May Premier Firearms Auction

May 02, 2025 to May 04, 2025

This auction has ended.

May Premier Firearms Auction

May 02, 2025 to May 04, 2025

This auction has ended.

Page 1 of 37

Showing 1-50 of 1,815 results

Fine Winchester Model 1894 Lever Action Trapper's Carbine with Highly Desirable 16 Inch Barrel in Very Scarce .32-40 W.C.F.

Lot 1

Winchester Model 1894 Trapper's Carbine with 16 Inch Barrel

Manufactured in 1920, this is a fine example of a Model 1894 "Trapper's" carbine with the desirable, non-regulated, 16 inch barrel and chambered in the rarely seen .32-40 W.C.F. These carbines were widely valued in the American West well into the 20th century, not only by trappers, but also by farmers, ranchers, and anyone else in need of the portable firepower they had to offer. These trapper's carbines often saw hard use as a working gun and remain desirable in almost any condition, with above average examples like this one being very rare. There are standard Winchester factory oval proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech. The upper left of the desirable 16 inch barrel is marked with the two-line address/patent dates and the caliber marking at the breech. The three-line model and trademark information is marked on the upper tang and the serial number is on the bottom of the receiver. It is fitted with a pinned blade front sight and folding ladder rear sight. This example appears to have been special ordered without a saddle ring, which was standard on carbines until around 1932. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a carbine buttplate.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 32-40 WCF

Price Realized:

Very Fine Winchester Model 1895 Lever Action Rifle in Desirable .405 W.C.F.

Lot 2

Winchester Model 1895 in Desirable .405 W.C.F.

Manufactured in 1908. The barrel has the two-line nickel steel marking on the upper left and "405 W.C.F." on top at the breech. Winchester factory oval proofs are on the barrel and receiver at the breech. The receiver is marked with the two-line Winchester address on the left, three-line trademark on the upper tang, serial number on the lower tang, and has a matted section on the top of the receiver ring. It is fitted with raised dovetailed beaded blade front, elevation adjustable notch rear, and receiver mounted Lyman peep sights, missing rear aperture. Mounted with a smooth Schnabel tip forearm with ebony insert and a straight grip stock with hard rubber Winchester shotgun buttplate.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 405 WCF

Price Realized:

Highly Desirable Framed 1916 Winchester "Heading Out" Advertising Calendar By Philip R. Goodwin

Lot 3

Framed 1916 Winchester Calendar By Philip R. Goodwin

A Winchester Repeating Arms Company calendar for the year 1916, with the upper portion decorated with the painting "Heading Out" by famous artist Philip R. Goodwin depicting two frontiersmen, both with Winchester lever-action rifles on their persons, and their loyal hound rising over the crest of a rocky hill, with one man lighting his pipe while the other waves back to a third man down the hill back at camp. The bottom of the artwork reads "WINCHESTER/Guns and Cartridges/Made only by Winchester Repeating Arms Co., New Haven, Conn., U.S.A." The lower portion displays a October 1916 calendar month with information on the phases of the moon and the line "Winchester Shells give the best results/in all shoguns" at the bottom. Professionally mounted/framed/matted in a matted wooden frame measuring 39 inches tall and 24 inches wide.

Price Realized:

Outstanding Famed J. Rigby & Co. Retailed Winchester Model 1876 Lever Action "Tiger" Short Rifle with Factory Letter

Lot 4

London Retailer Marked Winchester Model 1876 Short Rifle

Manufactured in 1878, the larger caliber Model 1876 was popular among those in the American West who believed .44-40 wasn't quite enough stopping power for whatever they might encounter. These "big bore" Winchesters truly had the stopping power to handle just about anything thrown at them on the frontier. As an example with a London retailer marking, this rifle proves that the Model 1876 had international appeal. The factory letter states the rifle was received in the warehouse on November 4, 1879, and shipped on December 1, 1879, on order number 18396 with a round barrel, plain trigger, and "lid," a reference to the dust cover. This example is a Second Model with dust cover guide retained by two screws and a dust cover with checkered "thumb print" grip. The left side plate has the London retailer marking: "J. RIGBY & Co./72 ST JAMES'S ST/LONDON." The barrel and magazine tube have been professionally shortened during the period of use, likely by John Rigby & Co. John Rigby & Co. has a long and proud tradition of building some of the world's finest sporting arms and the company was adept enough to perform barrel/magazine tube alterations on this Model 1876. In short rifle configuration (22 inch barrel) this Model 1876 would have proved popular with big and dangerous game hunters. Large caliber Winchesters of the period are known to have been shipped to England and then found their way to Africa and India where they were often employed against big cats. During the period when this rifle was shipped, British officers in India found the Model 1876 highly capable at taking down tigers. The rifle is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight and three leaf rear sight (two folding, one fixed) with inlaid sighting lines. British proofs appear on the barrel and receiver. The top of the barrel has the two-line Winchester address/patent dates marking ahead of the rear sight. The rifle correctly lacks caliber markings, as the only caliber initially offered for the Model 1876 was .45-75 WCF. The upper tang has the model designation "MODEL 1876," and the lower tang has the serial number. Mounted with smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock. The buttstock is fitted with a trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included).

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-75

Price Realized:

Historic Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with English Silver Plaque Presentation Inscribed to W.G. Newbery by Coleridge J. Kennard

Lot 5

Inscribed Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

This rifle will letter with a 26 inch round barrel and arrived in the warehouse on March 29, 1879, and shipped on September 19, 1879, in order 17030. The rifle has a round barrel with a German silver blade front sight, the two-line address and King's improvement marking, an adjustable sporting rear sight, and no caliber marking since .44-40 was standard. The frame is the Second Model version with the screw secured dust cover guide rail and dust cover with "thumb print" panel. The upper tang is marked "MODEL. 1873.", and the lower tang has the script serial number behind the lever latch. Like the barrel, the cartridge elevator does not bear a caliber marking. The rifle features a smooth walnut forend with steel end cap and straight wrist buttstock with a crescent buttplate (stock compartment empty), small silver plaque followed by a larger silver oval plaque on the underside inscribed "PRESENTED/-TO-/W. G. Newbery/ in grateful recognition of services rendered to the/Constitutional Party/by his friend/Coleridge J. Kennard/-May 1882-". Coleridge John Kennard (1828-1890) was a Conservative Party politician and member of the Constitutional Union in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, in the 1880s. He ran unsuccessfully for Parliament in 1880 and was then elected in a by-election in 1882. The newspapers reported a "Great Conservative Victory at Salisbury" when he won by 103 votes. He remained an MP until 1885 when Salisbury's seats were reduced. He was also a justice of the peace for the county of Southampton and a commissioner of lieutenancy for London. Kennard was the managing director of the banking firm Heywood, Kennard & Co. and also a co-founder of the Evening News. William G. Newbery was a relieving and vaccination officer for the Fourth Relief District in Salisbury as well as the master of the Alderbury Union Workhouse.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Price Realized:

Very Fine Factory Engraved New Haven Arms Company Volcanic No. 1 Pocket Lever Action Pistol

Lot 6

New Haven Arms Company Volcanic No. 1 Pocket Pistol

This Volcanic No.1 Lever Action Pocket pistol with extra cost factory engraving and silver-plated frame was one of approximately 850 No. 1 Pocket Pistols manufactured with a 3 1/2 inch barrel between 1857 and 1862 per "Volcanic Firearms" (2011) by Lewis and Rutter, page 73. At that time, this pistol would have cost $13.50 compared to $12.00 for the plain version, an inexpensive upgrade at the time that has made this particular pistol especially valuable today. This pistol has the distinctive octagonal barrel with integral magazine, "pinched" blade front sight fitted at the muzzle, and "NEW HAVEN CONN./PATENT FEB. 14. 1854" in two lines on top. The silver-plated "gunmetal" frame features classic factory scroll and border engraving, a dovetail mounted notch rear sight, serial number "2017" on the left side of the butt under the flat base walnut grips which each feature the matching serial number stamped on the back side. The hammer has hand-cut knurling on the spur. Volcanic firearms are historically significant and represent an important step in the development of American repeating firearms and self-contained cartridges. The lever action and integral spring-loaded magazine introduced with Volcanic pistols and carbines served as the basic design for the Henry rifle and the Winchester Model 1866, 1873, and 1876 rifles. Oliver Winchester's investment in the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. eventually led to the establishment of the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 31 Volcanic

Price Realized:

Stunning and Rare Winchester Model 94 Lever Action Trapper's Carbine with 15 Inch Barrel and ATF Exemption Letter

Lot 7

ATF Exempted Winchester Model 94 Trapper's Carbine

Manufactured in 1929, this is a excellent example of a Winchester Model 94 Trapper's carbine. A vast majority of these carbines were utilized as working guns and thus are rarely seen with much remaining finish and often leading to factory refurbishment to keep them in service. The top of the barrel and receiver both have Winchester double struck factory oval proofs at the breech. The left side of the barrel is marked with the model, trademark, nickel steel, and caliber marking, and the right is marked with the two-line address. The upper tang is marked with the three-line trademark information, and the serial number is marked on the bottom of the receiver. It is fitted with a pinned blade front sight and a folding ladder rear sight. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a carbine buttplate. Includes a 1994 dated letter from the ATF stating that the carbine has been deemed a Curio & Relic and removed from the provisions of the NFA. This carbine is listed by serial number by the BATFE as exempt from the National Firearms Act and classified as a "curio or relic" in the "Curios or Relics List."

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 30 WCF

Price Realized:

Attractive, Highly Desirable, Framed Winchester Repeating Arms Co. Henry R. Poore "Bear Dogs" Advertising Print

Lot 8

Framed Winchester Henry R. Poore "Bear Dogs" Advertising Print

These Winchester advertisements were an excellent eye-catching piece around the turn of the century, that were perfect for pulling potential customers into shops to buy Winchester firearms and ammunition. Used in a number of Winchester advertisements, the print depicts a barn setting with white "bear dogs" in the foreground and two large brown dogs that may be bloodhounds in the background. These dogs were reportedly part of the Winchester family hunting pack. The lower left corner is signed by the artist "H. R. Poore/Philadelphia". The custom made wood frame imitates a "wood frame" that is often seen as part of the print. The wood of the frame is finished black and has red Winchester "W" logo decals in each corner, 3 shot shell decals on each side, "WINCHESTER" in white paint at the top and "RIFLES, SHOTGUNS", "FOR SALE HERE" and "and AMMUNITION" at the bottom. It measures approximately 31 7/8 x 41 1/8 inches including the frame.

Price Realized:

Lot 9

Glass Winchester Store Display Gun Cabinet

This factory store display cabinet was manufactured in the early 1900s to aid Winchester dealers in displaying their Winchester long guns. There is the remnants of a mostly deteriorated brass Walrus Mfg. Co. Decatur, Illinois manufacturer plaque attached to the bottom. It is constructed of dark varnished oak, with full length glass panels and a cathedral top with glass panels. The top of door is stamped with the serial number for the cabinet "400". It stands approximately 73 inches in height on four legs with the three of the four typical brass feet sheathes present, and each side is approximately 18 inches wide. The inside display height is approximately 45 inches. On the inside is a four sided rack that will hold 20 long guns. All four sides are 5/8 inch thick and are marked "WINCHESTER" in white and black bordered red letters with black lettered "PATENT APPLIED FOR" on a white background below. The bottom of the case and the inner edge of the rack is lined with original green felt.

Price Realized:

Highly Desirable, Well Documented and Historic Union Metallic Cartridge Co. Cartridge Display Board

Lot 10

Framed Union Metallic Cartridge Co. Cartridge Display Board

Manufactured in the late 19th century, cartridge boards such as this were a great complimentary advertisement provided to sporting goods stores by cartridge manufacturers to hang in their shops, giving consumers a physical representation of the wide range of cartridges they provided. One of these boards is clearly shown hanging in the well-known photograph of the interior of J.P. Lower & Sons' shop in Denver, and other examples would have hung in other gun shops around the country as promotional items. This specific board is documented as having belonged to the legendary and eccentric early New Hampshire gun collector and dealer Carl B. Shiffer, better known as "Shiff the Gunman", and likely hung amongst the hoard of antique arms in his eclectic home/shop. Shiff appears to have been born in New Hampshire in 1878 and spent most of his life there, despite many stories and legends surrounding him involving his life on the Western Frontier. This impressive board includes cartridges ranging from the tiny BB cap up to the massive 4 gauge cartridge and 1 inch Nordenfelt. Centered around a central diamond shaped image depicting a herd of deer and the "U.M.C." logo. The frame features the attractive U.M.C. trademark and Union Metallic Cartridge Co. carved banners at the top and bottom respectively. It measures approximately 41 3/8 x 54 3/8 inches overall. Included with this board is extensive documentation including letters from Shiff himself to R.S. Quigley Jr., who purchased the board from Shiff. A photograph of the board with matching wear patterns is included with a letter discussing the sale, and Shiff's eccentric personality is very clear in his writing. Copies of an article from the February 2024 issue of "Man At Arms" are included, which illustrates the odd and legendary life of Shiff, who was one of the grandfathers of antique gun collecting. Another included copy of a note states the another owner of the board (Mr. Behring) states that the 1 inch Gatling cartridge was replaced with a 1 inch Northfield cartridge and the paper-patched .50 caliber bullet on the right side is an incorrect replacement. Provenance: "Shiff the Gunman"; The Richard S. Quigley Collection; The Behling Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Documentation

Price Realized:

Rare and Desirable Three Digit Serial Number 416 First Year Production Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter

Lot 11

First Year Production Winchester Model 1892 Rifle

Manufactured in 1892, the first year of production, with the standard two-line address and "38 W.C.F." on top of the barrel, three-line model/trademark/patent date on the upper tang, and early three-digit serial number on the bottom of the receiver. Fitted with dovetailed German silver blade front and elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sights. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. The included factory letter lists the serial number application on 30 April 1892 and confirms the current configuration as well as receipt at the warehouse on 6 September 1892 and shipment on 7 September 1892 in order number 2582.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 WCF

Price Realized:

Very Scarce Factory Engraved Smith & Wesson Large Frame Volcanic No. 2 Type II Lever Action Repeating Pistol with 6 Inch Barrel

Lot 12

Engraved Smith & Wesson Large Frame Volcanic No. 2 Lever Pistol

Per "Volcanic Firearms: Predecessor to the Winchester Rifle" by Lewis and Rutter, Smith & Wesson of Norwich, Connecticut, manufactured fewer than 500 of these .41 caliber large frame No. 2 Volcanic pistols in 1854-1855. They are based on a patent of Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson and were manufactured prior to the subsequent renaming of the company to Volcanic Repeating Arms in 1855. The company was then reorganized by Oliver Winchester as the New Haven Arms Company in 1857 which would ultimately become the Winchester Repeating Arms Company in 1866. Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson continued to pursue their own development of revolvers starting around 1856, and the rest is history. Surviving examples of these early Smith & Wesson Volcanics are scarce and extremely desirable in any condition, as part of the beginning of the development of lever action repeaters that evolved into the Henry and Winchester 1866 rifles, and they also mark the very beginning of Smith & Wesson. This factory engraved, early production large frame No. 2 Volcanic lever action pistol has the rarely encountered 6 inch barrel, whereas they are typically seen with 8 inch barrels, and has the distinctive "Type II" features which include a crowned muzzle, rounded magazine lock T-bar spring and two carrier block spring screws. The frame has a hump behind the lever, loading lever with finger spur, and single screw cartridge carrier spring. The 6 inch, .41 caliber, part-round/part-octagon barrel has an integral 10-shot magazine below, a "pinched" blade nickel-silver front sight blade, and round magazine follower. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with "CAST-STEEL" ahead of the two-line legend "SMITH &WESSON/NORWICH. CT." and "PATENT." The top of the frame has a screw-fastened notch rear sight. The hammer has fine hand-knurling on the spur. The receiver sides, top, backstrap, sideplates, and back of the hammer are decorated with the well-executed, open scroll engraving that was standard on S&W Volcanic pistols. The matching serial number "28" is stamped on the back of the rear sight, on the right side of the butt under the right grip, and correctly handwritten inside the rosewood grips.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 Volcanic

Price Realized:

A Monumental Discovery, Documented as "The First Express Rifle in the U.S" Rock Island Auction Company Proudly Unveils the Historic: "Forest & Stream Express" Winchester Centennial Model 1876 Straight Grip Deluxe Presentation Lever Action Rifle in .50-95 Express with Inscription to Captain L. V. Sone of the New York Rifle Club by The Forest and Stream Tournament in 1879 with Factory Letter

Lot 13

Forest & Stream Express Winchester Presentation Model 1876 Rifle

The included factory letter lists this rifle with an octagon barrel, plain trigger, checkered stock, casehardened finish, and "Forest & Stream Express" and indicates it was received in the warehouse on April 21, 1879, and shipped the same day to Forest & Stream in order number 14932. "Brentano's Aquatic Monthly and Sporting Gazetteer" in 1879 reported on "The 'Forest & Stream' Short-Range Rifle Tournament" and indicated that the second annual tournament was held at Conlin's Gallery in New York on March 10th-March 14th and that there were several ten men teams in the tournament, including two teams from the New York Rifle Club. "The prizes were ten gold monogram badges, presented by Forest & Stream and Rod and Gun; an American Express rifle, the first one ever manufactured in this country, presented by the Winchester Arms Company; a Ballard sporting rifle, presented by Schoverling & Daly; a Galway rifle, presented by the Remingtons; two badges, presented by N. M. Shepard, and a prize, as yet undetermined, from the Union Metallic Cartridge Company." The Zettler team took first place for the second year in a row with 478 out of 500 while one of the New York Rifle Club's teams came in second with 468. Forest & Steam's May 1, 1879, issue reported: "The New York Rifle Club held an opening 'field' day at Creedmoor yesterday...In the evening, the supper was eaten at the Grant Hotel, and Captain L. V. Sone was given a surprise, in the presentation to him of the Winchester Express rifle, won by the club in the recent F. & S. Tournament." Only one earlier serial number Model 1876 Express rifle was found in our sales records, sn. 7746, but that rifle was not shipped until May 13, 1879. The next lowest example we have sold was sn. 8732 shipped on June 3, 1879. Winchester no doubt had high hopes for these powerful rifles, but they did not catch on, and only a small number were made. The total production of the Model 1876 was also rather limited with only 63,871 manufactured. This limited production leaves very few Centennial Model Express Rifles for collectors today, and this early example is certainly particularly desirable. The rifle has a dovetailed German silver blade front sight, adjustable sporting rear sight, the two-line address and King's improvement patent marking on top, ".50 CAL EXPRESS" is factory hand engraved on the top barrel flat at the breech, "WINCHESTER EXPRESS/.50 Cal. 95 Grs." is also factory inscribed on the thumb print dust cover, screw affixed guide rail, blank cartridge elevator, plain trigger, "MODEL. 1876." on the upper tang, the script serial number "8097" on the lower tang, checkered deluxe walnut forearm and buttstock with a steel forend end cap and crescent buttplate with a brass trapdoor (cleaning rod absent). The left side plate is inscribed in alternating scripts with "Prize won in the/FOREST & STREAM TOURNAMENT 1879/And presented to/L. V. SONE. by the N. Y. RIFLE CLUB/In appreciation of his services as Captain." Louis V. Sone was a leading member in the New York Rifle Club in the late 1870s and in the 1880s. The New York Times on May 2, 1876, announced his victory in the rifle tournament held in aid of St. John's Guild and on December 1, 1878, reported that at the annual election of the New York Rifle Club he was elected president and intended to present 10 gold badges to the club for presentation to members of their team. On March 17, 1879, and October 25, 1879, he is listed as achieving records in rifle-shooting in galleries, including 99 out of 100 at 12 yards. Forest & Stream reported that at "The Everybody's Match" at Conlin's Shooting Gallery ending on November 20th, 1879, Sone won first place and notes that he had "a record of forty-three consecutive bull's eyes at a 'Creedmoor target' reduced for gallery practice, and there is no better 'holder' in the country than he..." Outside of his marksmanship accolades, Sone was a successful inventor and businessman. He formed the petroleum company Sone & Fleming Mfg. Co. Ltd. with Francis C. Fleming. He was a pioneer in kerosene production, including patenting designs for transportation. Sone & Fleming's "astral oil" is said to have pushed whale oil off the market. The company's refinery was purchased by Standard Oil in 1879. Sone was also presented an L. D. Nimschke engraved Smith & Wesson .32 Double Action Revolver by the New York Rifle Club when he visited Europe in 1884. See Lot 323 in our November 2018 Premier catalog as well as p. 192 of both "Steel Canvas" and "The History and Art of the American Gun: The Art of American Arms" by R. L. Wilson. The records for the arrival of the steamer "City of Paris" in 1891 list Sone as a 45 year old merchant. Also on board was his 19 year old son L. V. Sone Jr. He lived various locations in New York over the years, including at his Ridgelawn estate in White Plains and a summer cottage at Sone Park, and he died at the age of 61 in 1907 at his home at No. 43 West 68th Street in New York City. Provenance: Louis V. Sone; Private Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 50 express

Price Realized:

Outstanding Well-Documented Civil War Era Factory Engraved and Silver Plated New Haven Arms Co. Henry Lever Action Rifle, Featured on the Cover of Gun Report's October 1957 Issue and in "Winchester Engraving" Books, with Wooden Henry Cleaning Rod

Lot 14

Documented Engraved Silver Plated New Haven Arms Co. Henry Rifle

Rock Island Auction Company is honored to be able to offer this absolutely stunning example of an engraved and silver plated Henry rifle, bearing serial number 1449, as manufactured in 1863 during the middle of the Civil War. Factory engraved Henry rifles are scarce and among the most desirable of all the antique firearms by collectors today thanks to their important place in the development of lever action firearms and the Winchester Repeating Arms Co., as well as their place in the history of the American Civil War, the West, and popular culture. This highly attractive factory engraved Henry is about as desirable as it gets, with a factory silver plated brass frame and buttplate, along with a deluxe select grain walnut stock. The combination of silver plating and engraving was a $10 special order option offered from the New Haven Arms Company starting in 1862, and the frequency of Henry rifles made with these options quickly declined due to the company discouraging special order features during the peak of production at the height of the Civil War in order to meet production demands. Many of these special ordered Henry rifles were known to have been presented to officers and prominent individuals. This rifle is featured on the cover of the October 1957 issue of the Gun Report magazine, and page 31 states; "The Henry rifle on this month's cover is certainly a presentation model even though it bears no inscription. It is in excellent condition and apparently fired very little as the bore is almost like new." This rifle is also featured on page 16 of "The Book of Winchester Engraving" (1975 publication) and page 22 of "Winchester Engraving" (1989 publication) both by R.L. Wilson, in which the photo captions indicate that its engraving pattern makes it nearly a twin to serial number 1441 pictured in the books. The engraving is similar to those on other Henry rifles of the period and consists of scrollwork, decorative borders, and floral blooms with punchdot backgrounds on the frame, side panels, and first type buttplate. Equipped with a provision for a blade front sight (absent), with a dovetail mounted fixed notch rear sight on the barrel and a flip-up notch sight mounted in the dovetail slot on top of the frame. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line Henry patent and New Haven Arms Co. address markings ahead of the rear sight and the serial number is located at the breech. Includes an original early type Henry four-piece hickory cleaning rod with iron ferrules located inside the butt compartment. Provenance: The Wayne Kramer Collection; The Stanley R. Andrus Collection; The John R. Woods Collection; Butterfield & Butterfield auction, October 22, 1991, lot 5596; Property of a Gentleman

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Henry RF

Price Realized:

Highly Desirable Freund Patent Marked Winchester Model 1876 Lever Action Rifle with Rare Freund's Patent Sight

Lot 15

Freund Marked Winchester Model 1876 Rifle with Freund Sight

Manufactured in 1882, this is a solid representative example of Winchester's powerful Model 1876 as upgraded by one of the frontier's legendary gun shops. The story of the Freund brothers as German immigrant gunsmiths traced its path westward, much like the expanding railways and settlers seeking opportunity, as they set up temporary shops along their route. Eventually the brothers settled permanently with shops in Denver, Colorado, and Cheyenne, Wyoming. From those two shops they became known for retailing and improving mostly single shot rifles, particularly the Sharps Model 1874, making a repeater with their markings quite scarce. The Freund shop sold rifles to the likes of Philip Sheridan, George Cook, and Theodore Roosevelt. The Model 1876 found popularity on the frontier due to its larger and more powerful chamberings, most of which were capable of dispatching the most dangerous threats the American west had to offer, animal and human alike. The top flat of the barrel is marked with the standard two-line address/King's patent marking, caliber marking at the breech, and "FREUND'S/PATENT/JUNE 28/1880./DURANGO/COLO" just behind the rear sight, likely indicating the shop had modified it. The caliber marking is repeated on the bottom of the cartridge elevator, model marking on the upper tang, and serial number on the lower tang. It is fitted with a Freund blade front sight, showing the Freund Patent marking on the base, and an "1876" marked folding ladder rear sight with the notch period modified to be more open, likely by the Freund shop. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-60

Price Realized:

"Frontier Issued" Sharps Bridgeport Model 1874 Sporting Buffalo Rifle in .40-70 Sharps Necked with Factory Letter

Lot 16

"Frontier Issued" Sharps Bridgeport 1874 Sporting Buffalo Rifle

Sharps reportedly manufactured approximately 6,400 of these sporting rifles in a variety of configurations between 1871 to 1880 according to production figures listed on page 218 of "Sharps Firearms" by Sellers. Includes a copy of a factory letter that lists this rifle by serial number as invoiced January 5, 1878, to western dealer Ben Kittredge and Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, noted as a "Model 1874 Sporting Octagon Rifle" in .40 caliber with a full 30 inch octagon barrel, double set triggers, open sights, oil finished stocks, weight listed as 12 1/4 pounds, and list price of $45. These Sharps Model 1874 rifles were a highly valued arm on the frontier, not only due to their firepower, but also their long range accuracy. They were popular for both protection and hunting, seeing widespread use throughout the turbulent American west and commonly referred to as "buffalo rifles," as used by the commercial hunters of the period. This example features double set triggers and a 30 inch octagon barrel, with a dovetail mounted blade front sight and a Lawrence patent notch and ladder rear sight. The top barrel flat is marked with the boxed "Old Reliable" ahead of the Sharps Bridgeport address, with "CALIBRE 40" at the breech and "2 1/4" upside down on the right barrel flat at the breech, indicating chambering for the .40-70 Sharps necked (.40 2 1/4) cartridge. The left side of the receiver is marked with the two-line Sharps 1869 patent date, and the matching serial number "160602" is marked horizontally on top of the receiver and on bottom of the barrel. It is mounted with a smooth walnut forearm with pewter end cap and straight grip stock with a flat checkered steel buttplate.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 40-70 Sharps

Price Realized:

Lot 17

Herter's Inc. Hudson Bay 41 A X Kodiak Bear Trap

Manufactured c. 1971-1979, this is a desirable example of a Hudson Bay Kodiak Bear Trap manufactured by Herter's Inc. Established in Waseca, Minnesota, in 1937, Herter's was a prominent mail order sporting and outdoor goods retailer that was a major inspiration for many modern sporting goods suppliers. Herter's appears to have began producing various traps starting in the 1960s, with the first bear traps appearing in 1971 and continuing until 1979. This massive trap measures approximately 43 1/4 inches long with the setting springs extended fully. The pressure plate has the standard model and manufacturer markings in raised letters and a pierced through "H" at the center.

Price Realized:

Lot 18

William Butcher, Sheffield Etched Blade Bowie Knife with Sheath

Manufactured c. 1822-1826. As early as 1819, William Butcher is listed in the Sheffield directories as manufacturing edged tools from a small manufactory on Eyre Lane. In 1826, William joined with his brother Samuel and John Brown in a partnership that lasted until 1830. From 1830 onward, William and Samuel Butcher partnered together in a business more commonly known as W.& S. Butcher. From 1830 through the 1850s, the Butcher brothers expanded their business and production capacity in Sheffield to meet the ever-increasing demands of the American market. The business continued on under various ownership and names well into the 1900s. Among Bowie knife collectors, the Butcher firm is known not only for their extremely high quality, but as one of the earliest Sheffield firms to break into the American market, making their knives extremely collectible in any condition, with high quality examples like this being particularly desirable. A very similar Butcher knife is pictured on p. 375 of "The Antique Bowie Knife Book" by Adams, Voyles, and Moss, which has a different blade profile and slightly different guard, but an almost identical grip. This very attractive knife measures 13 1/2 inches overall with an 8 1/4 inch blade, featuring a long, shallow clip point, faint etching on the left (illegible), a Spanish notch just above the ricasso, and the maker's mark under the "WR" and crown marking on the left ricasso. The German silver guard has large shallow scallops on the quillions and a large bolster below it. The German silver hilt is fitted with rosewood grips with German silver nameplate, pins, and a flat pommel. Includes a red leather scabbard with attractive, ornate German silver fittings and absent belt button.

Price Realized:

Magnificent, Documented, Exhibition Display, John Ulrich Factory Master Panel Scene Engraved, Antique Special Order, Gilt and Nickel Plated Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine with Factory Letter

Lot 19

Ulrich Factory Exhibition Engraved Winchester Model 1886 Carbine

Manufactured in 1897, this rare Winchester Model 1886 carbine is an incredible example of the "highly finished arms" that the company were capable of producing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This particular example is documented as having been a display piece for Winchester at many of the plethora of exhibitions, expositions, and trade fairs held throughout the world during the period. Highly embellished pieces such as this one would have been produced by all of the leading manufacturers during the period to illustrate their quality and artistry to the millions of potential buyers who attended these popular fairs. The included factory letter lists the serial number applied on 3 December 1897, carbine configuration, .45-90 caliber, half gilt and nickel finish, fancy checkered stock, "$5.00 engraving", and "NY Ex 98" when received at the warehouse on 6 January 1898. The letter also lists multiple shipment and return dates, which will be covered below. This combination of special order and deluxe features is extremely rare in the Model 1886, particularly in carbines, which were often purchased in standard configuration to be working guns. According to John T. Madl's research on Model 1886 carbines, only three are listed as having $5.00 engraving and the half nickel-half gold plated finish. Madl notes only 13 carbines listed with a fancy checkered stock and carbine butt. Further adding to this carbine's rarity, Madl notes that only 941 Model 1886 carbines were chambered in the powerful .45-90 W.C.F. caliber. This carbine's rare and ornate configuration makes it clear that Winchester intended for it to be an eye-catching showpiece at the exhibitions it attended. Interestingly, serial number 114694, previously offered here at Rock Island Auction Company as Lot 68 in the September 2016 auction, is essentially an identical twin to this gun, with the pair being consecutively numbered and the numbers being applied on the same day. Serial number 114694 was received in the warehouse one year and eight months after this carbine, both showing the amount of time this level of embellishment could take, as well as the popularity this piece must have shown during its debut in 1898. It is unclear if the third engraved, nickel and gold plated 1886 carbine listed by Madl was a match to these two. Though these two carbines were produced by Winchester as a matching consecutively serialized pair, it appears that they parted ways upon completion, not sharing any shipment or receipt at warehouse dates. This makes sense from a business standpoint for Winchester, as they would have garnered double the exposure to the public by sending these essentially identical carbines to different shows. Given the extensive list of shipment dates for this specific carbine, it is clear that it made appearances at a plethora of fairs, with some of the likely candidates being the Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition and Greater America Exposition in Omaha, Nebraska, the Exposition Universelle of 1900 in Paris, France, the Louisiana Purchase Exposition/St. Louis World's Fair in St. Louis, Missouri, and many others that remain unknown (see factory letter). From 1904 to 1907 it appears that the carbine may have been in the hands of Winchester salesmen or passing to various retailers for display, given that the language in the letter changes from "received" to "returned", and then the carbine is listed as sold in late 1907, followed by another return date shortly after, and then two return and repair dates in 1910. It was not uncommon for these exhibition Winchesters to be touched up and maintained by the factory in between shows, as it is very likely they received significant handling by the attendees of these wildly popular fairs, and this example appears to be no exception, showing signs of being a well-maintained factory showpiece. The carbine itself shows very attractive factory panel scene engraving, almost certainly by Master Engraver John Ulrich, with Winchester historian and author R. L. Wilson previously indicating the engraving on this carbine's twin was by Ulrich. The engraving itself does not appear to be a standard pattern offered by Winchester, but certainly shows the hallmarks of being John Ulrich's work. The receiver shows extensive floral scroll and wavy/dot borders, a distinct S-shaped Gustave Young inspired scroll on the right above the loading gate, and a beautiful game scene on the left featuring a buck and doe at the edge of a forest. The engraved receiver is gold plated, while the remainder of the components are finished with nickel plating. The barrel and receiver both have Winchester factory oval proofs which were added during one of its returns after 1905. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address and the caliber marking "45-90/W.C.F." at the breech. The upper tang has the model marking and is factory drilled and tapped for a peep sight with a filler screw in place. The lower tang is marked with the two-line patent dates and the serial number. The left side of the lower tang is marked "365 XX", with "365" repeated in the stock inlet and inside the buttplate, which is also marked "969" under two dots and with a sideways "S". It is fitted with a pinned beaded blade front sight, folding ladder rear sight factory modified to a two-lead type, and a saddle ring on the left of the receiver. It is mounted with an extremely finely figured, H-pattern checkered forearm and straight grip stock with a carbine buttplate, which has a flourish of floral scroll engraving.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-90 WCF

Price Realized:

Stunning Historic Volcanic Repeating Arms Lever Action Navy Pistol Documented from the Winchester Gun Museum with Cody Letter

Lot 20

Historic Volcanic Repeating Arms Navy Pistol with Cody Letter

This Volcanic pistol was manufactured by the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company circa 1857 and is accompanied by a letter from the Buffalo Bill Historical Center dated June 12, 1974 that states it was on a loan exhibit at the Winchester Gun Museum from 1950-1974. Also included is a second letter from the Buffalo Bill Historical Center dated September 15, 1993, and addressed to Mr. C.W. Slagle stating the pistol was on a loan exhibit at the Winchester Gun Museum from 1950-1974, in the display with the Volcanics that are part of the museum collection. The pistol has the distinctive brass frame with eight inch octagon barrel, integral ten shot magazine and loading lever with finger hole. The barrel has a thin silver cone front sight. A simple fixed notch rear sight is mounted in a dovetail on the frame. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the legend: "THE VOLCANIC/REPEATING ARMS CO./PATENT NEWHAVEN CONN. FEB. 14. 1854." in three lines. The serial number is stamped on the right side of the loading lever, the left side of the frame underneath the grip and on the inside of both grips. All of the visible serial numbers match. The barrel and magazine have a high polish blue finish, and the hammer, trigger and lever are color casehardened. The rear sight, cartridge elevator, bolt, trigger spring and interior components have a fire blue finish. The two-piece grips are nicely figured walnut with a piano finish. The Volcanic pistols and carbines are historic firearms that represent a major step in the evolution of American firearms. The combination of internal, spring loaded, magazine, lever action and self-contained, primed cartridges were revolutionary features in 1857. The Volcanic action, when combined with reliable metallic cartridges, was the basis for the Henry rifle and Winchester Model 1866, 1873 and 1876 rifles. Oliver Winchester's investment in the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company in 1855 ultimately led to the establishment of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Provenance: Winchester Gun Museum; The Joe Marlin Hilliard Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 Volcanic

Price Realized:

Excellent Documented Antique Special Order Winchester Model 1886 Deluxe Lever Action Rifle with Specific Stock Configuration and Factory Letter

Lot 21

Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle

The powerful Winchester Model 1886 remains one of the most iconic lever action rifles. It was the first lever action rifle designed by John Moses Browning. Special order '86s remain especially popular, and examples in high condition like this one are highly sought after. It will make for a standout piece in any lever action collection. This is a stunning deluxe rifle with a factory letter stating the rifle was received in the warehouse on July 21, 1888 and shipped on July 23 with an octagon barrel in .40-82 caliber, plain trigger with a 2 1/2 lb pull, fancy checkered stock that was 3/4 inches shorter than standard length, forearm and grip thinner than standard, and blue frame and trims. A copy of the Winchester ledger for this rifle is included. Deluxe Model 1886s are rare. These were "working guns," and customers were not inclined to spend additional money for special features. As noted in the factory letter, there are several rare special order features in addition the deluxe wood. The trigger pull was special ordered. The stock is shorter than regular length and the forearm and grip is thinner than standard dimension. Models fitted with a non-standard stock length like this example are a Winchester rarity. Renowned Winchester expert and author George Madis noted, "Special stocks, varying from the standard in length or drop, would be custom made and fitted by the factory for the few customers who wanted them. The standard stock was made to fit and be correct in all ways for the majority of people, and very few customers found it necessary to order a special stock" ("The Winchester Book," page 602). This rifle is chambered in the desirable .40-82 W.C.F. This caliber was introduced in 1885 for the Winchester Model 1885 single shot rifle also designed by Browning, and was available for the Model 1886 into the early 20th century, but was then discontinued. The caliber was favored by elk and heavy game hunters, but rifles in this caliber are seldom encountered due to many being altered over the last century to more available calibers. The rifle is fitted with a period blade front sight featuring a base marked "C.W.G.", an elevation adjustable rear sight, and a Lyman folding tang peep sight. The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line Winchester address ahead of the rear sight and the caliber designation "40-82 W.C.F." at the breech. The lower tang has the two-line patent dates marking as well as the serial number. The factory special order forearm and pistol grip stock are highly figured XXX deluxe walnut. The left side of the lower tang is marked "132" and "XXX." The assembly number "132" is repeated on the stock inlet and buttplate.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 40-82 WCF

Price Realized:

Attractive and Exceptional Antique Special Order Winchester Deluxe First Model 1873 with Extra Length 30 Inch Barrel, Casehardened Receiver, and Factory Letter

Lot 22

Antique Special Order Winchester Deluxe First Model 1873 Rifle

Manufactured in 1876, this is an exceptionally fine example of a special ordered Winchester deluxe First Model 1873 rifle in a very attractive configuration. The included factory letter lists the rifle with a 30 inch octagon barrel, set trigger, "XX" checkered wood, and casehardened finish when received at the warehouse on 15 November 1876 and shipped on 19 January 1877 in order number 8163. According to noted Winchester historian and author George Madis, approximately one in every 600 Model 1873s was ordered with a longer than standard barrel, one in every 600 had special wood, one in every 700 had checkering, and one in every 26 had a set trigger. Though these statistics are approximations, they show how rare this specific rifle is in its special ordered, deluxe configuration. The "first model" receiver has the integral dust cover guides and dust cover with the flush "thumbprint" checkering. The top barrel flat has the standard two-line Winchester address and King's patent marking, and both the barrel and cartridge elevator correctly lack a caliber marking, as .44-40 W.C.F. was the only caliber offered for the model until 1879. The upper tang has the model marking and the lower tang is marked with the early style, small script serial number, which was seen on the model up until around serial number 30,000. The left side of the lower tang is marked "XXX 450", with "450" repeated in the stock inlet and inside the buttplate. It is unclear if the discrepancy between the wood grade in the factory letter in that marked on the gun is a ledger notation error or simply the factory providing a slightly higher wood grade than what was ordered. It is fitted with a period replacement German silver blade front sight, elevation adjustable notch rear sight, and the special ordered set trigger. It is mounted with a nicely figured checkered forearm and straight grip stock with the early style checkering pattern and a trapdoor crescent buttplate. Included with the rifle is a "V.L.&A./CHICAGO" marked leather scabbard/travel case.

Documentation

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 WCF

Price Realized:

Rare Documented Factory Exhibition Antique Winchester Model 1890 Slide Action Boy's Short Rifle in .22 Short with Casehardened Receiver in and Factory Letter

Lot 23

Factory Exhibition Winchester Model 1890 Boy's Rifle

This very rare and unique Winchester Model 1890 in boy's rifle configuration. Per the accompanying factory letter the rifle was received in the warehouse on January 6, 1898, and shipped "NY Ex 98" with a 22 inch barrel in .22 short caliber and boy's stock. The letter also provided additional warehouse and shipping dates (received in March 5, 1898, and shipped on March 8, 1898, and again on April 1, 1898). This series of warehouse and shipping entries is typical for Winchester's well-traveled factory exhibition pieces. References to "NY Ex" or "NY Expo" are found in factory letters for other exhibition grade Winchester rifles and it has been speculated that it is a reference to the American Institute Fair, which was held annually in New York City from 1829 to the late 1890s. Standard fixed blade front and elevation adjustable rear notch sights, first style barrel inscription, "22 SHORT" caliber marking on top flat at the breech, Second Model receiver with hidden locking lugs, and three-line maker, model, and patent marking on the upper tang. 12 groove slide handle and nicely figured plain straight grip buttstock with casehardened crescent buttplate. Factory assembly number "517" stamped on left side of tang and rear of buttstock under buttplate. This is very important in that it proves authenticity of the shorter wood. Also an "X" and "A/7" on face of internal buttstock frame juncture. Provenance: The Kidd Brothers Collection; Private Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 22 RF Short

Price Realized:

Lot 24

Antique Winchester Model 1894 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1895, the second year of production, this is an outstanding example of a standard configuration Winchester Model 1894 rifle. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration as well as the serial number application date of November 12,1895, receipt at the warehouse on 16 December 1895 and shipment on 20 February 1896 in order number 6485. Few things are more inherently American than a Winchester lever action rifle, and they continue to hold legendary status within American folklore right alongside the Colt Single Action Army revolver, apple pie, baseball, muscle cars, and bourbon. They remain one of only a handful of items that immediately invoke a visceral connection with this country, particularly its wild frontiers. The Model 1894 was the most prolific of Winchester's lever actions, with more than 7,500,000 having been produced. About one quarter of the Model 1894 production up to around serial number 353,999 was chambered in .38-55 W.C.F. like this example, and it remains a popular caliber among collectors to this day. These Model 1894s, particularly the early production examples, were seen as utility guns and often saw hard use in the American West on the frontier, leaving very few examples in high condition like this one. It is far more common to see high condition early Model 1894s in special order or deluxe configurations on the collectors market than these standard configuration guns, which were often viewed more as a tool or working gun rather than something that should be kept pristine and protected. This specific rifle is marked with standard two-line address and "38-55" on top of the barrel, three-line model/trademark/patent date on the upper tang, and serial number on the bottom of the receiver. It is fitted with a dovetailed beaded blade front sight, three-leaf express rear sight, and a tang mounted peep sight. The sights all have the appearance of having been installed by the factory, despite not being listed in the factory letter. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38-55 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 25

Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

As a deluxe model, this Model 1873 is a highly sought after Winchester collectible that is becoming increasingly difficult to find in any condition. These models were considered "working guns" and customers were not inclined to spend additional money on extra features such as a deluxe walnut stock. This example is more even more desirable since it is in high condition. The accompanying factory letter states the rifle was received in the warehouse on April 29, 1885 and shipped on May 2, 1886 with one other arm to order number 20386. The factory letter confirms the octagon barrel, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, and casehardened receiver. The rifle is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight, an elevation adjustable rear sight, and a folding tang peep sight. The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line Winchester legend ahead of the rear sight and the caliber designation "44 CAL" at the breech. The caliber designation is repeated on the cartridge elevator. The receiver has the highly desirable casehardened finish and is a third model with an integral dust cover guide rail and a dust cover featuring serrated finger grip at the rear. The deluxe XXX walnut forearm and pistol grip stock feature Winchester factory "H" style checkering. The buttstock has an ebony inlay in the pistol grip and a steel casehardened trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included). The left side of the lower tang is marked "215" and "XXX." The assembly number "215" is repeated on the stock inlet and buttplate.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Price Realized:

Desirable Winchester Model 90 Slide Action Rifle with Extremely Rare Stainless Steel Barrel

Lot 26

Winchester Model 90 Rifle with Rare Stainless Steel Barrel

Winchester offered the stainless steel barrel as an extra cost and later no charge option for the Model 90 rifle between 1927 and 1934. Beaded blade front and elevation adjustable notch rear sights, tenth style barrel inscription with the additional "STAINLESS STEEL" marking, Winchester "WP" proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech, Third Model receiver with exposed locking lugs, standard markings on the upper tang, and matching serial numbers on the receiver and lower tang. 12 groove slide handle and smooth straight grip stock with blue steel crescent buttplate.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 22 L

Price Realized:

Rare and Desirable Pre-World War II Winchester Model 61 Slide Action Rifle in Very Scarce .22 WRF with Octagon Barrel

Lot 27

Winchester Model 61 Slide Action Rifle in .22 WRF

Manufactured in 1940. Marble beaded blade front and elevation adjustable rear notch sights, first style barrel inscription, Winchester "WP" proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech, matching numbers on the receiver and trigger guard assembly, smooth round top receiver, flip up peep sight on the factory drilled and tapped upper tang, smooth trigger, and serrated hammer catch. 17 groove slide handle and smooth pistol grip stock with checkered blue steel buttplate.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 22 WRF

Price Realized:

Stunning Special Order Factory Panel Scene Exhibition Engraved, Gold/Platinum Inlaid, and Gold Trimmed Marlin Deluxe Model 1891 Lever Action Rifle

Lot 28

Factory Game Scene Engraved Marlin Deluxe Model 1891 Rifle

Marlin Model 1891 lever action rifles are rarely encountered as factory engraved, especially with elaborate relief engraved game panel scenes like the ones featured on this example. And if the exhibition grade engraving was not enough, the rifle is in high condition and has a two-tone blue and gold plated finish that places the rifle in a league of its own. This combination of rare special order features along with its standout condition makes for a highly sought after masterpiece of Marlin artistry of the late 19th century. The rifle was manufactured in 1893. Conrad Ulrich did most of the engraving for Marlin circa 1881 to 1910, and the Marlin engraving patterns are based on Ulrich's designs. Ulrich was influenced by the 19th century masters L.D. Nimschke and Gustave Young, and spent a lifetime embellishing some of the finest high art firearms of the late 19th century to early 20th century. The gold plated receiver is highly embellished with fine scrollwork on a stippled background of a higher quality than that used on more commonly seen Marlin patterns and semi-relief large and elaborate game scenes in oval panels that are reserved for only the highest quality of special order engraving. These panel scenes are not standard factory patterns, and likely represent one-of-a-kind Marlin artistry. A pair of bighorn sheep in a mountain scene decorate the left side of the receiver, while a setter on point and a raccoon peering from behind a tree make up the humorous woodland scene on the right side. The well-executed engraving is well-deserving of the title "exhibition quality." The gold finish adds to its exclusivity and desirability. Additional scrollwork appears on the forend cap, rear of the barrel, and lever. Bands of gold and platinum are inlaid on the barrel at the breech. Per Marlin expert William Brophy, gold and platinum inlays, frequently encountered as borders around engravings and bands around the barrel, are some of the rarest of Marlin special order features found today. The rifle is fitted with a German silver blade front sight, Lyman folding two leaf rear sight, and folding tang peep sight. The top barrel flat has the two-line Marlin legend ending with the 1892 patent date. The top of the receiver is marked “MARLIN SAFETY”. The barrel and full length magazine are blue. The receiver, hammer, trigger, and forend cap are plated in gold. The lever is casehardened. The highly figured deluxe walnut forearm and pistol grip stock feature factory No. D checking consisting of a diamond checkered pattern. A very small green jewel is placed in the center of each diamond on the pistol grip. The stock is fitted with a Marlin hard rubber buttplate. This is with out a doubt in the top 1% of factory engraved Marlin 1891s, an elite investment class rifle from the golden age of American gun making.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 32

Price Realized:

Lot 29

Antique Marlin Model 1894 Lever Action Takedown Rifle

The accompanying factory letter to this excellent antique Marlin Model 1894 takedown rifle states it was shipped on October 4, 1894 and confirms the 24 inch octagon barrel in .38 caliber and takedown configuration. Rarely are these "working guns" found in such high condition, making this example well deserving of any lever action collection no matter how advanced. The rifle is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Marlin legend ahead of the rear sight and the caliber designation "38-W" at the breech. The casehardened frame is marked "MARLIN SAFETY," and the upper receiver tang is factory drilled and tapped (filler screws are present) for sight mounting and marked "MODEL/1894." The antique serial number is stamped on the underside of the receiver. The forearm and straight grip stock are walnut. The stock is fitted with a casehardened crescent buttplate.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 WCF

Price Realized:

Documented First Year Production Antique Transitional Marlin Model 1894 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine with Factory Letter

Lot 30

Antique Early Production Marlin Model 1894 Saddle Ring Carbine

Manufactured in 1894, the first year of production. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address and patent marking between the barrel band and rear sight, and the caliber marking at the breech. The top of the receiver is marked "MARLIN SAFETY" without guide screws and the serial number is on the bottom. It is fitted with blade front and folding ladder rear sights (rear sight slide retention screw absent), and a saddle ring staple and saddle ring are mounted on the left of the receiver. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration as well as shipment on 5 July 1894. Provenance: The Milan Turk Collection; Private Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 WCF

Price Realized:

Outstanding, Documented, Rare, and Iconic L.D. Nimschke Panel Scene Engraved Marlin Model 1889 Lever Action Rifle

Lot 31

L.D. Nimschke Engraved Marlin Model 1889 Rifle

Manufactured in 1894 and featuring nearly full coverage floral scrollwork on fine beaded background decorating the nickel plated receiver, along with a semi-relief portrait of a dog head in a circular panel on the left side. The rifle is pictured in “Marlin Firearms” on page 175 and the author and well-known Marlin expert William Brophy attributed the work to renowned 19th century Master Engraver L.D. Nimschke: “Uniquely engraved Model 1889 rifle that appears to have been done by the hand of L.D. Nimschke.” Evidence supporting L.D. Nimschke himself was the engraver of this masterpiece is taken from the engraver’s original pulls in the pattern book “L.D. Nimschke Firearms Engraver” published by R.L. Wilson. A strikingly similar dog head motif is among the Nimschke pulls appearing on pages 4 and 85 used on two differing firearm models. This dog head serves as the strongest piece of evidence that the engraving was performed by Nimschke. The detail is similarly captured in the panel scene found on this rifle, leaving no doubt that this masterpiece is a Nimschke original. Other highly decorative motifs taken from pulls in the pattern book serve to provide additional evidence that Nimschke engraved this rifle. The distinctive overlapping scrollwork closely resembles a pull found at the bottom of page 26. The center of the scrollwork is similar to a pull on page 86. The scroll pattern is certainly consistent with Nimschke’s signature work. The combination of scrollwork and dog head leaves us with no doubt that Nimschke performed the engraving on this rifle. Light scrollwork appears on the forend cap and buttplate tang. Model 1889s were a "working gun," and few customers were willing to pay extra for deluxe features, let alone a profuse engraving by one of the period’s finest engravers. These deluxe models are becoming difficult to find, especially those in high condition like this example. The rifle is fitted with a combination Beach front sight, an elevation adjustable rear sight, and a folding tang peep sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Marlin legend ahead of the rear sight and the caliber designation “32-W” at the breech. The top of the receiver is marked “MARLIN SAFETY.” The barrel and full length magazine tube are blued. The forend cap, receiver, lever, and buttplate are nickel plated. The hammer is casehardened. The varnished forearm and pistol grip stock are highly figured deluxe walnut, featuring factory No. B checkering. This style of Marlin checkering was reserved for select walnut and used a multi-point checkering pattern. The buttstock is fitted with a crescent buttplate.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 32 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 32

Colt Large Frame "Express" Lightning Slide Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1888. These "Express Model" rifles were the rarest of the series, and only 6,496 were manufactured in 1887-1894 compared to nearly 90,000 each of the Small and Medium frame versions. The included factory letter states there are no available records for this serial number. The rifle has a special order 32 inch barrel as the standard length was 28 inches. The pistol grip stock is another special order feature. These pistol grip stocks were rare for this model. As Colt historian and author R.L. Wilson noted, "Pistol grip stocks were available on special order, but only a very few were manufactured" (see "The Book of Colt Firearms," page 505). The rifle is fitted with a combination Beach front sight and an elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight. The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line Hartford address ahead of the rear sight, and the upper left barrel flat has the caliber designation "40-60-260." The left side of the receiver is stamped with the Rampant Colt trademark, and the serial number is on the lower tang. The upper tang has a single drilled and tapped hole (filler screw absent). The slide handle features multi-point checkering, and the pistol grip stock is plain and fitted with a crescent buttplate.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 40-60-260

Price Realized:

Lot 33

Colt Medium Frame Lightning Slide Action Rifle in .44-40

Manufactured in 1896, this is a solid representative example of the medium frame variation of Colt's Lightning slide action rifle. These rifles often saw hard use on the Frontier and are rarely found in high condition. The medium frame was the first of the Lighting type slide action rifles Colt produced, and these rifles shared chamberings with the factory's legendary Single Action Army revolvers, making them highly desirable in the American West. This made carrying ammunition for both your rifle and your revolver simple and allowed an individual to be ready to defend themselves against man or beast in a variety of tough situations. Colt proclaimed, "Nothing was faster than lightning!" These capable rifles have a short pump action that allow for quick follow up shots. One trick was to hold the trigger and pump the action for "lightning" fast shots. The rifle is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight on a barrel stamped with the two-line Hartford address/patent dates legend ahead of the rear sight and "44 Cal." at the breech. A Rampant Colt is stamped on the left side of the receiver. The upper tang has a single drilled and tapped hole (filler screw absent). The plain straight grip stock is fitted with a crescent buttplate.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 34

Colt First Generation Single Action Army Revolver

Manufactured in 1907, the Colt Single Action Army Revolvers like this one are arguably the most iconic American handgun. The example offered here is in the standard configuration one sees when they think of the legendary Colt revolver; blue and casehardened finish, 7 1/2 inch barrel, and chambered in .45 Long Colt. The top of the barrel has the standard single line address and the caliber marking is on the left. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates followed by the circled Rampant Colt. Matching serial numbers are visible on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap, and "2675" is scratched by hand inside each grip panel. The assembly number "4559" is marked inside the loading gate.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 Long Colt

Price Realized:

Attractive George Wostenholm & Son Sheffield I-XL "Liberty and Union" Themed Folding Knife

Lot 35

Wostenholm Sheffield I-XL "Liberty and Union" Folding Knife

Manufactured in the mid-late 1800s by the George Wostenholm firm of Sheffield, England. The Wostenholm company moved into their huge Washington Works facility around 1848, perfectly positioning themselves to deal with the demands of the American market which exploded during the period of western expansion and the Civil War. This is a rare example of a folding knife made by the firm, which are rarely seen compared to their fixed-blade offerings. An almost identical example is pictured on p. 397 of "The Bowie Knife: Unsheathing An American Legend" by Flayderman. It measures 9 5/8 inches overall when unfolded with a 4 1/4 inch drop point blade. The left of the blade is marked with the "I*XL" trademark and the George Wostenholm maker's mark on the left ricasso. The guard is German silver with floral motifs and banners marked "LIBERTY AND UNION". The pommel is likewise German silver and has American patriotic motifs. It is fitted with antique ivory grip scales and a thin German silver nameplate on the left, which is blank.

Price Realized:

Lot 36

Special Order Winchester Model 92 Lever Action Takedown Rifle

Manufactured in 1920, with Winchester factory oval proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech. Model 92 rifles are rarely seen in this special ordered configuration with a half magazine, takedown, and octagon barrel, particularly in .25-20 W.C.F. caliber. The upper left flat of the barrel has the two-line address and patent markings and the caliber marking at the breech. The upper tang is marked with the three-line model and trademark information, and the serial number is marked on the bottom of the receiver. It is fitted with a blade front sight, elevation adjustable rear sight, and a special order half magazine, with the rifle in takedown configuration.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 25-20 WCF

Lot 37

Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Musket

Manufactured in 1871, this Winchester Model 1866 musket was made when large swathes of the American Frontier sat waiting to be tamed. While it is more often the carbine and rifle variations associated with the Wild West, the musket variations such as this would have been of equal use with their ability to fix a bayonet in last ditch defense. In collector's terms, these muskets are also significantly more rare than the other two, with 3/4 of the total Model 1866 production being carbine, and of the remainder, rifles outnumbering muskets two to one. The top of the barrel on this third model is marked with the standard two-line address and King's patent marking and the serial number is on the lower tang just behind the trigger in block numerals. The partial matching serial number, "6898", is marked in the stock inlet and inside the buttplate. It is fitted with a set of period replacement sights including a blade front and an unidentified combination notch and folding ladder rear sight. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with filler screws in the sling swivel plate on the bottom and a trapdoor military style buttplate containing an included four-piece cleaning rod.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Henry RF

Price Realized:

Lot 38

Winchester Model 1894 Lever Action Takedown Rifle

Manufactured in 1908, this is a very fine example of a Winchester Model 1894 takedown rifle. There are Winchester factory oval proofs on top of the barrel and receiver at the breech, which started to appear in 1905. The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line address and patent dates and the caliber marking is on the upper left flat at the breech. The upper tang is marked with the three-line model and trademark, and the serial number is marked on the bottom of the receiver. It is fitted with a Lyman beaded blade front sight, a blank filler in the rear sight dovetail, and a Lyman peep sight mounted on the left side of the receiver. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 32 W.S.

Price Realized:

Lot 39

Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Musket

This musket was manufactured in 1903 and may have been part of the group of 700 muskets noted from the 569,000-571,000 serial number range that were shipped to Central America in September 1903 and were apparently never issued. The included Cody records confirm the muskets configuration, and that it was received in warehouse on August 27, 1903 and shipped September 18, 1903 on order number 13880. The Third Model receiver features the distinctive integral dust cover guide and dust cover with serrated edges. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address/King's patent marking and the caliber marking at the breech. The caliber marking is repeated on the bottom of the cartridge elevator. The model designation is on the upper tang and the serial number on the lower tang. It is fitted with a block blade front sight and folding ladder rear sight. It is mounted with a musket length forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor military pattern buttplate (cleaning rod not included).

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 40

Winchester Model 1876 Lever Action Rifle

The Winchester Model 1876 Rifle made its public debut in 1876 at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition where it garnered the title "The Centennial Model" in honor of the Declaration of Independence. By all accounts the Model 1876 was "a revolutionary gun," as legendary Winchester expert George Madis pointed out. Originally chambered in only .45-75 WCF cartridge, the Model 1876 offered a larger caliber for customers, particularly those out West, who believed .44-40 WCF lacked the stopping power for whatever came their way. Only 63,871 were made c. 1876-1898. The model was fairly quickly supplanted by the Model 1886, but the Model 1876 has that classic early Winchester appeal with its side plates, dust cover, and toggle link action. Surviving examples of the Centennial rifle are scarce. The example offered here was manufactured in 1880, when a powerful rifle would have still been highly valued on the wild Western Frontier. It has a Second Model receiver with the dust cover guide retained with two screws and a dust cover with grip serrations at the rear. The rifle is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight (inserted backwards marked "APRIL 17, 1877") and an elevation adjustable rear sight marked "Freund." The story of the Freund brothers as German immigrant gunsmiths traced its path westward much like the expanding railways and settlers seeking opportunity, as they set up temporary shops along their route. Eventually the brothers settled permanently, with shops in Denver, Colorado and Cheyenne, Wyoming. From those two shops they became known for retailing and improving mostly single shot rifles, particularly the Sharps Model 1874, making a repeater with their markings quite scarce. The Freund shop sold rifles to the likes of Philip Sheridan, George Cook, and Theodore Roosevelt. The Model 1876 found popularity on the frontier due to its larger and more powerful chamberings, most of which were capable of dispatching the most dangerous threats the American west had to offer, animal and human alike. The top barrel flat has the two-line Winchester legend ahead of the rear sight and “CAL. 45-60” at the breech. The caliber marking is repeated on the bottom of the cartridge elevator: "45-60." The forearm and straight grip stock are plain walnut. The buttstock is fitted with a crescent buttplate.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-60

Price Realized:

Lot 41

Winchester Deluxe Model 1895 Lever Action Rifle in .35 W.C.F.

Manufactured in 1914, both the barrel and receiver ring have the correct Winchester factory oval proofs, which the one on the receiver ring offset to accommodate the factory matted area on top. The left side of the receiver has the standard two-line address and patent dates and the upper left of the barrel has the nickel steel and caliber marking. The upper tang is marked with the three-line model and trademark information and the serial number is on the lower tang. The left side of the lower tang is marked "8" and "808" is marked in the stock inlet. It is fitted with a ramped, beaded blade front sight and an elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight. It is fitted with a very finely figured, H-pattern checkered, Schnabel tip forearm with ebony insert and straight grip stock with a checkered hard rubber buttplate and non-factory added sling swivels mounted on each.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 35 WCF

Price Realized:

Special Order Winchester Model 1886 Extra Lightweight Lever Action Takedown Rifle in .45-70 W.C.F. with Factory Letter

Lot 42

Winchester Model 1886 Extra Lightweight Takedown Rifle

Manufactured in 1907, this is a fine example of a special ordered, extra lightweight Winchester Model 1886 rifle. The standard configuration of the extra lightweight variant of the '86 was a 22 inch tapered barrel, half magazine, .45-70 W.C.F. caliber, and a hard rubber shotgun buttplate. The included factory letter lists the rifle in .45-70 caliber with a 22 inch round barrel, plain trigger, half magazine, and a rubber shotgun buttplate, as well as "Nickel Steel Barrel", "Extra Light", and "Winchester High Velocity Smokeless" sights when received at the warehouse on 5 August 1908. No shipping date or information is listed in the letter. The barrel has the standard two-line address/patent dates and caliber marking on top, while the nickel steel marking is to the left of the rear sight. The upper tang has the model and trademark marking, while the two-line patent dates and serial number are on the lower tang. It is fitted with a Lyman beaded blade front sight and an elevation adjustable notch rear sight. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a checkered Winchester hard rubber buttplate, as well as the correct "extra light" hollow in the buttstock under the buttplate.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45-70 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 43

Antique Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1891, this is a very fine example of an antique third Model 1873 rifle. The third model receiver has the integral dust cover guide and dust cover with the gripping serrations at the rear. The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line address and King's patent marking, as well as the caliber marking at the breech. The model marking is on the upper tang and the serial number is on the lower tang. It is fitted with a Lyman beaded blade front sight, elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight, and a Lyman peep sight mounted on the upper tang. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and nicely figured straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 32 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 44

Engraved C. Slotterbek San Francisco Percussion Drilling

This fascinating combination gun is illustrated in plate 192 on page 229 of "California Gunsmiths 1846-1900" by Shelton. The patent drawing for this design is featured on page 223, and biographical information and examples of the work of Charles Slotterbek (1831-1886) are featured on pages 220-234. The gun features two 12 gauge smoothbore barrels fired using traditional side locks over a rifled .41 caliber barrel fired using an underhammer lock built into the trigger plate. The upper rib has a rounded blade front sight, notch rear sight, and "C. SLOTTERBEK PATENT, SAN FRANCISKO [sic] PATENTED MAY 13TH 1868." A ramrod is fit between the left barrel and the rifled barrel. The casehardened locks and mounts have light scroll engraving. The walnut half-stock has checkering, bands of thicker wood between the locks and breech, and a 14 inch length of pull. Provenance: The Hugh E. Hayes Collection; Private Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 12

Price Realized:

Slotter & Co. Philadelphia Half Stock .50 Caliber Percussion Rifle

Lot 45

Slotter & Co. Philadelphia Half Stock Percussion Rifle

This heavy barrel half stock rifle is marked "SLOTTER & CO. PHILA" on the top flat behind the rear sight, and the left rear flat is marked "GAIN TWIST/WART/534". The barrel tang is marked "21". The front sight is a brass dovetailed blade, with a fixed dovetailed rear sight. The lock plate is marked "SLOTTER & CO. PHILA". Brass mountings with patch box and crescent buttplate. Double set triggers and wooden ram rod. Straight grip half stock with checkering on the wrist, cheek piece, and fancy trigger guard. Slotter & Co. are probably better known for their pocket pistol fashioned identically after the Deringer, with the company being formed by former Henry Deringer employees. One could argue a case for the aforementioned gun being a Plains Rifle due to the large caliber and rugged design.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 50

Desirable Documented John Bach San Francisco Half-Stock Percussion Target Rifle

Lot 46

J. Bach San Francisco Half-Stock Percussion Target Rifle

This rifle is illustrated as plate 10 on page 22 of "California Gunsmiths 1846-1900" by Shelton and described as "Target rifle. Barrel stamped 'J. BACH SAN FRANCISCO CAL.', lock stamped 'J. BACH SAN FRANCISCO CAL.' Barrel length 30-1/2 inches; width across flats 1-11/16 inches. Rifling has six grooves .385 in diameter and lands .375 diameter; turned at muzzle for straight starter. German silver furniture; hole in trigger guard plate for palm rest; walnut stock." The muzzle is turned down for use with a bullet starter. The barrel also has a dovetailed blade front sight and a filler block in the rear sight dovetail, and a peep sight is mounted on the upper tang. The rifle is equipped with adjustable double set triggers. The stock has a checkered wrist and a shadowline cheekpiece. Page 20 of "California Gunsmiths" features a portrait and biography of German born California gunmaker John Bach (1824-1905) who worked in San Francisco from 1852-1874. In 1864 he won an award at the Mechanics Fair in San Francisco. He was also a competitive marksman and was involved in the Swiss Rifle Club of San Francisco and National Rifle Club. Provenance: The Jim Field Collection; The Chris Anderson Collection; The Hugh E. Hayes Collection; Private Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38

Price Realized:

Lot 47

Colt First Model Dragoon Percussion Revolver

This First Model Dragoon was manufactured in 1848. Only around 7,000 First Model Dragoons were manufactured between 1848-1849, and they are important pieces in Colt firearms history as one of the massive "holster pistols" made by Colt following the famous Colt Walker revolvers of 1847. These revolvers were designed for mounted use by the U.S. Mounted Riflemen and 1st and 2nd U.S. Dragoons. The First Model Dragoons were followed by 2,700 Second Model Dragoons and 10,500 Third Model Dragoons. All of the Dragoon models saw considerable use during both the antebellum period and the Civil War, and were also popular out west due to their stopping power. The barrel has a German silver blade front sight and "ADDRESS SAML. COLT NEW-YORK CITY" reading from the breech towards the muzzle. The cylinder has the faintly visible Texas Ranger and Comanche Indian battle scene with "MODEL U.S.M.R." and "COLT'S PATENT" markings surrounding the serial number, and the correct oval stop slots of the First Model Dragoons. The frame has "COLT'S/PATENT/U.S." stamped on the left. Silver plated brass grip straps with a squareback trigger guard. Single letter inspection marks on various components. No cartouches visible on the grip. Matching visible serial numbers on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, butt, wedge, cylinder, cylinder pin, and correctly handwritten inside the rear channel of the grip, with a period replacement loading lever numbered "166".

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Extremely Rare, Documented, Historically Significant, Exhibition Grade Panel Scene Engraved, Gold Plated, and Presentation Inscribed Providence Tool Co. Peabody-Martini Single Shot Rifle-Musket with Bayonet

Lot 48

Presentation Peabody-Martini Rifle-Musket with Bayonet

The Providence Tool Co. manufactured the Peabody-Martini rifles c. 1873-1882 in a variety of configurations, including over 600,000 military rifles or rifle-muskets for the Ottoman Empire, their largest customer. This extraordinary rifle features a round barrel with a "barley corn" front sight that also serves as the lug for the included nickeled socket bayonet, notch and folding ladder rear sight with Eastern Arabic numerals, "MAN. F.D. BY THE PROVIDENCE TOOL CO. PROV. R.I. U.S.A." inscribed on top of the barrel towards the breech, and panels of scroll engraving at the breech end. The action has the tughra of Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz at the center of the right side, a zebra panel scene on the right rear, a moose panel scene on the right front, scrollwork, a running deer scene on the front left, lion attacking a horse at the left center, and a running stag at the left rear. Aside from the rear sight and some additional small components such as the trigger, the finish throughout the metal is gold. The musket length forearm has multi-point checkering in the grasping section as does the wrist of the highly figured buttstock. The buttplate has coarse checkering. This rifle is pictured in Tom Rowe's "Engraved & Interesting Peabody Martinis" and noted as "obviously made for presentation to the Turks when they were buying Peabody rifles for a military contract." Like a previous gold and silver plated and C.F. Ulrich signed master engraved Peabody-Martini rifle listed in our December 2019 Premier, this rifle was almost certainly engraved by Conrad F. Ulrich (1844-1925), one of the great master firearms engravers of the late 19th century and early 20th century. It may have been designed for display at the Centennial International Exposition in Philadelphia from May to November 1876 prior to an intended presentation to Sultan Abdulaziz or one of his ministers to curry favor with the Ottoman leaders. The sultan had traveled to view the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1867. The Ottoman Empire (Turkey) was represented by 1,500 exhibitors displaying the empire's famous carpets, tents, tobacco, furniture, coffee, jewelry, and other goods for display within the exhibition as well as a cafe and bazaars built nearby to supply visitors with the "Orientalist" goods then in vogue in the U.S. and Europe. In the 1870s, militaries around the world were modernizing and adopting breech-loading rifles leading to arms races and competition between various manufacturers. The Providence Tool Company seized the opportunity to make a fortune arming the Ottoman Empire and received contracts for 600,000 Peabody-Martini rifles, the largest foreign military contract for an American arms manufacturer to the that point. Sultan Abdulaziz (1830-1876) was a key figure in the adoption of the Peabody-Martini rifle by the Ottoman Empire (aka Turkey). The orders are covered in depth in "The Turkish Connection: The Saga of the Peabody-Martini Rifle" by William O. Achtermeier in the March/April 1979 issue of "Man At Arms". In 1872, the original Providence Tool Co. Peabody design had competed in the Ottoman rifle trials. However, the sultan came out in favor of the British Peabody-Martini-Henry design after receiving rifles from the Khedive Ismail Pasha of Egypt effectively ending consideration of the Peabody as well as other models such as the Remington Rolling Block. The sultan's government offered contracts for British pattern rifles to American arms makers. Oliver Winchester underbid the Providence Tool Company but then had to sign the contract over to the company. John B. Anthony of the Providence Tool Co. was awarded the Order of the Osmani Second Class in recognition of the relationship with the Ottomans, but the finances on both sides of the Atlantic and turmoil within Turkey made the finances of the contracts complicated. Nonetheless, the first contract for 200,000 rifles was completed before the end of 1875, and the next contract was soon underway. Abdulaziz was overthrown in a revolution on May 30, 1876, after his policies led to famine and serious economic decline for the empire. He died of apparent suicide a few days later, and less than a year later, the Russian Empire declared war and invaded Ottoman territory in the Balkans and Caucasus in the Russo-Turkish War. The Russo-Turkish War in 1877 was the latest in a long series of conflicts between the Russian Empire and the Ottoman Empire. It began on April 24, 1877, with the Russian's advancing and declaring war on the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans soon found their new Peabody-Martini rifles to be particularly suited for long range defensive engagements. As the Russians advanced, the Ottomans reportedly struck them down from over 2,000 yards away with their new rifles, and then switched to their faster firing Winchester Model 1866s when their adversaries closed the distance leading to heavy losses for the Russian forces. Nonetheless, the Russians were ultimately victorious at the Siege of Plevna and put the captured rifles to use for further victories until the Russians agreed to settle. The Ottoman defeat in the war led to the loss of Romania, Serbia, and Montenegro in the Balkans, further uprisings, and significant damage to the empire's already fraught finances which furthered delays in payment to the Providence Tool Co. The company had greatly expanded its facilities to produce the large contracts and successfully completed the production of the contracted 600,000 rifles by December 24, 1879. However, the defaulted Ottoman payments combined with other economic conditions to ultimately led to the bankruptcy of the Providence Tool Co. in 1882. The Providence Tool Co.'s focus on the Ottoman contract rifle-muskets and its collapse in 1882 has left only a small number of deluxe rifles for collectors. Most of the rifles that remain on the collector's market come from the few thousand civilian rifles manufactured for domestic sale within the United States, but deluxe example with Ottoman markings like this one are incredibly hard to find, and this rifle is certainly among the most ornate and highly embellished of all of the Providence Tool Co.'s rifles.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45

Price Realized:

Documented Sharps Model 1874 Business Rifle in .45-70 with Extremely Rare Complete Buffalo Hunter's Outfit

Lot 49

Sharps Model 1874 Business Rifle with Buffalo Hunting Gear

Sharps Model 1874 rifles were manufactured from 1871 to September 1880. Though one of the most popular rifles for big game hunting in the American West in the latter part of the 19th century, production was rather limited, and the company closed in 1881. The Sharps was particularly popular with buffalo hunters during the heyday of the hunts in the 1870s-1880s. Hunting bison was often a commercial endeavor with professional hunters, skinners, gun cleaners, and others all part of a large team to collect bison hides used for various products. The Sharps was preferred because it was accurate and reliable and came in powerful cartridges, including .45-70 Government, that could take down bison from 100+ yards. Though the rifles were popular with buffalo hunters, they rarely are accompanied by other equipment from the famed buffalo hunts. This extremely rare set features a classic Sharps Model 1874 rifle as well as numerous accessories from the 19th century American West, including a buffalo hide case for the rifle. This extremely rare buffalo hunting outfit's Sharps Model 1874 rifle is documented by a copy of a factory letter which indicates this rifle "is listed in Order Book No. 7 as a Model 1874 Business Rifle and was invoiced at the Bridgeport factory on April 1, 1878 to Arthur S. Winchester, President of the Sharps Rifle Company." This was one of thirty Business Rifles in .40 caliber and 70 in .45 caliber listed on Winchester's account. The ultimate destination of the rifles is not noted. Arthur St. Clair Winchester also held business interests in the Adams Nickel Plate Co. and the Continental Insurance Co. and took over as president and treasurer of Sharps following Edward G. Westcott. Per Frank Sellers in "Sharps Firearms," only 1,604 Model 1874 Business Rifles were manufactured, all at Bridgeport between August 1876 and September 1880. Of these, approximately 900 were "Business 45" rifles in .45-70. The rifle is fitted with a heavy octagon barrel marked with a boxed "Old Reliable" followed by "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT. CONN." ahead of the rear sight and "45" at the breech on the top flat. The bottom barrel flat under the forearm is marked with the matching serial number in individually stamped numerals with the 6 smaller than the others followed by a spread wing eagle. The inside of the forearm is also numbered to the gun. The barrel is equipped with a Rocky Mountain front sight with brass blade and an unmarked buckhorn and folding ladder rear sight. The lock is has no visible markings. The left side of the receiver is marked with the two-line Sharps patent date, and the serial number is marked on top of the frame. The rifle is equipped with double set triggers and is mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with an iron buttplate. The whole outfit was featured in the "Roll of Honor" in "Man at Arms for the Gun and Sword Collector" Volume 27, No. 3, 2005 where it is described as: "A commercial buffalo hunter's outfit, including Sharps Model 1874 Old Reliable Sporting Rifle, serial number 160704, .45 caliber with 30 3/8-inch octagonal barrel. Included are many accessories, tools and cases, mostly covered in buffalo fur...The original owner of this outfit was Charles Parker, a native of Vincennes, Vermont, before moving West. This equipment would have been carried to the hunt in a wagon and contained all of the tools of Parker's trade. The condition and overall completeness of this rig may make it unique. Collection of Jerry Castor and Andy Wall." They also note that the set includes "A buffalo fur-covered traveling box for the rifle, a buffalo fur-covered knife block holding eleven knives and a sharpener, another cylindrical knife block with six knives [one absent] and a sharpener, a nine-inch wooden canteen, various heavy knives, an unusual buffalo-hide document case, photographs of the hunter's brother, buffalo skinners and a mounted buffalo head." Provenance: Buffalo Hunter Charles Parker; The Collection of Jerry Castor and Andy Wall; Private Collection

Documentation

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-70 Government

Price Realized:

Special Order Winchester Model 1886 Extra Lightweight Takedown Lever Action Rifle in .45-70 W.C.F.

Lot 50

Winchester Model 1886 Extra Lightweight Takedown Rifle

Manufactured in 1922, the last year of production, this is a rare example of a special ordered Winchester Model 1886 extra lightweight, takedown, short rifle. This rifle was special ordered in what is considered the standard "extra lightweight" configuration, that being a 22 inch barrel, .45-70 W.C.F. caliber, a half magazine, and a rubber shotgun buttplate. According to noted Winchester historian and author George Madis, one out of every 720 Model 1886s had a shorter than standard barrel, one out of every 150 had a non-standard magazine, and one out of every 420 had a special buttplate. The left of the barrel on this example is marked with the two-line address and patent marking, "MADE IN U.S.A.", the nickel steel marking, and the caliber marking. The right side of the barrel has the model marking. The upper tang is marked with the three-line trademark, and the serial number is marked on the lower tang. It is fitted with a Lyman beaded blade front sight on the correct brazed on sight base, an elevation adjustable notch rear sight, and a factory drilled and tapped hole on the upper tang for a peep sight that has a filler screw in place. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a Winchester checkered hard rubber buttplate.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45-70 WCF

Price Realized:

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