marking (3 9/32" vs 2 17/32") and uses all serif letters rather than the combination of serif and block letters found in the first style legend. The matching serial number is stamped on the top barrel flat between the rear sight and the left side of the lower receiver tang, and on the inside of the buttplate. The last two digits of the serial number remain on the buttstock with the first two removed by screw from period installed tang sight which has been removed. The tang and buttplate screws are, correctly, not serial numbered. The "W" inspection mark used by Oliver Winchester is stamped on the lower receiver tang between the lever latch and stock screw.

Class: Antique

Excellent. The rifle retains 85% plus of the original blue finish on the barrel/magazine. The barrel has light finish wear on the edges and the blue has faded to a plum patina on the contact points along the bottom of the rear 1/3 of the magazine. The New Haven Arms Co. address and serial number are crisp. Most of the fire blue finish is present on the rear sight elevation bar. The brass receiver and buttplate are both in excellent condition with a very attractive, untouched patina. The receiver side plate joints are perfect. The upper receiver tang has been drilled and tapped for a tang sight. The faded case colors on the hammer, trigger and lever are lightly visible and are mostly a mottled brown patina. Traces of the original fire blue finish are present on the tang and buttplate screws. The stock is also in excellent condition, and retains most of the original oil finish with only a few scattered and very minor handling and storage marks. This is an outstanding example of an 1865 production Henry rifle in excellent condition that would be very difficult to improve upon.

Provenance: The Joe Marlin Hilliard Collection

Winchester Model 1886 Extra Lightweight Takedown Short Rifle

Lot #3006 (Sale Order 7 of 606)

Winchester Model 1886 Extra Lightweight Takedown Lever Action Short Rifle

Manufactured in 1903. The 22 inch barrel is fitted with a beaded blade Lyman front sight and a single folding leaf Lyman rear sight and is stamped with the two-line address marking and "45-90/WCF" on top and "NICKEL STEEL" on the left side. Model 1886 rifles with special order barrels shorter or longer than the standard 26-inch barrel are scarce. The rifle is also fitted with a 3/4 magazine tube and a folding tang peep sight. The lower tang has the two-line patent dates marking and the serial number. Mounted on smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock. The buttstock is fitted with a checkered steel shotgun buttplate.

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Very fine, retaining 85% plus original blue finish with thinning to gray on the balance and a series of minor scratches on the underside of the receiver extending to the takedown collar. Traces of original niter blue remains on the loading gate. 80% plus original case colors remain on the hammer and lever. The wood is also very fine with limited surface chipping at the buttplate and minor dings and scratches overall. Mechanically excellent. A very fine example of a Model 1886 that will be an attractive addition to any Winchester collection.

Winchester Model 1895 in Desirable .405 W.C.F.

Lot #3007 (Sale Order 8 of 606)

Very Fine Winchester Model 1895 Lever Action Rifle in Desirable .405 W.C.F.

Manufactured in 1908. The barrel has the two-line nickel steel marking on the upper left and "405 W.C.F." on top at the breech. Winchester factory oval proofs are on the barrel and receiver at the breech. The receiver is marked with the two-line Winchester address on the left, three-line trademark on the upper tang, serial number on the lower tang, and has a matted section on the top of the receiver ring. It is fitted with raised dovetailed beaded blade front, elevation adjustable notch rear, and receiver mounted Lyman peep sights, missing rear aperture. Mounted with a smooth Schnabel tip forearm with ebony insert and a straight grip stock with hard rubber Winchester shotgun buttplate.

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Very fine, retains 85% plus original blue finish and strong case colors on the hammer with some scattered areas thinning to a smooth brown or grey patina and some scattered small patches of very light pitting. The wood is very good with some scattered minor dings and scratches, a dark patch at the heel (old repair), and a minor chip in the toe which includes the buttplate. Mechanically excellent. An exceptional Winchester Model 1895 in Teddy Roosevelt's favorite caliber, often referred to as his "big medicine".

Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle in .22 Short Caliber

Lot #3008 (Sale Order 9 of 606)

Excellent Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle Chambered in the Desirable .22 Short Caliber

Manufactured in 1893, this is a very fine example of a Winchester Model 1873 lever action rifle that is chambered in the desirable .22 short rimfire caliber. The rifle has the distinctive .22 caliber receiver with no loading gate and front-loading magazine with late pattern magazine tube. Third Model receiver has an integral dust cover guide and dust cover with serrated edges. The top barrel flat is marked "WINCHESTER'S ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A./KING'S IMPROVEMENT PATENTED MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860." ahead of the rear sight and "22 SHORT" at the breech. The bottom of the cartridge elevator is roll-stamped "22 CAL./SHORT." in script letters. The serial number is marked on the lower tang. Blade front, adjustable buck horn rear , and short range tang mounted peep sights. Blue finish with casehardened hammer, lever and buttplate, and mounted with a smooth walnut forearm with steel end cap and straight grip stock with crescent buttplate. The Winchester Model 1873 rifle was the first Winchester .22 caliber rifle and the first .22 caliber repeating rifle manufactured in the United States.

Class: Antique

Excellent. The barrel and magazine tube have 80% original blue with the balance a mottled brown patina with some minor pitting on the forward end. The receiver retains 95% bright original high polish blue finish with scattered flaking, showing a smooth brown patina on the exposed areas. The hammer retains 95% original bright case colors, 60% original case colors remain on the buttplate with a smooth gray patina on the balance and the lever has 40% original case colors with a smooth gray patina on the balance. The wood is also excellent with a few minor pressure dents and handling marks. The markings are crisp and clear. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: The Gateway Collection

Engraved Deluxe Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

Lot #3009 (Sale Order 10 of 606)

Documented Factory Panel Scene Engraved "Like One of One Thousand" Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with Silver Bands and Factory Letter

Manufactured in 1879, the factory letter indicates this incredible Winchester Model 1873 has an octagon barrel, plain trigger, checkered stock, "New Peep and Globe" sights, and $4.50 engraving and was received in the warehouse on July 12, 1879, and shipped on July 14, 1879, in order 16080. The rifle features silver inlaid bands and scroll engraving at the muzzle and breech like a One of One Thousand. Perhaps no other Winchester carries more public appeal or notoriety than the “1 of 1000” in both the 1873 and 1876 models and as James D. Gordon stated have “long been the epitome of desirable guns.” The One of One Thousand program was announced by Winchester in 1873 and then more fully explained in Winchester’s 1875 catalog under the headline “Variety of Arms” which stated: "Every Sporting Rifle we make will be proved and shot at a target, and the target will be numbered to correspond with the barrel and be attached to it. When one hundred barrels are thus proved, the one making the best target will be selected and set aside, and another hundred proved in the same way, and so on until one thousand have been tested and ten targets selected with the barrels with which they were made. They will then be made up into Guns, in which each part is selected with the utmost care and finished in the finest manner. They will then be again subjected to trials for accuracy, and the best of the ten selected and marked ‘One of a thousand,’ the price of which will be $80.00 to $100.00. The other nine will be marked ‘one of a hundred,’ and the price will be from $60.00 to $75.00 each. Sportsmen will readily see that this severe process of gleaning will be a slow and expensive one, and the result be but a limited number of choice Guns, and that orders should be given in advance of their wants, or patience exercised with the necessary delay of filling them." While this Model 1873 is not part of the 1 of 1000 series, just having 1 of 1000 type embellishments shows the influence Winchester's advertising campaign had on the public. When wanting the finest in firearms artistry, the 1 of 1000 proved to be a great influencer. Ulrich scroll engraving is on most of the frame and even around the "thumb print" on the dust cover and on the cartridge elevator and a circular panel scene showing a running stag is on the right. Traces of an inscription can be seen on the sideplate. The rifle remained in the same family for many years, and when they sold it, they unfortunately removed the inscription from the side plate. The rifle has a dovetailed globe front sight, standard two-line address and King's patent marking, dovetailed sporting rear sight, Birmingham proof marks on the barrel, screw affixed dust cover guide rail, tang mounted graduated peep sight, plain trigger, serial number on the lower tang in an engraved panel, and deluxe checkered forearm and straight wrist stock with engraved matching assembly number "973" crescent rifle buttplate with trapdoor compartment containing the takedown cleaning rod. Assembly number "973" marked on lower left side of tang and in the stock inlet, which is also stamped "9".

Class: Antique

Very fine with 90% original blue on the barrel with a dark aged patina on the inlaid silver bands, 60% original blue on the magazine tube which has some minor pitting and dings, 75% case colors with especially bright original case colors on the lever and hammer and professionally refinished side plate, and generally only mild age and storage related wear. The wood is also very fine and has crisp checkering attractive figure and grain, handling and storage marks, a few small chips, and some scrapes on the right side of the wrist. Mechanically excellent. Overall, this is a very attractive and beautiful factory engraved Model 1873 with a lot of original finish.

Casehardened Winchester Deluxe Model 1890 Slide Action Rifle

Lot #3010 (Sale Order 11 of 606)

Exceptional Documented Winchester Deluxe Model 1890 Slide Action Rifle in .22 Short with Desirable Casehardened Receiver and Factory Letter

Manufactured in 1899, the included factory letter confirms the serial number, .22 short caliber, checkered pistol grip stock, special order sights, and September 26, 1899 date of shipment. Lyman combination front and scarce Lyman No. 6 two leaf folding rear sights, first style barrel inscription, "22 SHORT" on top barrel flat at the breech, Winchester proofs correctly absent, casehardened Second Model receiver with hidden locking lugs, and standard three-line maker, model, and patent marking on the upper tang with flip up rear peep sight. The magazine tube is a post-1911 factory replacement with the reinforcing collar. Fancy 1X walnut deluxe checkered pistol grip stock with Winchester hard rubber grip cap, and crescent buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is stamped "7094 X" with "7094" on the end of the buttstock and unmarked buttplate.

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Exceptionally fine with 85% bright original blue finish on the barrel, well defined markings, some small nicks and scattered scratches, replacement magazine, and mild cycling marks on the slide bar and receiver rails. The receiver has 80% vivid original case colors, and mostly gray patina on the lower tang and trigger guard. The wood is also very fine with small dings and bruises overall, mildly worn checkering, and mostly gray patina on the buttplate.

Winchester Model 90 Slide Action Rifle in .22 LR

Lot #3011 (Sale Order 12 of 606)

Excellent Winchester Model 90 Slide Action Rifle in Desirable .22 LR

Manufactured in 1920. Winchester beaded blade front and elevation adjustable rear notch sights, standard barrel markings, Winchester "WP" proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech, standard Third Model receiver with exposed locking lugs, standard upper tang markings, and matching numbers on the receiver and lower tang. Short 12 groove slide handle and plain straight grip stock with blue steel crescent buttplate.

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Excellent with 95% bright original blue finish, some mild cycling marks on the slide bar and receiver rails, light handling marks, and some small scattered scratches. The wood is also excellent with just a few small dings, an mild edge wear and flaking of finish visible on the buttplate. Mechanically excellent.

Early Production Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Carbine

Lot #3012 (Sale Order 13 of 606)

Interesting Early Production Winchester Model 1866 Carbine with Henry Patent Barrel Address and Japanese Registration Markings

Manufactured in 1867, the second year of production, the carbine has the second model features which include: (1) flared receiver at the junction with the forearm, (2) single upper tang screw, and (3) indented loading gate. The hammer has a hand-knurled spur and no half-cock feature. The second pattern stock has a 3 1/2-inch wrist and is fitted with the early Henry style crescent buttplate with hinged trap and no reinforcing web. The barrel has a front band with integral steel sight blade and a Henry style folding leaf rear sight with elevation bar stop screw. A staple-mounted saddle ring is located on the left side of the receiver. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the two-line legend: "HENRY'S PATENT-OCT. 16. 1860/KING'S-PATENT-MARCH 29. 1861" ahead of the rear sight. The serial number is stamped beneath the stock on the left side of the lower receiver tang. A second serial number, "14806", is stamped on the inside of the stock in the upper tang inlet and on the inside of the buttplate. A line of eight Japanese characters is stamped on the right side of the stock parallel to the lower tang, and four additional characters are stamped on the right side of the stock toward the butt. The rifle is accompanied by an article published in "The Winchester Collector" by Francis Allan, Chip Goddard and Takehito Jimbo entitled "Henry Rifles & Winchester Carbines in Japan - Follow-Up." The article states that 5,000 Winchester Model 1866 carbines were shipped to Japan in 1867 and identifies some of the Japanese registration marks stamped on the stocks of Model 1866 carbine serial numbers 15465, 17994, and 18672. Included with the carbine is a letter dated May 20, 2007, that describes how this carbine was purchased from a resident of Tombstone, Arizona, who claimed to have found it while exploring an abandoned mine during the 1920s.

Class: Antique

Fine. The carbine barrel, magazine, and bands have 20% blue with the balance a smooth plum-brown patina. The barrel markings are legible, and the rear sight is complete and appears to be original to the carbine. The brass buttplate has a good-looking, unpolished patina. The fine receiver shows minimal handling or storage wear, and the side plate joints are perfect. The buttplate has a number of minor dents and scratches. The straight grain walnut stock and forearm are both in fine overall condition with a number of minor handling marks. The Japanese registration marks on the right side of the stock are lightly struck and only partly legible. The stock and buttplate apparently came from a different carbine. However, the proximity of the receiver and stock numbers indicates that the barrel/receiver and stock/buttplate both came from Japanese Model 1866 carbines and were period mis-matched. This is a fine example of an early production Winchester Model 1866 saddle ring carbine with rarely encountered Japanese registration markings and a colorful but unsubstantiated history.

Winchester Factory Presentation, Deluxe Model 1866 Rifle

Lot #3013 (Sale Order 14 of 606)

Spectacular, Rare and Historic Deluxe Silver-Plated Winchester Factory Presentation Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1874, this is a spectacular example of a deluxe Winchester factory presentation Model 1866 rifle. The rifle features a silver-plated frame, trigger, crescent buttplate, and forearm cap as well as a highly figured, piano finished, English walnut stock and forearm. The barrel, magazine, bolt, and loading gate are blued and the hammer and lever casehardened. The right side plate is inscribed "David Ross" in script letters. The left side plate is inscribed "Presented to the 2nd Regt. Rifle Association/By the/ Winchester Rifle Club/New Haven/Conn." in six-lines. The rifle has the Third Model frame profile and external serial number located on the lower tang between the lever latch and the tang screw. The rifle has a 24 inch octagon barrel and full-length magazine. The barrel has a sporting style front sight with nickel-silver blade and a folding leaf rear sight with 900 yard center notch and external retaining spring. The upper receiver tang is factory drilled and tapped for a rear sight. The trigger is the thin, pointed style found on engraved and special order firearms. The crescent buttplate has a hinged trap door; the butt trap contains a jointed steel cleaning rod. The stock and forearm have silver-plated factory sling swivels. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING ARMS NEW HAVEN. CT./ KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860." ahead of the rear sight. The serial number "124832" is stamped in script numerals on the lower tang. The partial serial number "4832" is stamped in the upper stock inlet and on the inside of the buttplate. A "V" assembly mark and "R" (rifle) receiver identification mark are stamped on the left side of the lower tang underneath the stock.

Class: Antique

Excellent plus. This rare rifle retains 99% of the untouched original silver-plated and 95% plus blue finishes. The delicate silver-plating on the forearm cap, receiver and buttplate has tarnished with age, but has not been polished and shows very limited handling wear. The receiver is in excellent overall condition with pristine side plate joints and shows only a few very minor handling marks. The inscriptions on the side plates are extremely crisp. The blue finish on the barrel and magazine has only very minor high point wear and a mild patch of light pitting on the center top of barrel. The loading gate has 90% plus of the niter blue finish intact under a coat of old grease. The hammer has vivid case colors. The case colors on the lever have faded to an attractive blue patina. The barrel legend and tang serial number are sharp. The bore is mirror bright. The deluxe, fancy grain, English walnut stock and forearm retain more than 90% of the high polish piano finish and are in excellent condition; wear is limited to a few very minor handling marks. Winchester factory presentation rifles are extremely rare. Only a few Model 1866 rifles have silver-plated receivers and buttplates or deluxe English walnut stocks and forearms. This rare and spectacular rifle has the unique combination of a Winchester factory presentation and equally rare silver-plated finish with deluxe English walnut stock and forearm.

Provenance: The Quail Creek Collection

Antique Special Order Winchester Model 1892 Takedown Rifle

Lot #3014 (Sale Order 15 of 606)

Exceptional Antique Special Order Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Takedown Rifle with Factory Letter

Manufactured in 1894, this is an exceptional example of a documented special order takedown Winchester Model 1892 rifle. The included factory letter lists the rifle in .32 caliber with an octagon barrel, plain trigger, and takedown configuration when received at the warehouse on 1 September 1894 and shipped on 12 October 1894 in order number 23910. The top barrel flat is marked with the standard two-line address and the caliber marking at the breech. The upper tang is marked with the three-line model, trademark, and patent date, and the serial number is marked on the bottom of the receiver. It is fitted with a period modified blade front sight and elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sights. It is mounted with a very nicely figured smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Class: Antique

Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus of the original blue finish, 50% of the vibrant original case colors on the hammer and lever (traces on the buttplate), and 70% of the original nitre blue on the loading gate with some scattered light handling marks and light edge wear. The wood is excellent with a few scattered minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent.

Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Lightweight Takedown Rifle

Lot #3015 (Sale Order 16 of 606)

Documented Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Lightweight Lever Action Takedown Rifle with Factory Letter

Manufactured in 1915, the accompanying factory letter states the rifle was charged to Iver Johnson Sporting Goods Co. of Boston Massachusetts, was received in the warehouse on July 25, 1917 and shipped on August 7, 1917 to order number 808448 with round barrel in .33 WCF, checkered pistol grip stock, 2/3 magazine tube, shotgun butt, hard rubber buttplate, takedown configuration, and oil finish wood. The rifle is fitted with a W.F. Sheard beaded blade front sight, elevation adjustable Charles Daniels rear sight, and Marble tang peep sight. The barrel has the two-line Winchester address stamped ahead of the rear sight, the two-line nickel steel marking on the left side, and "33 WCF." at the breech. A Winchester factory oval proof is stamped on the receiver and barrel at the breech. The lower tang has the two-line patent dates marking and serial number. The highly figured deluxe walnut forearm and pistol grip stock are checkered. The buttstock features Winchester hard rubber grip cap and shotgun buttplate.

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Very fine, retaining 85% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance and some scratches and pitting/spotting mostly on the receiver. 50% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. Patterns of faded out original case colors remain on the lever. The refinished wood is fine with minor dings and scratches and softened checkering. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: The Collection of David L. DeLullo

Winchester Deluxe Model 1895 Lever Action Rifle in .35 W.C.F.

Lot #3016 (Sale Order 17 of 606)

Fine Winchester Deluxe Model 1895 Lever Action Rifle in .35 W.C.F.

Manufactured in 1914, both the barrel and receiver ring have the correct Winchester factory oval proofs, which the one on the receiver ring offset to accommodate the factory matted area on top. The left side of the receiver has the standard two-line address and patent dates and the upper left of the barrel has the nickel steel and caliber marking. The upper tang is marked with the three-line model and trademark information and the serial number is on the lower tang. The left side of the lower tang is marked "8" and "808" is marked in the stock inlet. It is fitted with a ramped, beaded blade front sight and an elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight. It is fitted with a very finely figured, H-pattern checkered, Schnabel tip forearm with ebony insert and straight grip stock with a checkered hard rubber buttplate and non-factory added sling swivels mounted on each.

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Fine, retains 70% plus of the original blue finish with a few patches of mild flaking on the receiver showing mostly a brown patina and some light high spot wear. The wood is also very fine with a V-shaped gouge/stamp on the right of the wrist and otherwise minimal handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.

New Haven Arms Co., Volcanic No.1 Pocket Pistol

Lot #3017 (Sale Order 18 of 606)

Extremely Fine New Haven Arms Co., Volcanic No.1 Pocket Lever Action Pistol with Rare Silver-Plated Frame

This deluxe Volcanic No. 1 Pocket Pistol was manufactured by the New Haven Arms Co. circa 1858. This diminutive lever action pistol has a 3 1/2 inch octagon barrel with integral six-shot magazine with high polish blue finish and silver-plated brass frame. The hammer, trigger and lever are color casehardened, and the two-piece walnut grips have a varnished piano finish. The barrel has a pinch-top front sight. A notch rear sight is mounted in a dovetail on the frame. The legend "NEW HAVEN CONN./PATENT FEB. 14. 1854" is roll-stamped in two-lines on the top barrel flat. The serial number is stamped on the left side of the butt beneath the grips and on the inside of both grips. All of the visible serial numbers match. The omission of the "VOLCANIC" markings on the barrel indicates that this pistol was manufactured after Oliver Winchester assumed control of the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. and reorganized it as the New Haven Arms Co. in April 1857. The New Haven Arms Co. manufactured approximately 850 No. 1 Pocket Pistols between 1857 and 1862. Volcanic firearms combined a self-contained cartridge, integral spring-loaded magazine and self-cocking lever action in one revolutionary firearm. With improved cartridges the Volcanic action served as the basis for the successful Henry rifle and Winchester Model 1866, 1873 and 1876 rifles.

Class: Antique

Extremely fine. The pistol is all original and retains 85% plus of the bright original blue, silver-plated and casehardened finish. The barrel has 95% of the high polish blue finish. Wear is limited to scattered light handling marks and some high point wear. The barrel legend is crisp. The brass frame retains 80% of the delicate original silver-plated finish. The plated finish has high point wear on the edges and with heavier wear concentrated on the back strap and contact points near the hammer. The side plate joints are tight. The hammer, trigger and finger lever retain 80% plus of the original muted color casehardened finish. The grips are excellent and have most of the original piano finish varnish. It is difficult to find Volcanic firearms with this much original finish. This is an outstanding example of a deluxe, silver-plated New Haven Arms Volcanic No. 1 Pocket Pistol.

Provenance: The Joe Marlin Hilliard Collection

Special Order Winchester Model 1886 Deluxe Lever Action Rifle

Lot #3018 (Sale Order 19 of 606)

Antique Special Order Winchester Model 1886 Deluxe Lever Action Rifle with Rare Documented Factory Installed Military Wind Gauge Rear Sight and Factory Letter

Manufactured in 1888, this Winchester Model 1886 Deluxe sporting rifle was manufactured in 1888. The rifle has a highly figured fancy grain walnut forearm and pistol grip stock with Winchester "Style H" checkering. The stock has a crescent steel buttplate and ebony inlay on the pistol grip. The rifle has a half octagon/half round barrel with full length magazine. The barrel, magazine, bolt and loading gate have a blue finish. The forearm cap, frame, hammer, loading lever and buttplate are color casehardened. The barrel has a special order Beach folding combination front sight and a very rare Winchester musket-style "Military Wind Gauge" rear sight with 1,000 yard leaf. A combination peep sight is mounted on the upper tang. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped "-MANUFACTURED BY THE-/-WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A.-" in two lines ahead of the rear sight. The caliber designation, "40-82 W.C.F.", is stamped on the top barrel flat between the rear sight and the receiver. The lower tang has the 1884 and 1885 patent dates stamped in two lines behind the trigger and the serial number "20516" stamped in script numerals behind the lower tang screw. The accompanying factory letter lists serial number 20516 as a carbine (records error), 40/82 caliber, 1/2 octagon barrel, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, Beach and midwind gauge sights and that it was shipped on August 4, 1888, on order number 10236. A factory fitted military rear sight on a Model 1886 deluxe sporting Rifle is a very unusual if not unique feature; this rifle may be a one-of-a-kind piece.

Class: Antique

Very fine. The rifle retains 75% plus of the original blue finish on the barrel and magazine tube. The barrel, bolt and loading gate have 95% of the original blue finish. The blue finish on the magazine is thin and shows some light handling wear. The case colors on the forearm cap, receiver, lever and buttplate retain 40% with the balance having faded to a silver-gray with the pattern of the case colors present overall. Half of the case colors are present on the hammer and lower tang. The highly figured stock and forearm are both also very fine. Nearly all of the high polish varnish finish remains. The checkering on the forearm and pistol grip has some minor handling wear and the stock and forearm have a few minor handling and storage marks. The markings on the barrel and receiver are crisp. Mechanically excellent. This is an exceptional example of a unique special order Model 1886 Deluxe lever action rifle.

Provenance: The Gateway Collection

New Haven Arms Company Volcanic Lever Action Carbine

Lot #3019 (Sale Order 20 of 606)

Exceptional New Haven Arms Company Volcanic Lever Action Carbine

The New Haven Arms Company manufactured an estimated 1,000 lever action carbines with 16, 21, and 25 inch barrels, and they were numbered in the same sequence as the pistols and pistol carbines. The high condition example offered here has a 16 1/2 inch barrel and a rare plain polished brass frame. These carbines are generally encountered with factory engraved frames. The barrel is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and is stamped "NEW HAVEN CONN. PATENT FEB. 14.1854" in one line on the top flat. The frame is fitted with a factory nitre blued elevation adjustable notch sight. The distinctive brass receiver has circular cut-outs on either end of the ejection port. The receiver and buttplate are natural brass. The number "13" appears on the left side of the lower tang under the stock, on the stock under the buttplate, on the three tang screws, on the buttplate, and on the two buttplate screws. The Volcanic lever action firearms are historically significant and represent an important step in the development of American repeating firearms and self-contained cartridges. The lever action and integral spring-loaded magazine of these pistols and carbines served as the basic design for the Henry rifle, and Oliver Winchester's investment in the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company eventually led to the establishment of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company and the Model 1866, 1873, and 1876 rifles. The Volcanic repeaters were mainly hampered by their underpowered and often problematic ammunition. After the New Haven pistols, lever action designs focused on rifles and carbines.

Class: Antique

Very fine. The barrel and magazine tube 50% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance and some light pitting. The brass has a very attractive mellow appearance with faint scratches. The very fine receiver has tight fitting sideplates. The stock is very fine with a hairline crack barely visible at lower tang, and some minor handling marks. Magazine follower jammed, otherwise mechanically functions fine. A solid example of one of only 1,000 manufactured New Haven Arms Co. Volcanic carbines.

Provenance: The Gateway Collection

Buffalo Bill Presentation Winchester 1895 Lever Action Carbine

Lot #3020 (Sale Order 21 of 606)

Rare, Historic and Extraordinarily Well-Documented Winchester Deluxe Model 1895 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine Presented by Buffalo Bill (William F. Cody) to Deadwood Businessman and Friend M.R. "Gold Nugget Mike/Deadwood Mike" Russell with Factory Letter

Manufactured in 1902, this is a rare deluxe version of the Winchester Model 1895 lever action carbine that was factory documented as presented by famed Wild West legend and showman Buffalo Bill to Deadwood, South Dakota, business mogul and longtime friend Mike Russell. This carbine is pictured and described in R.L. Wilson's book "Buffalo Bill's Wild West: An American Legend" (pages 179 and 181). Cody used a Model 1895 on hunting expeditions, and he is known to have presented Model 1895s to friends. Also pictured and described in Wilson's book is a similar deluxe Model 1895 carbine that Buffalo Bill presented to David F. Powell, serial number 48751 (pages 179 and 181). Both of these carbines have a deluxe stock featuring a silver stock presentation plaque. Another presentation Model 1895 was presented to Chief Plenty Coups of the Crow Nation by Prince Albert of Monaco. At the time, Prince Albert was visiting Cody, Wyoming, and hunting with Buffalo Bill. Although Buffalo Bill did not personally present the rifle to Chief Plenty Coups, film footage of the presentation shows Cody present at the ceremony, even holding the gun, which had an engraved plaque on the stock. Speaking to Buffalo Bill's generosity, former Senior Curator of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center Dr. Paul Fees stated, "[Buffalo Bill] is known to have made several gifts after 1895, all Winchesters. After 1895 he is known to have purchased and presented several Model 1895 Winchesters in .30 government or .405 caliber to adult friends." The factory letter lists the date of serialization as October 2, 1902; confirms the carbine configuration; .30 caliber; oil finished fancy, checkered stock; Lyman front and receiver mounted sights; the "Coin silver plate in stock engraved: "Presented to M. R. Russel by his friend Col. W. F. Cody - Buffalo Bill"; "Name on right side frame: "M. R. Russell"; received in the warehouse on October 23, 1902, and shipped the following day as order number 151629. The silver inscription plaque on this carbine is found on the left side of the buttstock and reads, "PRESENTED TO/M.R. Russell,/BY HIS FRIEND/COL. W.F. Cody/Buffalo Bill." The right side of the receiver is marked "M.R. RUSSELL." The carbine is equipped with a pinned beaded blade front sight, military style folding leaf rear sight with tangent base and Lyman receiver sight. A saddle ring staple with ring is mounted on the left side of the receiver. The left side of the receiver also has the long two line address/patent information. The upper tang is marked "WINCHESTER/-MODEL 1895-." The top of the chamber has the caliber marking "30." Mounted with a highly figured finger grooved forearm, handguard and straight grip stock. The forearm and stock wrist feature multi-point checkering. The buttstock is fitted with a crescent buttplate with compartment. In 1863 Mike Russell arrived in the United States from Tipperary, Ireland, with $12.00 in his pocket and big dreams of fortune awaiting him on the Western frontier swirling in his head. He took a job with the Kansas-Pacific Railroad, and by the time he arrived in Deadwood, South Dakota, in early 1877, he had befriended buffalo hunter and future famed wild west showman William "Buffalo Bill" Cody and $516.00 to his name, which he used to start a saloon. Legend states that his nickname "Gold Nugget Mike" was in reference to a heavy chain of Black Hills nuggets that crossed Russell's vest. Russell also went by the nickname "Deadwood Mike," possibly a playful moniker inspired by the popular period fictional dime novel character Deadwood Dick. In Deadwood, his dream of making it big on the Western frontier had been realized. The story goes that Russell was so successful that his wealth was able to help Buffalo Bill out of a financial jam. After hearing that his friend was short of funds while performing in England, Russell wired Buffalo Bill $20,000 on a day's notice. A grateful Buffalo Bill showed his appreciation by sending a stuffed buffalo for Russell's Buffalo Bar, which was named after the legendary showman and for over a century has operated on Main Street, living on today as part of the Buffalo Bodega Complex. Russell and Buffalo Bill met in Kansas in the 1860s, and according to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, "Russell was probably Cody's oldest and closest friend." Around 1895, Russell sold Cody cattle and horses under Russell's TE Brand, which Cody used to establish the TE Ranch southwest of Cody, Wyoming. At the time of Cody's death the 4,000 acre property, which borders the
more... Provenance: The Robert M. Lee Collection; The Paul Stuart Collection

Deluxe Gold Gilt Factory Engraved Henry Lever Action Rifle

Lot #3021 (Sale Order 22 of 606)

Rare Deluxe Gold Gilt Factory Engraved Henry Lever Action Rifle

This deluxe Henry rifle was manufactured by the New Haven Arms Co. c. 1866. The brass receiver and buttplate are gold gilt, the barrel and integral magazine are blued, and the hammer and loading lever are color casehardened. The stock is nicely figured walnut with a high polish piano finish. The receiver and buttplate are decorated with the second style factory engraving which features open Germanic scrollwork on a punch-dot background on the sides and top of the receiver, upper tang and buttplate heel. A running deer is engraved below the scrollwork on the left side plate. The receiver engraving has double line borders with scalloped edges. The second style engraving features scrollwork panels on the front of the receiver rather than the flower motif used on most earlier factory engraved Henry rifles. The rifle was probably engraved by Samuel Hoggson who is credited with engraving most of the factory engraved Henry rifles. The barrel has a replacement front sight and a folding leaf rear sight. The Third Style rear sight has a 900 yard center notch and lacks the elevator bar retaining screw found on the later Henry rear sights. The magazine has the late, large diameter cartridge follower, and the receiver follower slot has the later milled flats. The buttplate is the second pattern with pointed heel. The butt trap contains the correct four-piece, steel cleaning rod furnished with later production Henry rifles. The left side of the stock and barrel are fitted with the standard Henry sling swivel and screw-mounted loop for a sling hook. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the two-line legend "HENRY'S PATENT. OCT. 16. 1860/MANUFACT'D BY THE NEWHAVEN ARMS CO. NEWHAVEN. CT." ahead of the rear sight. This second style legend is larger than the legend on early Henry rifles and utilizes all Roman (serifed) letters. The serial number is stamped on the top of the barrel behind the rear sight, on the inside of the buttplate below the lower screw hole, on the left side of the lower tang underneath the stock and in the upper tang inlet of the stock. All of the visible serial numbers match. The late style, cap-head buttplate and tang screws are, correctly, not serial numbered. A factory inspection mark "F" is stamped on the left side of the upper tang and the assembly number "23" is stamped on the left side of the lower tang. Most Henry rifles were working guns that lacked special order features; deluxe Henry rifles, like this example, with special finishes, high quality wood and factory engraving are rare.

Class: Antique

Very good plus. The rifle has traces of the original gold gilt finish in protected areas of the receiver and traces of the blue finish on the barrel/magazine. The balance of the barrel/magazine has an attractive plum brown patina. The barrel edges show some handling wear and the New Haven Arms legend is light. The stock and buttplate have a mellow un-polished patina. The well-executed factory Germanic pattern scrollwork and game panel scene are crisp. The side plate joints are tight; there is no indication that the side plates have ever been removed from the receiver. The hammer shows 50% of the original case colors. The lever has an even plum brown patina. The nicely figured stock is fine and retains most of the polished piano finish. Wear is limited to a few shallow dents and scratches primarily in the vicinity of the sling swivel. This is an attractive example of a rare gold gilt deluxe factory engraved Henry rifle.

Provenance: The Joe Marlin Hilliard Collection

Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1892 Lever Action Rifle

Lot #3022 (Sale Order 23 of 606)

Documented Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1892 Lever Action Rifle with Extra Barrel, Case, and George Madis Letter

Manufactured in 1910. This is a desirable example of a factory refurbished special order Winchester deluxe Model 1892 rifle. The Winchester Model 1892 was often viewed as a working gun, meaning that relatively few were ordered with extra bells and whistles, let alone several special order features seen on this example. The rifle is fitted with a Lyman beaded blade front sight, a Lyman folding two leaf rear sight, and folding tang peep sight. The upper left barrel flat is marked with the two-line Winchester address/patent date legend followed by "NICKEL STEEL." The top barrel flat is marked "32 WCF" at the breech. The Winchester factory oval proof is stamped on the barrel before the caliber marking and double stamped on the receiver at the breech. The half magazine and half octagon barrel are special order features. The underside of the receiver has the serial number. The checkered forearm and pistol grip stock are highly figured walnut. The buttstock is fitted with a Winchester hard rubber grip cap and shotgun buttplate. The left side of the upper tang is marked with a "1" inside a triangle and the number "693." The left side of the lower tang is marked "207." The stock inlet is marked "207" followed by "T92." The extra full octagon barrel is chambered in 25-20 WCF and features a full magazine, a restamped Winchester factory oval proof, a Lyman beaded blade front sight, a Lyman folding two leaf rear sight, and a checkered deluxe forearm. In his included letter, Winchester historian and author George Madis discussed the rarity of this set: "Two barrel sets, as we see here, were rarely ordered and very few have survived." Madis continued, "We very rarely fine cased sets in two calibers: with this set are reloading tools for both calibers, the .32-20 and .25-20." This gun set was featured in "The Winchester Collector, Volume 8, Number 3 (Summer) 1985 (issue included) where it is cited as found in Canada circa 1965. The period canvas takedown case contains a Winchester Model 1892 bore scope, reloading tools for .32 WCF and .25-20 WCF, a box of Winchester .25-20 cartridges, a box of Western .32 WCF bullets, and a box of .25-20 bullets.

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Very fine. The barrel retains 95% factory refinished blue finish with a patch of pitting ahead of the rear sight. The remaining metal surfaces retain 80% of the factory blue finish. The replacement wood is also very fine with some minor handling marks and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The .25-20 barrel is fine with 90% of the factory blue finish and wood with some minor handling marks and some softened checkering. The case is very good.

Provenance: Property of a Distinguished Southern Clergyman

Antique Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Lever Action .45-70 Rifle

Lot #3023 (Sale Order 24 of 606)

Antique Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Lever Action .45-70 Rifle

The powerful Winchester Model 1886 remains one of the most iconic lever action rifles. It was John Browning's first lever action rifle design. Special order '86s remain especially popular with modern collectors. This example was manufactured in 1896 and is mounted with checkered XX deluxe walnut forearm and pistol grip stock. The rifle is fitted with a Lyman beaded blade front sight, an elevation adjustable rear sight, and special order 2/3 length magazine tube. The half octagon barrel is stamped with the two-line Winchester address ahead of the rear sight and "45-70" at the breech. The lower tang has the two-line patent dates marking and the serial number. The upper tang is marked "-MODEL 1886-." The receiver has the highly desirable casehardened finish. The replacement buttstock is fitted with a hard rubber Winchester grip cap and a crescent buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is marked "76 XX RB." The stock inlet and buttplate have the assembly number "107."

Class: Antique

Very good plus. The barrel and magazine tube retain 40% original blue finish with smooth brown-gray patina on the balance. The bolt retains 95% original blue finish. The receiver, hammer, and lever retain 20% original case colors. 30% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The wood is fine with a series of blemishes near the buttplate (right side), some minor handling marks, slight chip at grip cap, and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: Property of a Distinguished Southern Clergyman

Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

Lot #3024 (Sale Order 25 of 606)

Fine Antique Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1891, the Model 1873 is one of the most famous of all American firearms and has been popularly known as "the Gun that Won the West" due to its popularity with pioneers, as well as the Native Americans they were often in conflict with. It was often paired with a Colt Single Action Army or other revolver chambered in a matching caliber, which made carrying ammunition for both simple and allowed an individual to be ready to defend themselves against man or beast in a variety of tough situations. This example is a Third Model with integral dust cover guide and dust cover with serrations at the rear. The two-line address and King's patent marking is marked on the top of the barrel along with the caliber marking at the breech. The model designation is on the upper tang, the caliber designation on the cartridge elevator, and serial number is on the lower tang. It is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate with the compartment holding a four piece cleaning rod.

Class: Antique

Fine, retaining 60% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. Traces of original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. 80% original case colors remain on the hammer. Traces of original case colors remain on the lever. The wood is also very fine with some minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent.

Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1876 Lever Action Rifle

Lot #3025 (Sale Order 26 of 606)

Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1876 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1882, this is a fine example of special order, deluxe third Model 1876 with integral dust cover rail on top of the receiver and dust cover with serrations at the rear. Winchester historian and author George Madis indicates the relative rarities of some of these special features. He notes that one out of every nine rifles had a casehardened finish, one of every 14 had a set trigger, one of every 400 had special wood, one of every 420 had a pistol grip, and one of every 630 had checkered wood. The top barrel flat is marked with the standard two-line address/King's patent marking and it correctly lacks caliber markings due to .45-75 W.C.F. being the standard caliber early in production. The model designation is marked on the upper tang, and the serial number is on the lower tang. There is a non-factory "666" or "999" stamped on the top barrel flat at the breech and on the bottom of the receiver. The left side of the lower tang is marked "XXX 1641 R", with "1641" repeated in the stock inlet and inside the buttplate. It is fitted with a Lyman combination front sight, "1876" marked folding ladder rear sight, and a folding Vernier peep sight with adjustable aperture on the upper tang. It is also fitted with a special order single set trigger. It is mounted with a very finely figured, "H" pattern checkered forearm and pistol grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included).

Class: Antique

Very good, retains 20% of the original blue finish, strong traces of the original case colors in sheltered areas, and 40% plus of the bright nitre blue on the loading gate with the balance a mixture of grey and brown patina and a few scattered patches of light surface pitting. The wood is also fine with a small chip in the wrist repaired with filler, some scattered light handling marks, and the buttstock lightly refinished with refreshed checkering. Mechanically excellent.

Framed Painting Based on Henry R. Poore's "Bear Dogs"

Lot #3026 (Sale Order 27 of 606)

Exceptional, Attractive Framed Period Oil on Canvas Painting Based on Henry R. Poore's "Bear Dogs" Used in Winchester's Advertising

This highly attractive painting of a couple of man's best friends is based on H.R. Poore's painting of dogs that were reportedly part of the Winchester family hunting pack and used for Winchester advertisements. In this rendition, only the two dogs in the foreground are shown. It is professionally framed in an oak Winchester advertising style frame. The bottom right appears to be signed and dated, but the writing is not legible. The frame measures 30 by 42 1/2 inches.

Class: Other

Very fine with distinct painting and minimal age and storage related wear. This will display excellently in any dog lover's home or office and would be great in a gun room alongside your Winchester shotguns.

Factory Gold Plated Winchester Deluxe First Model 1873 Rifle

Lot #3027 (Sale Order 28 of 606)

Historically Significant Factory Gold Plated Winchester Deluxe First Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle Commissioned as a Factory Exhibition Display Piece for the Philadelphia Centennial International Exhibition of 1876 with Factory Letter

This extraordinary, historically significant full factory gold plated deluxe Model 1873 was manufactured in 1876. This Model 1873 was born at a time when Winchester created some of its most ambitious exhibition displays, including the famed display at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial International Exhibition. The factory records for this rifle firmly place it at the center of the most creative marketing period in Winchester’s history. For today's collectors it is an object of eminence and historical importance that has the power to rewrite the history books. It will certainly make a grand statement in the finest public or private collection of the decorative arts. The accompanying factory letter for this astonishing full factory gold plated deluxe Model 1873 rifle confirms the 28 inch octagon barrel, set trigger, checkered stock, and gold finish. The letter indicates that this rifle was received in the warehouse on April 19, 1876, shipped on May 6, 1878 to order number 11740, received in the warehouse on June 16, 1896, shipped on June 19, 1896 to order number 12814, received in the warehouse on March 4, 1897, received in the warehouse on April 1, 1898, and shipped on April 2, 1898 to order number 6697. A large series of entries is typical for Winchester's well-traveled factory exhibition pieces that were displayed at various World's Fairs, other international exhibitions, American exhibitions, and sometimes at important dealers. This incredibly rare deluxe Model 1873 rifle was clearly a key display piece for the company and was likely seen by millions of potential customers. As such, it is an important piece of Winchester Repeating Arms Co.'s colorful history. The combination of full gold finish, deluxe stock and forearm, and interesting shipping history make this rifle a one-of-a-kind piece.Three other Model 1873s known to us share the May 6, 1878 ship date and the order number 11740. These three Model 1873s are nos. 16139, 18264, and 18267. No. 16139 is a Gustave Young masterpiece and was discovered by RIAC founder and CEO Patrick Hogan circa 2008 in Spain. The rifle was reported as presented to Spanish royalty and is pictured in R.L. Wilson's "Magnificent Colt's" on page 535. No. 18264 is the gold inlaid John Ulrich, relief engraved Marco Soto masterpiece and sold by RIAC in May 2021, Lot 10 ($718,750). No. 18267 is a "One of One Thousand" with half octagon barrel sold by RIAC in September 2012, lot 1007 from the Gateway collection ($402,000). We are now extremely honored to present a fourth Model 1873 in this very historic grouping of Winchesters.The May 6, 1878 date listed in the ledgers for these rifles suggests they were all displayed at the Exposition Universelle of 1878, the third World's Fair hosted by Paris, which began that month and is notable to Americans given the head of the Statue of Liberty was part of the fair's displays. The hand and torch were displayed at the Centennial Exhibition. Additional supporting evidence which places this rifle in the historical context of highly sought after Winchester display pieces comes from a known exhibition grade Model 1866 previously cataloged by Rock Island Auction Co. In May 2022 we sold no. 96743, which included a factory letter indicating it was embellished by the factory for use as an international exhibition piece as part of a select group of the finest engraved Winchesters. This Model 1866 was “Shipped from the warehouse on May 6, 1878 along with 10 other guns one in silver, 6 in gold, 2 in bronze, and 1 full nickel; 7 with oil finish and 3 in varnish with the same specifications to the same order number." The order number was 11739, only one digit away from order number 11740. These shipments were likely organized by model and were arms meant for exhibition. It is certainly possible that these ten Model 1866s were also displayed at the Centennial Exhibition alongside their Model 1873 counterparts. Winchester maintained a stock of exceptional and highly decorated firearms, mostly 1866s that were easier to engrave with a brass frame and virtually obsolete with the improved models of 1873 and 1876. So while the exhibition 1866s are incredibly rare, their 1873 counterparts are extremely limited. Model 1876 nos. 16139 and 18264 also share with this rifle (no. 18273) an April 19, 1876 received in warehouse date, which was less than one month from the opening of the Philadelphia Centennial International Exhibition of 1876. Nos. 16139 and 18264 were identified as exhibition mates to one of the most culturally significant events of 19th century America that ran from May 10 to November 10, 1876. No
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Engraved Smith & Wesson Volcanic No. 1 Lever Action Pistol

Lot #3028 (Sale Order 29 of 606)

Scarce and Desirable Factory Engraved Smith & Wesson Volcanic No. 1 Lever Action Pistol

This very scarce early repeating pistol is one of approximately 1,200 No. 1 pistols that were manufactured by Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson in Norwich, Connecticut, in 1854 and 1855. They are historically significant pieces for both Smith & Wesson and Winchester collectors as they marked Smith and Wesson's first business venture and are key pieces in the evolution of lever action firearms which developed into the famous Henry rifle and then Winchester's famous line of lever actions. The barrel has "CAST-STEEL" (right), "SMITH & WESSON/NORWICH. CT." (top) and "PATENT/FEB. 14. 1854." (left). Factory floral and scroll engraving is featured on the frame, side plates, and hammer. "270" is visible on the bottom of the action and is marked on the backside of both grips and the left side of the frame under the grip. An "H" is also marked lower on the left side of the frame. Includes an old custom wood case with the original magazine spring and a rocket ball.

Class: Antique

Fine with traces of original blue finish and mostly dark brown patina, mild pitting, and generally mild overall wear. The grips are also fine with a faint hairline crack in the left panel, minor scratches, and light handling wear. Mechanically fine. The case is good with moderate wear.

Silver Plated Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 Revolver

Lot #3029 (Sale Order 30 of 606)

Excellent Cased Inscribed Civil War Era Silver Plated Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 "Old Army" Revolver

Manufactured in 1865 with this example featuring a full silver finish and the name "GG Tanner" inscribed on right side of the frame. The barrel rib has the one-line address, and the cylinder has the patent dates marking. The right grip panel is numbered to the gun. Comes with a period correct partitioned mahogany case and a hickory cleaning rod. Although "GG Tanner" remains identified, we did find a couple of interesting hits on the National Park Service's Civil War soldiers database: Garrett G. Tanner of the 143rd New York Infantry Regiment and George G. Tanner 1st Georgia Infantry Regiment. Many Old Armies saw hard use during the Civil War. Its easy to load and unload, rapid fire design made it highly popular with Union officers and pioneers headed westward, and the model remains highly popular with today's collectors.

Class: Antique

Excellent, retaining 98% plus high attractive age darkened original silver plating. The grips are also excellent with some scattered handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with minor handling/storage marks and typical high spot wear on the lining. An awesome full silver plated, inscribed Old Army!

Provenance: The Andrew Singer Collection

Antique Winchester First Model Model 1890 Rifle with Case

Lot #3030 (Sale Order 31 of 606)

Desirable Antique Winchester First Model Solid Frame Model 1890 Slide Action Rifle with Case and Ammunition

Manufactured in 1891. Blade front and fixed notch rear sights, correct 24 3/8 inch First Model barrel with first style inscription with the correct "broken D" in "MANUFACTURED", "22 SHORT" caliber marking on upper flat at the breech, Winchester proofs correctly absent, First Model solid frame receiver, and standard three-line maker, model, and patent marking on upper tang. 12 groove slide handle and plain walnut straight grip stock with casehardened crescent buttplate. Includes a wooden case with a orange fabric interior and three boxes of ammunition.

Class: Antique

Very fine, retaining 85% original blue on the barrel and magazine tube with some high edge wear and slide retraction marks. The receiver retains 50% original vibrant case colors with some handling marks, light spotting, and an attractive patina on the tangs. Wood is fine as reoiled with a scattered dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. Case is very good with an absent latch.

Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1890 Slide Action Rifle

Lot #3031 (Sale Order 32 of 606)

Fine Documented Antique Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1890 Slide Action Short Rifle with Rare 20 Inch Barrel, Desirable Casehardened Receiver, and Factory Letter

Manufactured in 1898, the included factory letter confirms the .22 short caliber, special order 20 inch barrel, checkered pistol grip stock, November 29, 1898, date of serial number application, and December 30, 1899, date of shipment. The letter further notes the rifle was returned to the factory for unspecified repairs on July 31, 1900, and April 7, 1915. Standard blade front and fixed notch rear sights, first style barrel inscription, Winchester proofs correctly absent, "22 SHORT" caliber marking on top flat at the breech, casehardened Second Model receiver with hidden locking lugs, tang mounted flip up peep sight, and three-line maker, model, and patent marking on the upper tang. XXX fancy walnut 12 groove slide handle and checkered pistol grip stock with Winchester hard rubber grip cap and casehardened crescent buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is stamped "6828 XXX", and the matching number "6828" is stamped on the end of the buttstock. The inside of the buttplate is marked "6773". Ned Schwing reports on six 20 inch barrels manufactured during the casehardened Second Model production period.

Class: Antique

Fine with 50% thinning faded original blue finish on the barrel, scattered small dings an scratches, artificial brown patina on the muzzle face, and scattered patchy spotting and faint surface pitting. The receiver has 40% original case colors with a mottled brown/gray patina on the balance, areas of surface spotting, and a darker patina on the tangs. The wood is also fine with numerous small dings and scratches, moderately worn checkering with some bruises, light chipping at the toe, and mostly gray patina on the buttplate. Mechanically excellent.

Winchester Model 1892 Saddle Ring Trapper's Carbine

Lot #3032 (Sale Order 33 of 606)

Desirable Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Saddle Ring Trapper's Carbine in .25-20 W.C.F. with 15 Inch Barrel and ATF Exemption Letter

Manufactured in 1919, these short barreled carbines found a home in the American West, not only in the hands of trappers, but with anyone who needed handy, portable firepower. Many of these Trapper's carbines saw long, hard working lives in rugged environments like the Western Frontier, making fine examples like this one quite scarce. Winchester author and historian George Madis notes that only one out of every 350 carbines was ordered with a shorter than standard barrel, making these Trapper's relatively scarce. The left of the barrel is marked with the two-line address and patent dates, and the caliber marking is on the left at the breech. The upper tang is marked with the three-line model, trademark, and patent information, and the serial number is marked on the bottom of the receiver. It is fitted with a pinned blade front sight, folding ladder rear sight, and a saddle ring on the left of the receiver. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a carbine buttplate. The included 2024 dated ATF letter states that this carbine has been removed from the provisions of the NFA.

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Fine, retains 50% plus of the original blue finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina and a few scattered minor dings. The wood is also fine with numerous scattered minor dings and handling marks. All signs of a western working gun. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: The Brandhorst Collection

Antique Colt Medium Frame Lightning Slide Action Rifle in .44-40

Lot #3033 (Sale Order 34 of 606)

Antique Colt Medium Frame Lightning Slide Action Rifle in .44-40

Manufactured in 1886, this is a solid representative example of the medium frame variation of Colt's Lightning slide action rifle. These rifles often saw hard use on the Frontier and are rarely found in high condition. The medium frame was the first of the Lighting type slide action rifles Colt produced, and these rifles shared chamberings with the factory's legendary Single Action Army revolvers, making them highly desirable in the American West. This made carrying ammunition for both your rifle and your revolver simple and allowed an individual to be ready to defend themselves against man or beast in a variety of tough situations. Colt proclaimed, "Nothing was faster than lightning!" These capable rifles have a short pump action that allow for quick follow up shots. One trick was to hold the trigger and pump the action for "lightning" fast shots. The rifle is fitted with a W.F. Sheard beaded blade front sight and an elevation adjustable notch rear sight. The top of the barrel is stamped with the two-line Hartford address/patent dates legend ahead of the rear sight and "44 Cal." at the breech. A Rampant Colt is stamped on the left side of the receiver. The pump handle features multi-point checkering. The plain straight grip stock is fitted with a crescent buttplate.

Class: Antique

Fine, retains 60% of the original blue finish and faint case colors on the hammer with the balance having thinned to mostly a brown patina and a few scattered patches of light pitting, typical of a gun that saw frontier use. The wood is also fine with some scattered minor scratches, dings, and handling marks, and crisp checkering on the slide handle, all signs of a cared for working gun. Mechanically excellent.

Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine

Lot #3034 (Sale Order 35 of 606)

Desirable Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine

Manufactured in 1900, these carbines were incredibly popular in the American West, in part because they shared so many calibers in common with Colt's legendary Single Action Army Revolver. This is a third model carbine with integral dust cover rail and dust cover with rear serrations. Standard markings including caliber designation on the top of the barrel at the breech and the bottom of the cartridge elevator. Fitted with blade front and folding ladder rear sights, and a saddle ring on the left side of the receiver. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor carbine buttplate (cleaning rod not included).

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Good displaying a pleasing smooth dark brown patina with slight traces of original blue finish in the protected areas, typical of a Frontier used arm. The replacement wood is very good with minimal handling marks. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: The Collection of David L. DeLullo

Colt Bisley Model Single Action Army Revolver in .32 W.C.F.

Lot #3035 (Sale Order 36 of 606)

Colt Bisley Model Single Action Army Revolver in .32 W.C.F. with Holster

Manufactured in 1905, this is one of only 13,291 Bisley Model Single Action Army revolvers chambered in .32 W.C.F. These Bisley revolvers were designed by Colt with accuracy and target shooting in mind, making .32 W.C.F. which was known for its accuracy a popular caliber in the model. The same accuracy that made these revolvers popular with target shooters also endeared them to people on the Western Frontier who depended on their sidearm for survival. The top of the barrel is marked with the one-line address while the model and caliber marking are on the left. The left of the frame is marked with the two-line patent dates followed by the circled Rampant Colt. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap, which is also non-factory marked "CG". It is fitted with blade front and frame-top groove rear sights and a pair of checkered hard rubber grips with Rampant Colts at the tops. Includes an unmarked, attractive, tooled leather holster that is set up in a shoulder-wear configuration.

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

Very good plus, retains 25% of the original blue finish and 50% of the original case colors, primarily in sheltered areas, with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina, typical of guns that spent time as a sidearm in the American West. The grips are also fine with some mild wear, some scattered light handling marks, and well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. The holster is fine with mild wear.

Factory Engraved, Gold Inlaid Presentation Winchester 1873 Rifle

Lot #3036 (Sale Order 37 of 606)

Documented Ultra Rare, Deluxe, Special Order, Factory Engraved, Gold Inlaid Presentation Winchester Model 1873 Rifle with Seven-Leaf Express Sight and Factory Letter

This special order Winchester Model 1873 rifle was manufactured in 1882, with extremely rare factory "Seven Leaf Express" rear sight. Examples of this sight are pictured and described on pages 316-317 of "WINCHESTER NEW MODEL OF 1873 VOLUME I" by James D. Gordon. James Gordon describes the sight as: "The rarest and most interesting rear sight found on Model 1873s". He identifies only ten rifles by serial number known to have been fitted with this special sight. Gordon further states that the majority of the rifles with seven-leaf express sights have special order features such as engraving, plating or deluxe wood and two of the known rifles have "rare matted barrels". He notes that most of the seven-leaf Model 1873s were recovered from Africa. In addition to the seven-leaf express sight, this rifle has a 26-inch octagon barrel with special order matted top flat, single set trigger, factory engraving on the forearm cap, dust cover, receiver and buttplate, silver-plated finish and deluxe, fancy grain, checkered forearm and pistol grip stock with ebony insert. The left side of the receiver is factory inscribed with the gold-filled presentation: "A.I.N. DURAAN/HOOP STAD" in a circle on the left side plate. The right side plate is engraved with a hound's head surrounded by scrollwork on a punch-dot background. The engraving was almost certainly executed by master engraver John Ulrich and is similar to his work illustrated in "THE BOOK OF WINCHESTER ENGRAVING" by R.L. Wilson. The rifle is accompanied by a factory letter that lists all the rifle's features including the inscription and states this rifle was shipped from the Winchester warehouse on December 27, 1882. Research identifies "Hoopstad" as a town in South Africa located in what was once the Boer Orange Free State. Considerable fighting between the British and Boers took place in and around Hoopstad during the Boer War (1899-1902). "Duraan" is a common Afrikaner name and that Albertus Duraan (b. Orange Free State circa 1848) is very possibly the "A.I.N. DURAAN" who was the recipient of this rifle. In addition to the special features, the top of the matted barrel flat is roll-stamped with the Winchester two-line legend with King's Improvement patent dates. The upper receiver tang is roll-stamped "- MODEL. 1873.-" in fancy letters with foliate designs at either end. The serial number is stamped in script across the lower tang behind the lever latch. The left side of the barrel is stamped "F157U" just ahead of the forearm cap. In addition to the silver-plated forearm cap, dust cover, receiver and crescent buttplate, the rifle has a blued barrel, magazine and loading gate, casehardened hammer, lever and trigger.

Class: Antique

Very good. The rifle shows moderate wear associated with use in the field. The barrel and magazine retain 90% of the period refurbished blue finish with scattered surface rust and handling wear. The seven-leaf express sight has 80% of the niter blue finish. The sight leaves have some scattered patches of surface rust and the sight base has light pitting. The engraved scrollwork is crisp and gold inlaid presentation is nearly all present. The silver plated finish on the forearm cap, receiver, dust cover and buttplate has flaked and shows moderate to heavy wear with 50% of the silver plating. The plated surfaces are lightly pitted and the buttplate shows gray patina with mild pitting. The stock and forearm are also very good. The checkered panels are worn. There is a hairline crack in the left stock wrist and an old chip in the left side of the pistol grip. Mechanically fine. Although this rifle shows field use it remains one of the most elaborate deluxe, special order, factory engraved, gold inlaid, presentation Winchester Model 1873 rifles extant, and one of the very few Model 1873 rifles fitted with the ultra rare and desirable Winchester seven-leaf express sight. A great opportunity to own a possible one-of-a-kind significant documented factory engraved Winchester presentation 1873 rifle.

Stevens-Pope Ideal No. 54 "Schuetzen Special" Single Shot Rifle

Lot #3037 (Sale Order 38 of 606)

Stevens-Pope Ideal No. 54 "Schuetzen Special" Single Shot Rifle with Scarce Extra Barrel

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 example is made even more scarce due to the fact that it includes an extra barrel and forearm. This rifle is built on the Ideal No. 54 "Schuetzen Special" frame, which was one of the highest grade target rifles offered by Stevens, coming standard with their finest quality, near full coverage engraving. This example is not engraved, perhaps showing that it was truly intended to take care of business in match shooting. It is fitted with a .32 caliber muzzleloading barrel with muzzle machined for interfacing with a false muzzle and starter (bullet loaded at the muzzle, cartridge at the breech) for serious accuracy when target shooting. The top flat on both barrels has the standard two-line Stevens-Pope address. The bottom of the .32 caliber barrel is marked with the serial number, "1", "21/1.41", and "484". The bottom of the .22 RF caliber barrel is marked with "20/1.24" and "485". The front face of the receiver is marked "54". The serial number is marked on the lower tang, with the last three digits of the serial number, "316", marked on the rear faces of the forearms, the butt of the stock, and inside the buttplate. The butt of the stock is also stamped "V.CAPAN". Both barrels are fitted with a globe type front sight (windgauge on the .22 barrel) and no provisions for a rear sight. A peep sight is mounted on the upper tang. Both of the forearms have a Schnabel tip and multi-point checkering. The buttstock has a checkered grip area, prominent cheekpiece, and a Schuetzen type buttplate.

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Fine, retains 60% of the blue finish on the barrel and 40% of the original case colors with the balance having thinned to a mottled grey-brown patina. The .22 caliber barrel retains 70% of the original blue finish with the balance having thinned to a brown-grey patina. The wood is also fine with some scattered minor handling marks, typical of a match-used rifle, and mostly crisp checkering. There is a hairline crack and minor edge chip in the forearm on the .22 caliber barrel. Mechanically excellent.

Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1885 Low Wall Rifle

Lot #3038 (Sale Order 39 of 606)

Desirable Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1885 Low Wall Single Shot Rifle

Manufactured in 1906. Standard two-line address/patent marking on the upper barrel flat with "25 R.F." at the breech on the No. 1 weight part octagon barrel. The lower tang and stock mortise are both marked "1111". Fitted with Lyman beaded blade front and tang mounted peep sights, and a single set trigger. Mounted with a finely figured and checkered Schnabel tip forearm and pistol grip stock with a hard rubber Winchester grip cap and checkered shotgun buttplate.

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Very fine, retains 90% plus original blue finish and 25% original case colors with the balance a smooth grey patina and a few scattered light handling marks. The wood is fine with a couple hairline cracks near the upper tang, some minor dings and scratches, and mostly well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent.

Winchester/Hyde Arms Corporation Model 1885 High Wall Rifle

Lot #3039 (Sale Order 40 of 606)

Winchester/Hyde Arms Corporation Model 1885 High Wall Single Shot Rifle in Desirable .22 Hornet

The receiver was manufactured in 1914. The barrel is marked "HYDE ARMS CORPORATION, NEW YORK" on top, a company associated with George Hyde. Hyde, a former shop foreman for Griffin & Howe, is most well known for designing the U.S. M3 submachine gun or "grease gun" as well as the FP-45 Liberator pistol. Along with these more well known guns were the Hyde Model 33 and 35 submachine guns which were very strong competitors to the Thompson submachine gun, but never quite took off. Fitted with a ramped Marble blade front sight, barrel mounted scope blocks and tang mounted Lyman peep sight. Mounted with a checkered beavertail forearm and pistol grip stock with shadow-line cheek piece and shotgun buttplate.

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Very fine as period custom upgraded by Hyde Arms Corporation, retains 98% blue finish and 50% case colors with the balance a smooth grey patina, a few scattered light handling marks, and a small spot of light pitting on the right of the receiver. The finely figured wood is also very fine with some scattered minor dings and scratches, and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent.

Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1885 Low Wall Rifle

Lot #3040 (Sale Order 41 of 606)

Attractive Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1885 Low Wall Single Shot Rifle in .22 LR

Manufactured in 1900, this is a very fine example of a special order Winchester deluxe Model 1885 Low Wall rifle in the desirable .22 LR. The top flat of the no. 2 weight barrel is marked with the two-line address and the caliber marking at the breech. The serial number is on the lower tang. It is fitted with a wind gauge front sight, elevation adjustable notch rear sight, a tang mounted Vernier peep sight, and a single set trigger. It is mounted with a very finely figured, H-pattern checkered forearm and straight grip stock with a Schuetzen buttplate.

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Very fine, retains 85% of the original blue finish with some light edge/high spot wear and some scattered light handling marks. The wood is very good with some scattered minor handling marks and well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: Property of a Distinguished Southern Clergyman

Antique Marlin Model 1881 Lever Action Rifle

Lot #3041 (Sale Order 42 of 606)

Very Fine Antique Marlin Model 1881 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured c. 1883, this is a very fine example of a Marlin Model 1881 rifle. The Model 1881 was Marlin's first foray into lever action repeating rifles, and it was the first in a long lineage of such for the company. Marlin would go on to become Winchester's closest competitor in the lever action market, with some of their rifles being of arguably better design than their Winchester counterparts. The top barrel flat is marked with the standard two-line address and the caliber marking at the breech. The early, four-digit serial number is marked on the bottom of the receiver. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and an elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a smooth steel shotgun buttplate.

Class: Antique

Very fine, retains 75% of the original blue finish and traces of the original case colors in the sheltered areas of the lever and hammer with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina, primarily on high spots and edges. The wood is fine with a long horizontal hairline crack on the right side of the forend along with some scattered minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.

Marlin Model 94 Lever Action Rifle

Lot #3042 (Sale Order 43 of 606)

Exceptional Marlin Model 94 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1906, this is an exceptional example of a Marlin Model 94 rifle. The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line address and patent dates, as well as the caliber marking at the breech. The upper tang is marked with the two-line trademark and model designation, and the serial number is on the bottom of the receiver. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight, elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight, and the top of the receiver is factory drilled and tapped with filler screws in place. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a smooth steel buttplate.

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Excellent, retains 90% plus of the original blue finish and 95% vibrant original case colors with some light high spot wear and a few scattered very small patches of surface spotting. 98% of the bright original high polish blue remains on the breech bolt. The wood is very fine with a few scattered minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: Property of a Distinguished Southern Clergyman

Factory Engraved Marlin Deluxe Model 1897 Lever Action Rifle

Lot #3043 (Sale Order 44 of 606)

Factory Engraved Marlin Deluxe Model 1897 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured c. 1906-1915, this is an example of a scarce, factory engraved Marlin Model 1897 rifle. Marlin records are notoriously incomplete, as noted Marlin expert William Brophy explained, "Unfortunately, the few remaining factory records do not, with any regularity, indicate if the gun was factory engraved or not." The engraving on this rifle is certainly factory and shows Marlin's No. 1 engraving pattern. The Marlin patterns, including the engraving on this rifle, were designed by Conrad Ulrich who was influenced by the 19th century masters L.D. Nimschke and Gustave Young. Ulrich spent a lifetime embellishing some of the finest high art firearms of the late 19th century to early 20th century. The richly engraved casehardened receiver features scroll, border, and a game panel scene. A circular game panel depicting a whitetail buck in woodland scene decorates the left side of the receiver. The top and bottom of the receiver are engraved to match with scroll and border patterns. The rifle is fitted with a Marble No. 2 beaded blade front sight, an elevation adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight, and a peep sight on the upper tang. The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line address and patent dates and the caliber marking is on the upper left flat at the breech. The serial number is on the bottom of the receiver and the model designation is marked on the upper tang. It is mounted with a checkered forearm and pistol grip stock with a checkered hard rubber buttplate.

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Very good, retains 40% of the original blue finish, primarily on the magazine tube, the barrel showing artificial browning, and 30% of the original case colors with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina and a few scattered patches of light pitting. The refinished wood is fine with some mild handling wear on the forearm and some scattered light handling marks throughout. Mechanically excellent.

Embellished Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle

Lot #3044 (Sale Order 45 of 606)

Outstanding Embellished Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle with Gold Inlaid Game Scenes and Relief Carved Deluxe Walnut Stock and Forend in .45-70

This is probably the most impressive of the highly embellished examples of this group of lever action rifles. This specific rifle is a Winchester Model 1886 that was originally manufactured in 1912 in the always popular .45-70 cartridge and subsequently custom embellished. This beautiful rifle features a 26 inch full octagon barrel, takedown mechanism, a half-length magazine tube, a pistol grip stock, and a crescent buttplate. It has a beautiful rust blued metal finish and a color casehardened hammer, loading lever, and crescent buttplate. This rifle exhibits the most extensive engraving and solid gold game animal scenes that are enhanced with huge amounts of both gold and platinum wire inlays that both form the borders on the rifle as well as enhance the overall themes. There are six gold inlaid game animals; one bear and two dogs on the left side in a single panel scene, a mountain lion stalking a large buck on the right side, and a large bull moose in a separate scene on the underside of the receiver. All six animals have wonderful highlighted detail and symmetrical appearances and features. Five of the game animals are depicted in their appropriate forest or mountain habitats, and all of the animals are enhanced by both large and small English type scroll engraving and geometric accents and borders. This rifle also includes numerous and extensive gold and platinum filled wire borders around the game scenes, the sides and borders of the receivers, as well as on the barrel, the forend cap, the takedown mechanism, loading lever and buttplate. There are also several areas where the engraver intertwined several gold and platinum wires vignettes to help accent the borders. The large gold inlaid game animals and wire borders are masterfully executed throughout. This rifle is pictured in the book "Winchester Highly Finished Arms" on pages 1 and 2. The game animal scenes/engraving depicted are actually copies of the original Winchester number 1 pattern engraving. "A" style pattern of hand carving are on the stock and forend. The rifle has been signed on the right underside of the receiver with an intertwined "D/T" initials. The fine scroll engraving is also on the muzzle and breech end of the barrel, underside of the receiver, sides of the forend cap, sides of the cocking lever and heel and toe area of the buttplate. The engraving and inlays cover approximately 65% of the rifle's metal surface. The intricate and detailed gold wire inlays are found on the rear of the forend cap, the front edge of the receiver, both sides (the flats) of the receiver and on the heel of the buttplate. Additionally, the muzzle and breech end of the barrel have double barrel bands; one gold and the other band platinum. The rifle is fitted with an extra fancy, deluxe pistol grip walnut stock and forend beautifully hand carved in the Winchester "A" style noted above. The wood has been highly hand polished and varnished. The top of the barrel has been roll marked with the two-line factory style markings of: "MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO./NEW HAVEN CONN U.S.A. PATENTED OCT.14.1885, JAN.20.1885.," and the caliber markings "45-70" is stamped in front of the receiver. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1886-WINCHESTER-TRADE MARK REG. IN U.S. PAT. OFF." The rifle is accompanied by a "Winchester Highly Finished Arms" catalog by Doug Turnbull Restoration.

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Near mint as professionally embellished by Doug Turnbull Restoration with 99% of the current rust blued and color casehardened finish overall. The stock and forend are also in crisp near mint condition with beautiful checkering. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: Cal Cannon Collection; Quail Creek Collection

Embellished Winchester Model 1894 Lever Action Rifle

Lot #3045 (Sale Order 46 of 606)

Outstanding Signed Beautifully Engraved and Highly Embellished Winchester Model 1894 Lever Action Rifle with Gold Wire Filled Borders and Hand Carved Deluxe Walnut Stock and Forend in Desirable .32 Win. Special

This rifle was originally manufactured in 1904, and it features a 26 inch full octagon barrel, a pistol grip stock, a beautiful rust blued metal finish and a color casehardened hammer, loading lever and crescent buttplate. Additionally, this rifle has three full form inlaid game animals: two on the left side and one on the right side. Both are in woodland scenes on the sides of the receiver, and both are surrounded with excellent fine English roll engraving with large geometric accent patterns and geometric border. This wonderful rifle also includes numerous, extensive gold filled wire borders around the game scenes as well as along many of the borders of the receivers. Additionally, there are several inlaid platinum wire borders intermixed in the gold wire filled borders. The game scenes are masterfully executed throughout. This rifle is actually pictured in the book "Winchester Highly Finished Arms" on pages 3 and 4. The game scenes/engraving depicted are actually copies of the original Winchester number 2 pattern. "F" style pattern of hand carving and fine line checkering is on the stock and forend. The rifle has been engraved by the Master Engraver Neil Hermsen; his initials and engraver symbol (N/engraving tools/H) are found behind the trigger. The left side of the receiver shows two deer standing in a woodland scene, and a single standing large bull moose is on the right side. The underside of the receiver shows a detailed intermixed geometric pattern of both gold and platinum wire inlays. The fine scroll engraving is also on the muzzle and breech end of the barrel, underside of the receiver, sides of the forend cap, sides of the cocking lever and heel and toe area of the buttplate. The engraving covers approximately 65% of the rifle's metal surface. The intricate and detailed gold wire inlays are found on the rear of the forend cap, the front edge of the receiver, both sides (the flats) of the receiver and on the heel of the buttplate. Additionally, the muzzle and breech end of the barrel also have two barrel bands: one band of gold inlaid wire and the one platinum wire inlay. The rifle is fitted with a extra fancy, deluxe pistol grip walnut stock and forend beautifully hand carved in the Winchester "F" style noted above. The wood has been highly hand polished and varnished. The top of the barrel has been roll marked with the two-line factory style markings of: "MANUFACTURED BY THE/WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO./NEW HAVEN CONN U.S.A. PATENTED AUGUST 21. 1894" The caliber marking "32 W.S." is stamped in front of the receiver. Additionally, the flat area of the rear sight also has platinum wire inlays, and it has a half-gold blade sporting front sight. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1894-WINCHESTER-TRADE MARK-" . The rifle is accompanied by a "Winchester Highly Finished Arms" catalog by Doug Turnbull Restoration.

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Near mint as professionally embellished by Doug Turnbull Restoration with 99% of the current rust blued and color casehardened finish overall. The stock and forend are also in crisp like new condition with beautiful checkering. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: Cal Cannon Collection; Quail Creek Collection

Embellished Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Rifle

Lot #3046 (Sale Order 47 of 606)

Outstanding Signed Embellished Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Rifle with Gold Inlaid Borders and Relief Carved Deluxe Walnut Stock and Forend in Desirable .44 WCF

This is a superb example of a highly custom embellished lever action rifle. This fabulous rifle was originally manufactured in 1900, subsequently custom embellished, and features a full octagon barrel, a pistol grip stock, and a beautiful rust blued metal finish and a color casehardened hammer, loading lever and crescent buttplate. In addition, the rifle features two beautiful deep relief game scenes on each side of the receiver surrounded with excellent fine English scroll engraving with a geometric border that also includes extensive gold filled wire borders and a platinum wire border around the game scene on the underside of the receiver. The game scenes are all "deep relief" cut and masterfully executed throughout. This rifle is actually pictured in the book "Winchester Highly Finished Arms" on pages 5 and 6. The game scenes depicted are actually copies of the original Winchester number 3 pattern with a "B" style of hand carving and fine line checkering on the stock and forend. The rifle is signed "JOHN K. PEASE ENGR. On the lower tang. The left side of the receiver shows three elks. A large dahl sheep standing on top of a mountain is on the right side, and a large bull moose is on the underside. The fine scroll engraving is also on the muzzle and breech end of the barrel, underside of the receiver, sides of the forend cap, sides of the cocking lever and heel and toe area of the buttplate. The engraving covers approximately 75% of the rifle's metal surface. The intricate and detailed gold wire inlays are found on the rear of the forend cap, the front edge of the receiver, both sides (the flats) of the receiver and on the heel of the buttplate. Additionally, the muzzle end of the barrel and the moose scene on the underside of the receiver all have the platinum wire inlay borders. It is fitted with an extra fancy, deluxe pistol grip walnut stock and forend beautifully hand carved in the Winchester "B" style noted above. The wood has been highly hand polished and varnished. The top of the barrel has been roll marked with the two-line factory style markings of: "-MANUFACTURED BY THE/-WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A.-", and the caliber marking "44 W.C.F." is stamped in front of the receiver. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1892/-WINCHESTER-/TRADE MARK-" . The rifle is accompanied by a "Winchester Highly Finished Arms" catalog by Doug Turnbull Restoration.

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Near mint as professionally embellished by Doug Turnbull Restoration with 99% of the current rust blued and color casehardened finish overall. The stock and forend are also in crisp, near mint condition with beautiful checkering. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: Cal Cannon Collection; Quail Creek Collection

Highly Embellished Winchester Model 1894 Lever Action Rifle

Lot #3047 (Sale Order 48 of 606)

Superb Signed Highly Embellished Winchester Model 1894 Lever Action Rifle

The receiver was originally manufactured in 1898. This is an absolutely stunning example of a highly custom embellished Winchester lever action rifle. This example has a beautiful rust blued metal finish with a color casehardened hammer, loading lever and crescent buttplate with gold line accent bands on the takedown mechanism, buttplate, rear of the receiver and forend cap. This was originally a special order rifle as it has pistol grip stock, takedown barrel mechanism and a round barrel with a full length magazine tube. This specific Model 1894 rifle is actually pictured in his book "Winchester Highly Finished Arms" on page 7 and 8. It has been masterfully embellished/engraved in a Winchester number 4 pattern that depicts a large and detailed game scene on each sides of the receiver, combine with beautiful English type scroll engraving with a geometric border around the edges. As noted, it has also been enhanced by a single gold wire filled band on the on the forend cap, sides of the takedown mechanism, the rear of the receiver and heel area of the buttplate. The rifle has actually been engraved by the Master Engraver Neil Hermsen, his initials and engraver symbol (N/engraving tools/H) are found behind the trigger. The engraving covers approximately 50% of the rifles metal surface. It is fitted with a beautiful, extra fancy 3X figured, select walnut stock and forend. The stock and forend have matching "D" style carving intermixed with hand cut checkering on the sides of the forend and pistol grip area. Although not specifically marked, the stock work or carving/checkering was probably performed by either Joe Rundell or Paula Bebout as both are listed in the noted reference book. The wood has been highly hand polished and varnished. This rifle was manufactured in 1898 and is fitted with a 26 inch round barrel with a takedown barrel mechanism with a full-length magazine. The top of the barrel has been roll marked with the two line factory style markings of: "-MANUFACTURED BY THE-/WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A.-", with the caliber markings of "30 W.C.F." marked in front of the receiver. The left rear side of the barrel has also been roll marked with "NICKEL STEEL BARREL/ESPECIALLY FOR SMOKELESS POWDER". The upper tang is also marked "MODEL 1894/-WINCHESTER-/PAT. AUG. 21.1894." The rifle is accompanied by a "Winchester Highly Finished Arms" catalog by Doug Turnbull Restoration.

Class: Antique

Near mint as professionally embellished by Doug Turnbull Restoration with 99% of the current rust blued and color casehardened finish overall. The stock and forend are also in crisp near mint condition with beautiful checkering. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: Cal Cannon Collection; Quail Creek Collection

Embellished Winchester Model 1895 Lever Action Rifle

Lot #3048 (Sale Order 49 of 606)

Beautiful Highly Embellished Winchester Model 1895 Lever Action Rifle

Originally manufactured in 1897, this is an absolutely beautiful example of a highly custom embellished Winchester lever action rifle. This specific Model 1895 rifle is pictured in the accompanying book "Winchester Highly Finished Arms" on pages 9 and 10. It has been custom embellished in a Winchester number 5 pattern that depicts an oval panel game scene on each side with the left side showing two large running bull elks with two standing pronghorn antelope on the right side. Both panel scenes are surrounded by an intricate vine and leaf engraved pattern, which covers approximately half of the rifles metal surface. Additionally, the breech end of the barrel has a single silver band directly in front of the receiver. It has also been stocked in a beautiful matching set of extra fancy/3x walnut stock and forend. The buttstock has the correct pistol grip pattern with a Winchester grip cap and a crescent buttplate. Both components having been beautifully checkered in a very fine scroll pattern. The wood has been highly hand polished and varnished. It is fitted with a tapered round barrel that is roll marked on top with the standard two-line markings. The Model 1895 was the first non-detachable box magazine rifle offered by Winchester. This rifle was manufactured in 1896 and subsequently custom embellished. The top of the barrel has the two line factory style markings of: "-MANUFACTURED BY THE-/WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A.-", with the caliber markings of "30 US" stamped in front of the receiver. The upper tang is marked "-WINCHESTER/Model 1895-" The forend is fitted with an ebony forend insert with a Winchester marked pistol grip cap.

Class: Antique

Near mint as professionally embellished by Doug Turnbull Restoration with 99% of the current rust blued finish still remaining overall. The buttstock and forend are both in near mint condition with fine line checkering. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: Cal Cannon Collection; Quail Creek Collection

Embellished Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Rifle

Lot #3049 (Sale Order 50 of 606)

Outstanding Signed Embellished Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Rifle

Originally manufactured in 1908, this is a beautiful example of a highly custom embellished Winchester lever action rifle. It has a beautiful rust blued metal finish and a color casehardened hammer, loading lever and crescent buttplate. This specific Model 1892 rifle is actually pictured in the book "Winchester Highly Finished Arms" on pages 11 and 12. It has been masterfully embellished/engraved in a Winchester number 6 pattern that depicts an oval panel game scene on each side with an "H" pattern checkered stock and forend. The rifle has actually been signed by the Master Engraver John K. Pease (his name is located on the lower tang by the trigger). The left side of the receiver shows a large dahl sheep stranding on top of a mountain with the right side showing a large buck deer, with both panel scenes are surrounded by an fine English scroll type engraving with a geometric pattern border. The engraving is also on the muzzle and breech end of the barrel, underside of the receiver, forend cap and the toe and heel area of the buttplate. The engraving covers 50% of the rifle's metal surface. It is fitted with a straight grip walnut stock with the noted "H" pattern checkering. The stock is a extra fancy 3x grade wood with a straight grain forend. The wood has been highly, hand polished and varnished. This rifle was originally manufactured in 1908. The top of the barrel has been roll marked with the two-line factory style markings of: "MANUFACTURED BY THE/WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A. PATENTED AUGUST 21. 1894.", and the caliber marking "44 W.C.F." is stamped in front of the receiver. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1892/-WINCHESTER-/TRADE MARK-" . The rifle is accompanied by a "Winchester Highly Finished Arms" catalog by Doug Turnbull Restoration.

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Near mint as professionally embellished by Doug Turnbull Restoration with 99% of the current blue and case colors. The buttstock and forend are also in near mint condition with the beautiful hand rubbed varnish finish and the sharp checkering. It looks just like it came form the factory. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: Cal Cannon Collection; Quail Creek Collection

Embellished Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Rifle

Lot #3050 (Sale Order 51 of 606)

Superb Signed Embellished Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Rifle

Originally manufactured in 1900, this is an absolutely stunning example of a highly custom embellished Winchester lever action rifles. It has a beautiful rust blued metal finish and a color casehardened hammer, loading lever and crescent buttplate. This style of Model 1892 rifle is pictured in the book "Winchester Highly Finished Arms" on pages 13 and 14. It has been masterfully custom embellished/engraved in a Winchester number 7 pattern and has a very fine scroll engraving overall. The rifle has been engraved by the Master Engraver Neil Hermsen; his initials and engraver symbol (N/engraving tools/H) are found behind the trigger. The engraving is also on the breech end of the barrel, underside of the receiver, sides of the forend cap and the heel and toe area of the buttplate. The engraving covers approximately 50% of the rifle's metal surface. It is fitted with a straight grip, beautiful, extra fancy, 3x figured, select walnut stock and forend. The stock and forend have matching "H" pattern checkering on the sides. The wood has been highly hand polished and varnished. This rifle was originally manufactured in 1900 and subsequently custom embellished. It is fitted with a 24 inch full octagon barrel and a half-length magazine. The top of the barrel has been roll marked with the two-line factory style markings of: "-MANUFACTURED BY THE-/-WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN-WINCHESTER-/PAT. OCT, 14. 1884-" . The rifle is accompanied by a "Winchester Highly Finished Arms" catalog by Doug Turnbull Restoration.

Class: Antique

Near mint as professionally embellished by Doug Turnbull Restoration with 99% of the current rust blued and color casehardened finish overall. The stock and forend are also in crisp, near mint condition with beautiful checkering. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: Cal Cannon Collection; Quail Creek Collection

Embellished Winchester Model 1890 Takedown Slide Action Rifle

Lot #3051 (Sale Order 52 of 606)

Highly Embellished Winchester Model 1890 Takedown Slide Action Rifle

Originally manufactured in 1902, this is a beautiful example of a custom embellished/upgraded Winchester Model 1890 slide action rifle. This highly custom embellished example features a # 8 Winchester style engraving pattern on the sides of the receiver which depicts squirrels and rabbits in a game scenes on each side, with a fine English scroll engraving around the borders of the scenes and the receiver. It has also been restocked with a deluxe presentation type pistol grip walnut stock with fine checkering on the sides of the pistol grip area. This rifle is a second model with the blued takedown frame and an octagon barrel. The barrel has fixed sights, and it has been remarked on top with the two line New Haven address followed by "22 SHORT" on the top rear flat in front of the receiver. The three line model/patent date marking is stamped on the upper tang, and the serial number is on the lower tang. The stock has a casehardened crescent buttplate with a hard rubber Winchester marked grip cap. It is fitted with a 12 groove pump handle. The 1890 was the first slide-action rifle ever produced by Winchester and was designed by John and Matthew Browning. It became one of the most successful rimfire repeating rifle for general shooting ever manufactured by Winchester and was used by trick/target shooters in the early 1900s. The rifle is accompanied by a "Winchester Highly Finished Arms" catalog by Doug Turnbull Restoration.

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Near mint as professionally embellished by Doug Turnbull Restoration with 99% of the current rust blued finish overall with a color casehardened hammer and crescent buttplate. The stock and pump handle both show 99% of the current varnished finish overall. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: Cal Cannon Collection; Quail Creek Collection

Embellished Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Rifle

Lot #3052 (Sale Order 53 of 606)

Superb Highly Embellished Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Rifle in Desirable 44 WCF

Originally manufactured in 1902, this is an absolutely beautiful example of a highly custom embellished Winchester lever action rifle. It has a beautiful rust blued metal finish with a color casehardened hammer, loading lever and crescent buttplate, and this style of Model 1892 rifle is pictured in the book "Winchester Highly Finished Arms" on pages 17 and 18. It has been masterfully restored and engraved in a Winchester number 9 pattern that depicts an oval panel game scene on each side and has an "H" pattern checkered stock and forend. The left side of the receiver shows a large running buck, and both panel scenes are surrounded by an fine scroll engraving with a geometric pattern border that is also on the breech end of the barrel and the forend cap. The engraving covers 50% of the rifle's metal surface. It is fitted with a straight grip walnut stock with the noted "H" pattern checkering. The stock has a fancy 1x wood pattern, and it has a straight grain forend. The wood has been highly hand polished and varnished. This rifle was manufactured in 1904, and the top of the barrel has been roll marked with the two line factory style markings of: "-MANUFACTURED BY THE-/-WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A.-", with the caliber markings of "44 W.C.F." stamped in front of the receiver. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1892/-WINCHESTER-/TRADE MARK" . The rifle is accompanied by a "Winchester Highly Finished Arms" catalog by Doug Turnbull Restoration.

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Near mint as professionally embellished by Doug Turnbull Restoration with 99% of the current blue and case colors as professionally embellished. The buttstock and forend are also in near mint condition with the beautiful hand rubbed varnish finish with excellent checkering. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: Cal Cannon Collection; Quail Creek Collection

Embellished Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Rifle

Lot #3053 (Sale Order 54 of 606)

Superb Embellished Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Rifle

Originally manufactured in 1901, this is an absolutely beautiful and highly custom embellished example of a Winchester lever action rifle. It has a beautiful rust blued metal finish with a color casehardened hammer, loading lever and crescent buttplate. It was a special order rifle in that it has a pistol grip stock with a 24 inch full octagon barrel with sporting front and rear sights, and it was manufactured in 1901 and subsequently custom embellished. This specific Model 1892 rifle is actually pictured in his book "Winchester Highly Finished Arms" on pages 19 and 20. It has been masterfully custom embellished in a Winchester number 10 style pattern that has an oval panel game scene on the left side that depicts a large male deer in a wooded scene and fine English scroll type engraving on the right side around the loading gate. The engraving covers approximately 35% plus of the rifle's metal surface. It is currently fitted with a beautiful, extra fancy, 3s walnut stock and forend. Both have been beautiful hand checkered in a Winchester "H" style pattern on the side of the forend and pistol grip area. The wood has been highly, hand polished and varnished. The top of the barrel has been roll marked with the two line factory style markings of: "MANUFACTURED BY THE/WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A.", with the caliber markings of "44 W.C.F." stamped in front of the receiver. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1892/-WINCHESTER-/ PAT. OCT. 14. 1894" . The rifle is accompanied by a "Winchester Highly Finished Arms" catalog by Doug Turnbull Restoration.

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Near mint as professionally embellished by Doug Turnbull Restoration with 99% of the current rust blued and color cased hardened finish overall. The stock and forend are also in crisp near mint condition with beautiful checkering. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: Cal Cannon Collection; Quail Creek Collection

Winchester Model 90 Slide Action Rifle in Desirable .22 WRF

Lot #3054 (Sale Order 55 of 606)

Excellent Winchester Model 90 Slide Action Rifle in Desirable .22 WRF

Manufactured in 1926. Beaded blade front and elevation adjustable rear notch sights, seventh style barrel inscription, Winchester "WP" proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech, Third Model receiver with exposed locking lugs, "W.R.F." marking on front of receiver, standard markings on the upper tang, and matching numbers on the lower tang and receiver. 12 groove slide handle and plain straight grip stock with blue steel crescent buttplate.

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Excellent with 95% plus bright original blue finish, well defined markings, scattered small surface scratches, small dings and the edges of the flats, mild cycling marks, and a trace of browning on the breech bolt. The wood is very fine with scattered small dings and scratches and edge wear on the buttplate.

Stainless Steel Barrel Winchester Model 90 Slide Action Rifle

Lot #3055 (Sale Order 56 of 606)

Special Order Winchester Model 90 Slide Action Rifle with Rare Stainless Steel Barrel

Manufactured in 1928. Stainless barrels were offered by Winchester from around 1927-1934 for extra cost for most of the period. However, these barrels were not well received due to their difficulty in retaining their black finish. The unpopular nature of these barrels at the time has made them quite scarce and collectible. This third model rifle features a number of scarce factory special order features including the Lyman combination front and No. 6 two folding leaf rear sights, factory mounted sling swivels on the magazine tube and buttstock, standard markings on the stainless steel barrel with the black Japaned finish, Winchester "WP" proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech, Lyman flip up peep sight on the upper tang, and matching numbers on the receiver and lower tang. Mounted with a rare factory checkered slide handle and attractively figured Winchester Model 54 pistol grip stock with hard rubber grip cap, and special order serrated shotgun buttplate. The left side of the lower tang, end of the buttstock, and inside of the buttplate are marked with the matching assembly number "587". A strikingly similar (possibly this rifle!) rifle is pictured (showcasing the rear two leaf sight) on page 126 of "Winchester Slide Action Rifles: Volume I" by Ned Schwing, and this particular rifle is pictured and identified by serial number on pages 145 and 233 of the same book showcasing the special order Model 54 buttstock.

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Fine with 70% thinning black lacquer Japaned finish remaining on the barrel, edge wear overall, and small dings and scratches. The receiver has 90% bright original blue finish with some edge wear, cycling marks on the rails, and some light scratches and spotting. The wood is also fine with recut checkering, small dings and nicks throughout, long scratch on right side of stock, and mixed gray/patina on the buttplate. Mechanically excellent.

Winchester Model 61 Slide Action Rifle

Lot #3056 (Sale Order 57 of 606)

Winchester Model 61 Slide Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1948. The barrel has a beaded blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight. The round barrel has the second style inscription. The top of the barrel and receiver have the "W/P" proofmark. Mounted on a 17-groove walnut forearm and pistol grip stock with a checkered steel buttplate.

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Excellent, retaining 95% original blue finish with some light handling marks, slide retraction marks, and some light spotting/pitting. Wood is very fine with original varnish and dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: The James Windy Collection

Winchester Model 61 Magnum Slide Action Rifle in .22 WMR

Lot #3057 (Sale Order 58 of 606)

Winchester Model 61 Magnum Slide Action Rifle in .22 WMR

Manufactured in 1960. The Model 61 Magnum was only manufactured from 1960 to 1963 after the .22 Win. Mag. R.F. was developed in 1959. Features beaded blade front and elevation adjustable rear notch sights, standard barrel markings, Winchester "WP" proofs on the barrel and grooved receiver at the breech, and matching serial numbers on the upper and lower receiver groups. Fitted with a flat bottom grooved walnut forearm and smooth pistol grip stock with checkered plastic Winchester buttplate.

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

Excellent overall, retaining 97% plus original blue finish with limited handling marks, and some minor spotting mostly on the triggerguard. Wood is very fine with minimal handling marks and a hairline crack at the upper tang. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: The James Windy Collection

Cochran Underhammer Percussion Revolving Turret Musket

Lot #3058 (Sale Order 59 of 606)

Prototype Cochran Designed Underhammer Percussion Revolving Turret Musket Attributed to Wilkinson

This impressive revolving turret musket was manufactured c. late 1830s-1840s based on designs patented by John Webster Cochran (1811-1873) of New York City in the U.S. and manufactured by C.B. Allen and also patented through patent agent Moses Poole in the U.K. and manufactured by James Wilkinson & Son. This musket may have been built by the Wilkinson shop as a pattern/prototype piece for consideration by the military and is the only known of its type. It has a block front sight that would also serve as the bayonet stud, a long forearm, and heavy musket style stock with an iron buttplate. The only markings found are the Birmingham proof and "JW" (James Wilkinson presumably) markings on the left side of the barrel and number "27" on the action as well as the underside of the turret and upper stock mortise.

Class: Antique

Fine with gray and brown patina, mild oxidation, and general mild overall wear. The wood is very good with general mild wear including some small slivers absent. The lever latch is weak. The action is mechanically fine. This is an incredibly rare Cochran turret musket. We have never seen another one like it!

William Billinghurst Pill-Primed Revolving Rifle with Case

Lot #3059 (Sale Order 60 of 606)

William Billinghurst Pill-Primed Revolving Rifle with Case

William Billinghurst (1807-1880) of Rochester, New York, was one of the most famous firearms makers of his day and was particularly known for his revolving rifles based on the Miller patent. The barrel is turned down to round for a small section at the muzzle and has a small blade front sight and a notch rear sight and is signed "W. BILLINGHURST" on top at the breech. A partial "ON" marking is visible on the upper right flat at the breech, likely a cut-off "REMINGTON" marking. The seven-shot cylinder is finely serrated for easier grip. The back action lock and action have scroll and border engraving. The smooth walnut forearm has a pewter end cap and a single barrel wedge. The smooth walnut straight grip stock has a brass trigger guard, toe plate, and crescent buttplate. Includes a period wood case with a variety of tools and loading equipment. Ramrod absent.

Class: Antique

Very good with patches of original finish, mostly silver-gray patina, some light pitting, attractively aged patina on the brass furniture, and mild wear. The wood is fine with some small chips and scratches and generally fairly minor wear. Mechanically fine. The case and accessories are very good with moderate age and storage related wear.

G.P. Foster Second Type P.W. Porter Turret Percussion Rifle

Lot #3060 (Sale Order 61 of 606)

Very Scarce G.P. Foster Second Type P.W. Porter Turret Percussion Rifle

Manufactured by G.P. Foster of Taunton, Massachusetts, P.W. Porter's revolving turret rifles showcased a number of impressive features. This Second Type is fitted with an automatic percussion primer and a loading lever and is equipped with left-offset blade front and adjustable notch rear sights. "ADDRESS/P.W. PORTER/NEW=YORK" and "P.W. PORTER'S/PATENT./1851." are stamped on the upper right barrel flat. The turret is numbered "411", while "314" is marked on various other components, including the barrel, frame, and lock plate. The rifle is mounted with a smooth straight wrist stock with a steel crescent buttplate.

Class: Antique

Good with some visible original finish retained on the turret and some of the internal components and otherwise mostly gray patina, some mild pitting, and general mild overall wear. The refinished stock is also good and has some small chips and gaps at the edges of the wrist and minor dings and scratches. Mechanically fine.

H.E. Dimick St. Louis Half-Stock Percussion Target Rifle

Lot #3061 (Sale Order 62 of 606)

H.E. Dimick St. Louis Half-Stock Percussion Target Rifle

Horace E. Dimick was a gunmaker and gun dealer in St. Louis, Missouri, from 1849 into the early 1870s and ran a "Western Emporium" where he sold a variety of goods. "H. E. DIMICK ST. LOUIS" is marked ahead of the elevation adjustable sporting style rear sight. The lock is setup for full-cock only and is unmarked aside from some scroll designs on the hammer. The muzzle is turned down to round for use with a fitted starter (not included), and the rifle also features a dovetailed German silver blade front sight, hole in the upper tang for mounting a peep sight (not included), double set triggers, and a smooth walnut half-stock with a pewter forend cap and iron furniture, including a patchbox and a spurred iron trigger guard.

Class: Antique

Very good as refinished with dark brown patina on the barrel and furniture, silver-gray patina on the lock, replaced hammer and hammer screw, some small flakes at the edges of the stock, and light handling and storage marks. Mechanically fine.

Morgan James Half-Stock Percussion Target Rifle with Scope

Lot #3062 (Sale Order 63 of 606)

Morgan James Half-Stock Percussion Target Rifle with Scope

Morgan James was a well known Gunmaker in the mid-1800s from Utica, New York, and his rifles are often associated with Union sharpshooters during the Civil War. Includes a copy of the article "The Great Rifle Match: Nelson Lewis vs. Morgan James" by Ray Ferriss from Gun Digest showing a similar rifle by James as well as a note listing the bullet diameter as .407, a gang mold measuring .425 (not included), and a bore diameter of .392. This barrel is marked "M. JAMES UTICA NY" on top and is equipped with a false muzzle and a 34 1/8 inch long scope with "D.L. COLLINS/MAKER" marked eye piece. The lock is unmarked and has some scroll patterns. The rifle is equipped with a single set trigger, pewter forend cap, and brass furniture.

Class: Antique

Fine with a mix of fading original finish and brown patina along the barrel and scope tube, silver-gray on the lock, aged patina on the furniture, mild oxidation, and general mild wear. The stock is also fine and has wear by the breech, mild scratches and dings, and some thin cracks, including one running along the underside of the forend. The scope is good but has slightly hazy/dirty optics. The hammer lock-up needs some work.

Browning Bros. W.W. Greener Percussion Double Barrel Shotgun

Lot #3063 (Sale Order 64 of 606)

Historic Browning Brothers Ogden Utah Retailer Marked Early Production Single Digit Serial Number 4 W.W. Greener Double Barrel Percussion Shotgun

This rustic frontier shotgun was produced in 1855 by W.W. Greener and retailed by the Browning Brothers in Ogden, Utah, in the late 19th century. On page 36 of "The Greener Collections" by Graham Greener, he states, "I am often asked if W. Wellington guns and the one he used mainly for wholesale exports to the United States of America." In this case Browning Brothers! The matted rib has a bead front sight, "W.W. GREENER. BIRMINGHAM" maker's mark, and "BROWNING BROS, OGDEN, U.T." retailer mark. The underside of barrels and back of lock plates are both marked "4," also "12/AE/WWG/Birmingham proofs" (see close-ups). The locks are signed "W.W. GREENER". The stock has a smooth forend, brass wedge escutcheons, checkered wrist, and 14 1/2 inch length of pull. In the Spring of 1868, a young John Moses Browning famously repaired an old percussion shotgun, and twelve years later, he and his brothers established their Browning Brothers gunshop in downtown Ogden. While cartridge firearms were widespread by the time they established their gunshop, percussion firearms remained in wide use throughout the late 19th century and hardware and sporting goods dealers continued to stock percussion caps and components for percussion firearms. This shotgun certainly looks like it saw some serious use in the American West where shotguns were depended upon for both putting meat on the table and defense.

Class: Antique

Fair. Solid frontier rustic condition overall with untouched even dark brown and gray patina, moderate oxidation and pitting, moderate to heavy wear, and cracks in the wrist of the once wrapped stock. Mechanically fine.

P.A. Reinhard Ohio Heavy Barrel Underhammer Percussion Rifle

Lot #3064 (Sale Order 65 of 606)

P.A. Reinhard Ohio Heavy Barrel Underhammer Percussion Rifle with Tube Sight, False Muzzle, and Starter

Peter A. Reinhard of Loudonville, Ohio, was a noted gunsmith and rifle maker as shown by this target rifle dated 1873. A very similar target rifle is featured in the article "Peter Reinhard" by his son F.A. Reinhard in the September 1980 bulletin of the Association of Ohio Long Rifle Collectors. The included copy of the "Canal Fulton Ramrod Club News" from July 2001 also discusses Reinhard and that another "slug gun" by Reinhard is in the museum in Loudonville. The current rifle is equipped with an interesting 36 1/8 inch long tube sight and comes with a fitted false muzzle and bullet starter. The heavy barrel is marked "2 2" on the underside at the muzzle, "REMINGTON/CAST STEEL" on the right at the breech, and "P.A. REINHARD LOUDONVILLE/CAST-STEEL/ASHD. CO. O 1873" on top behind the traditional notch rear sight. There are taps on the underside of the barrel for mounting rests/supports. It is mounted with a pistol grip stock and iron buttplate.

Class: Antique

Very good with gray and brown patina, light oxidation, and mild wear. Aside from a loose spliced repair towards the bottom of the wrist, the stock is also very good and has mild scratches and dings. Mechanically fine.

Cased Sharps Pistol-Rifle Serial Number 11

Lot #3065 (Sale Order 66 of 606)

NRA "Ten Best Weapon" Award Winning Rare Cased Sharps Pistol-Rifle Serial Number 11 with Accessories

Manufactured by C. Sharps & Co. of Philadelphia circa 1857-1860, Sharps manufactured only about 600 of these Standard Model pistol-rifles, using the same action as the Sharps Breech-loading single shot pistol. What appears to be the serial number, "11" is stamped on the inside of the breech lever. "C. SHARPS/PATENT/18-52" is stamped on the right side of the receiver below the hammer. "C.SHARPS & CO'S/RIFLE WORKS/PHILA. PA" is roll-stamped in three lines on the left side of the receiver. The pistol-rifle has a brown-finished barrel with dovetail mounted nickel silver front sight blade, tube rear sight and a knurled ring at the muzzle like the Sharps large frame breech-loading pistols. The falling block action is designed for the "mule-ear" cartridge and is fitted with a pellet priming device. The receiver, lever, and hammer have a casehardened finish. The rifle is mounted with a smooth walnut forearm with iron tip and pistol grip stock with iron grip cap, patch box and buttplate. The cap box has a high polish blue finish. The stock and forearm have a varnished high polish finish. The rifle comes in a hinged lid wooden case lined with red felt. The case has six compartments, three of the compartments having wooden lids with bone handles. The case contains a steel .36 caliber single shot pistol bullet mold serial numbered "771", an empty rectangular tin Sharps primer box with a paper label that reads "SHARPS/PATENT PELLETS/OR PRIMERS/Patented June 28. 1853", and a glass container of wax. In addition to the rifle accessories the case contains a patent leather military belt with non-regulation two-piece gold plated eagle and shield/wreath buckle, a British style patent leather primer pouch and a rectangular patent leather Sharps cartridge box containing a cartridge tin with wooden blocks for eighteen loose cartridges and space in the lower portion of the tin for cartridge packets. The belt, cap pouch and cartridge box all fit in compartments. Manufactured in very limited numbers. Sharps pistol-rifles are scarce, unusual, and highly prized by advanced Sharps collectors. The pistol-rifle is accompanied by the original "Certificate of Recognition", (certificate number 9), Annual Meetings Exhibit Weapons Award from the NRA's 89th Annual Meeting held on March 20, 1960 in Washington D.C. The certificate is one of a maximum of ten awarded each year to weapons of outstanding historical value, beauty, or rarity as selected from displays of the NRA's Affiliated Gun Collector Organizations.

Class: Antique

Very fine. The pistol-rifle retains 80% plus original brown finish on the barrel. There is some scattered pitting on the top and right side of the barrel near the muzzle. The case colors on the receiver and lever have faded to a smooth silver gray patina. The percussion nipple and breechblock are free of any flash pitting. The buttcap has a dark patina. The patch box retains 85% of the original bright blue finish with traces of surface rust. The buttplate has light-moderate pitting and with a dark brown patina. The wood is excellent retaining 90% of the high polish piano finish with scattered minor handling marks. The markings are clear. Mechanically fine. The case is fair. The exterior is heavily scratched and the velvet interior is faded and torn. The bullet mold is good. The primer tin is fair, the paper label is torn and discolored but legible. The belt, cap pouch and cartridge box are good to very good and appear to be unused with only storage wear. This is a rare award winning and unique example of a cased Standard Model Sharps pistol-rifle with shooting accessories, military belt, cap pouch, and cartridge box.

Sharps 1874 Mid-Range No. 1 Target Rifle with Factory Letter

Lot #3066 (Sale Order 67 of 606)

Rare and Exceptional Documented Sharps Hartford Model 1874 Mid-Range No. 1 Target Rifle in .44-77 Caliber with Factory Letter

Only 102 Mid-Range No. 1 rifles were manufactured in January 1876 to November 1879, with only 36 of those made at the Hartford factory like this example, and a very small amount with 28 inch barrels. Considering the majority of Mid-Ranges were chambered in .40-70, this example being in .44-77 is considered rare and unusual. Per the included factory letter, this rifle, serial number 155948, was originally invoiced at the Bridgeport factory on June 16, 1876 to Schuyler, Hartley & Graham of New York City as a Model 1874 Mid-Range No. 1 rifle with a 28 inch full octagon barrel in .44 caliber, weight unlisted, and $73 net price. The letter indicates the order on this date consisted of three total Mid-Range No. 1 rifles in .44 caliber with 28 inch barrels, this one with full octagon barrel and the other two with half octagon barrels. According to consignor notes, Richard Labowskie, the writer of the factory letter, indicated the other two guns on the order were serial numbers 156023 and 156028 in .44-77. The lot is also accompanied by a factory letter for serial number 156028, a No. 1 Mid-Range with half octagon barrel, shipped on the same day June 16, 1876 to the same address, as part of the same order although not specified in the included letter. The rifle has a factory original dovetail mounted windage globe front sight with spirit level, "SHARPS RIFLE CO. HARTFORD CONN" markings ahead of the Lawrence patent rear sight, "CALIBRE 44" on top of the breech, "75" on the right of the breech (.44-75 Sharps caliber, aka .44-77), matching full serial number "155948" marked on the upper tang, bottom of the barrel, and inside the forearm channel along with "5948" marked on the interior of the buttplate, with non-matching serial number "156835" on the left of the factory original tang peep sight base, Sharp's patent marking on the left, and fitted with a checkered forend and pistol grip buttstock along with a nickel plated buttplate.

Class: Antique

Exceptionally fine, retains 85% original blue finish with some thinning to a smooth brown patina on the balance, 85% original case colors, with some patches of light surface freckling, 85% original nickel plating on the buttplate with attractive bright patina, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Wood is very fine with defined edges, some scattered dents and light scratches, and a few small nicks in the otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.

W.R.A. Co Inscribed Sharps Borchardt Model 1878 Sporting Rifle

Lot #3067 (Sale Order 68 of 606)

Desirable "W.R.A. Co" Inscribed Sharps Borchardt Model 1878 Sporting Rifle

This is an attractive and desirable example of a Sharps Borchardt Model 1878 sporting rifle chambered for the .40-50 Sharps straight cartridge. The Sharps Rifle Co. manufactured a total of 750 Model 1878 sporting rifles with round barrels between October 1877-October 1881. Most of these saw heavy use on the Western frontier for buffalo hunting, although this example appears to be a special case in that it is period inscribed in fancy scrip with "W.R.A. Co." on the right of the frame, and "W.R.A. Co." and "40/50 Sharps Straight" on top of the barrel. Consignor notes indicate this is a Winchester ammunition test gun. The rifle has a blued 26-inch round barrel that is also marked with its standard markings on top with "OLD RELIABLE" in script followed by "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT, CONN." ahead of the rear sight, and "CAL. 40 1 7/8" on the left of the breech. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the receiver and barrel underneath the forearm. "9779" marked on the rear flat of the forearm. All blue finish on the metal components. The walnut buttstock and forearm are uncheckered and have an oiled finish, with a checkered shotgun style buttplate. The barrel is fitted with a dovetail mounted Lyman beaded blade front sight and folding ladder rear sight.

Class: Antique

Very fine, retaining 95% Winchester applied factory blue finish with some mild corrosion/pitting visible on the rear sight, and crisp inscriptions. The wood is fine as lightly sanded and re-oiled, with some areas slightly undersized around the edges, and otherwise defined figure. Mechanically excellent.

Colt Sheriff's Model 1877 Lightning Revolver

Lot #3068 (Sale Order 69 of 606)

Excellent Documented Acid Etched Panel Colt Sheriff's Model 1877 Lightning Double Action Revolver with Picture Box and Factory Letter

As confirmed by the accompanying factory letter, this stunning Sheriff's Model 1877 DA revolver was shipped on November 5, 1881 to E.J. Murphy (address unavailable) with a 3 1/2 inch barrel in .38 caliber, nickel finish, and hard rubber stocks. This was a single gun shipment. The top of the barrel has the two-line Colt Hartford address. The left side of the barrel has the highly sought after acid etched caliber marking ("COLT D.A. 38"). The left side of the frame has the three-line patent dates marking, and the left side of the trigger guard bow has the caliber designation "38 CAL." Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap, and the matching last three digits on the cylinder. It has the standard round blade front and frame groove rear sights, niter blued small parts, and checkered hard rubber grips with the embossed Rampant Colt logo at the top. Also included is a rare and original Colt Sheriff's Model 1877 Lightning revolver picture box numbered to the gun. Designated for the desirable Sheriff's Model variation of the Colt's Model 1877 (3 1/2 inch barrel), these cloth cover, hinged lid boxes are rarely encountered. The exterior of the lid has the iconic illustrated picture label listing the 3 1/2 inch barrel in .38 caliber. The revolver and box were featured in Marc Gorelick and Tim Prince's article "Thunder & Lightning: Colt M1877 Double Action Revolvers, The Lightning, Thunderer and Rainmaker" for the Virginia Gun Collector's Association.

Class: Antique

Excellent, retaining 98% plus original nickel plating with nearly all of the clear acid etched panel remaining. The small components retain 95% plus original niter blue. The grips are also excellent with a slight chip near the butt (left panel) and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is fine with some staining to the nearly complete picture label. An outstanding documented antique, acid etched panel Colt Sheriff's Model 1877 Lightning revolver with equally impressive original picture box!

Remington Model 1890 Single Action Army Revolver

Lot #3069 (Sale Order 70 of 606)

Exceptional and Desirable Remington Model 1890 Single Action Army Revolver with Rare Blue Finish

Remington only manufactured approximately 2,000 of these Model 1890 Single Action Army revolvers circa 1891-1894. The Model 1890 was the successor to the Model 1875 and 1888 and was also intended to be the competitor of the Colt Single Action Army like its predecessors. Though they were arguably a higher quality revolver than their Colt competitor, their advantage in quality was not enough to overcome Colt's head start in sales and superior marketing. This model is one of the most sought after of all of the Remington produced handguns. Old West lawmen and outlaws alike carried the Model 1890, and today the model is one of the most sought after of all of the Remington produced handguns. Offered here is an exceptional blued example that will be a standout piece in any Remington or Wild West collection. Finding a Model 1890 in outstanding condition is becoming increasingly difficult, especially considering only slightly more than 2,000 were produced and the model saw heavy use on the frontier. The top of the barrel is marked "REMINGTON ARMS CO. ILION, N.Y.," and "44 C.F.W" is marked on the left side of the frame just below the cylinder. The revolver has German silver blade front and frame notch rear sights, a lanyard stud and ring mounted on the butt and checkered hard rubber grips with the "RA" monogram at the tops.

Class: Antique

Extremely fine, retaining 70% original blue finish with smooth brown patina on the balance. The grips are excellent with a few handling marks and a few blemishes in the overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A highly sought after Remington Model 1890 revolver with rare blue finish that will be a standout piece to any Remington or Wild West collection.

Provenance: The Gateway Collection

Cased Allen & Thurber Worcester Percussion Pepperbox

Lot #3070 (Sale Order 71 of 606)

Very Fine Cased Allen & Thurber Worcester Percussion Pepperbox

Legendary gunmaker Ethan Allen's pepperboxes are the most popular and iconic of the pepperbox revolvers. This example was manufactured c. 1847-1856 based on the "ALLEN & THURBER WORCESTER" marking on the barrel group. The hammer is marked "ALLENS PATENT/1845" on the left side. The nipple shield and frame have scroll engraving. The matching serial number is marked on the breech between two of the nipples, inside the trigger guard bow, inside the grips, on the left side of the grip frame, and on the mainspring. It comes in a fitted wood case with a plunger type powder flask, dual cavity round ball/elongated ball mold, key, rod, and balls.

Class: Antique

Very fine with 70% bright original blue finish, smooth gray and brown patina where the finish has faded, strong case colors on the hammer, and minor age and handling related wear. The grips are also very fine and have some light scratches and dings. Mechanically fine. The case and accessories are fine or better with mostly minor age and storage related wear such as the fading on the lining and a cracked divider. Overall, a very high condition cased example of the classic Allen pepperbox.

Antique Engraved E. Remington & Sons Over/Under Derringer

Lot #3071 (Sale Order 72 of 606)

Antique Early Production Engraved E. Remington & Sons Over/Under Derringer

Remington's classic over/under derringers, aka the "Double Derringer" or "Model 95," are undoubtedly among the most iconic pocket pistols of the American West. The design was patented by Dr. William H. Elliot. This early variation was manufactured from 1870 to 1888. It is marked with the two-line "E. REMINGTON & SONS, ILION, N.Y./ELLIOT'S PATENT DECEMBER 12TH 1865" marking on the rib and has an extractor fitted to the left side. There are flourishes of factory floral scroll engraving on the frame and barrels. Matching numbers are present on the underside of the barrel and left side of the frame beneath the grip. It has blade and notch sights, as well as a pair of smooth rosewood grips.

Class: Antique

Very good plus, retains 20% of the original blue finish on the barrel, mostly in sheltered areas, with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina and crisp engraving. The grips are fine with a few scattered light handling marks. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: The TTT Collection

F.C. Taylor Fur Getter Single Shot Trap Gun

Lot #3072 (Sale Order 73 of 606)

Desirable F.C. Taylor Fur Getter Single Shot Trap Gun

Manufactured c. the early 1900s, the basic concept of the Fur Getter is to attract all manner of furry critters right to the muzzle of this contraption through the use of the baited hook, where they meet their demise by attempting to run away with said bait which in turn pulls the hook which is attached to the trigger. One period advertisement states it can kill any animal up to a wolf without causing any damage to the fur. Marked "TAYLOR FUR GETTER./F.C. TAYLOR FUR CO. ST. LOUIS. MO." on the left side of the frame, 1914 patent date on the reverse. It shows standard features and is mounted on a swivel stake/screw for mounting in logs or other game-rich environments. Also includes a stake extension and securing pin.

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

Very fine, the brass mostly bright with an attractively lightly aged patina and the iron components showing mostly a dark grey-brown patina with faint traces of original black enamel. Mechanically needs adjustment.

Pair of Engraved, Silver Plated Remington-Elliot Derringers

Lot #3073 (Sale Order 74 of 606)

Attractive, Cased Pair of Consecutively Serialized, Engraved and Silver Plated Remington-Elliot Vest Pocket Single Shot Derringer Pistols -A) Remington-Elliot Vest Pocket Derringer

Attractive, Cased Pair of Consecutively Serialized, Engraved and Silver Plated Remington-Elliot Vest Pocket Single Shot Derringer Pistols -A) Remington-Elliot Vest Pocket Derringer
Manufactured c. 1867-1888, these pistols are two of only approximately 10,000 of these single shot "Vest Pocket" derringers manufactured by Remington under Elliot's patent. Both of these pistols show fantastic factory floral scroll engraving encompassing the sides of the frames, with geometric and starburst designs on the tops of the frames and back strap. Both have a full silver plated finish with the breech block hammers finished in nitre blue. The barrels on both are fitted with a small bead front sight and have the two-line Remington address and Elliot patent marking. Both are marked with their respective consecutive serial numbers on the bottom of the barrel and the bottom of the frame. They are both fitted with an attractive pair of checkered, antique ivory grips. Includes a custom hardwood case with interior fitted for the two pistols, as well as an included screwdriver, box of U.M.C. .41 RF cartridges, and a cleaning rod.

Manufacture: Remington Arms Inc
Model: Elliot
BBL: 2 1/2 inch part round
Stock:
Gauge: 41 RF
Finish: silver
Grips: antique ivory
Serial Number: 2999
Class: Antique

Condition: Very fine, retains 95% plus of the professionally replated silver finish, showing an attractively aged patina overall, with some light spotting on the grip straps and trigger. The grips are fine with some light handling marks, some darkening of the grooves, and crisp checkering. Hammer slips off safety notch when trigger is pulled; otherwise, mechanically excellent. The relined case is very fine with some minor handling/storage marks.

B) Remington-Elliot Vest Pocket Derringer
See "A".

Manufacture: Remington Arms Inc
Model: Elliot
BBL: 2 1/2 inch part round
Stock:
Gauge: 41 RF
Finish: silver
Grips: antique ivory
Serial Number: 3000
Class: Antique

Condition: Very fine, retains 95% plus of the professionally replated silver finish, which shows an attractively aged patina, some scattered light spotting/flaking on the grip straps, and crisp engraving. The grips are also very fine with only the slightest handling marks, some darkening in the grooves, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: Property of a Distinguished Southern Clergyman

Relief Carved Horse Head Cane with Silver Band

Lot #3074 (Sale Order 75 of 606)

Attractive Highly Detailed Relief Carved Horse Head Cane with Silver Band

Beginning in approximately the 16th century, canes gradually became more popular among the upper echelons of society. This popularity as an affluent accessory reached its zenith around the same time as that of horse racing, often dubbed, "the sport of kings". It is unsurprising therefore, that many canes are found associated with the sport. This piece is a prime example of that, the antique ivory grip having been relief carved in the form of a detailed horse's head with a bridle. The grip is joined to the shaft with a smooth silver band marked "STERLING". The smooth shaft is Malacca finished with a dark varnish and tipped with German silver and iron. It measures 34 inches overall.

Class: Other

Very fine, the grip showing an attractively aged tone and a few hairline age cracks. The silver band has an attractively aged patina. The shaft is very good with some scattered light handling marks and some mild crazing of the varnish.

E.M Reilly Retailed British Cane Air Gun Cased Set

Lot #3075 (Sale Order 76 of 606)

Scarce E.M Reilly Retailed British Cane Air Gun Cased Set

Cane air guns reached the peak of their popularity, primarily in Great Britain, from around the mid-19th century until about the end of World War I. They were primarily curiosities which were sometimes used for informal target shooting or small game hunting, but rarely self-defense, unlike sword canes. This example is believed to have been made by John Blissett, with many very similar examples to this one attributed to him and sold through various British retailers. This example was sold through E.M. Reilly & Co., with the retailer's mark on the tube portion of the pump. The shaft of this example shows a mottled, brushed brown finish that imitates wood and the grip cap is dark horn. The upper and lower portions of the shaft disconnect via a threaded section and the lower half is fitted with blade and notch sights. There is a brass tip/muzzle cover which includes an attached ramrod/cleaning rod when removed. All of the components fit in the included oak case which also includes a ball mold, winding key, and base for the air pump.

Class: Other

Very fine, retains 80% plus of the original brown enamel finish on the shaft with some scattered patches of light flaking/chips and the brass components showing an attractively aged patina. Mechanically untested. The relined case and accessories are good with some mild wear and a few minor chips on the case.

Relief Carved Wolf's Head Cane

Lot #3076 (Sale Order 77 of 606)

Relief Carved Wolf's Head Cane

During the 19th and 20th centuries, canes reached their pinnacle of popularity, becoming a must have accessory for those wishing to publicly proclaim their social and economic status. This cane is quite unique in that it shows an earlier style of art than when it was likely made. The T-shaped antique ivory grip of this cane has been expertly relief carved in the form of a snarling wolf's head, very much in the style of some depicted in medieval chronicles. The grip is joined to the shaft with a nickeled band. The shaft is ebonized and untipped. It measures 35 inches overall.

Class: Other

Fine, the grip showing an attractively aged appearance with some hairline age cracks scattered throughout. The nickeled band is bright. The shaft is very good with an attractive rough-hewn appearance and retaining most of the ebonized finish.

Relief Carved Hunter Cane

Lot #3077 (Sale Order 78 of 606)

Attractive Relief Carved Hunter Cane with "Tiger Striped" Shaft

Popular for centuries beginning in the 1500s, canes reached the pinnacle of their popularity among western cultures, particularly in Western Europe and North America, in the 18th and 19th centuries. Canes became very popular among the wealthy and well respected in society, such as businessmen, lawyers, and doctors. This example has a curved, bulbous grip with a standing hunter with his horn relief carved on the lower front portion. The grip is joined to the shaft with a brass band with floral motifs. The smooth shaft has been finished in a "tiger striped" fashion, somewhat imitating the look of curly maple, and is tipped with brass.

Class: Other

Fair, the grip shows an aged tone overall with a long horizontal crack and some hairline age cracks. The brass shows an attractively aged patina. The shaft is very good with some scattered light handling marks and retaining most of the unique finish.

Smith & Wesson No. 3 Russian Third Model Single Action Revolve

Lot #3078 (Sale Order 79 of 606)

Smith & Wesson No. 3 Russian Third Model Single Action Revolver

The Third Model of the Smith & Wesson No. 3 Russian, also known as the New Model Russian, was manufactured c. 1874-1878. This revolver features the integral blade front sight and one-line legend ending in "RUSSIAN MODEL" on the rib, notch rear sight on the barrel latch, spurred trigger guard, lanyard loop on the butt, "1874" at the heel along with "47352", "47352" written on the back side of the right grip, and "8153" on the barrel, barrel latch, cylinder, and heel under the right grip.

Class: Antique

Excellent with 95% plus untouched original nickel plating, 60% original casehardened finish on the hammer and trigger guard, and minor overall wear. The slightly shrunken grips are very fine with attractive natural color and grain, minor age lines, and general mild wear. Mechanically excellent.

Smith & Wesson .44 Double Action First Model Revolver

Lot #3079 (Sale Order 80 of 606)

Smith & Wesson .44 Double Action First Model Revolver

All frames of the .44 Double Action First Model Revolver were manufactured between 1881 and 1898, but this model was listed in the company catalogs and sold up until 1913. The revolver also has the two-line S&W legend on the rib, gold S&W medallion grips, 1 7/16 inch cylinder, and matching serial numbers on the butt, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch.

Class: Antique

Very fine, retaining 90% original nickel finish showing some muzzle wear and flaking. The trigger guard retains 95% plus original blue finish. The hammer and trigger retain 40% original case colors. The slightly undersized period replacement grips are fine with a few stress lines at the medallion (left side), some handling marks, and attractive color. Mechanically functions fine, although hammer does not always hold in the full cock position.

Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Single Action Revolver

Lot #3080 (Sale Order 81 of 606)

Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Single Action Revolver

In 1878 S&W introduced the New Model No. 3, and it was an instant success. Its design drew on handling and mechanical improvements from its popular predecessors, the American, Russian and Schofield models, and spawned a series of wide ranging variations, including a target model that dominated target competition in the late 19th century. This example has a barrel marked "44 S&W CTG" on the left side. This model rarely had caliber markings. The cylinder is non-matching (34686). The barrel and barrel latch are numbered to the gun.

Class: Antique

Fine, retaining 40% plus original blue finish with a smooth brown-gray patina on the balance. Traces of original case colors remain on the trigger guard. The hammer retains 40% original case colors. The grips are also fine with some minor handling marks and some softened checkering. Mechanically excellent.

Tool Room Smith & Wesson No. 3 Russian Second Model Revolver

Lot #3081 (Sale Order 82 of 606)

In the White Tool Room Smith & Wesson No. 3 Russian Second Model Single Action Revolver Documented to Smith & Wesson Superintendent Charles Alonzo King with Affidavit

This revolver was manufactured c. 1873 and is a Model 3 Russian Second Model or "Old Model Russian" with no markings, front sight, or grips and "in the white" metal. Per the included affidavit from FBI Special Agent John Danaher, this revolver originally belonged to his great grandfather Charles Alonzo King and Danaher received it from his grandfather. King worked with Otis A. Smith producing parts during the Civil War, also worked for Savage Arms Co. and in 1867 became the superintendent at Smith & Wesson and invented and patented the automatic ejector and improved manufacturing capabilities at the company. Rock Island Auction Company sold the patent model for King's U.S. Patent No. 94,003 of August 24, 1869 for the ejection system in June 2020. After working for Smith & Wesson in 1867-1874, King went to work at Parker Brothers where he is noted for making many improvements, receiving thirteen more patents before retiring in 1908 after which his son Walter took over as superintendent. Even in retirement, he remained a consultant up until his death in 1914. In addition to Walter, he also had sons named Charles and Raymond and a daughter named Minnie. "The Meriden Weekly Republican" ran the headline "Sketch of Career [of] Charles A. King...Respected Meriden Citizen Who Died Sunday -Was Leading Figure in the Field of Firearms Manufacture - Invented Many Improvements to Guns" and also noted he was a city council member in Springfield, including as chairman of the police and was also the police commissioner. The Parker factories were closed for his funeral.

Class: Antique

Fine with an even in the white appearance, less polished metal on the grip straps, and generally minimal wear. Mechanically fine.

Provenance: Smith & Wesson Superintendent Charles Alonzo King; FBI Special Agent John Danaher; The Warren T. Lewis Collection; The George Leiper Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Single Action "Sample" Revolver

Lot #3082 (Sale Order 83 of 606)

Rare Highly Desirable and Fantastic Documented U.S. Treasury Department Shipped Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Single Action "Sample" Revolver with Factory Letter

The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with a 6 1/2 inch barrel in .44 S&W Russian when shipped as a sample revolver for the U.S. Treasury Department on March 16, 1881 and delivered to H.F. French of the U.S. Treasury Department, Washington, D.C. At this time, H.F. French was the Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Department. Later the U.S. Treasury Department received at least 10 New Model No. 3s falling in the 17,100 serial number range, which were shipped in 1882 and delivered to U.S. Postmaster Capt. George Cook. The revolver has the two-line barrel rib legend ending with the reissue patent date, nicely figured and checkered walnut original grips and matching serial numbers on the butt, right grip panel, cylinder, barrel and barrel latch. The revolver is listed by serial number as a U.S. Treasury sample gun in Supica and Nahas' "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" on page 106.

Class: Antique

Excellent, retaining nearly 97% original blue finish with speckling of brown on the balance. Nearly all of the original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. The grips are also excellent with some minor handling marks mostly at the butt and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. A superb and historically significant U.S. Treasury Department New Model No. 3 Sample Revolver that is a must have for the serious S&W collector! You will be hard pressed to find a better example!

Exhibition Quality Engraved Colt New Line .38 Revolver

Lot #3083 (Sale Order 84 of 606)

Exceptional Factory Exhibition Quality Engraved Colt New Line .38 Spur Trigger Revolver with Pearl Grips

This revolver was manufactured in 1874, two years before the World's Fair was held in the United States for the first time in celebration of the centennial of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States. Fittingly, the Centennial Exposition was held in Philadelphia. The Fair presented a tremendous advertising opportunity for American arms companies like Colt and Winchester. Both displayed elaborate exhibition arms and took in orders, including for high end deluxe arms. Colt's famous display was perhaps the factory’s most spectacular display in its history, and Colt's smaller pocket revolvers were highly represented given they were just the type of firearms suited to those living in and visiting the bustling late 19th century cities. Though this revolver bears the same level of embellishment as many of the revolvers displayed at the exposition, this specific example is not listed on the Oct. 15, 1877, ledger listing revolvers received by Henry Folsom & Co. from and returned to Colt that were previously part of Colt's famous "wheel" display at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. The display was built in Hartford specifically for the exposition and received a lot of attention both at the World's Fair itself and into the 21st century as collectors eagerly seek out the historic Colts that made up Colt's most famous display. It is shown in multiple publications about Colt firearms, including Wilson's books (for example, see page 172 of "Colt: An American Legend.") Many of the "wheel" revolvers were later loaned to the Henry Folsom Co. of St. Louis and were returned to Colt in October 1877. Though this revolver may not have been part of the "wheel" display at the exposition, the writer believes it was likely a marketing piece supplied to a high end retailer by Colt. The engraving was probably executed by Cuno Helfricht and consists of primarily punch-dot backed intertwining vine scroll and floral engraving and the cylinder is gold plated. It is fitted the standard blade and groove sights, and a pair of smooth grips. The barrel is marked "COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. CO./HARTFORD, CT. U. S. A.", with the top line rolled slightly light. The lower left edge of the frame is marked "38 CAL." Matching serial numbers are on the bottom of the barrel, rear of the cylinder, and left side of the grip frame, which is also marked "E/N" and "P" for "engraved" and "pearl". An included request for factory records on this revolver states that they were not able to locate any shipping information pertaining to this revolver, further reinforcing the writer's belief that this revolver was provided to an affluent retailer for marketing purposes.

Class: Antique

Exceptionally fine, retaining 95% plus of the original nickel finish, 50% of the original gold plating on the cylinder with some mild flaking, and 40% of the original nitre blue with crisp engraving overall. The grips are excellent with only the slightest handling marks. Mechanically excellent.

Black Powder Frame Colt .22 RF Single Action Army Revolver

Lot #3084 (Sale Order 85 of 606)

Documented and Highly Desirable and Rare Black Powder Frame Nickel Plated Colt .22 RF Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter

This Colt Single Action Army revolver has two Colt factory letters dated 1979 and 1985. Both letters describe Single Action serial number "1853" as caliber .22 with 7 1/2-inch barrel, nickel finish and "rubber" grips. Both letters state that this revolver was shipped to the Bandle Arms Co, in Cincinnati, Ohio, on February 21, 1889. These revolvers are in a special serial number block between serial number 1689 and serial number 1892. Surviving .22 RF Single Action revolvers are rare. According to "The Official Records of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver 1873-1895" by Wilkerson and Hoyt, only 19 Colt Single Actions were produced in this configuration in the .44 RF serial number sequence (page 389). This revolver has the distinctive rimfire frame with rectangular firing pin aperture used on .44 RF and .22 RF revolvers and special hammer with rimfire firing pin. The ejector rod has the 'oval' head introduced around 1885. The revolver has a nickel-plated finish with niter blue screws. The two piece, black, hard rubber grips are checkered and have the Rampant Colt trademark in an oval at the top and the Eagle and Shield motif at the bottom. "22 CAL" is stamped on the underside of the barrel and on the left front trigger guard bow. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the Fourth Style address: "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 Colt 'Three-Date/Three-Line' patent dates. The assembly number "184" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. A "C" inspection mark is stamped in the hammer well below the firing pin aperture. The serial number is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap.

Class: Antique

Extremely fine. The revolver retains 75% plus of the untouched original nickel-plated finish. The finish is flaking on the barrel at the muzzle, along the forward edges of the frame and top strap and on the edges of the trigger guard, hammer and loading gate. The nickel plating on the sides of the frame, trigger guard, hammer and back strap has a dull, frosted, finish. Much of the nickel plating on the front and sides of the cylinder has flaked away. The serial numbers and markings remain sharp. The grips are also very fine and have crisp checkering with very sharp Rampant Colt, Eagle and Shield embossing. Mechanically excellent. This is an original, extremely fine documented, example of a nickel-plated, caliber .22 RF Single Action revolver; one of the rarest and most sought after variations of the Colt Single Action Army. Writer believes this to be one of the finest examples of an original .22 Colt SAA we have ever offered!

Colt Single Action Army .44 Rimfire Revolver

Lot #3085 (Sale Order 86 of 606)

Documented One and Only Factory Nickel and Pearl Stocked Antique Black Powder Colt Single Action Army Revolver in Highly Desirable .44 Henry Rimfire with Holster and Factory Letter

Offered here is a highly sought after Colt Single Action Army Revolver chambered for the .44 Rimfire cartridge that is becoming increasing difficult to find no matter the condition. This SAA is one of only 1,863 Colt chambered in .44 Rimfire, making it a highly prized collectible of legendary Colt heritage. Adding to its rarity and desirability is that it is the only .44 Rimfire SAA to leave the Colt factory with nickel finish and pearl grips. Colt introduced its SAA .44 Rimfire series in 1875. These revolvers were serial numbered in their own range from 1 to 1863 and were manufactured for approximately five years. Colt sold most of the .44 RF production to South and Central America due to a limited acceptance on the American market where they saw hard and abusive use. Moreover, the 7 1/2 inch barrel was not well received, and most specimens that have found their way back to the United States generally have a shortened barrel. From about 1888 to 1890 the Colt factory converted 107 of the .44 Rimfire revolvers to .22 Rimfire. Finding a SAA in original 7 1/2 inch barrel, .44 RF configuration in any condition is rarely encountered. Finding the only one in a certain configuration is nearly impossible. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped to A. Baldwin & Co. of New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 29, 1887 and confirms the one-of-a-kind features of a 7 1/2 inch barrel in .44 Rimfire, nickel finish, and pearl grips. This was a single gun shipment. In "The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver, 1873-1895" the authors accounted for only one factory nickel plated, 7 1/2 inch barrel, pearl stocked SAA in .44 Rimfire (page 385 and 386). Their research is recounted in the article "Colt's Single Action Army Revolvers Serial Numbered in the Rim Fire Series" presented in the fall 2000 issue of The Rampant Colt (issue included) on pages 6-12 where this revolver is cited as the only factory example in this configuration on page 9. The revolver has the original and distinctive hammer with rimfire firing pin secured by two pins and a rectangular hammer slot in the frame. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address on top, the frame has the three-line patent dates marking on the left side, and the trigger guard has "44 CAL" stamped on the left side. The ejector rod has a bullseye head. Matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder ("638"), barrel ("638"), and both grip panels (full serial number in pencil). Includes an attractive tooled leather slim Jim holster.

Class: Antique

Very good as a one-of-a-kind Colt SAA displaying a gray patina associated with a well traveled sidearm with 20% original nickel plating remaining in and around the sheltered areas. The grips are fine with slight surface chipping and attractive appearance. Mechanically excellent. The holster is fine. A true rarity in Colt collecting this one and only factory nickel and pearl stocked .44 RF SAA is well deserving of the finest collection. A must have for the serious Colt collector!

Provenance: The TTT Collection

Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target Revolver

Lot #3086 (Sale Order 87 of 606)

Very Fine Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target Single Action Revolver with Case

The New Model 3 dominated target competitions in the late 1800s, and are found in the New Model No. 3 serial number range below 4,333. Of the 4,333 target variations manufactured, only 1,413 were chambered in .38-44 caliber. The revolver is fitted with a Lyman beaded blade front sight, adjustable "U" notch rear sight and checkered walnut grips. The right grip panel is numbered to a different gun. Matching serial numbers are stamped on the butt, cylinder, barrel and barrel latch. The top of the barrel rib is stamped with the one-line Springfield address, and the left side of the barrel is stamped "38-44 S&W CTG" at the breech. It has a blue finish overall with a casehardened hammer and trigger guard. This revolver is chambered in the original Smith & Wesson 38-44 Target (BP) cartridge. Comes with an oak case lined in suede and has room for an extra cylinder (not included).

Class: Antique

Very fine. The revolver retains 85% original blue finish with the balance between smooth gray and brown patinas. 40% original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. The grips are fine showing a few minor dings and scratches and a surface chip in the overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine showing minor handling/storage marks and some high spot wear and discoloration on the lining.

Smith & Wesson .44 Double Action First Model Target Revolver

Lot #3087 (Sale Order 88 of 606)

Smith & Wesson .44 Double Action First Model Target Revolver with Factory Letter

Introduced in 1881. The revolver is fitted with target sights, the original 1 7/16 inch cylinder, and checkered S&W monogram embossed hard rubber grips. The barrel latch is unnumbered. The matching full serial number appears on the butt, right grip panel, cylinder and barrel. The included factory letter states the revolver was shipped on March 18, 1896, to Hartley & Graham Co. of New York City with a 6 inch barrel, target sights, blue finish, and checkered black hard rubber grips. This was a 20 gun shipment.

Class: Antique

Excellent, retaining 95% bright original high polish blue finish with a visible cylinder drag line, and a few scattered small patches of surface oxidation on the balance. The hammer and trigger also retain 95% original case colors. The grips are also excellent with minimal handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. An attractive Smith & Wesson .44 Double Action First Model Target Revolver.

Provenance: The Supica Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Framed Print of L.A. Huffman's "The Mill Iron Rawhide"

Lot #3088 (Sale Order 89 of 606)

Framed Print of L.A. Huffman's "The Mill Iron Rawhide"

L.A. Huffman (1835-1931), an influential and historically important frontier photographer of the American West, documented Montana's cowboys, ranchers, landscape and native populations in their natural states. "The Mill Iron Rawhide," shows early Montana cattle ranching in its heyday. Interspersed cowboys keep a watchful eye on a massive herd. The image was taken circa 1901 and is housed in a 12 inch x14 inch frame with cream matting. Affixed to the back of the frame is a certificate of authenticity from the curator of The Huffman Pictures.

Class: Other

Excellent with minimal storage and handling marks and a distinct image.

Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Colt First Generation Single Action Army Revolver in .32 W.C.F.

Lot #3089 (Sale Order 90 of 606)

Documented Antique Colt First Generation Single Action Army Revolver in .32 W.C.F. with Factory Letter

The Colt Single Action Army revolver is one of the most iconic firearms of the American West, and it, alongside the Winchester Model 1873, are often cited as the "guns that won the West". The .32 W.C.F. caliber was noted for its accuracy and would have been highly regarded on the Frontier by someone concerned with well-placed shots. This example was manufactured in 1897, when much of the West still remained very wild. The standard two-line address is on top of the barrel and the caliber marking is on the left. The two-line patent date marking and circled Rampant Colt are on the left of the frame. Matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The assembly number "568" is marked inside the loading gate. It has standard features and is fitted with a pair of checkered hard rubber grips with Rampant Colts at the tops. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration as well as shipment to Hartley & Graham in New York on 28 November 1897.

Class: Antique

Fine, retains 65% plus of the original nickel finish with the balance having flaked to a smooth grey/brown patina with a few scattered light patches of brown oxidation. The grips are also fine with some mild wear, a few scattered light handling marks, and mostly well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent.

First Generation Colt Single Action Army Revolver

Lot #3090 (Sale Order 91 of 606)

First Generation Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter

The included factory letter states the revolver was shipped on September 16, 1912 to Simmons Hardware Co. of St. Louis, Missouri, with a 4 3/4 inch barrel in .38-40 caliber, blue finish and type of stocks not listed. This was a 20 gun shipment. .38-40 WCF was one of those perfect cartridges for the Western frontier. As explained by Colt SAA expert and author David Brown, "This cartridge, as used in the Colt Single Action, made the revolver a perfect companion-piece for the Winchester .38-40 W.C.F. rifle--just as the .44-40 revolver was a mate for the .44-40 rifle. This bottle-neck .38-40 cartridge made one of the harder-hitting of the handgun loads, and hand-loaders today know that it can be reloaded to near the modern Magnum pressures" ("The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army," page 150). As a .38-40 SAA shipped to St. Louis, the Gateway to the West, it is certainly possible this revolver made it to the frontier. The barrel carries the two-line Hartford address on top and "38 W.C.F." on the left side. The frame has the two-line patent date marking followed by an encircled Rampant Colt. The grips are numbered to another gun. Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap.

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

Very good, displaying the appearance of spending time in a challenging environment with 40% original blue and 20% original case colors (mostly contained in protected areas) remaining. The loosely fitting replacement grips are very good with modified screw escutcheon on the right panel and softened checkering from spending time in the hand. Mechanically needs work as cylinder is out of time, otherwise auction functions properly. An early 20th century Colt SAA with some character!

Colt Bisley Model Single Action Revolver

Lot #3091 (Sale Order 92 of 606)

Very Fine Colt Bisley Model Single Action Revolver in .32 W.C.F.

Manufactured in 1903, this is one of only 13,291 Bisley Model Single Action Army revolvers chambered in .32 W.C.F. These Bisley revolvers were designed by Colt with accuracy and target shooting in mind, making .32 W.C.F. which was known for its accuracy a popular caliber in the model. The top of the barrel is marked with the one-line address while the model and caliber marking are on the left. The left of the frame is marked with the two-line patent dates followed by the circled Rampant Colt. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. It is fitted with blade front and frame-top groove rear sights and a pair of checkered hard rubber grips with Rampant Colts at the tops.

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

Very fine, retaining 90% original blue finish with thinning to brown and high edge wear on the balance. The frame retains half of the mostly silvered out original case colors in the protected areas. The hammer retains 40% original case colors. The grips are excellent with minimal handling marks and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: Property of a Distinguished Southern Clergyman

Colt Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army Revolver

Lot #3092 (Sale Order 93 of 606)

First Generation Colt Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army Revolver

Manufactured in 1906. These Frontier Six Shooter Revolvers were very popular in the American West through the "Wild West" period and into the 20th century due to their ability to be paired with Winchester's lever actions that shared the same caliber. This example displays a "been there, done that" look of an SAA that saw a lifetime of action. The top of the barrel has the standard two-line address and the Frontier Six Shooter marking is on the left. The left side of the frame has the standard two-line patent dates followed by the circled Rampant Colt. The matching serial number is on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap, and matching partial serial number "4406" on the back of both grip panels.

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

Very good plus, retaining 30% original blue finish with a smooth brown-gray patina on the balance and traces of original case colors in the protected areas. The grips are fine with some minor handling marks and some softened checkering. Mechanically excellent. A desirable Colt Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army revolver with authentic "working gun" character.

Provenance: Property of a Distinguished Southern Clergyman

Colt Model 1878 Frontier Six Shooter Double Action Revolver

Lot #3093 (Sale Order 94 of 606)

Desirable Antique Colt Model 1878 Frontier Six Shooter Double Action Revolver

Manufactured in 1893. Though never as popular as their Single Action Army cousins, the Colt Model 1878 revolvers, particularly chambered in .44-40, were highly valued on the Frontier for their rapid firepower and their ability to be easily paired with a Winchester Model 1873 rifle or carbine in the same caliber. According to Colt expert and author Don Wilkerson, Colt manufactured 5,132 blued Model 1878s with a 7 1/2 inch barrel in .44-40 WCF ("Colt's Double Action Revolver, Model of 1878," page 261). The barrel is stamped with the one-line Hartford address and "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER" on the left side. The cylinder is numbered to the gun ("724").

Class: Antique

Very fine, retaining 70% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance along with holster wear and a few scattered patches of pitting. The faded grips are also very fine with minimal handling marks and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: Property of a Distinguished Southern Clergyman

First Year Colt Large Frame Lightning Express Slide Action Rifle

Lot #3094 (Sale Order 95 of 606)

First Year Colt Large Frame Lightning "Express" Slide Action Rifle with Desirable Three Digit Serial Number

The large frame Lightnings are the scarcest group of Colt's slide action rifles; only 6,496 of these were manufactured between 1887-1894. This example was manufactured in the first year and has a Rocky Mountain style German silver blade front sight, elevation adjustable sporting rear sight, standard markings, checkered forearm, and smooth stock.

Class: Antique

Very good with 30% original blue finish, most of the wear concentrated on the upper and lower areas of the action and edges which have smooth gray, dark brown patina on the buttplate, general marks and scratches, some minor scrapes and dings on the sanded and reoiled wood, distinct markings, and crisp checkering. Mechanically functions, but needs adjustment.

Engraved Colt Model 1883 Grade 2 Double Barrel Shotgun

Lot #3095 (Sale Order 96 of 606)

Factory Game Scene Engraved Colt Model 1883 Grade 2 Double Barrel Shotgun with Factory Letter

The accompanying factory letter states the shotgun was shipped on May 26, 1887 to J.P. Lovell Arms Co. of Boston, Massachusetts, with a 26 inch barrel in 12 gauge, blue finish, wood stock, $10.00 worth of factory engraving, and Grade 2 configuration. This was a single gun shipment. Built with browned Damascus steel barrels featuring a single bead sight on the smooth solid rib which bears the Colt address, single band of engraving at the breech, choke constrictions of .008/.021 inches, and chambers measured 2 3/4 inches with single extractor. The barrels are fitted to a casehardened boxlock action displaying a pointer flushing a pair of woodcocks on the left, a setter flushing a pair of quail on the right, a single woodcock on the triggerguard, and stylized "PATENTED" marking on the underside all surrounded by scroll. The gun features double triggers and a tang mounted automatic safety. The gun is mounted with an attractively figured and multi-point checkered splinter forend with engraved fittings and ebony tip inlay along with a round knob pistol grip stock with a blank inscription oval and a factory hard rubber buttplate. Stock measurements: 1 15/16 inch drop at comb; 3 1/2 inch drop at heel; 14 1/4 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs. 7 oz.

Class: Antique

Fine, retaining 90% original brown finish on the barrels with strong Damascus patterns, some traces of original case colors in the protected areas with the balance a fine grey, and minor handling evidence. The refinished wood has a few marks, metal proud of stock, and sharp recut checkering. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: Property of a Distinguished Southern Clergyman

San Francisco Police Marked Colt Lightning Medium Frame Rifle

Lot #3096 (Sale Order 97 of 606)

Fine San Francisco Police Marked Colt Lightning Medium Frame Slide Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1898, this is one of only 401 Colt Lightning slide action rifles purchased by the San Francisco Police Department. These rifles were specially marked and numbered with special serial numbers on the lower tangs. "S.F.P. 31" is marked on this example. The actual Colt production serial numbers ranged from 82088-83998 and are stamped on the tangs beneath the stock, with this example stamped "82996" on both. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address and patent dates, as well as the caliber marking at the breech. The left of the receiver is marked with the iconic Rampant Colt and the special serial number is on the lower tang. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and an elevation adjustable notch rear sight. It is mounted with a smooth slide handle with double line border carving and a straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Class: Antique

Fine, retains 70% plus of the original blue finish and traces of both original case colors on the hammer and niter blue on the loading gate with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina and some scattered patches of light pitting, mostly on top of the receiver/dust cover. There is a vertical rectangular patch of cold blue touch up visible on the right side of the receiver. The wood is very good with some scattered minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent.

Civil War L.D. Nimschke Engraved Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 Army

Lot #3097 (Sale Order 98 of 606)

Civil War Era New York L.D. Nimschke Panel Scene Engraved, Silver and Gold Plated Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 "Old Army" Revolver with Scarce Short Barrel

Manufactured prior to 1864 and featuring a scarce 5 inch barrel (standard length was 6 inches) and profuse New York L.D. Nimschke engraving. The revolver is decorated with wonderful floral scrollwork on a punch dot background. The scrollwork on the side plate surrounds a dog head. The frame and barrel are plated in silver. The remaining surfaces are plated in gold. Matching assembly marks are on the grip frame, cylinder, and barrel. Both grip panels are numbered to the gun.

Class: Antique

Very fine as period restored, retaining 98% of the silver plating, 97% gold on the cylinder and the remaining surfaces, with crisp engraving, The grips have an attractive color and grain on both panels. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: The Dave Burghoff Collection; The Roger Muckerheide Collection; The Sheryl Cheely Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Smith & Wesson .38 Single Action "Mexican Model" Revolver

Lot #3098 (Sale Order 99 of 606)

Rare Smith & Wesson .38 Single Action "Mexican Model" Revolver

Manufactured from 1891 to 1911 with total production of only 2,000 the "Mexican Model" is one of the most highly sought after and least observed antique S&W models. This revolver is in the scarce Mexican Model configuration identified by the spur trigger not integral as part of the frame, no half cock position and flat side hammer. Many of these revolvers were shipped to Mexico, Russia and South America. The barrel rib has the two-line, two block address and patent dates flanking "MODEL of 91." The revolver is fitted with a replacement pinned beaded blade Lyman front sight, a standard notch rear sight on the barrel latch, and desirable red mottled hard rubber S&W grips. Matching serial numbers are on the butt, cylinder, barrel and barrel latch.

Class: Antique

Fine, retaining 60% original blue finish with a smooth gray patina on the balance. Nearly all original case colors remain on the hammer. The grips are also fine with some wear in the checkering. Mechanically excellent. A .38 Single Action "Mexican Model" Revolver is a must have for the serious Smith & Wesson collector and is a model of revolver missing from even the most advanced collections.

Smith & Wesson First Model Second Issue Revolver

Lot #3099 (Sale Order 100 of 606)

Smith & Wesson First Model Second Issue Revolver

Similar in appearance to the First Issue, the Second issue, manufactured between 1860 and 1868, has irregular shaped, flat side plates, not rounded, one line address on top of the solid rib and the three patent dates marked on the unfluted cylinder. Rounded brass front sight and a notched rear sight, casehardened hammer and spur trigger and smooth grips on a square butt.

Class: Antique

Very fine, with 50% of the original blue remains overall with light spotting beginning on the left side of the barrel and cylinder. 95% of the untouched original silver plating remains on the frame. There is half of the original casehardened colors remaining on the hammer, with the remaining area and the trigger now a smooth silver patina. The grips are excellent with scattered very minor dings and dents. Mechanically fine.

Smith & Wesson No. 1 First Issue Second Type Revolver

Lot #3100 (Sale Order 101 of 606)

Early Production Smith & Wesson No. 1 First Issue Second Type Revolver with Early "Bayonet" Latch

Manufactured c. 1857-1858, this is an example of a Second Type Smith & Wesson No. 1 First Issue revolver. These No. 1 First Issue revolvers are considered to be the first successful American metallic cartridge revolver with a bored through cylinder. This example has the distinctive "bayonet" barrel latch visible on the front bottom of the frame and lacks the visible key fastening the recoil plate which was a defining feature of the First Type, while still having the revolving recoil plate. The single line Smith & Wesson address is on top of the barrel rib and matching numbers are present on the toe, barrel lug, and inside both grips. The cylinder has the April 3, 1855 and July 5, 1859 patent dates (faint), making it a replacement 2nd issue component. The distinctive round sideplate of the First Issue No. 1 revolvers is visible on the left of the frame.

Class: Antique

Good, showing a mottled grey-brown patina on the iron with some scattered light pitting, primarily on the cylinder, and the brass showing an attractive antique patina. The dark grips are also good with a repaired vertical crack the length of the right panel and otherwise light handling marks. The hammer only holds at full cock intermittently, otherwise mechanically fine.

Copy of a Smith & Wesson Model Number 1 Second Issue Revolver

Lot #3101 (Sale Order 102 of 606)

British Proofed Copy of a Smith & Wesson Model Number 1 Second Issue Revolver

Although there are no maker markings, Birmingham proofs are stamped on the upper left barrel flat and on the cylinder on each of the seven chambers at the rear. The cylinder locking bar is housed in the top strap, as found on the S&W Model No. 1. Simple double line border engraving is featured on the barrel, frame, back strap and butt. The barrel and cylinder are numbered to the gun. The grips are finely checkered, including the butt.

Class: Antique

Fine, retaining 70% original polished blue finish with the balance a smooth brow-gray patina. The grips are also fine with a tiny chip near the butt (right panel) and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically needs work as the cylinder does not lock properly one of seven times when the hammer is cocked.

New York Engraved Smith & Wesson Model No. 1 3rd Issue Revolver

Lot #3102 (Sale Order 103 of 606)

New York Engraved Smith & Wesson Model No. 1 3rd Issue Revolver

Manufactured from 1868 to 1881. Featuring fine, New York broad floral scrollwork on punch dot background along with diamond pattern on the sides of the barrel, entwining lines on the back strap, and zig-zag lines and cross hatching on the barrel lug. Engraving covers 70% of the surface. Matching assembly marks appear on the grip frame, cylinder, and barrel.

Class: Antique

Fine. The barrel and cylinder retain 95% retailer nickel plating, and the frame retains traces of nickel in the protected areas. The engraving is crisp. The grips are very fine with a few age lines and attractive color. Mechanically needs work as cylinder does not lock properly when the action is cycled.

Pre-World War II Colt Single Action Army Revolver

Lot #3103 (Sale Order 104 of 606)

Exceptional Pre-World War II Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Attractive Carved Pearl Grips and Factory Letter

This Colt Single Action Army revolver was manufactured in 1925. The revolver has the Colt commercial blue finish on the barrel, ejector housing, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The frame, hammer and loading gate are color casehardened. The trigger, frame screws and grip screws have a fire blue finish. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.". The left side of the barrel is roll-stamped with the caliber designation"32 W.C.F." The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt "Three-Date/Two-Line" patent marking followed by the Rampant Colt trademark. The left front trigger guard bow is stamped with the "Triangle/VP" proof mark below a "3" assembler's mark. The assembly number "796" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate and on the right shoulder of the frame. The serial number is stamped on the bottom of the frame and on the right side of the back strap and trigger guard beneath the grips. The partial serial number "75" is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder. The grips are raised relief carved steerhead pearls with ruby eyes that are of the period. All of the visible serial numbers match. The included factory letter states the revolver was shipped to H&D Folsom Arms Co. of New York City on November 21, 1925 with hard rubber stocks, 5 1/2 inch barrel in .32-20 caliber, and blue finish. This was a single gun shipment.

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

Excellent. The revolver retains 98% plus of the bright original blue, vivid color casehardened and fire blue finish. The frame, hammer and loading gate have vivid case colors. There are spots of surface oxidation visible ahead of the ejector rod housing and butt. All of the markings are perfect. Mechanically excellent. The slightly oversized replacement period pearl grips are extremely fine with a small chip on the bottom of the left grip. Mechanically excellent. This is an outstanding example of a 1925 production Colt Single Action Army revolver!

Texas Shipped Colt Single Action Army Revolver

Lot #3104 (Sale Order 105 of 606)

Documented Texas Retailer Wolf & Klar Shipped First Generation Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter

This is a Texas shipped example of the legendary Peacemaker chambered in the iconic .45 LC caliber. The SAA is one of the most iconic firearms of the American west, and it, alongside the Winchester Model 1873, are often cited as the "guns that won the west". The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped on December 17, 1924 to famed Fort Worth, Texas, retailer Wolf & Klar with a 4 3/4 inch barrel in .45 caliber, nickel plating, and type of stocks not listed. This was a five gun shipment. Wolf & Klar was a prominent hardware, jewelry, and gun store that attracted Texas outlaws and lawmen among others. Gunmakers Colt and Smith & Wesson counted the company as one of their biggest customers. Matching serial numbers on frame and both grip straps under the right grip panel.

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

Very fine, as polished bright with minimal handling marks and re-cut markings. The replacement grips are excellent with crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.

Antique Colt Single Action Army Inscribed T.C. Nunn Bryan, Tex.

Lot #3105 (Sale Order 106 of 606)

Historic Factory Soft Shipped New York Engraved Black Powder Colt Single Action Army Revolver Inscribed "T.C. Nunn" and "Bryan Tex." with Pearl Grips and Factory Letter

The factory letter indicates this historic Colt Single Action Army revolver was in .45 caliber with a 4 3/4 inch barrel, "Soft" finish, rubber grips, and no engraving when it was the sole gun of this type shipped to Hartley & Graham in New York City on December 21, 1897. The remarks state: "The word 'soft' which appears with the finish indicates subject revolver was shipped with out final finishing for engraving outside of our factory. In addition it is noted that the revolver was furnished with a light pull." The revolver features essentially full coverage scroll engraving with wavy line accents and beaded backgrounds. The barrel has a blade front sight, the two-line address on top, and "45 COLT" in an oval panel on the left. The frame similarly has the two-line patent marking in an oval panel on the left side. The revolver is finished with silver plating and fitted with attractive pearl grips. The back strap is inscribed "T.C. NUNN" along the back and "BRYAN TEX." on the butt. The serial numbers are matching (the first "4"s are remarked over a "3", presumable a factory correction). Famed Master Engraved Louis D. Nimschke's primary client during his career from c. 1850 until his death in 1904 was Hartley & Graham in New York City, the larges firearms dealer in the country for much of the 19th century.The revolver is accompanied by a silver "SHERIFF/BRAZOS COUNTY" badge with "TEXAS" marked on the points of the central star and a "C. STUBENRAUCH/MANUE'R/SAN ANTONIO TEX" maker's mark dating to c. 1890s (noted as purchased from Paul Sorrell), a copy of "Brazos County History: Rich Past-Bright Future, Honoring the Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986" by the Brazos County Heritage and History Council and Family History Foundation, and a binder of information and research compiled by Greg Lampe. Within the binder is a September 16, 1993, dated notarized letter from Mary K. Fox indicating she inherited this revolver from Thomas M. O'Connor who she worked for. O'Connor's wife Mary Nall was from Bryan, Brazos County, Texas, and was the daughter of M.G. Nall and Mary Pelham Nall. "I believe that M.G. Nall was a brother or very closely related to R.M. Nall who became sheriff of Brazos County, Bryan, Texas in 1904 directly following Sheriff T.C. Nunn, who was the original owner of the Colt 45 and was the Sheriff of Brazos County for two terms, a total of (19) years." Mary Pelham Nall's (1889-1965) husband was Milton Guy Nall (1878-1953), son of Richard Milton Nall (1853-1924) who served as City Marshall of Bryan and Brazos County Sheriff.Sheriff Thomas Claude Nunn (1854-1927) was born in Lexington, Washington County, Texas, and lived in Bryan, Brazos County, Texas. He lived during a rough period in Texas, born into a slave-owning family prior to the Civil War and coming of age during the Reconstruction Era and the period of lawlessness and extra-judicial justice that followed. Prior to being elected sheriff, he worked as a cattle driver and a saloon owner. Nunn had run for sheriff prior to his first successful election on November 4, 1890, and then was re-elected multiple times up and served until November 8, 1904, when R.M. Nall was elected. Nall served until 1908 and was followed by John D. Conlee who served in 1908-1914. In 1914, Nunn was again elected to the office and served until November 5, 1918. "Brazos County History," states "Of the 15 continuous years Sheriff Nunn held office, the last few years of the 19th century proved to be the most trying. However, Sheriff Nunn was to demonstrate to the subjects of Brazos County the reason he was able to maintain his office so long. He was a responsible man. This sheriff obviously cared for all the people of Brazos County and through innovative law enforcement methods sought to carry out the application of the law to the best of his ability." The "to the best of his ability" comment may be a reference to the fact that during his time in office, there were multiple racially charged lynchings in Brazos County. Nunn himself made public statements on the situation at times decrying the lawlessness and at others making supportive statements such as, "I further believe that when the people undertake the law in their own hands, it should be a general uprising by the best citizens of the county, and what they do should be done after great caution and due deliberation in broad open day." In once case in early 1897, he and his deputies attempted to hold the prisoner in face of the mob in an attempt to maintain his authority and ensure proper legal proceedings. He reportedly fired his guns out of the jail and called for military assistance from the governor, but u
more... Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection

British General's Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Revolver

Lot #3106 (Sale Order 107 of 606)

Cased Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 .32-44 Single Action Target Revolver Documented to Decorated Second Boer War and World War I Brigadier General Roland Charles Haig

The New Model 3 dominated target competitions in the late 1800s and are found in the serial number range below 4,333. Of the 4,333 target variations manufactured, 2,930 were chambered in .32-44 caliber. These revolvers were introduced in 1887. The revolver features target sights, two-line barrel rib legend ending with the re-issue patent date, and matching three digit serial number "514" on the butt, right grip panel, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch. "A 403" is finely engraved on the front strap. The British style oak case has an interesting handwritten "Directions for use" on the interior of the lid and the name "C.E. Haig" inscribed on the brass lid disk. Includes a box of UMC .32-44 cartridges. The accompanying letter of provenance on Michael Miller letterhead states that the revolver belonged to Charles Edwin Haig (1849-1917) who "in turn gave it to his son R.C. Haig when he received his commission in the 16th Lancers in 1894. He served in the South African Wars and received the Queens Medal and four clasps [Cape Colony, Orange River Colony, Johannesburg, and Diamond Hill]. During the Great War 1914-1918 he was mentioned in dispatches five times. Received the Distinguished Service Order in 1915...He received that bar to the DSO in 1917 and a second in 1918. In 1917 he was made a brigadier general." The letter erroneously states General Roland Charles Haig was killed in action in 1942. During the Third Battle of the Aisne on May 27, 1918, General Haig's headquarters was heavily gassed and overrun by a German attack. Haig managed to escape, but his injuries from the gas attack forced him to resign his command. He retired from the army in 1923, became an avid golfer, and died at the age of 80 in 1953.

Class: Antique

Very fine, retaining 85% original nickel plating with scattered flaking and smooth gray patina on the balance. 50% of original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. The grips are excellent with minimal handling marks and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with a few stress cracks on the exterior, minor handling/storage marks, and typical high spot wear on the lining. An interesting S&W New Model No. 3 Target Revolver documented to a decorated British general.

Provenance: Charles Edwin Haig; R.C. Haig; Property of a Gentleman

Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target Inscribed to Henry Thwing

Lot #3107 (Sale Order 108 of 606)

Very Fine Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target Single Action Revolver Inscribed "Presented to Henry C. Thwing" with Factory Letter

The included factory letter lists this revolver as shipped on July 23, 1896, to Simmons Hardware Co. in St. Louis, Missouri, with a 6 1/2 inch barrel and blue finish. The revolver has a pinned bead style blade front sight, target rear sight, two-line address and patent marking ending in the 1871 reissue date, matching serial numbers (barrel, latch, cylinder, and butt as well as hand marked in the right grip which has also 2482 cross out). The backstrap inscription "PRESENTED TO HENRY C. THWING." is cut through the finish. Thwing's identity has not been confirmed, but there is a Henry "Hank" Clinton Thwing (1861-1940) of Belleville, Illinois, who was identified as a retired court reporter who had been active in that position for 45 years. The Belleville Daily Advocate's obituary for Thwing indicates that he had been "a soldier of fortune" in the West and Southwest as a young man in Texas, California, and elsewhere prior to returning to Belleville in 1890. Letters to a Henry C. Thwing are footnoted in the book "Pender Harbour Cowboy: The Many Lives of Bernard Sinclair." Henry Clay Thwing (1844-1927) born in Wisconsin was a farmer in Garden Prairie, Iowa, and died in Nebraska and is also a possibility. Includes a tag identifying it as from Jim Supica's collection.

Class: Antique

Fine with 95% original nickel plating remaining, some light speckling, crisp inscription, and light handling and storage marks. The grips are also very fine and have slight aging, crisp checkering, and minimal wear. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: The Supica Collection; Property of a Gentleman

S&W New Model No. 3 Revolver Shoulder Stock

Lot #3108 (Sale Order 109 of 606)

Desirable and Excellent Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Revolver Shoulder Stock with Box

Offered here is a S&W walnut stock extension designed for use with a S&W New Model No. 3 revolver. It has nickel plated attaching hardware and a checkered S&W hard rubber buttplate. Includes a correct and proper S&W box.

Class: Other

Excellent, retaining 99% plus original nickel finish with limited handling marks. Box is also excellent with limited storage and handling marks.

Colt "Sheriff's" Model 1877 Thunderer Ejectorless Revolver

Lot #3109 (Sale Order 110 of 606)

Excellent Colt "Sheriff's" Model 1877 Thunderer Ejectorless Double Action Revolver with Desirable 2 1/2 Inch Barrel Scarce Factory Picture Box

Manufactured in 1903, this is an outstanding example of an ejectorless "Sheriff's Model" variation of the Colt Model 1877 "Thunderer" revolver. Though the nicknames "Rainmaker", "Lightning", and "Thunderer" are all excellent marketing material, they were not names ever actually used by Colt. These nicknames are believed to have been coined by the famous Colt distributors, Benjamin Kittredge, who is also believed to have been responsible for giving the Single Action Army its iconic nickname, "Peacemaker". The Model 1877 was designed by William Mason, who was also one of the designers of the legendary "Peacemaker", and the similarities between the two are undeniable. While not nearly as successful as the Single Action Army from a business standpoint, the Model 1877 was an incredibly important stepping stone towards the double action revolvers that would carry Colt successfully through the 20th century. This example has the standard two-line address on top of the barrel and the "COLT.D.A.41" caliber marking on the left. The three-line patent date marking is on the left of the frame followed by the iconic circled Rampant Colt. The assembly number "492" is marked inside the loading gate. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and backstrap, and both grips appear to have faint, hand marked, matching partial serial numbers. It is fitted with blade front and frame-top groove rear sights, as well as a pair of checkered hard rubber grips with Rampant Colts at the tops. Included with the revolver is a scarce, correctly labeled, factory picture box which features an image of an ejectorless Model 1877 revolver on the lid, with the end having a correct label with an additional partial label added which states "WITHOUT EJECTOR". The box is hand numbered on the bottom to a different gun.

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

Excellent, retains 97% plus of the bright original high polish blue finish, 98% of the vibrant original case colors, and 99% of the original niter blue with some very light edge wear and very little handling evidence. The grips have a series of minor scuffs on the left panel but otherwise are excellent with only the slightest handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is very good with a couple corners of the lid separated, a few small pieces absent from the labels, and mild wear.

Colt Model of 1877 Thunderer Double Action Revolver

Lot #3110 (Sale Order 111 of 606)

Exceptional Colt Model of 1877 Thunderer Double Action Revolver

This Colt Thunderer Model 1877 DA revolver was manufactured in 1897. The revolver has a 4 1/2 inch barrel and the distinctive checkered, hard rubber, birdhead grips. The barrel, cylinder, trigger guard and backstrap have a high polish blue finish. The frame and loading gate are case-hardened. The trigger and top of the hammer are niter blue and the sides of the hammer are bright. The black, hard rubber grips, are finely checkered and have the Rampant Colt trademark in an oval in the upper corners. The top of the barrel is marked "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co/HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A." in two lines. The left side of the barrel is marked "COLT. D.A. 41". The left side of the frame is stamped with the 1871, "73 and "75 patent dates in a three-line format followed by the encircled Rampant Colt trademark. The serial number is located on the front of the frame, the trigger guard, and the backstrap. The partial serial number, "374" is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder.

Class: Antique

Excellent plus. The revolver retains 97% plus of the original blue and casehardened finish. The barrel shows minimal wear and retains the feathered polishing marks on either side of the front sight blade. The blue on the barrel, ejector shroud, cylinder trigger guard and backstrap is nearly all intact and finish loss is limited to traces of edge wear on high points and an extremely minor patch of surface rust on front grip strap. The color casehardened finish on receiver and loading gate is has vivid case colors. The fiery, niter blue, finish on the trigger, screws and top of the hammer is 98% intact. Markings are sharp. The grips are also excellent with minor high spot wear. Mechanically excellent. An outstanding example of a Model 1877 Thunderer DA Revolver.

True Grit Rooster Cogburn Style Waistcoat Marked John Wayne

Lot #3111 (Sale Order 112 of 606)

Iconic Framed Western Costume Co. "True Grit" Rooster Cogburn Style Waistcoat Labeled for Legendary Hollywood Actor John Wayne

Born Marion Robert Morrison in 1907 in Winterset, Iowa, John "The Duke" Wayne needs little introduction. In 1916, Wayne's family moved to southern California, where he spent his childhood and would later attend college at USC. After breaking his collar bone during a bodysurfing incident, Wayne lost his football scholarship at the university, and being unable to pay his tuition, left college. As a favor to USC football coach Howard Jones, Wayne was hired as a prop boy and extra by Tom Mix and John Ford at the Fox Film Corporation. Wayne quickly moved into bit parts, before landing his first starring role in "The Big Trail" in 1930. In 1939, The Duke landed the lead role in "Stagecoach", making him a mainstream Hollywood star, going on to star in 142 films, Wayne cemented his legacy as one of Hollywood's legendary actors. John Wayne remains a household name to this day, having played a starring role in iconic films such as "Flying Leathernecks", "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon", "The Longest Day", "Rio Bravo", "The Alamo", "The Green Berets", "The Comancheros", and "True Grit". The vest offered here is one of those worn by Wayne's character Rooster Cogburn in the films "True Grit" and "Rooster Cogburn". The tag on the inside collar is marked for the Western Costume Co. of Hollywood and is also marked "No.2456-3". Another of the waistcoats, previously sold at auction in October 2011 had a tag marked "No. 2456-2". The tag on both this vest and the one previously sold were also marked "John Wayne #2" and with his chest measurement of 48 1/2. The vest itself is of a tan leather suede with notched lapels and leather drawstrings around the middle. The backing is of a coarse woven linen, and it is lined with a finer linen. There is a steel badge pinned to the left chest which is marked "MARSHAL" and has floral engraving. There is no further documentation included with this piece, but it certainly has every appearance of being a John Wayne costume piece screen worn in either "True Grit", "Rooster Cogburn", or both. The vest is contained in a glass topped display frame which measures approximately 36 3/4 x 31 1/4 x 4 1/2 inches.

Class: Other

Fine, the vest itself shows some mild wear typical of being worn on set for filming with some scattered light age cracking. The label remains crisp and clear. The badge shows an attractively aged patina. The frame is excellent with only the slightest handling/storage evidence. A fantastic display piece for a gun room or office!

Provenance: John Wayne; The Gary Hess Collection; Private Collection

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance Colt Single Action Amy Revolver

Lot #3112 (Sale Order 113 of 606)

Well-Documented Austin, Texas Shipped Antique Colt Black Powder Single Action Army Revolver Later Used by Hollywood Icon Lee Marvin in the Title Role to John Ford's 1962 Western Classic "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" with Factory Letter and Supporting Film Industry Documentation

There is no other handgun that exudes 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. The Peacemaker, as it was nicknamed, has left an indubitable mark on the American zeitgeist through countless appearances in TV and film Westerns. This SAA has bridged the gap between reality and fantasy of the American West. This is an SAA that has lived a true Texas frontier life in the 1880s and later portrayed the Wild West on the silver screen. This SAA was manufactured in 1884 per the Colt website, and certainly shows the character often associated with the “wild west,” having the appearance of a well-used gun in a challenging environment. It is not hard to imagine this SAA in the hand of a wandering cowboy or a Texas gunslinger. Adding credence to this revolver's potential former life, is the fact that the included factory letter lists it as having shipped to J.C. Petmecky of Austin, Texas, on November 21, 1885. This was a six gun shipment. While the SAA is deeply associated with the American West, perhaps no other state personifies the image of the Wild West more than Texas. Along with the shipment information, the letter indicates the revolver left the Colt factory with a 4 ¾ inch barrel in .45 caliber and blue finish along with hard rubber stocks that have since been replaced with walnut. Joseph Carl Petmecky was a major gun supplier in Austin. When he died in 1926 the shop had continuously operated for 74 years. Born in Germany in 1842, Petmecky arrived in New Braunfels, Texas, at the age of three with his family. By age ten his family migrated to Austin and he entered into a gun maker apprenticeship under the teachings of Gil Lambert. The apprenticeship lasted only 4 years and a young Petmecky took over the Lambert shop. During the Civil War Petmecky temporarily closed his business to fight for the Confederacy in the Southwest. His shop an Congress Avenue certainly provided the guns that helped tamed the West and numerous Colt SAAs can be traced through Petmecky’s shop. It was purported that Petmecky made guns for some of Texas’ biggest titans like Sam Houston, Ben McCulloch, Big Foot Wallace, and Sul Ross. When this SAA was shipped to Petmechky’s shop in 1885 the Texas capital had a population at just over 11,000. In 2022, Austin boasted a population of over 974,000 people. In 1885, the American West was in a middle of a series of disputes between farmers and cattleman over land rights that became known as the Fence Cutting Wars. To protect land holdings from migrating farmers, cattlemen erected barbed wire fence around their tracts of land. Settlers viewed the barbed wire as an act against the open range that would not be tolerated and soon took to fence cutting. To deter the fence cutting armed groups were deployed. Violence naturally followed. In Texas the violence was especially fierce. In 1883, Texas alone racked up more the 20 million dollars in damage caused by fence cutters. Shootouts between landowners and fence cutters was common. Fast forward several decades and the revolver found its way to the famed gun provider for the film industry Stembridge Rental Company which was once housed on the Paramount Studio lot in Hollywood, California. Through Stembridge the revolver made several appearances in TV and film westerns including the 1962 critically acclaimed John Ford film “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” starring veteran western actors John Wayne and James Stewart. The film contains one of the best known lines of dialogue to any Western: “This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend.” This line was uttered by the town’s newspaper editor after Stewart’s character admits years later that he, in fact, did not kill Liberty Valance; an attributed act that made Stewart’s character a local hero. The Stembridge Rental Company “S” property marking is stamped on the underside of the frame above the serial number. This SAA’s second life as a movie gun is well-documented in the provided Stembridge production rental sheets. Dated August 31, 1961 the no. 2024 rental sheet clea
more... Provenance: Stembridge Rental Company (“The Man Who Shoot Liberty Valance,” “Bonanza,” “The Last Rebel,” “Wild & Wooly,” “Standing Tall," “Last Ride of the Dalton Gang,” “Mr. Horn,”); Robert Petersen; The Al Frisch Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Black Powder Colt Single Action Army Revolver in .44 S&W

Lot #3113 (Sale Order 114 of 606)

Exceptional Colt Black Powder Frame Single Action Army Revolver with Rare "44 S&W" Caliber Marking

Manufactured in 1895. This revolver is one of the highly desirable 44 Smith & Wesson (44 S&W) marked Colt Single Action Army. Based on research by Colt historian and author David Brown, Colt only manufactured 24 standard frame Single Action Army Revolvers in .44 S&W ("The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army," page 104). Brown noted, "The .44 S&W was more popular in the Flat-top than the Standard Frame design in both the Standard and Bisley Models, so the Standard Frame is the rarest of the caliber." The top of the barrel is marked with the one line address, "44 S&W" on the left side and the left side of the frame is marked with the two line, three patent dates followed by the Rampant Colt. This is unique in that Colt actually did the unthinkable by putting their competitors name on the side of its own revolvers. This was due to the fact that customers desired this caliber for the interchangeability with the Smith & Wesson revolvers. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The loading gate is marked with the assembly number "786". Standard blade front and frame notch rear sights, blue finish with casehardened hammer and frame, and fitted with checkered hard rubber grips with the Rampant Colt in an oval at the top.

Class: Antique

Exceptionally fine. The revolver retains 60% plus bright original high polish blue finish with a crisp, untouched gray patina on the balance. The frame retains 80% original case colors with few high spot areas having faded to a silver gray. The grips have faded to brown and remain fine with a couple small dings on the lower edge and a small area of moderate wear on the otherwise crisp checkering. The markings are clear. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: The Gateway Collection

16 Inch Barreled Colt Single Action Army Revolver

Lot #3114 (Sale Order 115 of 606)

Extremely Well-Documented, Texas Linked Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Extremely Rare Special Order 16 Inch Barrel and Shoulder Stock from the Famed Gaines de Graffenried Collection with Museum Letters of Provenance and Ron Graham Letter

The Colt Single Action Army was one of the most popular handguns in late 19th century and no other firearm exudes the character, grit, and style of the American frontier like the Colt Single Action Army revolver. The legendary Peacemaker has become a beloved collectable, especially those with rare special order features. One of those rare special order features is the factory carbine barrel (10-16 inches). Offered here is a black powder SAA with a 16 inch factory barrel and skeleton shoulder stock deep in Texas history. Perhaps no other state personifies the Wild West like Texas! As a carbine barreled standard frame SAA no. 25922 certainly stands out as a true rarity in Colt collecting. Because of its standard frame no. 25922 is even rarer than the 30 known Buntline Specials Colt built on a flattop target frame found in the 28801-28830 serial number range. Per Colt historian and author Ron Graham, only two 16 inch standard frame SAAs are known (see included letter).The history of the revolver is spelled out in a 1957 notarized letter of provenance from John D. Whitley of Cameron, Texas. Whitley states his father, Major Julius William Whitley, purchased revolver no. 25922 with skeleton shoulder stock in 1885 or 1886. He clearly remembered his father using the revolver and stock on deer hunting trips and had the “sights added later for better accuracy.” A second 1957 notarized letter of provenance gave additional details. A.S. Dodson of Cameron, Texas, purchased the revolver and stock from Major Julius Whitley in 1913. In 1957, T.E. Dodson, whose father was A.S. Dodson, sold it to noted Texas gun collector and museum curator Gaines de Graffenried. The customer draft issued by de Graffenried for the amount of $250.00 to T.E. Dodson is included. This was only partial payment for the revolver as total cost was $500. De Graffenried was an early organizer and exhibitor of gun shows in Waco, Texas, circa 1940s-1950s, was a charter member of the Texas Gun Collectors Association, and was a governor appointed member of the commission to establish the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum at Waco. From 1975 until his death in 1991, de Graffenried served as the curator of exhibits, a non-paying position, at the Texas Ranger Museum. The City of Waco purchased a large portion of this 700 gun collection in 1989 for the museum. The gun has been exhibited at several museums: Amon Carter Museum of Western Art in Fort Worth, Texas (“Frontier Guns,” January 23-April 1964 with museum paperwork included); Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco, Texas; and Frazier History Museum in Louisville, Kentucky. The revolver is pictured on pages 16-17 and identified on page 28 of the Amon Carter Museum catalog for the “Frontier Guns” exhibit. In Roger Conger’s the “Texas Collector: Gaines de Graffenried” the revolver is pictured and identified on pages 28-39. The book recounted de Graffenried’s dogged presentence in getting Dobson to sell the gun. De Graffenried first laid eyes on the revolver in 1936 when it sat in a storefront window in Cameron, Texas, and at the time the owner would not sell. It would be nearly two decades later before de Graffenried had another run in with the gun. The gun was also featured in the cover article to the September 1957 issue of The Gun Report by Roger Conger as well as in an article by Charles Worman in the March 1971 issue of Hobbies. The aforementioned publications accompany the revolver.In his accompanying letter, Colt historian and co-author of “A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver” Ron Graham declared this black powder SAA as an authentic “Buntline” with the exception of the period added sights cited in the aforementioned letter of provenance and replacement cylinder and ejector rod housing. Graham wrote, “This Single Action Colt is fitted with a factory original, sixteen inch barrel! An extensive examination of number 25922, a previous examination of another factory original, 16” barrel, standard frame, 25000 serial number range SA, and with the known provenance of this Colt, it must be concluded that 25922 was factory assembled with it long barrel. There is purportedly no factory shipping record regarding 25922. Research indicates Colts’ gunsmiths probably assembled this revolver during the latter half of 1876. However, completion could have been as late as 1880.” When Graham wrote this letter in 2001 only two
more... Provenance: Major Julius Whitley; A.S. Dodson; T.E. Dodson; The Gaines de Graffenried Collection; Amon Carter Museum of Western Art; Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum; Frazier History Museum; Property of a Gentleman

Colt Single Action Army Revolver

Lot #3115 (Sale Order 116 of 606)

Exceptional Documented Antique Black Powder Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter

The Colt Single Action Army was one of the most popular handguns in late 19th century and is easily the most iconic and most thoroughly associated with the American West. Offered here is a early example of the legendary Peacemaker in .45 LC. In the words of Colt author and expert David Brown, "The Colt Single Action Army .45 was 'the soldier's friend' throughout the remaining years of the Indian Wars in the West. Adopted also with equal enthusiasm by civilians, it was the pet and the 'good right arm' of lawman and outlaw alike on every American frontier of its era" ("The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army," p. 70). The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped to Kennedy & Curtis of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 2, 1890 with a 7 1/2 inch barrel in .45 caliber, blue finish, and type of stocks not listed. This was a single gun shipment. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address on top and "45 COLT" on the left side. The U.S. surplus cylinder has the "DFC" inspector marking. The left side of the frame has the three-line patent dates marking. The assembly number "201" is marked on the loading gate. The barrel is numbered to a different gun: "7411." The matching serial number appears on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap.

Class: Antique

Very fine. The barrel and ejector rod housing retain 70% original blue finish, the cylinder retains 60% original blue finish, and the grip straps retain 70% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance and smooth brown-gray patina on the back strap. The hammer and frame retain 50% original case colors. The grips are excellent with some minor handling marks and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: The TTT Collection

Colt London Sheriff's Model 1877 Lightning Ejectorless Revolver

Lot #3116 (Sale Order 117 of 606)

Antique Colt London Sheriff's Model 1877 Lightning Etched Panel Ejectorless Double Action Revolver

Manufactured in 1878, this is a desirable example of an ejectorless "sheriff's" Model 1877 Lightning revolver with a 3 1/2 inch barrel. A revolver in this configuration as the time would have been very popular for a Londoner to tuck away in a coat pocket for protection from muggings in the rapidly growing urban environments of the late 19th century. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address while the left is marked "COLT D.A. 38" in an acid etched panel. There are London proofs on the lower left of the barrel and each chamber of the cylinder at the rear. The two-line patent date marking is on the left of the frame and "38 CAL" is on the left of the trigger guard. The matching serial number is on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. It is fitted with blade front and groove rear sights, as well as a pair of checkered rosewood grips.

Class: Antique

Very fine, retains 50% of the original blue finish and 75% plus of the original case colors with the balance having thinned to mostly a grey patina, most noticeably on the barrel, and a visible acid etched panel. The grips are fine with some scattered minor dings throughout and mostly crisp checkering. Trigger must be manually reset in double action, otherwise mechanically functions.

Antique Colt Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army Revolver

Lot #3117 (Sale Order 118 of 606)

Exceptional Black Powder Colt Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter

From its inception and beyond its introduction in 1877, the .44-40 W.C.F. Single Action Army was intended to be used in conjunction with another legendary Western icon, the Winchester Model 1873 rifle, which was chambered in the same cartridge. "The .44-40 W.C.F. was added to the list of Colt calibers for use with the popular Winchester rifle of the same caliber," wrote Colt author David Brown. "This combination of a rifle and a six shooter using the same cartridge made it possible for their user to buy only one kind of ammunition, and he could carry 'fodder' for both guns in the same cartridge belt." These revolvers often saw many years of hard use in the unforgiving climate of the Western Frontier, making antique examples in high condition like this one incredibly scarce, eagerly snatched up by serious collectors, and rarely parted with. When this example was made (1893), much of the American West remained very much "wild" and it was shipped to St. Louis, the Gateway to the West. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped on September 29, 1893 to Simmons Hardware Co. of St. Louis, Missouri, with 4 3/4 inch barrel in .44-40 caliber, blue finish, and type of stocks not listed. The shipment was for fifty guns. The top of the barrel has the standard two-line address and the iconic Frontier Six Shooter marking on the left. The left side of the frame has the standard two-line patent dates followed by an encircled Rampant Colt. The matching serial number is on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The assembly number "746" is stamped inside the loading gate.

Class: Antique

Exceptionally fine, retaining 80% plus original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance and holster and edge type wear. The hammer and frame retain 90% plus original case colors. The grips are excellent with left panel sun faded and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. An antique Colt Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army Revolver that displays nicely!

Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection

Lot 5 Custer Battle Attributed US Colt Cavalry Model Revolver

Lot #3118 (Sale Order 119 of 606)

Highly Desirable, Documented, Ainsworth Inspected, and Historic Lot Five 7th Cavalry Custer Battle Era U.S. Cavalry Colt Single Action Army Revolver Attributed as Captured at Little Bighorn with Provenance Letter and John Kopec Gold Seal Authentication Letter as Cited in Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers

In terms of the American Indian Wars in the late 19th century, no battle is as famous as the Battle of the Little Bighorn on June 25-26, 1876, during the Great Sioux War of 1876 (aka the Black Hills War). The "Battle of the Greasy Grass" as it was known to Native Americans, was one of the greatest battlefield victories in Native American history and one of the worst defeats in U.S. history. In the battle, the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho fought off an attack and then pursued and defeated the 7th Cavalry, including destroying Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer's immediate command. Like St. Clair's Defeat during the Northwest Indian War almost a century earlier, the impressive Native American victory did little to slow the tide of western expansion, but it did make legends out of many of the warriors and chiefs that fought that day. By the time the corpses of Custer and his men laid strewn across the plains, Custer was already a very well-known military leader, but his death fighting alongside his command against a superior number of native warriors secured his place in history and has made "Custer's Last Stand" one of the most iconic legends of the American West. As a result, Custer became the most famous U.S. cavalry officer of the Indian Wars, and he and his men have been memorialized in countless works of art and literature. Their defeat shocked the nation.Over the decades, the story of Custer's defeat has been told over and over with varying degrees of accuracy. Much of what happened has been lost to time given no one fighting alongside Custer lived to tell the tale. Instead we have oral histories passed down from Native American warriors who defeated him, reports from surviving members of the 7th Cavalry and the U.S. allied Crow and Arikara scouts that fought elsewhere during the battle, and evidence collected from the battlefield. The basic story is clear. Custer led the 7th Cavalry in an attack on a large combined village of Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapahoes on the Little Bighorn River. He believed the village was smaller and contained at most 800 warriors, but instead, they found it contained around 8,000 Native Americans and as many as 1,800 warriors. The 7th Cavalry had 600 men, and 125 men were with the pack train. Custer took command of five companies (210 men) while two other detachments were led by Captain Frederick Benteen and Major Marcus Reno. After the initial attack, Reno's men retreated, and Custer's command remained separated and was encircled by the Native American warriors. Instead of one last stand as is often depicted, there were multiple attempts by groups of his men to fight. Around 40 of the 210 fighting under Custer died surrounded by hundreds of warriors on the hill where a stone monument stands today. Reno's detachment, supported by Benteen's men, fought on to the south through the night and learned of Custer's death the following day. The whole nation was soon shocked by the news of "Custer's Last Stand." As a result, the military committed additional resources to the effort to "pacify" the "hostile Indians" on the plains, and most were defeated and confined to reservations within a year.Colt Single Action Army revolvers are among the most iconic, collectible, and valuable firearms in American history. They are certainly among the top "blue chips" of gun collecting. Thus, it comes as no surprise that when it comes to the classic U.S. contract "Cavalry Model" Colt Single Action Army revolvers, none are more desirable than those used by the U.S. 7th Cavalry under the command of Custer at the historic battle discussed above. Our current revolver falls within the "prime lot" of Colt Single Action Army revolvers issued to Custer's men prior to that fateful day: the Lot Five revolvers, serial numbers 4500-5504.This historic revolver is accompanied by a 1991 dated letter from Kenneth Leonard, a previous owner of the gun. In the letter Leonard stated he obtained the revolver from Jake Herman, Oglala Sioux Indian (today known as Oglala Lakota Nation) from Pine Ridge, South Dakota, in 1965. Jake Herman was a noted member of Pine Ridge. He had served as a tribal policeman and a tribal council member, and in 1965 he was the tribal historian and curator of the tribal museum at Pine Ridge. As told by Harman, “the gun was captured at the Little Big Horn and had been in his family since that time.” Kenneth Leonard purchased it from Herman in 1965.The revolver was examined by noted
more... Provenance: Jack Herman; The Kenneth Leonard Family; Property of a Gentleman

Black Powder Frame Colt Single Action Army Revolver

Lot #3119 (Sale Order 120 of 606)

Black Powder Frame Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Attractive Steer Head and Interesting Gal Leg Grips with Factory Letter

This is a very attractive example of a Colt Single Action Army Revolver that was manufactured in 1887. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard one-line "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.". The left side of the frame is marked with the three line, three patent dates and the upper left front of the trigger guard is marked "45 CAL". The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap, with the partial number "7824" on the bottom of the barrel under the ejector housing and on the cylinder. Standard blade front and frame notch rear sights and fitted with a one-piece grip with carved steer head on the right side and a unique period incised woman's leg with a garter on the left side. The accompanying factory letter verifies the caliber, barrel length, nickel finish, grips as "Not Listed" and that it was shipped as 1 of 2 to W.C. Hodgkins & Co. New York, N.Y. on March 26, 1887.

Class: Antique

Very fine. The revolver retains 70% original nickel finish with some flaking on the breech end of the barrel and cylinder, some discoloration on the right side of the frame and in the cylinder flutes, and a gray patina on the grip straps. The attractive grip is very fine with numerous age stress lines present on the bottom, some shrinkage and a dark patina. The markings are clear. Mechanically excellent. This is most definitely an Old West Colt SAA with a great deal of character!

Provenance: The Gateway Collection

Colt Sheriff's Model Bisley Single Action Army Revolver

Lot #3120 (Sale Order 121 of 606)

Extremely Rare Documented Pecos City Texas Colt Sheriff's Model Bisley Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter

Offered here is a rarity in Colt collecting: a factory documented Sheriff’s Model Bisley revolver with an ejectorless 4 inch barrel. The ejectorless Colt "Sheriff's Model" Single Action Army Revolver is one of the rarest and most sought after variations of the legendary Peacemaker. In "The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver, 1873-1895" the authors stressed the rarity of the ejectorless SAAs as a whole (barrel lengths ranged from 2 1/2 to 7 1/2 inches in the study) and state that "just under 600 ejectorless Single Action Army revolvers were produced in all calibers from 1882 to the 1930s." A Sheriff’s Model Bisley is especially rare. As noted in the 30th Anniversary Edition of "A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver," "Still rarer than factory engraved Bisleys are the smoothbores and Sheriff's Models... As of this updated revision, there are now nine known original, ejectorless, short barreled Bisley Model revolvers" (page 142). When the aforementioned publication was first published in 1976 the authors had yet to encounter an original Sheriff’s Model Bisley: "We will now review one of the rarest classifications of the ejectorless single actions, the short barreled Bisley Model…The opportunity to examine an original ejectorless Bisley Model has never been afforded" (page 76). In “The Book of Colt Firearms,” Colt historian and author R.L. Wilson asserted, “Less than a dozen Sheriff’s Models were made” (page 265). Total production of the Bisley Model stood at around 44,350 with about 8,500 chambered in .45 LC. This is an extremely rare Bisley variation, indeed! Based on Colt factory serial number ranges this Colt rarity was manufactured in 1904. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was sold to Zimmer Hardware & Implement Co. of Pecos City, Texas, and shipped on October 3, 1911 to Wyeth Hardware & Mfg. Co. of St. Joseph, Missouri, with a 4 inch barrel in 45 caliber, blue finish and type of stocks not listed. This was a two gun shipment. In “The Book of Colt Firearms,” Sheriff’s Model Bisley no. 259336, which is only 63 numbers later than this example, is pictured and cited as having an October 1911 shipping date (page 266). Henry C. Zimmer was the owner of the largest hardware and farm machinery business in Pecos. The success of his business was entirely of his own making as he arrived in Pecos around 1886 with nearly nothing. His parents had arrived in the United States from Germany and he was born in Saint Francis County, Missouri, in 1864, the youngest of nine children. Two of his brothers died for the Confederacy during the Civil War. Zimmer was a member of the Republican Party, served three terms as county commissioner, one term as justice of the peace, and five years as the mayor of Pecos. He worked in the blacksmithing trade before opening his hardware store in 1909. In 1924, he opened a car dealership selling Chevrolets and Buicks. The prosperous Wyeth Hardware & Mfg. Co. provided its customers with the best in sporting goods and automobile supplies and even manufactured a line of saddlery goods. Several decades later the revolver found a home in the famed Dr. Robert G. Cox collection. A prominent Colt collector and Texan, Cox (1922-1988) amassed a far-reaching collection of Colt New Lines. His extensive knowledge on New Lines assisted Robert Q. Sutherland and R.L. Wilson in writing the chapter Colt New Line and House Pistols to their seminal work “The Book of Colt Firearms.” According to accompanying letters, Cox purchased the revolver from Ernest Head of St. Angelo, Texas, in 1975. In one of the letters Head stated the revolver had been in the family since 1913 when his father, who worked for the Robertson Paint Co. in St. Angelo, purchased it from a painter. This Colt did in fact make its way to Texas. Few firearms are more deeply associated with the American West than the Colt Single Action Army and perhaps no other state personifies the image of the Wild West more than Texas. In 1975, Cox paid $500.00 for the Colt. Consignor research is included.The revolver has the distinctive Bisley Model features which include higher frame, humpback grip and back strap, curved hammer with wide knurled spur, wide trigger and two-piece black hard rubber checkered humpback grips. The barrel, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap are blued and the frame, loading gate and hammer are color casehardened. The Rampant Colt medallion is embossed in an oval at the top of the grips. The ejectorless 4 inch barrel has the two-line Hartford address marked on top and “(BISLEY MODEL) 45 COLT” marked on the left side. The left side of the frame has the two-line
more... Provenance: The Ernest Head Family; The Dr. Robert G. Cox Collection; The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection

Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Fluted Cylinder

Lot #3121 (Sale Order 122 of 606)

Documented Colt First Generation Single Action Army Revolver with Scarce Long Fluted Cylinder and Factory Letter

The Colt Single Action Army Revolver is arguably the most iconic American handgun. In the hands of ranchers, cavalrymen, Native Americans, lawmen, and outlaws, the Peacemaker’s legacy was forged out in the hostile American West and continues to gain popularity among today's collectors. Offered here is a very attractive example of the legendary Peacemaker chambered in the iconic .45 LC caliber with scarce factory documented long fluted cylinder. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped on June 13, 1914 to Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co. of Chicago, Illinois, c/o William a. Groth & Sons with a 7 1/2 inch barrel in .45 caliber, blue finish, and stocks not listed. This was a single shipment. The letter also noted that the revolver was shipped out with the long fluted cylinder. The double action long flute cylinders are rare as Colt only assembled 579 single action revolvers in 1914 (1,478 total from 1913-1915) utilizing surplus cylinders from the Model 1878 revolvers per Graham, Kopec, and Moore on page 156 of "A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver". SAAs with the long fluted cylinder are rare and even rarer in high condition. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address on top and "45 COLT" on the left side. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates followed by a Rampant Colt, and the left side of the trigger guard has the Colt factory triangle proof and the number "1." The grips are numbered to another gun. The matching serial number appears on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. Matching assembly number appears on the loading gate and rear of the frame.

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

Very fine. The barrel and ejector rod housing retain 80% plus original blue finish with holster type wear and some minor chemical spotting on the left side of the barrel. The cylinder retains 70% original blue finish with high edge wear and drag lines. The grip straps retain 60% original blue finish with a smooth brown-gray patina on the balance. The hammer and frame retain 70% original case colors. The replacement grips are very good with softened checkering. Mechanically excellent. A Colt SAA revolver with scarce long fluted cylinder that displays nicely.

Colt London Agency Model 1878 Frontier Revolver

Lot #3122 (Sale Order 123 of 606)

Exceptional Colt London Agency Model 1878 Double Action Frontier Revolver in Very Scarce .44 Russian Caliber with Factory Letter

The included Colt factory letter states this revolver was shipped from Colt's Hartford factory to the Colt London Agency on February 3, 1887. The revolver has the high polish commercial blue finish with niter blue trigger, hammer top and screws. The butt is fitted with a lanyard loop. Grips are black checkered hard rubber with the Rampant Colt trademark in an oval at the top. The top of the barrel is marked: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." in one line. The left side of the barrel is not marked with the caliber designation. The underside of the barrel is marked with the bore diameter "44" and "44 Cal" is stamped on the left front trigger guard bow. The Colt factory letter lists the caliber of the revolver as "44 Russian". The serial number is located on the front of the grip strap ahead of the lanyard loop. The partial serial number, "413" is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder. An assembly number, "22", is stamped on the loading gate. Although the factory letter lists the revolver as being shipped to the Colt London Agency the revolver is not stamped with the usual British proof and view marks. The markings are identical to standard production M1878 DA Revolvers.

Class: Antique

Exceptionally fine. The revolver retains 80% plus of the bright original high polish blue finish. There is moderate finish loss on the top strap and light-moderate finish loss on the ejector shroud, barrel muzzle, back strap and the sides of the receiver. The cylinder has moderate finish wear with a brown patina. The grips show light handling wear and remain in excellent condition. All markings are sharp. Mechanically excellent. A very scarce example of high condition .44 Russian caliber Colt M1878 Revolver.

Battle of Britain Colt Single Action Army Revolver

Lot #3123 (Sale Order 124 of 606)

Outstanding Historic Documented World War II "Battle of Britain" First Generation Colt Single Action Army Revolver

This Colt Single Action Army revolver was manufactured in 1940, the last year of production for the SAA revolver, and shipped to the United Kingdom. This revolver was part of an order for 163 SAA revolvers by the British Purchasing Commission that was shipped from Colt on June 18, 1940. The revolvers were ordered by the British as an emergency replacement for small arms lost by the British Expeditionary Force during the evacuation from Dunkirk in May 1940. The "Battle of Britain" revolvers were the last Colt SAA revolvers ordered under a military contract. This revolver is identified by serial number as a "Battle of Britain" SAA in "A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver" on page 182.The revolver has a commercial blue finish on the barrel, cylinder, trigger guard and backstrap. The frame and loading gate have a casehardened finish and the trigger and hammer are blued. The sides of the hammer are polished. The revolver is fitted with two-piece, black checkered hard rubber grips with the Rampant Colt trademark in an oval at the top. The left shoulder of the back strap is stamped with the British Government "Broad Arrow" property mark above a "Crown/E4/E" Enfield inspection mark. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the address "COLTS PT.F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." in one line and the left side is roll-stamped "COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45". The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt three-date in two-line patent markings followed by the Rampant Colt trademark. The left front trigger guard bow is stamped with a "4" assembler's mark above the Colt "VP/Triangle" proofmark. An "F" inspection mark is stamped in the hammer well above the firing pin hole. The inside of the loading gate is stamped with the assembly number "870". The full serial number is stamped on the bottom of the frame in front of the trigger guard and the partial serial number "43" is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder. This revolver has the distinction of being one of the last SAA revolvers manufactured by Colt before production ceased in 1940 as well as being one of the very historic "Battle of Britain" revolvers purchased the British for a last-ditch defense when faced with the imminent threat from a German invasion in the summer of 1940.

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

Excellent plus. The revolver retains 99% of the original blue and vivid original casehardened finish. The barrel, cylinder, trigger guard and backstrap show only light handling marks. The cylinder has minimal turn marks. The case colors on the frame and loading gate are vivid. The hammer, trigger and screws retain nearly all of the niter blue finish. All of the markings are crisp. The hard rubber grips have faded slightly but remain in near mint condition. Mechanically excellent. This is an outstanding example of a historic documented "Battle of Britain" Colt SAA revolver in nearly new condition.

Provenance: The TTT Collection

101 Ranch Pair of Factory Engraved Colt Single Action Revolvers

Lot #3124 (Sale Order 125 of 606)

Rare Historic 101 Ranch Associated Documented Pair of Factory Engraved Silver Plated First Generation Colt Single Action Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army Revolvers with Relief Carved Steer Head Grips and Factory Letter –A) Colt Single Action Frontier Six Shooter Action Army Revolver

Rare Historic 101 Ranch Associated Documented Pair of Factory Engraved Silver Plated First Generation Colt Single Action Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army Revolvers with Relief Carved Steer Head Grips and Factory Letter –A) Colt Single Action Frontier Six Shooter Action Army Revolver
Factory engraved Colt Single Action Army revolvers are among the most desirable of all American firearms. The Single Action Army itself is arguably the most iconic handgun in history, and 357,800 were manufactured prior to World War II. However, though many of the most famous SAAs were engraved, using the most liberal statistics, only 4,500 pre-war Colt Single Action Army revolvers were factory engraved. Rock Island Auction Company is extremely proud to present Colt SAA nos. 350108 and 350181. These two revolvers were shipped from the factory on the same order and are an identical factory engraved pair with shipping history that link these grand works of Colt artistry to America’s Wild West heritage. To our knowledge this is the first time these historically significant revolvers have been offered as a pair at public auction.The accompanying factory letter is for both revolvers, proving without a doubt these two Colt masterpieces were part of the same two gun shipment. The letter states the revolvers were shipped on October 18, 1926 to Richards & Conover Hardware Co. with locations in Kansas City, Missouri and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and confirms the 4 ¾ inch barrels in .44-40 caliber, silver plating, grip material, carved steer head motif on the grip, and level 2 factory engraving. These two revolvers were the only guns in the shipment. Customers of Richards & Conover Hardware Co. included the Miller brothers of the famed 101 Ranch in Oklahoma. The 101 Ranch was founded in 1893 by Colonel George Washington Miller, a veteran of the Confederate Army, and after his death the operation was taken over by his three sons, Joseph, George Jr. and Zack. It was located near modern day Ponca City, Oklahoma, encompassed over 110,000 acres, was the birthplace of the 101 Ranch "Wild West Show," and was one of the early focal points of the oil rush in northeastern Oklahoma. It was the largest diversified farm and ranch in America at the time. The 101 earned most of its notoriety from its Wild West shows that it ran from 1905 to 1932 with an interruption during the First World War. Among their talented participants were the likes of Geronimo, Tom Mix, Will Rogers, Bill Picket, and the Chilean sharpshooter and trick shot horseman Carlos Chavez. Due to financial difficulties the 101 Ranch closed in 1939.The Miller brothers ordered merchandise for their store from Richards & Conover located in Oklahoma City. The 101 Ranch store is pictured in the photo section presented in Michael Wallis’ “The Real Wild West” (book included). In this same book is a photo of 101 Ranch gunsmith Glenn “Ammunition Shorty” Kischko. Kischko is surrounded by an assortment of 101 Ranch firearms including deluxe finished ivory handled Colt Six Shooters. Perhaps this pair made it into the photo. Kischko was the 101 Ranch gunsmith until 1926, the same year this engraved set was shipped from Colt. The photo of Kischko is also featured on the cover and page 91 of George E. Virgines’ “Famous Guns and Gunners” (copy included). In the 1930s the last surviving Miller brother, Zack, filed for bankruptcy, and the 101 Ranch assets were seized and auctioned off. It was at this time that these revolvers were likely separated. In 2018 our consignor reunited the pistols. Prior to 2018 gun “B” (no. 350181) was previously owned by Rafael Cruz. Our consignor purchased gun “A” (no. 350108) in 2012.The .44-40 WCF SAA has found a special place in the hearts of Peacemaker collectors. When introduced in 1877, the .44-40 WCF SAA was intended to be used in conjunction with another legendary Western icon, the Winchester Model 1873 Rifle, which used the same cartridge. As factory engraved examples, these Frontier Six Shooters are certainly one of the rarer and more highly sought after SAAs. In the chapter devoted to engraved SAAs in the seminal work “A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver” the authors laid out statistics that without a doubt make factory engraved SAAs a true rarity in Colt collecting. Out of the engraved 1st Generations surveyed approximately 15% were chambered in .44 WCF (the vast majority, 65%, where in .45 caliber). .44-40 WCF was also a frequently used caliber featured in the 101 Ranch shows. This chambering fired blank cartridges and shot
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Framed "American Horses Camp at Cheyenne Reservation" Print

Lot #3125 (Sale Order 126 of 606)

Framed Unsigned "American Horses Camp at Cheyenne Reservation" Print

L.A. Huffman (1835-1931), an immensely influential and historically important frontier photographer of the American West, documented Montana's cowboys, ranchers, landscapes and native populations in their natural states. "View of Camp of Cheyenne Chief, American Horse," was taken circa 1889 and is housed in a 26 1/4 inches by 30 3/8 inch frame with double gold borders. The print portrays the view of Chief American Horse's camp with teepees on the vast, grass-covered, American prairie with accompanying horses in the background. Chief American Horse was a well-respected scout in the United States Army and the son of the famed Sitting Bear. American Horse signed a treaty in 1887 and led the delegation to Washington, D.C in 1891. He was proponent of creating positive relations between whites and the natives, and helped with the founding of the Carlisle School in Pennsylvania. The work is unsigned and on the back of the frame is marked "American Horse's Camp/at Cheyenne Reservation"

Class: Other

Very fine with some light handling marks on the frame and a clear image with a small stain in the lower right corner.

Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Presentation U.S. Marshals Badge Inscribed to James Fagan

Lot #3126 (Sale Order 127 of 606)

Historic Presentation 1875 Dated Diamond Studded 14K Gold U.S. Marshals Badge Inscribed to U.S. Marshal James Fagan

Offered here is a historic 14k gold presentation United States Marshal badge with seven diamonds. The presentation inscription on the back reads, "PRESENTED BY/WIFE AND FRIENDS TO/JIM FAGAN/FT. SMITH ARK./1875." Comes in a period velvet lined presentation case. During the Civil War, James Fagan (1828-1893) was a major general in the Confederate Army. His brigade composed of Arkansas regiments played key roles in the Battle of Helena, the successful defense of Little Rock and the Red River campaign of 1864. For his exemplary service in the Red River campaign that helped to drive Union forces out of southern Arkansas, he was promoted to major general in April 1864 and commanded an Arkansas cavalry division that met its demise during Price's Raid into Missouri and the Battle of Mine Creek. At war's end Fagan was commander of the District of Arkansas. Fagan served as the commander of Joseph Brooks' militia during the Brooks-Baxter War of Arkansas in 1874, an armed conflict in Little Rock between factions of the Republican Party disputing the 1872 gubernatorial election. He was appointed U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Arkansas by President Ulysses S. Grant on July 2, 1874, no more than a year before the badge was presented to him. Fagan's career as a Marshal at Fort Smith coincided with the famed tenure of "Hanging Judge" Isaac Parker. Judge Parker served for two terms as a U.S. Congressman for Missouri's 7th congressional district (1871-1875) and served on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas from Fort Smith for the next 21 years. He went by the moniker the "Hanging Judge." During his 21 years on the bench, Judge Parker tried 13,490 cases of which 344 were capital crimes. He sentenced 160 men to death by hanging (79 actually hanged for their crimes; the remaining died in jail, appealed or were pardoned). Fagan is known to have read at least six felons their death warrants. Speaking to Fagan's merits as a Marshal, the Oklahoma Star "ventur[ed] to say that nine-tenths of [us] would rather see him in the position than any man that could be appointed." The Marshals office for the Western District of Arkansas was, as the Star proclaimed, "the most vital importance to us. In fact we are dependent solely upon it for the preservation of our lives and our property."

Class: Other

Exceptionally fine overall with all diamonds secured in their fittings and clear inscription. The case is very fine showing scattered wear on both the interior and exterior. A unique piece of American history!

New York Engraved .44 Rimfire Antique Colt Single Action Army

Lot #3127 (Sale Order 128 of 606)

New York Engraved Antique Black Power Colt Single Action Army Revolver Converted from .44 Rimfire with Factory Letter

The included factory letter lists this revolver in .44 Rimfire with a 7 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, and wood grips when part of a 50 gun shipment to Schuyler, Hartley & Graham in New York City on November 30, 1877. This revolver is one of only 1,863 Colt chambered in .44 Rimfire, and surviving examples are very scarce. This revolver is especially interesting as it was subsequently period shortened to a 5 1/2 inch barrel, engraved, fitted with a deluxe grip, and converted to centerfire. The engraving may have been engraved by legendary New York based master engraver L.D. Nimschke and is primarily classic American scrollwork with beaded backgrounds and also includes checkerboard and dot patterns, "Nimschke stars", and line and dot accents. The barrel has a blade front sight and the one-line "-COLTS PT. F.A. MFG. Co HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.-" address. The frame has the two-line 1871 and 1872 patent marking on the left, and the left side of the trigger guard at the rear has "44 CAL" in an oval panel. The loading gate has assembly number "450", and the matching serial number "853" is visible on the frame, trigger guard, and butt.

Class: Antique

Very good as period retailer engraved with 50% nickel plating remaining, smooth dark gray and brown patina on the balance, distinct engraving and markings, a replacement custom engraved cylinder converted to centerfire, and general moderate overall wear suggesting real period use. The grip is also very good and has attractive aged patina, numerous small age lines, and minor wear. Mechanically fine.

Factory Engraved Colt Sheriff's Model 1877 Lightning Revolver

Lot #3128 (Sale Order 129 of 606)

Documented Factory Engraved Antique Colt Sheriff's Model 1877 Lightning Double Action Revolver with Factory Letter

Factory engraved Colt Model 1877 Lightning revolvers are a rarity. According to Colt historian R.L. Wilson, "factory records indicate approximately 250 Lightnings in .38 caliber [were engraved]" and "their usual finish was nickel plating." The included factory letter confirms the 3 1/2 inch barrel in .38 caliber, nickel finish, engraving, and grip material and states the revolver was shipped on August 18, 1879, to famed B. Kittredge & Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio. This was a six gun shipment. The engraving consists of floral scroll work on a stippled background along with flourishes of various motifs such as entwining lines and cross hatching. The barrel has the two-line Hartford address on top and the highly desirable acid etched "COLT DA 38" panel on the left side. The left side of the frame has the patent date marking (very faint). "38 CAL" is stamped on the left side of the trigger guard.

Class: Antique

Fine, retaining 60% original nickel plating with a smooth gray patina on the balance. The etched panel is faint. The engraving is crisp. The slightly age shrunken period replacement grips are also fine some handling marks and attractive grain and color. Mechanically excellent. A rarity in Colt collecting, this factory engraved Sheriff's Model 1877 Lightning revolver will be a welcome addition to even the most advanced collections.

Browning Bros. "Bull's Head Mexican Loop" Holster Rig

Lot #3129 (Sale Order 130 of 606)

Desirable Browning Bros., Ogden, Utah "Bull's Head Mexican Loop" Holster with Cartridge Belt for a Colt Single Action Army Revolver

Manufactured in the late 1800s to early 1900s, this is a desirable example of a "Bull's Head Mexican Loop" holster from the famous Ogden, Utah, shop of John Moses and Matthew Sandefur Browning. The Browning Brothers, particularly John Moses, were made famous by their various legendary firearms designs including multiple Winchester lever actions and Colt automatics. This holster shows the clear Browning Brothers cartouche and the popular bull's head design on the large retention loop, a design which began gaining popularity in the 1890s. The loop, body, and apron of the holster have some period-added brass tacks, a popular form of extra decoration during the period of use. The toe also appears to show period modification with part of the seam being opened, possibly for drainage. The holster will accommodate a 4 3/4 inch barreled Colt Single Action Army. Includes an unmarked cartridge belt that has a single row of cartridge loops for .44 or .45 caliber cartridges and a nickeled buckle. The belt is 1 5/8 inches wide and approximately 40 1/4 inches long.

Class: Other

Good, the holster showing some moderate wear and interesting period modifications (see above). The belt is also fine with moderate wear, some scattered scuffing, and age-related cracking. A desirable Browning Bros. holster rig that has the look of having spent time on the Frontier!

Presentation Pre-War/Post-War Colt Single Action Army Revolver

Lot #3130 (Sale Order 131 of 606)

Magnificent Well-Documented Presentation Pre-War/Post-War Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Original Box, Factory Letter, and John Kopec Letter

Colt "Pre-War/Post-War" Single Action Army revolvers are highly prized among collectors. In 1948, this exceptional example was was presented by Colt Vice President Benjamin Conner to a U.S. Ordnance Department official. According to "Colt's Single Action Army Revolver Pre-War/Post-War Model" by Don Wilkerson, there were only 338 pre-World War II manufactured Colt Single Action revolvers assembled after World War II, which comprise the group of revolvers referred to as Pre-War/Post-War by collectors (page 19). This revolver is one of only 162 produced in this configuration and one of only 41 Pre-War/Post-War Models presented or gifted by the Colt factory in 1948 (page 35). The revolver is well documented as one of two SAAs Colt Vice President Benjamin Conner presented to two U.S. Ordnance Department officials. See the following lot for the other revolver. The factory letter confirms the revolver was charged to “Arms Selling Expense”, delivered to Vice President Benjamin Conner at the Hartford factory, and was for U.S. Ordnance Department officials Major Forsythe or William Bonkmeyer. This was a two gun shipment dated May 26, 1948 with the revolver configuration listed as a 5 ½ inch barrel in .38 caliber with finish and type of stocks not listed. Additional confirmation comes from the included scan of the original stock order for both guns. This stock order also confirms the barrel length, caliber, and charge to Arms Selling Expense as well as Major Forsythe and Mr. William Bonkmeyer of the Ordnance Department as the recipients of the two SAAs. In his accompanying 1978 dated letter (copy) noted Colt historian and author John Kopec provided additional details concerning the two SAAs: “The revolver #357,605 was given to William Bonkmeyer (sic) and #357,411 was presented to Major Forsythe…They are indeed a very interesting and significant pair…” These two SAAs are referenced in “A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver” on page 189. This Pre-War/Post War SAA is certainly a well-documented piece of Colt history and a rare opportunity to acquire two historical presentation Colts on the same factory order! The barrel is marked with the one-line Hartford address on top and "COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY 38 SPECIAL" on the left side. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking followed by a Rampant Colt. The left side of the trigger guard has the Colt factory triangle proof and "F," indicating it was assembled by Colt Master Gunsmith Harry St. John. The matching assembly number “161” appears on the loading gate and rear of the frame. The matching full serial number appears on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, and both grip panels. The matching partial serial number “11” is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder. The original Colt box is numbered to the gun. Also includes a bore brush.

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

Excellent plus, retaining 99% plus original blue and vivid case colors with very limited handling marks. The grips are near new with crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is very fine. An, outstanding, highly sought after, well-documented presentation Pre-War/Post War Colt SAA worthy of the finest collection

Presentation Pre-War/Post-War Colt Single Action Army Revolver

Lot #3131 (Sale Order 132 of 606)

Outstanding Well-Documented Presentation Pre-War/Post-War Colt Single Action Army Revolver as Pictured in A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Original Box, Original Stock Order, Factory Letter, and John Kopec Letter

This highly sought after Colt "Pre-War/Post-War" Single Action Army revolver was assembled after World War II using pre-war manufactured parts, and in 1948 was presented by Colt Vice President Benjamin Conner to a U.S. Ordnance Department official. According to "Colt's Single Action Army Revolver Pre-War/Post-War Model" by Don Wilkerson, there were only 338 pre-World War II manufactured Colt Single Action revolvers assembled after World War II, which comprise the group of revolvers referred to as Pre-War/Post-War by collectors (page 19). This revolver is one of only 162 produced in this configuration and one of only 41 Pre-War/Post-War Models presented or gifted by the Colt factory in 1948 (page 35). The revolver is well documented as one of two SAAs Colt Vice President Benjamin Conner presented to two U.S. Ordnance Department officials. See the previous lot for the other revolver. The factory letter confirms the revolver was charged to “Arms Selling Expense”, delivered to Vice President Benjamin Conner at the Hartford factory, and was for U.S. Ordnance Department officials Major Forsythe or William Bonkmeyer. This was a two gun shipment dated May 26, 1948 with the revolver configuration listed as a 5 ½ inch barrel in .38 caliber with finish and type of stocks not listed. Additional confirmation comes from the included and rare original stock order for both guns. This original stock order also confirms the barrel length, caliber, and charge to Arms Selling Expense as well as Major Forsythe and Mr. William Bonkmeyer of the Ordnance Department as the recipients of the two SAAs. In his accompanying 1978 dated letter noted Colt historian and author John Kopec provided additional details concerning the two SAAs: “The revolver #357,605 was given to William Bonkmeyer (sic) and #357,411 was presented to Major Forsythe…They are indeed a very interesting and significant pair…” These two SAAs are referenced in “A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver” on page 189 with this revolver, no. 357605, pictured. This Pre-War/Post War SAA is certainly a well-documented piece of Colt history and a rare opportunity to acquire two historical presentation Colts on the same factory order! The barrel is marked with the one-line Hartford address on top and "COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY 38 SPECIAL" on the left side. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking followed by a Rampant Colt. The left side of the trigger guard has the Colt factory triangle proof and "F," indicating it was assembled by Colt Master Gunsmith Harry St. John. The matching assembly number “322” appears on the loading gate and rear of the frame. The matching full serial number appears on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The matching partial serial number “05” is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder. The original Colt box is numbered to the gun. Also includes the original test target and bore brush.

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

Excellent plus, retaining 99% plus original blue and case colors with very limited handling marks. The grips are near new with crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is very fine. An extraordinary presentation documented Pre-War/Post-War SAA revolver that is a must have for the serious Colt collector.

Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Skeleton Stock

Lot #3132 (Sale Order 133 of 606)

Highly Desirable Colt Black Powder Single Action Army Revolver with Incredibly Rare Attachable Skeleton Stock and Factory Letter

This black powder frame SAA was manufactured in 1876 and comes with a highly sought after and rare Colt production skeletonized stock. The nearly impossible to find skeleton stock is a prized collectible missing from even the most advanced SAA collections. The stock attaches to the revolver via a special extended hammer screw projecting from both sides of the frame. These rare stocks were offered as accessories and there are no known records for how many, if any, were sold directly with Single Action Army Revolvers, other than Buntline Specials. Knowledgeable collectors have concluded that a limited number were produced. Records and examples discussed in "A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolvers" (see pages 8, 12, and 50) demonstrate that these stocks were particularly popular in England. Two lengths of the skeletonized stock as well as additional extended frame screws were shipped to Colt's dealers in England in the mid-1870s. The attachable stock offered here lacks visible markings and has a nickel plated finish and a blued adjustment nut. The skeleton shoulder stock was introduced in 1876 at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition and an example was included on the Colt-Hartley & Graham display board of 1877. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped on February 28, 1876 to J.P. Moores Sons of New York City in .45 caliber chambering and blue finish with barrel length and type of stocks not listed, a common indication of a 7 1/2 inch barrel and walnut stocks which were standard for the period. This shipment was for 50 guns. The letter goes on to state, "The records also contain a second listing for this serial number that indicates the same configuration with shipment to Winchester Repeating Arms Company in New Haven, Connecticut on June 1, 1878." This specific example was actually shipped to Winchester, as documented in the factory letter, furthering its desirability. During the period the large manufacturers, including Colt and Winchester, often ordered arms from the other to supply their preferred large retailers and distributors in an effort to be their sole supplier, with this revolver likely an example of that. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address on top. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking. The left side of the trigger guard is stamped with the caliber designation: "45 CAL." The ejector rod has a bull's eye head. Matching full or partial serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, barrel, and cylinder. The loading gate has the assembly number "1629."

Class: Antique

Fine, retaining 60% period Colt retailer applied nickel plating with a smooth gray patina on the balance. The slightly age shrunken grip is very fine with minor handling marks and highly attractive colors. Mechanically fine. The stock is excellent retaining 95% plus original nickel plating and some scratches. These attachable skeleton stocks are rarely encountered and are an essential accessory to any SAA collection. This antique Colt Single Action Army Revolver with rare attachable skeleton stock will be a prized addition to even the most advanced public or private collections.

Provenance: The TTT Collection

F.J. Haynes "Old Faithful" Print Hand Colored by L.A. Huffman

Lot #3133 (Sale Order 134 of 606)

Unsigned Hand Colored Print of Old Faithful

"Old Faithful," is a hand colored print from Frank Jay Haynes (1853-1921), the noted official photographer of the Northern Pacific Railroad and Yellowstone National Park. It measures 16 1/2 inches by 21 1/2 and depicts one of the United States' most famous natural formations; Old Faithful. The lower right corner is embossed "PHOTO/YELLOWSTONE PARK". The geyser which is located in the Northwestern corner of Wyoming in Yellowstone National Park has become the most famous attraction in the park. This hand colorized print shows Old Faithful in all its glory of a full geyser, which on average launches boiling water 145 feet into the air.

Class: Other

Very fine with some corner wear, a distinct image, and vivid coloration. This would make an excellent addition to any Old West themed gun room or office!

Provenance: The John Fox Collection

First Generation Colt Single Action Army Revolver

Lot #3134 (Sale Order 135 of 606)

Magnificent First Generation Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Relief Steer Head Carved Grip and Original Box

The Colt Single Action Army Revolver is arguably the most iconic American handgun. In the hands of ranchers, cavalrymen, Native Americans, lawmen, and outlaws, the Peacemaker’s legacy was forged out in the hostile American West and continues to gain popularity among today's collectors. Offered here is a very attractive, outstanding example of the legendary Peacemaker chambered in the iconic .45 LC caliber and fitted with relief carved steer head grips. It is easy to imagine this SAA carried at the hip of a flamboyant rancher down at the border. This revolver was manufactured in 1940, the last year of First Generation Colt Single Action Army revolver production. The barrel is marked with the two-line Hartford address on top and "COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY 45" on the left side. The left side of the frame is marked with the two-line, three patent dates followed by the Rampant Colt. The upper left front of the trigger guard is marked with the Colt triangle "VP" proof mark and the number "4". The revolver wears a set of silver Rampant Colt medallion grips featuring a relief steer head carved on the right panel. Both grip panels are numbered to the gun. The assembly number “103” appears on the loading gate and rear of the frame. The matching serial number appears on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, and both grip panels. Blue finish with casehardened frame and blade front and frame notch rear sights. Complete with the original black hinged lid box numbered to the gun with end label reading "IVORY" over "RUBBER" for the grips and "Cvd Steers Hd Ivory" sticker on the top lid end flap, “Shooting Suggestions” pamphlet, and wire brush.

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

Excellent. The revolver retains 97% plus original blue finish with some mild muzzle and high edge wear, a light drag line on the cylinder and some minor spotting on the grip straps. The frame retains 98% plus vivid original bright case colors. The grips are also excellent with a very attractive grain, only light handling marks overall, and relief craving. The markings are sharp. The action is excellent. The box is fine with a separated corner on the lid flap, a tear on the front lid flap and some edge and corner wear. An impressive carved stock pre-World War II Colt Single Action Army Revolver that will be a welcomed addition to any SAA collection.

Provenance: The Gateway Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Colt Flattop Target Model Single Action Army Revolver

Lot #3135 (Sale Order 136 of 606)

Antique Colt Flattop Target Model Single Action Army Revolver with Colt London Case

Manufactured in 1893. It is one of approximately only 925 Flattop Target Model Single Action Army revolvers produced. Only 122 of these rare and desirable standard frame, flattop revolvers were chambered in .38 Colt (see David Brown's "The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army," page 170). The revolver has the distinctive flat top strap with dovetail mounted target rear sight and block mounted front sight with adjustable blade. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard one-line Hartford address and "38 COLT." on the left. The left of the frame has the standard two-line patent marking followed by the circled Rampant Colt. London proofs appear on the underside of the barrel and alternate at the rear of the cylinder between the chambers. Matching serial numbers are visible on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap, with "15" assembly number marked inside the loading gate. It is fitted with a pair of checkered hard rubber grips with Rampant Colts at the tops and Federal Eagle at the bottoms. The partitioned case carries the Colt Pall Mall London paper label on the interior of the lid and a blank brass circular inscription plaque on the exterior of the lid. The case is line in red felt and contains a glass oiler and two cleaning rods.

Class: Antique

Fine, retaining 50% original blue finish with a smooth brown patina on the balance and touch up around the front sight. The grips are very fine with a few minor handling marks and softened checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with some stress cracks at the screws and a complete Colt London label.

Provenance: The Gateway Collection

Cased Colt SA Flattop London Target Model Revolver in 450 Eley

Lot #3136 (Sale Order 137 of 606)

Exceptional Factory Cased Colt Single Action Flattop London Target Model Revolver in .450 Eley Caliber with Factory Letter

Manufactured in 1890. The Colt Single Action Army Flattop revolver is one of the most highly sought after models of Colt revolver by collectors. Colt only produced 925 and of those only made 84 in the 450 Eley caliber making the Flattop Target Model very rare. Adding to the rarity of this revolver is the fact that only a few had the London address on the barrel. The top of the barrel is marked "COLT' S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. DEPOT 14 PALL MALL LONDON". The left side is marked " 450 ELEY." and the three-line, three patent dates are marked on the left side of the frame. There is no Rampant Colt present. British proofs are present on the underside of the barrel ahead of the cylinder pin, and similar markings are on the cylinder flutes. The revolver is fitted with checkered hard rubber Rampant Colt/American Eagle relief grips. The revolver is all blue finished. All serial numbers match. The accompanying factory letter dated February 3, 1960, states that the page with the information listing the shipment of 24 Single Action Army Target Models to the Colt London Agency on about April 17, 1890 has the end torn off so that some of the serial number is absent; however, one of the 24 shipped had the serial number "1327_ _" having the last two numbers torn away. The 24 shipped were listed as having a 7 1/2 inch barrel, rubber stocks and blue finish. Although it cannot be verified, the letter states that they feel certain that serial number 132700 was one of the 24 shipped that day. The revolver is complete in a very nice oak case with brass disk on the lid and red felt lining, with a label affixed to the inside of the lid that read, "Colts Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Co/ 14 Pall Mall. S.W./ London. The case has three compartments and a 33 round bullet block, (with bullets). Also in the case is a James Dixon oiler.

Class: Antique

Extremely fine overall. The revolver retains 70% bright original high polish blue finish with scattered areas of flaking, a mix of original blue finish and smooth plum patina, several scratches on the underside of the barrel and some areas of very fine pitting. The grips are excellent. The left panel has faded to brown, and they show minimal wear with very crisp checkering. The markings remain crisp and clear. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with some minor scratches on the exterior with fine original label.

Provenance: The Gateway Collection

Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Silver Inlaid Grip

Lot #3137 (Sale Order 138 of 606)

Extraordinary Presentation Cased Colt First Generation Single Action Army Revolver with Magnificent Patriotic Motif Silver Inlaid Grip and Factory Letter

The included factory letter identify this revolver in .45 caliber with a 5 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, and wood grip and indicate it was one of two shipped to Schoverling, Daly & Gales in New York City on December 13, 1911. The counterpart to this revolver, number 320916, was formerly in the Robert Q. Sutherland collection. It is pictured and described on page 254 of "The Book of Colt Firearms" by R.L. Wilson where the two revolvers are noted as cased by craftsman Lewis Woyce and fitted with silver inlaid grips by John Boss Jr., both of Philadelphia, for presentation in 1956 by Raymond L.J. Riling (1896-1974) to his identical twin sons: Joseph Raymond and Raymond Joseph Riling. The elder Riling was a Philadelphia architect and builder and became an important arms book collector, dealer, author, and publisher. A widely published newspaper article in 1940 noted Riling as already having a collection of 500 pistols and revolvers and many historic western arms such as a revolver owned by Billy the Kid, a gold inlaid and engraved Winchester identified as made for Wild Bill Hickok for him to give to Calamity Jane, and a revolver carried by Frank James. Many influential firearms collecting books were published by Ray Riling Arms Books Co. in the 20th century and into the 21st century. Among his own works were "Guns and Shooting: A Bibliography" and "The Powder Flask Book." Joseph Riling (1924-2009), also known as Captain Joe, took over his father 's business and authored "Art and Science of War in America: Bibliography of American Military Imprints 1690-1800" and "Baron von Steuben and His Regulations." When he died in 2009, his obituary noted he was a "nationally recognized authority on military arms, a member of the National Rifle Association and a dealer in books on military weapons..." and also indicated he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II on LST 854 (Kane County) in the Pacific. His twin brother served in the U.S. Army during the war.The revolver has a 5 1/2 inch barrel and is chambered for the .45 Colt cartridge. It has the high-polish Colt pre-WWI commercial blue finish, and the hammer and frame have vivid case colors. The barrel has the standard one-line Hartford address on the top and the caliber designation "45 COLT" on the left side. The left side of the frame has the Colt "two-line/three-date" patent marking followed by the encircled Rampant Colt trademark. The Colt "V/P" proof mark is stamped on the left front of the trigger guard, and an inspector's initial "W" is stamped on the rear. The serial number is located on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. All of the serial numbers match. The walnut grips are inlaid with a detailed silver eagle on both sides. The left side of the grip is inlaid with a silver oval engraved with the initials "JR" at the top. The right side of the grip has a silver, five-pointed star inlaid in the same position. The 12 inch by 7 inch mahogany case has the cover inlaid with a detailed spread eagle and shield with ribbon in an oval. The inlay is executed in contrasting wood, and the shield is colored red, white and blue. The case is lined with blue velvet and divided into six compartments. One compartment has a silver overlaid wood lid, and another is fitted with a silver block for twenty-five cartridges. The case contains a silver oil bottle and cleaning rod with brush, two brass tips, and a screwdriver.

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

Excellent plus overall. The revolver has 98% plus of the bright original high polish Colt blue finish. Wear is limited to some very minor handling marks on the trigger guard and some light drag marks on the cylinder. The case colors on the frame and hammer are brilliant. Virtually all the original casehardened finish is present. The revolver appears to be unfired. The expertly crafted silver inlaid grip is in exceptionally fine condition. The case is very fine overall. The decorated lid has nearly all the original finish with minor scratches. The front of the case has a few storage and handling scratches near the lock. The case interior is fine with fading, oil staining, and cartridge head impressions on lining. This is a very impressive cased Single Action Army revolver presented by an influential collector and publisher to his son who carried on his legacy.

Provenance: The Riling Family Collection; Property of a Gentleman

R.A.C. Sub-Inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Model SAA Revolver

Lot #3138 (Sale Order 139 of 606)

Exceptional Rinaldo A. Carr Sub-Inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Army Revolver with Kopec Letter

This Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolver was manufactured in 1890 under the 12th Ordnance contract. 1890 was the next-to-last year of production for U.S. contract Single Action revolvers. The revolver was inspected by Ordnance Sub-Inspector Rinaldo A. Carr (R.A.C.) and Captain Stanhope E. Blunt (SEB). It has the Colt military blue finish on the barrel, ejector housing, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The frame, loading gate and hammer have a color casehardened finish and the one-piece walnut grip is oil finished. The revolver has the oval ejector housing adopted about serial number 113,000 and the "cavalry style" hammer with elongated, bordered, knurling on the spur. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with address "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.-" in elongated block letters. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt three-date/three-line patent markings followed by the "U.S" property mark. The Sub-Inspector's initials, "R.A.C." are stamped on the underside of the barrel, the bottom of the frame above the serial number, on the side of the cylinder and on the left heel of the grip. A "K" Colt sub-inspection mark is stamped on the trigger guard, the back strap, on the front of the ejector housing and on the barrel behind the ejector housing stud, with "P" proof marks stamped on the underside of the barrel, in front of the "R.A.C." sub-inspection mark and on the side of the cylinder. The full serial number is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number "2215", is stamped on the barrel beneath the ejector housing and on the side of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. The assembly number, "848", is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. The lower left side of the grip is stamped with the date "1890" above the script initials "SEB" enclosed in a rectangle with rounded edges. The script sub-inspection mark, which consists of the script initials "RAC" in a rectangle is stamped on the lower right side of the grip. With a John A. Kopec letter dated March 1st, 1999 stating it was a new listing and that it was probably issued to the 8th Cavalry. There are a few minor deviations from originality, the trigger is a replacement, the mainspring has been ground for a better trigger pull and the grip strap has been drilled for a grip pin.

Class: Antique

Exceptionally fine. The revolver retains 80% plus of the original blue and color casehardened finish. The "feathered" polishing marks are visible on either side of the front sight blade. The left side of the barrel and right side of the ejector housing have some light holster wear. The cylinder has some holster wear on high points and light drag lines. The trigger guard has most of the blue with some thinning on the grip strap. The back strap has typical handling wear and the blue has thinned to a gray patina. The case colors on the loading gate have faded to a silver-gray patina. The frame and grip screws retain most of the niter blue finish. The grip is very fine with very minor handling wear and strong date, final inspection and sub-inspection marks. The action is tight and crisp but the hammer will not hold at half-cock. This is an exceptional original example of an 1890 production, "R.A.C." sub-inspection Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolver.

Provenance: The Gateway Collection

Antique Colt Single Action Army Revolver

Lot #3139 (Sale Order 140 of 606)

Attractive Documented Desirable Nickel Plated Antique Black Powder Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Pearl Grips and Factory Letter

The Colt Single Action Army was one of the most popular handguns in late 19th century and is easily the most iconic and most thoroughly associated with the American West. Offered here is an early example of the legendary Peacemaker in .45 LC. In the words of Colt author and expert David Brown, "The Colt Single Action Army .45 was 'the soldier's friend' throughout the remaining years of the Indian Wars in the West. Adopted also with equal enthusiasm by civilians, it was the pet and the 'good right arm' of lawman and outlaw alike on every American frontier of its era" ("The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army," p. 70). The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped to Simmons Hardware Co. of St. Louis, Missouri, on September 10, 1886, with a 7 1/2 inch barrel in .45 caliber, desirable nickel finish, and pearl stocks. This was a five gun shipment. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address on top. The left side of the frame has the three-line patent dates marking. The left side of the trigger guard is stamped "45 CAL." Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap.

Class: Antique

Fine, retaining 60% original nickel plating with a smooth gray patina on the balance. The grips are very fine with slight chipping along the inside edges, a few typical age lines, and filled tiny chips at the heels. Mechanically excellent. A solid original black powder Colt SAA with desirable factory nickel finish and pearl stocks.

Colt Bisley Model Single Action Army Revolver

Lot #3140 (Sale Order 141 of 606)

Fine Colt Bisley Model Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Documented Extra Factory .45 ACP Cylinder to a USAAF Officer

The Colt Bisley model was only manufactured in 1894-1912 and was designed by Colt with accuracy and target shooting in mind. For many, the Bisley feels better in the hand and cocks and fires easier thanks to its lower and wider hammer and the wider trigger, making them excellent sidearms for serious marksmen. This example of Colt's famed Bisley in desirable .45 LC was manufactured in 1900. Accompanying the revolver is an extra factory cylinder chambered in .45 ACP purchased during World War II by a USAAF officer. As documented by the included October 14, 1943, Colt order letter (copy), the .45 ACP cylinder was purchased at a cost of $6.00 by Lt. Harry Rubin of the U.S. Army Forces Equipment Board, Army Air Forces School of Applied Tactics, Orlando, Florida. The .45 ACP round was used by the U.S. Military during World War II for the Model 1911 and 1911A1 semi-automatic pistols. This chambering was first made available after World War I in 1924 on a special order basis to the SAA production line. Colt historian and author David Brown stated, "Almost all made after 1924 were shipped to men in some branch of the Armed Forces. They could get all of the .45 Auto ammo they wanted but part of them wanted to shoot the Colt Single Action Army instead of Colt Automatic so they would order the Colt SAA made up in the .45 ACP" ("The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army," page 62). As a .45 caliber Bisley owned by a WWII officer, it made perfect sense for Lt. Rubin to purchase a cylinder chambered in .45 ACP, a standard U.S. military caliber readily available to him. The Army Air Forces Tactical Center was established in 1942 and trained combat units in tactical air power doctrine. Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address on top and "(BISLEY MODEL) 45 COLT" on the left side. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking followed by an encircled Rampant Colt logo. Wide, low hammer spur with wide trigger and characteristic "humpback" grip. Fitted with checkered hard rubber grips with Rampant Colt logo at the top.

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

Fine as a revolver that spent time in a subtropical climate during World War II in the hands of a USAAF officer. The barrel, cylinder, and ejector rod housing retain 60% original blue finish, and the grip straps retain 20% original blue finish. The frame and hammer retain 40% original case colors. There is some scattered pitting. The grips are excellent with a few handling marks and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The .45 ACP cylinder is excellent with 98% original blue. A Colt Bisley revolver with a World War II connection.

Provenance: USAAF Lt. Harry Rubin; Property of a Gentleman

L. Kiper & Sons, Atchison, Kansas "Mexican Loop" Holster Rig

Lot #3141 (Sale Order 142 of 606)

Rare L. Kiper & Sons, Atchison, Kansas Marked "Mexican Loop" Holster and Early Quality Cartridge Belt

Manufactured in the mid-1870s to 1890s by L. Kiper & Sons of Atchison, Kansas. By the late 1860s and early 1870s, with the arrival of multiple railroad links, Atchison had become a booming commercial hub, particularly for the cattle industry and manufactured goods heading farther west to the Frontier. Period newspapers show L. Kiper & Sons advertising their leather business there starting in the early 1870s and continuing until at least the 1890s. This is a fine example of a "Mexican Loop" type holster that was popular during the period that has two oval loops capturing the body of the holster, with the top one bearing the maker's mark. There is light border and floral tooling on the body of the holster. A very similar example of a Kiper & Sons holster is pictured on p. 106 of "Packing Iron: Gunleather of the Frontier West" by Rattenbury. Included with the holster is an early style cartridge belt that is certainly of Kiper quality and appears to have been paired with the holster for quite some time judging by consistent color and wear. It has a single row of cartridge loops that are of .44 or .45 caliber size and has a "California style" buckle with clipped corners. The belt is 2 1/8 inches wide and measures approximately 40 3/8 inches long including the buckle and billet.

Class: Other

Good, the holster showing significant wear, typical of working gunleather from the Kansas cattle era, some scattered mild age cracking, and most of the tooling and markings remaining clear. The belt shows similar wear, having the look of being a companion of the holster for some time with some moderate age-related cracking. A rare piece of Kansas-made gunleather from the period of westward expansion!

Engraved Colt Black Powder Single Action Army Revolver

Lot #3142 (Sale Order 143 of 606)

Engraved Colt Black Powder Single Action Army Revolver with Pearl Grips and Holster

The Colt Single Action Army Revolver is one of the most iconic historical firearms and is forever connected to the American West. Its legacy as a working man's gun in rough circumstances has made the Peacemaker particularly desirable for collectors, and the limited factory engraved guns especially so. This SAA no. 30256 is especially appealing as the embellishment is highly unusual and rare. Unfortunately, there is no factory record available for this SAA; however, serial no. 30259, which is only two digits away from our subject revolver, is fully documented as Colt factory engraved and the embellishment is nearly identical to what is featured on this revolver. No. 30259 is pictured and identified in R.L. Wilson’s “Colt Engraving” on page 247. Wilson described the engraving as “handsome and unusual” with “quite light and graceful” scrollwork and while not profuse, the pattern of engraving includes “the quite scarce coverage on the hammer.” No. 30259 letters as shipped in January 1880 to Simmons Hardware of St. Louis and this shipment included five guns. It is quite possible that our revolver was also part of the January 1880 shipment. Based on the serial numbers, both of these revolvers were manufactured in 1876. The four year delay from when no. 30259 was manufactured and shipped suggests the revolver was a Colt factory exhibition piece. Add the “handsome and unusual embellishments” and no. 30256 makes for the perfect exhibition companion. The year 1876 was the same year the World's Fair was held in the United States for the first time in celebration of the centennial of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States. Fittingly, the Centennial Exposition was held in Philadelphia. The fair presented a tremendous advertising opportunity for American arms companies like Colt and Winchester. Both displayed elaborate exhibition arms and took in orders, including for high end deluxe arms. Colt's famous display was perhaps the factory’s most spectacular display in its history. While there is no documentation to confirm one or both of these revolvers were at the Centennial Exposition, nos. 30256 and 30259 would have without a doubt made for a fine pair for Colt to proudly display. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address surrounded by the engraving, a light wavy line band at the muzzle, and an entwining oval pattern with punch dot around the front sight. The frame has the two-line patent date on the left side as well as the broad floral scrollwork. The cylinder is decorated with scrolls on each chamber, star bursts at each flute and light scroll band at the rear. The scrollwork carries on the back strap, ejector rod housing, hammer, and trigger guard. A fan pattern is engraved on the top of the back strap. The revolver wears a set of pearl grips and each panel is numbered to the gun on the back. Traces of the serial number remains on the barrel under the ejector housing and appears to be matching. Matching full or partial serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, and cylinder. Includes an unmarked tooled leather open top/closed toe holster featuring an elaborate horse rider scene.

Class: Antique

Fine, retaining 80% period replated nickel finish with a smooth brown patina on the balance. The engraving is crisp. A tiny hole has been drilled through the side of the front sight. The grips are very good with a few missing chips and attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent. The holster is very good with strap partially attached. This black powder Colt SAA revolver with "handsome and unusual embellishments" is a rarity in decorative firearms art and is a must have for the serious SAA collector.

Nickel U.S. Cavalry Model Colt Single Action Army Revolver

Lot #3143 (Sale Order 144 of 606)

Nickel Plated David F. Clark Inspected U.S. Cavalry Model Colt Single Action Army Revolver

This example has a David F. Clark inspected "U.S." marked frame and a full nickel finish. Nickel plated Cavalry Models have taken center stage to a grand debate among Colt and U.S. military firearms collectors that continues on to today. Four basic theories for the existence of highly controversial nickel plated U.S. Cavalry Model Revolvers have developed over the decades and are the following: 1) issued to Indian Scouts and Police; 2) special order "officers" revolvers; 3) surplus State of Virginia Militia revolvers sold to and nickel plated by Colt or commercial retailers; and 4) U.S. Navy revolvers. For the history related to this ongoing debate see "A Study of Colt Single Action Army Revolver" pages 249-258. Clark's "DFC" initials appear on the barrel, frame, and cylinder. The "P" proof appears on the cylinder and barrel. The top of the barrel is marked with the one-line Colt address, and the left of the frame has the three-line patent markings followed by "U.S." The butt is inscribed with a large "C" in Old English font. The loading gate is stamped with the assembly number "337". Full and partial matching visible serial numbers located on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, barrel, and cylinder.

Class: Antique

Very fine, retaining 80% untouched period retailer refinished nickel with high spot wear and some flaking. A back strap screw is absent. The undersized period grip is fine with typical age lines on the bottom and minor handling marks. Mechanically functions although needs work as it is missing the half cock notch.

Modern Battery Gun Co. 1862 Gatling Gun with Carriage and Tripod

Lot #3144 (Sale Order 145 of 606)

Modern Battery Gun Co. Model 1862 Gatling Gun with Carriage and Tripod

Manufactured by the Battery Gun Co. of Metamora, Michigan, as a full scale, fully functional Gatling gun. The construction of the main body is brass, with the Battery Gun data plate on top, an array of blued barrels with blued support arms. Intended for use with the included .45 Long Colt caliber steel chamber inserts. The included carriage is of steel and hardwood construction, with an elevation adjustment screw, and the included tripod is also of steel and hardwood construction. Also includes four extra magazines.

Class: Modern Other Firearm

Excellent, retains 99% original blue finish on the barrels, and the brass is bright with a few areas of slight dulling. Mechanically excellent. Carriage is excellent, with 99% painted finish and some light corrosion on outer wheel bands and aiming bar. Tripod is also excellent with a few light handling marks.

Desirable Furr Miniature Model 1874 Gatling Gun with Case

Lot #3145 (Sale Order 146 of 606)

Desirable Furr Miniature Model 1874 Gatling Gun and Carriage and Case

This is a quality made scaled down functional copy of the Colt-Gatling Model 1874 in .22 LR. Brass construction with wooden wheels. The top of the body is fitted with a miniature Colt Gatling gun plaque. Includes a scaled down Broadwell type magazine. The major components and most of the small parts are stamped with the serial number "25". Includes a hardwood carriage with brass fittings and yoke, transom and elevation adjustment, and a display case. Carriage measures 18 inches high at the wheels, 22 inches wide across the axle, and approximately 27 inches long from the axle to the rear.

Class: Modern Other Firearm

Excellent overall, with some light display and handling marks, some discoloration around patent plate (see image), and some light surface oxidation on the barrels. Mechanically excellent.

Factory Engraved Colt Model 1851 Percussion Revolver

Lot #3146 (Sale Order 147 of 606)

Highly Desirable Factory Engraved Colt Model 1851 Percussion Revolver

This gorgeous Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver was manufactured in 1852 in the early years of Colt employing German trained engravers and displays the distinctive foliate scroll engraving inhabited by masks on the left side of the barrel and frame, beaded backgrounds, and a bestial motif on the hammer rather than the soon to be standard wolf head. The "COLTS/PATENT" marking on the frame is also hand inscribed in a panel rather than stamped. The barrel features a cone front sight and the one-line "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY-" marking. A "4" is marked among the rayed ornamentation on the left side of the barrel lug and on the cylinder below the serial number. The left side of the trigger guard has a "C" and "G". The factory dot marking designating factory engraving is marked by the matching serial numbers on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. Matching serial numbers are visible on the loading lever and cylinder. The wedge is non-matching.

Class: Antique

Very fine with crisp engraving and markings, 75% plus original silver plating with aged patina on the grip straps, smooth smoky gray patina on the casehardened components, 70% plus refinished blue on the cylinder, 60% original blue on the barrel, smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, and fairly minimal wear. The grip is very fine and has glossy piano varnish, light scratches and dings, and some hammering marks on the butt. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: Property of a Distinguished Southern Clergyman

Colt Paterson Second Model Ring Lever Percussion Rifle

Lot #3147 (Sale Order 148 of 606)

Rare Documented Patent Arms Mfg. Co. Colt Paterson Second Model Ring Lever Percussion Rifle

Samuel Colt manufactured approximately 500 Second Model Ring Lever Rifles at his Paterson, New Jersey, factory in 1838-1841. These rifles were serial numbered in their own range starting with serial number 1. Surviving examples of this historically significant Colt firearm are extremely rare. This rifle is featured on pages 188 and 189 of "The Paterson Colt Book" by R.L. Wilson and is discussed extensively on pages 199-201. Robert Pershing later in that section notes that "It is my belief, after subsequent research, that this rifle might well have been one of the second shipment, October 8, 1839. The rifle was issued to a soldier in the Texas Army and was kept by him when discharged. He started a cattle operation in South Eastern Texas, utilizing Galveston as a port for shipping his livestock. Later, he and his kin moved to Louisiana taking the gun with them. The family operated this ranch until the late 1920's or early 1930's. Paul Sorrell, a collector-dealer in Beaumont, Texas, discovered the rifle in the hands of the great-grandson of the original owner, who indeed could remember his grandmother telling about great grandfather using the rifle to kill cattle on their range on Grand Isle, Louisiana. The great-grandson was a druggist in Houma, Louisiana. This rifle came out of the brush, passed down, from generation to generation until 1991...The serial number is in the range that was sold...to the Government of Texas..." The great-grandson is identified as David Norman of Houma, Louisiana, and it is stated that the rifle had been in his family since 1840. Further investigation reveals that he was born in 1935 and his father was David J. Norman Sr. (1905-1972), also a pharmacist in Houma, Louisiana, and his mother was Isabelle Carey Norman (1906-1995). It is not clear which of their ancestors was identified as the original owner, but from genealogical records it would appear his great-grandfathers all were too young to have been soldiers in 1840. One of his great-great grandfathers, Jose "Pepe" Llulla (1815-1888), was a noted duelist and fencing master in New Orleans and owned land on Grand Terre Island in Barataria Bay and raised livestock there, so it may have been him that the grandmother was referring to.The rifle has the distinctive ring on the bottom of the frame ahead of the trigger guard to rotate the cylinder and cock the internal hammer and the Second Model type frame without a top strap. Other Second Model features include the loading lever, capping cutout in the recoil shield, and rounded shoulders of the cylinder. The barrel has the dovetail mounted blade front sight and dovetail mounted elevation adjustable notch rear sight. The top barrel flat is stamped "~*Patent Arms M'g. Co. Paterson, N.J.-Colt's Pt.*~" reading towards the muzzle. The cylinder has the centaur, hunter, and deer scene. The matching serial number is stamped on the face of the barrel lug, rear cylinder face, and cylinder collar as well as a partial "82" at the toe of the crescent iron buttplate. The book states matching serial numbers also appear on several other components in concealed areas. The stock has a cheekpiece.

Class: Antique

Very good plus with distinct markings and cylinder scene, mottled gray and brown patina, some minor oxidation, and general mild wear. The stock is fine and has some scratches and dings, crack/reglued chip visible at the heel, and some deeper scrapes. Mechanically fine.

Colt 1861 Navy Richards-Mason Conversion Revolver with Holster

Lot #3148 (Sale Order 149 of 606)

Fine Colt Model 1861 Navy Richards-Mason Conversion Revolver with Attractive Tooled Leather Slim Jim Holster

Manufactured in 1864 and subsequently factory converted to centerfire in the mid-1870s. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with a faint New York address visible underneath the finish, with "-PAT. JULY.25. 1871-/-PAT.JULY. 2. 1872.-" two-line patent markings on the left of the frame, the cylinder is engraved with the Texas naval battle scene, the left of the trigger guard is stamped with "36 CAL", the cylinder is stamped "COLTS PATENT No.096". All matching visible serial numbers on the wedge, cylinder, cylinder pin, loading gate, barrel, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The revolver has the distinctive plug in the loading lever hole of the barrel lug, ejector head with concentric rings, ejector housing screw on the left side of the barrel lug and loading gate spring screwed to the frame above the trigger screw. Includes a period tooled leather holster with floral designs.

Class: Antique

Fine, retains 70% plus factory refurbished blue finish with scattered flaking and smooth gray and brown patina on the balance characteristic of a western used gun, strong case colors showing at the edges and in protected areas, and golden aged patina on the brass. Absent tip of the wedge retaining spring. Grip is also fine with scattered light dents and scratches, and defined edges. Mechanically excellent. Holster is very fine with a few light handling marks. This fine Colt 1861 Navy Richards-Mason conversion revolver with its tooled holster would fit well in any western firearms collection!

Colt Model 1861 Navy Percussion Revolver

Lot #3149 (Sale Order 150 of 606)

Civil War Era Colt Model 1861 Navy Percussion Revolver

This revolver was manufactured in 1861 and is one of only an estimated 38,843 manufactured between 1861-1873, compared to 200,500 Model 1860 Army revolvers manufactured between 1860-1873. It has a German silver blade front sight, the one-line New York address, "COLTS/PATENT" on the left side of the frame, "36 CAL" on the left side of the trigger guard, and a smooth one-piece walnut grip. Matching serial numbers are found on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, wedge, and arbor pin.

Class: Antique

Very good, displaying an overall gray patina of a well-traveled sidearm that has seen a lifetime of service with 30% original soft military style blue finish remaining on the barrel, 30% original case colors in the protected areas, and much of the cylinder scene remaining. The grip is good showing authentic "working gun" wear and tear. Mechanically excellent. A Civil War era Colt Model 1861 Navy percussion revolver with great character.

Provenance: Property of a Distinguished Southern Clergyman

Colt Model 1862 Pocket Navy Percussion Revolver

Lot #3150 (Sale Order 151 of 606)

Exceptionally Fine Colt Model 1862 Pocket Navy Percussion Revolver

A significant portion of the .36 caliber pocket revolvers manufactured between 1863/65 and 1872 were shipped as factory conversions to .38 caliber metallic cartridges or originally assembled as cartridge revolvers. This example is one of the earlier examples with the one-line New York address on the barrel, original percussion components, stagecoach holdup scene on the rebated cylinder, standard patent markings, matching serial numbers on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, wedge, and arbor pin, and a smooth varnished grip.

Class: Antique

Exceptionally fine, retaining 80% bright original high polish blue finish, 95% original vivid case colors, and traces of original silver plating remaining in the protected areas with the exposed brass having an attractive appearance. Nearly all of the cylinder scene remains. The grip is excellent with a few handling marks and retaining most of the original varnish. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: Property of a Distinguished Southern Clergyman

Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver

Lot #3151 (Sale Order 152 of 606)

Fine Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver

The Colt Model 1849 Pocket was the most popular Colt revolver of the 19th century but remains hard to acquire in very high condition given most examples appear to have actually been carried. This is especially the case for the earlier '49 Pockets which were popular in the antebellum West, including in the gold fields. However, this revolver manufactured in 1857 remains in very fine condition. It has a cone front sight, two-line New York barrel address, standard patent markings, mismatched loading lever (3986), and matching serial numbers on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, arbor pin, and wedge.

Class: Antique

Fine. The barrel retains 75% bright original polish blue finish and the cylinder retains traces of original blue finish with a smooth brown-gray patina on the balance and nearly all of the cylinder scene remaining. The frame retains 30% original case colors on the right side, otherwise faded to gray. 40% original case colors remain on the hammer. 20% original case colors remain on the loading lever. The grip straps retain 75% attractive age darkened original silver plating. The grip is excellent with a few handling marks and retaining most of the original varnish. Mechanically excellent.

Provenance: Property of a Distinguished Southern Clergyman

Historic Cased Colt Factory Engraved Model 1849 Pocket Revolver

Lot #3152 (Sale Order 153 of 606)

Historic, Cased, Deluxe Factory Engraved Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver Attributed as a Thank You Gift from U.S. Senator Jesse D. Bright

This extraordinary revolver was manufactured in 1853 and has classic factory scroll engraving with beaded backgrounds, the Colt deluxe high polish blue finish on the barrel and cylinder, casehardened finish on the loading lever, frame, and hammer; silver-plating on the brass trigger guard and back strap, and a factory deluxe, highly figured walnut grip with a high gloss piano finish. The frame and back strap are stamped with the small punch-mark or dot below the serial number that was utilized by Colt between 1849-1861 to designate revolvers selected for special finish and handling. The barrel lug and adjacent barrel flats, loading lever flats, frame, hammer, trigger guard and back strap are decorated with exquisite Germanic scrollwork on a punch-dot background. The revolver features a distinctive wolf's head among the scroll work on the left side of the barrel lug in addition to the wolf's head motif on the hammer. The hammer spur is stamped with seven small dots; such dots are often said to have been applied to indicate special engraving or the number of days spent on the work. The engraving extends to the screwheads and the ends of the wedge. The engraving was clearly executed by one of the German immigrant engravers working for Colt in the 1850s, likely by John Marr or Gustave Young. The former encouraged Young to settle in Hartford in the latter half of 1853. A small "2" is stamped on the cylinder behind the serial number and on the barrel lug above the serial number; the precise meaning of these markings is not documented, but some experts believe this additional number may have been used by Colt to denote special finish on the blued components. The top of the barrel has the presentation "SAM'L COLT" inscription in Old English lettering surrounded by flourishes rather than the standard barrel address. "COLTS/PATENT" is hand engraved in two lines on the left side of the frame in a scroll-work panel. The five-shot cylinder is roll-stamped with the stagecoach hold-up scene and is stamped with the full serial number "65765". The full serial number is also stamped on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The loading lever is stamped with the partial serial number "5765". All of the visible serial numbers match. The revolver is factory-fitted with a Colt American style case and accessories. The mahogany case is lined with royal blue velvet and has five compartments. The case contains: a brass Model 1849 ball/bullet mold stamped "COLT'S/PATENT" in two lines across both blocks on the top face; a powder flask with embossed stars, eagle and shield, and crossed pistols with "COLTS/PATENT" above the stars and a lacquered finish on the body; a japanned W. & C. Eley cap tin, and an L-shaped nipple/wrench screwdriver for the Model 1849.The cased set is accompanied by a calling card reading "Mr Peters/Accept this Box & Contents as a token of Remembrance" and "Your friend, J.D. Bright". The family history of the revolver passed down by Bright's descendants states: "Senator Jesse D. Bright was riding horseback from the Boston area to Washington, D.C. in haste. An important vote in the Senate was looming and Bright's attendance was vital. In front of Mr. Peters' farm, Senator Bright, sick with a high fever, fell from his horse. Mr. Peters carried the Senator to his farmhouse. Two weeks passed as Mr. Peters nursed Senator Bright back to health. Senator Bright purchased the pistol and gifted it to Mr. Peters as a token of his appreciation...About sixty years later, two of the late Senator Bright's granddaughters were driving a car from Boston to Washington, D.C. The roads were in poor condition. The granddaughters, Margaret and Marian Bright, were lost. They stopped their car at the Peters' farm to ask directions. Two older women lived on the farm. They were the daughters of the late Mr. Peters. The two Ms. Peters invited the Bright granddaughters into the farmhouse to have supper. The dinner was fortuitous, as the Peters women showed the Bright girls their prized possession: the Jesse D. Bright Pistol. The connection was made. They became immediate friends. When the last of the Peters daughters passed away, the Jesse D. Bright pistol was bequeathed to Margaret and Marion Bright." When Margaret and Marian Bright died from injuries sustained in a car accident in Providence, Rhode Island, the revolver was passed on to their remaining sister, Georgia Bright McLaughlin (1892-1971). She in turn passed it on to her son Robert Bright McLaughlin (1912-2000) in 1963, and, in 1984, the revolver was given to his son John Robert McLaughlin from whom it was purchased by the current owner.Jes
more... Provenance: The Peters Family; The Bright Family; Private Collection

Colt "Fluck/Walker Replacement" Variation Dragoon Revolver

Lot #3153 (Sale Order 154 of 606)

Very Scarce, Finest Known Colt "Fluck/Walker Replacement" Variation Dragoon Percussion Revolver

This revolver was manufactured in 1848 and is in exceptional condition. It falls into the reported 2001 to 3000 serial number range for the "Walker Replacement Dragoons" identified by researcher John J. Fluck in 1956. He estimated 300 were made to replace the Walker revolvers that had failed and indicated they were made for the U.S. military using original Walker parts and reworked parts. They are also known as "pre-First Model Dragoons" and "Second Contract Dragoons" and are among the rarest of the roughly 19,000 Colt Dragoon revolvers. More recent research by Dick Salzer, David Basnet, G. Maxwell Longfield, and others has changed our understanding of this model and shown that they were not replacements for broken Walkers or made from recycled or repaired Walker components as Fluck had theorized. In "Debunking the Fluck Myth: Colt Legends Die Hard" by Salzer for the American Society of Arms Collectors in 2019, the author notes that these revolvers are actually the first Dragoons sold to the government, and "The obvious conclusion is that Colt, for reasons of completeness perhaps, chose to number the guns made for the second government contract in a closed, out-of-sequence series, beginning with 2001 and continuing to 3000. That left him with a gap in his civilian productio


Premier Firearms Auction - Day 3
Guns & Military Artifacts > Rock Island Auction Company > Premier Firearms Auction - Day 3
Premier Firearms Auction - Day 3
by Rock Island Auction Company Sun, Aug 25, 2024 9:00 AM Central Large variety of antique and modern firearms to be sold over three days. Read More http://www.rockislandauction.com