Premier Firearms Auction #85

May 13, 2022 to May 15, 2022

This auction has ended.

Premier Firearms Auction #85

May 13, 2022 to May 15, 2022

This auction has ended.

Page 1 of 13

Showing 1-50 of 605 results

Lot 1

Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle

The legendary Winchester Model 1866 or "improved Henry" was one of the earliest and most widely used repeating rifles in the American West and saw use in conflicts over land, gold, and other resources on the frontier in the second half of the 19th century in the hands of settlers, Native Americans, outlaws, lawmen, and hunters. It is the direct descendant of the Henry rifle and traces its lineage back to earlier repeaters like the Volcanic. This rifle was manufactured in 1870 as a third model with the serial number stamped in block numerals behind the trigger and the distinctive brass receiver has the more moderately curved shape at the rear when compared to the earlier first and second models. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Winchester New Haven address/King's improvement patent marking just ahead of the rear sight. The rifle is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and a non-factory period replacement fixed notched rear sight. Sling swivels are mounted on the underside of the brass forend cap and walnut stock. The brass buttplate contains a four piece cleaning rod.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 RF

Price Realized:

Lot 2

Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1876 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1883 as a special order deluxe third model with an integral dust cover rail and dust cover with finger grip serrations at the rear. The included factory letter confirms the octagon barrel, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, half magazine, shotgun buttplate and desirable casehardened receiver. The factory letter also states the rifle was received in the warehouse on September 10, 1883 and shipped the same day on order number 6883. The rifle appears to have been returned to the factory as the letter lists a second shipping date, December 27, 1892 on order number 12112. The rifle is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight, an "1876" marked folding ladder rear sight, Marble folding tang peep sight, and a half length magazine tube. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line address/patent dates legend ahead of the rear sight. The lower tang has the serial number. The rifle correctly lacks a caliber marking. The receiver is casehardened. The checkered forearm and pistol grip stock are deluxe "XXX" walnut. The pistol grip has an ebony insert, and the buttstock is fitted with a smooth steel shotgun style buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is stamped "XXX 535 S." The matching assembly number "535" along with the letter "P" appears on the stock inlet. The larger caliber Winchester Model 1876 was popular among those in the west that believed .44-40 wasn't quite enough stopping power for whatever they might encounter.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-75

Price Realized:

Very Fine, Documented Special Order Antique Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Takedown Rifle

Lot 3

Special Order Winchester Model 1892 Takedown Rifle

This is a scarce special order takedown variation of the Winchester Model 1892 with plain fancy wood as manufactured in 1893. The rifle is also in well above average condition for an antique Model 1892. The Model 1892 was one of Winchester's most popular lever actions. Early production examples of this working man's rifle surviving in high condition, let alone an example with extra features such as offered here, are becoming increasingly difficult to find, and when found are highly prized by today's collectors. The rifle is equipped with a dovetail blade front sight and an elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line New Haven address legend ahead of the rear sight and the caliber designation "32 WCF" at the breech. The upper tang has the three-line model/patent marking. The underside of the receiver carries the serial number. The un-checkered forearm and straight grip stock are select grade walnut. The buttstock is fitted with a crescent buttplate. Includes a copy of George Gamble and R.L. Wilson's "A Life's Tapestry of a Collector, The Gamble Collection" where this rifle is pictured and identified on pages 404-405. Provenance: The George F. Gamble Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 32 WCF

Price Realized:

Extremely Rare Factory Engraved New Haven Arms Volcanic Lever Action Carbine with Desirable/Scarce 25 Inch Barrel

Lot 5

New Haven Arms Volcanic Carbine with 25 Inch Barrel

This Volcanic lever action carbine was manufactured by the New Haven Arms Co., c. 1858-59. The carbine has the extremely rare, 25-inch barrel with integral 30-shot magazine. Reportedly, twenty carbines with 25-inch barrels have been identified by collectors (these are sought after due to compatibility on rifle rack with Henry rifles). The carbine has the distinctive brass receiver and crescent buttplate with standard factory scroll and leaf engraving and extra cost silver-plated finish. The barrel/magazine was originally blued and the straight grain walnut stock has a high polish piano finish. The top barrel flat is stamped with the New Haven Arms Company markings: "NEWHAVEN CONN. PATENT FEB. 14.1854" in one line. The serial number is stamped on the lower left side of the receiver tang, on the stock comb beneath the buttplate, on the inside of the buttplate heel and on the shanks of both hand-fitted buttplate screws. All of the visible serial numbers match. The Type III barrel has a nickel-silver front sight, rounded T-bar spring and small brass magazine follower. The receiver has oval cut-outs on the front and back end of the ejection port and is fitted with a dove-tail mounted rear sight with elevation wheel absent. The bolt has a single hook extractor. The hammer has a hand-knurled spur. The top of the receiver and tang, the receiver sides, sideplates, and buttplate heel are decorated with open scroll and leaf factory engraving with dash borders, which was standard on New Haven Arms lever action carbines. The engraving is simple but well executed.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 Volcanic

Price Realized:

Rare and Significant Factory Engraved Robbins & Lawrence First Model Smith-Jennings Repeating Rifle with Automatic Pill Primer

Lot 6

First Model Smith-Jennings Repeating Rifle with Automatic Primer

This was Horace Smith's (later Smith & Wesson) improvement on the Jennings "Rocket Ball" rifle. He was issued a U.S. patent in 1851 for an improved action and the repeating rifle was manufactured by Robbins & Lawrence. Offered here is one of less than 500 first models manufactured in 1851. Features blade front and notch rear sights, seven-groove rifling, front loading tubular magazine mounted underneath the barrel, automatic pill primer operated by the ring trigger which connects to a rack and pinion mechanism, and light floral engraving on the receiver, hammer and buttplate tang. "ROBBINS & LAWRENCE/MAKERS/WINDSOR VT" and "C. P. DIXON AGENT/NEW YORK/PATENTED 1849" marked on the left of the receiver in reference to Lewis Jennings 1849 dated U.S. patent. Serial number "108" marked on the lower tang. Blank German silver oval plaque on the left of the buttstock. The Jennings and the Smith-Jennings rifles are important in the evolution of Winchester, having brought together the talents of Benjamin Tyler Henry (who later played a major role in the development of the rifle and ammunition for Volcanic, New Haven and Winchester Arms companies), and Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson (later Smith & Wesson, whose efforts ultimately led to historic developments in the lever action repeating firearms). The Jennings and Smith-Jennings rifles were properly classified by a detailed study in "Evolution of the Winchester" by R.B. McDowell. The majority of these Smith-Jennings repeating rifles were converted to single shot with a ramrod in place of the magazine tube, with this example remaining unconverted and in its original repeating configuration; making it far more rare and desirable than the few surviving examples left today!

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 54

Price Realized:

Lot 7

Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine

Offered here is a solid representative example of a Winchester Model 1866 Carbine as manufactured in 1874. It is a third model with the serial number marked in block numerals behind the trigger, flared frame to meet forend, and the curved frame profile in the hammer area as more pronounced than as seen in the first and second models. Other features include a saddle ring on the left side of the receiver, brass trapdoor buttplate containing a three-piece cleaning rod. barrel band with integral front sight, first style carbine folding leaf sight, and threaded magazine tube cap. The top of the barrel has the two-line Winchester New Haven address/King's improvement patent dates legend ahead of the rear sight. The Winchester inspection mark "LS" is stamped behind the serial number. A small "&" is stamped just ahead of the lever catch. The barrel, barrel bands and magazine tube are blue. The loading gate is nitre blue. The hammer and lever have a casehardened finish. The plain forearm and straight grip stock are walnut. The '66 secured Winchester's place in the annals of the West and launched a long line of successful Winchester lever actions that remain popular to this day and still retain the basic form of the '66. It 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 and is the direct descendant of the Henry rifle and traces its lineage back to earlier repeaters like the Smith-Jennings and Volcanic.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 RF

Price Realized:

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

Lot 10

Antique Winchester Model 1892 Rifle in .44 W.C.F.

Manufactured in 1901 (1898 per the manufacturer). This Model 1892 Carbine is chambered in .44 WCF and is in well above average condition, making for a highly desirable Winchester collectible. The carbine is fitted with a pinned blade front sight, a folding ladder rear sight, and a saddle ring on the left side of the receiver. The top of the barrel is stamped with the two-line address marking ahead of the rear sight and "44 W.C.F." at the breech. The upper tang has the three-line model/patent date information. The serial number is stamped on the underside of the receiver.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 WCF

Price Realized:

Iconic and Outstanding First Model New Haven Arms Co. Henry Lever Action Rifle

Lot 13

Early Production New Haven Arms Co. Henry Lever Action Rifle

This early Henry Repeating Rifle was manufactured by Oliver Winchester's New Haven Arms Co. c. 1862, believed to be the first true year of production, and remains in outstanding original condition. It is certainly one of the finest standard Henry rifles in existence today. The New Haven Arms Co. manufactured approximately 1,300 Henry rifles in 1862 as Oliver Winchester struggled to build a market and production capabilities for his advanced 15-shot repeating rifle. The Henry became very popular with Union soldiers who could get their hands on one, and experts believe that most Henry rifles manufactured between 1862 and 1865 were purchased by individual soldiers and saw some Civil War service. The Henry was particularly popular with Midwest troops, and many are believed to have been purchased with reenlistment bounties in 1864 by veterans who signed back on to see the war to its conclusion. The rifle has the distinctive gunmetal "brass" frame and crescent buttplate, a blued barrel and tubular magazine, and color casehardened hammer, trigger, and lever. The straight grain, black walnut stock has a high gloss varnish. The rifle has the distinctive early features which include: alternate rear sight dovetail on the frame, buttplate with rounded heel, the first style notch and ladder rear sight with "100" yard marking on the base and "1000" yard marking on the top of the ladder below the center notch, the first style "half moon" nickel-silver blade front sight, the early small magazine cartridge follower, the corresponding straight follower cut in the frame for the small cartridge follower, "perch-belly" shaped buttstock, and an original four-piece hickory cleaning rod in the stock compartment.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Henry RF

Price Realized:

Extremely Rare and Documented Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Spanish Model Musket with Factory Letter

Lot 14

Winchester Model 1873 Spanish Model Musket

This rare Winchester Model 1873 is one of only 84 Spanish muskets manufactured. This musket is illustrated on pages 507 and 508 within the chapter "Model 1873 Spanish Carbines & Muskets" in the book "Winchester's New Model of 1873: A Tribute, Volume II" by James Gordon. On page 511, Gordon indicates this musket was sold on April 18, 1879, in order 14,082. One of these muskets is part of the collection of the Rock Island Arsenal Museum and was reported to have been collected from Native Americans after the Battle of Little Bighorn and was part of the same order. Gordon notes, "Surviving Model 1873 Spanish Model muskets and carbines are exceedingly rare. Extensive research involving museums and collections, as well as related publications, has revealed only five muskets and three carbines of this style, and about half of these are in museums. This does not provide today's collectors with much hope of acquiring an example of this variation." The design changes were made at the request of F. d'Suzanne as representative of the Spanish government working with Winchester's representative Emmett Addis and consist of a solid buttplate, no lever catch, no projection on the lever for the latch, enlarged loading cutout for easier reloading, single barrel band with exposed band spring and sling swivel, forearm cap that covers the end of the magazine tube, and a cleaning rod that fits through a loop on the cap on the left side and is exposed until it meets the barrel band. The block mounted blade front sight doubles as the lug for a socket bayonet (not included). The two-line address and King's improvement patent marking is marked ahead of the notch and folding ladder rear sight. The frame has the Second Model screw-fastened dust cover guide rail and the thumb print dust cover. The upper tang has "Model. 1873." The lower tang has the serial number in script. The second sling swivel is fitted on the bottom of the buttstock. The included factory letter confirms this musket as a "Spanish model" with angular bayonet (not included) when received in the warehouse on April 18, 1879 and shipped the same day.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 43 Spanish

Price Realized:

Exceptionally Fine, Documented, Antique, Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1894 Lever Action Takedown Rifle with Factory Letter

Lot 15

Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1894 Rifle

This incredible and rare antique Winchester Model 1894 letters as having had its serial number applied on December 10, 1897, confirming its desirable antique status and is listed as a takedown rifle in .30 caliber with a round barrel, plain trigger, and checkered pistol grip stock with rubber shotgun buttplate and oil finish and was received in the warehouse on January 22, 1898, and shipped out on January 24, 1898, in order number 2311. It has a King's beaded blade "reflector" front sight. three-leaf express rear sight with platinum sight lines, the standard two-line address on top of the barrel, the three-line model/trademark/patent dates on the upper tang, and the serial number on the bottom of the receiver. The left side of the lower tang is marked "5105 S OF", and "5105" is repeated in pencil in the upper tang inlet of the stock and is stamped on the butt of the stock under the buttplate. It is mounted with a finely figured, H-pattern checkered, forearm and pistol grip stock with a hard rubber shotgun buttplate. While over 7.5 million Winchester Model 1894s have been made making them one of the most popular firearms of all time, less than 60,000 were made before 1899, only a small percentage of those were special order deluxe rifles like this beautiful rifle, and of course an even smaller number of these antique deluxe rifles still remain in exceptionally fine condition for todays collectors.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 30 WCF

Price Realized:

Extremely Rare Documented Winchester "One of One Hundred" Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter and 1878 Inscription Identified as the Last of the One of One Hundred 1873 Rifles

Lot 16

Winchester "One of One Hundred" Model 1873 Rifle

This is an extremely rare example of an original Winchester "One of One Hundred" First Model 1873 rifle with a Cody Firearms Museum letter. Winchester manufactured a total of just eight "One of One Hundred" Model 1873 rifles. Six of these rifles are reportedly known to collectors. The Model 1873 "One of One Hundred" rifles were announced by Winchester in 1875 and were shipped from the factory between April 1876 and April 1878. This rifle was the last "One of One Hundred" Model 1873 rifle shipped from Winchester on April 16, 1878. This rifle is illustrated and described on pages 113-118 of "The Story of the Winchester 1 of 1000 and 1 of 100 Rifles" by Edmund E. Lewis. He notes that it was the last 1 of 100 rifle manufactured and seems to get some minor details mixed up with the rifle above it which he notes was believed to have been carried by "R.H. Hapburn" [sic] on the "Collins exploratory expedition to the Amazon and Madeira Rivers of South America in 1878." The elevator is marked with Robert Hopewell Hepburn's initials and "1878" suggesting that this was actually the rifle he was discussing. Hepburn (1850-1944) was an engineer and graduate of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) in 1871. He participated in the failed 1878 Madeira-Mamore Railway Expedition during which he is reported to have been in charge of surveys and transporting materials by tug boat from Para, Brazil. Some of the men on the expedition, particularly those of higher rank, are documented as carrying rifles. He wrote an unpublished account about the expedition titled: "Transportation on the Amazon and Madeira Rivers with The Disastrous American Expedition of 1878.” The "Collins Expedition" was the beginning of an attempt to connect Bolivia to the Atlantic Ocean by constructing a railroad from the Bolivian border into Brazil along the Mamore and Madeira Rivers. Some of the men on the Collins Brothers' expedition were killed by native people and many others suffered from scurvy, dysentery, and other medical ailments. Reports indicate one out of every four men brought to work on the railroad under the Collin Bros. from the U.S. perished. Hepburn's own account notes that only 26 of the original 54 engineers survived. The attempt was abandoned for financial reasons. Thousands of men died (6,000+) working on the subsequent construction of the railroad in 1907-1912 due to tropical disease and violence leading to it being nicknamed the Devil's Railroad. The Cody Museum letter describes "Model 1873, serial number 27179" as: "Type: Rifle, Barrel Type: Octagon, Barrel Length: 26 inches, Trigger: Set, Checkered stock, Casehardened" and "1 of 100". The letter states that this rifle was received in the Winchester warehouse on August 16, 1877, and shipped on April 16, 1878. The rifle has the First Model receiver with dust cover retained by grooved guides. The top of the dust cover has the distinctive oval checkered finger grip. The full octagon barrel and full-length magazine have a blue finish. The loading gate and trigger are nitre blue. The forearm cap, receiver, dust cover, hammer, lever and crescent buttplate are color casehardened. The stock and forearm are piano finished, fancy grade walnut with the first style factory checkering on the wrist and forearm. The top of the barrel is engraved "One of One Hundred" in script letters in a panel with scallop and dot borders located between the rear sight and the receiver. The inscription is surrounded by scroll and foliate engraving on a punch-dot background which extends to the barrel side flats. This style of inscription is found on all of the Model 1873 "One of One Hundred" rifles with octagon barrels. The top and sides of the barrel at the muzzle are engraved with identical scroll and foliate designs. The bottom of the brass cartridge elevator is engraved with a fancy entwined monogram "RHH" over the year "1878". The monogram is not noted in the Winchester ledger and was probably added after the rifle left the factory. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the two-line legend "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860." ahead of the rear sight. The serial number is engraved on the lower tang between the lever latch and upper tang screw hole. The barrel has a sporting style front sight with nickel silver blade and a buckhorn sporting rear sight with solid back and knurled edges. A Winchester folding graduated peep sight with fifty minute graduations is mounted on the receiver tang. Factory sling swivels are mounted on the forearm cap and stock. The receiver has a single set trigger. The hammer has impressed bordered knurling on the spur. The crescent buttplate has a sliding brass trapdoor, and the butt trap contains a four piece steel cleaning rod. Although less well known than the Winchester Model 1873 "One of One Thousand" rifles, the Model 1873 "One of One Hundred" rifles are far rarer and represent one of the most elusive variations of special order Winchester lever action rifles. Provenance: The Frank R. Sweet Collection; The Arnold M. Chernoff Collection; The Carl Press Collection; The Robert M. Lee Collection; The Gateway Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 WCF

Price Realized:

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

Lot 17

Factory Engraved New Haven Arms Company Volcanic Pistol

This Factory engraved Volcanic No. 1 Lever Action Pocket Pistol was manufactured by the New Haven Arms Company c. 1860. The pistol has a .31 caliber, four-inch, octagon barrel with integral six-shot magazine, brass frame and distinctive finger-hole loading lever. The barrel has a pinch-top front sight and the magazine has a clam-shell shaped brass follower. A fixed rear sight is mounted on the top of the frame. The ejection port has a semi-circular cut-out at the front and the bolt has a single hook extractor. The hammer has coarse hand knurling on the spur. The two-piece walnut grips have a varnished piano finish. The barrel, cartridge elevator, rear sight and bolt are blued. The hammer, trigger and lever are color casehardened and the frame has a natural brass finish. The top and sides of the receiver, back strap and side plates are decorated with the open, leaf and scroll factory engraving found on most New Haven Arms No.1 pistols. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the New Haven Arms Co., legend: "NEWHAVEN CONN. PATENT FEB. 14. 1854". The serial number is stamped on the left side of the butt beneath the grips and on the inside of both grips. All of the visible serial numbers match. New Haven Arms manufactured an estimated 850 No. 1 Lever Action Pocket Pistols between 1857 and 1861.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 31 Volcanic

Price Realized:

Lot 18

John Walch Ten Shot Double Hammers Pocket Percussion Revolver

This is one of approximately 2,000 brass variations of the Walch Double Hammer Revolver manufactured from 1860 to 1862 for John Walch and partner J.P. Lindsay by New Haven Arms Company. This scarce revolver fires ten shots from five chambers. The cylinder is twice as long, so that two loads can be put in the same chamber. There is a channel leading from the front load to the right nipple and the left nipple fires directly into the rear of the chamber. When the trigger is pulled, the right hammer drops, firing the front load, the trigger must be released before it can be pulled a second time to fire the rear load. The top barrel flat has the two line New York address/1859 patent date marking. The matching serial number is marked on the frame under the grip and on the cylinder pin. Brass cone front sight and a notch in the left hammer serves as the rear sight. Fitted with smooth varnished walnut grips. It is known that some of the Walch revolvers were privately purchased and carried by Union soldiers during the Civil War.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 31 percussion

Price Realized:

Rare Documented Factory Targeted, Silver Plated, Early Production, Raised Thumbprint Dust Cover Winchester First Model Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with 1874 Dated Inscription and Factory Letter

Lot 21

Factory Silver Plated Winchester First Model 1873 Rifle

Offered here is an early production Winchester Model 1873 Rifle, serial number 841 featuring a highly desirable and rare special order factory documented silver plated receiver with a raised thumbprint dust cover. The accompanying factory letter gives the Winchester records for this rifle as the following: "rifle," "24 inch octagon barrel," "silver plate," and "target-4" when received in the warehouse on April 16, 1874, and shipped on the same day along with one other rifle in the same configuration. The factory silver plated receiver is a rarely encountered special order feature for the Model 1873, especially on early first models, and features a period retailer applied inscription on the left side plate. This inscription reads, "HENRY W. FULLER/1874." A search for Henry W. Fuller uncovers a judge, an inventor holding patents related to equipment used in the textile industry, an Everhart Coal Co. director, a Norfolk County, Massachusetts lawyer, and a National Life Insurance Co. of Chicago director who was also of the wholesale druggists Fuller, Finch and Fuller. Although he remains unidentified at this time, this personalized special order factory plated Model 1873 certainly gives the impression Henry W. Fuller was a prominent member of society. The receiver also features the early production raised thumbprint dust cover held in place by two integral guides. Model 1873 expert and author James Gordon states the raised thumbprint "is seen from the beginning of production through the 2500 serial range." Surviving examples are rarely encountered. The rifle is fitted with a Lyman dovetail beaded blade front sight, an elevation adjustable rear sight correctly installed backwards and a folding tang peep sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Winchester New Haven address/King's improvement patents legend ahead of the rear sight. The rifle correctly lacks a caliber designation. The barrel and magazine tube are blued. The plain forearm and straight grip stock are walnut. The stock is fitted with a trapdoor buttplate containing a four-piece cleaning rod. The low 800 serial number range certainly has some very interesting Model 1873s. This early production Model 1873 Rifle is only 7 serial numbers away from the lowest recorded factory engraved Model 1873 rifle, no. 834, which we had the pleasure of selling at our April 2018 Premier Firearms Auction.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 22

Volcanic Repeating Arms Company Lever Action Navy Pistol

This Lever Action Navy pistol was manufactured by the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company c. 1856. The pistol has the distinctive brass frame, loading lever with finger hole and octagon barrel with integral magazine. The eight-inch, Type I, barrel has a full rib, ten-shot magazine, crowned muzzle, rounded T-bar spring, nickel-silver cone front sight and thick brass magazine follower. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the three-line legend: "THE VOLCANIC/REPEATING ARMS CO./PATENT NEW HAVEN CONN. FEB. 14. 1854". The plain brass receiver has semi-circular cut-outs on the front and rear of the ejection port, a dove-tail mounted rear sight, loading lever with finger hole, hammer with hand-cut knurling and two-piece walnut grips. An "X" factory inspection mark is stamped on the left side of the loading lever. The serial number is stamped on the right side of the loading lever, right side of the butt beneath the grip and on the inside of both grips. The barrel has commercial blue finish. The cartridge elevator, rear sight, bolt and hammer are fire blue and the hammer and trigger are color casehardened. The grips are varnished with high polish piano finish. The Volcanic Repeating Arms Co., manufactured approximately 1,500 Navy pistols with eight-inch barrels between 1855 and 1857. Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 Volcanic

Price Realized:

Lot 27

Winchester Deluxe Model 1876 .50 Express Lever Action Rifle

The .50-95 Winchester Express was the largest caliber available for the Model 1876 and proved popular with big and dangerous game hunters. Many Model 1876 rifles chambered for this powerful cartridge were shipped to England and then found their way to Africa and India where they were often employed against big cats. The Model 1876 in .50 Express was only produced in limited numbers, especially when compared to the smaller calibers. Today Model 1876 .50 Express Rifles are a highly sought after Winchester collectible. High condition examples are proving difficult to find. This high condition example is made even rarer and more desirable by being in deluxe configuration. This rifle was manufactured in 1883. The barrel is fitted with dovetail blade and elevation adjustable rear sights and is stamped with the two-line New Haven/King's improvement patent dates legend ahead of the rear sight and "50-CAL" at the breech. The third model receiver features an integral dust cover rail, dust cover with finger grip serrations at the rear, special order set trigger, and desirable casehardened finish. The dust cover is marked "WINCHESTER EXPRESS/.50 CAL 95 GRS." The cartridge elevator is marked "50-95." The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1876." The lower tang has the serial number below the lever catch. The barrel, magazine and dust cover are blued. The loading gate has a nitre blue finish. The remaining metal surfaces are casehardened. The checkered forearm and pistol grip stock are deluxe "XX" walnut. The pistol grip has a horn insert. The stock is fitted with a crescent steel trapdoor buttplate (cleaning rod not included). The left side of the lower tang is marked "XX 1615 R." The assembly number "1615" is repeated on the stock inlet which is also marked with the letter "S." "1615" is also on the buttplate. The accompanying factory letter lists this rifle with an octagon barrel chambered in "express" caliber, set trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, and casehardened receiver. The letter also states the rifle was received in the warehouse on May 3, 1883 and shipped the same day.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 50-95 Express

Price Realized:

Lot 28

Factory Engraved New Haven Arms Company Henry Lever Action Rifle

This Factory engraved Henry lever action rifle was manufactured by the New Haven Arms Company c. April 1863. This rifle is decorated with the detailed scroll and border scroll work found on early New Haven Arms Co., factory engraved Henry rifles. The receiver top and sides, side-plates, upper and lower tang and buttplate heel are engraved with well detailed, dense, scroll-work on a punch-dot background. Two small flowers are engraved in the scrollwork above the lever screw on both side-plates. Wavy line borders surround the scrollwork on the receiver sides, side-plates, upper and lower tang and buttplate. The engraving is finer and more detailed than the factory engraving attributed to Samuel Hoggson found on later production rifles. The receiver and buttplate show traces of gold plated finish. The stock is deluxe, highly figured, walnut with a high polish piano finish. This rifle has the mid-production features that include: (1) buttplate with rounded heel profile, (2) rear sight dove-tail on the receiver, (3) third pattern folding leaf rear sight with 900 yard marking below the center notch and small elevator bar with rounded ends, (4) nickel-silver, square-back front sight blade, (5) large diameter brass follower and beveled follower slot, (6) first style, small, New Haven Arms Co., legend on the top barrel flat ahead of the rear sight and (7) numbered tang and buttplate screws. The hammer has the standard hand-cut knurling on the spur. The rifle lacks the sling swivel and barrel mounted loop for sling hook which were special order features on early and mid-production Henry rifles. The serial number is present on the top barrel flat behind the rear sight, lower left side of the receiver tang, inside of the buttplate below the lower screw hole, the shanks of both buttplate screws and shanks of two of the three tang screws. All of the visible serial numbers match. The modern made replacement stock is not serial numbered. The rifle is complete with the scarce, four-piece, jointed, hickory cleaning rod furnished with early and mid-production Henry rifles.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Henry RF

Price Realized:

Fine Winchester Model 1876 "Centennial" Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter

Lot 29

Winchester Model 1876 Lever Action Rifle

The included factory letter confirms the 26 inch octagon barrel and plain trigger as well as being received in the warehouse on August 26, 1879 and shipped on August 29, 1879 with 99 other arms to order number 16604. The second model receiver features a dust cover guide rail attached to the receiver with two screws and a dust cover with oval finger checkering. The rifle is fitted with dovetail blade front sight and an "1876" marked folding ladder rear sight. The top barrel flat has the two-line New Haven/King's improvement patent dates legend ahead of the rear sight. The lower tang has the serial number between the lever catch and screw. "MODEL 1876" is stamped on the upper tang. The rifle correctly lacks a caliber designation. The buttstock is fitted with a trapdoor buttplate (cleaning rod not included). The hammer and lever are casehardened. The loading gate has a nitre blue finish. The remaining metal surfaces are blued. The plain forearm and straight grip stock are walnut.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-75

Price Realized:

Lot 30

Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1888. The rifle is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight, an elevation adjustable rear sight, and a folding tang peep sight. The top of the barrel is stamped with the two-line New Haven address (series of tool-like marks under "USA") ahead of the rear sight and "40-65 W.C.F." at the breech. The lower tang has the two-line patent dates and the serial number. The receiver has the desirable casehardened finish. The checkered forearm and pistol grip stock are deluxe "X" walnut. The stock is fitted with a solid crescent buttplate and an ebony insert on the grip. The left side of the lower tang is stamped "273" and "X." The assembly number "273" is on the buttplate.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 40-65 WCF

Price Realized:

Attractive Documented Angelo Bee Engraved Antique Winchester Deluxe Style Model 1890 Slide Action Rifle with Certificate of Authenticity

Lot 33

Angelo Bee Engraved Winchester Deluxe Style Model 1890 Rifle

Receiver manufactured in 1894 and subsequently masterfully embellished by Master Engraver Angelo Bee. The included certificate of authenticity lists this rifle by serial number, states that the engraving is authentic, and is signed by Bee. The engraving mimics a Winchester factory pattern consisting of scrollwork and small game scenes (rabbits and squirrels). The remainder of the rifle has been upgraded to deluxe configuration with blade front and fixed notch rear sights, standard Winchester markings, and fancy grain walnut grooved forearm and a checkered pistol grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 22 short

Price Realized:

Winchester Deluxe Style Model 1892 Lever Action Rifle

Lot 34

Winchester Deluxe Style Model 1892 Rifle

Receiver serialized in the antique number range. Dovetail blade front and elevation adjustable rear sights on a barrel stamped with the two-line address and "44 W.C.F." A Winchester factory oval proof appears on the barrel and receiver at the breech. The upper tang has the three-line model/trade mark information. Casehardened receiver, hammer, lever, forend cap, and buttplate. The forearm and pistol grip stock are deluxe style walnut and checkered. Buttstock fitted with a hard rubber Winchester grip cap and Swiss buttplate.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 WCF

Price Realized:

Documented Special Order Winchester Model 1876 50-95 Express Lever Action Short Rifle with Factory Letter

Lot 38

Special Order Winchester Model 1876 Express Rifle

This is a desirable example of a Winchester Model 1876 Express Rifle with special order features. The rifle is complete with a 1965 dated Winchester Gun Museum letter that describes it as: rifle, express caliber, 1/2 octagon barrel 24 inch, casehardened, shotgun butt, set trigger and 1/2 magazine. The letter states that this rifle was shipped from the Winchester factory on July 27, 1883. The barrel has a blue finish and the forearm cap, receiver, hammer, loading lever and smooth steel shotgun buttplate have a casehardened finish. The stock and forearm are straight grain black walnut with a varnish finish. The barrel has a dovetail mounted "Rocky Mountain" front sight with brass blade and dovetail mounted early pattern sporting rear sight with four-notch elevator. The second pattern receiver has a screw-fastened dust cover guide and dust cover with serrated rear edges. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the two-line legend: "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING ARMS.NEW HAVEN. CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29.1866. OCTOBER 16.1860." ahead of the rear sight. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "50-CAL" just ahead of the receiver. The top of the dust cover is roll-stamped with the designation: "WINCHESTER EXPRESS/.50 CAL 95 GRS." The bottom of the cartridge elevator is inscribed: "50-95". The upper receiver tang has a factory threaded hole for a tang sight and is roll-stamped: "MODEL 1876." The serial number is located on the lower receiver tang behind the lever latch.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 50-95 Express

Price Realized:

Lot 41

Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine

Offered here is both an attractive and solid representative example of a Winchester Model 1866 "Yellow Boy" Carbine that was manufactured in 1870. It is a third model with the serial number marked in block numerals behind the trigger, flared frame to meet forend, and the curved frame profile in the hammer area as more pronounced than as seen in the first and second models. Other features included a saddle ring on the left side of the receiver, brass trapdoor buttplate (cleaning rod not included), rimfire firing pin, barrel band with integral front sight, and carbine type folding leaf sight. The top of the barrel has the two-line Winchester New Haven address/King's improvement patent dates legend ahead of the rear sight. The barrel, barrel bands and magazine tube are blue. The loading gate is nitre blue, The hammer and lever have a casehardened finish. The plain forearm and straight grip stock are walnut. The '66 secured Winchester's place in the annals of the West and launched a long line of successful Winchester lever actions that remain popular to this day and still retain the basic form of the '66. It 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 and is the direct descendant of the Henry rifle and traces its lineage back to earlier repeaters like the Volcanic.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 RF

Price Realized:

Lot 42

Antique Colt Black Powder Single Action Army Revolver

The Colt Single Action Army was one of the most popular handguns in late 19th century and is easily the most iconic and most thoroughly associated with the American West. This example was manufactured in 1886, and it certainly has the classic look of an authentic cowboy gun. The barrel has the correct two-line Hartford marking on top. The left side of the frame has the three-line patent dates marking. The caliber designation "45 CAL" is stamped on the left side of the trigger guard. Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard and back strap.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45 LC

Price Realized:

Lot 43

Remington Model 1890 Single Action Army Revolver

Remington reportedly manufactured 2,000 of these Model 1890 Single Action Army revolvers in 1891-94. The Model 1890 was the successor to the Model 1875 and 1888 and was also intended to be the competitor to the Wild West legend the Colt Single Action Army. The Model 1890 is one of the most sought after of all of the Remington produced handguns. The top of the barrel is marked "REMINGTON ARMS CO. ILION, N.Y." The caliber designation "44 C.F.W" is marked on the left side of the frame just below the cylinder. The serial number is correctly located on the lower left side of the frame under the grip panel. A factory lanyard ring is mounted on the butt. The back of the left grip panel has a modern collection label for Richard G. Gooding (1921-2003) of Wausau, Wisconsin. Gooding was a decorated WWII veteran of Patton's 3rd Army Division, breeder of purebred Dalmatians and German shepherds, an expert gunsmith and collector of militaria and firearms with special interest in antique Remingtons.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 44

Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine

The '66 secured Winchester's place in the annals of the West and launched a long line of successful Winchester lever actions that remain popular to this day and still retain the basic form of the '66. This carbine example was manufactured in 1869 and has the distinctive brass receiver, round barrel, full length magazine tube, front barrel band featuring an integral front sight, two leaf rear sight, saddle ring on the left side of the receiver, and walnut stock with a trapdoor crescent brass buttplate (cleaning rod not included). The top of the barrel is stamped with the two-line Winchester New Haven/patent dates legend ahead of the rear sight. The lower tang is stamped with the serial number behind the trigger.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 RF

Price Realized:

Lot 46

Winchester First Model 1876 "Open Top" Lever Action Rifle

This rifle has the seldom seen open top frame whereas the later Model 1876s had dust covers. Only around 3,000 were produced out of the total of 63,871 manufactured between 1876 and 1897. Per the serial number this Model 1876 was manufactured in 1876, the first year of production. The accompanying factory letter for this rifle confirms the octagon barrel and plain trigger as well as being received in the warehouse on October 26, 1877 and shipped the same day. The rifle is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight. The top barrel flat has the two-line address/patent dates legend ahead of the rear sight. The rifle correctly lacks a caliber designation as early production Model 1876s were offered only in .45-75 WCF. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1876." Other early features include the large hammer and buttplate with large toe. The buttstock is fitted with a trapdoor buttplate (cleaning rod not included).

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-75

Price Realized:

Lot 47

Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1880 as a second model featuring a dust cover rail secured to the receiver by two screws and dust cover with serrations at the rear. The barrel has a dovetail blade front sight and an elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight and is stamped with the two-line address/patent dates legend ahead of the rear sight. The rifle correctly lacks a caliber designation. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1873." The lower tang has the serial number. The straight grip stock is fitted with a trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included).

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 49

Marlin Model 1888 Lever Action Rifle

Approximately 4,814 Marlin Model 1888 lever action rifles were manufactured from 1888-1892. The lowest serial number known in this model is 19559 making this rifle "19560" the second lowest known serialized M1888 Marlin rifle manufactured (see "Marlin Firearms: A History of the Guns and the Company that Made Them" by Lt. Col. Brophy page 167). This example has a blade front sight with bead insert, a sporting type adjustable rear sight, and full length tubular magazine. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two line New Haven address/patent date (October 1887). Blue with casehardened hammer, lever, end cap and buttplate. Smooth forearm and straight grip stock with steel forend cap and crescent buttplate. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 24 inch octagon barrel in .44 caliber. The factory letter also states the rifle was shipped on August 4, 1888. Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Outstanding and Extremely Rare C.B. Holden Falling Block Single Shot Long Range "Creedmoor" Rifle

Lot 51

C.B. Holden Falling Block Single Shot Target Rifle

Cyrus B. Holden (1827-1906) of Worcester, Massachusetts, was a rifle maker from the early cartridge era to c. 1904. Rifles by Holden are well-made but hard to find. In "Flayderman's Guide" this type of rifle is listed as a "C.B. Holden Long-Range Rifle" or "Holden Fifth Model Rifle" and has also been called Holden's "Creedmoor" rifle. They were made in very limited quantities c. 1870s-1880s. On June 7, 1888, The Boston Globe reported a Holden .44 caliber "long range rifle" valued at $125 was the prize at the Boston Gun Club's summer tournament, similar in cost to a Sharps Creedmoor rifle and around five times the cost of Colt Single Action Army. The barrel has a base for a windgauge front sight (absent) with an added small post front sight, adjustable sporting rear sight, and "C.B. HOLDEN-MAKER-WORCESTER. MASS." on top of the breech section. A small button on the front at the bottom right behind the forearm allows the short breech lever to pull back and drops the breechblock. A manual ejector is fitted on top of the action. The frame, casehardened lock and sideplate, and furniture have floral, scroll, and border engraving. "10" is marked on multiple components such as the ejector, frame, lever, and lock. The peep sight has "22" on the thumb screw on the right and "6" on the base of the ladder and adjustment screw, and the latter is also marked on the hammer screw. The forearm and pistol grip stock are checkered, and the rifle has a checkered shotgun style buttplate.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 36

Price Realized:

Lot 53

Remington-Hepburn No. 3 Single Shot Sporting Rifle

These rifles were manufactured from c. 1883 until 1907, with this E. Remington & Sons manufactured rifle dating to c. 1883-1888 before the company was reorganized as Remington Arms Co. Equipped with a German silver blade front sight and adjustable buckhorn rear sight. "E. REMINGTON & SONS. ILION. N.Y." marked on top of the barrel, and the caliber designation "32. 2 1/8" (32-40 Remington) is marked on the bottom of the barrel ahead of the forearm, with part of it marked over top of what used to read "32 1 5/8". "HEPBURNS PAT./OCT. 7TH 1879" marked on the left of the frame. Serial number "5781" marked on the lower tang, with "5534" marked on the underside of the replacement barrel and rear surface of the forearm. Mounted with a smooth walnut forearm with casehardened forend cap and round knob checkered pistol grip stock, nicely figured buttstock, and casehardened buttplate.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 32-40 R

Price Realized:

Lot 55

Winchester Model 1885 Low Wall Lightweight Saddle Ring Carbine

Manufactured in 1895, this is one of only approximately 340 Winchester Model 1885 lightweight carbines manufactured in the .44 W.C.F. caliber. These carbines were intended to be the no-frills, affordable workhorse of the Model 1885 line, and were popular with trappers and outdoorsmen for their rugged reliability and portable nature. The barrel is marked with the standard two-line address and caliber marking on top, and the serial number is on the lower tang. The low wall receiver is what is often termed a "thick side, grooved ring", having non-paneled flat sides and a groove in the top of the receiver ring. This style of receiver is found roughly in the 35000-88000 serial number range. It is fitted with a pinned German silver blade front sight, folding ladder rear sight, and a saddle ring and stud mounted on the left of the receiver. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a carbine/military style buttplate. These carbines never reached the same popularity as other variations of the Model 1885, and those that were purchased were generally used hard as working guns, making them quite scarce in any condition in today's collectors market. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms lists this carbine by serial number as being removed from the purview of the National Firearms Act and classified as an antique. Provenance: The Brandhorst Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 WCF

Price Realized:

Desirable Sharps Model 1874 Sporting Rifle with James Bown & Son Marked Barrel

Lot 56

James Bown & Son Marked Sharps Model 1874 Sporting Rifle

According to "Sharps Firearms" by Frank Sellers, Sharps only manufactured approximately 6,400 of these Sporting Rifles between 1871 to 1880. This example is fitted with a 33 inch, heavy, octagon barrel chambered for .45-90 ammunition and equipped with original German silver blade front and Lawrence patent folding ladder rear sights. The top barrel flat behind the rear sight is marked "JAMES BOWN & SON/PITTSBURGH PA." The left side of the receiver is marked with the two-line Sharps 1869 patent date, and the serial number is marked on the upper tang. It also features double set triggers and casehardened parts aside from the blued barrel, and is mounted with a smooth walnut forearm numbered to the gun and straight grip stock with a steel buttplate. The Enterprise Gun Works was founded by James Bown and Tetley in 1848. By 1863, Bown was the sole owner. The name changed to James Bown & Son by the mid-1870s and then James Brown & Sons (sic) around 1883 and then changed to Brown & Hirth (sic) that same year placing the barrel marking date in the mid-1870s to early 1880s. The firm was well-known for hand built Kentucky rifles that were relatively inexpensive and popular with those headed to the West, and they also retailed arms by Colt and other manufacturers.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-90

Price Realized:

Lot 57

Remington-Keene Magazine Bolt Action Rifle

E. Remington & Sons manufactured approximately 5,000 Keene magazine rifles (in all configurations) between 1880-1883. This model was the first magazine fed rifle produced in quantity by Remington. A tubular magazine and carbine style forward barrel band like those used on classic lever action saddle ring carbines and many shotguns is fitted below the barrel that is loaded using a loading gate at the bottom of the action much like standard slide action shotguns. The hammer at the back of the bolt must be manually cocked for each shot. Production was limited in part due to competition with the Winchester-Hotchkiss rifles as well as the more modern Remington-Lee. They were used by the Indian Police and others in the West in the late 19th century. Features a straight grip stock and round barrel with fixed front and folding ladder rear sights. The bolt has the Remington address and Keene patent markings, and the "45/70" caliber designation is marked on the left of the receiver.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-70 Government

Price Realized:

Lot 58

Sharps Model 1874 Sporting Rifle

The Sharps Model 1874 was considered one of the best firearms of the late 19th century American West and was famously used by professional buffalo hunters, pioneers, and guides. This is one of an estimated 3,881 Sharps Model 1874 Sporting rifles made with an octagon barrel at the Bridgeport plant. Features a dovetailed blade front sight, ladder rear sight, the "Old Reliable" and Bridgeport address markings on the top barrel flat and "CAL. 45" on top at the breech, "70" upside down on the right barrel flat, matching serial number "159155" marked on the bottom of the barrel, "9155" stamped inside the forearm channel, and smooth walnut stock fitted with a checkered steel buttplate. Factory front tang sight filler screw absent on top of the receiver.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-70 Government

Price Realized:

George Feder Signed, Engraved, and Incised Carved Flintlock American Long Rifle Featured in Kindig's Classic "Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in Its Golden Age"

Lot 59

George Feder Signed Incised Carved Flintlock American Longrifle

This rifle is no. 61 in Joe Kindig Jr.'s "Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in Its Golden Age" on page 174 and discussed on page 172 where he wrote, " No. 61 is engraved 'G. Feder' in script on the barrel. I believe this rifle was made slightly later than No. 60. It has two silver inlays. The carving is only incised. This rifle indicated Feder's close association at some time with the Lancaster school and particularly Melchoir Fordney. George Feder (aka Feather, Fetter) Sr. is listed in records around 1816-1848 in Elizabeth Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, per research by Whisker. The smoothbore octagon to round barrel has traditional dovetailed rifle blade and notch sights and is signed "G . Feder" on top of the breech section. It has some simple engraved accents. The lock has some scroll and border engraving and faint Ketland & Co. marking. The patchbox has a horse-head style finial, spaced side plates, and wavy line and floral engraving. The counter plate is flat and plain and has two piercings. The silver wrist escutcheon is engraved with a floral design, and a silver star with wavy line engraving is on the cheek piece. The stock has incised wavy line and dot patterns along the bottom of the butt, incised scrolls at the rear of the wrist, and an incised floral motif behind the cheek rest.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 50

Price Realized:

Desirable Smoothbore Flintlock American Long Rifle Attributed to Berks County, Pennsylvania

Lot 60

Berks County Attributed Smoothbore Flintlock American Long Rifle

This smoothbore "rifle" or "smoothrifle" has a part round, part octagon barrel with traditional rifle style blade and notch sights and no visible maker's mark, but the rifle has been attributed to riflemaker Henry Mauger (1750-1826) of Douglass Township in Berks County, Pennsylvania, based on the patchbox, trigger guard, and ramrod entry pipe. There are two inlaid brass wires on either side of the patchbox lid along with incised lines that extend onto the buttplate. The two-piece patchbox's finial is similar to those found on rifles by John Derr of Berks County in the first half of the 19th century, and the Kentucky Rifle Foundation believes Derr was Mauger's apprentice. The French lock has a frizzen spring roller. The gun has an ornate single trigger. The brass furniture includes an attractive six-pointed hunter's star with center screw, and there is a silver oval wrist escutcheon with an engraved border. The nicely figured curly maple stock has nice molding along the ramrod channel and bottom of the buttstock.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 52

Price Realized:

A. Joy Marked, Relief, Incised, Carved, and Silver Inlaid Kentucky Rifle

Lot 61

A. Joy Marked, Relief Carved, and Silver Inlaid Kentucky Rifle

This rifle is stamped "A JOY" on the top of the barrel and has a "T/KETLAND/& CO" lock period converted from flint to percussion. Andrew S. Joy ran a gunsmith shop and gun factory on St. Clair Street in Pittsburgh from at least the 1830s to 1858. His shop was destroyed in the Great Fire of Pittsburgh in 1845, but he was soon back in business and advertised rifles and smoothbores especially for emigrants. The rifle has low profile blade front and notch rear sights, single trigger with scroll design, and a nicely figured curly maple stock with brass furniture and a variety of silver inlays including silver hearts on the raised flat extensions and a brass wear plate with patriotic eagle motif on the bottom. The patch box is pierced six times and has attractive floral and crosshatch engraving patterns. The stock also has floral scroll carving at the ramrod entry pipe and left side of the butt, scalloped designs at the wrist, and a low straight comb.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41

Attractive German Silver Accented and Engraved Percussion American Long Rifle

Lot 62

German Silver Accented & Engraved Percussion American Long Rifle

This unsigned rifle is likely from Western Pennsylvania or further west in Ohio and has the well-known "National Road" style patchbox used by an array of gunmakers in this area in the early 19th century. It has seven-groove rifling, a dovetailed brass blade front sight, dovetailed notch rear sight, light foliage patterns on the lock, scroll and floral engraving on the brass furniture including on the wear plate on the bottom of the forend, and numerous German silver accents forming floral designs, patriotic shields, ovals, scroll pattern with wire accents, a star on the cheek piece, and floral patterns. The nicely figured curly maple stock has some incised molding along the forend terminating in scrolls at the ramrod entry pipe and a simple incised line border on the rather shallow cheek piece.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 40

Price Realized:

Very Scarce John Harris Signed, Engraved, and Relief Carved Flintlock American Long Rifle

Lot 63

John Harris Flintlock American Long Rifle

On page 12 of "Gunsmiths of York County, Pennsylvania", James B. Whisker notes that during the American Revolution John Harris was ordered by the York Committee of Public Safety on August 14, 1776, to turn over "35 pounds of powder and 145 pounds of lead and shot," but Harris refused stating he would keep his ammunition for his own use until needed locally and noted that there were many Tories and lawless men in the area. He later served as a corporal in Captain Nathaniel Irish's company of artillery artificers from March 14, 1778 to November 1, 1783, and was stationed at Fort Pitt in 1781-1783 with William Craig's detachment. An inventory of his estate was recorded in York in 1805 and listed 10 rifle locks, 27 rifle stocks, 11 wipers, gunsmith tools, two powder horns, two clock bullets, and fourteen sets of brass mountings for rifles. As of publication in 1990, Whisker had only seen the rifle pictured on page 62 of the book. That rifle also exhibits fine craftsmanship and has some distinct similarities with this rifle. The rifle is very similar to an Andrew Klindinst signed rifle which features very similar designs on the patch box finial, patch box lid engraving, sideplate, cheek inlay, and other areas. That rifle is illustrated in included documentation from Wester White discussing this rifle and theorizing that some of these York gunmakers may have worked in collaboration, possibly under the same roof. The newer "Gunsmiths of York County" book by Whisker includes two rifles by Harris. Harris also appears to have operated a ferry in the 1760s. The barrel is smoothbore, but it may have originally been rifled. It has traditional rifle sights and is signed "John Harris" on top in script. The lock is unmarked but has light border engraving. The forend cap has spiral engraving. The side plate has floral and scroll engraving. The patch box has a lightly domed lid engraved with a bow, arrows, and quiver and also has a double pierced finial and floral and scroll patterns. The toe plate has four piercings and is designed as a hunters star with a floral bloom at the toe and front. The buttplate has light engraving at the front and the patch box release near the heel. The silver wrist escutcheon has partially faded engraving and appears to have had initials (possibly JD). The cheek has an engraved silver hunter star. The stock has nice molding along the forend terminating in incised scrolls by the entry pipe, shapely tear drop flats, raised relief carved scroll patterns at the top of the wrist, additional raised relief scroll carving at the front of the butt, crosshatch and dot pattern under the cheek rest, and an elaborate raised relief carved scroll and floral design behind the cheek rest.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 50

Price Realized:

Incredible Multiple Silver Inlaid Incised Carved Bedford Attributed Percussion American Long Rifle

Lot 64

Silver Inlaid Bedford Percussion American Long Rifle

The rifled barrel has blade and notch sights and no visible markings. The converted Bedford style lock also has no distinct markings but appears to have a faint "A" ahead of the hammer. This rifle has many similarities with the John Amos rifle on page 44 of "Gunsmiths of Bedford, Somerset, and Fulton Counties" by the Whiskers, both in terms of the style and placement of the inlays and in particular in the style of the side plate. The wear plate is also very similar to the rifle on page 51 and identified as a Henry Albright rifle restocked by Amos. Other Bedford rifles, including one signed by John Stoudenour and dated 1834, also have a number of similarities making an attribution without a clear marking difficult. The rifle has around 30 silver accent plates decorating the stock, each with some simple engraving. The cheek piece accent is designed as a pair of flags, and a hunter's star is also on the left side of the butt. The brass furniture also has light engraving, and the side plate, toe plate, and patchbox have piercings with silver accents inside. The full-length stock has nice molding along the forend with scroll accents, interestingly shaped flats and buttstock molding, and the classic Bedford profile. The rifle is equipped with adjustable double set triggers.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 42

Attractive J. Ferree Signed, Extensively Silver Accented, and Engraved Percussion Half-Stock Rifle with "J.M. Smith" Inscription

Lot 65

J. Ferree Signed, Silver Accented, and Engraved Percussion Rifle

This rifle is no. 153 in "Kentucky Rifle Patchboxes All New Volume 2" by Chandler & Whisker and attributed to Jacob Ferree (1750 - 1807). Given the rifle's features, it is more likely by Joel A. Ferree (1806-1861) or possibly Joel Thornton Ferree (1815-1882) also from the same extensive family of gunmakers. The rifle has more than 25 silver inlays with light engraving along with wavy silver wire inlaid accents. The cheek rest includes a spread wing eagle and shield motif engraved oval inscribed "J.M. Smith" at the top, and the left side of the buttstock also features a hunter's star and an interesting floral pinwheel design in silver inlays. The patchbox has eight piercings and is finely engraved. The same patchbox was used by multiple makers in Ohio and Indiana, and Joel A. Ferree lived in Hocking County, Ohio, by around 1845. A J.M. Smith of Jackson County, Ohio, is noted as losing property during Morgan's Raid during the Civil War, and multiple Ferrees signed as witnesses or claimants as well, but whether this is the rifle's original owner or not is unclear. The rifled barrel has a dot pattern on the muzzle, an adjustable notch rear sight with long base, and "J. FERREE" boldly stamped on top of the breech section. It has a snail pattern breech with a fairly short tang followed by a scroll engraved strap that appears to be a later, but period, addition. The side palate also appears different than the silver accents. The lock is a G. Golcher and has the common dog and bird scene and scroll patterns. The double set trigger group is very interesting. It has a raised bolster around the triggers and three set screws in addition to the screws at the front and rear holding the group to the stock. The forend cap is pewter, and the remaining furniture is brass with fine engraving. The nicely figured walnut stock is nicely shaped.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38

Price Realized:

Lot 66

Engraved A. Wurfflein Half-Stock Percussion Rifle

Andrew Wurfflein's shop was at 208 N. 2nd Street in Philadelphia and manufactured, sold, repaired, and imported firearms. He immigrated to the U.S. from Germany in 1832, first worked at 335 N. 3rd Street from 1845 until he opened his shop above in 1851 where he manufactured Derringer-style pistols and sporting rifles, and retired in 1871. His son William took over the business and ran it until 1915. Attractive acanthus scrollwork and floral engraving is found on the breech, upper tang, lock, and German silver furniture. The muzzle is turned down for use with a starter. It also features blade and notch sights, additional empty front and rear dovetails (one with adjustment lines) likely used for mounting a tube sight or early rifle scope, "A. WURFFLEIN/PHILA" on the upper left barrel flat at the breech, gold banded breech, upper tang tap for mounting a peep sight or post for supporting the rear of a scope, double set triggers, spurred trigger guard, "AH" inscribed initial plate on the left side of the wrist, and nicely figured stock with checkered wrist, shadow-line cheek rest, and a glossy varnish finish.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 36

Price Realized:

Lot 67

American Flintlock Fowling Piece Signed by Serajah Stratton

Long smoothbore hunting guns were popular in the northern colonies during the late colonial era and into the American Revolutionary War and doubled as service weapons for many militiamen. This fowling piece, or fowler, is signed "Serajah Stratton" on top of the barrel. Serajah Stratton (March 7th, 1705-July 30th, 1758) of Hartford County, Connecticut was an early Colonial American settler who was a farrier, blacksmith, and gunsmith. He enlisted on May 1st, 1758, as clerk of the Connecticut militia company organized by Captain Nathaniel Holcom under commander in chief Phineas Lyman of the provincial British Army. Serajah Stratton died on July 30th, 1758, at age 53, just shy of three months after his enlistment, likely in combat or from wounds received in combat. The time of his death indicates Stratton was very likely involved in the Battle of Carillon, also known as the 1758 Battle of Ticonderoga, between July 6th-8th, 1758, considered to be the bloodiest battle of the American theater of the war, with the British Army suffering over 2,000 losses after a failed attempt to overrun the French occupied fort and approximately 400 losses suffered by the French. The signed barrel dates to around the mid-18th century and is fitted in a cherry stock with a later mid-19th century replacement "W. PARKER" marked engraved pistol sized lock that has been reconverted from percussion with a replacement cock and frizzen, iron ramrod, and replacement brass fittings including the ramrod ferrules, trigger guard, small sideplate, and buttplate. Absent end cap. Includes research documents on Serajah Stratton.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 60

Price Realized:

Extremely Rare Documented Schweitzer/Wise Marked Early Republic Era Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Militia Brass Barrel Flintlock Pistol

Lot 69

Schweitzer/Wise Pennsylvania Militia Flintlock Pistol

This pistol may very well be the earliest post-Revolutionary War U.S. contract pistol and as such is an incredibly important piece for collectors of U.S. martial pistols. Robert M. Reilly wrote, "The historic significance of this pistol cannot be overstated. It may be the sole survivor of yet uncovered contracts issued by Pennsylvania for pistols, and the use of the Liberty Cap proofmark dates the arm from 1799 at the latest. . ." All early American pistols are rare and valuable (as Flayderman values the pistol at $45,000 in 2007); but this pistol is also one of only two pistols known with the Pennsylvania proofmark from prior to 1800! It is discussed in detail and illustrated in four books: pages 207 and 208 of "United States Martial Flintlocks" by Reilly, page 347 of "Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms and Their Values" by Norm Flayderman, pages 102 and 103 of "Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock, 1760-1845" by Smith and Bitter, and pages 64-66 of "U.S. Martial Single Shot Pistols" by Hartzler and Whisker. It was proofed for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania after the American Revolution c. 1785-1799, and therefore was almost certainly manufactured before the first U.S. contract pistols by North & Cheney pistols were even made. It may be related to the pistols listed in Pennsylvania government depots in Philadelphia as early as 1781 and 1793. Reilly reported it as manufactured by Abraham Schweitzer (1769-1831) of Lancaster and later Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Abraham Schweitzer also manufactured rifles under contract with the government and was a talented rifle builder, and a pistol signed "AS" that is attributed to him is also known. Therefore, this is certainly a logical conclusion. Smith and Bitter list it as manufactured by an unknown gunmaker named Wise, and suggest the lock was manufactured by Daniel Schweitzer who is known to have manufactured locks used on other Pennsylvania contract arms. Daniel Schweitzer was listed as a blacksmith in 1797 in Lancaster and by 1808 specialized specifically as a locksmith, and "Schweitzer" markings on the inside of locks have been noted on contract arms completed by other Pennsylvania gunsmiths in the 1790s (see "Pennsylvania 1798 Contract Muskets" by Thomas E. Holt for examples). It is possible Wise manufactured the barrel and one of the Schweitzers manufactured the lock given American gunmakers, especially those in Pennsylvania, are known to have built arms using parts obtained from various sources. Regardless of the who manufactured what individual parts and who actually completed the final product, this is a historically significant pistol. The barrel is particularly unusual and rare for an American made pistol given it is brass and has a complex cannon shaped profile. This style was popular in the 18th century, and important Revolutionary War officers and Founding Fathers are known to have owned brass barrel pistols, including the likes of General George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and the Marquis de Lafayette. Smith and Bitter indicate brass cannon barrels were particularly popular in and around Philadelphia which was an important cultural and political center in the colonial era, American Revolution and early republic and was the home of the First and Second Continental Congresses, signing place of the Declaration of Independence, location of the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, and first U.S. capital while Washington, D.C. was under construction. The pommel cap is similar to those used on some French holster pistols from around the American Revolution and those seen on many private American pistols from the early republic. Many early American firearms were heavily influenced by arms from France in particular. For example, the North & Cheney Model 1799 is essentially an American version of the French Model 1777, and the American Model 1795 muskets and following models are essentially copies of French "Charleville" muskets, but this pistol is more in line with the fancier pistols privately purchased and used by officers. The barrel is signed "Wise" on top and has the noted "liberty cap/P" cartouche and a small "PG" inspection mark on the upper left flat at the breech. The latter has been previously identified as that of Peter Getz of Lancaster who inspected both U.S. government and Pennsylvania contract arms. The lock has a small "Schweitzer" marking at center and light floral engraving accents. The furniture is all brass, and the trigger guard has an acorn finial. The American black walnut stock has a single barrel key, nicely shaped forearm tip, bird's head shaped grip popular on early American pistols, and simple flats. Provenance: Norm Flayderman Collection; Joseph Murphy Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 54

Lot 70

Henry DeHuff 1807 U.S. Contract Flintlock American Long Rifle

This rifle is pictured and discussed on pages 352-355 of "U.S. Military Shoulder Arms, Volume II: From the 1790s to the End of the Flintlock Period" by George Moller and has his small "GDM" collection mark by the toe. He uses this rifle as his example of the 1807 Contract Rifles and states Henry DeHuff delivered rifles for the contracts in association with Jacob Dickert and other Lancaster area gunmakers. A very similar example is pictured on page 606 of "Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms and Their Values" (9th Edition) in his section on the U.S. contract rifles. The rifle has traditional blade and notch sights, "Dehuff" signed on top in script, "US" on top at the breech, "67" followed by the sunken "eagle head/P" and "P" markings on the upper left at the breech, a simple border design at the edge of the breech, imported Germanic style lock with gooseneck cock, and frizzen and frizzen spring screws fastening from the inside, brass furniture including a plain patch box with three screws in the finial and heel release button, simple cheek rest, and wooden ramrod. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 54

Price Realized:

Rare Documented Jacob Dickert Pennsylvania Militia Contract Flintlock American Long Rifle

Lot 71

Jacob Dickert Pennsylvania Militia Contract Flintlock Rifle

From the 1760s to his death in 1822 Jacob Dickert was both a military contractor and a respected Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, gunmaker. Dickert was born in Germany in 1740 and arrived in the colonies in 1748 with his parents. He is believed to have made weapons for the Continental Army and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania during the Revolution, but his first known contract is dated 1792. He owned a gun barrel boring mill a few miles from his gun factory in Manheim Township. He later took his grandson on as an apprentice and then business partner. Dickert's rifles are rare and highly sought after today. Dickert Pennsylvania militia rifles are described on pages 308-312 of George D. Moller's book "American Military Shoulder Arms Volume II", with this exact rifle photographed on page 310. The book states, "This very plain brass-mounted Jacob Dickert rifle is attributed to Pennsylvania militia purchase during the War of 1812." This rifle has George Moller's subtle "GDM" collection mark ahead of the toe plate. The barrel has traditional low profile blade and notch sights and is signed "J [crossed tomahawk and arrow touch mark] Dickert" behind the rear sight (see page 81 of "Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in Its Golden Age"). Eight-groove rifling. The muzzle section is turned down to tapered round ahead of the forend tip for a socket bayonet. Moller notes that the bayonet (now absent) used with it may have been friction fit or secured by a set-screw. The lock is signed "SWEITZER" (backward Z). It has a plain single trigger and is mounted with brass furniture including a simple patch box. The curly maple stock is nicely figured but plainly finished and has an incised line border on the cheek rest. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 62

Price Realized:

Lot 72

U.S. Second Contract North & Cheney Model 1799 Flintlock Pistol

The Model 1799 flintlock pistols are among the rarest and most highly prized American firearms, and are certainly the most desirable of all U.S. martial flintlock pistols. The Model 1799 pistol was the first official pistol adopted by the United States military, and they were replaced with the more conventional Model 1805 pistols after less than a decade. Only 2,000 were manufactured by Simeon North and his brother-in-law Elisha Cheney, a clock maker, in Berlin, Connecticut, in 1799-1801 in two contracts. In "Historic Pistols: The American Martial Flintlock, 1760-1845" by Smith and Bitter, the authors note that only seven of the First Contract pistols and nineteen of these Second Contract pistols were known to survive. The first initials of the maker's were dropped after the completion of the 500 pistols on the first contract. The second contract, dated February 6, 1800, was completed and delivered by the middle of 1801. North went on to manufacture many of the U.S. martial flintlock pistols and long guns, including the innovative Hall carbines, over slightly more than half a century of arms making. He is often noted as "the First Official Pistol Maker of the United States" since he was the main government contractor in the early national period and the first to manufacture pistols based on official, recognized patterns for the government. Like the Model 1795 muskets of the era, the Model 1799 pistol was heavily based on a French design, the Model 1777 pistol. The primary differences between the two aside from the markings is that the U.S. Model 1799 pistols have longer barrels with a rounder breech section and an additional barrel screw on the bottom of the frame at the front. Serial number "816" marked on the left side of the breech plug, underneath the barrel, and inside the brass frame; "VIII" assembly mark on the underside of the back strap, and "II" assembly marks on the trigger guard bow and the screws. The underside of the frame on the right side of the trigger guard is marked "NORTH & CHENEY BERLIN" in an arched curve. The top of the barrel is stamped "V P/US" in two lines on top of the breech. "H.M.Stewart-Purch.Aug.1950" marked in black ink inside the back strap mortise in reference to noted antique American firearms collector Henry M. Stewart. In a study titled "A Report to the Owners of the Surviving North & Cheney Pistols on Present Ownership, Whereabouts, and Condition of the Surviving North & Cheney Pistols" performed by noteworthy collector James Frisbie with information provided by Samuel Smith and James M. Wertenberger, this pistol is listed by serial number as whereabouts unknown at the time (unknown) of the study, notes its last known sale was through an Eric Vaule advertisement in the June of 1976 "Gun Report" magazine, and records all of the known previous owners of this pistol including Henry Stewart, in which he states he, "...was the first real collector to own the pistol, bought it in July of 1950 for $500." Provenance: James Lucie Collection, Henry M. Stewart Collection, Clay Bedford collection, Eric Vaule Collection, Vincent Collection, a Gentleman

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 69

Price Realized:

Lot 73

Theophilus Richards Double Barrel Flintlock Coach Gun

This very rare double barrel coach gun was manufactured c. 1800-1815 when such guns enjoyed a brief popularity in place of the classic blunderbuss. The gun is signed by Theophilus Richards. There are two gunmakers, father and son, recorded as active in Birmingham as gunmakers. The elder Theophilus would have been active as a silversmith, cutler and jeweler by the early 1770s before turning his attentions to gunmaking. Two sons followed their father into gunmaking, Theophilus the younger possibly working with his father whilst his second son William Westley Richards established his own company. William Westley’s son Westley eventually took over his father’s business and it remains open to this day still based in Birmingham. With browned slightly flared side-by-side barrels struck with Tower private proof marks, signed “LONDON” on the concave rib and each engraved with a band of stylized running foliage at the breech end. A substantial sprung bayonet with a blade of hollow triangular section is mounted over the rib. Standing breech engraved with border lines, sunbursts and a further band of stylized running foliage and fitted with the release catch for the bayonet. Flat beveled locks each with stepped tail, safety catch, roller and raised priming pan, each signed “THEOP.s RICHARDS”. Figured walnut half length stock with checkered grip, a small blank oval initial escutcheon is inset behind the tang of the standing breech. Engraved brass furniture including trigger guard with large pineapple finial. Horn tipped wooden ramrod.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 9

Price Realized:

Attractive Engraved, Inlaid, and Relief Carved German Flintlock Blunderbuss with Spanish Style Barrel with Elliptical Muzzle

Lot 74

Engraved German Flintlock Blunderbuss

Spanish barrels were held in high esteem throughout northern Europe for much of the 18th century. Counterfeit barrels produced after the Spanish fashion, as in the present instance, were a marketing specialty of German gunmakers. The present example is inlaid in silver with the signature of the Madrid master Diego Esquibel, together with the spurious date "1764" (he died in 1732) and complete with accurate copies of his maker’s stamps. This blunderbuss dates to 1770-1775 and is signed “SVENO*MATHIA*/A. MANNHEIM*” on the rounded lock. The lock features a safety catch on the tail. The barrel is of two stages and features a flattened oval muzzle that measures 2 3/8 by 1 3/8 inches. The bore is estimated above. The octagonal breech section is decorated with a stamped pattern and has "Esquibel/Anno 1764/Madrid" in silver inlay across the upper flats and gilt copper lined decorative floral marks, a cross, and two imitation Esquibel maker’s marks. The full-length, molded walnut stock has a German style cheek piece and is elaborately carved in raised relief with rococo floral scroll patterns. It is mounted with brass furniture cast and chased with further rococo ornamentation, some against a punched background. The trigger guard bow and heel tang have deer scenes, and the solid side plate has a dog scene. The trigger guard grip extension is marked "B*V*E." A horn-tipped ramrod is housed beneath the barrel, and a plaited green cord sling is fitted.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 20

Price Realized:

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