Auction No. 106 Featuring Fine Collectible Arms
Saturday, June 6, 2015 | 9:00 AM Eastern
Auction closed.
Auction No. 106 Featuring Fine Collectible Arms
Saturday, June 6, 2015 | 9:00 AM Eastern
Auction closed.
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Description
This sale by Amoskeag Auction Company features over 1200 lots of rare and historic firearms. View the entire catalog here.
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Winchester Model 62 Pre-War Rifle
Lot # 1 (Sale Order: 1 of 1253)
Low Estimate: 1,000High Estimate: 1,500
serial #55574A, 22 S,L or LR, 23" round barrel with three quarter magazine and a bright minty bore. This is a fabulous little 62. The barrel and magazine retain 97% strong original blue with just slight thinning at the muzzle and some rub wear on magazine just ahead of action. The frame retains 98 - 99% original blue with loss being just light silvering on the highest edges. The plain walnut buttstock and grooved small pre-war style forend rate excellent plus with 97% original finish with excellent plus checkered hard rubber Winchester buttplate. Rifle is equipped with standard open sights. This is an investment quality little 62. {17111-20) {C&R}
Fabulous Remington Model 1894 Ae Double Ejectorgun
Lot # 2 (Sale Order: 2 of 1253)
Low Estimate: 1,200High Estimate: 1,800
serial #117966, 12 ga., 30" damascus barrels choked modified and full with bright excellent bores. This shotgun remains in very fine condition. The barrels retain a great deal of original brown finish blending with perhaps a little smooth brown patina in some areas but showing lovely pattern their entire length. The frame retains 90% vivid original color case-hardened finish which is just thinning somewhat on the forward section of the belly. The checkered round knob pistolgrip buttstock and forend rate excellent plus with 97% original finish remaining and with crisp checkering. The buttstock may have been very lightly cleaned and perhaps had a little added finish at some point but it fits and looks virtually perfect. The shotgun wears its original checkered hard rubber shotgun buttplate with Remington monogram at center. Even though this shotgun was made after the introduction of the model 1900, the 1900 was a different gun, a less expensive alternative to the 1894, these 1894 shotguns were made right up until 1910 when all Remington double guns ceased production. A very clean example of these fine American double guns. (17161-1) {C&R}
Winchester Model 55 Takedown Rifle
Lot # 3 (Sale Order: 3 of 1253)
Low Estimate: 1,500High Estimate: 2,500
serial #1058980, 30 WCF, 24" round barrel with half magazine and a bright excellent bore. The barrel and magazine retain 97% original blue finish with just several small patches of light surface oxidation and light pitting toward muzzle. The action retains 97% strong original blue finish with loss due to just a little light flaking. The plain walnut buttstock and forend rate excellent with about 95% original finish with most loss on right side and bottom of butt near buttplate where there is some flaking - otherwise the stocks are excellent plus. The serrated steel buttplate is an overall brown patina. Overall a very clean 55 Takedown rifle. (17115-40) {C&R}
Fine Parker Grade 2 Underlifter Double Shotgun
Lot # 4 (Sale Order: 4 of 1253)
Low Estimate: 1,500High Estimate: 2,500
serial #24185, 10 ga. on No. 3 frame, 30" damascus steel barrels with bright excellent bores. This is a very nice underlifter. The action is engraved in the No. 2 style with fine wedges of scroll and wonderful folky scenes of gamebirds on either side and a round panel on the belly showing a pair of quail. The condition is quite nice with the barrels retaining vivid damascus pattern their entire length. The action and locks retain about 80% original color case-hardened finish which has faded to a smoky pewter color with most loss on forward section of the belly where the metal shows a pleasing gray patina. The remaining color is subdued but aesthetically very pleasing with the engraving remaining very crisp. The checkered round knob pistolgrip buttstock and lever release forend rate very good showing considerable wear to the checkering, particularly on the forend and with lots of oil finish remaining. The buttstock has turned quite dark but shows handsome figure. Both stocks remain smooth and generally free of handling marks with the original smooth steel shotgun buttplate showing a brown patina with scattered light surface oxidation present. The shotgun locks up very tight and was obviously very well cared for. A very nice and quite endearing 1882 production Parker Underlifter. (17140-6) {ANTIQUE}
Colt Python Double Action Revolver
Lot # 5 (Sale Order: 5 of 1253)
Low Estimate: 2,500High Estimate: 3,500
serial #T77551, 357 Magnum, 6 ventilated rib full lug barrel with a bright excellent bore. The high polished stainless steel finish rates excellent with a faint turn ring on the cylinder and a few very light superficial scratches. The black checkered rubber grips with inset Colt medallions also rate excellent. The gun features a white outline rear and red ramp front sights. It comes with its original Styrofoam insert cardboard box correctly end labeled and numbered to the gun and a manual. A great gun for the Colt collector. (127199-2)
Colt Diamondback Revolver
Lot # 6 (Sale Order: 6 of 1253)
Low Estimate: 1,500High Estimate: 2,000
serial #P79177, 22 LR, 4 full lug ventilated rib barrel with an excellent bore. This handsome revolver retains about 99% original factory blue finish with a light turn ring present on the cylinder. The unnumbered checkered factory walnut target stocks with gold Colt medallions are in near excellent condition with a few minor dents and dings on the butt. The gun includes an original factory Styrofoam insert wood grain box that is correctly end labeled and numbered to the gun. A manual and paperwork are also supplied. This is a fine example of these highly desirable revolvers that has seen very little use and sure to please the collector or shooter. (86520-4328) [Richard Stretch Kennedy Collection]
Identified Colt Model 1862 Police Revolver
Lot # 7 (Sale Order: 7 of 1253)
Low Estimate: 1,500High Estimate: 2,500
serial #2594, .36 caliber, 4 1/2" round barrel with an excellent bore. This first year production revolver is nicely engraved in script on the buttstrap "H.S. White" and was in superb condition but is suffering from some poor storage over the years. The barrel retains about 30% bright original blue with the balance bearing a brown patina and with some scattered patches of old oxidation present. The cylinder retains about 60% original blue finish with the balance being a brown patina with a little scattered light oxidation. The frame shows about 30% original color case-hardened finish which is fading to a mellow even pewter color and a couple scattered patches of light oxidation. The gripstraps retain 90% plus original silverplated finish which bears a rich dark blue tarnish. The one piece walnut grip rates excellent with 95% original finish remaining. This is a fine 1862 Police, actually made in 1861 with a nice period inscription on the butt. (17091-1) {ANTIQUE}
Smith & Wesson Model 29-2 Double Action Revolver
Lot # 8 (Sale Order: 8 of 1253)
Low Estimate: 1,000High Estimate: 1,500
serial #N370072, 44 Magnum, 8 3/8 pinned barrel with an excellent bore. This is a very nice N frame with minimal wear and lots of condition. This mid 70 s revolver retains about 99% original blue finish with a light turn ring on the cylinder and slight silvering starting to form at the muzzle. The target trigger and target hammer retain vigorous case-hardened colors with a few light operation marks. The checkered Goncalo Alves factory target stocks with silver S&W medallions are in near excellent condition with a few light handling marks. The left panel has some light green staining on the butt, and near the top, that appears to be under the original finish. This big gun has white outline micro adjustable factory rear sight and red ramp front sight. The revolver includes a Mahogany presentation case with a few light storage marks, good flocking inside and contains a screwdriver. The beautiful condition of this gun will fulfill the needs of the shooter, hunter or collector. (87087-90)
Scarce Colt Officers Model Target Heavy Barrel Revolver
Lot # 9 (Sale Order: 9 of 1253)
Low Estimate: 1,500High Estimate: 2,000
serial #656670, 32 Colt Police Positive (32 S&W Long), 6 heavy barrel with an excellent bore. This is a fantastic example of the scarce heavy barrel 32 Officers Model Target revolver. This early war (1941) third issue revolver retains about 97% original blue finish with a few random scratches, a faint cylinder turn ring, a small oxidation blemish on the left side of the barrel near the markings and some faint but limited high edge wear. The checkered walnut factory stocks with silver Colt medallions are in excellent condition but not correctly numbered (#576 written over possibly #686) to the gun. The left side of the barrel is marked Colt Officers Model 32 / +Heavy Barrel+ . Heavy barrel is flanked by Maltese crosses. Only an estimated 800 1500 .32 s were made with heavy barrels making high condition guns such as this one scarce and desirable. (87107-15) {C&R}
Winchester Model 1885 Low Wall Rifle
Lot # 10 (Sale Order: 10 of 1253)
Low Estimate: 2,000High Estimate: 3,000
serial #110366, 25-20 SS, 28" No. 1 weight octagon barrel with a bright excellent bore. This is a very fine little Low Wall. The barrel retains 98% original blue finish overall. The action retains 90% strong original blue finish with loss due to some flaking on the left side of action just above lever and the metal has turned to a pleasing smooth brown patina in those areas of loss. The hammer, breechblock and lever all retain strong original color case hardened finish. The plain walnut buttstock and schnabel tipped forend both rate excellent with 95% original finish with perhaps a light coat of oil added at some point. The rifle is sighted with a windage adjustable globe front, two leaf folding rear and a Marbles folding tang mounted peep sight. A very fine, high condition Low Wall sporting and target rifle. (17107-20) {C&R}
Remington Hepburn No. 3 Sporting & Target Rifle
Lot # 11 (Sale Order: 11 of 1253)
Low Estimate: 3,500High Estimate: 5,500
serial #3493, 40 2 1/2, 28" part round part octagon "E. Remington & Sons" marked barrel with a bright minty bore. This is a fabulous Hepburn rifle. The barrel retains 95% original blue finish with primary loss being in one area on left side of barrel near the muzzle where there is a patch of finish loss and some very light salt & pepper pitting left behind; the area is about 1 1/2" x 1". The action retains 95% vivid original color case-hardened finish with only one screw head showing the slightest damage, the balance are clean and perfect. The hammer and trigger retain brilliant original fire blue finish. The buttplate and iron forend tip also retain vivid original color case-hardened finish. The checkered pistolgrip walnut buttstock and plain walnut forend rate excellent with about 95% original finish remaining. There are some light bruises along the toeline of the buttstock, one is a little more than light. The rifle is sighted with a globe target front sight, there is blank in the rear seat and a windage adjustable folding Lyman tang mounted peepsight is in factory holes. A fabulous, high condition antique Hepburn rifle. (17107-18) {ANTIQUE}
Winchester Model 1885 High Wall Rifle
Lot # 12 (Sale Order: 12 of 1253)
Low Estimate: 2,500High Estimate: 3,500
serial #61983, 38-55, 30" No. 3 weight octagon barrel with a bright excellent bore. This is a very clean and very honest High Wall. The barrel retains about 97% original blue finish with loss due to just some light thinning on the higher edges. The action retains 90% mottled original color case hardened finish which has a lovely appearance. This rifle is fitted with its original factory single set trigger. The plain walnut buttstock and forend rate excellent with about 95% original finish remaining with almost all loss being from light carry wear on belly of forend. The schnabel tip forend retains its original ebony inlay and the original crescent steel buttplate retains lots of faded original color case-hardened finish. The rifle is sighted with a windgauge front, two leaf folding rear and a modern mid-range tang mounted peepsight mounted in factory holes. This is a very fine antique High Wall rifle retaining lots of original finish. (17107-19) {ANTIQUE}
Francotte Grade Cc Sideplate Double Ejectorgun
Lot # 13 (Sale Order: 13 of 1253)
Low Estimate: 2,500High Estimate: 4,000
serial #32189, 12 ga. (stamped on the underside of the barrels 2 5/8 but measures 2 3/4 ), 26 Siemens Martin barrels choked cylinder and modified with bright excellent bores. The barrels retain about 97% original blue, the loss is due to some even fading and numerous very light handling marks with a handful of very sparsely scattered light oxidation spots. The barrels are VL&D marked and show nice bands of engraving around the breeches and at the rib extension where the light scroll is separated from the barrel matting by a flush-inlaid gold line. The frame and sideplates are a very pleasing silvery-pewter patina and feature full coverage excellent quality tight scroll and foliate engraving with some banknote filigree bordering. The fences feature sideclips and the S at the safety window is inlaid in gold. Both the top lever and triggerguard retain excellent original blue and show the same fine quality scrollwork as the balance of the arm. The checkered flat knob pistolgrip European walnut buttstock rates very good plus with much original varnish, flaking along the comb line and in the area of the grip, also with minor dings and handling marks from the years. The wood has darkened somewhat in the areas around the action and the butt has been fitted with Jostam anti-flinch recoil pad during the period of use. The splinter style forend is in a similar state of condition showing perhaps a bit more wear and is near fully checkered. The length of pull to the pad is 14 1/2 with drops of 1 1/2 and 2 3/4 . The gun locks up tight and the ejectors seem to function well; the front ivory bead is broken off. Archives at A&F show that VL&D received Francotte No. 32189 in 1901 as a Grade CC , a featherweight game gun. 12ga, 6#,6oz., 26 bbls, sold to L.C. Siner Co., a Philadelphia gun shop. The CC grade would become the Grade 25 in 1910. A very attractive, very nicely engraved pre-grade 25E overall. (37194-11) {C&R}
Francotte Jubilee Model Number 20E Sideplate Double Ejectorgun
Lot # 14 (Sale Order: 14 of 1253)
Low Estimate: 1,800High Estimate: 2,200
serial #87558, 12 ga., 28 barrels choked improved cylinder and a very loose mod with bright excellent bores which show a few whispers of very very light pitting, the left tube with remnants of an older professionally raised dent. The barrels retain 97% good quality restored blue showing some very scant remnants of some light pitting here and there. The barrels are VL&D marked and show nice matting their full length with a slight amount of engraving on the rib extension and around the circumference of the breeches. The frame and sideplates are a pleasing mottled smoky case-hardened gray and silvery patina with nice quality loose scroll in near full coverage with some rococo embellishment on the sideclipped fences. The top lever is fading slightly as is the bow of the guard with the grip area of the triggerguard tang primarily a pewter. The checkered scant round knob pistolgrip buttstock rates very good plus to excellent as professionally refinished showing the beginnings of a very tiny crack at the rear of the left lockplate. There is an oval silver monogram plate on the toeline engraved BE (Bayard Ewing) and the gun is fitted with a solid red rubber recoil pad. The slender forend rates very good plus as well, also as neatly refinished showing a repair to a very small divot and its leading right edge. The gun locks up tightly and functions well with robust ejectors, the top lever now just ever-so-slightly left of center. A&F records show that this arm was received in 1932 and sold to Mrs. Thomas Ewing in 1935. It was sold back to A&F by Bayard Ewing (Thomas Ewing s son) in 1945 and then sold to R. Reichman later that year. Thomas Ewing, was the patents commissioner under President Woodrow Wilson, the family very prominent in N.Y. and elswhere. A letter to this effect is available from A&F archives if the purchaser wishes. A very attractive 20E overall, all ready for the fall woods. (7194-17) {C&R}
Outstanding Un-Serialized Japanese Baby Nambu Pistol
Lot # 15 (Sale Order: 15 of 1253)
Low Estimate: 6,000High Estimate: 8,000
serial #2104, 7 mm Nambu. This is a famous and enigmatic gun from the collection of Frederick Leithe, author of Japanese Hand Guns, and has no visible external serial number. 3 3/8 barrel with a bright excellent bore showing a tiny pit or two. The metal surfaces retain a nice 98% original blue with some light rub wear on the barrel and some high edge wear showing some very very sparsely scattered extremely light oxidation. The straw color remains strong on the trigger, magazine catch, sear bar and fading on the sear pivot pin. The checkered walnut grips rate excellent and are un-numbered showing what are likely inspectors stampings on their rear portions. All of the numbered parts are matching and numbered 2104 . The sear bar, firing pin and magazine catch are un-numbered. The bright-polished interior surfaces remain brilliant and largely unstained, the breech face shows prominent original machining and the gun very much appears to be unfired. The nickel bodied magazine with aluminum base remains bright and unstained and is numbered to the pistol on the back bottom edge of the magazine body. This example is one of seven guns that were sold upon the death of Frederick Leithe in 1971 from his personal collection, and were purchased by Stretch Kennedy in entirety. The presentation Nambu and Papa Nambu were sold in the last sale as lot numbers 115 and 117, the assessment of this arm on the included binder of information relating to the seven pistols reads: This is an extremely rare variation with only a few examples known to be in existence. This particular piece is probably one of the finest condition examples in existence . (A fourth pistol from this collection is offered at Lot #407) Really a superb and very rare example from the personal collection of this expert in the field, suitable for the finest advanced collection of Nambu or Japanese pistols. (36520-4506) {C&R} [Frederick Leithe Collection] [Richard Stretch Kennedy Collection]
U.S. Model 1917 Revolver By Smith & Wesson
Lot # 16 (Sale Order: 16 of 1253)
Low Estimate: 1,500High Estimate: 2,000
serial #27429, 45 ACP / AR, 5 1/2 pinned barrel with an excellent bore exhibiting a few traces of oxidation staining. This is a lovely revolver having seen little use during its life cycle. This March 1918 revolver retains about 99% original blue finish with a turn ring present on the cylinder, a minute area of freckling on the sideplate and slight silvering at the muzzle. Bold case-hardened colors remain on the hammer and trigger. The smooth walnut factory grips are the early scalloped style that remain in near excellent condition with a few light handling marks and the initials JD lightly scratched on the bottom of the left panel. All appropriate parts are correctly numbered to the gun including the stocks. Major Gilbert H. Stewart s inspection mark is present and remains crisp as do all markings. You do not see them this nice very often. (87136-9) {C&R}
Smith & Wesson K-22 Outdoorsman Hand Ejector Revolver
Lot # 17 (Sale Order: 17 of 1253)
Low Estimate: 1,000High Estimate: 1,500
serial #672843, 22 LR, 6 pinned barrel with an excellent bore. This 1st model revolver is in superb condition. The revolver retains about 96% original blue finish with scattered high edge wear, thinning finish on the grooved backstrap and a cylinder turn ring. The hammer and trigger still retain robust case-hardened colors with light operation wear and slight silvering to the right side of the trigger from use. The diamond checkered walnut grips with S&W silver medallions are in very good condition with the only blemishes being a small chip missing from the heel of the right panel, as well as, a few light dents. All appropriate parts are correctly numbered to the gun including the grips. This gem has the correct adjustable rear sight and a Call bead front sight plus it is mechanically functional. This is a wonderful Outdoorsman exhibiting only light use through the years and a must have for any Hand Ejector collection. (86520-3242) {C&R} [Richard Stretch Kennedy Collection]
Harrington & Richardson U.S.R.A. Model Single Shot Target Pistol
Lot # 18 (Sale Order: 18 of 1253)
Low Estimate: 1,200High Estimate: 1,800
serial #1754, 22 LR, 10 heavy barrel with top rib and an excellent bore. This Model 195 pistol is a fantastic example of one of the finest single shot pistols made for target shooting. The metal surfaces are in near excellent condition with about 95% blue finish remaining. The forestrap has flaked to a mix of brown and silver with some limited oxidation staining on the barrel and silvering at the muzzle. The checkered walnut Roper designed target grips are in near excellent condition with a few light dents around the base. The pistol has correct matching serial numbers on the frame and barrel. The letter R is stamped on the bottom of the barrel and the left side of the barrel is marked U.S.R.A. Model. The gun is equipped with a flat extractor / ejector, early round checkered latch, curved and grooved trigger, undercut Patridge front sight and adjustable square notch rear sight. H&R with the help of Walther Roper endeavored to make the finest slow fire target pistol and succeeded. They modified the design as they progressed, often making only short runs before moving on to another change. This is a fine example of one of these pistols and an excellent chance to own a piece of Bullseye history. (87136-15) {C&R}
Rare Smith & Wesson Model 39 Steel Frame Semi-Auto Pistol
Lot # 19 (Sale Order: 19 of 1253)
Low Estimate: 1,200High Estimate: 1,800
serial #62342, 9mm, 4 1/8 barrel with an excellent bore. This is a rare variation of the famed Model 39 with fine condition for the discerning collector. The pistol retains about 99% original blue and anodized finishes. The checkered walnut factory stocks with silver S&W medallions are in like new condition. The pistol includes a factory box that is correctly end labeled and numbered to the gun and rates near excellent. Also included are a pair of magazines and a manual. In the mid 1950 s Smith & Wesson manufactured 927 steel frame Model 39 s but never assembled and sold them until 1966, serial numbered to the then-current production range. This gun includes the aluminum backstrap which was found on only a few of the steel frame guns, short tang and early long extractor (3rd edition Standard Catalogue of Smith & Wesson by Supica and Nahas). This breathtaking gun looks like it just left Springfield and does not appear to have been used. The dedicated Smith collector will want this fine condition rare variation. (86520-271) {C&R} [Richard Stretch Kennedy Collection]
Outstanding Colt Bisley Flattop Target Model Revolver
Lot # 20 (Sale Order: 20 of 1253)
Low Estimate: 10,000High Estimate: 15,000
serial #186451, 44 Smith & Wesson Russian, 7 1/2 barrel with a bright excellent bore. The barrel retains about 95-97% original blue with the chief loss being on the left and right of muzzle showing some even fading and a light scratch here or there; the caliber marking reads For 44 S&W Ctg . The cylinder is lovely retaining perhaps 98% original blue with wear on the high edges and a very light turn ring. The frame shows a similar amount of original blue perhaps 97% with wear on the sharp edges, the left recoil shield showing some light wear and very light oxidation. The straps have toned retaining perhaps 80% original blue with the guard about 92%. The ejector rod housing is toned evenly along its edge retaining perhaps 90% blue while the base pin has toned to a dark gray-blue. The hammer shows vibrant color case-hardening and there is excellent pale fire temper blue on the sides of the trigger, it s face having toned to a dull pewter. The front sight is a very nice German silver bead the rear is a u-notch; there are a few light dings on the rear sight. The checkered hard rubber Rampant Colt grips rate very good plus to excellent with some light high edge wear but with the points still mostly sharp, the screw with remnants of a pale temper blue; the grips are scratch-numbered to the gun. The gun times well and locks up appropriately and is one of only 62 guns built in this caliber and configuration. The included factory letter shows shipment in September 1899 to W.S. Brown in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania with one other arm; confirming the configuration and caliber. Really a superb example in an outstanding state of condition, this is a super investment-grade Bisley for the advanced Colt collector. (37111-27) {C&R}
Stevens Ideal English Model Rifle No. 044-1/2 Single Shot Rifle
Lot # 21 (Sale Order: 21 of 1253)
Low Estimate: 1,200High Estimate: 1,800
serial #3064, 28-30, 26" part round part octagon barrel with a very good lightly frosted bore. The barrel retains 98% original blue finish displaying light finish loss at the muzzle and a few light handling marks. The frame and action retain 90% of its original bright color case-hardened finish with most loss where the frame meets the barrel. The lever has faded to a brown patina but shows traces of case colors in the protected areas. The walnut buttstock and schnabel tip forend rate very good to excellent having a few small dings and scratches with lots of original finish and perhaps a little light oil finish added. The original checkered hard rubber shotgun buttplate with fancy Stevens monogram is excellent with no chips. The rifle is equipped with a Beach combination front sight, rear slot holds a spirit level and an adjustable folding tang mounted peep sight with adjustable aperture is present. A nice example of these desirable little target rifles. (177007-28) {C&R}
J. Stevens New Model Number 40 Pocket Rifle
Lot # 22 (Sale Order: 22 of 1253)
Low Estimate: 1,500High Estimate: 2,500
serial #20808, 22 LR, 12 part octagon part round barrel with a bright excellent bore. The barrel retains about 97-98% original blue, the loss is due primarily to even fading and a couple very light rub marks. The rear sight and its spring retain some excellent pale fire temper blue as do the hammer and trigger. The frame rates excellent retaining 99% original nickel with excellent blue on the attendant frame screws. The original nickel plated wire stock is included, serial numbered to the gun. It too rates excellent retaining about 99% original nickel with a few minor flakes or dings. The smooth walnut grips rate excellent, the right grip with a couple minor dings and the left grip with one notable impact mark; they are pencil-numbered to the gun. Barrel-to-frame fit is excellent and the gun seems to function well mechanically. The gun comes in an adapted English oak case with one-piece steel cleaning rod. Really a superb example which appears to have remained unused all these years. (37106-72) {C&R}
Marlin Model 39 Lever Action Rifle
Lot # 23 (Sale Order: 23 of 1253)
Low Estimate: 2,000High Estimate: 3,000
serial #HS563, 22 S,L,LR, 24 octagon barrel with a bright excellent bore. The barrel, magazine tube and nosecap retain about 97 to near 98% original blue, the loss is due primarily to some even fading and sharp edge wear, also with the minor light scratch or handling mark here and there. The receiver retains about 98-99% vibrant color case-hardening with just the sharp edges toning to silver. The hammer and lever are similar, the hammer muting slightly. The smooth walnut pistolgrip buttstock and forend rate very good plus to near excellent showing light dings and handling marks with what may be some added finish during the period of use, it is however old showing some light crazing. Rifle features the grooved hard rubber buttplate and has a Beach combination front sight, Marbles dovetail slot blank and there is a nice Lyman No. 1A sight atop the tang with a No. 47 windage stem. Overall a really superb example of a later Marlin model 39 with high-speed firing pin/bolt. (37107-23) {C&R}
Winchester Model 1887 Lever Action Shotgun
Lot # 24 (Sale Order: 24 of 1253)
Low Estimate: 1,500High Estimate: 2,000
serial #12121, 12 ga., 30 plain barrel choked a light full with a mostly bright very good plus bore which shows light pitting for most of its length. The barrel is a dark gray-blue patina with fading to brown and overall light dings and handling marks with scattered light oxidation, it is otherwise unmarked and features a mail-order proof at its rear left. The magazine tube retains some good blue in the protected areas and is primarily a gunmetal gray in the carry area ahead of the frame, also showing some oxidation in this area. The frame retains some excellent color case-hardening, perhaps 90% remaining, strongest on the right side, the left showing some light oxidation. The lever shows some strong case colors at its root and is primarily a mottled smoky gray case-hardened patina with oxidation on its bow. The buttstock and forend rate good plus to perhaps very good having been refinished. There is now a heavy coat of varnish on both and the buttstock is slightly under with the metal being proud and showing a chip at its toe. The fit of the forend panels is somewhat better. Overall a very nice 1887 with an interesting serial number, which is very attractive with the nice color case-hardening. Manufactured 1888. (37106-68) {ANTIQUE}
Extremely Fine Smith & Wesson No. 3 First Model American Revolver
Lot # 25 (Sale Order: 25 of 1253)
Low Estimate: 4,000High Estimate: 6,000
serial #4546, 44 S&W American, 8 ribbed round barrel with a mostly bright very good bore which shows strong rifling but scattered light pitting and oxidation. The barrel is quite nice retaining perhaps 75% original blue, stronger on the right side of the barrel, the areas of loss flaking to a smooth brown and light pewter patina. The frame flats retain about 95% original blue with the backstrap toned to a warm brown and pewter, the frontstrap showing loss with strong blue on the butt. The hammer shows some vibrant color case-hardening along its spine and left side with the triggerguard toned to a smoky case-hardened patina; the trigger retains some strong trace original blue. The cylinder has toned primarily to a light brown and gray with strong remnants of original blue within the flutes. Additionally the cylinder exhibits a light turn ring some minor circumferential scratching and a few length-wise scratches. A few of the screw heads show some very slight slot damage and a few of the screw holes show some light scratching around their circumference. Sighted with a German silver front blade sight and standard v-notch rear. The smooth walnut grips rate very good showing an old light cleaning with good antique varnish and some light dings and handling marks, they are stamp-numbered to the gun. The included factory letter supposes shipment to MW Robinson in July 1871 with a shipment of 100 other arms. Really a very lovely first model American with lots of original blue. (37167-22) {ANTIQUE}
