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/Auctions...
/Premier Firearms Auction #82

Premier Firearms Auction #82

May 14, 2021 to May 16, 2021

This auction has ended.

/Auctions...
/Premier Firearms Auction #82

Premier Firearms Auction #82

May 14, 2021 to May 16, 2021

This auction has ended.

Auction Time Summary

Preview DayThursday, May 13th10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

SESSION IFriday, May 14th9 AMLots 1 through 726

SESSION IISaturday, May 15th9 AMLots 1000 through 1718

SESSION IIISunday, May 16th9 AMLots 3000 through 3758

To Be Sold At Auction

Preview Day Thursday May 13th
Open at 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

SESSION I - Friday, May 14th
TIME: Commencing at 9 a.m. selling between Lots 1 and 726
SESSION II - Saturday, May 15th
TIME: Commencing at 9 a.m. selling between Lots 1000 and 1718
SESSION III - Sunday, May 16th
TIME: Commencing at 9 a.m. selling between Lots 3000 and 3758

Phone: 1-309-797-1500

Email: [email protected]

Rock Island Auction Company
7819 42 Street West
Rock Island, Illinois, 61201, USA

Phone: 1-309-797-1500

Toll-Free: 1-800-238-8022

Email: [email protected]

Rock Island Auction Company - Rock Island

7819 42nd Street West

Rock Island, IL, 61201, USA

Page 1 of 15

Showing 1-50 of 750 results

Factory Engraved New Haven Arms Company Silver-Plated Volcanic No. 1 Pocket Pistol

Lot 1

Engraved New Haven Arms Co. Silver-Plated Volcanic No. 1 Pistol

This Volcanic No.1 Lever Action Pocket pistol with extra cost factory engraving and silver-plated frame was manufactured by the New Haven Arms Company c. 1857. This pistol has a four-inch, non-ribbed barrel with integral six-shot magazine, silver-plated brass frame and two-piece, flat base walnut grips. The barrel has a crowned muzzle, rounded T-bar spring, pinch-top front sight blade and clam-shell shaped, brass magazine follower. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "NEWHAVEN CONN./PATENT FEB. 14. 1854" in two lines. The brass frame has a semi-circular cut-out at the front of the ejection port and simple, dove-tail mounted, rear sight. The top and sides of the frame, backstrap and side plates are decorated with the typical New Haven Arms Company open scroll and floral engraving with scalloped borders. The hammer has hand-cut knurling on the spur. The serial number is stamped on the bottom left side of the frame beneath the grip and on the inside of both grips. The barrel, bolt, cartridge elevator and rear sight have a high polish blue finish, the brass frame is silver-plated, the hammer, trigger and lever are color casehardened. The walnut grips have a varnished piano finish. The New Haven Arms Company manufactured approximately 850 No. 1 Pocket Pistols between 1857 and 1862. Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 31 Volcanic

Price Realized:

Lot 2

Volcanic Repeating Arms Company Lever Action Navy Pistol

This Lever Action Navy pistol was manufactured by the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company c. 1856-57. This pistol has a blued barrel with integral 10-shot magazine, plain brass frame, casehardened lever with distinctive finger hole and two-piece, varnished walnut grips. The Type I barrel has a full rib, crowned muzzle, rounded T-bar spring, pinch-top, nickel-silver, front sight and clam-shell shaped, steel, magazine follower. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the three-line legend: "THE VOLCANIC/REPEATING ARMS CO./PATENT NEWHAVEN CONN. FEB. 14.1854". The plain brass frame has a simple dove-tail mounted rear sight and is stamped with the serial number "1198" on the left side of the frame bottom beneath the grip. The hammer has hand-cut knurling on the spur. The serial number, "1198" is stamped on the left side of the lever. The hammer, trigger and lever are color casehardened. "1198" is stamped on the inside of both grips. All of the visible serial numbers match. The pistol has been period altered to accept a brass cartridge. The bolt has been modified with a new firing pin and a screw-fastened extractor on the top. The top of the receiver has been milled to accept the extractor on the top of the bolt. A slot has been milled in the top of the barrel chamber to accommodate the new extractor. Follower spring partially absent. The lever and hammer screws may be period replacements. The bolt and receiver alterations are professionally done. The modifications represent an attempt to overcome the primary weakness of Volcanic firearms - the underpowered and unreliable 'Rocket Ball' cartridge. Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 CF

Price Realized:

Documented Early Production Four Digit Serial Number Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1894 Lever Action Takedown Rifle in Desirable .38-55 W.C.F. with Factory Letter

Lot 4

Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1894 Takedown Rifle

Manufactured in 1895 (W.A.C.A.), the second year of production, with the standard markings. The included factory letter lists the rifle in .38-55 with a half octagon barrel, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, hard rubber shotgun buttplate, oil finish, and takedown when received at the warehouse 14 January 1896 and shipped the same day. The left of the lower tang is marked "2432 CF S XXX" (the number stamped over what appears to be "2217") and "2432" is repeated in the stock inlet. Fitted with dovetailed German silver blade front and elevation adjustable notch rear sights. Mounted with a finely figured "H" pattern checkered forearm and pistol grip stock with a Winchester, hard rubber, shotgun buttplate.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38-55 WCF

Price Realized:

Documented Antique Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle in .45-70 with Factory Letter

Lot 6

Antique Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Rifle

Manufactured in 1892 with the early casehardened receiver, standard only on Model 1886 rifles manufactured before 1902, and is chambered in the desirable .45-70 W.C.F. caliber. The barrel is marked with the standard two line address and caliber designation, model designation on the upper tang, and two line patent dates and serial number on the lower tang. The left side of the lower tang is marked "1XXXRB", and "1" is repeated in the stock inlet. The barrel is fitted with later production replacement beaded blade front and Redfield elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sights and is paired with a special order half magazine. Mounted with a finely figured, "H" pattern checkered forearm and pistol grip stock with ebony grip insert and a checkered hard rubber shotgun buttplate. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration of the rifle including the special order features as well as receipt at the warehouse on 20 February 1892 and shipment on 25 February 1892.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-70 WCF

Price Realized:

Fine Antique Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1894 Lightweight Lever Action Takedown Rifle

Lot 7

Antique Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1894 Rifle

Manufactured as a special order deluxe Model 1894 with standard markings. The left side of the lower tang is marked "8141 XXX" and "8141" is repeated on the buttstock and buttplate. The special order part octagon barrel is fitted with Marble Sheard beaded blade front, Lyman folding leaf rear, and Lyman receiver mounted peep sights. Mounted with a very finely figured, "H" pattern checkered forearm and pistol grip stock with a hard rubber grip cap and crescent buttplate.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 30 WCF

Price Realized:

Rare Early Production Factory Engraved Smith & Wesson No. 2 Type I Lever Action Repeating Pistol

Lot 8

Factory Engraved Smith & Wesson No. 2 Lever Action Pistol

This Factory engraved, No. 2 Lever Action Repeating Pistol was manufactured by Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson in Norwich, Connecticut, c. 1854. This Type I No. 2 pistol has an eight inch part octagon barrel with integral 20-shot magazine, iron frame with distinctive hump behind the hammer, single lever spring screw and lever with distinctive early pattern finger spur. The barrel has a flat muzzle and flat T-bar spring and pinch-top brass front sight blade. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "SMITH & WESSON/NORWICH CT./CAST-STEEL PATENT" in three lines. The iron frame has a simple, screw-fastened rear sight and ejection port with square front and rear ends. The top and sides of the frame, side plates, back strap and top of the hammer are decorated with the typical factory scroll engraving utilized on S&W Volcanic pistols. The serial number, "65" is stamped on the bottom left side of the frame beneath the grip. The barrel is browned, the frame has a bright blue finish, and the hammer, trigger and lever are color casehardened. The two-piece rosewood grips have a high polish piano finish. The serial number "65" is written in pencil on the inside of both grips. S&W manufactured fewer than 500 of the large frame No. 2 repeating pistols, and surviving examples, particularly the early Type I pistols, are rare and very desirable. Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 Volcanic

Price Realized:

Phenomenal and FRESH, High Art 19th Century American Masterpiece: John Ulrich Double Signed and Dated, Relief Panel Scene Engraved and Gold Inlaid Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle Commissioned as a Factory Display Piece for the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition and Later Presented by Winchester to the President of Honduras Marco A. Soto with Factory Letter

Lot 10

J. Ulrich Exhibition Relief Engraved Winchester Model 1873 Rifle

Rock Island Auction is proud and privileged to unveil this never before published masterpiece by celebrated Winchester factory engraver John Ulrich. Its rarity of configuration alone puts into the ultra elite category as a "best of". Sprinkle in the nuances of condition, depth of engraving, execution and style in tandem with its exhibition and presentation history and this rifle, serial number 18264, becomes a collection defining piece. An object that transcends rank and file, genre specific, fine and historic arms collecting all together. Its an object worthy of the most discerning public institutions or private collections of the decorative arts. This rifle was originally discovered in France in approximately 2014-2015 and was the second of two incredibly important Winchester rifles found in Europe in the last fifteen years. The second, also an engraved Winchester Model 1873, is serial number 16139. While the rifles were discovered in two different countries and several years apart, they will forever be linked to one of the most culturally significant events of 19th century America: the Philadelphia Centennial International Exhibition of 1876. A celebration grand enough to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In fact, it was their discovery and corresponding factory letters which shed new light on the mystery surrounding Winchester’s display at the Centennial. Unlike the fabulous photograph of Colt’s spectacular “pin-wheel” display board from the Centennial, and, unlike the photographs of Smith & Wesson’s awe inspiring display at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, virtually no primary source information is known about Winchester’s display, other than it was extraordinarily ambitious. Winchester had grand plans for the Centennial display. They would introduce not only their newly refined and expanded ammunition manufacturing capability for which they were awarded a bronze medal by the exhibition judges. They would also unveil two new models of firearms: the Model of 1876 Rifle appropriately marketed as “The Centennial Model” as well as introducing their first revolver, a new departure and market for the firm (its imperative to note that we also have one of the Centennial revolvers in the sale). Beyond the lead up plans to the exhibition, and understanding the tradition of arms makers displaying only the finest decorative pieces at such an event, the only other primary source material we are left with are a series of photographs and a quote. The photographs are from the main exhibition hall with frustrating views from above looking east to west and west to east. They only show the silhouette and configuration of Winchester’s display, not its actual contents. The quote is from a souvenir booklet published in 1877 and like the photographs gives you just enough to live in utter frustration. That was until the discovery of the aforementioned rifle, serial number 16139. The quote reads: "The Winchester Repeating Arms Company of New Haven had a rich and extensive display of weapons, consisting of magazine rifles, field, sporting, and target models. The cases containing them were upright, forming three, sides of a square, with projecting counter cases, and in the center an upright, octagonal case…… Another case contained a rifle exquisitely inlaid in gold tracery on blued steel, the floor of the case being a mirror, reflecting the reverse side, and thus exhibiting the whole piece. The exhibit included nearly two hundred guns, representing about fifty different styles. The cost of the cases alone was $3,000, and this represents but a fraction of the value of the exhibit….. At the Exhibition the company received an award on their magazine sporting rifle, the report of the judges characterizing it as 'the best magazine rifle for sporting purposes yet produced'". "Souvenir of the Centennial Exhibition, 1877" published by George D. Curtis, page 89. The only rifle discussed individually in the excerpts is Winchester 1873 serial number 16139 “a rifle exquisitely inlaid in gold tracery on blued steel”. This rifle was discovered by RIAC founder and CEO Patrick Hogan circa 2008 in Spain. The rifle was said to have been presented to Spanish royalty, and it is indeed "exquisitely inlaid in gold tracery on blued steel”. Its factory letter is equally extraordinary: “rifle, octagon, set trigger, Engraved by Young, Monogram on stock” and then three very important dates: “October 19, 1882, Order number 203, Received in the warehouse April 19, 1876, Shipped from the warehouse on May, 6, 1878, order number 11740”. This rifle is photographed in the closing pages of "Magnificent Colt’s" on page 535 by R.L. Wilson. Factory engraved and gold inlaid by Gustave Young serial number 16139 is the exhibition mate to this rifle, number 18264, one of John Ulrich’s great masterpieces. They share two of three identical ledger dates: 1. Received in warehouse: April 19, 1876 (less than one month from the opening of the Centennial Exhibition). 2. Shipped from warehouse: May 6, 1878, order number 11740. One other gun also shares the May 6, 1878 ship date AND the order number 11740 from the ledgers. A casehardened, half octagon Winchester 1873 1 of 1000 serial number 18267 sold by our firm September 2012 lot 1007 $402,000 from the Gateway Collection. The first date, in combination with the quote from 1877 put these rifles together on display for the world to see from May 10th - November 10th, 1876 at the Philadelphia Centennial International Exhibition. We feel it is also extremely important to point out the level of embellishment on both rifles is as deluxe as possible. So much so that the factory recognized their importance and recorded the engravers' names for each masterpiece: “engraved by Young” and “engraved by U”. The discovery of these rifles are a seminal event in the field of highly finished Winchester collecting as their factory letters in conjunction with the quote offer up so much more. We know from the quote that the exhibit contained "200 guns and 50 different styles". It has long been a mystery to this writer why several of the published relief engraved Winchester 1866s have long been attributed to the Centennial in older books like Madis, the 1971 Arms Annual or the original "Winchester Engraving" by Wilson without a shred of additional information. Why are their series or blocks of incredibly embellished and ornate 1866s that appear in the 35,000 range, the 79,000 range, 95,000 range, 103,000 range and so on? The Cody records state that only twenty-three records exist on Winchester Model 1866s prior to serial number 125,000. Serial number 35527 is the earliest manufactured in 1870 and serial number 124899 is the latest, manufactured in 1874 . So we inquired on all twenty three records. The results are inconclusive thus far because we have yet to receive all the requests. However, of the eight records that we have received, six of the eight have shipping dates in 1878. Four of the six share the exact date May 6th, 1878 order number 11739. The same date as the two masterpiece 1873's and with consecutive order numbers, likely organized by model. All eight were manufactured in either 1870 or 1872 which means they were maintained by the factory for an extended period of time, no doubt for exhibition. They were certainly on display at the Centennial along with this great Ulrich Masterpiece. Furthermore, relief engraved and gilt Winchester 1866 serial number 107209 (which letters as shipped May 6, 1878) is photographed on page 146 of "Winchester Engraving" by Wilson with attribution to the Centennial Exhibition and states it was subsequently presented to Mexican General Fidencio Hernandez, with his name engraved on the the barrel. Relief engraved and gilt Winchester 1866 rifle serial number 103975 photographed in the 2nd edition of "Winchester Engraving" on page 121 has the inscription “Gorio Rozas. Philadelphia PA Sept. 1876” down the length of the barrel. It is also three numbers apart from another 1866 , serial number 103672 which letters engraved and shipped May 6th, 1878. What does it all mean? That Winchester maintained a stock of exceptional and highly decorated firearms, mostly 1866s that were easier to engrave with a brass frame and virtually obsolete with the improved models of 1873 and 1876. So while the exhibition 1866s are incredibly rare, their 1873 counterparts can be counted with two fingers and both considered masterpieces. It also shows Winchester, like Colt, used exceptionally decorated, high art firearms as presentation pieces to nobles, royals, military men and politicians alike to help secure lucrative military contracts for both firearms and ammunition. The May 6th, 1878, shipping date remains somewhat ambiguous. Paris would hold its third “Exposition Universelle” in the spring/summer of 1878, and its likely that is where these magnificent firearms would travel next. At least fifteen truly great Winchester’s have been discovered abroad over the last century, including the king of them all the “Emperor of Japan Winchester 1892” also by John Ulrich. It’s likely the lion's share of high art Winchesters produced from 1870-1880 and beyond were a part of, or influenced by, Winchester's display at the Centennial Exhibition of 1876 and were presented with a purpose all around the world. The accompanying letter confirms the octagon barrel and set trigger as well as “engraved by U”. The factory record also indicates that the rifle was received in the warehouse on April 19, 1876, and shipped on May 6, 1878, and that it was returned to the factory for “engraved and swirls” on order number 25116 dated May 5, 1881. It was at the time we believe the “Marco A. Soto” inlay was added as well as the small swirl patterns on the barrel flats and sight which are a later style, unlike the scroll work and gold Greek key inlay “bands” that we feel were there for the original display in 1876. John Ulrich has twice signed this masterpiece. The first signature or stamp is “J ULRICH” located ahead of the trigger, and the second is a fancy hand cut signature “JU” inside a banner located on the lower tang ahead of the lever catch. Along with the lower tang signature, Ulrich dated his work with the year “1876,” as if we need more evidence to its original commission. It is nearly unheard of for Ulrich or for any of the great 19th century master engravers to date their work. On the barrel sections of relief scrollwork along with gold inlaid Greek key bands appear towards the muzzle and breech and gold inlaid panels terminating with floral spray at both ends surround the two-line Winchester address/King’s improvement patent dates marking and the gold inlaid inscription “MARCO A. SOTO” at the breech. The gilt receiver features near full coverage of scrollwork along with multiple deep relief vignettes. Appearing on the left side are vignettes depicting a grizzly bear and a wild turkey while the side plate has an elk hunting scene. Appearing on the right side are vignettes of a fox and a moose while the side plate has a buffalo hunting scene with the hunter on horseback and a smaller panel depicting a squirrel in a tree. A leaping stag adorns the cartridge elevator. The bear and buffalo panels are similar scenes found on the presentation inscribed Model 1876 no. 14327 presented to Lieutenant General Philip H. Sheridan by his friend General Will E. Strong. This other gold plated J. Ulrich signed masterpiece appears in “The Book of Winchester Engraving” on pages 152-154, “Winchester Engraving” on page 155 and “Antique Arms Annual” on pages 126-127. Many collectors have regarded the Sheridan Model 1876 as “the finest Winchester ever made.” Marco Aurelio Soto (1846-1908) was President of Honduras from August 27, 1876 to October 19, 1883. Soto was a reforming Liberal statesman who never joined the Liberal Party or any party for that matter. He wielded great discipline among the various liberal factions within his country, resulting in ambitious reforms which continued to impact Houdurans well after he left office. Highlights of these achievements included the reorganization of public finances, transfer of civil codes such as marriage, divorce, and education from the jurisdiction of the Catholic Church to secular public institutions; and the establishment of a national library and archives and postal and telegraph service. Soto is credited for paving the way for the Liberal Revolution, a period of liberal reforms in Honduras that lasted until the turn of the century. By the 1870s, Honduras was purchasing Winchester Model 1866s and Model 1873 as part of the country’s effort to upgrade national weaponry. In September 2020, we had the pleasure of selling a pair of gold plated New York panel scene engraved Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 revolvers (nos. 8997 and 9968) inscribed to Soto, formerly of the famed Dr. Gerald Klaz collection. This Model 1873 certainly fits well with Soto’s opulent tastes and was almost certainly given in thanks or persuasion for the contract between Honduras and Winchester. Soto fled Honduras in 1883 for France which is where this rifle was found 130 years later. When the rifle was originally discovered, the buttplate and buttstock had suffered damage from moisture and poor storage. For preservation purposes the buttplate has been restored, and the buttstock repaired.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 11

Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

Offered here is an extraordinary Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with several sought after special order features confirmed by factory records such as the half magazine, sights, and half octagon barrel. The accompanying factory letter also confirms the 26 inch half octagon barrel in .38 caliber, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, "Vernier and Beach" sights, half magazine tube, and casehardened receiver. The rifle was received in the warehouse on August 8, 1887, and shipped the next day. The rifle is fitted with a combination Beach front sight, an elevation adjustable rear sight, and a Vernier tang sight. The casehardened third model receiver features an integral dust cover guide rail and a dust cover featuring serrated finger grip on the rear. The receiver also has the desirable casehardened finish. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Winchester New Haven address/King's improvement patent dates legend ahead of the rear sight and "38-CAL." at the breech. The brass cartridge elevator is marked "38 CAL." The lower tang has the serial number. The forearm and pistol grip stock are highly figured "XXX" deluxe checkered walnut. The pistol grip has an ebony insert. The buttstock is fitted with a trapdoor crescent buttplate containing a 5-piece cleaning rod. The left side of the lower tang is marked "482 XXX 38." The assembly number "482" as well as the caliber designation "38" are repeated on the stock inlet. The stock inlet is also marked with the letter "P". "482" is also repeated on the buttplate.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 WCF

Price Realized:

Exceptional Volcanic Repeating Arms Company Navy Model Lever Action Pistol

Lot 12

Volcanic Repeating Arms Company Navy Model Pistol

This Navy Model Lever Action Pistol was manufactured by the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company c. 1856. This pistol has an eight inch Type I barrel with full rib and integral 20-shot magazine, plain brass frame and two-piece walnut grips. The barrel has a high polish blue finish with crowned muzzle and rounded, fire blue, T-bar spring, brass cone front sight and clam-shell shaped steel follower. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the legend: "THE VOLCANIC/REPEATING ARMS CO./PATENT NEWHAVEN CONN. FEB. 14.1854" in three lines. The plain brass receiver has a small cut-out at the muzzle end of the ejection port, larger crescent cut-out at the rear of the port and simple, dove-tail mounted rear sight. The serial number is stamped on the left side of the butt beneath the grip. The loading lever, hammer and trigger are color casehardened with muted case colors. The loading lever, correctly, lacks a finger spur. "1441" is stamped on the right side of the lever. The hammer has hand-cut knurling on the spur. The walnut grips have a varnished piano finish. "1441" is stamped on the inside of both grips. All of the visible serial numbers match. Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 Volcanic

Price Realized:

Extremely Rare, Documented New Haven Arms Company Iron Frame Henry Lever Action Rifle

Lot 13

New Haven Arms Company Iron Frame Henry Rifle

Iron frame Henry Lever Action Rifle manufactured by the New Haven Arms Company, June 1862. Experts estimate that the New Haven Arms Co., manufactured about 300 Henry rifles with iron frames during the first three months of production (April-June 1862). Serial numbers of the eighty-nine identified iron frame Henry rifles range from 1-393. Collectors have identified seventy-seven brass frame Henry rifles in this same serial number range. Sixteen brass and iron frame Henry rifles in this serial number range have been identified with duplicate serial numbers. The rifle has a blued iron frame, crescent buttplate and octagon barrel with integral 15-round magazine. The hammer, lever and crescent buttplate have a casehardened finish. The straight grain, American walnut stock has a polished "piano" finish. The rifle has the distinctive early production features which include: (1) alternate rear sight dovetail on the receiver, (2) loading lever which lacks the lever latch spur, (3) lower tang with no provision for a lever latch, (4) small diameter brass cartridge follower head, (5) straight, un-beveled, receiver follower slot, (6) half-moon shaped, nickel-silver, front sight blade, (7) rounded buttplate heel, and (8) serial numbers stamped on the shanks of the buttplate screws and the tang screws. The rear sight dovetail on the barrel is fitted with the original, first style, rear sight with 1000 yard center notch and elevator bar with rounded ends. The butt trap contains a four-piece, jointed, hickory cleaning rod. The cleaning rod is the standard configuration furnished with rifles below serial number 4000 with the exception of a non-standard brass tip. The rifle is not fitted with a sling loop or ring hook, which were special order items on early Henry rifles. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the two-line legend: "HENRY'S PATENT. OCT. 1860/MANUFACT'D BY THE NEWHAVEN ARMS.CO. NEWHAVEN.CT" ahead of the rear sight. This smaller, first style legend utilizes both Roman (serifed) and Gothic (block) letters with the second "NEWHAVEN" in the second line in block letters. The serial number, "287" is stamped: (1) on the top of the barrel between the rear sight and the receiver, (2) on the left side of the lower tang underneath the stock, (3) in the upper tang inlet of the stock, (4) inside the heel of the buttplate, and (5) on the shanks of all five buttplate and tang screws. All of the visible serial numbers match. This rifle is identified by serial number in Wiley Sword's "The Historic Henry Rifle" (page 85) as one of the very few known iron frame Henry rifles to have a duplicate serial number as a brass frame. The iron fame Henry rifle is the rarest and most desirable variation of the rare and desirable Henry lever action rifle.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Henry RF

Price Realized:

Scarce Deluxe Factory Engraved New Haven Arms Co. Volcanic Lever Action Carbine with Rare 25 Inch Barrel and Checkered Stock

Lot 14

Deluxe Engraved New Haven Arms Co. Volcanic Carbine

This factory engraved, silver-plated, Volcanic lever action carbine was manufactured by the New Haven Arms Co. c. 1858. The carbine has the desirable 25-inch blued barrel and integral magazine. The hammer and lever have a casehardened finish. The brass receiver and crescent buttplate are silver plated and are engraved with the large open, scroll work typically found on factory engraved Volcanic pistols and carbines. The straight grain American walnut stock has a high polish "piano" finish. The stock wrist has checkered panels on either side that feature well executed, flat top checkering and double line borders. The carbine has a nickel-silver, flat back, front sight blade. The rear sight is mounted on the carbine receiver and has the distinctive elevation wheel. The magazine follower is the lever-shaped type used on Volcanic carbines. The hammer spur has deep, borderless knurling. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the legend "NEW HAVEN CONN./PATENT FEB. 14. 1854". This legend was adopted after Oliver Winchester reorganized the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company into the New Haven Arms Company in April 1857 and eliminates all references to the Volcanic Company. The serial number is stamped on the right side of the loading lever, the lower right side of the tang beneath the stock, on the top of the stock heel beneath the buttplate, on the inside of the buttplate heel, and on the shank of both hand-fitted buttplate screws. All of the visible serial numbers match. The "2941" assembly number is also stamped on the lower right side of the tang behind the serial number. The Volcanic pistols and carbines were revolutionary firearms. The combination of self-cocking lever action combined with an integral spring loaded magazine and self contained, primed cartridges set the Volcanic carbines and pistols apart from contemporary percussion firearms. Deluxe, factory engraved, silver plated, Volcanic pistols and carbines like this example are scarce, historically significant key pieces in any advanced collection of Winchester lever action rifles. According to the book "Volcanic Firearms" by Lewis and Rutter, fewer than twenty Volcanic carbines are known with 25 inch barrels. Deluxe engraved and silver plated ones are of even greater rarity.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 Volcanic

Price Realized:

Lot 15

Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1889. The accompanying factory letter confirms the octagon barrel in .32 caliber and plain trigger. The rifle was received in the warehouse on March 12, 1889 and shipped the next day. This Model 1873 rifle has a third model receiver with integral dust cover rail and dust cover featuring serrated edges. The rifle is fitted with a dovetail beaded blade front sight, an elevation adjustable rear sight and a tang peep sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Winchester New Haven address/King's Improvement patent dates marking ahead of the rear sight and "32 W.C.F." at the breech. The brass cartridge elevator is marked "32 CAL." The lower tang has the serial number. The forearm and straight grip stock are nicely figured walnut. The buttstock is fitted with a solid crescent buttplate. The hammer, lever, and buttplate are casehardened. The loading gate is nitre blue. The remaining surfaces are blued.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 32 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 17

Prototype Winchester Spanish Model 1873 Lever Action Musket

This extremely scarce Model 1873 musket was assembled on 19 April 1879 as a prototype for a possible military arm for the Spanish government. In regards to this potential contract, it is said, that no custom demanded and received more special treatment for such little return in sales and business. The receiver is the Second Model pattern with dust cover rail retained by two screws and dust cover with a thumb print grip. Unlike the 1873 muskets that entered full production, with their three barrel bands and jointed cleaning rods, this example only has one barrel band and a forend cap with a special ring on the left to retain the solid cleaning rod. The barrel is marked with the standard two-line address/King's patent marking, Winchester factory oval proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech (added in 1943), and the model designation on the upper tang. The barrel is fitted with a blade front sight that doubles as a bayonet lug and a military pattern folding ladder rear sight. The loading port on the right side of the receiver was machined slightly longer than standard by the factory, but it was fitted with a standard sized loading gate, as requested by the Spanish government. Mounted with a smooth full-length forearm and straight grip stock with sling swivels and a carbine style buttplate. Includes a socket bayonet. The included Buffalo Bill Historical Center letter that prior to being transferred to them, this rifle was part of the Pugsley Collection which was owned by Olin Corporation's Winchester Gun Museum. Edwin Pugsley was a longtime superintendent at Winchester Repeating Arms Company, as well as an accomplished arms collector. A copy of Pugsley's original collection catalogue card is also included that confirms the configuration of the musket as well as stating that it was refinished by Winchester Repeating Arms Co. in 1943 and presented to him by T.G. Bennett on 2 February 1943. This musket is pictured on p. 202 of "The Winchester Book" by Madis along with the carbine consecutively serialized after it, 33904. Both of these guns are also pictured on p. 509 of "Winchester's Model of 1873 A Tribute: Vol. II" by James Gordon. Gordon states that only 84 of these "Spanish Model" muskets were ever manufactured. Gordon goes on to state that, of those 84, only five are known to have survived, with most being retained in museums, making this an incredibly rare opportunity to add a truly scarce and desirable Winchester variation to your collection!

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Price Realized:

Stunning and Important Gustave Young Factory Engraved, Nickel Plated Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine with Factory Letter

Lot 18

Factory Engraved Winchester Model 1866 Carbine

Likely exhibited as part of Winchester's "200 gun" display at the Philadelphia Centennial International Exhibition of 1876 Rock Island Auction Company proudly offers this previously unpublished work of 19th century engraving and die cutting virtuoso Gustave Young. Gustave Young joined Colt in the early 1850's and and spent nearly two decades with the firm in Hartford when in 1868/69 he would depart Hartford for Springfield and join the firm of Smith & Wesson as head of their engraving shop. While Young's work is most typically associated with Colt and Smith & Wesson the demand for his skill combined with the capability of his shop allowed for additional contracts and jobs with other firearms makers. As R.L. Wilson writes in "The Book of Colt Engraving Vol. I" referencing the additional work performed by Young "accounting records show that other clients (under contract with Young), include the Sharps Rifle Co. (Hartford), Smith & Wesson, Charles Parker, the Connecticut Arms and Manufacturing Company, the Wesson Arms Company, and the Meriden Arms Company…Young is also known to have handled a small amount of work for Winchester, in the 1860's and 1870's." One of Young's greatest masterpieces is not a Colt nor a Smith & Wesson but a Winchester 1873 serial number 16139, which actually states in the Cody firearms record "Engraved by Young". This rifle was the centerpiece of Winchester's display at the Philadelphia Centennial International Exhibition of 1876. Unfortunately, unlike the famous photograph of Colt's "Pin-Wheel display" from their exhibit, no known published photos exist of Winchester's display. The production of this carbine by serial number and verified by the factory letter place it at the exact time Young would have been working Winchester 1873 serial number 16139 as well as another Winchester 1873 done by Young's own hand serial number 15828, which we now believe was also part of Winchester's Centennial display and sold by our firm September 8th 2018, and photographed on pg. 90 of "Winchester Engraving" by Wilson. The most important aspect of properly identifying Young's hand is not shipping records or the Centennial display thesis but rather the engraving itself, which is unmistakable to the trained eye. Young's use of scrolls and punch dot is entirely unique. His scroll on this carbine, just like you see on Smith & Wessons of the 1870s and beyond, are finished with an element of punctuation. But the big tell is in the panel scenes themselves. The repetition of dogs and hounds (full body or just busts) is synonymous with Young; it is virtually his signature. Hounds heads and dogs are seen over and over again on percussion Colts and Smith & Wessons with variations in body contours, body shapes and nuance in the shading that are identical to this carbine. Reference the famous gold inlaid Colt 1849 serial number 38843 on page 66 of "Firearms Engraving as a Decorative Art" by Harris. Reference the barrel lug, recoil shield and frame of Colt 1851 Navy "The Comstock Navy" photographed on page 116 of "The Colt Book of Engraving Vol. I" pg 116 and later sold by our firm september 7th 2012 as lot 1201 for $276,000. This is the only known Winchester 1866 carbine done by Young and one of two panel scene Winchester's done by Young, the other 1866 Rifle serial number 26283 photographed on page 101 of "The Winchester Book of Engraving" by Wilson. The accompanying factory letter confirms the carbine configuration with factory nickel plating and factory engraving. The carbine was received in the warehouse on May 18, 1876, and shipped the same day. On this carbine the receiver is adorned with broad scrollwork on a stippled background. Each side plate features a circular panel dog scene surrounded by the scrollwork pattern. Flourishes of scrollwork extend to the buttplate and cartridge elevator. The barrel is fitted with a blade front sight integral to the front barrel band and a two leaf rear sight and is stamped with the two-line address/patent date marking ahead of the rear sight. A saddle ring is mounted on the left side of the receiver. The trapdoor carbine buttplate contains a three piece cleaning rod. The forearm and buttstock are both highly figured deluxe walnut. The underside of the buttstock features a filler plate in the sling swivel base cut out. The serial number is repeated on the stock inlet along with “11/11/11/11” with the last “11” stamped over “4”.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 RF

Price Realized:

Lot 19

Antique Winchester Model 1894 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1895 with standard two-line address and "38-55" on top of the barrel, three-line model/trademark/patent date on the upper tang, and serial number on the bottom of the receiver. Fitted with dovetailed beaded blade front, three-leaf express rear, and added tang mounted peep sights. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration as well as the serial number application date of November 12,1895, receipt at the warehouse on 16 December 1895 and shipment on 20 February 1896 in order number 6485.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38-55 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 20

Civil War New Haven Arms Henry Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1864. The rifle has the distinctive Henry brass receiver without the sight dovetail and buttplate with pointed heel. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Henry's patent date/New Haven address legend ahead of the rear sight and the serial number "5310" at the breech. The rifle features several period of use alterations such as the removal of both barrel and stock sling swivels with the stock cut-out inlaid in wood, upper tang tapped for a sight (no filler screws), and added combination Beach front sight and three leaf rear sight (one leaf fixed, two leaves folding). Matching serial numbers are found on the barrel, left side of the lower tang, stock inlet, and buttplate. Most Henry rifles manufactured during the Civil War were privately purchased by Federal soldiers from Midwestern regiments. The firepower of the Henry rifles was valued on the frontier in the years that followed the Civil War. Most Henry rifles were "working guns;" the surviving examples typically exhibit wear associated with years of hard use. Includes an Eric Vaule Military Antiquities advertisement from the December 1978 issue of "Gun Report" listing this rifle and two well-known Civil War Henry related photographs (reprints), 7th Illinois Infantry troops showing off their Henrys and a portrait of a Union army 1st sergeant with his early production Henry.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Henry RF

Price Realized:

Lot 21

Fifty Count Box of New Haven Arms Co. .44-100 Ammunition

One 50 count box of New Haven Arms Company .44-100 cartridges. The box has the correct green label which reads, "50 CARTRIDGES/FOR/HENRY'S REPEATING RIFLE,/MANUFACTURED BY THE/NEW HAVEN ARMS CO../NEW HAVEN, CONN./No. 44-100". All cartridges are accounted for in the box.

Antique

Price Realized:

Attractive Antique Winchester Deluxe Model 1885 High Wall Single Shot .45-70 Rifle with Factory Letter

Lot 23

Winchester Deluxe Model 1885 High Wall Single Shot Rifle

Manufactured in 1892 with an attractive color casehardened action in the desirable .45-70 cartridge. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 30 inch, no. 3 octagon barrel in .45-70 caliber, plain trigger, "X Stock" and shotgun butt. The rifle was received in the warehouse on April 29, 1892 and shipped the next day. The no. 3 barrel is fitted with a dovetail beaded blade front sight and an elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight and is marked on the top flat with the two-line New Haven address ahead of the rear sight and "45-70" at the breech. The lower tang has the patent date marking and serial number. The receiver as noted was finished in the very desirable "color casehardened" finish which was used until the early 1900s. The checkered forearm and straight grip stock are deluxe walnut. The lower tang lacks an assembly number and a select walnut marking; however, the X deluxe walnut does letter as mentioned above. The buttstock is fitted with a special order steel shotgun buttplate.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-70

Price Realized:

Attractive Antique Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1885 High Wall Single Shot Target Rifle with Factory Letter

Lot 28

Winchester Deluxe Model 1885 High Wall Target Rifle

The accompanying factory letter confirms the 32 inch, no. 4, half octagon matted barrel in .38-55 caliber, set trigger, checkered pistol grip stock with Swiss buttplate and cheek piece, no rear seat, and mid-range and wind gauge sights. The rifle was received in the warehouse on July 13, 1891 and shipped the next day. The matted no. 4 barrel is fitted with a wind gauge adjustable front sight with spirit level and is marked with the two-line New Haven address on the top flat and "38-55" on the upper left flat at the breech. The matted barrel is a rare special order feature. According to Winchester expert and author George Madis, "Matted barrels were produced in very limited numbers" (see "The Winchester Book," page 595). The receiver has the very desirable "color casehardened" finish which was used until the early 1900s and is equipped with a set trigger. The lower tang has the patent date marking and serial number. The checkered forearm and pistol grip stock are deluxe walnut. The buttstock has a Swiss cheek piece and a nickel plated Swiss buttplate.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38-55 WCF

Price Realized:

Documented Antique Special Order Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Saddle Ring Trapper Carbine with Very Scarce 15 Inch Barrel, Factory Letter, ATF Exemption Letter, and Additional Documents

Lot 32

Antique Special Order Winchester Model 1873 Trapper Carbine

Manufactured in 1883 as a Third Model 1873 "trapper" carbine with integral dust cover rail, dust cover with serrations at the rear, and saddle ring and staple on the left of the receiver. The included factory letter lists the carbine with a scarce 15 inch barrel and half magazine when received at the warehouse on 26 December 1883 and shipped the next day with five other guns to order number 9791, with the special note "consigned". The included 1992 dated U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives letter lists this specific carbine by serial number as being removed from the NFA (National Firearms Act) and classified as an antique. The barrel has the standard two-line address/King's patent marking, model designation on the upper tang, and serial number on the lower tang. Fitted with a period modified pinned/block blade front sight, similar to those on standard carbines, and a standard folding ladder rear sight, as well as the special order half magazine. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor carbine buttplate (cleaning rod not included). George Madis states in "The Winchester Book" that only 36.6% of the total Model 1873 production were carbines, and of these only one out of every 1,600 had a shorter than standard barrel, and one out of every 270 had a special length magazine, making this trapper exceptionally scarce. Also included is documentation indicating that this carbine was formerly part of the Robert Wyatt collection.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 WCF

Price Realized:

Desirable Documented Early Production Antique Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine with Factory Letter

Lot 34

Antique Winchester Model 1892 Saddle Ring Carbine

Manufactured in 1893, the second year of production, with standard markings. Fitted with blade front and folding ladder rear sights and a saddle ring and staple on the left of the receiver. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a carbine buttplate. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration as well as receipt at the warehouse on 21 July 1893 and shipment on 8 September 1893.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 37

Winchester Model 1887 Lever Action Shotgun

Manufactured in 1896. Single bead sight on the barrel with a 2 5/8 inch chamber and choke measuring modified. Standard "WRACO" monogram on the left side of the casehardened receiver and the lower tang is marked "329" under the stock that has "329" repeated on the butt. Single diamond, non-factory checkered, two-piece slab forend and non-factory checkered pistol grip stock with checkered iron buttplate and 13 inch length of pull.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 12

Price Realized:

Fine Antique Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle in Desirable .44 W.C.F.

Lot 41

Antique Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle in .44 W.C.F.

Manufactured in 1883 as a Third Model with integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrations at the rear. Standard two-line barrel address/King's patent marking, model designation on the upper tang, and serial number on the lower tang. Fitted with dovetailed German silver blade front and elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sights. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included).

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 WCF

Price Realized:

Antique Winchester Model 1890 Casehardened Solid Frame Slide Action Rifle Serial Number 2000

Lot 43

Winchester Model 1890 Casehardened Solid Frame Rifle

Manufactured in 1891 as an early First Model. The barrel has the early "broken D" variation of the two-line Winchester address seen on serial numbers from 1 to approximately 11,000-14,000 and the "22 SHORT" caliber marking on the top flat. The upper tang is marked with the standard First Model three-line trademark/model designation/patent date marking and the lower tang has the early slanted serial number. The early 24 3/8 inch octagon barrel is fitted with a beaded blade front sight and notch rear sight. The casehardened receiver correctly lacks the takedown screw, hammer has the early fine bordered checkering with arched bottom, and the trigger is correctly smooth. It is mounted with a 12-groove slide handle and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. Provenance: The Dr. Robert Azar Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 22 S

Price Realized:

Documented Antique Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle in Scarce .38-70 W.C.F. with Factory Letter

Lot 47

Antique Winchester Model 1886 Rifle in Scarce .38-70 W.C.F.

Manufactured in 1895 with standard markings and casehardened receiver. Out of the total production of 156,599 Model 1886 rifles, only approximately 1,167 were chambered in this scarce caliber. Fitted with dovetailed German silver blade front and elevation adjustable notch rear sights. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration of the rifle as well as receipt at the warehouse on 24 August 1895 and shipment on 2 July 1896.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38-70 WCF

Price Realized:

Early Production Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Rifle in .38 W.C.F.

Lot 50

Early Production Winchester Model 1892 Rifle in .38 W.C.F.

Manufactured in 1893, the second year of production with standard markings. Fitted with dovetailed German silver blade front and elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sights, and mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 WCF

Price Realized:

Documented Historic Winchester Model 1876 Lever Action .50 Express Rifle Attributed to North Dakota Rancher, Gunfighter, and Nemesis of Theodore Roosevelt: the Marquis de Mores

Lot 53

Winchester Model 1876 .50 Ex. Attributed to Marquis de Mores

Manufactured in 1882, this historic Winchester Model 1876 is attributed to the North Dakota frontiersman and French nobleman, the Marquis de Morès. He was Born in 1858, the eldest son of the Duke of Vallambrosa. As a young man he first attended the École spéciale militaire de Saint-Cyr, graduating from the military academy in 1879, before attending France's premier cavalry officer academy at Saumur. Shortly after graduating the cavalry school, he served in Algiers, helping to suppress uprisings in the French colony, as well as participating in the first many duels in his life. In 1882 he resigned from the military and married Medora van Hoffman, the daughter of a wealthy New York banker. Soon after their marriage the couple moved to the Badlands of North Dakota where they purchased 44,500 acres to begin ranching. Not long after arriving de Morès began pursuing various business ventures including a hotel, a stagecoach business, a livestock processing facility, and even his own town. He named the town Medora after his wife, and it was intended to be based around his livestock processing facility. This is also when he began fencing in his property which angered many of the local free range ranchers, many of whom seemed to already dislike him due to his noble heritage, assuming that he viewed himself as better than them. It was during this time c. 1882-1883 that de Morès and future president, Theodore Roosevelt, a local rancher himself at the time, first came at odds. This dispute appears to have come about due to the Marquis attempting to adjust the purchase price of Roosevelt's cattle after they had already been delivered. After this instance there was a period of ill-will between the two which culminated in de Morès sending a message to Roosevelt that included the line "If you are my enemy I want to know it...between gentlemen it is easy to settle matters of that sort directly.", the word "directly" inferring that the Marquis had no qualms with dueling the future president. Shortly after, a calm and collected response from Roosevelt appears to have smoothed things over between the two, and they later both volunteered to join the famous Montana vigilante group, "The Stuart Stranglers", which had been started by the Montana legend, Granville Stuart, in an attempt to curtail rampant cattle rustling in the area. They were both denied this request due to their high profile images. In 1883 the locals' ill-will towards the Marquis came to a head when three local cowboys, Reiley Luffsey, Frank O'Donald, and John Reuter, allegedly after partaking in a healthy amount of cheap whisky, decided that it was time to teach the posh Frenchman a lesson. They are said to have begun "shooting up the town" of Medora and publicly deriding the Marquis, with some accounts making it clear that the three men were threatening his life. The Marquis caught wind of this and appears to have initially handled the situation in a calm and collected manner, informing the local sheriff and consulting his lawyers. A sheriff's deputy was eventually sent to arrest the three men and it is said that de Morès informed the deputy that, should he be killed during the arrest, the Marquis and his men would assume themselves deputised and continue where he left off. He and his men blocked the escape routes from the town, awaiting the outcome of the arrest. The arrest didn't go well and the three outlaws fled, apparently shooting wildly as they did. Hearing the gunshots and seeing the three men fleeing, it appears that the Marquis and his posse assumed that the deputy hand been killed. They stopped the three men as they approached, attempting to arrest them, but a gun fight broke out. The Marquis' abundance of skill in military arts and dueling played a large factor in the exchange, as one of the men of was quickly killed, another wounded, and the third captured. Over the next couple years de Morès would be charged with murder for this killing multiple times but was never prosecuted. By the time of the last trial in 1885, due to many factors including competition with the powerful Chicago meat companies, de Morès' cattle business was failing. In 1886 the processing facility closed its doors for the final time and the Marquis returned east, and then to France. In 1888 he was sent to Vietnam to oversee the construction of a railway and began to take an interest in French politics. He returned to France in 1889 and his politics began to become driven by anti-antisemitism, leading to yet another duel with a Jewish member of the Chamber of Deputies, in which the Marquis wounded his opponent. In 1896 he again found himself in French North Africa, from which he would not return. Due to his extreme political views, de Morès had made many enemies in French politics, and it is believed that some of the political rivals hired a group of Tuareg Berber tribesmen to act as though they were his guides before assassinating him. On 9 June 1896 the Tuareg attacked the Marquis, with their numbers estimated as high as 40. The Marquis de Morès fought back bravely, killing and wounding many before he was himself killed. Included with this rifle is a variety of correspondence from multiple sources, including W.H. Lenneille tracing the lineage of this rifle back to the Marquis. Also included is some general information about the area in North Dakota where he settled and this rifle would have been used. Three photos of the Marquis are included, one in French military attire, and two in western attire, both of which appear to be showing the Marquis holding this very rifle, or at least one of identical configuration. The included factory letter confirms the configuration of the rifle and that it was received in the warehouse on 11 June 1882 and shipped on 2 August 1884 along with one other rifle of identical configuration to the same order number. A hand written note on a previous copy of the factory letter notes that the serial number of this other rifle was 13672 and that the order number was 13756. A copy of the book/pamphlet "Marquis de Mores at War in the Bad Lands" by Usher L. Burdick, which describes the events of de Morès' gunfight in North Dakota and his final murder trial. The rifle itself was manufactured in 1882 and is chambered in the very desirable .50-95 Express like many of the rifles ordered by Granville Stuart. The rifle is in Second Model configuration, having the dust cover rail retained by two screws and the later pattern dust cover with the serration at the rear. The barrel is marked with the two-line Winchester address/King's patent marking and "50-CAL." at the breech. "WINCHESTER EXPRESS/.50 CAL. 95 GRS." is marked on top of the dust cover and "50-95" is on the bottom of the cartridge elevator. The upper and lower tangs have the model designation and serial number respectively. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and an elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight.It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a shotgun buttplate. Though the Marquis himself appears to have hand somewhat of a flamboyant reputation among the Dakota locals, this rifle bears no such frills. It is all business. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 50-95 Winchester Express

Price Realized:

Montana True Crime Documented Smith & Wesson No. 3 American 2nd Model Single Action Revolver with Desirable Skeleton Holster

Lot 54

Montana True Crime Smith & Wesson No. 3 American Revolver

Manufactured from 1872-74. Matching assembly marks on the grip frame, cylinder, barrel and barrel latch. The right grip panel is numbered to the gun. The desirable skeleton pattern shoulder holster rig designed for both concealment and a fast draw is only marked "349/44/8." Research notes handwritten by the esteemed collector John Fox indicates that the holster and period evidence tag from a Montana crime case came with the revolver when he purchased it in 1992. This evidence tag, which is also included, states that the revolver and holster belonged to George Perry. Additional information is obtained from the accompanying 1992 dated letter from the clerk of district court for the State of Montana. According to Montana court records, George Perry used "a heavy revolver" to "beat and strike and wound" Lula Holman and "inflicted grievous bodily harm upon Holman." Perry was sentenced to "not less than 18 months or more than three years" in the state prison and fined $200.00. Copies of the original court documents, including the May 1921 arrest warrant, are included. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 S&W American

Price Realized:

Documented Colt Etched Panel Model 1877 Lightning Double Action Revolver with Scarce Long Barrel and H.H. Heiser Skeleton Holster Rig

Lot 57

Colt Model 1877 Lightning Long Barrel Revolver

Manufactured in 1888. The scarce and desirable 6 inch barrel features the acid etched "Colt D.A. 38" panel marking on the left side. Matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. Includes a H.H. Heiser of Denver, Colorado, skeleton pattern shoulder holster rig, circa 1910-1920, that accommodates this revolver. The revolver and holster rig are pictured together and identified in Richard Rattenbury's "Packing Iron" on page 156. According to Rattenbury, this Heiser holster "was a knock-off of the original Zimmerman/Furstnow design with the addition of a flap leather cover over the grip and hammer area of the pistol." Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 LC

Price Realized:

Reported Finest Known Walter Cooper Montana Territory Marked Old West Meacham Conversion Style Heavy Barrel Sharps Buffalo Rifle with Documents

Lot 58

Old West Meacham Conversion Style Sharps Buffalo Rifle

This rifle was originally a Civil War era Sharps New Model 1865 and was later converted for metallic cartridges, likely after the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Co. closed in 1881. These rifles have been nicknamed Meacham conversion Sharps since they were featured in the catalogs of E.C. Meacham of St. Louis, but other gunsmiths and dealers also produced and sold these converted rifles. Walter Cooper was active in the fur and buffalo hide trade as well as a major Sharps dealer in Bozeman, Montana Territory, from 1874 to 1884 and also pursued a variety of other business interests. He went into debt with Sharps and had to sell his shop for a little over two years starting in 1878 but was able to repurchase it. The heavy octagon barrel of this rifle has "W. COOPER/BOZEMAN MT." stamped behind the rear sight, has been relined to .40 caliber, and features a blade front sight with white insert, Lawrence patent rear sight with added rear notch, and no factory markings. The rifle also features double set triggers, a smooth forend with a pewter cap, checkered buttstock, and Vernier peep sight. Part of the serial number on the upper tang has been removed by the holes drilled for mounting the Vernier peep sight. "C,4" is visible before the hole, and "20" is visible between the holes. The barrel is not numbered. The peep sight is numbered "156270" on the left side of the base. The rifle that sight was originally on was sold by RIAC in April 2013. A letter for that serial number is included. It states that serial number is recorded twice in the original factory records. The second invoice for July 19, 1877, is the relevant entry. It indicates a rifle shipped to Sharps' General Agent E.S. Harris in New York City and listed as a Model 1874 Long Range Target Rifle #3 in .45-2 6/10 with a weight of 9 3/4 lbs. and $55 net price. The sight clearly came off of that rifle. Where that rifle ended up is not recorded. Notes from John Fox indicate it is the "finest condition Cooper known" and also sates that L.A. Huffman is known to have had a 16 lbs. Cooper in "New Condition" in the 1920s. The same pewter forend cap design by Cooper is shown in "The End of the Line: The Last Days of the Sharps Rifle in Montana" from the American Society of Arms Collectors Bulletin 67:26-40. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 40

Price Realized:

Montana Territory Shipped "Frontier Issued" Sharps Model 1874 Sporting Rifle in .45-70 with Factory Letter

Lot 59

Montana Shipped Sharps Model 1874 Sporting Rifle in .45-70

The factory letter indicates this rifle was invoiced on September 24, 1878, to J.G. Dow, cashier of Bozeman, Montana Territory. It notes that it may have shipped on July 22, 1878, in a large order with 35 Carbines, 50 .45 caliber Business Rifles, 50 .40 caliber Business Rifles, and 60 Sporting Rifles prior to being invoiced. Dow was purchasing rifles on behalf of Walter Cooper who was indebted to Sharps. The rifle is listed as a "Model 1874 Sporting Octagon Rifle: in .45-70 (2 1/10 inch case) with a 30 inch octagon barrel, double set triggers, open sights, and oil finished wood. Its weight was specified at 12 1/2 lbs., and the price was $42. In addition to the details confirmed by the letter, the rifle has a copper Rocky Mountain blade front sight, the Old Reliable marking and Bridgeport address on top of the barrel ahead of the period custom semi-buckhorn blade and folding ladder rear sight, "CAL 45" on top at the breech, checkering on the wrist, standard patent markings, and the matching serial number on the bottom of the barrel and the upper tang. The .45-70 Government cartridge quickly became popular on the frontier with the introduction of the Springfield Trapdoor in 1873. Sharps rifles, which were widely used during the Civil War, were among the most popular of all rifles in the West where they were respected for their reliability and accuracy and could be depended on to take even the largest game as well as fight Native Americans and outlaws. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-70

Price Realized:

Lot 60

Historic Spencer Repeating Rifle Company Sporting Rifle

This Spencer sporting rifle was likely manufactured just after the end of the Civil War and is chambered for the 56-46 Spencer cartridge (.44 rimfire) commonly used in the Spencer sporting guns. It has an inscription on the pewter forend cap. "Presented to," "by," and "Genl" are legible, but the recipient and presenter names are partially faded making positive identification of the names difficult (see the close-up photo provided). The presenter might be a General Wallace. While an estimated 144,500 military carbines and rifles were produced by Spencer during the Civil War, only an estimated 1,807 of these sporting rifles were manufactured between 1864 and 1868, and only a scarce few have presentation inscriptions. Other known presentation pieces were given to Frank Cheney of Spencer Repeating Rifle Company, Emperor Franz Josef I of Austria, and U.S. Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles. The assembly number "27" is stamped on the forearm, barrel, front of the action, and various action components, and "517" is stamped on the action partially obscured by the peep sight mounting screws. The first and possible last digits of the serial number were obliterated when the receiver was tapped. For this reason, during the post-war years, Spencer marked most of the sporting rifle serial numbers to the left of the screws. It has an octagon barrel fitted with blade and notch sights. The action has the Spencer cut-off and single set trigger as pictured on page 113 of "Spencer Repeating Firearms" by Marcot. Like the Civil War Spencers, the sporting versions were fed by a tubular magazine in the buttstock. Relatively few Spencer sporting rifles were produced before the company closed in 1868 after the firearms market broadly took a significant hit as government contracts ground to a halt with the end of the war and commercial sales were hampered by the glut of surplus arms. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 RF

Price Realized:

Lot 61

Early U.S. Springfield Model 1870 Carbine

During the post-Civil War period the U.S. Government experimented heavily with developing metallic cartridge rifles. One of the most cost effective methods was by using left over Civil War era percussion rifles and converting them into single shot metallic breech loaders. The primary conversion method was using the Allin conversion developed by Erskine Allin, master armorer at Springfield Armory. This Allin conversion went through several modifications before the "Trapdoor" series was adopted in 1868, with a final "prototype" cavalry carbine adopted as the Model 1870. These carbines were not serial numbered and only a total of 341 were ever produced, with all seeing heavy use on the Western frontier. The identifying characteristics for this model are that it had a shorter receiver (by 1 13/32 inches) than the earlier 1st and 2nd model Allin conversions, the breechblock is marked "1870 /eaglehead/crossed arrows/U.S." on top. The bottom of the breechblock has a high arch, 2-3/4 inches across its base. The 22 inch barrel was fitted with the conversion type rear sight, set adjacent to the receiver and a standard blade in block front sight. It has the correct Civil War lock plate dated "1864" with the Springfield Armory "Eagle/Shield/Crossed Arrows" next to "U.S./SPRINGFIELD" at the front and it is correctly fitted with a two-click tumbler. It has the two-piece trigger guard, sling bar and sling swivel. The buttplate is the correct smooth "U.S." marked version without the trapdoor. The stock is correct long wrist type with a short comb. It has an oval cartouche with the script initials: "ESA" stamped on the left flat. Directly under the cartouche is a small stamped partial "X I" which may indicate that this was actually a trials carbine. It has a dark blue oil quenched receiver and breechblock. The hammer and lock plate have a casehardened finish. The barrel, bands, trigger guard assembly, and buttplate have a bright finish. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Antique

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

Price Realized:

Lot 62

U.S. Springfield Model 1868 Trapdoor Rifle

51,389 Model 1868 Trapdoor Rifles were manufactured, but they were relatively quickly replaced by the Model 1873s and subsequent .45-70 models. These early "Big .50" Trapdoor rifles and the later .45-70 models were widely used in the West and became popular with buffalo hunters. This rifle from the western collection of John Fox and was period modified by fitting a dovetail mounted Rocky Mountain blade front sight with antique ivory insert on the barrel, a dovetailed U-notch rear sight on the front of the frame, and a screw through the stock by the trigger to lighten the trigger pull. The barrel also retains the standard notch and folding ladder rear sight. The frame and barrel have the matching serial number. The breechblock is dated "1869" and the lock is dated "1863." The various models of trapdoor rifles were popular on the frontier, including rifles picked up off the battlefields by Native American warriors during the Indian Wars. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Antique

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

Price Realized:

Presentation Cased New York Engraved and Silver and Gold Plated Colt Model 1860 Army Percussion Revolver with Carved Mexican Eagle Grip

Lot 66

Cased Engraved Colt Model 1860 Army Percussion Revolver

This revolver was manufactured in 1866 just following the Civil War and was engraved in New York by one of Colt's allies such as Hartley & Graham. It features deep scroll and floral engraving in a very American style, plated in gold and silver, and fitted with a grip carved with the eagle, snake, and cactus design from the coat of arms and flag of Mexico. The barrel has the standard New York address, and the frame has the "COLTS/PATENT" marking on the left. The trigger guard has "44 CAL" on the left shoulder. The revolver is numbered "161703" on the barrel and frame, "1703" on the cylinder as well as the wedge and arbor pin, "161949" on the trigger guard, and "166335" on the butt. It comes in a fitted rosewood case with three cartridge packs, a double sided eagle powder flask with sloped charger, a silver oiler, blued "COLT'S/PATENT" bullet mold, L-shaped combination tool, and two cap containers. The revolver may have been embellished for presentation to one of the Mexican republican political or military leaders following their successful ouster of the French and Maximilian I at the end of the Second French Intervention in Mexico. The engraving on the cylinder removed the scene of the Naval Battle of Campeche which reflected an earlier period of disunity in Mexico and intervention by the Republic of Texas. With the end of the Civil War, President Johnson pressured Napoleon III to back down and unofficially armed the Mexican republicans against Maximilian and the foreign supported Mexican imperial forces. With the withdrawal of French forces, Maximilian was left scrambling to hold power and issued increasingly brutal orders, including a decree calling for the execution of any member of an armed band in a futile attempt to end resistance to his rule. He was captured and executed himself by firing squad on June 19, 1867. The revolver would have certainly been a fitting presentation piece for a leader of the "Restored Republic" in 1867-1876. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Extremely Rare Special Order Sharps Ultra Heavy Barrel Special Order Model 1874 Bench Rest Target Rifle with Factory Letter

Lot 67

Sharps Ultra Heavy Barrel Special Order Model 1874 Target Rifle

Sharps made a very limited number of these heavy barrel bench rest target rifles on the 1874 action. This extremely rare Sharps 1874 rifle features a massive 20 pound ultra heavy barrel which measures 1 5/8 inches at the muzzle and is chambered for .40 2 1/2 cartridges. The barrel is equipped with a special front globe sight with no provisions for a rear sight, and a Sharps mid-range Vernier peep sight with a 4 inch sighting bar is fitted on the upper tang. The top of the barrel is marked "Old Reliable" without the boxed border and "SHARPS RIFLE CO BRIDGEPORT, CONN." The left rear near the breech is marked "CAL 40 2 1/2". The underside under the forearm is marked with the serial number "162440". The left side of the receiver is marked "SHARPS RIFLE CO/PAT APR 6 1869" and the top just ahead of the tang is marked with the matching serial number. The receiver and hammer are casehardened and the trigger and hammer spur are checkered. Mounted with nicely figured American walnut with a checkered semi-Schnabel forearm and pistol grip stock with a steel checkered Sharps buttplate. The left wrist area has a smooth gutta percha inlay. The rifle is accompanied by a Sharps factory letter dated January 9, 2008. The letter states that the original records show this rifle listed in Order Book No. 7 as a Model 1874 Sporting Rifle and that it was invoiced at the Bridgeport factory on May 1, 1879, to N.B. Tyler of Warren, Ohio. Nathan Bailey Derrow Tyler (1828-1915) was a competitive shooter in multiple disciplines and also a gunmaker, dealer, and inventor. He was once the United States long distance rifle champion. His letterhead describes himself as a dealer in "fine English and American guns" and other sporting goods. He opened the Tyler Rifle Works in 1852 in Vienna, Ohio, and in 1864 moved the shop to Warren where it remained open until around 1891. Tyler has an extensive correspondence with the Sharps Company and submitted targets that he made for them. The letter further states that: "This rifle, however is anything but a Sporting Rifle; in fact it was an Ultra-heavy bench rest target rifle." The description of the rifle in the record as taken from Tyler's ordering letter of February 21, 1879, is as follows: caliber . 40-65 2 & 1/2 inch shell, 34 inch round barrel to weigh 20 pounds, mid-range sights without spirit level; no hunting sights, pistol grip stock with plain oil finish, 3 pound trigger pull (style not specified), buttstock 1 inch longer and 1 & 1/2 inch more drop than usual and cross bar 5 inches from the muzzle to keep gun level and always in the same position. The cross bar mentioned is not on the barrel and appears to have never been installed on this rifle. The price charged for the rifle is not listed in the letter; however, one can imagine that it came at a substantial premium. The length of pull is 14 inches, and the drop at the heel is 2 1/2 inches. Total weight of the rifle is approximately 23 1/2 pounds.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 40-65

Price Realized:

Smith & Wesson Model No. 3 Russian 3rd Model Single Action Revolver with Relief Carved Mexican Eagle Grip and Factory Letter

Lot 70

Smith & Wesson Model No. 3 Russian 3rd Model Revolver

The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped on December 1, 1876 and delivered to M.W. Robinson Co., New York City with a 6 1/2 inch barrel, nickel finish, butt swivel and smooth walnut grips. This was an order of 60 units of which 40 were blued and 20, like this revolver, were plated in nickel. The barrel rib has the one-line address/patent dates marking ending with "RUSSIAN MODEL." Illegible or mismatched assembly marks. The left grip panel features a relief carved Mexican eagle, suggesting that this revolver spent time along the U.S./Mexico border. Its well served frontier life is evident in the improvised front sight. Those living on the frontier had to be their own gunsmith. A true American frontier sidearm, the Model No. 3 Russian 3rd Model revolver was carried by celebrated lawman Pat Garrett and notorious outlaw Charlie Pitts (aka Sam Wells). Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 S&W Russian

Price Realized:

Smith & Wesson Model Number 1 1/2 Second Issue Single Action Revolver with Carved Mexican Eagle Grips

Lot 71

Smith & Wesson Model Number 1 1/2 2nd Issue Revolver

Manufactured from 1868 to 1875. Standard Smith & Wesson markings and matching assembly mark on the barrel, cylinder, and grip frame. Custom Mexican eagle carved left grip panel with both panels numbered to another gun. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 32 Long RF

Price Realized:

Smith & Wesson .44 Double Action Revolver Inscribed to Montana Businessman J. B. Featherman with Pearl Grips and Factory Letter

Lot 72

Smith & Wesson .44 DA Revolver, J. B. Featherman Inscribed

The included Smith & Wesson factory letter states that this revolver was shipped to Hibbard, Spencer & Bartlett & co. of Chicago, Illinois on June 17, 1885. It also states that no special features were listed making it a standard revolver. Matching serial numbers on the barrel latch, barrel, cylinder, and butt. The standard grips have been replaced with attractively carved pearl steer head grips and the back strap has been inscribed "J. B. Featherman". James B. Featherman joined his uncle John's mercantile business in New Chicago, Montana and helped to expand to a second location in Drummond, Montana. James acted as the Postmaster of Drummond for 28 years as the store not only supplied general goods, but housed the local post office, making him a natural choice for the position. The Feathermans sold the business in 1915 to H. J. Faust and C. N. Bassett who renamed the company Faust-Bassett Co. Included with the revolver is a photograph of the J.A. & J. B. Featherman store in Drummond from before 1915 as well as a hand written page of the company ledger. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 S&W Russian

Price Realized:

Desirable Antique Etched Panel Colt Sheriff's Model 1877 Lightning Double Action Revolver with Pearl Grips

Lot 73

Colt Sheriff's Model 1877 Lightning Revolver

Manufactured in 1879. The sought after 3 1/2 inch ejectorless barrel features the etched caliber panel on the left side and the stamped two-line Hartford address on top. The frame has the standard three-line patent dates. Matching serial numbers on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 LC

Price Realized:

Montana Territory Shipped "Frontier Issued" Sharps Model 1874 Business Rifle in .45-70 with Factory Letter

Lot 75

Montana Territory Shipped Sharps Model 1874 Business Rifle

The factory letter indicates this rifle was invoiced on July 22, 1878, to J.G. Dow, cashier of Bozeman, Montana Territory. It notes this was part of a large order with 35 Carbines, 50 .45 caliber Business Rifles, 50 .40 caliber Business Rifles, and 60 Sporting Rifles to be shipped from Sharps' agent Edwin S. Harris in New York. Dow was purchasing rifles on behalf of Walter Cooper's shop after Cooper ran up his debts with Sharps and others. The rifle is listed only as a Model 1874 Business Rifle in .45 caliber. The rifle has a Rocky Mountain front sight with a replaced blade, the Old Reliable marking and Bridgeport address on top of the barrel ahead of the Lawrence patent notch and ladder rear sight, "CAL 45" on top at the breech, "BUSINESS 45" on top at the breech, "2 1/10" on the right at the breech, matching serial numbers on the barrel and upper tang, double set triggers, smooth stock and forearm, and an added screw above the mainspring and reshaping of the tumbler which together cause the lock to rebound to half-cock. The latter period modification keeps the hammer automatically off the firing pin. Perhaps its owner in the 1880s had an accident with the hammer down on a live round that he didn't want to repeat. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-70

Price Realized:

Lot 76

Engraved Colt New Line 22 Pocket Revolver with DeGress Grips

Manufactured in 1873. Features round blade front sight with the standard two-line barrel address and approximately 75% coverage floral scroll, crosshatch and punch dot, and intertwining line engraving as well as DeGress inscription grips with blank inscription panel. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 22 RF

Price Realized:

Lot 77

Engraved U.S. Arms Co. No. 30 Revolver

Manufactured in the 1870s likely by Bacon Arms Company. Features round blade front sight marked "U.S. ARMS CO N.Y." on the barrel, "No. 30" on the top strap, with extensive floral scroll, crosshatch and punch dot, and wavy line engraving. Matching serial numbers on bottom of barrel, rear of cylinder, and inside each grip panel. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 30 RF Short

Price Realized:

Lot 78

Factory Engraved Merwin & Hulbert XL No. 3 Spur Trigger Revolver

Manufactured around the mid-1870s to 1880s. Approximately 60% coverage factory floral scroll engraving mixed with geometric patterns with enamel filler. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 32 RF

Price Realized:

Lot 79

Early Colt Third Model Derringer

Manufactured c. 1870s. Features one-line "Colt" on the barrel, blade front sight, high spur hammer, bulbous frame around the front screw, and matching serial number on grip frame and inside each grip panel. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 RF

Price Realized:

Lot 81

Engraved Hood Firearms Spur Trigger Revolver

Manufactured in the late 1870s. Approximately 50% coverage broad floral scroll engraving on a punch dot background with sunbursts ahead of the cylinder on the frame. Matching serial numbers on the barrel, cylinder, butt, and left grip. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 RF

Price Realized:

Lot 82

Factory Engraved Remington Smoot New Model No. 2 Revolver

Manufactured 1877-1885. Standard markings and about 60% coverage broad scroll engraving on a punch dot background and zig-zag line patterns throughout. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 32 Short RF

Price Realized:

Factory Engraved and Gold and Nickel Plated Marlin No. 32 Standard 1875 Revolver with Gilded DeGress "Tiffany" Grips

Lot 83

Engraved and Nickel Plated Marlin No. 32 Standard 1875 Revolver

19,500 of these classic late 19th century pocket revolvers were manufactured between 1875 and 1887. This example has the standard markings and features aside from the highly attractive and timeless engraving consisting mainly of acanthus scroll patterns along with the grape leaf scroll and "lady" motif DeGress grips. The cylinder, hammer, and the grips were gilded, and the remaining components were nickel plated. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 32 RF

Price Realized:

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

Lot 87

Antique Winchester Model 1886 Rifle in .45-90 W.C.F.

Manufactured in 1893 with standard markings and the desirable early casehardened receiver. The shortened barrel is fitted with dovetailed German silver blade front and elevation adjustable notch rear sights. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration as well as receipt at the warehouse on 14 June 1893 and shipment on 28 May, 1894. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-90 WCF

Price Realized:

"Frontier Issued" Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine and Personal Effects Attributed to Arizona Ranger Clark H. Farnsworth

Lot 88

Arizona Ranger's Winchester Model 1873 Carbine and Other Items

Offered here is a historic American West archive identified to Arizona Ranger Clark H. Farnsworth. This archive includes a Winchester Model 1873 lever action saddle ring carbine, but before the contents of the archive are fully cataloged, let’s first introduce the lawman to which the items belonged to. While the cities of Phoenix, Tucson and Prescott had become beacons of modern society at the dawning of the 20th century, much of the Arizona Territory was still a wild frontier, a refuge for outlaws and cattle rustlers. Concerns from the cattle industry and statehood advocates pressured lawmakers to combat the lawlessness. Modeled after the famed Texas Rangers, the Arizona Territory Rangers were organized in 1901 to meet the challenge. For nearly 8 years 107 men passed through the ranks and brought with them diverse law enforcement and military backgrounds and an unwavering determination to bring law and order. They were celebrated by the printed press to folk hero status until their reputations were soiled by a governor who deployed them to break up striking workers. Nevertheless, the Rangers left an undeniable legacy of taming the last remnants of the Wild West, which is credited to establishing Arizona statehood in 1912. As Arizona State Historian Marshall Trimble put it, “The Rangers were so good at keeping law and order they pretty much put themselves out of a job…They had pretty much outlived their usefulness and, like buffalo, native warriors, false-front saloons, and gunfighters, faded from reality into the realm of romance as Arizonans began to look ahead to statehood and the 20th century.” Clark Hiram Farnsworth (1874-1945) was one of the original Rangers. Additional information is obtained from his obituary which stated that Farnsworth was also served 45 years as Greenlee County law enforcement officer and was a Spanish-American War veteran as well as confirming he was once a member of the Arizona Rangers. Photographs of Ranger Farnsworth are identified in an included copy of M. David DeSoucy’s “Images of American Arizona Rangers” on pages 18 and 26. According to DeSoucy, “Pvt. Clark H. Farnsworth was a former deputy sheriff who was born in Illinois and enlisted in [the Rangers] at the age of 31. He served for only a few months.” The cartridge belt included in this lot is very similar to the belt Farnsworth is wearing in the photograph on page 18. Note the caption erroneously presents Farnsworth’s middle initial as “A”. All items in this lot were originally sold by Farnsworth’s descendants in November 2007 and were sold as the property of Clark H. Farnsworth. The Winchester Model 1873 carbine was manufactured in 1890 as a third model with integral dust cover rail and dust cover featuring serrations at the rear. The factory letter confirms the carbine configuration in .44 caliber when received in the warehouse on August 2, 1890 and shipped on August 5. The barrel is fitted with a blade front sight on a square base and a folding ladder rear sight graduated in 900 yards and marked “1873.” The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address/patent dates legend ahead of the rear sight and “44 W.C.F.” at the breech. The cartridge elevator is marked "44 CAL” (faint). The left side of the receiver is fitted with a saddle ring. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1873." The lower tang has the serial number. The stock is fitted with a trapdoor carbine buttplate (cleaning rod not included) and has a "JP" monogram carved into the left side. Brands of the same style have been used by several cattle organizations. In Arizona during Farnsworth's era, they included the Chiricahua Cattle Co. of Tombstone, J.M. Rountree of Cave Creek, Mrs. A. Modesti of Yuma, and Joseph Pennsyl of Aravaipa. Farnsworth may have received the carbine from one of the ranches for his work fighting against rustlers. Farnsworth’s other personal items that make up this archive include a fringed leather vest, S. C. Gallup Saddlery Company of Pueblo, Colorado, revolver holster rig, early pair of star marked Buermann spurs with light embellishment, chain and come-along, braided quirt, Arizona Territory Ranger badge, Waltham pocket watch (detached crystal), Regina pocket watch (parts absent), bone handle clip point bowie knife marked “FB” (OAL: 9 ¾ inches), and unmarked bone handle camp knife (OAL: 11 inches).

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 WCF

Price Realized:

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