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  • Auction Catalog #4091
  • Lot #666
Lot #665
Lot #667

Lot 666: Whitney Firearms Wolverine Semi-Automatic Pistol with Box

Excellent Whitney Firearms Wolverine Semi-Automatic Pistol with Box as Gifted to Contributing Writer Charles Petty from Inventor Robert Hillberg

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: May 17, 2024

Lot 666: Whitney Firearms Wolverine Semi-Automatic Pistol with Box

Excellent Whitney Firearms Wolverine Semi-Automatic Pistol with Box as Gifted to Contributing Writer Charles Petty from Inventor Robert Hillberg

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: May 17, 2024

Estimated Price: $3,000 - $5,000
Price Realized:
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Excellent Whitney Firearms Wolverine Semi-Automatic Pistol with Box as Gifted to Contributing Writer Charles Petty from Inventor Robert Hillberg

Manufacturer: Whitney Firearms Company
Model: Wolverine
Type: Pistol
Gauge: 22 LR
Barrel: 4 1/2 inch round
Finish: black
Grip: synthetic
Stock:
Item Views: 2433
Item Interest: Very Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 494
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Description:

Manufactured between 1955 and 1962 with a futuristic, space age design that utilized a cast aluminum frame in lieu of the standard steel frames of the day. The Wolverine was a straight blow-back design that used a round bolt inside the upper part of the frame with exposed cocking knobs on the rear of the frame and an exposed hammer. It was designed by Robert "Bob" Hillberg (1917-2012), an intuitive firearms designer who worked for High Standard Mfg. Co. as the head of research and development, and was involved in a number of different design projects including the COP .357 Derringer pistol and M37 machine gun. Features fixed front and rear sights, standard markings, and checkered Bakelite grips. Includes an original Whitney box signed on the front in sharpie "To my friend Charley Petty/Bob Hillberg" along with spare trigger parts. Charles E. Petty Jr. (1939-2022) was a contributing writer for several well-known firearms publications, and authored an article on the Whitney Wolverine which was featured in they March-April 1982 issue of "American Handgunner" magazine.

Rating Definition:

Excellent overall, retaining 98% plus original black finish with limited minor handling marks focused primarily on the back strap and magazine release, along with crisp grip checkering. The box is very fine. Mechanically excellent. A standout example of a Wolverine not only in terms of condition, but also as a gift from the inventor to an established firearms writer.



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