Page 114 - Auction84-Book3

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LOT 3174
Rare James Reid .41 Knuckle Duster Caliber Revolver - Serial no. 6468, 41 RF cal., 1 7/8 inch round bbl., blue/silver finish, metal grips. Only an estimated 150 .41 caliber knuckle duster revolvers were manufactured in a two year span starting in the summer of 1870 by James Reid of Catskill, NY. They are among the rarest of all of Reid’s revolvers. According to “James Reid and His Catskill Knuckledusters” by Taylor G. Bowen, only 16 of these .41 caliber revolvers are known to exist. A sliding safety is at the front of the frame at the bottom. The cylinder pin and rear cylinder face are marked with the matching partial serial number “68”. The full serial number is between the trigger and the mainspring compartment door on frame. The frame has the standard early production factory engraving. Like all of Reid’s knuckle dusters, the revolver could be used as a brass knuckle if five shots weren’t enough to put down your assailants. He called them “Knucklers” or “My Friend.” Even the largest models are small enough to easily be concealed in a pocket.
CONDITION: Very good, the iron parts showing a smooth grey patina with some light pitting and the frame retaining traces of the original silver finish in sheltered areas with the remainder an attractively aged brass. The engraving is crisp. Mechanically functions, but the cylinder does not lock up all the time.
Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection.
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000