Auctions Consignment Latest FAQ About us

Disconnected

Unable to connect to live update server, attempting reconnection. If this persists, please try refreshing your browser.

Disconnected state indicated by at top of page. If you cannot see this icon, you are connected.

1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]

Locations

Bedford, TX

3600 Harwood RoadBedford, Texas 76021, USA

Rock Island, IL

7819 42nd Street WestRock Island, Illinois 61201, USA

Hours

Monday - Friday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Navigation

Auctions Consignment Latest FAQ About us Account

More Info

Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Job postings & Careers Order a catalog Contact

Social media

© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.

Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.

Disconnected

Unable to connect to live update server, attempting reconnection. If this persists, please try refreshing your browser.

Disconnected state indicated by at top of page. If you cannot see this icon, you are connected.

Hello.

Please Log In, or .

Dark mode

/Auctions...
/Premier Firearms Auction #84

Premier Firearms Auction #84

December 03, 2021 to December 05, 2021

This auction has ended.

/Auctions...
/Premier Firearms Auction #84

Premier Firearms Auction #84

December 03, 2021 to December 05, 2021

This auction has ended.

Auction Time Summary

Preview DayThursday, Dec 2nd10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

SESSION IFriday, Dec 3rd9 AMLots 1 through 770

SESSION IISaturday, Dec 4th9 AMLots 1000 through 1814

SESSION IIISunday, Dec 5th9 AMLots 3000 through 3640

To Be Sold At Auction

Preview Day Thursday Dec 2rd
Open at 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

SESSION I - Friday, Dec 3th
TIME: Commencing at 9 a.m. selling between Lots 1 and 770
SESSION II - Saturday, Dec 4th
TIME: Commencing at 9 a.m. selling between Lots 1000 and 1814
SESSION III - Sunday, Dec 5th
TIME: Commencing at 9 a.m. selling between Lots 3000 and 3640

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 21

Showing 1-50 of 1,008 results

Lot 2

Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle

The 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 is the direct descendant of the Henry rifle and traces its lineage back to earlier repeaters like the Volcanic. This rifle was manufactured in 1881. The barrel has the two-line Winchester address/King's improvement patent marking, a dovetail blade front sight, and an elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight. The serial number is stamped behind the lever latch. The buttstock is fitted with a trapdoor iron buttplate (cleaning rod not included).

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 RF

Price Realized:

Fine Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Lever Action .45-70 Rifle

Lot 4

Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Rifle

This fine Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Lever Action .45-70 Rifle was manufactured in 1894. The rifle is fitted with a dovetail beaded blade front sight, a three leaf rear sight and a folding tang peep sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line New Haven address ahead of the rear sight and "45-70" at the breech. The lower tang has the two-line patent dates marking as well as the serial number. The frame has the desirable casehardened finish. The forend cap, hammer and lever are also casehardened. The special order part octagon barrel, full length magazine tube and shotgun buttplate are blued. The loading gate is niter blue. The checkered forearm and pistol grip stock are deluxe walnut. The buttstock has an ebony grip insert and an iron shotgun buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is marked "371 XXS." The assembly number "371" is repeated on the stock inlet and buttplate.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-70

Price Realized:

Lot 5

Antique Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine

Manufactured in 1897 with standard markings. Fitted with pinned blade front and folding ladder rear sights, and a saddle ring fitted the left of the receiver. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a carbine buttplate.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 WCF

Price Realized:

Documented Special Order Winchester Model 1876 Lever Action Rifle with Scarce Extra Length 32 Inch Barrel and Factory Letter

Lot 7

Special Order Winchester Model 1876 Rifle with 32 Inch Barrel

Manufactured in 1885 as a Third Model with integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrations at the rear. The top flat of the barrel is marked with the two-line address/King's patent markings and caliber marking at the breech. The model designation is marked on the upper tang and the serial number is on the lower tang. The special order, extra length, 32 inch barrel is fitted with German silver blade front and folding ladder rear sights. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate which contains an included five-piece cleaning rod. The included factory letter lists the rifle in .40-60 caliber with a 24 inch octagon barrel and plain trigger when received at the warehouse on 17 December 1885, the letter then states "Returned to Russell December 22, 1886 - Octagon barrel, 32 inches, plain trigger", and shipment from the warehouse on 23 December 1886 to order number 13718. It appears this is an example of Winchester using standard warehouse stock to fulfill special orders.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 40-60 WCF

Price Realized:

Exceptional New Haven Arms Company No. 2 Lever Action Navy Pistol with Unique Barrel Markings

Lot 8

New Haven Arms Company No. 2 Navy Pistol

This Early production New Haven Arms Company No. 2 Navy pistol with the factory markings on the left side of the barrel was manufactured in early 1857 using parts from Volcanic Repeating Arms Company production, this pistol features a eight-inch, Type I, barrel with full rib. The left barrel flat is roll-stamped with the legend: "PATENT. NEW HAVEN CONN. FEB 14. 1854" in one line. The two-line Volcanic Repeating Arms markings are barely visible above the address/patent date. In addition to the Type I rib, the barrel has a crowned muzzle, rounded T-bar spring, clam-shell shaped steel magazine follower and steel, pinch-top, front sight blade. The brass receiver has an ejection port with small crescent cut-out at the muzzle end, square back, dove-tail mounted rear sight, bolt with Hick's "double nipple" extractor, hammer with hand-cut knurling on the spur, loading lever with finger hole and two-piece walnut grips. The serial number is stamped on the right side of the loading lever, double-stamped on the left side of the butt beneath the grip and stamped on the inside of both grips. The barrel/magazine is high polish blue, the receiver is natural brass, the bolt, cartridge elevator, rear sight and lever are fire blue and the hammer and trigger are color casehardened. The grips have a varnished, piano finish. New Haven Arms Company or Volcanic Repeating Arms Company pistols with legends roll-stamped on the barrels sides are extremely rare. Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 Volcanic

Price Realized:

Lot 10

Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine

Offered here is an outstanding Winchester Model 1873 Saddle Ring Carbine manufactured in 1885 with a third model receiver featuring the integral dust cover rail and dust cover with rear serrated edges. The included factory letter states the carbine was received in the warehouse on July 17, 1885 where it remained for nearly a year before being shipped on July 3, 1886 on order number 7811. The top of the barrel has the two-line address/patent dates marking ahead of the rear sight and "44 CAL" at the breech. The cartridge elevator is marked "44 CAL." The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1873." The lower tang has the serial number. The carbine features carbine sights with the rear sight marked "1873", a saddle ring mounted on the left side of the receiver and a carbine stock. The trapdoor casehardened buttplate contains a three piece cleaning rod. The underside of the buttstock has a silver initial shield signed and dated "RBH/1886." These carbines are a highly desirable variation of the Model 1873 and were used greatly during the period, leaving high condition examples like this one hard to find.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 WCF

Price Realized:

Extremely Rare Experimental "Winchester's Improvement/Brigg's Patent" Henry Lever Action Rifle

Lot 12

"Winchester's Improvement" Henry Lever Action Rifle

The New Haven Arms Co. Henry rifle and subsequent Winchester Repeating Arms Co. Model 1866 are arguably the two most significant lever action firearms in history and are responsible for establishing lever action repeaters as a genre. The '66 in particular is incredibly significant as it introduced the Nelson King's patented loading gate system that has set the standard for lever action rifles ever since, but this was not predestined to be the case as is shown on this incredibly rare transitional experimental carbine manufacture in late 1865 or early 1866, and the transition was more complicated than Oliver Winchester simply taking over the New Haven Arms Co. and slapping his name on it. Instead, there was a clash in 1865 and 1866 that included innovating the Henry design by men working for Winchester. This incredibly rare rifle is one of the very few firearms that survive from that transition between the Henry rifle and the birth of the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. and their premiere firearm: the Model 1866, and it is even rarer in that it remains in private hands and is now available at public auction. Winchester historian Herbert Houze discusses the transition from the Henry to the Model 1866 in great detail in "Winchester Repeating Arms Company: Its History & Development from 1865 to 1981" and noted on page 42 that these Winchester Arms Co. rifles and carbines manufactured using Oliver F. Winchester's magazine system "must be regarded as the first, true production Winchester firearms" and that the subsequent Model 1866 then secured the Winchester's name forever in American firearms history. Houze's layout of the historical context should be referred to for those deeply interested in the context of the production of this rifle, but a summary is useful here. By the time this rare rifle was manufactured, Oliver Winchester had already been involved in the financing of the manufacturing of repeating arms for a decade as a significant financier and shareholder. After the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. had been reorganized as the New Haven Arms Company, Benjamin Tyler Henry was hired as the firm's superintendent in the spring of 1858 and tasked with improving the Volcanic/Smith & Wesson repeater design so that it could use more advanced and powerful rimfire ammunition. The result was the historic Henry rifle that became famous in the hands of Union soldiers during the American Civil War. Henry received a five year contract for his rifle design in May of 1859, but he and Winchester clashed as the end of Henry's contract approached and Winchester leased a factory in Bridgeport to expand Henry rifle production without the same contractual obligations to Henry. The latter left the company in the middle of 1864 but continued to be a thorn in Winchester's side. At the same time, the company (or companies) began exploring improvements and alterations of the Henry design with a particular focus on the magazine system which was a noted weak point due to the open channel along the bottom that allowed debris to clog the magazine. For example, George W. Briggs (on leave from his work as chief designer at the New Haven factory) received patent no. 58,937 for an "Improvement in Magazine Fire-Arms" on October 16, 1866, that was assigned to Winchester. The patent notes "a great objection has existed from the fact that the open slot upon the underside of the tube would admit more or less dirt, or other substances foreign and injurious to the proper workings of the follower and spring, within the magazine, and the necessary complication in the construction of the upper part of the magazine and barrel renders them very liable to get out of repair." Winchester also explored international contracts and went to Europe at the beginning of 1865. While there, he had Weber Ruesch of Zurich build a rifle along with a shotgun with another sliding magazine tube system and also made contact with representatives of the French government interested in purchasing improved Henry rifles. He also learned that Henry and Secretary Charles W. Nott of the New Haven Arms Co. were working to change the name of the New Haven Arms Company to the Henry Repeating Rifle Co. in his absence using a power of attorney he had arranged before he left the country. In response, Winchester rushed home, and he, his son William Wirt Winchester, and his business partner John M. Davies established the Winchester Arms Co. in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on July 1, 1865. In order to prevent Henry from interfering with the new company's production through legal action and to offer a superior product, the company set about creating a design that was sufficiently different from the original Henry rifle. Winchester already owned the factory and machinery in Bridgeport and so diverted them from the old company to his new company decreasing the production capability of the former company by half or more. They also hired Nelson King as their superintendent and set about preparing to manufacture improved Henry rifles. At the same time, Winchester and his allies remained the largest shareholders of the New Haven Arms Co./Henry Repeating Rifle Co., and Winchester was also the company's president. He and his allies ousted Nott and moved to consolidate control. Ultimately, Winchester was able to maneuver to buy out the company in 1866, and in early the following year combined the company with the Winchester Arms Co. to form the famous Winchester Repeating Arms Co. on April 1, 1867. The Henry rifle with improvements, most notably those of Nelson King, became the company's flagship model: the Winchester Model 1866. The rest, as they say, is history. In the complicated and messy genesis of the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. and the Model 1866, the current rifle was manufactured based directly on Oliver Winchester's input on how to improve the Henry rifle design. It offers a glimpse into what might have been an alternate route for the standard for loading lever action rifles. Unlike the Briggs design which has the magazine slide forward for loading, on the current rifle, the magazine is an enclosed, stationary tube and has a brass sliding cover with a small button on the right that releases it. Another example of this type is shown on pages 38 and 39 of "Winchester Repeating Arms Company: Its History & Development from 1865 to 1981" by Herbert G. Houze and noted as "Winchester's Improvement .44 caliber carbine of the type manufactured by the Winchester Arms Company from December 1865 through the early Spring of 1866, for Maximilian I of Mexico" and noted as in the Cody Firearms Museum. Houze also shows earlier examples with knurled covers of a similar basic design and notes them as examples submitted for trials in Europe in 1865. Designs like the present example are often lumped in with the "Briggs' improvement" rifles as the magazine tube design is similar to his design, and Houze notes that the work "paralleled Briggs' work." However, it was based on Winchester's proposal for an "open slot" at the magazine's "rear which could be exposed by a sliding metal fore end." On page 41, Houze notes that by November 1865, Oliver Winchester had returned to New Haven from Europe and the company decided to retain the Henry style receiver rather than use the Smith improvements and substituted the pressed brass forends like the current example in place of the steel forends. This design was never patented in the U.S. but is noted as protected via a William Clark patent (on Winchester's behalf) in England from December 19, 1865. Houze concluded that the lack of an American patent on the design suggests Winchester never intended to market this version in the U.S. However, they were shipped overseas, including 150 to Cuba on January 12, 1866, and others manufactured on a French contract and a small number were sold commercially before Winchester had completed the takeover of the New Haven Arms Co. He estimates that more than 700 may have been manufactured in total, mostly for the French contract. Despite this, they are very rarely seen and scarcely are made publicly available. This rifle utilizes a Henry receiver combined with a 24 inch round barrel and full-length fixed magazine tube secured by two barrel bands. At the rear where a forearm would later be standard, the magazine tube has the sliding brass cover noted above. There is a small round button on the right side that releases this brass "forearm" allowing it to slide forward. The magazine can then be loaded similar to a bottom fed slide action shotgun. It should be even easier to load with this system than a rifle with a loading gate. Once the magazine is closed, you slide the cover back, and it latches in place. The design is certainly stronger than the original Henry rifle loading system, and the fact that the brass cover fits tightly would have been helpful for keeping debris out of the magazine and action. It could have been easily further improved by mounting a wood forearm around the cover to reduce heat transfer to the shooter's hand and to provide more traction. Had Winchester not gone with King's design, this design could have become the standard for loading lever action firearms. The interior left tang, lower interior of the buttplate, and the stock inlet are all marked with the number "6." The magazine tube in the loading cutout and the rear of the brass cover are also marked with "6" (misidentified as "9" in the past). Aside from the 3 to 9 graduation marks on the rear sight ladder, there are no other visible markings. The trigger has a screw through the projection at the rear that keeps the trigger pull short. The barrel has a dovetailed blade front sight, and the narrow buttstock has a brass buttplate with compartment with four-piece cleaning rod.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Lot 14

Special Order Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1897 with standard two-line barrel address and caliber marking at the breech. The upper tang has the model designation and the lower tang is marked with the two-line patent dates and serial number. It is fitted with a Lyman beaded blade front sight and folding ladder/notch rear sight, as well as a special order half magazine. The left side of the lower tang is marked "140R" and the inlet of the replacement stock is marked "236" and may have been replaced when the rifle was returned to the factory in 1905. Sling swivel studs are mounted on the forearm cap and stock. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a special order, checkered, hard rubber, shotgun buttplate. The included Buffalo Bill Historical Center letter lists the rifle in .45-70 caliber with a 24 inch round barrel, plain trigger, half magazine, shotgun butt with rubber buttplate, and screw eyes when received at the warehouse 1 October, shipped the same day, and subsequently repaired and returned 29 September 1905.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-70 WCF

Price Realized:

Excellent, Special Order, Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Sporting Rifle with Factory Letter

Lot 17

Special Order Winchester Model 1873 Rifle

Winchester Model 1873 Sporting Rifle with Cody Firearms Records Office letter that describes this rifle as: "Type: Rifle, Caliber: 32, Barrel Type: Round, Trigger: Plain" and "1/2 Magazine". The letter states it was shipped from the Winchester Warehouse on September 16, 1887. The rifle has the Third Style receiver with integral dust cover guide rail and dust cover with serrated rear edges. The front of the receiver has the step found on 22, 32 and 38 caliber rifles. The 24-inch round barrel has a standard sporting style front sight with nickel-silver blade and buckhorn, sporting style rear sight with serrated edges and solid back. The half-magazine has a late style casehardened magazine cap held in place by the forend tip. The top of the barrel 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." head of the rear sight. "32 W.C.F." is roll-stamped on the top barrel flat between the rear sight and the receiver. "32 CAL" is roll-stamped in script across the brass cartridge elevator. "-MODEL 1873-" is roll-stamped on the upper tang in fancy script with foliate devices at either end of the marking, and the serial number is roll-stamped in script letters on the lower tang between the lever latch and the rear tang screw. The barrel, forearm tip, receiver and dust cover have a blue finish. The loading gate is a fiery niter blue. The magazine tip, hammer, trigger, lever and crescent buttplate are casehardened. The stock and forearm are straight grain American walnut with a high polish varnish finish.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 32 WCF

Price Realized:

Louis D. Nimschke’s Tour-De-Force, Signed Seven Times by the Masters Hand, Semi-Relief Panel Scene Engraved, and Monogrammed, Solid Silver Frame Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle Special Ordered for Presentation by President Jose Balta of Peru to President Mariano Melgarejo of Bolivia

Lot 18

L.D. Nimschke Engraved Silver Winchester Model 1866 Rifle

In our opinion, this rifle is unquestionably the most incredible and distinctive of all firearms engraved by legendary German-American Master Engraver L.D. Nimschke and certainly the most extravagant Winchester ever created. It features solid silver bands, solid silver mounts, and most extraordinarily: cast solid silver frame, carrier block, butt-plate and end cap. The elaborate engraving patterns from this rifle are immortalized over pages by smoke pulls in Nimschke's iconic pull book on pages 20 and 22. The pulls are dated 1868, and Nimschke's notes state "PERU. Engraved on solid Silver frame Henry's Patent Rifle." Nimschke also recorded the silver bands on the barrel and made smaller notes recording his work on the rifle. Under meticulous magnified study and comparison of the rifle and smoke pulls, every minute detail is identical including the placement of several conspicuous and inconspicuous signatures, with seven in total observed on the rifle. In his captions in "L.D. Nimschke: Firearms Engraver," R.L. Wilson notes it as "one of Nimschke's most striking masterpieces." He also notes the other coordinating monograms shown along with the engraving, were likely plaques on a case. On page 44 of "Winchester Engraving" by Wilson, he notes, "The Solid Silver Winchester, Model 1866 rifle, deluxe engraved by L.D. Nimschke and fully documented in the Nimschke scrapbook. A unique example of custom gunmaking at its most exquisite and exclusive level.” Unquestionably Nimschke himself regarded this rifle as the finest and most deluxe and significant of all his guns. So proud was he that he signed it seven times, including on the bottom of the frame...Made as a presentation from the president of Peru, Jose Balta, to the president of Bolivia, Mariano Melgarejo. The frame, forend, buttplate, and carrier block are all of solid silver, believed to have been supplied to Winchester from the rich mines of Peru." The rifle is also featured on the dust jacket cover and opposite of one of the title pages of the same publication and on page 33 of "Winchester: An American Legend" also by R.L. Wilson. In addition to Wilson's books, this rifle is featured and discussed on pages 356-357 of "Winchester Repeating Arms Company: Its History and Development from 1865 to 1981" by Herbert Houze, and singularly on a page in “Steel Canvas”. A cased privately printed text on the rifle titled "The Solid Silver Winchester Deluxe Engraved by L.D. Nimschke and Fully Documented in the Book L.D. Nimschke Firearms Engraver..." from Wilson is also included and includes photographs of the rifle, copies of relevant pages from Wilson's publications, and more. On the cover he notes it is "a unique masterpiece of an American gunmaker with a combination of features found on no other gun. Signed by the engraver more times than any other gun in his 50 year career." Inside, Wilson reiterates some the same points as in his publications discussed above and notes "the Solid Silver Winchester - only solid silver Winchester ever built - stands unquestionably as one of the premier firearms in the history of American gunmaking. The ultimate in fine guns are those which feature a combination of history, craftsmanship and artistry, mechanical superiority and romance. The Solid Silver Winchester excels in all of these comprehensive themes." He then breaks down how this rifle is exceptional in each of those categories. Among the peculiar details he points out aside from Nimschke's incredible work, the history, and immense rarity of the silver construction is the lack of serial number which he notes "makes the Rifle even more important, and rare." He also discusses his plans to include the rifle prominently in an expanded edition of "L.D. Nimschke: Firearms Engraver" with Dr. Richard Marohn along with "The Art of American Arms." He concludes, "It is the writer's firm opinion that the Solid Silver Winchester Model 1866 Rifle ranks as a unique example of the per-eminent position of American gun making in the 19th century. This is not only a masterpiece of the work of Nimschke, but also a triumph of American ingenuity as the world leader in combining the perfection of the factory with the perfection of the hand craftsman. It is the decorative artist sharing his talents with the masters of the American system of manufacture. With the magic of the name Winchester, the distinction and artistry of the engraver Nimschke, the historical identification of the distinguished donor and recipient, the solid silver parts, the uniquely extensive signatures of the engraver, and more: the SOLID SILVER WINCHESTER is worthy of the most distinguished museum or private collection - and is, indeed, an arms collection unto itself." The most prominent signature is "L.D. NIMSCHKE ENG. NY." signed in the scroll engraving on the bottom of the frame between the cartridge elevator and lever. Wilson notes this as the longest inscription on a Nimschke engraved firearm. The barrel, profusely engraved at the muzzle and the breech is double signed "L.D.N." to both the left, and right of the rear sight. Additional more discreet "LN" or ""N" signatures are found on the bottom of the forend cap, right side of the frame, left side plate at the left edge of the scene, and rear of the lever. The left side of the frame has the "MM" monogram for Mariano Melgarejo, and the left side of the butt-stock has an inlaid plaque with scroll engraving and what appears to be a double “LDN” monogram that can be read horizontally from top to bottom, regardless if the shooter is left or right handed. Wilson also notes that this may actually be a double "LDN" monogram. The blued barrel has double silver bands at both the muzzle and breech, panels of scroll engraving, twist patterns, borders, interesting panels on the sides with figure 8 designs along with stars and floral blooms, and an arrow along the top ahead of the notch and folding ladder rear sight with "HENRY'S PATENT- OCT. 16. 1860." and "KING'S PATENT- MARCH 29. 1866" hand inscribed to either side. The silver action also features primarily Nimschke's iconic Germanic scroll and floral engraving. The left side plate has a fantastic scene of a pair of dogs subduing a stag. The right side has a disgorging bestial face inhabiting the scrollwork at the front, and the right side plate has an open panel with a floral bloom at the bottom. The casehardened hammer has a winged beast design with a snout like an alligator or crocodile on both sides, and the casehardened lever features scrollwork, border designs, a checkered panel, and floral accents. The silver forend cap and buttplate have scroll engraving, floral designs, and attractive borders. The loading gate and screws are niter blue, with all screw-heads engraved. The latter mainly have floral blooms designs. Even the lever catch is engraved, including along the narrow edge as is the countered lever prominently signed with an "N". Other than its solid silver components, the lever itself is probably the most unusual feature, being custom hand-forged to a shape never previously found on any Winchester Rifle, fashioned into a flat and gracefully widening form around the trigger, engraved en-suite. The deluxe stock and forearm are varnished walnut, and the butt has fine figure. A silver Winchester Model 1866 would have been a particularly well-suited presentation piece for exchange between two South American dictators, particularly a presentation from the Peruvian president to the Bolivian president. Silver has been mined and used by human beings since antiquity and has been a particularly important natural resource in Central and South America for centuries. Under the Spanish Empire, Mexico, Bolivia, and Peru accounted for more than 85% of the entire world's silver supply, and they continued to be major sources of silver after independence despite excessive political and civil turmoil. Today, Peru remains the world leader in silver production and accounts for nearly 20% of the entire world's production. Following the American Civil War, American firearms manufacturers looked to the various now independent countries of Central and South America for markets to sell their wares, and the often corrupt military and political leaders of these countries also ordered or received many high end Winchesters. The Winchester Model 1866 was very popular in the region. Mariano Melgarejo (1820-1871) was the president of Bolivia from 1864 to 1871 after serving in the Bolivian military and participating in multiple coups and rebellions against prior Bolivian leaders. After a rebellion in late 1870 and early 1871 involving the country's indigenous population, he fell from power in a coup in January 1871 and fled to Peru. In the included text, Wilson notes that Melgarejo also owned a fine pair of Colt Model 1860 Army revolvers engraved by Nimschke and fitted with Tiffany grips that were presented by Jose Balta and have "BALTA-MELGAREJO" on the case lid (see L.D. Nimschke: Firearms Engraver, pages 2 and 3). Jose Balta (1814-1872), like Melgarejo, was a soldier who became president after participating in coups against the country's prior leaders and was a corrupt leader. He was prime minister of Peru in 1868-1871 and was elected president in 1868 and planned to step down after the elections of 1871 to allow Peru's first civilian president to take power. However, in July 1872, Defense Minister Colonel Tomas Gutierrez and his brothers organized a coup and arrested Balta and proclaimed Gutierrez "General of the Army and Supreme Head of the Republic" on July 22nd. Exactly who then ordered the execution of Balta is not clear, but it is believed to have either been Tomas Gutierrez or his brother Marceliano. Balta was shot in his bed. RIA auctioned Balta’s French presentation combination pinfire revolver/dagger in 2012.In our opinion and that of other experts, with its major components fashioned from solid silver and exhibiting a one of a kind forged lever, this is unquestionably the rarest Winchester in the world.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Henry RF

Price Realized:

Documented Antique Winchester Deluxe Model 1895 Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter

Lot 21

Antique Winchester Deluxe Model 1895 Rifle

Manufactured in 1898 with the standard two-line address and patent dates on the left of the receiver, two-line nickel steel marking on the upper left of the barrel, caliber marking at the breech, trademark and model designation on the upper tang, and serial number on the lower tang. It is fitted with pinned German silver blade front, Marble rear dovetail filler, and a special order receiver mounted Lyman peep sight. Mounted with a finely figured checkered Schnabel tip forearm with contrasting insert and a straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. The included factory letter lists the rifle with a 26 inch barrel, fancy checkered stock, Lyman receiver and a flat sporting rear target sight (rear now replaced with Marble dovetail filler) when received at the warehouse on 12 April 1898 and shipped the same day to order number 6691.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 30 U.S.

Price Realized:

Exceptional, Rare Early Production Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1895 Flatside Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter

Lot 23

Winchester Deluxe Model 1895 Flatside Rifle

Offered here is one of the first 5,000 Winchester Model 1895s manufactured with the flat sided receiver. This is an outstanding deluxe variation, making this Model 1895 flatside rifle even rarer and more desirable. The accompanying factory letter lists this rifle as chambered in .30 caliber with checkered pistol grip stock and Lyman receiver and front sights. Per the factory letter, the rifle was received in the warehouse on August 5, 1897 and shipped the same day. The top of the barrel is stamped with the two-line New Haven address ahead of the rear sight and "30 U.S." at the breech. The model designation "WINCHESTER/MODEL 1895" is stamped on the upper tang. The patent dates are stamped on the trigger plate. The serial number is found on the lower tang. The rifle is fitted with a pinned blade front sight, an elevation adjustable rear sight, and a Lyman receiver peep sight mounted on the left side. The left side of the lower tang is marked "4186 CFSRB." The assembly number "4186" along with "95" is stamped on the stock inlet. Mounted with a checkered Schnabel tip forearm with ebony insert and pistol grip stock with hard rubber Winchester grip cap and hard rubber Winchester checkered shotgun buttplate. According to Winchester expert and author George Madis, a total of 286 Model 1895s were originally manufactured with a pistol grip stock, which was "offered for this model for only a short time," and about 387 Model 1895s featured checkered or carved stocks (see "The Winchester Book", pages 460 and 463). Higher grade finishes "will be found less often on the Model 95 than on other models," continued Madis, "partly due to the fact that it was a higher-power arm intended for the more rugged hunting." These deluxe flatside rifles certainly make for a rare Model 1895 configuration, and this example is one of the finest we have cataloged.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 30 U.S.

Price Realized:

Engraved Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine

Lot 25

Engraved Winchester Model 1866 Carbine

Manufactured in 1876. The receiver is decorated with broad floral scrollwork on a punch dot background. Amongst the scrollwork on the right side is a blank inscription panel, and the centerpiece to the left side is a standing buck game scene in a circular panel. Additional scrollwork appears on the buttplate tang and cartridge elevator. The receiver engraving is comparable to the panel scene featured on a musket Model 1866 no. 134957 pictured in R.L. Wilson's "Winchester Engraving" on page 93 and George Madis' "The Winchester Book" on page 82. The placement, scroll size and scroll and border detail are indicative of patterns attributed to Ulrich. See, for example, page 95 of Wilson's "Winchester Engraving" where a Model 1866 musket no. 128445 features near identical scrollwork and borders as found on this carbine. Wilson attributes the embellishment decorating no. 128445 to Ulrich. Since production of the Model 1866 overlapped with the Model 1873, you will also find striking similarities to embellishments that appeared on both models. This Model 1866 carbine is a third model with the serial number stamped in block numerals behind the trigger and the distinctive curved receiver shape at the rear of the frame. The top of the barrel is stamped with the two-line Winchester New Haven address/King's patent marking ahead of the rear sight. The carbine has a front sight integral to the front band, a two leaf rear sight, a saddle ring mounted on the left side of the receiver and a carbine stock with trapdoor buttplate containing a three piece cleaning rod.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 RF

Price Realized:

Documented Special Order Factory Engraved Deluxe Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter

Lot 27

Special Order Factory Engraved Deluxe Winchester 1873 Rifle

The factory letter lists this beautiful special order deluxe Winchester Model 1873 rifle with 1/2 octagon barrel, set trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, 1/2 magazine, casehardened finish, and engraving when received in the warehouse on November 21, 1884, and shipped the same day in order 16873. The engraving consists of a circular scene of a stag with three birds overhead and trees and foliage in the background, lined borders, and scroll engraving with floral accents, and the engraving extends to flourishes on the elevator and buttplate tang. The engraving is consistent other Winchesters factory engraved by the Ulrichs in this period, including multiple examples shown on page 93 of "Winchester Engraving" by R.L. Wilson. This third model rifle also features a German silver blade front sight, adjustable sporting rear sight, the two-line address and King's improvement patent marking ahead of the rear sight, "44 CAL" in italics on top at the breech and on the cartridge elevator, and adjustable single set trigger, the serial number and "A" on the lower tang, "5598" and "XXX" on the left side of the lower tang, "S" and "5598" in the upper tang mortise of the stock, "5598" on the toe of the buttplate, beautifully figured XXX fancy walnut pistol grip stock and forearm with Style H checkering and contrasting grip insert, a casehardened crescent buttplate with trapdoor, and a take-down cleaning rod in the stock compartment.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Price Realized:

U.S. Inspected Civil War New Haven Arms Co. Henry Lever Action Rifle with Incredibly Scarce Telescopic Sight

Lot 31

U.S. Civil War New Haven Arms Co. Henry Rifle with Scope

The U.S. Ordnance Department only purchased an estimated 1,731 Henry rifles between April 9, 1863, and November 7, 1865, for use by Union soldiers during the Civil War. Many others are known to have been privately purchased and used by Union troops who wanted the most advanced firearms they could get their hands on. Repeating rifles like the Henry and Spencer were a force multiplier for Union troops. Period advertisements in newspapers during the Civil War gave a rate of fire of 60 shots per minute and called the Henry rifle "the best ever offered to the public." Many veterans spent their reenlistment bounties to get their hands on one of these potentially life saving rifles. They were considerably rarer than the Spencer rifles and carbines that were the main repeaters supplied by the Ordnance Department during the war, in part because production of the Henry rifles was somewhat limited and also because the Henry was more delicate than a Spencer and fired a less powerful cartridge. This is an incredibly rare Civil War U.S. Type 1 Henry rifle manufactured c. 1863. Les Quick in "The Story of Benjamin Tyler Henry and His Famed Repeating Rifle" on page 146 estimates that only 800 of these Type 1 U.S. contract Henry rifles were ordered. Many of these rifles were used by the 1st D.C. Cavalry and subsequently the 1st Maine Cavalry. On page 125, Quick notes that telescopic sights (scopes) are extremely rare on Henry rifles, and that correspondence from the factory indicated they had plans to equip some Henry with telescope sights. George Madis, in the "The Winchester Book," indicated this correspondence was a Nov. 17, 1863, dated letter from Oliver F. Winchester himself saying, “We intend to make both globe and telescope sight for our rifles. It will take a few weeks longer." This indicates that New Haven Arms Co. intended to make or have made telescopic sights for the Henry rifles. Very few Henry rifles have telescopic sights, and most have clearly after-market telescopic sights like those by Malcolm. The sight on this rifle is not marked and could be a New Haven Arms Co. product. Regardless, it is definitely of the period of manufacture. It is fitted via a brass mount in a dovetail at the front of the octagonal section of the barrel and a long screw into the upper tang that allows for elevation adjustment. The eye piece has a small aperture. While the cartridge was less powerful than the long range cartridges developed in the 19th century, Civil War advertisements for the Henry stated "it carries with force sufficient to kill at 1,000 yards." The rifle has period replacement "iron sights" consisting a copper blade front sight on the muzzle ring and a dovetailed "V" notch on the breech section. The right side of the frame has "H" (faint) and "C" inspection marks, and the right side of the barrel at the breech has a "C" and "C.G.C" (generally reported to be Ordnance Inspector Charles G. Chapman). The barrel and left side of the lower tang have the matching serial number. The rear of the loading gate and round section of the barrel under the loading gate have the assembly number "966." The refinished but period and original factory replacement stock is also fair and has thin cracks in the wrist, gaps around the tangs, mild dents and scratches, some small chips at the toe and corners, and a smooth oiled finish. The early rounded heel buttplate and buttplate screws are numbered "3670," and the stock number is not visible. The buttplate is also from a martially inspected Henry and has an "H" on the heel on the right. Given this, the stock was likely repaired in the field during the Civil War.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Henry RF

Price Realized:

Lot 35

Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. Lever Action Navy Pistol

This scarce Lever Action Navy pistol was manufactured by the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co., c. 1856. The pistol has the distinctive brass receiver, loading lever with finger hole and octagon barrel with full-length magazine. The .41 caliber barrel has the Type I profile with full rib, integral 10-shot magazine, crowned muzzle, rounded T-bar spring, nickel-silver cone front sight and steel, clam-shell shaped 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 top of the receiver has semi-circular cut-outs on either side of the ejection port and a dove-tail mounted fixed rear sight. The bolt has the first style single hook extractor. The hammer has hand-knurling on the spur. The pistol has two-piece walnut grips with flared butts. The right side of the lever, right side of the butt beneath the grip, and inside of both grips are stamped with the serial number. All of the visible serial numbers match. An "L" factory inspection mark is stamped on the left side of the lever and left side of the butt beneath the grip. The barrel and magazine are blued, the receiver is natural brass, the hammer and trigger are color casehardened and the cartridge elevator, bolt, loading lever and rear sight are fire blue. The grips have a varnished piano finish. The Volcanic Repeating Arms Co., manufactured approximately 1,500 Lever Action Navy pistols with eight-inch barrels between 1855 and 1857. Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 Volcanic

Price Realized:

Lot 36

Smith & Wesson No. 2 Type II Lever Action Repeating Pistol

This Large frame, .41 caliber, No. 2 Lever Action Repeating Pistol was manufactured by Smith & Wesson c. 1854. This pistol has the Type II features which include: (1) crowned muzzle, (2) rounded magazine lock T-bar spring and (3) two carrier block spring screws. The frame has the hump behind the hammer and the loading lever has a the finger spur found on No. 2 Type I pistols. The eight-inch, part round/part octagon barrel has an integral 10-shot magazine, nickel-silver, pinch top front sight blade and small steel, clam-shell magazine follower. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the "Inverted V" marking: "SMITH & WESSON/NORWICH CT." above "PATENT/CAST STEEL" in two lines. The steel receiver has square ejection port ends, a screw-fastened, notched rear sight, and hammer with fine, hand-cut, knurling. The two-piece rosewood grips have flared bottoms. The top and sides of the receiver, side plates, back strap and top of the hammer are decorated with the open scroll engraving that was standard on S&W No. 2 pistols. The serial number is stamped on the lower left side of the butt beneath the grips and on the inside of both grips. All of the visible serial numbers match. The barrel is browned. The steel receiver, loading lever, cartridge carrier, bolt, rear sight and trigger originally had a high polish blue finish. The hammer is color casehardened with muted case colors. The grips have a varnished piano finish. Smith & Wesson manufactured approximately 500 of the large frame .41 caliber lever action pistols. Surviving examples are very scarce. Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 Volcanic

Price Realized:

Lot 37

Antique Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Rifle

This virtually unused, antique Winchester Model 1892 Rifle was manufactured in 1893. These rugged Winchesters generally saw hard use, especially the early production rifles, which are almost never found in the exceptional condition that this example exhibits. This antique Model 1892 is mostly certainly a stand out piece that is deserving of the most advanced public or private collections. The top barrel flat is marked with the standard two-line address and "38 W.C.F." at the breech. The upper tang is marked with the three-line model/trademark/patent date marking, and the serial number is 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 crescent buttplate. The included factory letter confirms the configuration as well as receipt at the warehouse on 20 April 1893 and shipment on 6 May 1893 in order number 18255.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 38

Winchester Model 1876 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1883 as a third model with the integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrations at the rear, the Model 1876 was popular among those in the west that believed .44-40 wasn't quite enough stopping power for whatever they might encounter. The rifle is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight, an elevation adjustable rear sight (marked "76" on interior spring) and a folding peep sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line address/patent dates marking ahead of the rear sight. The rifle correctly lacks a caliber marking. Mounted with smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock fitted with a trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included).

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-75

Price Realized:

Documented Antique Special Order Winchester Model 1894 Lever Action Carbine with Factory Letter

Lot 39

Antique Special Order Winchester Model 1894 Carbine

Manufactured prior to 31 December 1898 (antique) and shipped in 1899. The included factory letter lists the carbine in .30 caliber with a plain trigger, pistol grip, half magazine, and shotgun butt when received at the warehouse on 11 April 1899, shipped 17 April 1899, and repaired and returned on 30 October 1900. It is fitted with pinned blade front, three-leaf rear, and Marble tang mounted peep sights. Sling swivel eyelets are mounted on the barrel band and bottom of the buttstock. Mounted with a smooth carbine style forearm and pistol grip stock with a hard rubber grip cap and smooth steel shotgun buttplate. Provenance: The Brandhorst Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 30 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 41

Antique Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1898 with the standard two-line address and caliber marking on the upper barrel flat, 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 "214 XX" and the stock inlet is marked "214", with a faint "6" in front of the "2". The barrel and magazine have been shortened to their current lengths. It is fitted with German silver blade front and elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sights. Mounted with a finely figured, "H" pattern checkered forearm and pistol grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38-56 WCF

Price Realized:

Antique Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with Casehardened Receiver Factory Reconfigured to Deluxe Carbine Configuration with Factory Letter

Lot 42

Antique Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Carbine

The special order casehardened receiver was originally manufactured in 1883 and was likely originally paired with a rifle length barrel and matching, deluxe, rifle length forearm. The Winchester oval proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech indicate that the rifle was returned to the factory sometime after 1905, when it was likely refitted with this shorter 20 inch barrel, magazine, and carbine length gumwood forearm. The factory replacement barrel has the two-line address/patent dates and caliber marking offset on the upper left and is fitted with pinned German silver blade front and folding ladder rear sights. It is fitted with a single set trigger. The left side of the lower tang is marked "XXX 5049 R", with "5049" repeated in the stock inlet and inside the buttplate. The nicely figured, checkered, walnut pistol grip stock is fitted with a trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included). The included factory letter lists the rifle in .38 caliber with a half octagon barrel, set trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, half magazine, casehardened, and special sights and stock when received at the warehouse on 3 October 1883 and shipped the same day to order number 7337.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 WCF

Price Realized:

Fine U.S. Marked Winchester Model 1895 Lever Action Musket with Bayonet

Lot 43

U.S. Winchester Model 1895 Lever Action Musket

Manufactured in 1898. The top of the receiver has the "U.S." marking, and the left side of the hammer, the left side of the lever and the buttplate tang have the ordnance inspector's initials "KSM." The left side of the receiver has the three-line Winchester address/patent dates marking, and the upper tang has the two-line model marking. The musket is fitted with a pinned blade front sight, a folding ladder rear sight graduated from 8 to 18 and a bayonet lug on the underside of the front barrel band. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials are discreetly marked at the toe of the stock. The buttstock is fitted with a trapdoor buttplate. Includes a leather sling and a Winchester manufactured and marked bayonet with scabbard and leather frog. Initially 10,000 muskets were ordered under U.S. government contract. After issues with the first 100 rifles delivered, the balance of the contract was sold to a dealer in New York, who in turn, sold most to Cuba. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 30-40 Krag

Price Realized:

Lot 46

Antique Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle in .38-56 W.C.F

Manufactured in 1891. It has standard Winchester markings and is fitted with German silver blade front and elevation adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sights. Mounted with a smooth forearm straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38-56 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 47

Winchester Model 1876 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1888 as a Third Model with integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrations at the rear, the two-line Winchester address/King's patent marking and "40-60 W.C.F." on top of the barrel, model marking on the upper tang, "40-60" on the bottom of the cartridge elevator. Fitted with German silver blade front (installed backwards) and folding ladder rear sights. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included).

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 40-60 WCF

Price Realized:

Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action .44-40 Rifle

Lot 48

Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1888 as a third model with integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrations at the rear. The barrel has a dovetail blade front sight, an elevation adjustable rear sight, the two-line address/patent dates legend stamped ahead of the rear sight and "44 WCF" stamped at the breech. The upper tang has the model marking. "44 CAL" is marked on the cartridge elevator. The straight grip stock is fitted with a trapdoor buttplate (cleaning rod not included).

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 50

Winchester Model 1887 Lever Action Shotgun

Manufactured in 1891. Single bead sight on the barrel with a 2 7/8 inch chamber and choke measuring modified. Standard "WRACO" monogram on the left side of the casehardened receiver. Finely figured two-piece slab forend and pistol grip stock with checkered iron buttplate and 12 1/2 inch length of pull.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 10

Price Realized:

Special Order Factory Engraved Marlin Deluxe Model 1891 Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter

Lot 53

Factory Engraved Marlin Deluxe Model 1891 Rifle

Manufactured in 1892. The factory engraved receiver is decorated with fine scrollwork and scroll borders. Each side of the receiver is engraved with a game scene depicting a stag in a circular panel. Additional scrollwork appears on the barrel at the breech and buttplate tang. At the time this rifle was manufactured, Conrad Ulrich was the engraver for Marlin. The top of the barrel is matted and is stamped with the two-line address/patent dates legend. Marlin barrels were special ordered with a matted top to reduce glare. For the Model 1891, the part octagon/part round barrel was another special order feature. The rifle is fitted with a dovetail beaded blade front sight, a notch rear sight and a folding tang peep sight. The top of the receiver is marked "MARLIN SAFETY" surrounded by scrollwork. The serial number is located on the underside of the receiver. The barrel and magazine tube are blued. The receiver, hammer, lever and buttplate are plated in gold. The finish on the receiver and buttplate is gold over nickel. The highly figured walnut forearm and pistol grip stock feature multi-point checkering. The buttstock is fitted with a crescent buttplate. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 24 inch half octagon barrel in .22 caliber and pistol grip stock as well as stating the rifle was shipped April 13, 1892. Although the high end finishes are not confirmed by the factory letter, the engraving and deluxe checkered pistol grip stock are definitely factory. As noted Marlin expert William Brophy explained, "Unfortunately, the few remaining factory records do not, with any regularity, indicate if the gun was factory engraved or not."

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 22 RF

Price Realized:

Lot 54

Marlin Model 1881 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured from 1881 to 1892 with this example a Third Style featuring the two line address/patent date marking ending with "REISSUE NOV. 9. 1880". "40 CAL" is stamped on the top barrel flat at the breech. It is fitted with German silver blade and elevation adjustable sights. The hammer, lever, forend cap and buttplate are casehardened and the remaining surfaces are blue. Mounted on a nicely figured smooth forearm and straight grip stock.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 40-60 Marlin

Price Realized:

Deluxe Factory Engraved Colt New Line 41 Revolver with Pearl Grips

Lot 58

Factory Deluxe Engraved Colt New Line 41 Revolver

Manufactured in 1876 as a second model with long cylinder flutes and locking slots on the back of the cylinder. The revolver features near full coverage deluxe factory broad floral scroll engraving on a punch dot background. The profuse scrollwork makes for a striking work of firearms art that you would expect from a factory engraved piece. The scroll patterns suggest the engraving was done by Colt Master Engraver Cuno Helfricht or his shop. Helfricht was Colt's chief engraver from the late percussion era in the 1870s up to 1921 and personally designed, engraved, and/or oversaw the embellishment of some of the most historic Colt firearms in existence, including those owned by presidents Grover Cleveland and Theodore Roosevelt, General George S. Patton, and members of the Colt family. The top of the barrel has the two-line Hartford address inside a panel. The barrel and cylinder are numbered to the gun. The butt is marked "41 CAL." The caliber marking on New Lines is generally located on the left side of the lower frame strap but on this example the caliber marking was moved to the butt to accommodate the extensive factory engraving. The revolver is fitted with pearl grips.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 RF

Price Realized:

Lot 59

Colt New Line 30 Etched Panel Single Action Revolver

This particular Colt New Line was manufactured in 1875, the second year of production. Standard two-line address flanked by crosses on top of barrel, with the acid etched "COLT NEW 30" panel on the left side. Casehardened frame, blue barrel and cylinder. (scarce) "30 CAL" marked on the right upper frame just behind the recoil shield. Smooth varnished bird's head grips.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 30 RF

Price Realized:

Lot 60

Blue Finish Chicago Firearms Co. Protector Palm Pistol

Just under 13,000 of these palm pistols were manufactured by Chicago Firearms Co. in the 1890s, with only 1,000 in the 3700-5400 serial number range estimated to have blue finish like this example. The right side is marked "THE PROTECTOR PAT.MCH.6.83.AUG.29.93" in a circle at the center. The removable left side plate is marked "CHICAGO FIRE ARMS CO. CHICAGO, ILL" in a circle at the center and has a textured border. The matching serial number is marked on the inside of the frame, on the side plate, and on the cartridge block. It has a checkered hard rubber plunger pad and matching side plate inserts. Includes a green Chicago Firearms Co. factory box with white "THE IMPROVED PROTECTOR" label on the lid.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 32 XSRF

Price Realized:

Lot 61

Factory Engraved Colt No. 1 Derringer

Colt's No. 1 Derringer was manufactured from 1870 to 1890 after the purchase of the National Arms Company which had previously manufactured this model. It was first manufactured by Moore's Patent Firearms Co. in the first half of the 1860s. Colt called it their "No. 1 National Derringer." It has a rounded nickel-silver blade front sight, the two-line address and "No. 1" on top of the barrel, matching serial numbers on the barrel and butt, factory floral scroll engraving on the frame, "41 CAL" marked on the right side of the frame, and standard thumb print knurled panels for better grip. Includes consignor research related to the development history of the No. 1 Derringer.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 RF

Price Realized:

Outstanding Documented Cased Pair of Scarce L.D. Nimschke Engraved Gold and Silver Finished Brown Manufacturing Southerner Derringers with Pearl Grips -A) Brown Manufacturing Southerner Derringer

Lot Contains 2 Items

Lot 62

L.D. Nimschke Engraved Brown Manufacturing Southerner Derringers

Offered here is a scarce pair of L.D. Nimschke engraved gold and silver finished Brown Manufacturing Southerner Derringers fitted with pearl grips. These derringers were featured on the front cover of the August 1984 issue of "The Gun Report." This issue is included. A documented pair of Brown Southerner derringers (serial numbers 8428 and 8874) is pictured on page xxxiv in Wilson's book "L.D. Nimschke Firearms Engraver" and display a similar scroll engraving on a dot background. The scrollwork is featured on the sides of the frame and barrel. The embellishment surrounds the "BROWN MF'G CO/NEW BURYPORT, MASS./PAT APR. 9 1857" marking on the left side of the barrel. The upper left and right barrel flats exhibit a leaf type engraved motif. The top barrel flat is marked "SOUTHERNER" inside a wavy line border. The engraved patterns on the barrel feature a simple line border that terminates in an elegant entwining line motif with dots. At the muzzle are three differing engraved scalloped bands consisting of dots, lines and zig-zags. Scrollwork accents adorn the sides of the trigger housing and lower back strap. Additional engraved accents are featured around the hammer, back strap and butt. The serial number on the butt is surrounded by entwining lines on a dot background. Most of the back strap features a scallop border. The area around the hammer exhibits cross hatching, leaf and geometric patterns. The barrel pivots sideways to load, and there is an automatic extractor mounted on the underside of the barrel. It has a brass blade front, checkered hammer and smooth spur trigger. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the barrel and on the butt. The barrel is gold plated, the brass frame is silver plated, the hammer and trigger are casehardened, and the screw heads are niter blue. The case is lined in red velvet and has a cartridge block.

Documentation

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 RF

Price Realized:

Le Petit Protector Style "Le Petit Guardian" Ring Gun with Case

Lot 68

Le Petit Protector Style "Le Petit Gardian" Ring Gun

This is an example of a unique 19th century style custom made pinfire ring gun which was subsequently made by unknown parties in the 20th century. These ring pistols are oddities and appeal to collectors purely as conversation pieces. The band of the ring has a light floral type engraving and is marked "LE PETIT GARDIAN". This ring gun features a small hand rotated 5-shot pinfire cartridge cylinder that must be removed for loading/unloading. The pins of the cartridges are struck by the base of the hammer (any pinfire cartridge is obsolete). Includes an unmarked jewelry style case with cartridge block and one pinfire cartridge.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 4 mm pinfire

Price Realized:

Lot 69

Engraved Henry Deringer Percussion Pocket Pistol

Blade front and notch rear sights, with a pair of German silver bands bordering the breech and "DERINGER/PHILADELa" on top, and a "P" on the upper left. Flourishes of floral scroll engraving are present on the German silver and iron, including the lockplate which is also marked "DERINGER/PHILADEL". There is a blank German silver escutcheon on the wrist.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41

Price Realized:

Lot 70

Engraved Henry Deringer Percussion Pocket Pistol

The top barrel flat is marked "N. CURRY & BRo/SAN FRANCo CALa/AGENTS". Born in Ireland and operating in Philadelphia from 1837 to 1852, Charles Curry sold arms in San Francisco from 1852 until his death in 1863, becoming sole West Coast agent for Deringer in 1858, a position he left to his sons, Nathaniel and John (N. Curry & Bro.) Blade front and notch rear sights, with a pair of German silver bands bordering the breech and "DERINGER/PHILADELa" on top, and a "P" on the upper left. Flourishes of floral scroll engraving are present on the German silver and iron, including the lockplate which is also marked "DERINGER/PHILADEL". "EH" is marked on the wrist escutcheon.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Cased Engraved Robbins & Lawrence Co. Leonard's Patent Pepperbox Pistol

Lot 71

Engraved Robbins & Lawrence Co. Leonard Patent Pepperbox Pistol

Manufactured in the 1850s with bead and notch sights, "ROBBINS & LAWRENCE CO." on one rib, "WINDSOR. VT" on another rib, and "LEONARDS PATENT. 1849" on another rib. The frame and breech has scroll engraving. The barrel group unscrews for loading. Includes a fitted hardwood case Robbins & Lawrence powder flask, cap tin, and lead projectiles.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 28

Price Realized:

Lot 72

Engraved Henry Deringer Percussion Pocket Pistol

The top barrel flat is marked "C. CURRY/SAN FRANCo CALa/AGENT". Born in Ireland and operating in Philadelphia from 1837 to 1852, Charles Curry sold arms in San Francisco from 1852 until his death in 1863, becoming sole West Coast agent for Deringer in 1858, a position he left to his sons, Nathaniel and John (N. Curry & Bro.) Blade front and notch rear sights, with a pair of German silver bands bordering the breech and "DERINGER/PHILADEL" on top. Flourishes of floral scroll engraving are present on the German silver and iron, including the lockplate which is also marked "DERINGER/PHILADELa".

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41

Price Realized:

Lot 73

Engraved Henry Deringer Percussion Pocket Pistol

The top barrel flat is marked "N. CURRY & BRo/SAN FRANCo CALa/AGENTS". Born in Ireland and operating in Philadelphia from 1837 to 1852, Charles Curry sold arms in San Francisco from 1852 until his death in 1863, becoming sole West Coast agent for Deringer in 1858, a position he left to his sons, Nathaniel and John (N. Curry & Bro.) Blade front and notch rear sights, with a pair of German silver bands bordering the breech and "DERINGER/PHILADEL" on top. Flourishes of floral scroll engraving are present on the German silver and iron, including the lockplate which is also marked "DERINGER/PHILADELa".

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41

Price Realized:

Very Scarce Non-Engraved Casehardened and Blue Finished Remington-Rider Magazine Pistol

Lot 74

Non-Engraved Blued Remington-Rider Magazine Pistol

These small pistols allowed for more than double the capacity of Remington's famous double derringer in roughly the same overall size and are based on designs by Joseph Rider, one of Remington's principle engineers at the time. They were manufactured from 1871 to 1888. Most were factory engraved, making plain examples like this one much more difficult to find and thus particularly desirable. Adding to this pistol's desirability are blue and casehardened finishes (commonly nickel plated). This example has the two-line address and 1871 patent date marking on top of the barrel and is outfitted with the standard sights.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 32 XSRF

Price Realized:

Lot 76

E. Remington & Sons Thomas Patent Percussion Cane Gun

The Remington Cane Gun was designed by John F. Thomas, Remington's master mechanic. The percussion version is limited to the earliest of these arms around 1858-1866. Many of the estimated 500 percussion examples were also converted making original examples especially desirable. It has a period replacement handmade wood-like "L" shaped handle. The metal tip is marked "J.F. THOMAS/PATENT/FEB'Y 9 1858/REMINGTON & SON'S/ILION, N.Y./34". There are no markings by the button trigger. The overall length is 31 1/2 inches.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 31

Price Realized:

Lot 77

Lebeda Engineering LLC Percussion Ring Pistol

This interesting ring gun appears to be one of those manufactured by Francis Lebeda. The ring itself is of brass construction with the cylinder, bar trigger, and plunger of blued steel. Includes an extra cylinder and cylinder stop, matchbox style case, fake matches and a reproduction pouch of Durham Bull smoking tobacco. A very interesting piece that would instantly become a talking point of your collection.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 5 mm

Price Realized:

Lot 78

Lebeda Engineering LLC Pinfire Ring Pistol

This interesting ring gun was manufactured by Francis C. Lebeda. The ring itself is of brass construction with the cylinder, bar trigger, and plunger of blued steel. Includes a copper case with a pewter plaque on top to make it appear to be a mere can of Copenhagen chewing tobacco containing Three glass vials (one contains balls and another contains pellets). A plaque on the bottom of the case tells the family history of master gunsmith Francis C. Lebeda.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 5 mm

Price Realized:

Cased Lebeda Engineering LLC Percussion Ring Parlor and Saloon Pistol

Lot 79

Lebeda Engineering LLC Percussion Ring Pistol

This interesting ring pistol was designed and manufactured by master gunsmith Francis C. Lebeda. It uses a percussion system. The larger five-shot revolver cylinder is capable of firing a .240 caliber round ball using a number 209 primer. This ring pistol also features light engraving on the left side, bottom, and top. The included smaller revolver cylinder uses .177 caliber balls. Included is a brown fabric covered case. A plaque on the case has the family history of master gunsmith Francis C. Lebeda.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 24

Price Realized:

Lot 80

P.W. Porter Second Model Percussion Turret Rifle

Only around 350 to 400 of these second model rifles were manufactured in the 1850s by Parry W. Porter of Memphis, Tennessee, and New York City. The Second Model is identified by the serial number range of approximately 300-679 as well as the circular turret magazine cover. With most second models usually missing their magazine cover, this example has a professionally made replacement (serial number matching) turnscrew secured cover affixed. "ADDRESS/P.W. PORTER/NEW-YORK" and "P.W. PORTER'S/PATENT/1851" marked on the upper left barrel flat in reference to Porters patent number 8,210 of July 18, 1851. It has blade and notch sights offset to the left, a serpentine loading lever, smooth buttstock with standard rifle buttplate, and the matching serial number is marked on various components including the removable turret magazine. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a "crown/B-P" marked bayonet and a broken bayonet collar off of the right of the muzzle end of the gun. At the time of writing this description, no other examples of the limited surviving P.W. Porter rifles are known with a provision for mounting a bayonet. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 50

Price Realized:

Lot 81

Third Model P.W. Porter Percussion Turret Carbine

This is a Third Model carbine version of Parry W. Porter's distinctive turret rifles (approximately 680-1225 serial number range). This is an unusual example given the low serial number and the lack of Porter markings. It has off-set blade and notch sights, "6." on the bottom of the barrel and other components, a smooth buttstock with "AK" carved into the right side and a military style flat buttplate. A "GDM" stamp is marked at the toe. Includes a leather sling. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 50

Price Realized:

Lot 82

P.W. Porter Second Model Percussion Turret Rifle

Approximately 350-400 of these rifles were manufactured in 1850s. This one falls into the correct 300-679 serial number range and has "ADDRESS/P.W. PORTER/NEW=YORK" and "P.W. PORTER'S/PATENT./1851." on the upper left flat, a dovetailed blade front sight offset to the left, coordinating adjustable rear sight, serpentine loading lever, "429" on many of the various components, 9-shot turret, and smooth buttstock with steel buttplate. "GDM" is marked near the toe. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 50

Price Realized:

Lot 83

T.P. Cherington Miller Patent Pill-Lock Revolving Rifle

These distinctive American revolving rifles were manufactured circa 1835 to 1850 by several gunmakers based on the designs of John and James Miller. This rifle by Thomas Parker Cherington (1831-1913) of Catawissa, Columbia County, Pennsylvania, is built in the style of a classic American half-stock percussion rifle. The octagon barrel has a low dovetailed blade front sight and U-notch rear sight and is signed "T.P. CHERINGTON." A ramrod is fitted in the pipes on the under-rib, and the curly maple forend has a classic pewter cap. The buttstock is an especially attractive piece of curly maple and has brass furniture including a classic cap box on the right marked "TRYON/195" inside the lid.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 40

Price Realized:

Lot 90

Remington No. 1 Short Range Rolling Block Sporting Rifle

Manufactured from 1875 to 1890. The top barrel flat is marked "E. REMINGTON & SONS. ILION. N.Y." behind of the rear sight, the lower left side of the receiver is marked with the six line patent dates, and the matching serial number is marked on the lower tang and the bottom barrel flat under the forearm. The caliber designation "40 50" is marked on the bottom barrel flat ahead of the forearm. Folding combination globe front sight, adjustable sporting rear sight and a short range tang mounted peep sight. Blue barrel, niter blue hammer and breech block, and casehardened remaining parts. Mounted with a smooth walnut forearm with iron forend and straight grip stock with a carbine style buttplate.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 40-50

Price Realized:

Page 1 of 21