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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Browning Grade 1 Superposed Lightning Over Under 4 Barrel Skeet Set
Lot # 176 (Sale Order: 176 of 943)
Low Est: 3000High Est: 4000
serial #23816S74, 12, 20, 28, 410 bores, all 26 1/2" ventilated rib barrels choked skeet and skeet with bright excellent bores. The barrels all retain 98% dark blue showing only the slightest fading at the muzzles and all have double ivory beads, except the 20 gauge barrels which have a broken front bead. The frame is embellished with the standard Browning pattern of open foliate engraving with flourishes and has the maker's name and model marked on the bottom plate. It exhibits 95% blue showing some fading around the bottom edges and the long tang triggerguard retains all of its blue. The flat knob pistolgrip stock rates excellent displaying a few faint handling marks over a high gloss finish and the beavertail forearm would be excellent as well except that the left corner above the metal is chipped and missing a sliver of wood and the opposite corner is cracked. This has resulted from perhaps a slight swelling of the forearm which makes it hard to install. A little professional fitting and a wood repair would take care of this. The gun is equipped with a Browning recoil pad providing a length of 14 1/2" with drops of 1 1/2" at the comb, 2" at the heel, and no cast. The gun features a single selective mechanical trigger, ejectors, and a non automatic safety. Included is a very good Browning luggage case for the set containing the original warranty card, owner's manual, and key. This is a great skeet set made in 1974 which just needs a bit of attention to make it perfect. (116478-1)
Stevens-Pope Model 52 Schuetzen Junior Muzzle Loading Rifle On No. 44 Heavy Frame
Lot # 177 (Sale Order: 177 of 943)
Low Est: 12,000High Est: 16,000
serial #4641, 32-40, 34" full octagon No. 5 weight barrel (Stevens-Pope #1758) with a bright excellent bore. The barrel on this rifle is interesting as it bears both the standard "J. STEVENS A & T CO" markings as well as the "STEVENS-POPE" markings. This rifle features factory adjustable double set triggers, a full Pope lever and Pope palm rest. The barrel retains about 90% evenly thinning original blue finish with silvering on just the highest edges. The action is a mellow gray patina with subtle traces of the color case-hardened pattern showing within the pewter colored surfaces. The serial number is very light but the action never looks to have been polished. The checkered pistolgrip buttstock and forend are of highly figured American black walnut and rate excellent with 95% plus original finish remaining with sharp checkering. The buttstock features a nice and very typical Stevens cheekpiece, the base of the pistolgrip shows a nice checkered panel and the original heavy Schuetzen buttplate is in place. The rifle is sighted with globe front, no rear seat and a Pope windage adjustable peepsight. Additionally the rifle is equipped with a Stevens 338 telescopic sight mounted on target blocks. The rear block partially obscures the original "J. STEVENS A & T CO." markings. The rifle is also milled for Pope scope mounts, once on the top of the barrel and once on the top of the action. The rifle is equipped with its original false muzzle which is numbered to the barrel and a wooden loading rod is present. A shooting kit comes with the rifle which includes a Pope duplex powder measure, Pope mould, re-decapper, brass starter, grease pump, breech seater, cases and some cast bullets. A factory loading instruction sheet which is numbered to this barrel in pencil is also included. A handsome and very long Stevens-Pope muzzle loading target rifle. (16106-54) {C&R} [Warren Greatbatch Collection]
Stevens-Pope "Pope Special" Schuetzen Rifle On No. 44 1/2 Action
Lot # 178 (Sale Order: 178 of 943)
Low Est: 10,000High Est: 15,000
serial #8741, 32-40, 30" full octagon (Stevens-Pope #1792) No. 4 weight barrel with an excellent bore. This rifle features factory adjustable double set triggers, Pope lever, Pope palm rest and a left hand cheekpiece. The barrel retains about 97% strong original blue finish while the unengraved action retains 90% plus strong original color case-hardened finish. The checkered pistolgrip buttstock and forend are very nicely figured and rate about excellent with 95% original finish remaining and with just light handling marks. The checkering on the forend is patterned around the palm rest and the base of the pistolgrip has a nice finely checkered panel. The rifle is sighted with a globe target front, no rear seat and Pope folding tang mounted peepsight. The barrel is equipped with a set of target blocks which hold an unmarked period telescopic sight with somewhat cloudy optics. The barrel also shows two additional holes which have been filled, one to the rear of each of the current blocks. The forend doesn't show a visible number, the buttstock is correctly numbered "741" in ink in the top inlet. The rifle comes with a second 30" tapered octagon Stevens-Pope marked barrel in .22 caliber which is indeed Pope rifled but is not numbered. An interesting note however is that it wears a set of scope blocks with additional filled single holes to the rear of each of the blocks, identical to the 32-40 barrel. The barrel is in excellent condition retaining about 95% original blue finish and having an excellent bore. A very fine Stevens-Pope breechloading target rifle. (16106-57) {C&R} [Warren Greatbatch Collection]
Unique Colt Prototype "Enlarged Caliber" Belt Pistol
Lot # 179 (Sale Order: 179 of 943)
Low Est: 15,000High Est: 20,000
serial #2 constructed using belt pistol serial #95060, .38/.39" (popularly referred to as .40") cal., 5 5/8" octagon barrel with a bright about excellent bore. The barrel retains approximately 95% of its original blued finish with the loss due to flaking to plum, primarily on the left and right side near the muzzle; the loading lever retains about 50% color case-hardening which is quite vivid on the flats. The cylinder retains perhaps 15% original blue with the Naval engagement scene crisp and fully visible. The frame retains about 95-97% original color case-hardening with about 60% on the hammer, in the protected areas. The backstrap and triggerguard retain about 98% original silver-plating. The grips rate excellent and retain nearly all of their original varnish with some light handling marks and wear along the sharp edges. All of the numbers are matching and the gun functions well mechanically and is tight. The production of the "Enlarged Caliber" Belt Pistols having bore diameters of .38/.39" took place in 1859 when Samuel Colt began work on the development of a new series of models intended to expand and modernize his product line. Though never put into full production, these samples served as prototypes for what later became the "New Model" series of pistols. The barrel is roll-engraved "-ADDRESS SAML COLT HARTFORD CT.-" and the left side of the lock frame is stamped "COLT'S PATENT" in two lines. The secondary/prototype serial number "2" is neatly stamped on the left lower side of the barrel lug so as to be immediately visible. Serial number 3 of this series of prototypes is preserved in the arms collection of Samuel Colt at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford, Connecticut and is illustrated and described in Samuel Colt Arms, Art and Invention © Herbert G. Houze. Another, described as a "5 1/2", 40c [Pistol]" valued at $13.50 was transferred to the Colt factory's museum on September 9, 1864 (Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company Journal B, page 137 [Connecticut State Library]). This example, however, cannot be traced in later inventories of that collection. Serial number 5 is preserved in the Colt Collection at the Museum of Connecticut History (Inv. No. CSL 254 illustrated and described in Houze, "The 1861 Inventory of the Arms and Miscellaneous Material in the Museum Room of the Colt Factory," ARMAX, The Journal of the Winchester Arms Museum, Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 84-85). Unlike the preceding, it has a fluted, as well as rebated, cylinder and a rounded rather than octagonal barrel. In common with prototype number 2, the front sight is positioned directly over the loading lever catch. The same inventory also notes "1 Cylinder enlarged bore (Navy)" on page 72. The use of production arms as prototypes in 1859 is clearly demonstrated by two other Belt Pistols that were completely reworked. Serial numbers 91868 and 91869 were fitted with rebated cylinders of .44 caliber, as well as 8" contoured round barrels having rack and pinion loading levers (Herbert G. Houze, "The 1861 Inventory of the Arms and Miscellaneous Material in the Office of Colonel Colt, ARMAX, Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 5-55). These shoulder-stocked revolvers were the pattern pieces for what became known as the New Model Holster Pistol. This is an exceedingly rare Colt pistol and the only one known in private hands and is likely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the advanced Colt collector. Provenance: Alexander F. Thuer; Walter Thuer; Allen S. Kelley; John S. Dumont (6445-8) {ANTIQUE}
Browning Superposed Over Under Shotgun Two Barrel Set
Lot # 180 (Sale Order: 180 of 943)
Low Est: 1500High Est: 2000
serial #8667, 20 ga, 26 1/2" ventilated rib barrels; set no. 1 choked cylinder and improved cylinder and set no. 2 choked modified and improved modified both with bright excellent bores. . Both sets of barrels are serial numbered to the gun and are marked 1 and 2. Barrel set no. 1 retains 90% plus blue showing scattered light scratches and wear around the muzzles with some fading on the edges of the rib and rub marks from the sliding forearm. Barrel set no. 2 retains a few percentage points more bluing displaying similar markings and wear. The frame is embellished with Browning's standard simple foliate scroll engraving and exhibits about 80% fading blue with most loss on the front and bottom and the triggerguard has about 50% blue showing a silver long tang. The round knob pistolgrip stock rates good exhibiting dings and scratches over a thin and flaking finish, particularly along the top of the comb and the grip and the checkering remains well defined but slightly worn and soiled. Set no. 1 forearm rates good with dings and scratches over a thin and flaking finish and set no. 2 forearm rates good as well showing a bit more condition but displaying an old solid hairline crack on the left side emanating from the base metal. Both have good checkering which shows some wear and light impact marks. The stock is fitted with a ventilated White Line rubber recoil pad providing a length of 14 3/8". The gun features a single selective trigger, ejectors, and a non automatic safety. Everything functions fine. It was made in 1955 and shows honest hunting use but still has lots of life left. (116393-71)
Colt 1851 Navy First Model Square Back Screw-Under-Wedge Revolver
Lot # 181 (Sale Order: 181 of 943)
Low Est: 7500High Est: 9500
serial #518, .36 caliber, 7 1/2" octagon barrel with a good bore that shows strong rifling with oxidation and light pitting present. This is the very first variation of the 1851 Navy which features the wedge over screw and with the arbor notched on the top edge, different than slot-through-the-arbor as is found on Colts made prior to and subsequent to this one. All numbers on this revolver match, the wedge is unnumbered but appears original. The cylinder scene is very faint but "COLT'S PATENT" and serial number are visible. The barrel retains about 30% of an old later applied blue finish which is blending with a gray brown patina, the barrel address is mostly visible. The cylinder is more of an even brown patina while the frame is very much like the barrel with some old later applied blue blending with patina and with a few scattered pits. The "COLT'S / PATENT" marking on the left side of frame remains clearly legible. There is some scattered pitting on the recoil shields. The square back triggerguard bears a mellow patina with traces of original silver plated finish in protected areas. The backstrap is lightly engraved and punch dot decorated with the intials "P S" engraved in the butt. The backstrap is properly numbered and fits the grips perfectly and it retains 85% original silver plated finish. The disparity in finish between the backstrap and the triggerguard seems odd but the numbers are the same font, the age seems perfect; perhaps after it was engraved they reapplied silver plate. The one piece walnut grip is properly pencil numbered beneath backstrap and rates very good with 85% original finish remaining. The revolver comes in a fabulous period commercial leather flap holster which is in near very good condition with a good deal of surface chipping on the flap but the balance is very good. This is a very good example of these very rare and highly sought-after Colt Navy revolvers. (16257-1) {ANTIQUE}
U.S. Colt Model 1861 Navy Percussion Revolver
Lot # 182 (Sale Order: 182 of 943)
Low Est: 7000High Est: 9000
serial #6032, .44 cal., 7 1/2" round barrel with a good bore which shows strong rifling with scattered light oxidation and minor pitting. The barrel is primarily a dull pewter patina with some generous traces of original blue in the protected areas. The metal is primarily smooth with some minor handling marks and dings, most prevalent around the wedge. The loading lever and ram are primarily a speckled gray-brown with some generous traces of colors in the protected areas of the lever. The cylinder retains its naval scene and is a dull pewter gray with a few minor oxidation stains, the hammer rest pins are intact. The frame shows some nice color case-hardening, about 25% remaining, the balance a mottled case-hardened patina showing some minor oxidation on the fences. The hammer as well shows some good case colors in the protected areas, very strong on the spine, the trigger toned to a dull gray. The triggerguard and straps have faded to a goldenrod patina, more ocher at the butt. The one piece walnut grip rates very good as lightly cleaned showing what looks like remnants of a light cartouche on the left side, with numerous dings at the butt and a small repaired chip along the left sharp edge. All of the numbers are matching but the un-numbered wedge and there is a tiny thin shim added at the rear of the cylinder to take up endshake. There are numerous single-digit inspectors markings stamped about the surface of the gun and the revolver functions well mechanically and is crisp. The included factory letter shows shipment to Commanding Officer R H K Whitely, New York arsenal NY, March 8 of 1862 in a shipment of 500 guns. Also included is copy of a Herb Glass advertisement from the Gun Report which lists this rare revolver for sale. Overall a really super martial 1861 Navy, U.S. government-issued for the Civil War, in a very attractive state of condition with great investment potential. (36438-2) {ANTIQUE}
Brown Manufacturing Company Engraved Southerner Deringer
Lot # 183 (Sale Order: 183 of 943)
Low Est: 2500High Est: 3500
serial #6169, .41 RF, 2 1/2" octagon barrel with an about very good bore which shows some bright spots and has crisp rifling but with scattered oxidation and some light pitting. The barrel retains about 50% original silver plate the balance showing a lightly oxidized dark brown patina and likely some pinprick pits. The gun features wonderfully executed loose flowing scroll with background punch dot shading on both barrel and frame flats with geometric borderline engraving, total coverage about 60%. The frame retains about 40% original silver plate, chiefly on the radiused edges along the bottom and the frontstrap with the flats showing traces within the engraving and primarily toned to a warm ocher patina. Both hammer and trigger show some purple oxidation but the hammer retains most of its silver plate, chiefly along the right side. The smooth genuine mother-of-pearl grips rate very good, the right grip showing some oxidation leaching in from the grip screw escutcheon. The grip screws and their escutcheons show oxidation and some damage to the screw slots and appear to be frozen in place. Barrel-to-frame fit is slightly loose but the gun functions crisply mechanically, barrel and frame are numbered alike, the extractor is not. Overall a very ornately-embellished southerner that would have been very handsome when new, and still is. (36229-158) {ANTIQUE} [Elliott Riggs Collection]
Brown Manufacturing Company Engraved Southerner Deringer
Lot # 184 (Sale Order: 184 of 943)
Low Est: 2500High Est: 3500
serial #8984, 41 RF, 2 1/2" octagon barrel with an about good bore which shows strong evident rifling but with minor and some moderate pitting. This was a top-of-the-line Southerner when new. The gun is very nicely engraved in high-quality flowing scroll in about 90% coverage and featured both gold and silver plate. the barrel is primarily a plum brown patina with the area around the barrel address toned to plum, the underside of the barrel retaining strong original gold wash on three of the barrel flats, also showing some very light oxidation bubbling. There is additional plate present around the front sight blade and the very breech end of the barrel at the frame. The frame itself retains about 40% original silverplate, the areas of loss toned to a pleasing dull ocher patina. The hammer has toned chiefly to a plum brown with some remnants of plate in the protected areas, the trigger is similar. The pistol is fitted with a pair of smooth genuine mother-of-pearl grips which rate very good, also showing some orange-tone oxidation staining leaching in from the grip screw escutcheons. As on the similar example above, both grip screws appear frozen in place, the left one with some light slot damage from someone's attempt at removing it. Barrel-to-frame fit is somewhat loose but the mechanism is crisp. Barrel, frame and extractor are all numbered alike, the actuating pin on the frame must be missing as the extractor does not actuate. Really a lovely and very rare little Southerner, with this high degree of embellishment and high quality plating it must've been something when new; it remains very handsome as-is. (36229-75) {ANTIQUE} [Elliott Riggs Collection]
Tremendous W & C Scott & Sons 8 Bore Double Hammer Shotgun With Extra 10 Bore Barrels
Lot # 185 (Sale Order: 185 of 943)
Low Est: 6000High Est: 8000
serial #29486, 8 bore, 36" damascus barrels choked about .020 in each with bright excellent bores, and 10 bore, 32 3/8" damascus barrels choked improved cylinder in each having bright very good bores showing very faint frosting. This gun was originally made as an 8 bore and the 10 gauge barrels along with a new forearm were added by the maker at a later date and serial numbered to the gun. The 8 bore barrels exhibit some pattern turning mostly silver with scattered light oxidation spots and an area of pinprick pitting at the breech to the right side of the rib. The 10 bore barrels exhibit 70% of their original brown color displaying an area of pinprick pitting on the top about ten inches from the breech along with some scratches and dings. Both sets of barrels have the maker's name and London address engraved on the top rib with matching engraved borders around the breech ends and rib extensions. The frame, locks, and hammers all display various shades of case color, the locks retaining 80% with the balance of the metal surfaces showing a mix of brown, pewter, and spots of color. All of the metal has border engraving with the top lever indicating the maker's "Patent". The figured straight grip stock rates very good displaying a few dings and scratches over the original polished oil finish with some staining evident around the butt pad and the grip is finely checkered in a well executed full wrap-around pattern showing some soiling. The original splinter forearm is attached via a cross pin and rates similarly to the stock with well defined lightly soiled checkering; it has a nicely carved decorative metal tip. The second splinter forearm accompanying the 10 bore barrels is about an inch shorter and has a later lever release. Its condition is similar with good lightly soiled checkering. An old distorted rubber recoil pad is present providing a length of 14 1/2" and the gun features double rebounding hammers with extractors and weighs 15 lbs. This shotgun was made in 1878 and the extra barrels and forearm were added a short time later as Scott stopped using that type of forearm release in 1892. It remains in remarkable condition considering its age and use. (116477-1) {ANTIQUE}
Smith & Wesson Model Of 1950 Hand Ejector 357 Magnum Revolver
Lot # 186 (Sale Order: 186 of 943)
Low Est: 1000High Est: 1500
serial #S157740, 357 Magnum, 5" pinned barrel with an excellent bore. This post-war revolver retains about 95% of its original blue finish with some light silvering evident on the high edges, also on the recoil shoulder of the backstrap, some light thinning on the bottom of the triggerguard and a turn ring on the cylinder. The revolver is equipped with a standard hammer and .400" smooth trigger. The trigger retains vivid case-hardened colors while the hammer has mellowed slightly. Both exhibit light operation marks. The diamond centered checkered walnut grips are in near excellent condition with light handling wear present. The grips feature silver Smith & Wesson medallions but are not correctly numbered to the gun. The revolver has correct matching serial numbers on all appropriate parts and the adjustable rear sight blade has been changed to a white outline configuration. Also included with this fine revolver is an original two piece, metal reinforced, gold colored box that is in near excellent condition and possesses the correct end label for a 5" barreled revolver. This is a very nice example of a Pre-Model 27 with a very desirable box. (86476-56) {C&R}
Smith & Wesson Registered Magnum Revolver
Lot # 187 (Sale Order: 187 of 943)
Low Est: 4000High Est: 6000
serial #55838 (Registration No. 3997), 357 Magnum, 6" pinned barrel with an excellent bright bore. Overall, this N frame revolver retains about 93% of its original deep blue finish. There is some light silvering present on the forward edges, a turn ring on the cylinder, some thinning on the high edges of the backstrap, that has mellowed to a brown hue, with a series of prominent scratches on the right side of the frame and a few just below the window on the left side. The hammer is the humpback style with side grooves and the trigger is the magna model. Both exhibit rich case-hardened colors with a slight amount of freckling on the side of trigger. The diamond centered checkered walnut grips are in very good condition with some light compression of the diamond points visible, light handling wear and few scattered dents on the base. The grips feature gold Smith & Wesson medallions but, are not correctly numbered to the gun however the revolver has correct matching serial numbers on all appropriate parts. A Smith & Wesson factory letter dated 10/22/96 is included and it indicates that Registered Magnum number 3997 was shipped on August 12, 1938 to Von Lengerke & Antoine of Chicago, Illinois. It was equipped with a six inch barrel, gold Call bead front sight, square notch rear sight, Magna stocks and blue finish. Also included is an original two piece, metal reinforced, blue colored box that is in very good to excellent condition. There is some moderate wear evident on the edges of the box and scattered light wear on the flats. The box contains an original Smith & Wesson "Helpful Hints" booklet and a cautionary leaflet on oiling the firearm. Overall, this is a really nice example of Smith & Wesson's famed "Registered Magnum" and ready to proudly grace any "Smith" collection. (86476-26) {C&R}
Smith & Wesson Registered Magnum Revolver With Utah Highway Patrol Markings
Lot # 188 (Sale Order: 188 of 943)
Low Est: 3000High Est: 5000
serial #49746 (Registration No. 1614), 357 Magnum, 4" pinned barrel with an excellent bright bore. Overall, this revolver retains about 90% of its factory re-blued finish. The muzzle and high edges are flaking to silver and the bottom of the trigger guard is gunmetal gray. The recoil hump on the backstrap has flaked to gunmetal gray and the high edges of the grooved backstrap are thinning to silver. The humpback style hammer and magna trigger still retain fairly vibrant case-hardened colors with some light operation marks present. The unnumbered diamond centered checkered walnut grips feature a silver Smith & Wesson medallion and are in very good condition. The diamond points are light to moderately compressed on the left panel and heavily worn on the right. The grip frame and barrel bear a "B" with a diamond next to it and the dates 3/57 and 5/62 indicating a return to the factory for repair and / or refinish in blue. The front sight is a ramp configuration with five coarse serrations cut into the face and the original factory adjustable rear sight is present. The revolver has correct matching serial numbers on all the appropriate parts. The included factory letter indicates Registered Magnum #1614 was shipped on November 12, 1936 to Salt Lake City Hardware, Salt Lake City, Utah and was marked Utah Highway Patrol 3 which was one of nine revolvers numbered one through nine. This gun was shipped with a 6 1/2" barrel with Patridge front and sighted for 38 specials. It appears the current 4" barrel is factory replacement and was probably changed out at one of the returned dates. This interesting revolver probably spent many hours in a U.H.P Troopers holster keeping the criminal element at bay in the great state of Utah. (86476-42) {C&R}
Smith & Wesson Registered Magnum Revolver
Lot # 189 (Sale Order: 189 of 943)
Low Est: 3000High Est: 5000
serial #52558 (Registration No. 2576), 357 Magnum, 5" pinned barrel with an excellent bright bore. Overall, this revolver retains about 95% of its factory blued finish. The front of the muzzle is polished bright and may have been re-crowned. The are few light scratches present, a visible turn ring on the cylinder and light silvering on the high edges of the grooved grip frame. The humpback style hammer and magna trigger retain rich case-hardened colors with some light operation marks present on the hammer. The diamond centered checkered walnut grips feature a silver Smith & Wesson medallion and are correctly numbered to the gun. They are in near excellent condition with light handling wear, scratches and dents present and the revolver has correct matching serial numbers on all the appropriate parts. A factory letter indicates Registered Magnum #2576 was shipped on June 25, 1935 to Von Lengerke & Antoine of 33 Wabash Ave., Chicago Illinois with a 6 1/2" barrel, gold Call bead front sight, blue finish and magna grips as part of an identical five gun order. There where several correspondences with Smith & Wesson's Roy Jinks concerning the barrel length with Mr. Jinks stating he could only offer an opinion that at some early point in this guns life cycle it was rebarrelled to its current 5" configuration but, their records did not reflect this. Despite the barrel change this N frame is in great condition and would be a welcome addition to any collection. (86476-15) {C&R}
Rare Ellis-Jennings Percussion Converted Repeating Rifle
Lot # 190 (Sale Order: 190 of 943)
Low Est: 8,000High Est: 12,000
Opened to .59 caliber, 36" smoothbore barrel. This is a very fine and very interesting example of these rare repeating flintlock rifles. This is one of the four shot repeaters that has been very nicely period converted to a percussion single shot fowler. The alterations include removal of the swivel covers and taking down of the plate on which they mount, filling of the toucholes and the addition of a drum and nipple with the lock set in the rearmost position. The sear bar which allows the trigger to function in all four positions is still in place and is still what trips the lock in its fixed position. The hammer shows some tasteful light engraving which is quite endearing. The original lock is properly unmarked while the barrel is marked "US / JM / P (in sunken oval)" and the stock is cartouched "JM". The condition of the gun is wonderful with all iron surfaces retaining a lovely mix of original brown finish and brown patina. All markings remain crisp and legible. The stock is in fabulous condition with the 1817 Common rifle patchbox, buttplate and triggerguard but with the stock showing no provision for a sideplate as the lock mounts to a sliding rail on the right side of the gun. The stock shows lots of original finish and has sharp edges and a very crisp cartouche. The exposed wood in the lock channel shows initials "OS" and "AW". There is a small chip on the right side of the gun just at the front of the slide rail. The left side of the wrist shows eight small brass tacks in line with the contour of the stock along with two others (one on either side) further back just ahead of the patchbox. All of these tacks are old and from the period of use. These rifles represent one of the great rarities in American arms collecting. Only 520 of these guns were originally built and with its unique and potentially dangerous superimposed loading system, the attrition rate was likely quite high. The fact that this was converted to a percussion single shot and has remained in this fine and extremely honest state of condition is remarkable. These guns are great oddities and the conversion on this rifle brings it to another level of American firearms curiosa. (16387-30) {ANTIQUE}
U.S. Model 1903-A4 Bolt Action Rifle By Remington
Lot # 191 (Sale Order: 191 of 943)
Low Est: 3000High Est: 4000
serial #3415574, 30-06, 24" two-groove barrel that is "RA / (ordnance bomb) / 3-44" marked barrel that has a bright excellent bore. The metal surfaces retain about 99% arsenal blue and parkerized finishes. The barrel bands and floorplate have some light handling marks and are more a polished blue as opposed to the black receiver and bolt and parkerized barrel. The American walnut stocks rate excellent, there are a few small dings and a single cosmetic blemish on the "scant-C" buttstock; the stocks are devoid of any markings. Mounted to the receiver on a one-piece Redfield base is a correct Weaver M73 B1 telescopic sight numbered "9044" and features a fine crosshair reticle with bright optics while the outer tube has some light flaking and brown patina present. The base has a few light pits along the edges and corners. Included are a modern 1 1/4" leather GI style sling and a plastic oiler with cleaning tools. A set of lens covers have been fashioned for the scope and are included as well. A super World War II vintage sniper rifle that has likely been arsenal refreshed and is in excellent condition overall. A fine addition to any military or WWII collection. (46393-46) {C&R}
U.S. Model 1903-A4 Bolt Action Rifle By Remington
Lot # 192 (Sale Order: 192 of 943)
Low Est: 2000High Est: 3000
serial #3414955, 30-06, 24" two-groove barrel that is "RA/(ordnance bomb)/6-43" marked and has a bright, excellent bore. The metal surfaces retain about 97-98% of an arsenal green-gray parkerized finish that have areas of light handling wear and some small handling marks along the side of the receiver and some interesting spider patterning on the bolt. The barrel bands are blued and the forward band has some light tool marks along one edge. The American walnut stocks rate excellent and have an oil finish with only a very few minor dings and feature a "C" pistolgrip buttstock that is devoid of any markings. Mounted to the receiver on a correct Redfield one-piece base is a Lyman Alaskan M82 2.5X scope numbered "2810"; the base is also parkerized while the rings are blued. Considered to be a secondary option for the A4 series rifle, this 1940's vintage Lyman scope retains little of its factory blue finish and has a few light handling marks, the ring screws have minor slot damage. The scope rates near excellent nonetheless and features a post and crosshair reticle with clear optics. The rifle features a bayonet lug and sling swivels. Included is a modern, commercial made military style leather sling in like-new condition. A fine example overall of a classic World War II sniper rifle that has possibly been arsenal refreshed and comes with appropriate, but less commonly seen optics. (46403-1) {C&R}
U.S. Model 1903 Nra Type S D.C.M. Sales Rifle By Springfield Armory
Lot # 193 (Sale Order: 193 of 943)
Low Est: 2000High Est: 3000
serial #623544, 30-06, 24" "SA/(ordnance bomb)/4-16" dated barrel with a bright excellent bore for most of its length, the last 8" of barrel rating about very good with frosting within the grooves. This is a very fine rifle, the barreled action retains 95-97% original rust blue with the loss being underneath the sight cover and at the muzzle. The receiver retains 97% plus original oil quenched case-hardening with some very light toning on the high edges and contact points. The bolt, handle and extractor retain about 90% original blue with light toning to gray on the handle and knob. The shroud and cocking piece are a dark case-hardened gray with the safety showing some nice case colors on its underside, the cut-off showing some vivid colors. The triggerguard shows perhaps 50% original blue with the floorplate now toning to a pewter gray and flaked brown mix; the front extension shows a crisp "(ordnance bomb)/NRA" marking. The bands show a very good original blue with some light toning to brown, the rear band spring with some vivid fire blue; the checkered buttplate has some very good original blue, primarily on its top tang. The straight grip American walnut buttstock rates excellent with sharp finger grooves and a very crisp "JSA" cartouche and serifed circled "P" firing proof. There are a few minor handling marks and light dings from the years most prevalent on the right side at the butt however the original varnish is wonderful with a rich red-russet hue. Included is a type 1 nickel oiler with brush and thong, stamped front sight protector and 1 1/4" military leather sling, it's markings have faded and it rates about very good. Really a very fine example of a 1916-dated NRA DCM sales service rifle. [This is a collectible low-numbered Springfield Armory rifle not to be fired] (6413-4) {C&R}
Very Rare U.S. Model 1924 International Match Rifle By Springfield Armory With Pope Heavy Barrel
Lot # 194 (Sale Order: 194 of 943)
Low Est: 7000High Est: 9000
serial #1257707, 30-06, 32" tapered Harry Pope heavy barrel with a bright excellent bore. This is an extremely rare rifle built by Pope at the same time he was building the test rifles submitted to Frankford Arsenal for testing for the 1924 Olympics, in fact this exact rifle in this configuration is pictured on page 116 of The Springfield 1903 Rifles © Brophy. The barrel is stamped "H.M.Pope" about one third of the way down its length and its underside is Pope marked: "637 / SA / HT / 14/0 / 8/23" along with "HM Pope"; nearer the breech we find "12/07". The barreled action retains about 95-97% of a later, good quality commercial blue, the loss due to some light wear and light scattered handling marks; the bottom metal toning primarily to dark faded parkerized patina with pewter on the high edges. The "NS" marked bolt body remains mostly bright and the handle shows overall light pinprick pitting. The bolt shroud and safety show very good mottled gray oil-quenched case-hardening. The American walnut International Match stock rates very good plus with the minor dings and handling marks to be expected from the years; there are two moderate chips at the very tip of the forend which could be easily repaired if one wished (the right side chip can in fact be seen in the photo in Brophy's book). The stock is fitted with an adjustable Swiss-style buttplate as Springfield Armory fitted on the 1930 and 1931 International Match rifles. As was done on the earlier model 1924 and subsequent match rifles, the floorplate has been removed, the magazine box fitted with a single shot platform and an adapter was fitted for the attached original U.S.M.C. cork palm rest. The rifle is fitted with a "German style" double set trigger, as seen on page 142 of The Springfield 1903 Rifles © Brophy; oddly the kickoff is missing but the sear is present. The Pope barrel has an integral front sight boss with dovetail. The gun is sighted with an unmarked globe front sight with interchangeable apertures (none are present), rear receiver bridge is mounted with its original Lyman 48 receiver sight; while the barrel and receiver rings have been drilled and tapped for steel target blocks, they are not present. Springfield Research Service lists this gun by serial number as an International Match and "Pope barreled action" showing "to DCM" May 25 of 1925, a later entry in December 1935 shows "Inspected at Springfield Armory". The serial numbers immediately surrounding this gun 1257704, 06, and 09 were all Pope barreled actions and were submitted along with 36 other guns to Frankford Arsenal for accuracy testing, the fifteen best were selected for use by the Olympic team. This gun is not listed by Brophy as having been one of those submitted guns, the five serial numbers Pope submitted were 1257704, 1257706, 1257698 and the two which actually were selected for use in the 1924 Olympics were 1257694 and 1257679. Clearly this gun was at Springfield Armory in both 1925 and 1935, and very possibly was used in the 1930 or 31 International Matches judging by the buttplate. This is a very rare opportunity to actually own a genuine Springfield Armory International Match rifle, pictured in the most exacting treatise on the arms, and barreled by the master himself. (36106-6) {C&R} [Warren Greatbatch Collection]
U.S. Model 1898 Krag Rifle With Stevens-Pope Rimfire Barrel
Lot # 195 (Sale Order: 195 of 943)
Low Est: 3000High Est: 5000
serial #417171, 22 LR, 30" barrel with a bright excellent bore. The barrel retains about 97-98% original blue with a few minor handling marks while the bands have toned to a faded plum brown. The receiver, magazine cover and loading gate all retain excellent original oil-quenched mottled case-hardening. The triggerguard has toned to a plum brown and worn to bright on the bow, likely from sling wear, and the buttplate is now primarily a plum brown patina. The bolt body is mostly bright with some light staining, the knob now toned to a dull tarnished pewter. The extractor shows some generous amounts of original pale fire temper blue with the striker knob and safety showing some mottled brown case-hardening. The stock rates very good plus to near excellent with much original varnish and crisp 1902 inspectors mark and firing proof. Additionally the left side of the stock is neatly stamped "1024" and inspectors initials "WAH" are stamped upside down right by the cartouche. The original Pope Patridge-style front sight is in place and the appropriate handguard and 1901-style rear sight are in place. Really a very nice Krag overall, all that much more desirable with the nice Stevens-Pope sub caliber barrel. A very rarely seen militia training rifle. (36106-58) {C&R} [Warren Greatbatch Collection]
Remington Hepburn No. 3 Long Range Creedmoor Match Rifle
Lot # 196 (Sale Order: 196 of 943)
Low Est: 8,000High Est: 12,000
serial #691, 44-100 (44 2 6/10), 34" "E. Remignton & Sons, Ilion, NY" marked round barrel with octagonal breech and a bright excellent bore. This is a very nice and completely honest rifle. The barrel retains about 40% evenly thinning original blue finish which is blending nicely with a smooth brown patina. The action retains about 75% fading original color case-hardened finish while the breechblock and hammer retain strong bright original blue. The checkered pistolgrip buttstock and horn tipped forend rate excellent with 95% original finish remaining with sharp, crisp checkering. The rifle is equipped with its original smooth steel shotgun buttplate and the heel of the stock is neatly drilled for a heel position sight. The holes in the stock are neatly plugged with removable ebony pins. The rifle is sighted with a windgauge spirit level front, no rear seat and a long range Vernier tang mounted peepsight. There are no extra holes or other alterations anywhere on the rifle with the exception of the previously mentioned two holes in the stock heel. According to Mr. Greatbatch's notes, this rifle was originally by Colonel John Bodine; John Amber purchased it from the Bodine estate, Lou Ostendorph purchased it from Amber who sold it to Dennis Hrusosky who sold it to Warren Greatbatch. A very fine and honest long range Hepburn rifle. Front sight dovetail shows a repair, muzzle has been crowned. (16106-25) {ANTIQUE} [Warren Greatbatch Collection]
U.S. Model 1875 First Model Schofield Revolver By Smith & Wesson
Lot # 197 (Sale Order: 197 of 943)
Low Est: 4000High Est: 6000
serial #1768, 45 S&W, 7" ribbed round barrel with a bright excellent bore. The metal surfaces are an overall dull plum patina showing remnants of lightly scattered pinprick pitting here and there. There may be a scattered spot or two of very light cleaning and some scattered handling marks; the side plate showing what may be bit of later applied blue many years ago, its fit is not perfect but it appears to be original to the gun. The barrel catch shows some strong remnants of color case-hardening while the hammer has toned to a plum brown, as has the trigger. The smooth walnut grips rate about very good showing some dings and handling marks from the years, the right grip with a tiny chip at its front leading edge, the left with a slightly light but visible cartouche. There is a neat period-added rack number "133" atop the frame behind the hammer and the "U.S." marking on the butt still very visible with frame and cylinder numbered alike. Barrel-to-frame lockup is excellent and the gun times and locks up well. The included factory letter shows shipment to the U.S. Armory at Springfield Massachusetts in July 1875. A very respectable First Model overall. (36462-14) {ANTIQUE}
Rare John Walch 10-Shot Double Hammer Percussion Pocket Revolver
Lot # 198 (Sale Order: 198 of 943)
Low Est: 3000High Est: 4000
serial #1204, .31 cal. percussion, 3 1/4" octagon barrel with an about good bore which shows strong evident rifling but with minor and some moderate pitting. The barrel is primarily a dull brown-plum patina toning to pewter on the high edges and contact points, also with light pinprick pitting and some impact marks in the area of the wedge. The cylinder is a similar plum brown with more toning to pewter, also with near overall light pinprick pitting. The hammers have toned to a pewter case-hardened patina as has the trigger. The brass frame is an overall dull ocher with sharp edges and some minor tool and impact marks from the years. The smooth walnut grips rate very good with much original varnish and overall very minor dings and handling marks, they are un-numbered and fit perfectly; their grip screw shows some slot damage. Frame and cylinder arbor are numbered alike, the barrel number is no longer distinguishable and the cylinder is correctly un-numbered. The gun seems to work well mechanically and the barrel is askew very slightly to the right. Really a very good example overall of these very seldom-encountered 10-shot, five chamber revolvers, made at the New Haven Arms Company concurrently with the Henry rifle. (36229-264) {ANTIQUE} [Elliott Riggs Collection]
Colt Fluted 1860 Army Percussion Revolver
Lot # 199 (Sale Order: 199 of 943)
Low Est: 3000High Est: 4000
serial #6388, .44 cal., 8" round barrel with a good bore which shows evident rifling but with minor pitting its full length. The barrel is primarily a dark plum brown patina with some minor scattered pitting, also with the expected dings and handling marks from the years, most prominent in the area of the wedge; the barrel address is light at its center. The fluted cylinder is in a similar state of condition being more of a dark gray-blue, showing some scattered minor pitting and oxidation staining with patent marking and serial number still crisp. The four screw frame is a plum brown patina with pewter undertones and scattered light oxidation. The backstrap is primarily a dull pewter gray with minor oxidation staining and some light pitting while the triggerguard has toned to a tarnished ocher patina. The one piece walnut grip rates about very good, now devoid of varnish with numerous minor dings and handling marks; its number is no longer discernible. All of the numbers are matching but the un-numbered wedge and the gun seems to function well mechanically with lockup being slightly loose. Overall a very good example piece without the five digit price tag. (36432-2) {ANTIQUE}
Prussian Charles Daly Double Shotgun
Lot # 200 (Sale Order: 200 of 943)
Low Est: 1200High Est: 1800
serial #468, 12 ga., 26" sleeved barrels choked cylinder and modified with bright excellent bores. The sleeving seam is almost invisible, the only evidence being a subtle color difference between the monobloc and new barrels visible in good light. The barrels retain 98% of a quality blue displaying a couple of tiny nicks in the rib. They are unmarked save for the serial number and single proof mark. The frame shows a shallow scallop and is embellished with little flourishes of scroll engraving and is marked "Made in Prussia, Charles Daly" on both sides; it has been gently cleaned to a pewter color keeping the engraving well defined. The round knob pistolgrip stock and splinter forearm rate excellent as professionally refinished exhibiting a few faint handling marks over a smooth satin oil finish. Checkering is finely cut and remains crisp, the forearm being almost totally covered. There is a solid red rubber recoil pad installed providing a length of 14 3/4" with drops of 1 3/4" at the comb, 3" at the heel, and no cast. The gun features double triggers, extractors, automatic safety, cocking indicators, and the forearm has a lever release and horn tip. The quality of these guns originally was outstanding and the restorative effort is in keeping with that quality. A great upland bird gun. (116404-7) {ANTIQUE}
