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LOT 169
Very Rare Engraved Alexander Hall 15-Shot Percussion Revolving Rifle
- NSN, 41 cal., 30 3/8 inch round bbl., unknown finish, maple stock. Alexander Hall
worked in New York City around 1854 to 1873 and manufactured revolving rifles under
patent #15,110 of June 10, 1856, referenced on this rifle’s cylinder. His distinctive revolving rifles are
extremely rare. This is only the third example we have had the pleasure of bringing to auction. The patent was
assigned to Hall and James G. Caldwell and has played a part in Second Amendment lawsuits as an example of American firearms
with more than a 10-shot capacity. The cylinder is inscribed “Hall’s Repeating Rifle/Patented June 10/1856” and also features scroll
engraving. The gunmetal frame and mounts also feature scroll engraving. The barrel has a dovetailed blade front sight and a notch rear sight. A trigger on the bottom of the frame within the
radius of the cylinder releases the cylinder for manual rotation. The “post” shaped trigger is pulled to the rear to cock the action, and the rear trigger is used to fire the rifle. The maple stock has
shallow cheekpiece and a dark finish.
CONDITION: Fine with dark brown patina on the barrel and cylinder, dark attractively aged patina on the frame and mounts, chip in the top strap on the left, distinct engraving, mild pitting, small
chips at the edge of the otherwise fine stock, and general mild scratches and dings. Mechanically fine. These rifles were only manufactured in limited numbers and are rarely seen or available.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
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