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LOT 3388
Very Scarce Braendlin Hill Retailed Tranter
Patent “Man-Stopper” Double Action Revolver in .577 Boxer - Serial no. 9, 577 cal., 4 1/8 inch irregular bbl., nickel finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in the late 19th century, these revolvers nicknamed “Man-Stoppers” were
developed to do just that. Experiences of primarily British military officers and civilian personnel of the empire had shown that, when confronted with some of the native populations that were less than
accepting of being colonized, many of the anemic smaller caliber revolver cartridges of the time just wouldn’t cut it.
These experiences of course also included all manner of local wildlife, which in many areas of the empire placed human beings very far from the top of the
food chain. Their solution was a larger heavier bullet, leading to the development of the .577 Boxer cartridge, a shorter version of the .577 Snider and Martini-Henry cartridges popular in the
military at the time which had proven their performance. The .577 Boxer packed a bullet weighing
in at roughly twice that of the legendary .45 ACP and sent it down range at approximately only 100FPS slower. These revolvers were a direct result of needing a larger revolver capable of chambering the new .577
Boxer cartridge. This example was manufactured by Braendlin, who took up residence in Tranter’s facilities and produced some of his designs, much like Tranter had done with Adam’s patents previously. Braendlin’s trademark
crossed pennants over “B” is on the upper left of the frame which also has light border and flourishes of scroll engraving. The top of the frame is Irish retailer marked “HILLS PATENT/CENTRAL FIRE/FOR BOXER CARTRIDGE” and there are standard British proofs throughout. It is fitted with brass bead and frame notch sights, a checkered grip, and a lanyard loop on the butt.
CONDITION: Very good, showing mostly bright polished metal with some scattered light handling marks visible and some slightly softened markings. Blue finish remains inside the frame, covered by the cylinder. The grip is very fine with a few scattered minor blemishes and otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 3389
Charles Lancaster Four Barrel Thorn Patent Pistol in .360 No. 5 Centerfire - Serial no. 8796, 360 rook cal., 5 5/8 inch fluted bbl., nickel finish, walnut grips. Many British officers assigned to Africa and India chose Lancasters as their personal sidearms, but the total production of these pistols is estimated at just 712 further subdivided into smaller volumes in the various calibers. The top flute of the barrel cluster is marked “CHARLES LANCASTER PATENT 151 NEW BOND ST.” and has a blade front sight, and the left flute has “360 No 5 CF.” The breech face is stamped “PATENT CHARLES LANCASTER” in a circle. “8796” is inscribed on the front strap, it has a folding cocking trigger, an oval bore, and a lanyard ring is on the heel.
CONDITION: Very good, retains 70% of the period replated nickel finish with some scattered minor flaking revealing mostly a smooth
grey patina. The grips are also very good with some minor dings and scratches scattered throughout and mostly well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
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