Premier Firearms Auction #4091

May 17, 2024 to May 19, 2024

This auction has ended.

Premier Firearms Auction #4091

May 17, 2024 to May 19, 2024

This auction has ended.

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Showing 1-50 of 741 results

Very Fine Factory Engraved New Haven Arms Co. No. 1 Pocket "Volcanic" Lever Action Pistol

Lot 2

Engraved New Haven Arms Co. No. 1 Pocket "Volcanic" Pistol

The various iterations of Volcanic firearms each represent an important step in the development of American lever action firearms history. The lever action and integral spring-loaded magazine introduced with Volcanic pistols and carbines combined with improvements in self-contained metallic cartridges served as the basic design for the New Haven Arms Co. Henry rifle. Oliver Winchester invested in the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. which became the New Haven Arms Co. and eventually led to his establishment of the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. which produced the Winchester Model 1866, 1873, and 1876 rifles based on largely the same designs as the Henry. The engraving on this pistol is the classic style found on New Haven Arms Co. pistols and rifles, and this example also has a tremendous amount of original finish. The pistol has the distinctive blued octagon barrel with integral magazine, "gunmetal" frame with scroll, border, and floral engraving, blued round finger hole lever, and varnished flat bottom walnut grips. The pistol is fitted with a pinched blade front sight threaded on the barrel and a dovetail mounted notch rear sight at the rear of the frame. The top barrel flat is marked "NEW HAVEN CONN./PATENT FEB. 14. 1854" in two-lines. The deletion of "VOLCANIC REPEATING ARMS CO." from the barrel legend occurred after Oliver Winchester assumed control of the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. and re-organized it as the New Haven Arms Co. on May 1, 1857. The matching serial number is stamped on the left side of the grip frame and back of each grip.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 31

Price Realized:

Lot 3

Engraved Smith & Wesson Volcanic No. 1 Lever Action Pistol

This pistol is one of approximately 1,200 Smith & Wesson No. 1 pistols manufactured, and the "G" by the serial number on the lever indicates it was assembled by the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. per the chart on page 32 of "Volcanic Firearms: Predecessor to the Winchester Rifle" by Lewis and Rutter. They are historically significant pieces for both Smith & Wesson and Winchester collectors. The heavier "Type II" barrel has "CAST-STEEL" (right), "SMITH & WESSON/NORWICH. CT." (top) and "PATENT/FEB. 14. 1854" (left). Factory floral and scroll engraving is featured on the frame, side plates, and hammer. The left side of the butt, some of the small parts, and both grip panels have the matching serial number "148," and the right side of the lever has "148G." The lever is the later style without a spur on the bottom.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 31 Volcanic

Price Realized:

Lot 8

Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

The Model 1873 became one of a handful of firearms that became synonymous with the American west due to their widespread use on the frontier and their ruggedness. This example was manufactured in 1883 as a Third Model with integral dust cover rail on top of the receiver and dust cover with gripping serrations at the rear and remains in exceptionally fine condition. As a "working gun," the Model 1873 saw hard service on the frontier, and those in high condition are difficult to find. The non-standard 28 inch barrel is stamped with the two-line Winchester address/King's paten legend ahead of the rear sight and "32 W.C.F." at the breech on the top flat. The rifle is fitted with globe front sight, an elevation adjustable rear sight, and a folding tang peep sight. The lower tang has the serial number. The receiver is fitted with a special order set trigger. No letter is available to confirm the special features, but writer believes these to be factory. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 32 WCF

Price Realized:

Fine Special Order Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle in Desirable .45-90 W.C.F. with Factory Letter

Lot 11

Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action with Casehardened Receiver

A fine example of an early production Winchester Model 1886 lever action rifle that was manufactured in 1887, the second year of production. The accompanying factory letter lists this rifle with a round barrel in .38-56 caliber (currently 45-90 WCF), plain trigger, Winchester Express sights, half magazine, and shotgun butt when received in the warehouse on December 5, 1887 and shipped the next day. The letter also states the rifle "returned [from] James Kerr and Company" and shipped on September 15, 1890. When the rifle returned to the factory it was likely re-barreled. This rifle has a very desirable color casehardened receiver, forearm cap, and shotgun buttplate. Winchester used a casehardened finish on these components until 1901 when the case colors were replaced with a blue finish. The hammer, lever, and trigger are also color casehardened. The 26-inch round barrel and half-length magazine have a blue finish. The bolt and loading gate are a fiery niter blue. The stock and forearm are made of walnut with a lustrous oil finish. The barrel has a bead-in-blade front sight and three leaf adjustable rear dovetailed sight. The upper tang is factory drilled and tapped. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line legend: "- MANUFACTURED BY THE-/-WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A.-" ahead of the rear sight. The caliber designation: "45-90 W.C.F." is marked at the breech, along with British proof marks on the left side in the same area. Additional British proofs are stamped into the left side of the receiver and rear of the bolt body. The upper receiver tang is roll-stamped: "-MODEL 1886-". The 1884 and 1885 patent dates are stamped on the lower receiver tang behind the trigger. The serial number is roll-stamped in script numerals on the lower tang ahead of the rear tang screw.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-90 WCF

Price Realized:

Documented Special Order Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with 30 Inch Extra Length Barrel and Factory Letter

Lot 12

Special Order Winchester Model 1873 Rifle

Manufactured in 1889 as a third model with special order 30 inch octagon barrel. The accompanying factory letter lists this rifle with a 30 inch octagon barrel in .38 caliber and plain trigger (currently fitted with a set trigger) when received in the warehouse on October 18, 1889, and shipped the same day. Dovetailed blade front, elevation adjustable rear, and tang peep sights. The barrel has the two-line address/patent dates marking and "38 WCF." "38 WCF" is also marked on the cartridge elevator. The crescent buttplate has a compartment holding a four-piece metal cleaning rod.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 13

Special Order Winchester Model 1876 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1883. This Third Model Rifle has the dust cover guide rail integrally machined to the receiver. As stated in the included factory letter, this rifle was received in warehouse on April 17, 1883 and shipped from the warehouse April 18, 1883, order number 3688. The letter also confirms the rifles current configuration. The rifle is fitted with a special order 28 inch part octagon barrel with a blade front sight and folding ladder rear sight graduated to 10 and marked "1873". The top barrel flat is stamped with the two line address/Kings improvement patent dates marking as well as "CAL 45-60" at the breech. The brass cartridge elevator is stamped "45-60" and the upper tang is marked "{MODEL 1876}". Blue finish with casehardened hammer, lever, forend cap and buttplate, and mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with steel forend cap and crescent buttplate with compartment containing a five piece cleaning rod. Provenance: The Collection of David L. DeLullo

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-60

Price Realized:

Lot 14

Winchester "Centennial" Model 1876 Lever Action Rifle

The Winchester factory letter describes this Model 1876 as: "Rifle, 45/60, 26 inch, 1/2 octagon barrel, Plain trigger, Shotgun butt and Casehardened". The letter states that this rifle was shipped from the Winchester warehouse on December 21, 1880. The rifle has the Second Model receiver with screw-fastened dust cover guide rail and dust cover with serrated finger guide along the rear edge. The special order, half-round/half octagon barrel has a standard, sporting style front sight with nickel-silver blade and folding ladder rear sight graduated to "10" and marked "1876" on the top of the leaf. The rifle has a half-magazine with button tip. The upper receiver tang is factory drilled and tapped. The stock has a special order, smooth steel, shotgun buttplate. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the two-line legend: "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860." ahead of the rear sight. "CAL. 45-60" is roll-stamped on the top of the barrel just ahead of the receiver. "45-60" is stamped in script numerals across the bottom of the brass cartridge elevator. "MODEL 1876." is roll-stamped in fancy letters on the upper receiver tang, and the serial number is stamped in script numerals on the lower tang between the lever latch and the rear tang screw. The rifle barrel has a blue finish. The dust cover is bright blue, and the loading gate has a fire blue finish. The magazine tip, forearm cap, receiver, hammer, trigger and lever are color casehardened. The stock and forearm are straight grain American walnut with the "extra finish" polish applied to special order rifles with casehardened receivers.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-60 WCF

Price Realized:

Extraordinary, Newly Discovered Documented, Factory Exhibition Relief Game Scene Engraved, Gold Inlaid and Plated Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter

Lot 15

Factory Engraved Winchester Model 1873 Rifle

Winchester's lever action rifles, especially the Model 1873, remain among the most iconic and collectible American firearms of all time. Rock Island Auction Company is privileged and proud to offer to the public this grand work of documented late 19th century Winchester artistry that is worthy of the most advanced public or private collection. The accompanying factory letter confirms the octagon barrel, set trigger, factory engraving (including the barrel engraving and inlay) at an extra cost of $24.00, and gold plating. The "extra cost" purchase price of the engraving a lone speaks volumes to the rifle’s special order status, as $1.00 per day was an average wage! The factory letter also states the rifle was received in the warehouse on May 19, 1879 and shipped the same day on order number 15433. Without exception, this factory Model 1873 masterpiece is fit for an international exhibition or a wealthy patron. The extensive embellishment, gold plated trim, and deluxe wood are reserved for only the finest of Winchester’s “highly finished arms.” This incredible rifle is unpublished and was only recently discovered. It is a stunning testament to Winchester craftsmanship in the decorative arts in the late 19th century. Without a doubt this Model 1873 will become an icon of Winchester collecting! The gold plated receiver is elaborately decorated with factory floral scrollwork and game scenes. Circular vignettes of a buffalo and moose are engraved on either side of the receiver at the front. Each side plate carries a relief engraved vignette of a majestic elk. Although this masterpiece lacks a signature, the engraving has all the opulence of being embellished by a member of renowned Ulrich family. Similar game scenes appear on lever actions signed by various Ulrichs as documented in R.L. Wilson’s “Winchester Engraving” and “The Book of Winchester Engraving.” These vignettes of large American game stand as a tribute to the legendary Model 1873 that brought firepower to the open frontier to earn the title “The Gun that Won the West.” The rifle has the look of a gun that is not hard to imagine in the hands of a flamboyant rancher or railroad tycoon forging his fortune out west. The dust cover, cartridge elevator, forend cap, magazine band, and buttplate tang are engraved to match. The breech and muzzle ends of the barrel are decorated with scrollwork and silver and gold inlaid bands, as noted in the factory letter. The barrel also has the two-line Winchester address/King’s patent dates legend on the top flat ahead of the rear sight and is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and elevation adjustable rear sight. The serial number is on the lower tang, and the upper tang has the standard model marking. The rifle correctly lacks a caliber designation. The receiver, dust over, forend cap, magazine band,, and buttplate are factory plated in gold. Buttplate is stamped "O" over "49" under the toe. The checkered forearm and straight grip stock are deluxe walnut. Buttstock could not be removed for inspection, however there is no doubt in writer's mind that it is the original. The buttstock is fitted with a trapdoor buttplate with the compartment containing a four piece cleaning rod.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 16

Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. Lever Action Navy Pistol

This is an exceptional example of a Lever Action Navy pistol with an 8 inch barrel that was manufactured by the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co., circa 1857. The pistol has the distinctive, brass frame, octagon barrel with integral magazine and loading lever with finger hole which identify Volcanic pistols and carbines. The pistol has a brass pin front sight, and receiver mounted rear sight. The two-piece, flat based, walnut grips have a high polish piano finish. The barrel/magazine is blued and the hammer, trigger and lever are color casehardened. The top of the barrel is roll stamped with the three line legend "THE VOLCANIC/REPEATING ARMS CO./PATENT NEWHAVEN CONN. FEB 14. 1854". The legend identifies the pistol as a product of the Volcanic Arms Co., prior to the reorganization of the firm in April 1857 as the New Haven Arms Co., by the principal stockholder Oliver Winchester. The serial number is stamped on the left side of the receiver butt beneath the grips, on the inside of both grips and on the right side of the loading lever. All of the visible serial numbers match. The Volcanic pistols and carbines were revolutionary firearms. The combination of an integral, spring loaded magazine, self cocking lever action and self contained, internally primed, "rocket-ball" cartridge represented a dramatic advance in firearm design. Investment in the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co., introduced shirt maker Oliver Winchester to the firearms industry. Although the Volcanic carbines and pistols were not a commercial success, the basic design, when combined with a more powerful and reliable brass cartridge was the basis for the Henry rifle and the Winchester Model 1866 and 1873 rifles and carbines. Provenance: The Joe Marlin Hilliard Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 Volcanic

Price Realized:

Lot 17

Inscribed Special Order Winchester Model 1885 High Wall Rifle

This Winchester Model 1885 sporting rifle was manufactured in 1893. It has a special order #3 weight part octagon barrel with an adjustable globe front sight and no provision for a rear sight, a tang mounted Vernier peep sight, walnut Schnabel tip forearm and semi-pistol grip stock with checkering and ebony inserts along with a cheekpiece on the left side of the butt, and a nickel plated Swiss buttplate. The barrel has the two line Winchester address and the caliber designation on the top flat. The underside of the barrel is also marked with the caliber, "3"s, and the oval "VP" proof. The receiver has the serial number and patent markings on the lower tang. An oval silver inscription plate on the right side of the butt is marked "Captain Oberlin M. Carter/Corps of Engineers United States Army". According to the included documents Carter was arrested in 1899 "to account for illicit gains, gratuities, and profits received by him through collusion with contractors for river and harbor improvements in the Savannah, Georgia, improvement district, and to follow such illicit profits into securities and other property held for him by other defendants to the suit." In sum, he was found guilty of defrauding the government of over $2 million dollars and receiving over half a million himself. This was achieved through rigging the bidding system for improvements in Savannah Harbor and then laundering the money through the family estate of his incredibly wealthy, deceased wife. Her father fled to Italy after being asked to testify in the case. Carter professed his innocence and regularly appeared in court until his death in 1944 at the age of 88, but that case against him was widely accepted. The two contractors who conspired with him hid in Quebec where the Canadian government declined to extradite them back to the U.S. for trial. In a dramatic move, the Secret Service abducted the co-conspirators and brought them to the U.S. to face charges. Carter and his conspirators received relatively light prison sentences and fines considering the crime. Among the documents in the file are Carter's mug shots.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38-55 WCF

Price Realized:

Exceptional Antique Factory Exhibition Quality Game Scene Engraved and Gold/Platinum Inlaid Marlin Deluxe Model 1895 Lever Action .45-90 Rifle

Lot 19

Factory Engraved/Inlaid Marlin Deluxe Model 1895 Rifle

Manufactured in 1896. The rifle is decorated with highly unusual, possibly one-of-a-kind factory engraving. The embellishment does not correspond to any of the standard factory patterns established by noted Master Engraver Conrad Friedrich Ulrich, Jr., who was the engraver for Marlin and did a majority of the engraving for the company from 1881 until 1910 when he left for Winchester. Ulrich spent a lifetime embellishing some of the finest high art firearms of the period. This Model 1895 certainly features an exhibition quality engraving that exemplifies Marlin artistry in the late 19th century. It is an unpublished work of artistry well deserving of the finest firearms collection, and to quote firearms historian R.L. Wilson, stands as an example of the "American tradition of excellence in gunmaking." The receiver is engraved with a sporadic grape leaf pattern on an extensive large punch dot background that extends to the bolt. The pattern greatly differs from the leaf and berry embellishment commonly used on factory Grade No. 10 style engraving. Three game scenes are richly engraved on the receiver as well as one scene on the bolt. These wonderful, highly detailed game scenes are the following: The left side depicts a grizzly bear confronting a snake protruding from a grape vine. The right side features a stag standing alert in an open field and stalked by a mountain lion perched on a tree limb on the bolt. The underside features a menacing bear's head in a circular panel. Flourishes of the grape leaf pattern extend to the forend cap, takedown collar, hammer, lever, and upper tang. The breech of the barrel has three inlaid bands of alternating platinum and gold, inlaid gold line border around the "45-90" caliber marking, and sprays of engraved light scrollwork. The upper left barrel flat is script engraved "Special Steel" under the rear sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Marlin address/patent dates marking. The barrel is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight. The top of the receiver is marked "MARLIN SAFETY." The upper tang is marked "MODEL/1895" and is factory drilled and tapped for sight mounting. The rifle is fitted with a special order half magazine. The barrel and magazine tube are blued, and the remaining surfaces are casehardened. The highly figured deluxe walnut forearm and pistol grip stock feature factory "B" pattern multi-point checkering. The buttstock is fitted with a checkered hard rubber Marlin buttplate.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-90

Lot 20

Iron Frame New Haven Arms Co. Henry Lever Action Rifle

The Henry lever action rifle is among the most famous and desirable of all of the historic American lever action rifles as the predecessor to the famous Winchester lever action rifles and one of the most advanced firearms of the American Civil War. Of the Henry variants, the distinctive iron frame Henry rifles are the rarest and most desirable, and this extraordinary rifle is one of the finest original iron frame Henry rifles known today. It is certainly among the rarest and most desirable of all antique American firearms. Only an estimated 200-300 Henry rifles with iron frames were manufactured by New Haven Arms Co. before the company discontinued them in favor of the "brass" gunmetal frames, and less than 100 of these rifle are reportedly known today. These iron framed rifles were manufactured during the first three months of production (April-June 1862), and the known serial numbers of the identified iron frame Henry rifles range from 1-393. Collectors have also identified seventy-seven brass frame Henry rifles in this same serial number range and sixteen brass and iron frame Henry rifles with duplicate serial numbers. This rifle is listed by serial number as a known surviving iron frame Henry on page 54 of Les Quick's book "The Story of Benjamin Tyler Henry and His Famed Repeating Rifle." No corresponding brass frame rifle is noted. It is also featured on pages 30-31 where it is noted as "An early iron frame Henry rifle, serial number '90,' in excellent condition and retaining most of its original barrel finish. Tommy Rholes collection." The serial number is also shown in the list of known iron frames on page 85 of "The Historic Henry Rifle" by Wiley Sword. Experts believe that most Henry rifles manufactured before 1865 saw military service. Although the Federal government purchased only slightly more than 1,700 Henry rifles between 1862 and 1865, individual soldiers were quick to recognize the firepower offered by a 15-shot repeating rifle. Most Henry rifles were privately purchased by Federal soldiers from Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Kentucky regiments. Many of the early iron frame Henry rifles were shipped to New Haven Arms Co. dealers in Louisville, Kentucky, and a few iron frame Henry rifles were obtained by Confederate soldiers. Given the extensive use of Henry rifles broadly during the Civil War and in the latter part of the 19th century, the high condition of this rifle is particularly remarkable. It appears to have seen no use and instead was clearly very carefully looked after for more than 160 years. This rifle displays the distinctive features found on the earliest Henry rifles: both the barrel and the receiver have rear sight dovetails. The folding leaf rear sight mounted in the barrel dovetail is the first variation with the "1000" yard marking below the center notch, elevation bar with rounded ends, and small "V" notch. The nickel silver blade front sight is the first pattern half moon style. The magazine has the early style small brass cartridge follower, and the receiver has the early straight follower cut. In addition to the rear sight dovetail, the upper rear portion of the receiver has the slight bevel in front of the hammer found on early rifles. The loading lever is the first style with no spur, and the lower receiver tang lacks the lever latch added around serial number 400. The iron buttplate is the first style with rounded heel. The rifle is not equipped with a sling swivel on the left side of the stock or a sling hook loop on the left side of the barrel. These were special order items on early production rifles. The top of the barrel is roll stamped with the two-line legend "HENRY'S PATENT. OCT. 16.1860/MANUFACT'D BY THE NEWHAVEN ARMS CO. NEWHAVEN. CT." ahead of the rear sight. The serial number "90" is stamped on the top barrel flat between the rear sight and the frame. The rifle was not disassembled to examine the serial numbers on the tang screws, lower tang, stock, buttplate screws and buttplate, but these almost certainly have matching serial numbers as was standard on the early rifles. The buttplate and tang screws are indexed. The 24 3/8 inch octagon barrel, integral magazine, iron frame, breech bolt, lever, and iron buttplate all have a high polish blue finish. The trigger and hammer are color casehardened. The straight grain walnut stock has a high polish piano varnish finish. The buttstock contains the four-piece wood cleaning rod which has a carved worm on one end.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Henry RF

Price Realized:

Fine Early Production Winchester Model 1866 Saddle Ring Carbine with Henry Patent Barrel Address

Lot 21

Winchester Model 1866 SRC with Henry Patent Barrel Address

This is an extremely fine example of a Winchester Model 1866 saddle ring carbine that was manufactured in 1868. The carbine has a blued barrel, magazine and loading gate with distinctive brass receiver and buttplate. The upper and lower barrel band, hammer and loading lever have a casehardened finish. The stock and forearm are straight grain black walnut. This Second Model 1866 carbine has the distinctive single upper tang screw and receiver flare at the junction with the forearm. The carbine has a staple-mounted saddle ring on the left side of the receiver, two-leaf rear sight with blades marked "1" and "5", upper barrel band with integral front sight blade, threaded magazine cap, and crescent brass buttplate with hinged trapdoor. The bolt has a rimfire firing pin. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the early style, two-line legend, "HENRY'S-PATENT-OCT. 16. 1860 KING'S- PATENT- MARCH 29. 1866." ahead of the rear sight. The serial number is stamped on the lower tang behind the trigger. The letter "B" and what appears to be a "o" are stamped on the lower tang between the serial number and the tang screws. Provenance: The Joe Marlin Hilliard Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 RF

Price Realized:

Lot 23

Civil War New Haven Arms Co. Henry Lever Action Rifle

The Henry lever action rifle was one of the most advanced firearms of the Civil War. While most rifles used during the war were still single shot muzzleloaders, the Henry offered up to sixteen shots at the ready. Not surprisingly, they were scooped up by many Union soldiers for use during the "War Between the States." Researches estimate that around half of the roughly 14,000 Henry rifles manufactured were used by Union soldiers. They remained in use in the post-bellum American West in the hands of both settlers and various Native American tribes, including at the Battle of Little Bighorn. They remained in use alongside their descendants, the Winchester Model 1866 and Model 1873. With their importance to firearms history as well as their historic use in the both the Civil War and the Indian Wars, they have remained among the most sought after and iconic firearms for generations. This attractive Henry rifle was manufactured c. March 1863 by the New Haven Arms Company. The matching serial number "1757" is on the barrel at the breech, on the left side of the tang, all screws, stock, and buttplate It features the angled squareback German silver blade front sight, notch and ladder rear sight graduated out to 900 yards, alternate rear dovetail on the frame, the two-line Henry patent and address marking ahead of the rear sight, early smaller follower and straight follower cut, lever latch, and smooth walnut buttstock with slight perch belly profile and brass buttplate with rounded heel and a four-piece jointed wood cleaning rod in the stock compartment.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Henry

Price Realized:

Fine Early Production Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle with Desirable Henry Patent Marked Barrel

Lot 24

Early Production Winchester Model 1866 Rifle

The legendary Winchester Model 1866 or "improved Henry" was one of the earliest and most widely used repeating rifles in the American West and saw use in conflicts over land, gold, and other resources on the frontier in the second half of the 19th century in the hands of settlers, Native Americans, outlaws, lawmen, and hunters. It traces its lineage back to earlier repeaters like the Volcanic. These rifles are one of the most iconic weapons of the American West. The direct descendant of the iconic Henry rifle, they bridged the gap between the Henry and the Winchester Model 1873. The Model 1866 was highly prized on the western frontier for its rapid firepower in comparison to many single shot arms of the time, and was used by people in all walks of life. This fine Winchester Model 1866 was manufactured in 1868 and has the very desirable "HENRY'S PATENT-OCT. 16. 1860/KING'S PATENT-MARCH 29. 1866" marking on the top of the blued octagon barrel which also features a dovetailed blade front sight and a notch and ladder rear sight graduated out to 900 yards. The left side of the lower tang is marked "7 RV W 16046." The serial number "16046" is also stamped in the upper tang mortise of the stock and the back of the brass buttplate at the toe. Sling swivels are fitted on the bottom of the forend cap and on the bottom of the stock. The stock compartment is empty. These rifles generally saw hard use and we rarely catalog examples like this one in fine condition. This Model 1866 is will be a standout piece of Winchester legacy in any lever action collection.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Henry RF

Price Realized:

Highly Desirable Winchester Model 1876 .50 Express Lever Action Short Rifle with Historic 7th Duke of Atholl Crest on Silver Stock Escutcheon with Factory Letter

Lot 25

Scottish Duke Owned Winchester Model 1876 50 Express Short Rifle

The rifle was manufactured in 1881 and original ownership is identified to Scottish duke and arms enthusiast John Murray. Murray's crest is engraved on the German silver escutcheon on the underside of the buttstock. According to our consignor, "The crest has been identified by Stephen Wood, an expert in such matters, as he says, 'The crest (as it should correctly be described) is that of a duke of Atholl (a Scottish title). If the rifle dates from the 1880s- as I recall you said it did- the crest is almost certainly that of John James Hugh Henry Stuart-Murray (1840-1917) who was the only son of George Murray, 6th duke of Atholl (1814-64) and who was styled Marquess of Tullibardine from 1846 to 1864. On his father's death in 1864, he became 7th duke of Atholl. The coronet on the escutcheon of the rifle is that of a British duke.'" It is rare to catalog a pre-1899 Winchester rifle identified to its original owner, let alone a prominent owner such as the Duke. The home of the Dukes of Atholl is Blair Castle located near the village of Blair Atholl in Perthshire in Scotland. The well-known castle dates to the 13th century, and today this remarkable piece of well-preserved Scottish architecture is opened to tourists. The large entrance hall was built in 1872 by John Murray and is appointed with an extensive collection of arms and animal mounts. In 1979, many of the Blair Castle arms went up for auction. The accompanying factory letter states the rifle was received in the warehouse on November 11, 1881 and shipped the next day to order number 29192 with a 22 inch round "express" barrel, plain trigger, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, shotgun buttplate, casehardened frame, "inside finish," and "plate as per letter." The letter notes the rifle was delivered with "inside finish." Per Winchester expert and author Herbert Houze, only 175 Model 1876s had "inside finishing." This is certainly one of the rare features on this rifle. The "plate as per letter" references the inlaid buttstock plate featuring Murray's crest. Murray must have written a letter to Winchester and included a sketch of his crest for the engraver. It is possible that the engraver was an Ulrich. Both Conrad and John Ulrich were working for Winchester at the time the rifle was ordered. Inlaid plates are rare, and these plates are generally delivered plain. The lack of British proofs suggests the rifle was ordered from Winchester in America and delivered directly to the Duke rather than delivered through a British house where it would have been proofed. In 1881 the Duke visited the United States. His 1881 visit was retold in the "Chronicles of the Atholl and Tullibardine Families:" "May 11, 1881- The Duke set out from Blair for a tour in America. At Liverpool he was joined by Mr. Wynne of Peniarth and Mr. Marcus Blake, and on the 12th sailed in the Allan s.s. Moravian for Quebec. From thence they proceeded to Montreal, and then by Albany to New York. The Duke and Mr. Blake crossed the continent by the Union Pacific route to San Francisco, stopping at Chicago and Salt Lake City en route. After an expedition to the Yosemite Valley, they returned by the Southern Pacific line to Montreal (his Grace making a detour to Winnipeg during the journey), and on July 16th again embarked in the Moravian at Rimouski, New Brunswick, for Liverpool, reaching London on the 25th." Traveling south from Canada to New York City in mid-1881 provided Murray with opportunities to special order his deluxe Model 1876 express short rifle, either through a visit to the Winchester factory in Connecticut or through dealers along the way. The rifle was likely shipped directly to the Duke and arrived in Scotland having bypassed the British proofing authorities. The rifle was then available to the Duke in January 1883 when he toured the world from west to east. The rifle likely saw use in Egypt, India, Ceylon, China, Japan, and the Sandwich Islands, now Hawaii. He travel to San Francisco, Yosemite and to New York with possible stops in Idaho and Colorado before arriving home to Scotland that summer. His 1883 around the world tour was also referenced in the "Chronicles of the Atholl and Tullibardine Families," and this rifle certainly would have made a great companion during the trip. Long before the Duke made his epic journeys to the United States in the 1880s, the Murray family had already left their mark on America. Atol, Massachusetts, was originally called Pequoiag, and the area was first settled by five families in September 1735. When the township was incorporated in 1762, the name was changed to Athol. John Murray, the 3rd Duke of Atholl, was one of the proprietors of the land and chose the name because the hills reminded him of his ancestral home of Blair Atholl, Scotland. Atholl means "pleasant place." This .50-95 Express Short Rifle Model 1876 is configured similarly to the Model 1886 Lightweight in that it has a short 22 inch barrel (although not tapered), rifle style forearm, and shotgun butt. This example has a full length magazine, a seldom seen feature as most of the short rifles had a half magazine. In "The Winchester Model 1876 Centennial Rifle," author Herbert Houze details around 2,500 short rifle and 2,500 carbines, all with 22 inch barrels. Approximately 65,000 Model 1876s were manufactured; however, only 3,310 were chambered in .50-95 Express. Based on Houze's research, around 30 of the 3,310 were in deluxe configuration. Adding to the rarity is that the rifle lacks London proofs. The .50-95 Winchester Express was the largest caliber available for the Model 1876 and proved popular with big and dangerous game hunters. Many Model 1876 rifles chambered for this powerful cartridge were shipped to England and then found their way to Africa and India where they were often employed against big cats. Theodore Roosevelt loved his .45-75 '76, but he and other Americans scorned the .50 Express, and thus, the Model 1876 was only produced in limited numbers chambered for that cartridge compared to the smaller calibers. The rifle's sights are mounted on raised lugs brazed to the barrel. A narrow flat is evident in the area behind the rear sight base. This flat has been seen on other second model short barrel express models. The rear sight is an express type with a fixed leaf and a folding 200 yard leaf. Express sights are rare, particularly those with a single folding leaf. See "The Winchester Book" for the Lyman Caterpillar front sight which is similar to the front sight on this rifle (page 583). The use of raised lugs was a common British practice for this time. These sights were popular with big bore African and Indian hunting guns. There is no record notation regarding the sights. This is common for factory records. Madis stated, "Any sight made at the time of manufacture would be furnished and fitted by Winchester. If the customer wanted a really unusual sight, Winchester would produce it from a sketch sent in by the customer." This sight is original to the rifle. The casehardened second model receiver has a dust cover which is marked "WINCHESTER EXPRESS/50 CAL 95 GRS." The cartridge elevator is marked "50-95." The top of the barrel is stamped with the two-line Winchester New Haven address/King's patent dates marking ahead of the rear sight and "50 CAL" at the breech. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1876." The lower tang has the serial number under the lever latch. The forearm and pistol grip stock are select walnut and feature factory "H" pattern checkering. The stock has a steel shotgun buttplate.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 50-95 Express

Price Realized:

Outstanding Documented Special Order Nickel Plated Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine with Factory Letter

Lot 26

Special Order Nickel Plated Winchester Model 1873 Carbine

The Model 1873 is the classic "Gun that Won the West" and was popular with the Texas Rangers and many others in the late 19th century. This stunning, full factory nickel, "third model" was manufactured in 1883 and has the integral dust cover guide rail, the front sight just behind the front barrel band, a"1873" marked notch and ladder rear sight, and a saddle ring mounted on the left side of the receiver. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING- ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860." ahead of the rear sight. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1873." The serial number is stamped in script numerals on the lower tang between the loading lever latch and the tang screw. The carbine forearm and stock are nicely figured walnut with a trapdoor buttplate containing a three piece cleaning rod. This high condition carbine exhibits documented and highly desirable full factory nickel plating. As confirmed by the accompanying factory letter this carbine was received in the warehouse on August 31, 1883 and shipped the same day on order number 6150 with a nickel finish. Nickel plating was a flashy and more durable option for a frontier saddle gun, which resists corrosion better than blued finish. The nickel plating is a rare special order feature for a Model 1873 carbine, as Winchester expert and author George Madis pointed out, "Rifles in the 1873 model outnumber carbines by 20%, and only one of each 600 guns had plating." Based on numbers alone factory nickel plated Model 1873 carbines make for an extreme rarity in Winchester collecting, even rarer than their nickel plated rifle counterparts. Full nickel Model 1873s are difficult to find and when encountered these "working guns" are generally in rough shape. This fantastic example is worthy of the finest Winchester collection and will be a standout piece no mater how advanced the collection. Provenance: The Ray Bentley Collection; The Collection of David L. DeLullo

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Price Realized:

Documented Deluxe Factory Engraved Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle with Silver-Plated Finish Featured in Winchester Engraving Book

Lot 27

Silver-Plated Factory Engraved Winchester 1866 Rifle

This deluxe, factory engraved, Winchester Model 1866 lever action rifle was manufactured in 1867. This rifle has the Second Model receiver with flared front and single screw upper tang and features the late style factory engraving typically found on Henry rifles but rarely encountered on Model 1866 rifles. This rifle is illustrated and described on page 41 of "Winchester Engraving" by R. L. Wilson. The rifle has a full octagon barrel and full-length magazine. The barrel has a steel, sporting style front sight and a Henry style folding leaf rear sight with 900 yard center notch and elevator bar stop screw. The Henry style brass crescent buttplate has a hinged trap. The butt trap contains a four-piece jointed steel cleaning rod with brass trip. The hammer has borderless, hand-cut, knurling on the spur. The forearm cap and stock have factory sling swivels. The barrel and magazine have a charcoal blue finish and the loading gate is fire blue. The hammer, trigger and lever are color casehardened. The brass forearm cap, receiver and buttplate are silver-plated. The stock and forearm are nicely figured, fancy grain walnut with a piano finish. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the early legend "HENRY'S PATENT-OCT. 16. 1860/KING'S-PATENT-MARCH 29. 1866" in two lines ahead of the rear sight. The serial number is stamped on the lower tang between the trigger and the lever latch. The sides of the forearm cap, top and sides of the receiver, upper tang and buttplate heel are decorated with factory engraving associated with Henry rifles. The engraving consists of large scrolls on a punch-dot background on the side plates, receiver top, upper tang, forearm cap and buttplate with large floral petals on the forward sections of the frame. The scrollwork and floral petals on the frame are outlined with distinctive double line borders. The engraving is very high quality with delicate shading. The distinctive factory engraving on Henry rifles is attributed to Samuel J. Hoggson, the chief engraver for the New Haven Arms Company. The engraving on this rifle is almost certainly Hoggson's work.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Henry RF

Price Realized:

Excellent Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle in Desirable .45-70 Caliber with Factory Letter

Lot 28

Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action .45-70 Rifle

The John Moses Browning designed Model 1886 was the first Winchester repeater capable of chambering the .45-70 and had one of the strongest lever actions ever used in a Winchester rifle. It was developed as a replacement for the weaker toggle link action Model 1876, but their production was fairly limited at around 160,000 between 1886 and 1935. The powerful Winchester Model 1886 remains one of the most iconic lever action rifles of all time. This classic Winchester Model 1886 rifle was manufactured in 1890 and is chambered in the popular cartridge: .45-70 Government. The factory letter indicates the serial number was applied on December 18, 1890, and lists the rife in .45-70 with an octagon barrel and plain trigger. It was received in the warehouse on June 1, 1892, and shipped on September 29, 1892, in order 6677. It is a high condition example that will make a great addition to any Winchester or lever action collection. The rifle is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight and a folding ladder rear sight marked "1886." The barrel has a top flat that is stamped with the two-line Winchester New Haven address/patent dates marking ahead of the rear sight and has a upper left flat that is stamped "45-70" at the breech. The upper tang is marked "-MODEL 1886-", and the lower tang has the serial number and two-line patent dates. The receiver has the desirable casehardened finish. Mounted with plain walnut forearm and straight grip stock. The buttstock is fitted with a crescent buttplate.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-70

Price Realized:

Very Fine Documented Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1894 Lever Action Takedown Rifle with Factory Letter

Lot 29

Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1894 Takedown Rifle

Manufactured in 1897 according to Madis. This is an attractive, documented example of a special order Winchester deluxe Model 1894 takedown rifle. The included factory letter lists the rifle in .30 caliber with an octagon barrel, plain trigger, takedown, Lyman front and rear sights, and a checkered pistol grip stock with a rubber shotgun buttplate when received at the warehouse on 9 April 1900 and shipped 17 February 1902 in order number 132785. The top barrel flat is marked with the standard two-line address and caliber marking at the breech, while the two-line nickel steel marking is on the upper left. The upper tang is marked with the three-line model, trademark, and patent date information. The serial number is on the lower tang and there is a discreet import mark. The left side of the lower tang is marked "929 6 XXX S", with "929 6" repeated on the butt of the stock along with "94/T". It is fitted with a Lyman beaded blade front sight, three-leaf express rear sight, and a Lyman mid-range peep sight mounted on the upper tang. It is mounted with a finely figured, H-pattern checkered forearm and pistols grip stock with a hard rubber grip cap and a checkered hard rubber shotgun buttplate.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 30 WCF

Price Realized:

Exceptional Antique Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Rifle in Desirable .44-40 W.C.F.

Lot 30

Antique Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Rifle in .44-40

Manufactured in 1895, this is a exceptionally fine, desirable, antique example of a standard production Winchester Model 1892 rifle in .44-40 W.C.F. The top barrel flat is marked with the standard two-line address and the caliber marking at the breech. The upper tang is marked with the three-line model, trademark, and patent information, and the serial number is on the bottom of the receiver. It is fitted with a skillfully filed, period personalized, German silver blade front sight and an elevation adjustable buckhorn/sporting rear sight. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 31

Winchester Model 1895 Flat-Side Lever Action Rifle

This Model 1895 Winchester rifle was manufactured in 1896, the second year of production. This rifle has the first model "Flat-Side" receiver. The receiver has the slight flare at the junction with the forearm and lacks the fluted sides found on Model 1895 Winchesters manufactured after serial number 5,000. The rifle has a rapid taper, round, 26-inch barrel chambered for the 40-72 W.C.F. cartridge. The barrel has a blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight. and is marked "MANUFACTURED BY THE/-WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A.-" ahead of the rear sight and "40-72 WCF" at the breech. The upper tang is marked "-WINCHESTER/MODEL 1895-." The lower tang is marked has the early production three digit serial number "807." This serial number is stamped between the tang screws. The November 1895 patent dates are stamped in two lines behind the trigger. The included Cody Firearms Museum Records Office serial number confirms the rifle's round barrel, plain trigger, and August 5, 1896 ship date. The First Model "Flat-Side" 1895 rifles were manufactured for less than two years and are scarce and very desirable, and this example is in well above average condition, making for a very appealing addition to any lever action collection.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 40-72 WCF

Price Realized:

Exceptional Documented Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Lever Action 44-40 Rifle with Desirable Casehardened Receiver and Factory Letter

Lot 33

Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

The included factory letter confirms the serial number was applied on this rifle on July 1, 1889. It was received in the warehouse on August 26, 1891, and shipped on September 12, 1891, as part of order number 9615 in rifle configuration with a .44 caliber octagon barrel, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, Winchester express sights, and casehardened receiver. The receiver has the integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrated rear edges that identify Third Model 1873 rifles and carbines. This deluxe rifle has the very desirable, special order, color casehardened finish on the receiver and special order, highly figured, fancy grain walnut pistol grip stock and forearm. The forearm cap, hammer, trigger and crescent steel buttplate are color casehardened, and the barrel, magazine, loading gate, dust cover and bolt are blued. The stock and forearm have a high polish piano finish and Winchester "Style H" checkering. There is an ebony inlay on the bottom of the pistol grip. The full octagon barrel has a "Winchester Express" front sight with bright colored bead and a replacement refinished buckhorn sporting style rear sight with serrated edges. A Winchester folding graduated peep sight is mounted on the receiver tang. The buttplate has a sliding brass trapdoor. British "crown/V" and "crown/GP" proof and view marks and "lion/UBP" proofmark are stamped on the left side of the barrel, and a "crown/V" inspection mark is stamped on the upper left side of the receiver. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the legend: "WINCHESTER'S REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A./-KING'S IMPROVEMENT PATENTED MARCH 29. 1866 OCTOBER 16. 1860.-" in two lines ahead of the rear sight, and the caliber designation "44 W.C.F." is stamped between the rear sight and the receiver. The script caliber marking "44 CAL." is stamped on the bottom of the cartridge elevator, and the serial number is stamped across the lower tang between the lever latch and the rear tang screw. Provenance: The Joe Marlin Hilliard Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 34

Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle

The powerful Winchester Model 1886 remains one of the most iconic lever action rifles. It was the first lever action rifle designed by John Moses Browning. Special order '86s remain especially popular, and examples in high condition like this one are highly sought after. It will make for a standout piece in any lever action collection. This is a stunning deluxe rifle with a factory letter stating the rifle was received in the warehouse on May 13, 1892, and shipped the next day with a 28 inch octagon barrel in .40-82 caliber, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, Lyman sight, oil finished stock with hard rubber buttplate, "dark stock," and "targets." Deluxe Model 1886s are rare. These were "working guns," and customers were not inclined to spend additional money for special features. This rifle is chambered in the desirable .40-82 W.C.F. This caliber was introduced in 1885 for the Winchester Model 1885 single shot rifle also designed by Browning, and was available for the Model 1886 into the early 20th century, but was then discontinued. The caliber was favored by elk and heavy game hunters, but rifles in this caliber are seldom encountered due to many being altered over the last century to more available calibers. The non-standard, extra length, special order 28 inch barrel has the two-line address ahead of the rear sight and "40-82 WCF" at the breech on the top flat. The rifle is fitted with a beaded blade front sight, an elevation adjustable rear sight, and a folding tang peep sight. The lower tang has the two-line patent dates marking as well as the serial number. The checkered forearm and pistol grip stock hare highly figured XXX deluxe walnut. The pistol grip has an ebony insert. The left side of the lower tang is marked "1 XXX RB." The assembly number "1." is repeated on the stock inlet.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 40-82 WCF

Price Realized:

Highly Attractive Documented Factory Inscribed Winchester Deluxe Model 1876 Lever Action Short Rifle with Factory Letter

Lot 35

Factory Inscribed Winchester Deluxe Model 1876 Rifle

The Model 1876 was the first Winchester lever action rifle offered in calibers truly suitable for hunting large and dangerous game. The larger caliber Model 1876 was popular among those in the West who believed .44-40 wasn't quite enough stopping power for whatever they might encounter. Deluxe variations of the Model 1876 are always in demand. With only 63,871 rifles and carbines manufactured between 1876 and 1897 surviving examples of the Model 1876 rifle are scarce. Generally being viewed as a working gun, these rifles in deluxe configuration or with special order features are especially rare. This deluxe example is additionally appealing as it is factory inscribed. The accompanying factory letter states the rifle was received in the warehouse on December 21, 1888, and shipped the same day on order number 16232 with a 24 inch octagon barrel in 40-60 caliber, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, casehardened receiver, and coin silver pistol grip cap factory engraved "H.S Rutter, Wilkes Barre, Penn." The factory made an error either in recording or in the inscription as the grip cap is instead distinctly inscribed "C.S. RUTTER/WILKES BARRE/PA". The rifle retains this very rare factory inscribed grip cap. Period sources link Henry S. Rutter to several Pennsylvania businesses and financial institutions. Prior to the turn of the century Rutter was in business with his father who established a hardware store which in 1833. Later Rutter was a director of the Gap National Bank. This factory inscribed deluxe lever action certainly fits the profile of a wealthy banker. It would appear that Rutter had a habit of personalizing his high end possessions. It was reported in April 1881 that Rutter had "a beautiful set of light double harness" made by harness maker J.W. Stahl: "Beautiful monograms of H.S.R. ornament the bridles and the martingales are of heavy gold plated chain." The rifle is fitted with a German silver blade front sight, an elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight, and Vernier tang peep sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Winchester address/King's patent marking ahead of the rear sight and "CAL. 40-60" at the breech. The caliber marking is again marked on the bottom of the brass cartridge elevator. The third model receiver features an integral dust cover rail and a dust cover with grip serrations at the rear. The lower tang has the serial number. It is mounted with very finely figured, H-pattern checkered forearm and pistol grip stock. The buttstock features the aforementioned factory inscribed silver grip cap and a trapdoor crescent buttplate containing an included four piece cleaning rod. The left side of the lower tang is marked "1761 XX." The assembly number "1761" is repeated on the stock inlet.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 40-60 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 36

Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine

Many legendary firearms are often cited as the "Guns that Won the West", however, there are perhaps no long guns more iconic than the Winchester Model 1866 carbine. These carbines simply have "the look" of having been there when the West was being tamed and were carried for decades on the frontier by lawmen, cowboys, outlaws, Native Americans, gold prospectors, and settlers. For many, these firearms were far more than just a gun, but a means to put food on the table and simply to survive. This example was manufactured in 1891 and has a rimfire firing pin. It is a fourth model with the serial number stamped in script on the lower tang between the lever latch and tang screw and an iron buttplate. The standard two-line address and King's patent marking is on top of the barrel ahead of the "1873" marked ladder rear sight and "44 B" at the breech. A saddle ring is mounted on the left side of the brass receiver. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent iron buttplate (cleaning rod not included).

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Henry RF

Price Realized:

Rare Documented A.J. Plate & Company San Francisco Shipped "Frontier Used" Sharps Hartford Model 1874 Buffalo Rifle in Desirable .50 Caliber with Factory Letter

Lot 40

A.J. Plate & Co. San Francisco Shipped Sharps 1874 Rifle

The Sharps Model 1874 was one of the classic western firearms and were particularly popular with buffalo hunters. The accompanying factory letter indicates this rifle was invoiced on March 27, 1875, to Sharps dealer A.J. Plate & Company of San Francisco, California, as a "Model 1874 One-Half Octagon rifle" in .50 caliber with a full 30 inch barrel, double set triggers, open sights, and oil finished stocks. The rifle has an antique ivory Rocky Mountain blade front sight in a dovetailed base, "SHARPS RIFLE CO. HARTFORD CONN." ahead of the Lawrence patent buckhorn notch and folding ladder rear sight, and "CALIBRE 50" on top of the breech, a pewter forend cap, matching serial number "C,54439" marked on top of the receiver tang and on the bottom of the barrel, "54439" stamped inside of the forearm channel, and a steel buttplate.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 50-70 U.S. Govt

Price Realized:

Very Scarce, Documented, Early Production Raised Thumbprint Dust Cover, Three-Digit Serial Number 506 Winchester First Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter

Lot 41

Early Winchester First Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1874 as a first model with raised thumbprint dust cover held in place by two integral guides. The accompanying factory letter lists this desirable early production Model 1873 with a 24 inch round barrel when received in the warehouse on March 5, 1874 and shipped on March 9. It is hard to imagine a very early production Winchester Model 1873 such as this not seeing use on the American Frontier. The rifle is equipped with a dovetail blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight CORRECTLY installed in the reverse position. The top of the barrel is stamped with the two-line address/patent dates marking ahead of the rear sight. The rifle correctly lacks caliber markings. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1873." The lower tang has the hand engraved three digit serial number, a very seldom encountered feature seen on only the earliest 1st models. The forearm and straight grip stock are uncheckered straight grain walnut. A sling swivel is mounted on the forend cap. The buttstock sling swivel is absent with the hole enlarged. The buttstock is fitted with a trapdoor crescent buttplate. Includes a four piece cleaning rod. Provenance: The Collection of David L. DeLullo

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Price Realized:

Desirable Antique Colt Model 1878 Frontier Six Shooter Double Action Revolver

Lot 42

Antique Colt Model 1878 Frontier Six Shooter Revolver

Manufactured in 1896. Though never as popular as their Single Action Army cousins, the Model 1878 revolvers, particularly chambered in .44-40, were highly valued on the Frontier for their rapid firepower and their ability to be easily paired with a Winchester Model 1873 rifle or carbine in the same caliber. The barrel is stamped with the one-line Hartford address and "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER" on the left side. The cylinder is numbered to the gun ("805"). Provenance: The John Fox Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40

Price Realized:

Lot 45

Colt Burgess Lever Action Rifle

The Colt Burgess rifles and carbines were only available from 1883 to around 1885, and only 6,403 were manufactured (2,556 had octagon barrels). They were designed by Andrew Burgess who held 894 patents by the end of his life. It has long been rumored that Colt and Winchester came to an agreement that Colt would exit the lever action market and Winchester would not release a revolver, so as not to compete with each other's segments of the Western Frontier arms trade. There seems to be little other reason for Colt to have discontinued these fine repeating arms so quickly after they introduced them, as the Burgess is arguably more advanced and refined than the Winchester Model 1873. This example has a blade front sight, an elevation adjustable rear sight, Rampant Colt stamped on the left side of the receiver, two-line address/patent dates marking on the top barrel flat and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 WCF

Price Realized:

Desirable Acid Etched Panel Colt Black Powder Frame Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army Revolver

Lot 46

Antique Colt Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army Revolver

When introduced in 1877, the .44-40 W.C.F. Single Action Army, or Frontier Six Shooter, was intended to be used in conjunction with another legendary western icon, the Winchester Model 1873 rifle, which came standard in the same chambering. "The .44-40 W.C.F. was added to the list of Colt calibers for use with the popular Winchester rifle of the same caliber," wrote Colt author David Brown. "This combination of a rifle and a six shooter using the same cartridge made it possible for their user to buy only one kind of ammunition, and he could carry 'fodder' for both guns in the same cartridge belt." Manufactured in 1884, this example has the standard one-line address on top of the barrel and "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER" in an acid etched panel on the left. The barrel is also marked "44" on the bottom. The left side of the frame is marked with the three-line patent dates. Matching serial numbers are visible on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The revolver has the desirable nickel plating and is fitted with a one piece walnut grip.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 54

Winchester Deluxe Model 1894 Lever Action Rifle

As "the ultimate lever gun" for over a century, the Winchester Model 1894 rifle holds a special place in the hearts of collectors. These "working guns" were not often ordered with special, extra cost features, making deluxe variations highly sought after by collectors, especially those in high condition. This exceptional factory documented Winchester special order deluxe Model 1894 rifle is worthy of the finest collection. The accompanying factory letter lists this rifle with a round barrel in .25-35 caliber, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock and hard rubber shotgun buttplate when received in the warehouse on March 19, 1897 and shipped on March 23. The barrel and stock were changed at some point by the factory as the letter lists several factory return dates: returned to the factory on April 19, 1897, received in the warehouse on April 1, 1898, shipped on April 2, 1898, received in the warehouse on July 10, 1899 and shipped on August 11, 1899. Return dates are common in Winchester collecting, and everything done on this rifle from when it first left the factory to its current configuration was certainly done at the Winchester factory. A Winchester factory oval proof which was not standardized until 1905 is stamped on top of the barrel and receiver at the breech. Dovetail blade and three leaf sights on an octagon barrel stamped with the two-line address and "30 W.C.F." on the top flat and the two-line nickel steel marking on the upper left flat. A Lyman tang peep sight is installed. Mounted on a highly figured and checkered forearm and pistol grip stock. The buttstock has a hard rubber Winchester grip cap and a casehardened crescent buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is marked "3660 XXX." The stock is hand marked "SPARE" in pencil over the stamped marking "92/7570" under the buttplate. The assembly number "7570" is repeated on the buttplate.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 30 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 58

Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

This Winchester Model 1873 lever action rifle was manufactured in 1891 and is a classic Third Model with standard markings and features to include an octagon barrel, crescent buttplate, and full magazine.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 WCF

Price Realized:

Very Fine Remington No. 1 Short Range Rolling Block Rifle Fitted with Unique Set Trigger/Half-Cock Notch Switch

Lot 61

Remington No. 1 Short Range Rolling Block Rifle with Set Trigger

Manufactured c. 1875-1890 with only a few thousand produced. This example certainly shows traits above the standard grade of rifle. The standard two-line Remington address and patent dates is marked on top of the barrel as well as on the upper tang. There are no markings on the bottom of barrel. The left sides of the upper and lower tang are marked with the assembly number "47569". Judging by the appearance of the chamber, the rifle is likely configured for the .38 Extra Long RF cartridge. German silver blade front and the typical, folding, combination open notch/peep rear sights. Fitted with a unique set trigger "switch", mounted just behind the trigger guard/in the rear bow of the trigger guard. To engage the set trigger with it in the down/forward position, the rifle is fully cocked and then the switch pushed up towards the lower tang. The writer does not recall seeing another example like this. The set trigger appears to have been installed after the rifle left the factory but is certainly factory quality work. Nicely figured forearm and straight grip, slightly perch bellied stock with a crescent buttplate.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 RF

Price Realized:

Lot 63

Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine

Many legendary firearms are often cited as the "Guns that Won the West", however, there are perhaps no long guns more iconic than the Winchester Model 1866 carbine. These carbines simply have "the look" of having been there when the West was being tamed and were carried for decades on the frontier by lawmen, cowboys, outlaws, Native Americans, gold prospectors, and settlers. For many, these firearms were far more than just a gun, but a means to put food on the table and simply to survive. The standard two-line address and King's patent marking is on top of the barrel ahead of two leaf rear sight. The front sight is integral to the front barrel band. A saddle ring is mounted on the left side of the brass receiver. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate containing a three piece cleaning rod.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Lot 64

Evans New Model Lever Action Carbine

This is one of just 4,000 New Model carbines manufactured by Evans Repeating Rifle Co. from 1877-1879. These carbines are easily distinguished from the earlier models by the dust cover on the right side of the action. The top of the barrel is marked "EVANS REPEATING RIFLE MECHANIC FALLS, ME. PAT. DEC. 8, 1868 & SEPT. 16, 1871" ahead of the rear sight. It has a fixed "pinched" blade front sight and stepped military rear sight. The forearm is attached by a single barrel band, and the buttstock pieces are attached to the casehardened buttplate and an iron ring around the center of the magazine tube. Sling swivels are on the bottom of the butt and the barrel band. No serial number is visible. The Evan's repeaters boasted the greatest capacity of any production model lever action produced in the U.S. at 28 to 34 rounds!

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Evans

Price Realized:

Pre-Custer Battle Ainsworth Inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Army Revolver Serial Number 1149 with John Kopec Letter

Lot 65

US Ainsworth Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Army Revolver

This early production U.S. contract Cavalry Model Colt Single Action Army was sub-inspected by Orville W. Ainsworth. The revolver was examined by noted Colt historian and author John Kopec. In his accompanying letter of authentication from 1992 Kopec confirmed the revolver was a first year production example, sub-inspected by Ainsworth, and was likely issued to the 10th Cavalry. The 10th Cavalry was among the first regiments to receive the Cavalry Model revolver, and the first 1,000 were shipped on December 22, 1873 and are found in the 177-1191 serial number range (Lot 1). Kopec noted that the sub-inspector "A" and "P" proof mark "have been worn away" from the cylinder and the hammer is a later production replacement. Ainsworth's "A" is present on the trigger guard, back strap, and barrel but are very faint. A "P" proof mark appears on the underside of the matching number barrel. The top of the barrel has "+COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A." marking. The left of the frame has the two-line patent dates and "U.S." The assembly number "24" is marked inside the loading gate. Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, and barrel. The cylinder lacks a visible number. These early Cavalry Models were issued to cavalry units on the frontier, such as the famous 10th Cavalry Regiment (Buffalo Soldiers), and nearly all saw hard use. Surviving examples of early Cavalry Models are difficult to find and inevitably show heavy service wear. Includes Wilson and Sutherland's "The Book of Colt Firearms."

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45 Long Colt

Price Realized:

Historic Documented U.S. Martial New Haven Arms Co. Henry Lever Action Rifle with Tack Decoration

Lot 66

Tack Decorated U.S. New Haven Arms Co. Henry Lever Action Rifle

This rifle was manufactured c. 1865 and has the late production Henry features. It has a squareback German silver blade front sight, "HENRY'S PATENT. OCT. 16. 1860/MANUFACT'D BY THE NEWHAVEN ARMS CO. NEWHAVEN. CT." on top, notch and folding ladder rear sight with 900 yard top notch on the ladder, "9257." on top between the rear sight and frame, no rear sight dovetail on the frame, "W" on the lower tang, small tacks decorating the wrist, sling loop on the left side of the barrel, the corresponding sling swivel on the left side of the butt, and a brass buttplate with pointed heel. A four-piece sectional steel cleaning rod is included in the stock. This rifle is listed by serial number in "Appendix C Serial Numbers of Henry Rifles Reported by the 3rd Regiment U.S. Vet. Vol. -1865 Companies B, C, I, H, K" on page 76 of "The Historic Henry Rifle" by Wiley Sword. Henry rifles were the first successful lever action rifles and remained in use in the post-Civil War American West, including by Native American warriors at the famous Battle of the Little Bighorn on June 25, 1876, where the Lakota, Dakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho successfully fought off an assault by the U.S. 7th Cavalry on their village and then routed and destroyed Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer and his detachment. In addition to their superior numbers, repeaters like the Henry are generally credited with giving the warriors the upper-hand against the cavalry. Native Americans out West commonly decorated firearms they picked up off the battlefield with brass tack decoration.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Henry RF

Price Realized:

Lot 67

Tack Decorated Remington Rolling Bock Rifle

Greg Lampe indicated that this rifle was a gift from a trucking contractor in 1985 when working at Chemtrol and had belonged to the contractor's father. It is a shortened Remington Rolling Block Rifle with a notch and folding ladder rear sight, Remington two-line address and patent marking on the upper tang ending in the April 17th, 1866, patent marking, "B" and "34163" on the left side of the upper and lower tangs, "A/1223" stamped on the left side of the butt, a larger silver stud on each side of the wrist, and smaller brass tacks forming a cross on the right side of the butt and a border around the end of the butt. Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 11 mm

Price Realized:

Immensely Historic, Well Documented and FRESH Ainsworth Inspected Prime 7th Cavalry Range “Lot Six” U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Army Revolver Accompanied by Kopec Letters Identifying the Revolver to Captain Myles Moylan, Commander of Company A of the 7th Cavalry, Medal of Honor Recipient, and Veteran of Numerous Significant Battles, Including Gettysburg, Little Bighorn, and Wounded Knee

Lot 70

Captain Myles Moylan Identified Lot 6 Colt Single Action Army

This historic revolver is a rare Lot Six Colt Single Action Army in Cavalry Model configuration identified in the included documentation as used by Captain Myles Moylan, commander of Company A of the 7th Cavalry at the Battle of Little Bighorn. It was manufactured under contract with the U.S. Ordnance Department in 1874 and sub-inspected by Orville W. Ainsworth. It is from one of the prime lots issued to the famous 7th Cavalry led by Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer at the Battle of Little Bighorn on June 25, 1876. A total of 921 Colts were shipped to the 7th Cavalry from the Rock Island Arsenal in 1874. Of those, approximately 300 were from Lot Six. The table on page 252 of "Colt Cavalry and Artillery Revolvers. . .a Continuing Study" by Kopec and Fenn indicates the "Prime Serial Number Range" of 5505-6516 for the revolvers issued to Companies D and I. These companies received eighty-three revolvers each later than the rest of the 7th Cavalry as they were on detached service at Fort Totten under Major Reno's command with the Northern Boundary Survey. Serial numbers 5505, 5637, 5740, 5743, 6048, 6067, and 6269 from Lot Six all have documented or attributed 7th Cavalry history per Kopec and Fenn. The revolver features a blade front sight, the one-line barrel address with die breaks in the "o" in "Co." and the "A" in "HARTFORD," "P" and "A" on the bottom of the barrel and side of the cylinder, "A" on the trigger guard and top of the back strap, the two-line patent marking followed by "U.S." on the left side of the frame, "C" in the hammer well between the notch rear sight and firing pin hole, assembly number "202" on the loading gate, and the matching serial number "6055" on the barrel, cylinder, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The grip has an outline of a cartouche on the left and faint markings on the right. The revolver is accompanied by letters from noted Colt Single Action Army historian and author John A. Kopec, including a letter from 2023 in which he indicates that he believes this revolver was Captain Moylan's of the 7th Cavalry and notes documentation attributing serial number 6055 to Captain Moylan and as part of Captain Benteen's collection. Kopec indicates that he had previously examined this revolver (1970s letters from Kopec and Moore to Dr. William Leo included) but that during his recent examination he found that the grips have "A pair of crossed sabers, with a partial initial 'M' at either side of these crossed sabers. The first letter 'M' is only represented to be the obscure upper portion, while the second initial 'M' is missing its entire right area. It is our belief, that these are truly the initials of Capt. Myles Moylan. The grip marking should however be forensically examined to verify and confirm Kopec's findings." He had missed this marking before but found them under additional illumination and careful study during his recent examination. In additional analysis, he notes that the revolver's serial number markings are legitimate and that the serial number remaining partially exposed at the edge of the ejector housing is a characteristic found on some other revolvers in this range and that "the grip shows the 'pointed grip-spacer.' This pointed grip-spacer was used by Colt's up into the 10,000 serial range." He also notes that a small hole was drilled into this spacer for unknown reasons, the muzzle was modified, and the hammer roller-pin was broken in half (something he had never seen before). The revolver's history is also discussed in the accompanying letter from William Leo Jr. stating he had inherited this revolver upon the death of his father, Dr. William Leo Sr. (1922-1995), and that it had been his father's prized possession. Dr. Leo was a veteran of the U.S. Army in the Pacific during World War II and returned and completed medical school and became a gun collector and the president of the Missouri Valley Arms Collector Association. He purchased this revolver in 1965. The discovery of the back strap of revolver 6048 at the Little Bighorn battlefield in 1985 solidified Dr. Leo's belief that this revolver was truly special. Then, in 2012, a revolver renumbered 6055 turned up at auction. In a April 4, 2012, letter, Kopec writes: "Amoskeag Auctions: Gentlemen: Regarding Lot #101, March 24, 2012 Catalog- Please do not pay the Consignee as this revolver #6055 is a total fake!" While that revolver was faked, it was accompanied by documentation that Kopec in subsequent letters states was "totally legitimate." Copies of that documentation are included. Kopec logically concluded that the fake had been created to match the documentation and also indicated that he suspected 13801 from the same sale and identified in the documentation as owned by Tom Custer was also fabricated to match the legitimate documentation. The main piece of period documentation is a copy of a letter from "Ruth B." dated June 15, 1887, to "Capt. J.W. Dimmick/Clerk U.S. Courts/Montgomery/Ala." discussing Captain Benteen's collection and it being loaned to Dimmick for an Indian Wars display at his bank. The letter notes that she had run "into our old friend Major Benteen" and discusses him potentially retiring from the Army and moving to Atlanta and also notes that she believed "the bottle has gotten the best of him." She notes that his collection included "war bonnets, clubs, shields, spears, muskets and pistols" all with identified owners and that "The Colt revolver number 6055 belonged to Myles Moylan. Recall him?...and #13801 is the one that belonged to Tom Custer and is yours to keep!! He said it was re-captured at the Slim Buttes fight." Slim Buttes was the first U.S. victory following the Battle of Little Bighorn. Ruth's identity is not clear, but Joseph W. Dimmick was a veteran of the Civil War and was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Montgomery and clerk of the U.S. Circuit Court. After this documentation surfaced in 2012, Kopec reached back out to Leo Jr. to discuss his revolver given the new information (discussed in another included letter) and wanted to purchase it, but the family was not yet ready to let it go; now they finally are after almost 60 years. The serial number attribution to Moylan and comments of the revolver having Moylan's initials are also discussed in "History Corner: Custer's Last Stand and the Alabama Connection" by Jerry L. Fortner which also indicates that 13801 later turned up in the wall of a house in Selma, Alabama, and was found when the house was being torn down. Captain Myles Moylan (1838-1909) was a career U.S. Cavalry officer starting out in the 2nd U.S. Dragoons in 1857, through the Civil War (including service in the 5th U.S. Cavalry with Custer and at Gettysburg), and on through the Indian Wars of the 1860s through the early 1890s in the famous 7th U.S. Cavalry led by Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer at the Battle of Little Bighorn. He was married to Charlotte Calhoun, sister of fellow 7th Cavalry Officer James Calhoun, Custer's brother-in-law. He was dismissed for being absent without leave in Washington, D.C., but soon re-enlisted in the volunteers under another name. After the war, he re-enlisted in the U.S. Army, Custer personally helped him get a commission as an officer in the 7th Cavalry, and he served as the adjutant. Prior to the Battle of the Little Bighorn, Moylan fought at the Washita Massacre during the campaign against Black Kettle and the Southern Cheyenne. By the time of the 1876 Campaign, Moylan was a battle-hardened veteran with extensive experience and was the captain of Company A of the 7th Cavalry. During the Battle of Little Bighorn on June 25-26th, 1876, Moylan's company was part of the Major Marcus Reno's battalion of around 140 men that conducted the first and only real attack on the combined Native American village while Custer led his battalion of around 210 to the right flank, and Benteen's battalion of around 125 men swept to the far left. Another 130 men were with the pack train. The battalions were all out of sight from one another and unable to provide assistance as their attack began, and years later Moylan was quoted questioning Custer's decision to divide his forces. Reno led his men in a charge toward the village. He reported they drove "the Indians with great ease for about two and a half miles" before nearing the village and forming a skirmish line. It must have been quite a shock for Moylan and Company A as they formed up as the center part of the line and fired the initial volleys into the massive village and quickly realized they were tremendously outnumbered and faced by determined warriors. While Custer had been warned there might be a considerable village, they had substantially underestimated their adversaries both in terms of their overall strength in numbers and willingness to fight. Reno reported that they had believed the village was fleeing when they began the attack. The combined village according to the National Park Service was around 8,000 people, including a force of around 1,500-1,800 warriors. Reno in his official report noted: "I could not see Custer or any other support, and at the same time the very earth seemed to grow Indians, and they were running toward me in swarms, and from all directions. I saw I must defend myself and give up the attack mounted." After firing from long range for 15-20 minutes, Reno called for a withdrawal into the woods as the native warriors closed in for the counter-attack hitting the detachment from multiple sides. In the woods, his men again dismounted to fight, but with Reno estimating they were outnumbered five to one, he soon called on them to mount and charge through the warriors to the bluffs on the other side of the river. As the men "charged" in retreat towards the high ground across the Little Bighorn River, they left some of their men behind. During the Reno Court of Inquiry into the battle discussed in "Close-Order Combat at the Battle of the Little Big Horn: The Use of the Model 1873 Colt Revolver" by Albert Winkler, Moylan confirmed that the cavalrymen under the circumstances were at their own discretion as when to fire their revolvers, that they couldn't be readily reloaded while riding, and that his company lost formation as it took heavy casualties in the fight in the valley, stating: "I found the rear of my company was very much broken up, as the shooting into it was very severe." Others noted that the native warriors would ride up to within 50 to 100 yards and empty their Winchester rifles into the columns and additional warriors rode in even closer to attack. Unsupported, they began to take significant casualties, including around thirty-five killed. Moylan and his surviving men from Company A followed Reno to the high ground where they were reinforced by Benteen's battalion and dug defensive positions on what is now known as Reno Hill. Benteen had received a message from Custer's battalion reading: "Come on. Big Village. Be quick. Bring Packs. P.S. Bring Packs." The men would have each originally carried 24 cartridges for their revolvers and 100 rounds of ammunition for their Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor Carbines when the battle began, certainly not enough ammo for a prolonged engagement against overwhelming numbers. While the Model 1873 Trapdoor Carbines were the primary weapons of the cavalry, a significant portion of the fighting during the Battle of Little Bighorn was done with revolvers which could be fired multiple times before reloading. Chief Gall and Horned Horse recounted that many of the warriors killed in the fighting against Custer's isolated detachments were shot by Custer's men with revolvers during their last attacks in part because many of Custer's men had lost their extra rifle ammo when they lost their horses and also because some of their carbines became jammed. Since the pack train hadn't arrived yet and he had lost a considerable number of his men, Reno determined they should regroup and wait for the pack train before pressing on but allowed a smaller detachment under the leadership of Captain Weir to try to locate their commander. By the time some of Reno and Benteen's men went back on the initiative, Custer and his battalion may have all already been killed. From Weir Point, some of the troopers may have seen the final moments off in the distance on Last Stand Hill, and soon the warriors concentrated their attacks on the remainder of the 7th Cavalry, forcing Reno to retreat back to the high ground at Reno Hill. During the fighting there, Moylan noted, "I saw a dead Indian very close to [Benteen's] line...They came up there within 15 or 20 yards. There were a considerable many of them. There was a sufficient number of them to warrant their attempting to turn that end of the line." The Cavalry Model Single Action Army Revolvers were used in a counter attack by Benteen and Reno's men to keep the warriors from closing in on their lines. The fighting continued on into the next day until the Native Americans escaped, and it was only after General Terry's column arrived on the scene on June 27th that Custer's fate was discovered. Moylan survived the battle and continued on in his career. The 7th Cavalry was assigned new men to replace the 242 troopers and 16 officers killed in the battle along with those too severely wounded to return to active duty. The 7th continued to serve in the West in the Terry Expedition, and Moylan as captain of Company A subsequently fought at the Battle of Bear Paw during the Nez Perce War in 1877 for which he received the Congressional Medal of Honor. His citation reads: "Captain Moylan gallantly led his command in action against the Nez Perce Indians until he was severely wounded." His wound was a gunshot through the right thigh that put him out of action, but he recovered and continued on and was still in charge of Company A at the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890 where Moylan and some of his men were aiding Captain Varnum's men in carrying away the confiscated weapons when the gunfire broke out, and he lost four of his men and attributed their loss to fire from the warriors. Some newspaper accounts incorrectly listed him as mortally wounded in the mayhem. He was later promoted to major and retired in 1893 after more than three decades of service and moved to San Diego, California, where his historic home still stands. He died there in 1909. His obituaries noted him as an Indian fighter and veteran of the Battle of Little Bighorn. Based on the June 15, 1887, letter noted above, this revolver was already noted as owned by Captain Frederick W. Benteen and identified as having belonged to Moylan. Benteen has remained a controversial figure for not reinforcing Custer, but he was remembered by his men fondly. Scout George Herendeen, for example, wrote "Benteen is one of the bravest men I ever saw in a fight." In contrast, Benteen's writings indicate Moylan was an unpopular officer, but he did not make it clear why although he claimed Moylan was "blubbering like a whipped urchin" when Benteen and his men came to reinforce Reno's men after they were battered in the initial counter attacks. Like Moylan, Benteen also fought during the Nez Perce campaign in 1877. He was promoted to a major in the 9th U.S. Cavalry. In 1886, Benteen and several other officers who served in the 7th Cavalry at the Battle of Little Bighorn were sent to Fort Custer for the 10th anniversary of the disastrous battle before returning to duty trying to maintain peace with the Utes in Utah. He was suspended for 1 1/2 years on half-pay on April 20, 1887, for drunkenness thus would have been on suspension when the letter was written as alluded to in the letter by the comment "I believe the bottle has gotten the best of him." He was also actively seeking retirement and was retired for disability the following summer on July 7. As noted in the letter, Benteen did eventually settle in Atlanta in his retirement. His father had previously lived near Atlanta until his death in 1885, and Major Benteen's youngest child, Frederick Wilson Benteen Jr., was born in Atlanta in 1873. In retirement, he took an active interest in historical writings about the Battle of Little Bighorn and influenced the early historiography.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45 Long Colt

Price Realized:

Historic Calderwood & Son Double Action Pinfire Revolver with "G.A.C." Inscribed Case and Receipt from Family Descendant Lt. Col. Charles A. Custer Identifying the Cased Set as Owned by Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer

Lot 71

Calderwood & Son Pinfire Revolver with "G.A.C." Inscribed Case

This "GAC" inscribed cased set is accompanied by a May 31, 1956, dated document with letter head for the United States Army Reserve Training Center Office of the Unit Advisor at 111 South Church Street Las Cruces, New Mexico, signed by Charles A. Custer stating: To Whom it May Concern, I have on this date presented to Dr. Lawrence Frost, for value received, one 44 cal. pin fire revolver made by Calderwood & Sons along with presentation case with the initials G.A.C. on a brass plaque, belonging to Maj. Gen. Geo. A. Custer." Also include is a note card from Dr. Lawrence Frost reading "GEN. GEO. A. CUSTER. Personal revolver in presentation case used by Geo. A. Custer found in the attic of the Custer home on N. Custer road by Lt. Col. Charles Custer and purchased by me in 1956. This revolver was made by CALDERWOOD & SON. Same revolver mention in THE CUSTER STORY by M. Merington. It is not clear where in the book the revolver is mentioned, as the book has mentions of Custer using a "pistol" and a "revolver" at various points but no clear descriptions of the handguns. He may have been referring to a passage on page 174 noting that Custer kept a revolver under his pillow at night. Custer's long time orderly Sgt. John Ryan (1845-1926) survived the Battle of Little Bighorn as part of Reno's battalion and later wrote about his time serving with Custer and stated he carried two pistols: "one a .45 caliber Colt, the other a French Navy." The latter likely in reference to the Lefaucheux Model 1858 revolver adopted by the French Navy which is similar in basic design to the current revolver although the Model 1858 was single action. Many Lefaucheux revolvers were imported and used during the Civil War. The revolver has a dovetailed blade front sight, "CALDERWOOD & SON" inscribed on top of the barrel, an ejector rod on the right, Birmingham proofs, double line borders, and checkered grips. The case has "GAC" neatly inscribed on the shield shaped inlay on the lid, blue velvet lining, a cartridge block with several pinfire cartridges, and a key. Calderwood & Son were gunmakers in Dublin, Ireland. George Armstrong Custer (1839-1876) needs little introduction for those who study U.S. Military history, antique American firearms, and the West in the 19th century. He graduated from West Point in 1861 (despite his rowdy behavior) and was sent off to fight for the Union during the Civil War, emerging as a bold and flashy cavalry commander with notable victories, including over J.E.B. Stuart at Gettysburg, and rising to the rank of brigadier general of volunteers at the age of just 23. After "the late unpleasantness," Custer remained with the army as an officer in the cavalry in the West and became the lieutenant colonel of the 7th U.S. Cavalry, earning additional national attention for his controversial victory over the Southern Cheyenne at the Battle of Washita River in 1868 before being sent to the Northern Plains. There he and his men clashed with the Lakota and their allies who were resisting encroachment on their lands, including the coveted Black Hills, after repeated broken treaties and Custer's announcement of the discovery of gold after the Black Hills Expedition in 1874 which triggered a gold rush onto native land protected by the Treaty of Laramie in 1868. The army attempted to keep trespassers out but were not successful, and the Grant administration attempted to purchase the territory. The tribes naturally rebuffed the offer. The government sent the army to push the "hostiles" back into the reservations. Though only portions of the Lakota, Dakota, Arapaho, and Northern Cheyenne resisted, rather than face small dissident bands in scattered villages, Custer, the U.S. Army, and their Crow and Arikara allies faced united opposition with hundreds if not thousands of warriors from multiple tribes. Custer led the 7th Cavalry in pursuit of the hostiles following the Battle of the Rosebud. Custer sought a major victory for his own fame which could potentially propel him to the White House. His men and their horses were tired, and Custer underestimated the size of the combined village on the Little Bighorn River despite warnings from his Crow scouts. Custer split his force into three battalions in an effort to prevent the Plains Indians from escaping and in doing so further weakened his already outnumbered men. Reno's Custer's battalion of five companies was wiped out. Among his men were his brothers Boston and Thomas as well as his nephew Henry A. Reed and brother-in-law James Calhoun. Benteen and Reno's battalions also suffered losses in one of the worst defeats in American history. Among Custer's surviving siblings was Nevin Johnson Custer (1842-1915), father of James Calhoun Custer (1871-1954) and grandfather of Colonel Charles Armstrong Custer (1910-1992) of Monroe, Michigan. The latter was George Armstrong Custer's grand nephew. He bore a resemblance to his famous ancestor and knew his great and Libbie when he was a boy. He lied about his age in order to join the Michigan National Guard in 1926 when he was just 16 along with his brother Brice C. W. Custer, also later a lieutenant colonel. Charles Custer was in the U.S. officer's reserve corps as a first lieutenant in the 1930s, entered federal service in October 1940, and became an executive officer in the 29th Infantry Division during the D-Day landing on Omaha Beach in World War II. He was the headquarters commandant at Fort Ord in California and retired in August 1961 with the rank of colonel. He later dedicated his time to the Red Cross and was at times incorrectly referred to as George Armstrong Custer's great grandson. He owned a variety of pieces from his earlier relatives, including the Medals of Honor awarded to Captain Thomas Ward Custer, and his brother also owned Custer's Remington New Model Army. Dr. Lawrence A. Frost who purchased the cased revolver was also a resident of Monroe, Michigan, where he was mayor and the curator of the Custer Room at the county museum. He had a long career as a podiatrist but was deeply interested in American history and published multiple history books, including "General Custer's Libbie," "The Court-Martial of General George Armstrong Custer," "Custer Legends," and "The Custer Album." The latter features a portrait of Charles A. Custer as a captain taken by Frost in 1940. Though some of Custer's other firearms are shown, this cased set it not, perhaps a closely guarded personal treasure for Frost. Provenance: The Custer Family Collection; The Colonel Charles Armstrong Custer Collection; The Dr. Lawrence A. Frost Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Documentation

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 11 mm

Price Realized:

Fine and Desirable Custer Era U.S. Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor Saddle Ring Carbine

Lot 72

Custer Era U.S. Springfield 1873 Trapdoor Saddle Ring Carbine

Some of these Model 1873 carbines are known to have been used in the Battle of Little Bighorn in June 1876, with serial numbers undocumented, although any gun falling below the serial number of 43700 is generally accepted as a possible candidate, with this specific example being made well prior to the incident. Many other early trapdoor carbines were used extensively by the U.S. Cavalry throughout the Indian Wars. Blade front sight and correct ladder rear sight graduated to 1,200 yards, left mounted saddle bar and ring, correct stock with short 9 inch comb, oval script "ESA" (Erskine S. Allin) inspection cartouche stamped on the left stock flat, circled script "P" firing proof stamped behind the lower tang and a solid buttplate correctly without compartment inside the stock. Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-70 Government

Price Realized:

Outstanding Indian Wars Era U.S. Sharps New Model 1863 Metallic Cartridge Conversion Saddle Ring Carbine

Lot 73

Indian Wars Era U.S. Sharps New Model 1863 Cartridge Carbine

This Sharps was originally manufactured in 1863-1865 as a percussion carbine for use in the Civil War, and was one of 31,098 carbines returned by the U.S. Government to Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Co. in 1867, who received a contract for refurbishment and alteration of their rifles for use with .50-70 centerfire metallic cartridges. This example features a sleeved barrel with three-groove rifling done at the time of alteration and standard markings and features. Boxed script "EF" inspection cartouche stamped on the left of the stock wrist with two faint cartouches visible beneath, and a script "DFC" (David F. Clark) ribbon inspection cartouche stamped on the left center of the buttstock as well as absent primer feed mechanism (does not affect function of the gun), as typical on these metallic cartridge conversion carbines. Provenance: The Bob Howard Collection; The Greg Lampe Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 50-70 U.S. Govt

Price Realized:

Lot 75

U.S. Springfield Armory Officers Model First Type Trapdoor Rifle

This rifle has the features characteristic of the 125 Type I Officer's Model Rifles manufactured between July 1, 1875 and March 30, 1877. These features include: (1) "1873" dated lockplate, (2) early, 'low-arch' breechblock marked: "MODEL/1873/Eagle head/Crossed Arrows/U.S.", (3) hammer with oval, stamped, knurling, (4) small "V/P/Eagle head" proof marks on the left side of the barrel, (5) M1873 rear sight graduated from 50-400 yards on the right side and to 1200 yards on the leaf, (6) Springfield Armory alteration of Sharps Vernier tang sight, (7) checkered black walnut half-stock with no pistol grip, (8) smooth trigger, and (9) hickory cleaning rod with nickel-plated tips. The rifle has the distinctive features that characterize all Officer's Model Rifles including: (1) cadet style butt plate, (2) two position tumbler, (3) carbine trigger guard with barrel band with no stacking swivel (4) single set trigger and (5) two-position, folding globe front sight. The rifle, correctly, is not serial numbered and has no proof or inspection marks on the stock. The barrel is blued and the trigger guard, receiver, breech, hammer and butt plate are have a color casehardened finish. The butt plate toe, receiver tang, breech block, top of the receiver, hammer, cam latch, side plate and upper barrel band are all skillfully decorated with scroll engraving. The bottom of the trigger guard is engraved with an oval panel depicting a buck deer. The oil finished walnut half-stock has deeply cut checkering on the wrist and forearm and has a nickel-plated nose cap decorated with deeply cut scroll engraving. Designed as a high-quality sporting rifle for Army officers in the American West, the Springfield Officer's Model Rifle is unique among U.S. military small arms; only 477 of theses very desirable were manufactured between 1875 and 1885.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-70

Price Realized:

Rare and Highly Desirable Hotchkiss 37mm "1-Pounder" 5-Barrel Revolving Cannon with Iron Carriage

Lot 76

Hotchkiss 37mm 5-Barrel Revolving Cannon with Iron Carriage

This is an attractive and highly desirable example of a rarely seen Hotchkiss 37mm "1-Pounder" 5-barrel revolving cannon mounted on an iron carriage. The Hotchkiss revolving cannon is similar in operation from an outside perspective to the more famous Gatling gun, though scaled up and with an entirely different internal operating mechanism; the 37mm bore dwarfs the .45 and .30 caliber Gatlings. Using a five-barrel cluster, the Hotchkiss cannon is fed with 9-round gravity driven magazines, which would be replaced by a gunner's assistant while the gunner operates the elevation and traverse knobs along with the main crank handle for firing, with capability of around 68 rounds per minute with a skilled operator and accuracy up to around 2,000 yards (over a mile). These were invented in 1872 by Benjamin B. Hotchkiss. Versions were designed for field, fortress and naval use. They were used by several countries throughout the world, including the U.S., France, and Russia. A 37 mm Hotchkiss field gun is known to have been used by the U.S. Army during the Indian Wars including during the Ute Uprising in Colorado in 1879. Others were used during the Spanish-American War by both sides. Hotchkiss naval revolving cannons continued to be used even into World War I primarily as defensive weapons used by larger vessels against torpedo boats. Marked with a circular "HOTCHKISS * PATENT/* PARIS 1875 *" around "No 17" on the rear. "17" marked on the end of the crank. Iron cone front sight with a detachable elevation and windage adjustable notch rear sight. The crank handle is iron with a swiveling brass grip, and mounts with a quick release latch. The iron carriage has a large shield, a storage compartment in the rear that has inserts to hold the included rear sight, oiler, crank handle and firing pin, and a fold out brass tipped transport rod is located on the rear. With this rod out, a single man can aim the cannon with some effort. "DIREITA" (right) and "ESQUIERDA" (left) marked in Spanish on the brass windage knob on the carriage. Included with the lot is a modern wood cartridge block spacer for use with cycling unloaded shell casings, and a metal box containing some modern empty shell casings.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 37mm

Lot 77

U.S. Springfield Lee Vertical Action Model 1875 Trapdoor Rifle

Known as the U.S. Springfield Lee Model 1875 this Lee Vertical Action Rifle was designed by James P. Lee, one of the great weapons designers of the era. It is one of 143 Model 1875s that were manufactured at the Springfield Armory under a Congressional appropriation of $10,000 for testing. According to firearms expert and author Gene Myszkowski, this rifle is number 72 of 143 manufactured Springfield Lee Model 1875 Rifles (the number "72" is stamped on two places of the breechblock assembly). The Model 1875 had an action based upon a modified Martini or Peabody dropping block action. Pulling the hammer back locks and cocks the action. When the hammer is pushed forward the breechblock drops to eject the fired cartridge and allow for reloading. This rifle has a front sight which acts as the lug for a standard socket bayonet and a rear sight which has a base graduated from 1 to 4 and a leaf graduated to 1,100 yards. The upper tang is stamped "U.S." above "PAT MAR 16, 1875". The breech end of the barrel is stamped with the letter "T" and the number "2". Two "U" marked barrel bands with the front band having stacking sling swivels. Fitted with a one-piece trigger guard with a sling swivel mounted to the front. Mounted on a smooth straight grip stock stamped with a clear script "EJA" inspector cartouche for Master Armourer Erskine S. Allin on the left side ahead of the wrist and a circled script "P" stamped behind the trigger guard. The buttplate is stamped "US" on the tang. The rifle has a leather sling and "US" marked socket bayonet with scabbard. This rifle is identified and pictured in the accompanying Gene Myszkowski's article Model 1875 Springfield Lee Vertical Action featured in the February 2006 Man at Arms. The article is signed by Myszkowski. This rifle was test fired by Myszkowski for the Man at Arms article. Included with the rifle are copies of French and Dutch patent documents along with patent drawings of the receiver.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45/70 Govt.

Price Realized:

Lot 78

U.S. Springfield Model 1884 Trapdoor Rifle

Left breech end of barrel marked with "V/P/eagle head" proofmarks, correct "US/MODEL/1873" marked low arch breechblock, American eagle with shield next to "U.S./SPRINGFIELD" on the lock plate, boxed script "SWP/1888" final inspection cartouche of Samuel W. Porter stamped on the left stock wrist, circled script "P" proof stamp behind the lower tang, blade front and Buffington ladder rear sight, two-piece trigger guard and trigger bar assembly, serrated trigger, iron cleaning rod, and smooth buttplate marked "US" on the heel. Includes a "US" marked socket bayonet without scabbard. Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-70 Government

Price Realized:

Lot 79

Spencer Model 1867 Saddle Ring Carbine

Only 3,000 Spencer Model 1867 carbines were reportedly manufactured by the Spencer Repeating Rifle Co. circa 1867, with a small fraction of that surviving today; evidenced by how few of these have turned up for sale through Rock Island Auction. The Model 1867 Carbine was identical to the U.S. contract Model 1865 carbine, of which approximately 57,000 Model 1865 carbines were made collectively between Spencer and Burnside, except the Stabler cut-off fitted to the bottom of most Model 1865 receivers was replaced with Spencer's patent cut-off on the top of the receiver. Model 1867 carbines were commercial production firearms and were not marked with Ordnance inspection marks. The carbine has a 20 inch barrel with a block front sight and folding leaf rear sight with 900 yard center notch. A sling swivel is mounted on the stock. A sling ring and bar are mounted on the left side. The top of the receiver is roll-stamped "SPENCER REPEATING/RIFLE CO.BOSTON MASS./PAT'D MARCH. 6. 1860." in three-lines. Serial number "101924" is stamped on the top of the receiver and underside of the barrel. "M 1867" stamped on top of the barrel at the breech, with the "7" stamped over top of a previous "5". Ten small "kill" notches carved on top of the stock comb.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 50 Spencer

Price Realized:

Very Scarce U.S. Springfield/Sharps Model 1870 Second Type Infantry Trials Rifle with M1872 Cartridge Box

Lot 80

U.S. Springfield/Sharps 1870 Second Type Infantry Trials Rifle

Only 300 of these rifles were manufactured around 1870-71 at the Springfield Armory using Sharps supplied Model 1874 actions, serialized in their own range of 1-300. They were used in U.S. Military field trials in the search for a new standard issue breech loading rifle. The action has the Sharps patent marking on the left and serial number "81" on the upper tang. The barrel has a standard military front sight/bayonet lug, notch and folding ladder rear sight, no Sharps markings, and serial number "81" on the left at the breech. The forend is held by two barrel bands marked "U" on the right. Single letter inspection marks on some of the small parts, "US" on the buttplate, and a faint oval script "ESA" (Erskine S. Allin) inspector cartouche on the left side of the wrist. The lock is the Model 1874 pattern and has no external markings. Includes an Indian Wars era "US" embossed M1872 No. 2 Hagner leather cartridge box with 24 stitched cartridge loops inside for use with .50-70 or .45-70.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 50-70 U.S. Govt

Price Realized:

Lot 81

U.S. Springfield Model 1884 Trapdoor Rifle

Left breech end of barrel marked with "V/P/eagle head" proofmarks, "US/MODEL/1884" marked low arch breechblock, American eagle with shield next to "U. S./SPRINGFIELD" on the lock plate, boxed script "SWP/1888" final inspection cartouche of Samuel W. Porter stamped on the left stock wrist, circled script "P" proof stamp behind the lower tang, blade front and Buffington ladder rear sight, two-piece trigger guard and trigger bar assembly, serrated trigger, iron cleaning rod, and smooth buttplate marked "US" on the heel. Provenance: The NRA Whittington Center Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-70 Government

Price Realized:

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