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  • Auction Catalog #62
  • Lot #1589
Lot #1588
Lot #1590

Lot 1589: Unique Experimental Semi-Automatic Pistol

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 12, 2014

Lot 1589: Unique Experimental Semi-Automatic Pistol

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 12, 2014

Estimated Price: $1,500 - $2,500
Price Realized:
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Unique Experimental Semi-Automatic Pistol

Manufacturer: Unknown
Model: Experimental
Type: Pistol
Gauge: 45
Barrel: 5 1/2 inch round
Finish: bright/casehardened
Grip: walnut
Stock:
Item Views: 14132
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 273
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Description:

Produced by an unknown inventor, this pistol combines features and ergonomic principals from both semi-automatic pistols and turn of the century revolvers in a highly unusual fashion. The working guts of the pistol can be broken down to three chief systems. The first is a recoil driven semi-automatic pistol, with an in-line reciprocating barrel and a bolt/slide assembly which moves in-line with the barrel and does not appear to lock, differing from more conventional short-recoil designs, while also including a barrel extension that interfaces with the dropped hammer, using the mainspring to provide additional resistance on discharge, but not extending far enough to re-cock the hammer. Second is the magazine, which is a fully enclosed rotary design similar to a Mannlicher or a Marlin. Finally, the rear of the pistol shows similarities to a Civil War-era Starr double action revolver in both shape and function. No hard data has been uncovered about the origin of the pistol; while it is pictured on page 192 of the "World's Guns" catalog from Golden State Arms, circa 1958, the catalog lists it as being "of unknown origin".

Rating Definition:

Very good. The pistol finish is bright overall with some brown spitting and mild handling marks. Side panels are case hardened with the color faded but visible. Grips are good with evidence of being hand-shaped to accommodate the mainspring and mild pressure dents. Some components are absent. By all accounts a one of a kind pistol; possibly an artifact from the early days of semi-automatic weapon development.



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