Active in Vienna starting in 1870, Josef Schulhof patented two repeating firearms in the 1880s, a rifle and a pistol. Both were made in limited quantities; Hogg's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Firearms notes the highest recorded serial number for a Schulhof Pistol as 36. Broad variations have been observed in known Schulhofs, with changes in magazine configuration and overall form. This one, serial number 18, features a rotary style magazine reminiscent of a Mannlicher ahead of the grip, with a bag-shaped grip profile. A set of post front and notch rear sights are dovetailed into the barrel and receiver, the latter engraved "SCHULHOF'S PATENT WIEN" on the upper left and "18" on the backstrap. The bolt uses a rotary locking mechanism, with on-board extractor claw and a pair of frame-mounted locking lugs that double as fixed ejectors. The bolt in turn is operated with a ring lever, which is checkered sharply across the front and slotted at the rear to accept a trigger bar, which in turn is fitted with a manual safety lever. Pushing the ring forward retracts the bolt, and drawing it back closes the bolt for firing. With this setup, the user can make slow, deliberate single action shots by pulling back the ring by the front checkering, or perform quick double action fire by keeping their finger inside the ring to strike the trigger immediately on closure. While similar trigger actions have been seen on some revolver models of the era, the fact that the Schulhof doesn't need to manually move and index a cylinder allows for an uncommon lightness and smoothness of action, while the overall shaping gives an ergonomic experience more in line with a well made single shot pistol. Includes a custom made Huey display case. Provenance: The Clive Cussler Collection

Excellent, with 90% plus untouched original nickel finish, showing areas of spotting and flaking on the barrel, some bubbling on the magazine and receiver, bright edge wear and mild handling marks. The action ring shows a dark gray patina, and the safety about 80% of a good niter blue. The fine grips show some mild dents and scuffing, with a small added section of wood at the front of the right panel and some minor chips at the rear of the left panel. The case is excellent, with mild handling and wear. Mechanically excellent.