Auction No. 104 - Session 1
Saturday, November 22, 2014 | 10:00 AM Eastern
Auction closed.
Auction No. 104 - Session 1
Saturday, November 22, 2014 | 10:00 AM Eastern
Auction closed.
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Description
This sale by Amoskeag Auction Company features over 700 lots of rare and historic firearms. View the entire catalog here.
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Sharps Borchardt Model 1878 Special Order Short Range Rifle
Lot # 226 (Sale Order: 226 of 711)
Low Estimate: 6,000High Estimate: 8,000
serial #17058, 40 1 7/8", 30" round barrel with a bright excellent bore. This rifle is in the standard mid-range configuration but is chambered for the 1 7/8" case (40-50) and it weighs 9 3/4 lbs. which makes it a short range model. This rifle is completely honest and remains in lovely condition. The barrel retains 95% original blue finish with some scattered light oxidation staining present. The action which is equipped with hard rubber panels retains 90% softened original color case-hardened finish with some scattered light oxidation staining mostly on the right side. The checkered pistolgrip buttstock and schnabel forend rate very good with the forend retaining 95% original finish and the buttstock about 90% with an area of loss on the comb of the stock at the heel which has turned a little darker and has had some light finish added long ago. This is not a major detraction from this otherwise fabulous rifle. The rifle features a checkered hard rubber shotgun buttplate with monogram and a hard rubber grip cap. The rifle is sighted with a windgauge front, Lawrence rear and mid-range Vernier tang mounted peepsight mounted in integral base. A copy of a R.L. Moore letter states that the record for this rifle is blank which is quite common for guns over serial number 17000. Overall a lovely, all original and high condition Sharps Borchardt rifle. (16651-24) {ANTIQUE} [John and Jan Wills Collection]
Winchester Pre '64 Model 70 Super Grade Rifle With Original Box
Lot # 227 (Sale Order: 227 of 711)
Low Estimate: 4,000High Estimate: 6,000
serial #159853, 270 Win., 24" barrel with a perfect bore. This is a superb rifle. The rifle shows moderate figure in the stock and the end label of the box actually specifies "SELECT WOOD" which makes this rifle even more desirable to the collector. This 1950 production rifle still has the early small rounded cheekpiece as well as black forend tip and grip cap along with a checkered steel buttplate. The rifle is sighted with a Redfield gold bead front and Winchester 22G rear sight. The rifle shows no use with the metal surfaces retaining 99% original blue finish overall. The checkered walnut pistolgrip stock rates equally fine with virtually all of its original finish remaining and you need to look hard to find a handling mark. Original Super Grade swivels are in place and the original leather sling is in the box. The box rates good with signs of wear and includes the cardboard inserts, wax paper, sight alignment tag, hang tag, bolt tag and manual. The box has the correct blue and white Super Grade end label with proper serial number and "SELECT WOOD" surcharge. A wonderful model 70 sure to please even the fussiest collector. (16652-11) {C&R}
Winchester Pre '64 Model 70 Super Grade Rifle In Original Box
Lot # 228 (Sale Order: 228 of 711)
Low Estimate: 2,500High Estimate: 3,500
serial #412144, 30-06, 24" barrel with a bright minty bore. This 1957 production rifle features a jeweled bolt, extractor and follower along with a black forend tip, steel gripcap, Monte Carlo stock and checkered steel buttplate. The bolt is properly numbered on underside and is equipped with the type III safety. The rifle is sighted with a Redfield gold bead front and Lyman folding rear sight. The metal surfaces of rifle retain 99% original blue finish overall. The checkered walnut pistolgrip buttstock rates excellent plus with virtually all of its original finish and no handling dings. The rifle comes in its original box which remains in excellent condition and has proper yellow Super Grade end label with serial number. The box includes the original sling, cardboard inserts, wax paper, hang tags warranty card and instruction manual. A wonderful new-in-box Super Grade. (16652-15) {C&R}
Winchester Pre '64 Model 70 Carbine
Lot # 229 (Sale Order: 229 of 711)
Low Estimate: 3,500High Estimate: 5,500
serial #40411, 22 Hornet, 20" barrel with a bright minty bore. This 1941 production rifle has a "38" dated barrel and the bolt is properly electric-pencil numbered to the gun on underside and features the early knurled safety. The rifle features a brass bead front sight mounted on integral ramp, there is a blank in the rear sight slot and a Lyman 48 receiver sight with stock neatly notched, probably by the factory, to accept the sight. The condition is lovely with the metal surfaces retaining 98% plus original blue finish overall. The checkered pistol grip buttstock features the early fine checkering and rates excellent with 98% original finish remaining with uncapped grip and checkered steel buttplate; factory sling swivels are present. A very fine pre-war Hornet. (16652-3) {C&R}
Frank Wesson No. 1 Long Range Creedmoor Rifle
Lot # 230 (Sale Order: 230 of 711)
Low Estimate: 12,000High Estimate: 18,000
serial #1, 45 caliber, 34" full octagon barrel with a bright excellent bore. This is a wonderful rifle which is believed to be the first Long Range rifle made by Wesson, still a prototype and not the first production rifle. The rifle is extensively photographed and discussed on pages 194 - 197 of Frank Wesson Gunmaker Volume 3. The top of the barrel is engraved "F. WESSON'S Long Range CREEMOORE (sic) RIFLE MFG. Worcester, Mass" and is stamped on the bottom just behind the forend lug "1". The rifle has many unusual features including a brass frame, a flat lockplate without typical Alexander Henry step, a knurled breech locking button on left side of frame, a male sight base on top tang, a bushed firing pin, a metallic forend tip similar to those found on the No. 2 rifles, nickel plated buttplate, lever, triggerguard and frame among other fine details. The condition of the rifle is wonderful with the barrel retaining about 70% bright original blue finish with some scattered patches of light surface oxidation present. The frame which has simple border engraving retains 95% plus original nickel plated finish which has dulled over time and has a lovely antique appearance. The hammer and lock also show light border engraving and retain about 75% original color case-hardened finish which has darkened a little over time but remains quite visible and has a very pleasing honest appearance. The checkered pistolgrip buttstock and forend are of nicely figured American black walnut and rate excellent with 95% plus original finish with sharp checkering and a heel position base that is clearly original. The hand checkered steel shotgun buttplate retains most of its original nickel plated finish. The rifle features a windgauge spirit level front sight with long hood which according to the Wesson book, was made by Whitney and is likely original, sadly, the rear sight staff is missing. The rifle has no added holes or alterations of any kind. An extremely fine and extremely rare American long range target rifle very well documented in the only definitive work on Wesson and his guns. (16106-74) {ANTIQUE} [Warren Greatbatch Collection]
Tipping & Lawden Cased Model 1A Pepperbox
Lot # 231 (Sale Order: 231 of 711)
Low Estimate: 3,500High Estimate: 4,500
serial #1644, 22 RF, 2 5/8" four barrel cluster with good lightly pitted bores. This pistol is engraved along the top flute of the barrels "E.M. REILLY & CO. OXFORD ST. LONDON" and interestingly the "Tipping & Lawden" name is overstruck in a herringbone pattern with the lower half of the marking "SHARPS' PATENT" remaining legible and unaltered. The condition is very nice with the barrels retaining 95% strong original blue finish. The frame retains 95% original silver-plated finish which is just lightly tarnished and shows a little minor bubbling in a couple areas. The foliate gutta percha grips rate excellent with no chips. The pistol comes in an original mahogany case with burl lid and is the variation with two triangular covered interior compartments (one lid is missing) and blue baize lining. The case rates excellent with about 90% original finish overall, intact lining and accessories include a steel wiper and key. One edge of the lid may be an old replacement. A great little Tipping & Lawden pepperbox with interesting retailer and maker marking. (16229-339) {ANTIQUE} [Elliott Riggs Collection]
Tipping & Lawden Cased Model 2B Pepperbox
Lot # 232 (Sale Order: 232 of 711)
Low Estimate: 2,500High Estimate: 3,500
serial #1806, 30 RF, 3" four barrel cluster with very good bores that show only a little light pitting. This pepperbox is in very fine condition. The left side of the frame is marked with the Tipping & Lawden makers mark in circular pattern and the barrels bear small British proofs. The barrels retain about 97% original blue finish with a very light pattern in the finish where some type of cloth came in contact and slightly discolored the blue. The frame retains 98% original silver-plated finish overall. Fire blue on the firing pin and bar lever are strong as is the color case-hardened finish on the hammer. The foliate gutta percha grips rate excellent with no chips. The pistol comes in an original blue baize lined mahogany case with two triangular covered compartments. The only included accessory is a steel wiper and the condition of the case is excellent with a slightly warped lid, missing key hole escutcheon and with a neatly added antique cameo which is applied to the brass shield on the case lid. Overall a wonderful Tipping & Lawden medium size pepperbox. (16229-293) {ANTIQUE} [Elliott Riggs Collection]
Sharps Model 2A Cased Pepperbox
Lot # 233 (Sale Order: 233 of 711)
Low Estimate: 2,500High Estimate: 3,500
serial #1757, 30 RF, 3" four barrel cluster with bores that shows some scattered patches of light pitting. This pepperbox is in wonderful condition. The left side of frame is marked "C. SHARPS / PATENT 1859" in circular pattern and the right side of frame is marked "C. SHARPS & CO / PHILADA, PA" in the same circular pattern. The barrels retain about 95% original blue with wear just on outer edges and with exposed metal showing a smooth light gray patina. The frame retains about 85% original silver-plated finish with most loss being on the backstrap and a couple small areas just ahead of the grips on side of frame. The checkered gutta percha grips rate excellent with sharp checkering and no chips. The pistol comes in a blue baize lined Tipping & Lawden style mahogany case with burl lid. The interior of the case has no covered compartments and the included accessories are a brass handled cleaning rod and a pewter oiler. A minty Sharps pepperbox in a very attractive case which is in excellent condition. (16229-283) {ANTIQUE} [Elliott Riggs Collection]
Tipping & Lawden Cased Model 1A Pepperbox
Lot # 234 (Sale Order: 234 of 711)
Low Estimate: 2,000High Estimate: 3,000
serial #760, 22 RF, 2 5/8" four barrel cluster with somewhat oxidized bores. This little pistol has a lot of condition. The left side of the frame bears the standard Tipping & Lawden mark in round pattern and the barrels bear small British proofs. The barrels retain about 90 - 95% original blue finish while the frame retains 97% original silver-plated finish which has taken on a lovely tarnish giving it a blue gray appearance with just a hint of patinated brass peeking through along the highest edges. The foliate gutta percha grips rate about excellent with a little more wear noticeable on the left side than the right. The original blue baize lined mahogany case with burl lid has a single sliding lid compartment along with open compartments which hold a pewter oiler, ebony handled turnscrew and steel wiper. The condition of the case is excellent with a repaired crack in the sliding lid. A very fine, high condition cased Tipping & Lawden pepperbox. (16229-266) {ANTIQUE} [Elliott Riggs Collection]
Wesson No. 2 Mid Range Target Rifle
Lot # 235 (Sale Order: 235 of 711)
Low Estimate: 7,000High Estimate: 9,000
serial #21, 42 Berdan, 30" octagon barrel with a bright excellent bore. This rare American target rifle is in fabulous, all original condition. The barrel is marked with the simple address "F. WESSON MAKER / Worcester, Mass" and retains about 70% original blue with the loss being streaks of gray patina, apparently from some contaminant coming in contact with the metal. While there are a couple patches of light pitting, the streaked areas remain smooth. The action retains 98% strong original nickel plated finish with some light scratches in and not through the finish. The checkered walnut buttstock and key fastened forearm are of nicely figured American black walnut and rate excellent with 90% plus original finish, strong checkering and perhaps a little added light finish. The rifle features a checkered steel shotgun buttplate and the forend has a nickel plated steel cap. The rifle is sighted with a windgauge front, blank in rear slot and what looks to be a long range tang mounted peepsight. The rifle is also equipped with a heel position base for the tang sight. This rifle is illustrated and discussed on page 235 in volume three of the three volume set of books Frank Wesson Gunmaker. A rare and very fine Wesson target rifle. (16651-14) {ANTIQUE} [John and Jan Wills Collection]
Colt Officer'S Model Revolver With King Super Target Conversion
Lot # 236 (Sale Order: 236 of 711)
Low Estimate: 1,500High Estimate: 2,500
serial #640672, 32 Colt, 6" barrel with a bright excellent bore. This is a fabulous revolver. The gun has been fitted by King with a full rib and adjustable sights along with a King "cockeyed" hammer. The left side of the rib is marked "COLT KING SUPER TARGET". The revolver is in very nice condition retaining about 96 - 97% original blue overall with most loss being due to just high edge wear and very slight thinning on the cylinder. The revolver wears a pair of Roper grips which rate excellent with nearly all of their original finish and with sharp checkering. The revolver cycles crisp, locks up very tight and has a checkered backstrap and trigger. A wonderful 1939 production target revolver by Colt, King and Roper. (16651-74) {C&R} [John and Jan Wills Collection]
Colt Camp Perry Model Pistol
Lot # 237 (Sale Order: 237 of 711)
Low Estimate: 1,500High Estimate: 2,000
serial #402, 22 LR, 10" barrel with a bright excellent bore. This second year production pistol remains in excellent condition. The metal surfaces of revolver retain about 97% original blue with most loss being at sides of muzzle and due to some scattered light surface abrasions. The hammer and trigger retain almost all of their original fire blue finish with sides of hammer retaining nice bright polish. The full checkered walnut grips with silver Rampant Colt medallions rate excellent with 98% original finish and with strong checkering. The included factory letter confirms the configuration and shows shipment on February 7, 1927 to Baker, Hamilton Pacific Company in San Francisco. (16651-121) {C&R} [John and Jan Wills Collection]
Colt Officer'S Model Target King Converted Revolver
Lot # 238 (Sale Order: 238 of 711)
Low Estimate: 1,500High Estimate: 2,500
serial #56817, 22 LR, 6" barrel with a bright minty bore. This revolver is equipped with King custom rib, square notch rear and mirror front sights along with King's cockeyed hammer. The left side of the rib is marked "COLT-KING SUPER TARGET" and the left side of the front sight is marked "KING". This 1949 production revolver remains in wonderful condition retaining 99% original blue finish overall. The sides of the King hammer are engine turned and remain bright. The revolver is equipped with a nice set of period custom checkered walnut target grips which rate near mint. The action and trigger are extremely smooth. A fabulous and extremely late Officer's Model Target with full King conversion. (16651-94) {C&R} [John and Jan Wills Collection]
Colt New Service Target Revolver
Lot # 239 (Sale Order: 239 of 711)
Low Estimate: 2,500High Estimate: 3,500
serial #307366, 45 Colt, 7 1/2" barrel with a bright excellent bore. This revolver features checkered gripstraps and trigger along with adjustable "U" notch rear and blued bead front sights. The condition of the revolver is wonderful with the metal surfaces retaining 98% original blue finish overall. The hammer spine retains strong original blue and the sides of hammer show nice bright polish. The fancy diamond checkered walnut grips with silver Rampant Colt medallions rate excellent with a couple of light handling marks and dings within the checkering on the left side. The grips are factory grips but they are not numbered inside. A fine and very handsome New Service Target. (16651-82) {C&R} [John and Jan Wills Collection]
L. C. Smith Field Grade Sidelock Double Shotgun
Lot # 240 (Sale Order: 240 of 711)
Low Estimate: 1,500High Estimate: 2,000
serial #FW68913, 20 ga., 28" barrels choked improved modified and full with bright excellent bores. This was a very minty shotgun that had some poor storage. Luckily this affected only the barrels which retain 97% nicely restored blue finish with some patches of light to moderate pitting in some areas. The action and locks retain 95% brilliant original color case-hardened finish with just a little discoloration on the belly. The checkered pistolgrip walnut buttstock and forend rate excellent with 95% original finish remaining. Shotgun has a 14" length of pull over original grooved hard rubber buttplate with drops of 1 3/4" and 3". A pretty little Elsie. (16520-3573) {C&R} [Richard "Stretch" Kennedy Collection]
Browning Express Over Under Rifle
Lot # 241 (Sale Order: 241 of 711)
Low Estimate: 3,500High Estimate: 5,500
serial #177PZ01485, 30-06, 24" barrels with a bright excellent bore. The metal surfaces retain 99% original blue with Superposed style engraving on the action. The checkered straight grip walnut stock and forearm rates near excellent with sharp checkering, the buttstock has a few factory knot repairs in the highly figured grain along with a few light blemishes hardly detracting from the natural beauty of the wood. The rifle features a folding rear sight, ejectors and a single select trigger. An excellent attractive example Browning Express rifle. (56520-2265)
Winchester Super Grade Xtr Over Under Combination Gun
Lot # 242 (Sale Order: 242 of 711)
Low Estimate: 2,000High Estimate: 3,000
serial #SR000915, 12 ga./222 Rem., 25" barrels with bright excellent bores, shotgun barrel is Winchoke equipped. The metal surfaces retain 97-98% original blue with light scroll engraving on the side bolsters, a few light handling marks and scattered spots of pinprick pitting on the rib in the rear sight area. The satin finish stainless steel receiver, top opening lever, triggerguard, forearm iron and lever show nice foliate scroll and border engraving and is also engraved "Winchester / Super Grade" on the belly of the receiver. The checkered pistolgrip Monte Carlo walnut stock and forearm rate very good plus with a few light handling and some shiny dried grease patches in the stock and is equipped with a factory solid rubber recoil pad and blued steel grip cap. The rifle features a gold bead front sight, folding leaf rear sight and includes a lockable factory green canvas and brown leather trim take-down case with keys, "joystick" lever release bases and rings, sling swivels, full, modified, improved cylinder and skeet choke tubes and wood handle spanner wrench. The bases show light silvering from prior scope removal. An overall very good plus condition Winchester combination gun. (56520-761) [Richard "Stretch" Kennedy Collection]
Exceptional L. C. Smith Grade 5 Sidelock Double Ejectorgun
Lot # 243 (Sale Order: 243 of 711)
Low Estimate: 10,000High Estimate: 15,000
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 present. 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 action and locks exhibit 80% muted case colors blending with a pleasing smooth pewter colored patina toward front of belly. 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. The bores were apparently polished at some point and the right tube has an area along the outer edge which gets to about .013" which is not a safe thickness for shooting. (Therefore we highly recommend this shotgun not be fired). 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. The difference in middle initials between the triggerguard and the record is clearly a factory error as the gents name was indeed George H. Fields (consigned by the family). There were only 37 16 gauge guns made in this grade before it was renamed the Crown grade in 1913. This rare 116 year old shotgun is truly a work of art and a testament to the 19th century American gunmaker's craft. (116385-1) {ANTIQUE}
Rare L.C. Smith A2 Grade Double Ejectorgun
Lot # 244 (Sale Order: 244 of 711)
Low Estimate: 6,000High Estimate: 8,000
serial #209033, 12 ga., 30" barrels both choked full with bright about excellent bores which show a few spots with very light remnants of pinprick pitting. The barrels retain about 98% excellent quality restored blue, showing a few handling marks here and there and a couple light scratches on the rib, all very unobtrusive. There is very light engraving at the muzzles and two nice wedges of engraving at the breeches and on the rib extension. The barrels are marked "Sir Joseph Whitworth Fluid Compressed Steel" and "Made to Order by the Hunter Arms Company Fulton New York" with the rib showing a little engraved band of gold 2" from the breeches. This is a rather nice example showing the seldom-seen variation four, overall bold English scroll engraving. The frame and lockplates are a very pleasing silvery case-hardened patina showing generous traces of color along the upper tang. The lockplates and frame show very near overall lovely English scroll with game dog vignettes at the very front of the frame left and right; the belly of the frame showing slightly less coverage. The fences are nicely chiseled and engraved-in-relief with loose foliate scroll showing accenting background stippling. The breech faces retain the bushed firing pins, normally seen on 1905-era and earlier guns, clearly a transitional arm. The triggerguard shows the same lovely scroll and retains 98% restored blue. The English walnut scant pistolgrip buttstock rates about excellent as professionally refinished in a somewhat glossy finish, the checkering remaining unmolested and flat-top from the years of use. There are a couple of minor flakes or dings here and there with a small crack along the lower right front edge which seems stable. The forend is in a similar state of condition with its ebony tip intact, the checkering slightly less worn but does not appear to have been chased. The current length of pull to the 1" Pachmayr Olde English pad is 14 1/8" from the Hunter One Trigger showing drops of 1 3/4" and 2 5/8". Lockup is tight with the top lever still just to the right of center, the ejectors operate properly and crisply; the safety is non-automatic. Inspection of the tubes shows no wall measurement below .030". Overall a very lovely and very rare grade A2, style for manufactured in 1907 by the Hunter Arms Company, still tight and no doubt very usable. (36867-2)
New York Underlever Double Hammergun By Patrick Mullin
Lot # 245 (Sale Order: 245 of 711)
Low Estimate: 1,500High Estimate: 2,000
serial #1, 12 ga., 28" barrels with bright very good bores which show some scattered light pitting, a spot or two which might be slightly more moderate. The barrels show lovely plum and gray contrasting damascus pattern their full-length, appearing to have been very nicely, very professionally re-struck. The concave rib is marked "P. Mullin New York" and the breeches show very light geometric engraving. The frame is primarily a dark plum brown and speckled case-hardened patina with some generous colors atop the short tang. There are graceful chiseled "cap deflecting" contours behind each fence and the hammers retain their cap deflecting ridges at their leading edges. The lockplates are unembellished and show some silvery speckled and gray case-hardening with the right lock more of a pewter, the left more of a blue-gray with colors in the areas of the hammers. The straight grip English walnut buttstock rates very good plus showing nice grain figure but with some added finish, also retaining a few sparse minor dings and dents from the years. It is checkered slightly coarsely in a wrap-over pattern and there is an un-engraved shield-shaped silver monogram plate atop the wrist. The forend is in a similar state of condition and is near overall checkered and features a nice horn tip insert. Likely a very late shotgun, nearly all of Mullin's forearms are retained by wedge and tenons while this example is a lever-release. Twelve gauge guns by Mullin are actually very rare as he was known for making large-bore fowling pieces. Most of his guns are 10 and 8 bore, with some 4 bore guns known. The barrels fit ever-so-slightly loose with the lever at the end of its travel and the locks are crisp and mechanically functional and are non-rebounding. A very nice example overall from this prolific New York maker of big bore single and double barrel fowling pieces. (36650-93) {ANTIQUE} [Michael Petrov Collection]
Winchester Model 1886 Deluxe Rifle
Lot # 246 (Sale Order: 246 of 711)
Low Estimate: 6,000High Estimate: 8,000
serial #27583, 45-90, 26" octagon barrel with full magazine and a near very good bore with light pitting throughout. This is a very handsome and honest deluxe Winchester rifle. The tang and buttstock show matching assembly numbers "579" with the tang being additionally marked "S" and "XXX". The barrel and magazine retain about 75% evenly thinning original blue finish just starting to blend with a pleasing smooth brown patina. The action shows about 80% original color case-hardened finish that has faded significantly on the right side appearing more of a pewter color and showing more vividness on the left side. The checkered pistol grip buttstock and forend are a wonderfully figured American black walnut and rate very good plus with about 90% original finish remaining and with just normal light handling marks present. The rifle features the early style uncapped rounded pistolgrip with ebony insert. The rifle features a smooth steel shotgun buttplate which bears a smooth gray/brown patina. The rifle is sighted with a standard beaded blade front and two leaf express rear sights. Factory records confirm the configuration including the express rear sight and show a ship date of August 6, 1889. Overall a fine unaltered and all original deluxe 1886 rifle in a desirable chambering. (16520-2270) {ANTIQUE} [Richard "Stretch" Kennedy Collection]
Boston Double Hammergun By William Schaefer
Lot # 247 (Sale Order: 247 of 711)
Low Estimate: 1,500High Estimate: 2,500
12 ga. 30" barrels, very lightly choked with bright excellent bores showing the oddly scattered light pit here or there and a light ding in the left tube 8" from the muzzles. The barrels show lovely contrasting dark gray and lighter brown damascus pattern their full length which appears original, with perhaps a very sparsely scattered ding or handling mark showing some very light oxidation near the muzzles; no wall thickness below 032" is noted. The concave rib is marked "Wm H Schaefer Boston" and the barrel has a nice dolls head extension. The frame retains some muting but nice case colors atop the fences with the balance showing a silvery flaky case-hardened patina with dull pewter gunmetal beneath. The lockplates and hammers show some strong original color case-hardening, perhaps 40%, the balance a mottled gray case-hardened patina with each lockplate being maker marked. The hammers are very graceful and have little nibs at their top-most leading edge, reminiscent of the percussion-era cap deflectors with graceful curved flourishes surrounding the nested firing pins themselves. The top lever is blued while the triggerguard was color case-hardened, it's now a mottled silver and brown patina. The English walnut buttstock shows a scant pistolgrip and rates excellent showing a very old refinish, with absolutely lovely grain figure and a wrap-over checkering pattern which is still crisp. At the time of the refinish a thin 1/4" English walnut spacer was fitted along with what was likely an old Hawkins or Jostam recoil pad which has collapsed with the years. The length of pull to the original wood is 13 1/2" so if the spacer and pad were removed, a period pad could be fitted and the gun would be the perfect uncut length. The splinter forend rates very good plus as well and is near overall checkered with much original varnish and a nice bone forend tip horn insert, it is lever-release. The underside of the barrels show a Belgian proof mark but there is none on the water table, clearly Schaefer imported barrels and fitted them to his own actions. Lockup is tight and the locks are crisp and mechanically functional with rebounding hammers. Really a lovely and graceful 12 bore double hammergun from this quality Boston maker. (36650-96) {ANTIQUE} [Michael Petrov Collection]
Boston Underlever Double Hammergun By Joseph Tonks
Lot # 248 (Sale Order: 248 of 711)
Low Estimate: 2,000High Estimate: 3,000
10 ga, 30" barrels with about very good bores which are mostly bright but show scattered light pitting, the left tube with a very small ding two thirds the way down its length. The barrels are now primarily a pewter and brown patina showing scant evidence of their damascus pattern, a bit more prevalent on the rib. There is some scattered oxidation staining and some very light pitting toward the muzzles, the concave rib neatly engraved "J Tonks Maker Boston laminated steel". There is some very light scroll at the rib near the breech with each breech ring lightly borderline engraved. The frame and lockplates are very nice retaining about 97% original nickel, the few flaked areas a plum brown patina. There is very nice quality loose scroll at front of action surrounding the hinge pin, rear of action flanking the triggerguard on the nicely, gracefully sculpted fences atop the frame and along the upper tang. The lockplates as well show light borderline engraving and nice flourishes of scroll and are maker marked on each plate "J Tonks Boston". The hammers are rebounding and nicely checkered and very graceful in their own right, also with light loose scroll. The triggerguard retains perhaps 50% original nickel, the long straight tang now toned to plum in the grip area. The English walnut buttstock rates very good plus to near excellent with nearly all of its original varnish, some very stunning grain and only minor dings and handling marks from the years, most prominently along the right lower edge of the stock in the area of the triggerguard where there are numerous tiny dings present. The grip is neatly, nicely checkered all the way to the rear of the long triggerguard tang. The length of pull to the smooth steel buttplate is 14 1/4", it is neatly engraved only along its top edge and retains some traces of original nickel plate. The forend is similar in condition and is near overall checkered with a very nice horn insert and small fish-lip tip. The underside of the barrel and the water table of the frame exhibit British proofs, it likely was brought here in-the-white and finished by Tonks. The barrels lockup tightly and are on-face and the locks function smartly. Really a very attractive big hammer double from this respected but very scarce Boston maker. (36650-2) {ANTIQUE} [Michael Petrov Collection]
Wonderful William Schaefer Boston Top Lever Double Hammergun
Lot # 249 (Sale Order: 249 of 711)
Low Estimate: 2,000High Estimate: 3,000
serial #2, 12 ga., 28" barrels with .004" constriction in each tube and with excellent bores. This shotgun is marked on each lock "W.R. SCHAEFER" and the top rib is engraved "W.R. SCHAEFER BOSTON MASS.". This shotgun shows fabulous workmanship and remains in fabulous original condition. The barrel flats and watertable both show a single "2" and the barrels and action show no proofs of any kind; the barrel shows the initials "W.K.S. just ahead of flats. The shotgun features beautifully executed raised ridges on the fences around the firing pins. The only engraving is a small wedge on the rib at breech and a nice border around the breeches. The forend tip is of iron and beautifully formed as are the perfectly fit toe and heel buttplate. The barrels retain about 90 - 95% evenly thinning original damascus pattern. The action, locks and hammers show about 90% original color case-hardened finish faded to a pewter gray on the belly but showing nice contrast on the locks. The top lever is finished in blue, the triggerguard in color case hardening which is faded to gray. The checkered straight grip buttstock and forend are of beautifully figured walnut and rate excellent with 90% plus original finish remaining and with sharp checkering. The stock features dropper points and a beautiful iron toe and heel buttplate with smooth center and a gold monogram plate on top of wrist which is engraved with fancy monogram. The forend is checkered in a fancy pattern and is wedge fastened with the head of the wedge fitting flush into a recess in the escutcheon. All screws remain properly indexed. This is a very fine Boston double with lovely little details which showcase the pride that this highly talented maker took in his work. (16650-1) {ANTIQUE} [Michael Petrov Collection]
Remington Hepburn Zischang Target Rifle
Lot # 250 (Sale Order: 250 of 711)
Low Estimate: 8,000High Estimate: 12,000
serial #5365, 32-40, 30" octagon No. 5 weight barrel with a near excellent bore that is bright and shows a little light frosting just ahead of chamber. This rifle shows several Zischang improvements, the most obvious is the barrel which is engraved on top flat "A.O. ZISCHANG SYRACUSE, N.Y.". The rifle also is equipped with Zischang custom double set triggers, a takedown pin was neatly added to the frame along with a stud on left side which acts as a base for a breech seater. Additionally, the tang sight base has been widened and the retaining screw modified and now when the tang sight retaining pin is turned, the staff adjusts for windage traversing on the threaded retaining pin. The rifle is equipped with a factory Remington stock which is equipped with a Swiss buttplate, both the stock and buttplate are numbered "1975". The forend has been nicely modified to fit this heavier barrel and sits upon the bottom three flats. The condition of the rifle is quite nice with the barrel retaining 95% original blue finish with some silvering along the high edges. There are no additional holes or other alterations to the barrel. The action retains 95% wonderful original color case-hardened finish. The walnut stocks rate excellent and appear to be nicely refinished long ago with sharp checkering, a nice factory cheekpiece and one stable crack on right side emanating from the top buttplate screw and being about 4 1/2" in length slowly tapering toward the comb. The crack is tight, only on one side and seems very stable. The bottom of the forend shows two neatly filled holes which held a palm rest at some point. The rifle is sighted with a windgauge spirit level front, there is no provision for rear sight, and a mid-range Vernier tang mounted peepsight with previously mentioned modification is in place. The top of the buttplate is engraved with what is presumably a previous owner "Harry / St. John". Zischang modified Hepburn rifles are exceedingly rare, in his years of collecting this is the only example Mr. Greatbatch had found. (16106-69) {C&R} [Warren Greatbatch Collection]
