Auction No. 105 - Session 1
Saturday, March 28, 2015 | 10:00 AM Eastern
Auction closed.
Auction No. 105 - Session 1
Saturday, March 28, 2015 | 10:00 AM Eastern
Auction closed.
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Description
This sale by Amoskeag Auction Company features over 1600 lots of rare and historic firearms. View the entire catalog here.
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Iver Johnson Hercules Boxlock Double Shotgun
Lot # 76 (Sale Order: 76 of 824)
serial #01, .410 bore (3”) 26” raised matted rib barrels choked full and full with bright excellent bores. The metal surfaces retain 90% original blue with some areas fading to a pleasant plum brown, there is also light pitting and finish loss at the muzzles. The frame exhibits 30% case color fading to brown with light scattered surface pitting. There is more definitive color around and under the top lever, and the triggerguard retains 20% blue which is fading to gray. The left side of the frame has a dog roll engraved in the center. The refinished checkered walnut straight grip stock and forend rate very good to near excellent displaying a few light dings and very few light scratches. The buttstock wears its original Iver Johnson buttplate providing a length of pull of 13 3/4” with drops of 1 1/2" and 2 5/8". The gun features double triggers, extractors, automatic safety, and the lock up is tight. (176940-146) {C&R}
Estimate: 1000 - 1500
Estimate: 1000 - 1500
Iver Johnson Skeet-Er Boxlock Double Ejectorgun
Lot # 77 (Sale Order: 77 of 824)
serial #3629E, .410 bore, 26” raised matted rib barrels choked improved cylinder and improved cylinder with bright excellent bores. The barrels retain 95% original blue displaying light finish loss at the muzzles and there is some added cold blued over pinprick pitting 4” from the left muzzle. The frame retains 90% of its original blue finish displaying slight finish loss on the bottom edges; the upper tang is slightly toning to a pleasing plum. The highly figured walnut pistolgrip stock and beavertail forearm rate very good plus displaying a few very light handling marks over a strong gloss finish and having crisp checkering. There is a hard rubber gripcap and a grooved original buttplate providing a length of pull of 14 1/4” with drops of 1 5/8” and 2 7/8”. The gun features double triggers, ejectors, and an automatic safety, and it has a single ivory front bead. Made in the 30’s, these shotguns were the top of the line for Iver Johnson and this gun remains in remarkably great condition showing little use. (177048-3) {C&R}
Estimate: 3500 - 4500
Estimate: 3500 - 4500
Splendid Custom Winchester Model 63 Semi-Auto Carbine By Hal Hartley
Lot # 78 (Sale Order: 78 of 824)
serial #285, 22 LR, 16 1/2" professionally shortened barrel with an excellent bore. The metal surfaces retain about 95% of a professionally applied blue finish, the edges and lettering remain sharp. The stocks are of tiger striped maple and rate excellent with only a few very light handling marks visible and some light crazing of the finish. The stocks feature some lovely custom checkering, a Neidner style checkered steel buttplate, left side shadowline cheekpiece and a horn gripcap. The Pachmayr tuned trigger is also neatly checkered, there are some light tool marks along the triggerguard. Carbine is no longer equipped with sights but a Leupold Plainsman 2.5X riflescope is mounted via Lehman Featherweight mounts. Sadly the crosshairs have come loose and are no longer in place, but possibly a trip back to the Leupold factory could rectify the reticle. The sling swivels are intact, the magazine tube has been misplaced and is no longer present. According to the consignor this attractive little carbine was customized and the stocks made by master gunsmith Hal Hartley circa 1967. Hartley not only trimmed the barrel but also fabricated the brilliant maple stocks now present on this modern classic. Carbine purportedly came from the Remington gauge room in the 1950's when the contents were sold to an East Side NY shop. A splendid little custom carbine in excellent overall condition, needing a magazine tube and some scope maintenance to be in perfect working order. (47022-78) [Mark Benenson Collection]
Estimate: 1200 - 1800
Estimate: 1200 - 1800
Steyr Zephyr Bolt Action Rifle
Lot # 79 (Sale Order: 79 of 824)
serial #2426, 22 LR, 20" barrel with a bright, excellent bore. The metal surfaces retain about 99% original blue with just a few very light handling marks present and some specks of very light surface oxidation around the rear sight. The full length French walnut checkered stock rates excellent with a few light dings and features a blued steel forend tip, a left side shadowline cheekpiece, and a hard rubber pistolgrip cap and buttplate. The original sling swivels are intact. A few of the screws have some very minor slot damage. Rifle is equipped with the original iron sights, including a front sight hood, and mounted to the grooved receiver is a Weaver K4 riflescope. The scope features a fine crosshair reticle and has excellent optics and is mounted with a set of Kesserling mount rings. Rifle is dated "1963" and is in excellent condition overall. A desirable Austrian 22 sporting rifle by Steyr-Daimler-Puch. (47022-175) {C&R} [Mark Benenson Collection]
Estimate: 1200 - 1800
Estimate: 1200 - 1800
Fine Colt Model 1905 Pistol With Extremely Rare Combination Holster Shoulder Stock
Lot # 80 (Sale Order: 80 of 824)
serial #2898, 45 ACP, 5" barrel with a bright excellent bore. This pistol is factory milled on its backstrap for the accompanying shoulder stock and bears all proper markings which remain crisp and fully legible. The metal surfaces of the pistol retain about 80% original blue finish overall with the majority of loss being due to light flaking where the exposed metal shows a lovely smooth brown patina. The left side of the slide shows a little old light oxidation staining and a couple small patches of the finest pinprick pitting. The hammer retains vivid original color case-hardened finish and the trigger retains strong original fire blue. The diamond checkered walnut grips rate excellent retaining 95% original finish and with sharp checkering with just a few points being lightly flattened. The leather holster/shoulder stock has its original brass fitting with checkered steel clasp. The leather rates excellent with light wear on the high edges where the leather is showing brown while the balance retains excellent black polish. All stitching remains intact as does the belt loop on back held in place with spring loaded metal clasp. The pistol comes with a factory letter confirming the configuration of the gun with special features listed as "Furnished with a combination stock and holster". The gun and holster shipped on June 1, 1908 in a five gun shipment to Kimball & Upson in Sacramento. A rare opportunity for the advanced Colt automatic collector to acquire one of these highly sought-after Colt pistol rigs. Investment quality. (17027-5) {C&R}
Estimate: 20000 - 30000
Estimate: 20000 - 30000
Colt Model 1911 Semi-Auto Pistol
Lot # 81 (Sale Order: 81 of 824)
serial #C3894, 45 ACP, 5” barrel with a frosted bore. This 1913 made pistol retains about 80% original finish with the mainspring housing having flaked to gunmetal gray, thinning bluing on the frontstrap and top of the slide, high edge wear and scattered oxidation blemishes and pitting. The Nitre blue on the small parts is still visible but has lost some of its luster. The double diamond checkered walnut grips are in remarkable condition with only light handling wear. The left panel is hand stamped with the initials JAM on both diamonds in two different configurations. The right panel has just a solitary M stamped on both diamonds. All parts appear to be period correct. A single two tone Barnes & Kobert Mfg. Co. magazine in fair condition is included. This gun has survived the last 100 years well and would be a welcome addition to a 1911 Colt collector. (86891-2) {C&R}
Estimate: 2500 - 4500
Estimate: 2500 - 4500
Fine Stocked Percussion Target Pistol By W.L. Hudson Of Cincinnati
Lot # 82 (Sale Order: 82 of 824)
.36 caliber, 12" octagon barrel with a bright bore that is very near excellent with just a couple small patches of light surface oxidation. This pistol is of very nice quality and has a wonderful and interesting frontier look combined with a saw handle. The pistol features a back action lock with a finger spur triggerguard and an adjustable set trigger. The barrel is engraved on top flat "W.L. HUDSON CIN. O." and retains about 50% strong original blue finish with most loss on top flats where metal shows a pleasing smooth gray brown patina with a couple patches of light oxidation staining but no pitting, and showing crisp clear markings. The breech has a long tang that extends the length of the saw handle and holds a small lollipop sight at the rear. The lock, barrel breech and long tang are all nicely engraved in 19th century scroll. The barrel breech and tang retain 90% bright original color case-hardened finish with only loss being on the actual bolster which has turned brown and shows some light oxidation. The lock is a wonderful smooth blend of faded original color case-hardening blending with a smooth pewter colored patina. The stock is of maple and features a German silver triggerguard which is also engraved, German silver wedge escutcheons and a pewter forend tip. The condition of the stock is excellent with 90% plus original finish remaining. The back of the grip has a beautifully inletted iron plate which accepts the iron key mounted on the front of the shoulder stock. The key has a slot in the tip and once it passes through the stock a small wedge is inserted to lock the shoulder stock in place (the wedge is missing but would be very easy to replicate). The shoulder stock also rates excellent with 95% original finish remaining and being made with no buttplate. There is a small chip from the toe of the stock. The pistol is sighted with a globe front and the lollipop rear with no provisions for any other sighting devices. The pistol and shoulder stock come in a nice old wooden case which appears to be period and could be original. The interior lid of case has a card printed with the name "J.J. McMaken / Hamilton, OH", a state Senator and newspaperman as well as being active in city government. A neat stocked percussion pistol that is very honest, fine and endearing. (17044-1) {ANTIQUE}
Estimate: 3000 - 4000
Estimate: 3000 - 4000
C.S. Pettengill Army Model Percussion Revolver
Lot # 83 (Sale Order: 83 of 824)
serial #3087, 44 cal, 7 1/2” octagon barrel with a bright very good bore with scattered pits present. The metal surfaces have toned to a deep plum brown with some old dark oxidation staining present and a few small clusters of pinprick pitting. The smooth walnut two-piece grips rate near very good overall, as refinished, with a cartouche on the lower left side and remnants of an oval cartouche on the right, however both are illegible. The barrel and frame are marked with inspector’s marks “WP”; the cylinder is marked “WW” and the frame and cylinder numbers match. All of the marks are crisp and very legible and the action functions properly. Overall an honest and very good example of one of these very scarce US martial revolvers. (156889-212) {ANTIQUE}
Estimate: 1800 - 2200
Estimate: 1800 - 2200
C.S. Pettengill Army Model Percussion Revolver
Lot # 84 (Sale Order: 84 of 824)
serial #2783, 44 cal, 7 1/2” octagon barrel with a good to near very good, evenly oxidized bore. The metal surfaces have toned to mottled pewter with moderate pinprick pitting and dark oxidation staining scattered throughout. The two-piece walnut grips rate very good, as refinished, with some expected dings and dents from the years. The barrel shows inspector marking “WP”, the cylinder “WW” and the frame “PW”, all of which are crisp and legible. The action is in need of professional attention and does not function properly. A good and honest example of a Pettengill that has seen plenty of action in its day. (156889-213) {ANTIQUE}
Estimate: 1500 - 2000
Estimate: 1500 - 2000
Rare A. H. Fox He Grade Superfox Double Ejectorgun Shipped To E.C. Crossman
Lot # 85 (Sale Order: 85 of 824)
serial #202292, 20 Ga. (2 3/4”), 32” Chromox barrels choked full and full with bright excellent bores showing just some faint remnants of light pitting in a couple spots with a tiny dent in the right tube near the muzzles which was professionally raised. The barrels retain about 90% original blue, the loss due to overall light fading, actually appearing much stronger undernormal ambient light. The frame is lovely and retains 75-80% original color case-hardening which is quite vivid, the belly of frame toning to a silvery case-hardened patina; it features light fancy borderline engraving with little floral sprays around the pins and screw holes. The gun is stocked half-pistolgrip in a nice grade of walnut, the stock rating very good plus to near excellent with much original varnish and only minor dings and handling marks from the years. It is fitted with a more contemporary Hawkins recoil pad, added to the contour of the butt, the original pad having deteriorated with the years, the length of pull is 14 7/16” with drops of 1 1/2” and 2 7/8”; the forend is a bit darker and rates very good plus as well showing a thin sliver of bedding compound at its junction with the forend iron. The gun locks up Fox-tight with the top lever still right of center, the gun seems to operate well mechanically and the ejectors are robust; the safety is non-automatic. The included factory letter confirms the configuration and shows shipment to none other than E.C. Crossman on August 14, 1925 “for Phill Crosman” (sic). Savage historian John T. Callahan took the liberty of including copies of the original build card and job tag for the shotgun. The build card, under the “For” heading reads “E.C. Crossman”, the rear of the card showing pellet count for left and right barrels. The job tag reads on front and back: “Test Gun and send to Phill Crosman” and “Mr. Roll This Gun shoots 79% in 5 shots out of Right bbl 79 1/2% out of 5 shots in Left bbl B.Becker”, obviously from the renowned Burt Becker to Adolph Roll, Fox Sales Manager. With only sixty 20 ga. Super Fox shotguns ever made, this is a really rare and lovely Super Fox in its own right, all-the-more desireable with the connection to the famous Crossman clan. Truly a super – Super Fox. (37034-20){C&R}
Estimate: 8000 - 10000
Estimate: 8000 - 10000
A.H. Fox He Grade Superfox Double Ejectorgun
Lot # 86 (Sale Order: 86 of 824)
serial #30500, 12 ga., 32" Chromox steel barrels choked full and full with bright excellent bores. This is a very fine example of these big, heavy long range Fox guns. The Superfox guns were built on larger frames with heavy barrels with special Burt Becker designed barrels which feature longer chokes and forcing cones. Specially designed to pattern tightly at long ranges, Nash Buckingham's Superfox "Bo Whoop" would put 90% of its pattern inside a 30" circle at forty yards. A drop-in chamber length gauge measures these chambers at 2 7/8" and the flats are indeed marked "BARRELS NOT GUARANTEES-SEE TAG" which refers only to the patterning of the gun; the flats are not marked 3 IN. The Superfox was developed at the request of John Olin and tested with Super-X ammunition, the reason for this "Not Guaranteed" marking was to relieve liability of their claims of 80% patterns as they were only developed and tested using Super-X shotshells. The barrels retain 95% original blue overall showing just a little very light, honest wear. The action retains 90% original color case-hardened finish with only notable loss being on the forward belly of the action where it is silvery in color. The checkered pistolgrip walnut buttstock and splinter forend rate excellent having been very lightly cleaned and with reapplied finish. The checkering remains sharp and the shotgun boasts a 14 1/4" length of pull with drops of 1 1/2" and 2 1/2". McIntosh states that only about 300 Superfoxes were built over the twenty years that they were offered and because these were working waterfowl guns they saw hard use in hostile environments making them quite rare in this high level of condition. A wonderful HE Superfox. (17034-5) {C&R}
Estimate: 5000 - 7000
Estimate: 5000 - 7000
L.C. Smith Pigeon Grade Sidelock Double Ejectorgun
Lot # 87 (Sale Order: 87 of 824)
serial #208252, 12 ga., 27 1/2” barrels choked I.C. and I.C. with very good bores which show remnants of a few minor dings and some light longitudinal scoring. The barrels do not appear cut and it is likely they are just slightly short 28s, there is one spot in the left tube which measures at .023”, the balance .025” or over. The barrels retain about 70% later blue, the entire right tube appears as though it has been lightly steel wool cleaned and is now a dull gunmetal gray showing evidence of some light oxidation and pinprick pitting. The hand matted rib is Hunter Arms Company marked and features the pigeon vignette at its rear extension; the top rib is loose and will need to be re-laid. The frame shows sprays of loose open scroll and banknote filigree borderline engraving. It shows an old light cleaning which has softened the engraving only very slightly and the receiver shows remnants of a one-time flaming in an effort to reproduce case-hardened colors. The lockplates are otherwise unmolested and are merely cleaned bright, very lightly so, with the engraving still sharp and the scenes crisp. The triggerguard shows 95% restored blue with some light oxidation and remnants of some light pitting. The checkered straight grip American walnut buttstock and beavertail style forend both rate about excellent, both showing some very lovely grain figure and are very nicely done replacements. The buttstock shows the very beginnings of some light cracks at the rear of the lockplates, these could easily be arrested. The gun seems to lock up tightly and the Hunter one-trigger works appropriately; the ejectors seem slightly weak. The length of pull to the 1” ventilated white line recoil pad is 14 3/8” with drops of 1 5/8” and 2 3/4”. The barrels are slightly off face, both left and right showing a sliver of light, more prevalent on the left tube; the gun is not automatic-safety equipped. A nice pigeon grade overall that could stand a bit of restoration work and would certainly be very worthy of the effort. (36815-45)
Estimate: 2000 - 3000
Estimate: 2000 - 3000
Rare A.H. Fox A Grade Factory Cut-Away Boxlock Double Shotgun
Lot # 88 (Sale Order: 88 of 824)
serial #432, 12 ga., 30" Krupp steel barrels choked full and full with bright excellent bores. This rare factory salesman demonstrator is illustrated in McIntosh's A.H. Fox: The Finest Gun in the World where it is listed as one of seven factory cut-away guns known to the author. He notes that all of the known cutaways have the barrels fully intact (except for one altered later) making them fully functional. This shotgun shows two cuts on left side of frame which exposes the strikers and main springs, a large cut in the bottom which shows the cocking mechanism and a cut in the left side of the wrist/cheek section of stock which shows the safety function. The barrels retain 97% old restored blue finish overall, quite possibly factory work. The action shows simple early style factory "A" pattern engraving and retains generous traces to perhaps 10 or 15% original color case-hardened finish in protected areas with the balance bearing a pleasing smooth gray brown patina. The checkered pistolgrip walnut buttstock and forend show some figure and rate excellent and have probably been lightly cleaned and with freshened finish. This is an extremely rare and cool piece which belongs in a prominent collection of Fox guns. (17034-8) {C&R}
Estimate: 5000 - 8000
Estimate: 5000 - 8000
Parker Vh Boxlock Double Shotgun
Lot # 89 (Sale Order: 89 of 824)
serial #171458, 12 ga on 1 1/2 frame, 28” matted rib barrels choked modified and improved cylinder with bright excellent bores. The barrels have been reblacked and retain about 98-99% finish with some very light remnants of pitting in a couple of small patches. The frame, lever, triggerguard and tangs have all toned to a bright gunmetal gray with some light patches of oxidation staining and a small amount of original case-hardened color remaining underneath the lever. The checkered pistolgrip walnut buttstock and splinter forend rate about very good overall showing added finish and several light dings and handling marks from the years; the leading edge of the black grip cap as well as the adjacent wood is lightly chipped. The length of pull to the red rubber replacement buttpad is 14 1/4” from the leading trigger with drops of 1 5/8” and 3”. A very good to near excellent example overall of a Parker VH with plenty of shooting potential. (156837-5) {C&R}
Estimate: 1800 - 2200
Estimate: 1800 - 2200
Outstanding Winchester Model 1876 Lever Action Rifle
Lot # 90 (Sale Order: 90 of 824)
serial #60614, 40-60 WCF, 28” octagon barrel with a bright about excellent bore which shows only a couple widely scattered spots of light pitting, one most prominent halfway down the bore. This lovely rifle retains about 98% original bright blue overall. There is some very light high edge wear present, chiefly along the magazine tube hanger and sharp edges of the receiver. The forend nosecap shows a bit of a rub mark along its right side and there are the oddly scattered very light handling mark here or there but otherwise, rifles this fine are very few and far between. The loading gate shows strong pale fire temper blue and the cartridge lifter is a dull goldenrod patina with strong marking, there also being a few very widely scattered spots of light oxidation here or there, they are really unobtrusive. The hammer and lever show some really strong color case-hardening with toning to a nice silvery and smoky case-hardened patina along the outer edge of the lever. The buttstock rates very good to very good plus with strong original varnish and the very light dings and handling marks one would expect from the years. The forend shows a bit more varnish wear, consistent with carry, but with fewer handling marks. The mechanism is crisp and tight and overall, the arm appears as though it may have seen some limited carry but little use. The original silver blade front sight is in place as is the correct ladder-style rear sight. The screw heads are all unmolested and appear unturned. The included factory letter confirms the configuration and shows shipment in November of 1890. Really a superb example of these normally hard-used, hard-working rifles, perhaps the best this writer has seen in the last ten years. If you are searching for the best 1876 available, this gun is it. (37044-3){ANTIQUE}
Estimate: 25000 - 30000
Estimate: 25000 - 30000
Marlin Model 1893 Takedown Lever Action Rifle
Lot # 91 (Sale Order: 91 of 824)
serial #180386, 38-55, 26” octagon barrel with full length magazine tube and a very good, dark bore with scattered light pits. The barrel and magazine tube retain 40-50% original thinning blue with the balance toning to a pleasing pewter-plum patina; the left barrel flat is marked “Special Smokeless Steel” with diamond engravings flanking both sides. The lever and frame exhibit about 25% original faded case-hardened color, primarily on the lever, with traces remaining in protected areas; the balance has toned to a mottled gunmetal gray patina. The plain straight grip walnut buttstock and forend rate very good overall with several dings and dents from the years and about 70% original varnish. Featured are a steel forend cap and crescent buttplate, German silver front blade sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Overall a very nice and honest example of a Model 1893 takedown rifle. (157034-42) {C&R}
Estimate: 1000 - 1500
Estimate: 1000 - 1500
Winchester Model 1894 Takedown Lever Action Rifle
Lot # 92 (Sale Order: 92 of 824)
serial #79436, 38-55 WCF, 26” octagon barrel and full length magazine with a bright very good to near excellent bore with some light frosting in the grooves. The barrel and magazine tube have mostly toned to a pleasing plum brown patina with strong blue still remaining in protected areas and silvering at the muzzle. The frame retains about 30-40% original blue with the balance toned to a similar plum brown patina with a few small clusters of pinprick pitting. The lever and hammer still show trace amounts of original case-hardened color, primarily at the root of the lever, with the balance toned to pewter-brown. The plain straight grip walnut buttstock and forend rate good to near very good with some dings and dents from the years and a series of 3 cracks at the toe, two on the right side and one on the left, all measuring to roughly 2”. Featured are a Marble 50 front sight and a Remington rear sight. Truly a fine and honest example of this superbly chambered 1894 takedown rifle. (157070-1) {ANTIQUE}
Estimate: 1000 - 1500
Estimate: 1000 - 1500
Winchester Model 1876 Lever Action Carbine
Lot # 93 (Sale Order: 93 of 824)
serial #24394, 45-70, 22” barrel with a very good bore having very light pitting. The barrel, forend tip and barrel band show a pleasing even brown patina with small scattered patches of oxidation staining and some very light impact marks at the muzzle. The frame shows a light plum brown freckling stain surrounding the edges of the sideplates as well as some light handling marks; the saddle ring is still present on the left side of the frame. The dust cover and tangs show a similar aged brown-pewter patina with scattered oxidation staining and light handling marks. The lever and hammer are a dark pewter-brown with no remnants of any original case-hardened color. The plain straight grip walnut buttstock and forend rate about very good overall as refinished with several dings and handling marks present from the years. This carbine is equipped with fixed blade front sight and ladder style rear sight. This is good representative example of a Winchester model 1876 carbine. (176857-9) {ANTIQUE}
Estimate: 2500 - 4000
Estimate: 2500 - 4000
Winchester Model 1895 Russian Contract Lever Action Musket
Lot # 94 (Sale Order: 94 of 824)
serial #362730, 7.62mm, 28" round barrel with a bright excellent bore. The barrel retains about 95% original blue finish which is just beginning to thin slightly on the top of the barrel. The action, magazine and lever all retain 85% bright original blue finish displaying scattered scratches and having most loss being on the right side. There is a silver escutcheon plate was neatly inlaid and engraved with the initials "K.F.B.". The barrel bands all retain nearly all of their original blue finish while the buttplate shows finish loss. The plain walnut buttstock has been refinished and has a small chip from left side of tang. The forend and handguard are excellent condition with a little added light finish present and a 2” crack present on the handguard beginning where the wood meets the frame. The stocks still have a nice appearance and good color. The rifle is equipped with its standard military style sights along with a Lyman 41 receiver sight. (176520-599) {C&R}
Estimate: 2000 - 3000
Estimate: 2000 - 3000
Fine Colt Lightning Large Frame Carbine
Lot # 95 (Sale Order: 95 of 824)
serial #1975, 45-85-285, 22" round barrel with full magazine and a bright excellent bore. This is a very fine example of the big standard weight large frame saddle ring carbine. The gun shows British proofs on both the barrel and action and shows a saddle ring staple on the left side of action. The condition is very fine with the barrel and magazine retaining about 95% original blue finish which is thinning evenly and blending with a smooth brown patina mostly on the magazine. The action shows a crisp rampant Colt on the left side and retains about 85% original blue which also just shows light thinning and is blending with a smooth brown patina in thin areas. The hammer shows strong original color case-hardened finish. The plain walnut buttstock and original checkered two-piece forend rate near excellent with 90% plus original finish remaining and with some light bruises in the butt and some minor flattening to some of the checkered points. The original carbine buttplate retains about 75% original blue finish with most loss on highest points of toe and heel. The rifle is sighted with a Barleycorn front and reverse mounted carbine rear sight. Large frame Lightning carbines are very unusual as they are still big heavy guns and not practical for typical "carbine use". A very fine example of these rare Colt rifles. Investment quality. (17063-32) {ANTIQUE}
Estimate: 8000 - 12000
Estimate: 8000 - 12000
Peabody Carbine By Providence Tool Company
Lot # 96 (Sale Order: 96 of 824)
.50 RF, 20" barrel with a bright excellent bore. This is a lovely Peabody carbine. The barrel retains about 95% original blue, loss toning to brown more pronounced under ambient light; the barrel band is a slightly duller mottled gray. The frame, breechblock and lever retain 95-97% nice original case colors with some scattered very fine oxidation staining and minor light handling marks on the frame, the colors crisp and brilliant in areas. The buttplate has mellowed to a slightly duller brown-gray with some strong case color on the tang. The walnut buttstock and forearm rate near excellent showing perhaps some added light finish with a good left side cartouche and a few minor dents and bruises. The lock is crisp and mechanically functional and the saddlering is intact. A nice looking excellent example Peabody carbine overall. (56915-60) {ANTIQUE}
Estimate: 3500 - 5500
Estimate: 3500 - 5500
Ball Repeating Carbine By Lamson & Company
Lot # 97 (Sale Order: 97 of 824)
.50 RF, 20 1/2" barrel with a bright excellent bore showing just a couple small patches of light oxidation towards the muzzle. This is a fine Ball carbine, the left side of the frame bears all proper markings. The barrel bears an overall brown patina with an area of dull gray just forward of the forend cap along with some fine oxidation staining. The action bears an even mixture of dull brown and smoky gray with generous amounts of brilliant case colors on the breechblock and protected areas around the sling bar area of the frame. The plain walnut stock and forend rate fine to near excellent with a handful of light dents and blemishes and crisp inspectors cartouche in the left side of the stock. The oil quenched finish on the buttplate has toned to a dull brownish-gray with scattered fine pinprick pitting and oxidation staining. A fine and completely honest Ball carbine. (56965-72) {ANTIQUE}
Estimate: 3000 - 5000
Estimate: 3000 - 5000
Maynard Second Model Martial Carbine
Lot # 98 (Sale Order: 98 of 824)
serial #14977, 50 cal., 20" round barrel with an octagonal breech and a bright excellent bore having a few light pits with bright crisp rifling. The barrel retains about 95% original blue overall thinning to brown with a few sporadic specks of light oxidation and pinprick pitting. The frame retains 97-98% original case colors which have softened only slightly having some scattered specks of very fine oxidation and some very minor marring from the saddle ring. The walnut buttstock rates excellent retaining much original finish with two crisp left side cartouches and a few minor light blemishes. The iron buttplate bears a pleasing mottled brown patina. An extremely fine second model Maynard carbine. (56965-58) {ANTIQUE}
Estimate: 3000 - 4000
Estimate: 3000 - 4000
Colt Model 1883 Gatling Gun On Original Watervliet Arsenal Carriage
Lot # 99 (Sale Order: 99 of 824)
serial #463, 45-70 Govt., (10) 32” barrels, seven with very good plus bores showing strong, mostly bright rifling, with three rating good to near very good with strong rifling but with minor pitting, perhaps a few spots more moderate. The outer gun casing is a wonderfully aged tarnished goldenrod patina. The Colt’s Patent Firearms Co. manufacturers marking remains crisp above the trunnions. The breech has the model, caliber marking and serial number still crisp, albeit with some very old antique impact marks present; additionally there is a capital “GA” neatly stamped on the rear housing cover. The “D.F.C.” inspectors marking is stil crisp just below the Colt’s Patent date plate and the housing is dated “1887” ahead of it. While the Accles drum feed plate adapter is old, it is not an original Colt-made part, however its fit is excellent and the drum seems to operate well. The cartridge carrier drum and its backing plate through-which the bolts slide are original and “D.F.C.” inspected. The left and right trunnions are both “U.S.” marked and the heavy bronze yoke appears to be original equipment in every respect. The iron elevation bar appears correct and shows light oxidation remnants and very light pitting consistent with the age of the other correct components, the tensioning screw and knob which lock the elevation bar appear more contemporary. The gun includes what are likely its original front sights; there are two rear sight staffs included as well. The crank handle is unmarked and appears original, showing an old welded repair which is unobtrusive. The muzzles show appropriate very light pitting and appear to be original Gatling Gun barrels, their numbering slightly odd. Starting with the barrel in the No. 1 position, they are each numbered in turn….about 4-5” from the muzzles…in antique serifed font: 39, 15, 14, 34, 24, 15, 39, 24, 2 and 16. The bronze muzzle ring faceplate ring/nut shows peening all around its periphery – the reason is unknown but the nut seems to be affixed well and rotates properly with the faceplate. The bolts are all high-quality replacements, all numbered appropriately to their respective barrel/carrier position, 1-10, but none are inspector marked. Whether they are replacements from the period of use or more contemporary is unknown. It should be noted that the iron tiller bar and the bolt access port cover are also modern replacements, they are functional and well done. The gun rides atop an excellent original 1886-dated Watervliet Arsenal carriage, so-marked on the face of the axle left-to-right: “Watervliet Arsenal 1886 US 5”. The carriage has an old field gray-green paint with all the iron furniture appearing original and painted black. The wheel hubs are manufacturer marked: “Archibald Wheel Co. Lawrence Mass” (in Government testing…the Archibald wheel was found superior to wheels made at Bethlehem Steel). The right side ammunition box pivots and has slots for two Accles feed drums, the left box static and holds an extra, spare pinion gear for rotating the barrels. An original D.F.C.-inspected drum is included, in about excellent condition (the pictured drum is not inspected and is lot #357 in this sale). Factory records indicate that U.S. Model 1883 Gatling Gun serial no. 463, caliber .45 Long, shipped to the U.S. Army, May 20, 1887, meaning it is highly likely this gun and carriage have been together since “day one”. The 1883 model Gatling Guns had dual cyclic rates and could be cranked from either the right side of the gun or the rear of the gun, each providing a different rate of fire. There is no gunners seat present on the trail however at this point it would seem the most effective way to operate the gun would be from the standing position. The gun itself is about 50 1/2” overall length with a length muzzle to pintle ring of 9’. The wheels are about 56” tall and maximum width axle tip-to-axle tip is 75”. The overall height to the top of the Accles drum is just over 65”. Purportedly the gun runs perfectly, in fact the Nick Falcone family would fire the gun once a year with carefully loaded shells, cleaning it meticulously afterward. Rarely are these arms encountered and when they do become available, too many times are in fair repair or on modern-made carriages or tripods. This fabulous example retains many many original parts and sits atop an original, correctly dated field carriage, likely where it was set the day the U.S. Army received it in May of 1887. A truly stunning example for the finest advanced arms collection. (36934-1){ANTIQUE}[Nicholas Falcone Collection]
Estimate: 200000 - 300000
Estimate: 200000 - 300000
Palmer Bolt Action Carbine By E.G. Lamson
Lot # 100 (Sale Order: 100 of 824)
serial #366, 50 RF, 20" barrel with a bright excellent bore. The barrel and lock plate are properly marked and the lockplate is dated 1865 at the rear of the lockplate. The barrel retains about 98% original brown finish thinning lightly with some minor light scuffs and a scattered light pit here and there. The lock retains all of its brilliant crisp case colors and the case colors on the remaining metal are light, toning to gray, more-so on the barrel band. The walnut stock rates good with a thin crack along the top of the wrist, crisp stock cartouche, matching small secondary proofs below the sling bar and in front of the buttplate tang and numerous minor light dents and blemishes. The action remains crisp and functions mechanically. A nice honest Palmer carbine. (56965-63) {ANTIQUE}
Estimate: 4500 - 6500
Estimate: 4500 - 6500
