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AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK SAVAGE PISTOLS BY BROWER, JR.
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LOT 3039
Historic Documented Winchester Prototype Model 1902 Single Shot Bolt Action Pistol with Relief Carved Stock Attributed to U.S. Army General Abel Davis - Serial no. 3, 22 S L cal., 11 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. This serial number 3 pistol is one of less than an estimated 100 prototype pistols based on the Model 1900/1902 rifle action and manufactured during the early 1900s as Winchester explored the idea of making a single shot pistol based on the actions of these popular rifles. It has standard Model 1902 rifle markings on the barrel, Winchester factory oval proofs on the barrel and bolt, and is fitted with blade front and notch rear sights. The stock is carved with floral motifs. Madis discusses the previously mentioned prototype pistols in “The Winchester Book”. It is possible that some of these prototypes were retained by factory employees. The consignor notes that this specific pistol was presented to U.S. Army Brigadier General Abel Davis, recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross and Medal for actions in World War I, before being passed down to his son and grandson. CONDITION: Very fine, retains 80% plus of the original blue finish with some scattered speckling of rough dark and brown oxidation, concentrated heavier around the muzzle. The wood is also very fine with some light handling marks scattered throughout and crisp carving. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: General Abel Davis; Property of The Davis Family; Property of a Gentleman. Estimate: 4,000 - 7,000 LOT 3040 Unique Documented Savage Prototype Model 1905/1907 Single Shot Bolt Action Pistol as Pictured in “Savage Pistols” by Bailey Brower Jr. - NSN, 22 cal., 9 7/8 inch round bbl., bright finish, hard rubber grips. In the early 1900s, multiple American arms manufacturing companies, including Winchester and Savage, were exploring the idea of manufacturing a single shot bolt action pistol in the increasingly popular .22 cartridges of the time. Winchester produced multiple prototypes based on the actions of their popular .22 bolt action models, many of which have recently been offered here at Rock Island Auction Company. Around the same time, in an effort to not fall behind one of their biggest competitors, Savage also started to develop some prototype single shot .22 pistols, with this example being one of them. Neither Winchester or Savage ever pushed these prototypes to full production, making these developmental pistols incredibly scarce. This very interesting example is pictured and described on p. 180 of “Savage Pistols” by Bailey Brower, Jr. It is a very clear attempt by the Savage factory to combine two of their existing models, a Model 1905 rifle and a Model 1907 pistol. The frame is very clearly that of a Savage Model 1907 pistol with the magazine components modified to accept the receiver of a Model 1905 rifle and “pencil” profiled barrel. It is fitted with blade and notch sights and a standard Model 1907 checkered hard rubber grip on the right, while the left grip is absent, likely to allow viewing of the internal trigger mechanism. Also included is a letter from Bailey Brower, Jr. where he states that the pistol was acquired from Michael Carney, a well-known gun dealer in the Syracuse/Utica area of New York. He states that Carney had access to the Savage Research & Development storeroom, from which he purchased many rare Savage firearms. Carney and Savage historian Roe Clark estimated that Savage likely only produced three or four of these rare prototypes before abandoning their efforts to push such a pistol to full production. CONDITION: Fine as a factory prototype, showing mostly a bright grey patina overall with some traces of the original blue finish which was likely removed at the factory during development, and some scattered small patches of the light pitting. The one grip panel present is excellent with only the slightest handling marks and crisp checkering. Decocks upon closing the bolt, otherwise mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Bailey Brower, Jr. Collection, author of “Savage Pistols”. Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 3041
Engraved Winchester Model 61 Slide Action Rifle with Box - Serial no. 318772, 22 Winchester magnum RF cal., 24 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in
1952 and subsequently custom engraved. Fitted with beaded blade front and elevation adjustable rear sights. The barrel is marked on the left with the Winchester address, model, and caliber. “WP” proofs are marked on the chamber and receiver. The receiver displays a flourish of scroll engraving on a punchdot background on both sides, with a small spray behind the grooves on top. Mounted in a smooth pistol grip walnut stock and 17-groove forend. Includes factory box with end label spuriously stamped “ENGRAVED/SPECIAL”. CONDITION: Very fine as custom upgraded to current configuration overall, retaining 99% plus refinished blue finish with limited handling marks and crisp engraving. Mechanically untested. Box is very fine. Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
LOT 3042 Excellent Winchester Model 61 Slide Action Rifle - Serial no. 174749, 22 S L LR cal., 24 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1951. Has a nickel bead front sight, Williams dove tail filler, and an elevation adjustable tang mounted rear sight. The barrel has the three line legend, two line model/caliber marking and is stamped with the “W/P” in an oval proofmark at the breech end. This proofmark is repeated at the front of the top of the receiver. Mounted on a 17 groove flat bottom walnut forearm and smooth pistol grip stock with checkered steel buttplate. CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 98% plus bright original blue finish with a few minor handling marks. The stock is also excellent with a few minor dings at the heel. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 1,600 - 2,250
LOT 3043 Winchester Model 1890 Slide Action Rifle with Desirable Casehardened Receiver - Serial no. 101498, 22 WRF cal., 24 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1901. Fitted with beaded blade front and elevation adjustable rear sights. The barrel is marked with the first style inscription on the top barrel flat and “22 W.R.F.” The second model receiver is casehardened with the upper tang marked with the early second type model marking. Mounted with straight grain walnut 12 groove forearm, and straight grip buttstock. CONDITION: Fine, retaining 70% faded original blue finish, and 30% case colors with a mix of grey patina on the receiver, some light pitting, and some spotting on the barrel. Wood is also fine with most of the varnish remaining, and some dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250