Auction No. 100 Feature Fine Collectible Arms
Saturday, March 29, 2014 | 10:00 AM Eastern
Auction closed.
Auction No. 100 Feature Fine Collectible Arms
Saturday, March 29, 2014 | 10:00 AM Eastern
Auction closed.
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Description
This sale by Amoskeag Auction Company features over 900 lots of extremely rare and historic firearms. Take a tour through history and view the entire catalog here.
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Exceptional Cooper Navy Model Double Action Revolver
Lot # 1 (Sale Order: 1 of 943)
Low Est: 3000High Est: 4000
serial #14776, .36 cal., 4" octagon barrel with a bright excellent bore. The barrel retains about 97% original blue, the loss is due to some light flaking near the muzzle on the left side of the barrel and on the left side at the barrel lug. The loading lever and ram retain all their vibrant color case-hardening. The five-shot rebated cylinder retains about 98% original blue, the nipples are immaculate and nearly all the original blue is within the chambers. The frame retains 98% to 99% vibrant color case-hardening, showing a couple very light handling marks from the years; both hammer and trigger show vibrant color case-hardening as well. The grip strap and triggerguard retain 98% plus original silverplate which is tarnishing nicely with age. The smooth one piece walnut grip rates excellent with nearly all its original varnish, it is pencil-numbered "76". Many of the screws show some good fire temper blue, a couple with some very minor slot damage, all of the numbers are matching and the gun is very crisp mechanically. A superb second model Cooper from-which it would be very difficult to upgrade. (36229-569) {ANTIQUE} [Elliott Riggs Collection]
Remington Model 1871 Army Rolling Block Pistol
Lot # 2 (Sale Order: 2 of 943)
Low Est: 2000High Est: 4000
50 CF, 8" round barrel with a mint bore. This is a spectacular pistol. The barrel retains 95% original blue finish with loss due to just a little light thinning. The frame retains 99% brilliant original color case-hardened finish overall. The breechblock and hammer remain nice and bright and the hammer and breechblock pins both retain all of their original fire tempered finish and the frame screws show bright original fire blue. The one piece walnut grip and forend rate excellent plus with virtually all of their original oil finish and a crisp "CRS" cartouche. It would be very difficult to upgrade from this pistol, it is absolutely top shelf. (16451-6) {ANTIQUE}?[Dr. Joseph A. Murphy Collection]
Exceptional Merrimack Arms & Manufacturing Southerner Deringer
Lot # 3 (Sale Order: 3 of 943)
Low Est: 3500High Est: 4500
serial #2451, .41 RF, 2 1/2" octagon barrel with a bright excellent bore showing only some light oxidation or very light pitting at the muzzle. The barrel retains strong 97% original bright blue, the loss is due to some very light freckling, most prominent in the center of the top barrel flat; the bore still showing nearly all its original blue with the exception of the oxidized area at the muzzle. The frame retains a similar amount of a vibrant color case-hardening, toning only very slightly on the backstrap, also with some very sparsely scattered extremely light oxidation staining. Both hammer and trigger still show some nice case colors as well and the barrel screw shows lovely pale temper blue showing a couple tiny flakes in the screw slot. The smooth rosewood grips rate excellent with most of their original varnish showing only some very light wear on the high edges, each is stamp-numbered to the gun. Barrel-to-frame fit is only very slightly loose and the gun is very crisp mechanically and all of the numbers are matching. Really a very lovely Merrimack Arms & Manufacturing Southerner-marked Deringer which is very likely unfired. (36229-182) {ANTIQUE} [Elliott Riggs Collection]
Outstanding J. H. Hubbard Of Ilion Ny Double Percussion Shotgun
Lot # 4 (Sale Order: 4 of 943)
Low Est: 1500High Est: 2500
10 bore, 30" damascus barrels with bright excellent bores. The barrels display a beautiful gray and brown pattern showing only some sparse spots of fading color. Hubbard's name and city are engraved into the top rib and there are provisional British proof marks and the initials "CW" stamped under the forestock. Interestingly, "1876" is stamped on each barrel hook and a German silver insert is fitted under the breech face for the breech block to rest upon, probably as an added measure to prevent the stock from cracking at that point. In addition, there is a neat little curved rib on the underside of each barrel which helps to align and hold the stock in place. Each lock is engraved with two standing birds in habitat, the triggerguard shows a dog chasing a rabbit, and there are little flourishes of fine scroll and line borders gracing the remainder of the metal. The locks and hammers exhibit 40 to 50% fading case color and the triggerguard displays a soft slightly mottled pewter patina. The straight grip stock rates about excellent having a few minor dings and small scratches in a strong polished oil finish and both the grip and forestock have extensive and well executed checkering which remains crisp. There is a steel buttplate retaining traces of case color turning pewter providing a length of 14 1/4". In addition, the triggerguard has a nicely chiseled extended finial, the tailpipe is engraved to match, and the cross pin escutcheons are similarly embellished, all of the metal having a pleasing gray patina. Three ramrod thimbles are affixed to the barrels and what appears to be the original ebony ramrod with brass ram is present. There is little information on Hubbard but it might be assumed that he could have been a retailer. This fine gun shows a very high level of attention to detail and quality which would be expected of a British maker and remains in beautiful unaltered condition. (116463-1) {ANTIQUE}
New York State Three Barrel Percussion Drilling By Frederick Smith
Lot # 5 (Sale Order: 5 of 943)
Low Est: 2500High Est: 3500
16 ga. shotgun and .36 caliber percussion, 30" barrels with very good shotgun bores showing some scattered light pitting and a very good-very good plus rifle bore which is mostly bright with some sparsely scattered light oxidation and perhaps a scattered pit here and there. The barrels exhibit a pleasing mottled plum patina showing some very light scattered surface oxidation. The ribs are tight and the smooth with the top rib maker marked "F Smith" engraved in script. The gun is sighted with a simple German silver blade front sight and semi-buckhorn shallow v-notch rear sight. The bar under locks are borderline engraved with "Smith" engraved showing a neat flourish and a small star as the dot atop the letter i. The hammers show light borderline and star engraving and are primarily a plum patina as is the long triggerguard tang, hammer spring/triggerguard and the front triggerplate extension. The underhammer has two neatly checkered panels left and right for ease of cocking. The steel crescent buttplate with long upper tang shows a mottled pewter patina. The American Walnut straight grip stock rates very good having minor scratches over a smooth oil finish showing some very stunning grain figure in the butt. There are a number of old age cracks in the underside of the forend, they are tight and unobtrusive and have clearly been there for a long time. The front trigger fires the rifle barrel first if the rifle hammer is cocked and then a further pull fires the right shotgun barrel; the back trigger fires the left shotgun barrel only. All three hammers work crisply but the half cock does not hold on the left lock. Two ramrods with brass tips are included and appear to be original. The rifle rod has a two inch extension which probably indicates a repair but it is solid; they are mounted in twin iron thimbles on each side of the rifle barrel. Frederick Smith was active in the Fleming - Springport area of New York about 1850 to about 1880. This is a very unique and well made New York State gun which shows what a talented gunsmith could do in the mid 19th c entury. (36432-13) {ANTIQUE}
Superb Engraved And Cased Early Manhattan Pocket Model Revolver
Lot # 6 (Sale Order: 6 of 943)
Low Est: 4000High Est: 6000
serial #15, .31 cal, 4" octagon barrel with a bright very good plus to near excellent bore which shows only some scattered light oxidation and light pitting. The barrel on this lovely factory-cased revolver retains about 92% bright original blue, the areas of loss flaked to a light brown patina with toning to pewter on the sharp edges. The barrel flats show about 50% coverage of excellent-quality loose flowing scroll with background punch-dot shading. The loading lever is primarily a smoky pewter case-hardened patina. The early smooth cylinder was made before the application of cylinder scenes and is a flaked faded original blue plum brown patina with some generous traces of original blue in the protected areas. The frame has toned now to a pewter and soft plum with some generous traces of original blue near the root of the triggerguard. The frame flats and top rear of frame behind hammer show nice quality scroll with a small spray on the bow of the guard and sharp edge of the butt. The gun wears a nice pair of period smooth ivory grips which have shrunken uniformly with age and rate very good plus, also showing some length-wise age cracks; they are pencil-numbered to the gun on their interior. The frame, cylinder, barrel, loading lever and wedge are all numbered alike and the gun seems to function well mechanically with tight lockup. The presentation case rates very good with a lightly-moderately warped lid showing one end which was re-glued. The interior burgundy lining has faded primarily to orange and is unquestionably original. The accessories include a Colt-style eagle and star pattern flask. The flask features common top with fixed charger and has tight seams around its periphery and retains much original lacquer. There is an unmarked dual-cavity bullet mould showing some remnants of original blue with toning to brown and pewter, the mould cavities are very good. There is an antique japanned tin of caps and a combination nipple wrench screwdriver. An assortment of projectiles is included as well as a key which does not operate the lock. The gun was featured in a "Man at Arms" Roll of Honor center spread, a blown-up copy of that image is included, which edition is uncertain. Really a wonderful, very early Manhattan pocket model revolver perhaps made for a company official or important retailer. (36229-547) {ANTIQUE} [Elliott Riggs Collection]
Fantastic Remington Over-Under Deringer With Original Box
Lot # 7 (Sale Order: 7 of 943)
Low Est: 3000High Est: 5000
serial #99128, 41 RF, 3" barrels with as-new, likely unfired, bores. The metal surfaces retain about 98 to near 99% original blue finish. The loss is due to a few very superficial scratches or extremely light high edge wear in a spot or two, most notably a 3/4" very light scratch on the left side of the upper barrel. There is a minor freckle here and there of light oxidation but it is very unobtrusive. The barrel release lever, trigger, screws and hammer show excellent original fire blue. The checkered hard rubber grips rate excellent. The gun comes in what is likely its original box with a blued steel one piece cleaning rod which is likely original. The press-board box features stapled corners and has a Remington Arms Company Inc. end label with the red Remington UMC ball, now faded and only partially visible. The gun locks up tight and functions well mechanically. Interestingly the very rear edge of the hammer shows a tiny grind mark which has now lightly oxidized from the years. The hammer barely clears the frame in this area and it appears to be clearly a factory expedient repair, no doubt done by the final assembler and fitter. Really a super example overall in very nearly as-new condition. (36393-342) {C&R}
Excellent Merrimack Arms & Manufacturing Southerner Deringer
Lot # 8 (Sale Order: 8 of 943)
Low Est: 3000High Est: 4000
serial #2221, 41 RF, 2 1/2" octagon barrel with a bright excellent bore which shows a few spots of light oxidation. The barrel retains about 97% original bright blue, the loss due to some sparsely scattered flakes of brown oxidation, most prevalent below the manufacturer's address. Indeed even the interior of the barrel shows good original blue. The frame retains about 95% original silverplate, tarnishing nicely to a dull pewter patina, the areas of loss toned to an ocher. The hammer exhibits some very nice smoky case colors, as does the trigger, the trigger showing a bit more fading. The smooth rosewood grips rate very good plus to near excellent with only some very minor handling marks and wear along the sharp edges of their butt, each is stamp-numbered to the gun. All of the numbers are matching and barrel-to-frame fit is excellent and the gun is crisp mechanically; the barrel retaining screw shows some lovely nitre blue as well but has some very light slot damage. The "Southerner" marking on the top barrel flat goes slightly uphill and the manufacturer's marking on the left side is crisp. Really a super example in a very lovely state of preservation. (36229-184) {ANTIQUE} [Elliott Riggs Collection]
Colt First Model Deringer
Lot # 9 (Sale Order: 9 of 943)
Low Est: 2500High Est: 3500
serial #1464, 41 RF, 2 1/2" barrel with a a near excellent bright bore that shows a patch or two of light surface oxidation. This is a super Colt No. 1 deringer. The barrel retains about 75% bright original blue finish with loss due to flaking and with areas of loss showing a lovely smooth gray brown patina. The bottom of the barrel shows two tiny British proofs. The frame which has the standard loose scroll engraving retains 90% plus original silverplated finish overall. The hammer shows strong original color case-hardened finish. An extremely fine example of these neat all metal Colt deringers. (16452-1) {ANTIQUE}
Minty Peabody Martini Long Range Creedmoor Rifle
Lot # 10 (Sale Order: 10 of 943)
Low Est: 8,000High Est: 12,000
serial #313, 45-100, 32" part round part octagon barrel with a bright excellent bore. This rifle is in exceptional condition. The top of the barrel bears the standard "Manufactured by the Providence Tool & Co. Providence, RI. U.S.A." with the right side of the action being engraved "PEABODY & MARTINI PATENTS" and the left side being engraved "Creedmoor". The barrel retains about 80% evenly thinning original blue finish which is blending with a pleasing smooth brown patina. The action retains 98% vivid original color case-hardened finish with the lever being a little more brown. The checkered pistolgrip buttstock and forend rate excellent with 95% original finish remaining and with strong crisp checkering. The rifle is equipped with a smooth steel shotgun buttplate and a heel position sight base that is clearly original as it fits into the top tang of the buttplate. The rifle is sighted with a windgauge front and a long ranger Vernier tang mounted peepsight. The tang sight is period but is likely not the original sight for this rifle as it mounts in one of the factory mounting holes but not the other; in fact the forward mounting holes has been filled, very neatly. It would be a simple procedure for a competent gunsmith to drill out the filled hole, re-tap it and install the proper tang sight. Regardless, this is not a big issue and this sight is aesthetically pleasing. A very minty and handsome Peabody Martini Long Range Creedmoor rifle. (16106-90) {ANTIQUE} [Warren Greatbatch Collection]
Winchester Model 1873 Special Order Rifle
Lot # 11 (Sale Order: 11 of 943)
Low Est: 3000High Est: 5000
serial #171883A, 32 WCF, 24" part round part octagon barrel with full magazine and a very good bore. This rifle features the rare combination of a special order half octagon barrel with a full magazine. This rifle remains in wonderful condition retaining 80% even original blue finish on the barrel and magazine with loss just due to thinning on barrel toward muzzle where finish is blending with a pleasing smooth brown patina. The action retains about 85% original blue with some mellow brown blending in on the sideplates. The hammer and lever retain strong original color case-hardened finish which is just darkening slightly. The stock screws show very minor slot wear. The plain walnut stocks rate excellent with a little light oil finish added and with some light handling marks present. The rifle was once equipped with the early style 1873 folding tang mounted peepsight as the tiny rear locating stud is still present. The factory records confirm the configuration and show receipt and shipment on February 26, 1885. A fine special order 1873 rifle. (16331-4) {ANTIQUE}
First Year Production Winchester Model 71 Deluxe Lever Action Rifle
Lot # 12 (Sale Order: 12 of 943)
Low Est: 2500High Est: 3500
serial #48, 348 Win, 24" barrel with an excellent bore. The barrel, forearm cap and magazine tube have a few light handling marks and retain about 98% original blue which is lightly flaking to a pleasing brown patina. The receiver and hammer have better than 90% blue that is graying around the belly and a few of the receiver edges, the hammer has wear along the sides but nearly complete coverage along the back. The magazine tube cap, lever and checkered steel butt are mostly mottled gray. The checkered walnut deluxe stocks rate excellent and have few light dings and most of their original varnish that is lightly flaking throughout. The long tang, capped pistolgrip buttstock, and forearm are equipped with the deluxe sling swivels and include a military style leather sling. The rifle features the original hooded front sight and the factory optional bolt peep sight with aperture. The rear barrel sight is a factory folding leaf, which may have been ordered from the factory in lieu of the larger semi-buckhorn rear sight because of the bolt peep. A factory letter is included which confirms that the serial number was applied in November 13, 1935, but sadly there were no additional records available to verify the configuration of this supposed special order rifle. The consignor did confirm that his father purchased the rifle new and it has been in his family ever since. An exceptional but truly honest deluxe Model 71 that has been lovingly carried but has not seen much use or any abuse and given its vintage has lots of investment potential. (46454-1) {C&R}
Marlin Model 39 Lever Action Rifle
Lot # 13 (Sale Order: 13 of 943)
Low Est: 2500High Est: 3500
serial #12078, 22 S,L & LR, 24" octagon barrel with an excellent bore. The barrel, magazine tube and forearm cap retain about 97-98% original blue with light handling marks along the barrel where the original rear sight once sat and wear around the cap. The receiver and lever retain nearly 80% of the original case colors that are fading to a dusky gray and are strongest in the protected areas. The bolt, hammer and trigger retain about 90-95% original blue with light handling wear from normal use. The barrel and receiver markings are crisp and there is a small star stamped on the upper tang just forward the stock screw. The walnut stocks rate excellent and have a few light dings and a professionally applied varnish. The buttstock features the "S" shaped pistolgrip and has a hard rubber buttplate that has a small chip at the toe with corresponding wood loss. Rifle is equipped with the original front sight, the rear sight has been replaced by a slot blank, and mounted to the upper tang is a Lyman combination rear aperture sight. A lovely little Marlin lever action that has wonderful condition and would make a fine investment rifle. (46484-15) {C&R}
Special Order Shiloh Model 1874 Sharps #3 Sporting Rifle
Lot # 14 (Sale Order: 14 of 943)
Low Est: 3000High Est: 4000
serial #3147B, 45 2/10" (45-70), 30" heavy octagon barrel with Hartford collar that has a like new bore. The barrel retains 99% of the original polished blue finish while the frame, hammer, lever and military style buttplate retain a similar amount of the factory bone and charcoal case-hardened finish. The receiver and stock screws have all been fire blued and the stock screws are each seated in a brass escutcheon. The presentation grade walnut stocks rate excellent and feature absolutely fabulous figure underneath layers of hand applied factory oil finish. The forearm features a bright pewter tip while the buttstock is the straight grip design, both have a few very light handling marks. The rifle is equipped with a globe style front sight, a full buckhorn rear sight and an Axtell mid range adjustable rear tang sight. The various options alone more than double the value of this fine sporting rifle, that coupled with its near perfect condition set it far beyond any standard Sharps style rifle. A true gem of quality and craftsmanship that would be the prize of your collection, not to mention a fantastic long range sporting rifle. (46456-3)
Superb Rogers & Spencer Percussion Army Revolver
Lot # 15 (Sale Order: 15 of 943)
Low Est: 4000High Est: 6000
serial #4895 all matching, 44 caliber, 7 1/2" octagon barrel with a bright excellent bore. While fine conditioned Rogers & Spencer revolvers are not uncommon, this one is uncommonly fine. The barrel and frame retain 98% strong original blue finish overall. The cylinder shows some light flaking toward rear and retains over 90% strong original blue finish with areas of loss showing a lovely smooth brown patina. The hammer and loading lever show 95% original color case-hardened finish which shows just a little light fading. The two-piece walnut grips rate excellent plus retaining almost all of their original oil finish, showing a crisp "RPB" cartouche and with crisp sub-inspectors initials on bottom; there is just the slightest wear along the outer edge of the flared base. A top shelf example of these high quality revolvers. (16379-3) {ANTIQUE}
Savage Revolving Firearms Company Percussion Navy Model Revolver
Lot # 16 (Sale Order: 16 of 943)
Low Est: 4000High Est: 6000
serial #1129, .36 caliber, 7 1/8" octagon barrel with a bright excellent bore. This revolver is in very fine condition showing very little use and with any finish loss due to flaking rather than wear. Metal surfaces of revolver retain about 30% original blue finish with the balance bearing a pleasing smooth brown patina. All metal surfaces remain smooth, edges are crisp and screwheads are clean and unmolested. The hammer, triggerguard and trigger all retain strong original color case-hardened finish. The two piece walnut grips rate excellent plus retaining nearly all of their original oil finish and with excellent "WAT" cartouche present on right side; they are pencil-numbered to the gun. An extremely fine example of the Savage Percussion Navy revolver. (16397-2) {ANTIQUE}
Exceptional Baker Gun Company Batavia Leader Model Sidelock Double
Lot # 17 (Sale Order: 17 of 943)
Low Est: 1000High Est: 1500
serial #15582F, 12 ga, 30" steel barrels choked modified and full with bright excellent bores. The barrels retain 97% original blue showing some faint wear and old dried lubricant around the muzzles. The locks and frame exhibit 99% vibrant case color with no embellishment except for the maker's name and model stamped on the locks and the triggerguard retains 97% blue displaying a little light edge wear. The pistolgrip stock and snap-on splinter forearm rate almost excellent showing a few handling marks and faint blemishes in a strong factory varnish and having crisp checkering on both. There is a hard rubber gripcap present and a hard rubber buttplate is fitted providing a length of 14 1/2" with drops of 1 5/8" and 3". The gun features double triggers, extractors, and an automatic safety. A rare find in this condition. (116461-2) {C&R}
Manhattan Firearms Navy Type Percussion Revolver
Lot # 18 (Sale Order: 18 of 943)
Low Est: 4000High Est: 6000
serial #53356, .36 cal., 6 1/2" barrel with a bright excellent bore exhibiting a few very light spots of oxidation. The barrel retains about 98% of its original bright blue finish with light silvering present on the high edges and a tiny ding at the left side of the muzzle. The tapered loading lever retains about 94% of its lightly faded case-hardened colors. The five shot, ten stop cylinder retains about 92% of its original blue finish with some light silvering on the edges; the panel scenes are nice and crisp and there is some scattered bluing still visible in the chambers. The frame retains about 99% original color case-hardening that is remarkable vibrant; the spring plate is present. The triggerguard retains about 30% of its original silver plating with the backstrap toned to a goldenrod patina. The walnut grip is in excellent condition and correctly numbered to the revolver showing only a couple light flakes and wear along the butt. The revolver still functions well with correct matching numbers on all the appropriate parts except the loading lever which is numbered "3396", clearly a factory error. A super example overall that would be a handsome addition to any Manhattan collection. (86229-114) {ANTIQUE} [Elliott Riggs Collection]
Manhattan Firearms Navy Type Percussion Revolver With British Proofs
Lot # 19 (Sale Order: 19 of 943)
Low Est: 3500High Est: 5000
serial #57718, .36 cal., 6 1/2" barrel with an excellent bore. The barrel retains about 97% of its original bright blue finish with the loss primarily light oxidation blemishes at the muzzle. The tapered loading lever retains about 70% of its slightly muted case-hardened colors with the right side exhibiting a small casting flaw. The cylinder exhibits about 97% original blue finish with some light silvering on the edges, light operational marks and a few light handling blemishes. The interior of the chambers retain nearly all of their original blue finish and the panel scenes remain as-new. The frame and hammer retain 98% original color case-hardening which is still quite vivid; the spring plate is not present. The triggerguard retains 98% original silver plate while the backstrap retains about 95%, the toned areas now an ocher patina. The one piece walnut grip rates excellent and is correctly numbered to the revolver with light handling wear with added varnish, perhaps showing a light cleaning as the metal is slightly proud in a few spots. This beautiful example of a Series IV has the appropriate parts with correctly matching numbers except the loading lever. London proof marks appear over each chamber on the cylinder and the left side of the barrel in front of the wedge; the spring plate is no longer present. This little gun exhibits a lot of finish, is mechanically sound and begging to be the center piece in your Manhattan collection. (86229-372) {ANTIQUE} [Elliott Riggs Collection]
Delightful Francotte Jubilee Model "Funeral" Model Double Ejectorgun
Lot # 20 (Sale Order: 20 of 943)
Low Est: 2500High Est: 3500
serial #88670, 20ga., 26" barrels choked improved cylinder and light modified with bright excellent bores. The barrels retain 95% of a high polish rust blue showing a few scratches and some fading around the muzzles. They are marked "Abercrombie & Fitch Co." on the right tube and "US Agents New York" on the left. The sideplates and frame have only a stylized border engraving with "A. Francotte Maker & Patentee Liege Belgium" in very fine block letters incorporated into the border on each side. The metal exhibits 95% dark blue displaying some very faint specks of oxidation on the left plate. The round knob pistolgrip butt and splinter forearm rate very good having a few scattered nicks and dings over a strong oil finish showing some light fading and a little flaking, particularly on the forearm. There is a leather faced recoil pad present providing a length of 14 3/8" with drops of 1 3/8" and 2 3/8" with no cast, and it weighs 5 1/2 lbs. The forearm features a push button release and there is a German silver monogram oval inlaid into the toeline of the stock with three initials done in block letters. Double triggers, ejectors, and an automatic safety make this a superlative bird gun. Included is a nice "toe-under" leather case with leather corners showing a few scuffs. It is lined in burgundy colored baize and contains nickel plated snap caps, an oil bottle marked A & F, and a two piece wooden cleaning rod with mop and brush all in good condition. This lovely little gun with its plain blued action does not hide its quality behind heavy ornamentation. Only 71 Jubilee models were imported before WWII. A great upland shotgun. (116385-2)
Exceptional L. C. Smith Grade 5 Sidelock Double Ejectorgun
Lot # 21 (Sale Order: 21 of 943)
Low Est: 10000High Est: 15000
serial #2727, 16 ga., 30" matted rib Whitworth barrels choked modified and full having bright excellent bores. The barrels retain 90% original blue, the most predominant wear around the muzzle area and there are scattered scratches and some oxidation specks with a nick in the edge of the rib about half way up the barrel. The flats are engine turned and there are one inch wedges of scroll engraving on both sides of the breech, an engraved border at the muzzles, and a gold filled line on the rib separating the matted portion from a more detailed two inch breech section with rib extension. The locks and frame are beautifully engraved with fine shaded scroll and flowers and with a large oval on each side displaying a life like pair of setters on the left and pointers on the right all done in detailed habitat with shaded backgrounds. In addition, there is a small oval at the front of each lock with a pair of woodcock on the left and a pair of quail on the right, and the front of the action has a very detailed bouquet of flowers on each side. The metal exhibits 40% muted case colors with the balance showing a pleasing gray case colored patina. The triggerguard has geometric designs and scroll with initials of "GHF" engraved with intertwined block letters inside a stippled oval. It retains 90% of an original high polish blue. The beautifully figured straight grip stock rates very good plus displaying scattered small scratches and minor dings over a polished oil finish. It exhibits finely executed fleur-de-lis checkering with scalloped flourishes at the back of the triggerguard tang. The forearm has a wonderful little checkered "clamshell" latch in an engraved escutcheon and also an ebony tip which has a small chip. It is almost completely and finely checkered with a few minor impact marks. There is an old Hawkins style recoil pad fitted showing a little deformation at the toe and providing a length of 14 7/8" with drops of 1 3/8" and 2 3/8" and 1/4" cast off. The gun features double triggers, ejectors, an automatic safety, and bushed firing pins. Included is a leather Abercrombie & Fitch trunk case showing a few scuffs and scratches with a broken handle lined in red baize. It has a couple of small tears but is otherwise in good condition and contains an A & F nickel oil bottle, nickel snap caps, and a two-piece wooden cleaning rod with brush and mop. According to Cody records this gun was shipped to a George S. Fields in 1898 and, other than the recoil pad, it conforms to the order. However, we cannot explain the difference in middle initials between the triggerguard and the record. There were only 37 16 gauge guns made in this grade before it was renamed the Crown grade in 1913. A truly beautiful and rare Smith. (116385-1) {ANTIQUE}
Charles Daly Hammer Side Lever Drilling Two Barrel Set
Lot # 22 (Sale Order: 22 of 943)
Low Est: 2500High Est: 4000
serial #38758/59, 12 ga. x 12 ga. x 40-65, 28" fine damascus barrels choked modified and full with bright excellent shotgun bores and bright very good rifle bore showing some frosted grooves and strong rifling, and 12 ga. x 12 ga. x 32-40, 28" fine damascus barrels choked skeet and light modified having bright excellent shotgun bores and bright excellent rifle bore. Both sets of barrels exhibit full lovely contrasting damascus pattern with just a slight amount of fading at the muzzles, the rifle barrels being steel and retaining 95% of a dark rust blue. There is an oval in the matted ribs in which is stamped "Fine Damascus Barrels" and the rib extensions are engraved with a detailed sunburst. Really a rare special-order drilling, the frame, back action locks, triggerguard, and hammers all have little vignettes of fine scroll engraving with line borders and all exhibit 20 to 30% fading case color toning to a soft pleasing pewter. The nicely figured round knob pistolgrip stock and snap-on splinter forearm rate good to very good displaying scattered light scratches, a couple of small hairline cracks in the base of the forearm, an old tight crack on the right side of the top tang, and a couple of older small cracks below the back of the right lock, all over a polished added finish showing some checking, particularly on the left side of the stock. In addition, there is an expertly done wood inlay in the forearm suggesting some type of repair which is hardly visible. Checkering is well executed but lightly soiled with some rounded diamonds. A German silver monogram oval is inlayed into the toeline and a checkered horn buttplate is present displaying a few chips and providing a length of 14" and drops of 1 5/8" and 2 1/2" with 1/4" cast off. The gun is equipped with double ivory beads on both sets of barrels, the front being housed in a brass frame with a center hole and there is a tang sight which folds very neatly into a groove in the top tang. A lever on the top tang sets the rifle barrel to fire with the right lock and the action functions smoothly and is tight. Included is an old leather trunk case fitted for this particular gun showing scuffs and tattered corners, missing its outside straps but with a good handle, and lined in red baize with wrist strap. A quality drilling made by Sauer which would have been a special order since it combined 12ga shotgun barrels with American rifle calibers. (116429-26) {C&R}
Fine Marlin No. 32 Standard 1875 Model Revolver
Lot # 23 (Sale Order: 23 of 943)
Low Est: 2500High Est: 3500
serial #5596, 32 RF, 3" ribbed round barrel with a very good plus bore with strong rifling showing some minor oxidation and a few scattered pits. This is a lovely overall-engraved Marlin revolver with beautiful Wexell & DeGress patent grips. The barrel retains 99% original nickel and is covered with excellent quality loose flowing scroll with background punch dot shading in the Nimsche fashion. The cylinder retains about 90% original nickel with the sparsest light oxidation staining, the same wonderful scroll and a later gold-wash enamel or lacquer. The brass frame retains about 92% original nickel, with the frame flats being near fully intact showing identical wonderful scroll, there is flaking on the butt, frontstrap and radius of the frame ahead of the trigger, this has toned to an ocher patina. The hammer shows remnants of a gold wash and the trigger has faded to gray-brown, the cylinder stop with good original blue. The Wexell & DeGress patent grips are copper-colored and rate about excellent showing foliate scroll on the left and a dancing girl with tambourine on the right. Barrel-to-frame fit is excellent with only the slightest amount of vertical play and the gun functions well mechanically. All of the numbers are matching. Really a lovely example overall in a fine state of preservation. (36229-287) {ANTIQUE} [Elliott Riggs Collection]
Excellent Cooper Navy Model Percussion Revolver
Lot # 24 (Sale Order: 24 of 943)
Low Est: 2500High Est: 3500
serial #2347, .36 cal., 4" octagon barrel with an about excellent bore. The barrel retains about 95% original blue, the loss is due to some light flaking to brown and some muzzle wear. The loading lever and ram show some generous smoky traces of original color case-hardening. The cylinder retains about 92-95% original blue, showing some light flaking to brown, a light turn ring and some very sparsely scattered light oxidation. The frame retains about 95% original color case-hardening which is quite vibrant in areas, also with some very light oxidation staining. The hammer retains some very good case colors as does the root of the trigger, the balance faded to a dark gray-brown. The backstrap and guard are actually nickel rather than silverplated and retain 97% original nickel, the flaked-through areas showing a dull ocher beneath. The one-piece walnut grip rates very good plus with much original varnish and only some light flaking and handling marks from the years, it is pencil-numbered to the gun. A number of the screws show some nice remnants of fire blue, a couple with some minor slot damage. All of the numbers are matching and the gun functions crisply mechanically. A very nice second model overall. (36229-571) {ANTIQUE} [Elliott Riggs Collection]
Exceptional Cased And Engraved Cooper 2Nd Model Double Action Revolver
Lot # 25 (Sale Order: 25 of 943)
Low Est: 8,000High Est: 12,000
serial #6520, .31 cal., 4" octagon barrel with an about a very good bore which shows strong rifling but with minor scattered pitting. Truly a lovely and very rare revolver; the metal surfaces retain about 95-97% original silverplate. A second model Philadelphia revolver, the gun features high-quality flowing scroll with background punch-dot shading in about 75% coverage on the barrel with a nice geometric ring at the muzzle. The flats of the loading lever are fully engraved and the frame itself features full coverage excellent quality loose flowing scroll. The backstrap shows the same nice engraving at the corner of the butt and the top of the grip strap with a nice flourish on the bow of the guard. The cylinder is primarily smooth with only a light geometric embellishment at its front edge. The areas of wear are some of the high spots, a rubbed-through area on the right barrel flat and right diagonal upper flat with the backstrap and the butt toning primarily to a deep ocher patina. The revolver wears a one-piece ivory grip which fits wonderfully, has mellowed nicely with age and is doubtless original equipment. The revolver seems to function flawlessly mechanically however there is no half-cock notch. The numbers are matching on barrel, loading lever, triggerguard, butt and cylinder; the wedge is correctly un-numbered. Beautifully period-cased in what is likely its original presentation case, the gun comes with some lovely accessories. Included are a "Colts Patent" 31 caliber dual-cavity bullet mould. The mould retains 98% original silverplate with some minor dings and impact marks from the years, the cavities rate about very good, showing some minor oxidation. Also included is a silverplated Colt-style star and eagle pattern pistol flask. The flask features the 13 stars surrounding federal eagle above crossed belt pistols and "e pluribus unum" in riband. It features a fixed spout, fixed common top and it has tight seams around its periphery. Additionally there is a japanned tin of Eley's percussion caps included and an assortment of cast projectiles and the key for the case. The very rare overall silver plating of the gun, the silver plating of the flask and bullet mould suggested that this case was specially ordered or specially-made and has been together since-new. A superb Cooper silver-plated revolver. (36229-200) {ANTIQUE} [Elliott Riggs Collection]
