Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNewsAbout Us
Create Account
Login
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNews & EventsAbout Us
Login
Create Account

History Lives Here

Rock Island Auction Company
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
RIAC Rock Island
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
RIAC Bedford
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
Navigation
  • Auctions
  • Consignment
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • News
  • About Us
More Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Job Postings & Careers
  • Contact
  • Order a Catalog
© 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.
  • Auction Catalog #89
  • Lot #1323
Lot #1322
Lot #1324

Lot 1323: Sedgley Mark Two "Fist Gun" Hand Firing Device

Rare Sedgley Mark Two "Fist Gun" Hand Firing Device

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: August 26, 2023

Lot 1323: Sedgley Mark Two "Fist Gun" Hand Firing Device

Rare Sedgley Mark Two "Fist Gun" Hand Firing Device

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: August 26, 2023

Estimated Price: $6,500 - $9,500
Price Realized:
Login to view
Login to view

Rare Sedgley Mark Two "Fist Gun" Hand Firing Device

Manufacturer: Sedgley
Model: Mark II
Type: Firearm
Gauge: 38
Barrel: 2 7/8 inch round
Finish: blue
Grip:
Stock:
Item Views: 1782
Item Interest: Very Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 270
Class: Curio & Relic Other
Description:

Originally patented in 1944 by Stanley M. Haight, the Sedgley Fist Gun, also known by the nomenclature "Hand Firing Mechanism Mark 2", has been the subject of great speculation and a certain amount of fantasy about its intended purpose and end users; some sources describe it as an assassination weapon or attribute it to the Office of Strategic Services (to the point of actually being listed as "OSS Glove Pistol" in the ATF's Curio & Relic List), and in fiction they were featured in the film "Inglourious Basterds" being used by two of the titular commandos to eliminate a pair of German sentries during their attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler. Per the original patent, Haight's pistol was designed with the regular soldier in mind first and foremost. Citing the prevalence of sneak attacks and hand to hand combat in warfare, Haight designed a weapon that could be ready and at hand at all waking hours, so even if a soldier was caught unaware or while separated from his regular service weapon, he could simply ball up his fist and make a good, loud response. Additionally, the original patent points out that any concealability was secondary to speed of deployment, actively distancing the Fist Gun from previously designed ''sneak'' weapons, and aside from using subsonic loads, there is no on-board provision for noise reduction. Documentation of actual use in the field is virtually non-existent, though the Sedgley has been reported in/on the hands of WWII U.S. Navy Construction Battalion (Seabee) men operating heavy equipment like boats or tractors. The weapon is of blued steel construction and mounted to a curved steel plate, which bears the Sedgley nomenclature. For firing, a plunger mechanism runs forward, parallel to the barrel, with a round button about 3/4 inch ahead of the muzzle; making a fist takes the fingers out of the way and exposes the plunger, which you then jam into your would-be ambusher's nearest body part, promptly discharging the 38 caliber round at near-contact distance. After discharge, the soldier could either manually eject the empty shell and reload, or keep hitting the enemy with the over one pound steel blunt instrument strapped to their hand. This particular example is not fitted to a glove.

Rating Definition:

Excellent, with 90% plus original blue finish, showing some light handling marks overall, a few dents on the plunger housing and rear cover, and slight bending of the base plate.



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #546: Three Sedgley Baby Hammerless Double Action Revolvers

    Lot #50: Antique Concealed Burglar Alarm Gun

    Lot #925: Sentinel Arms Striker 12, Class III/NFA Destructive Device

    Lot #1355: Weatherby Mark V Bolt Action Rifle with Scope

    Lot #442: Sentinel Arms Striker 12, Class III/NFA Destructive Device

    Lot #918: Weatherby Mark V Bolt Action Rifle with Scope