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LOT 3123
Extremely Rare Documented Only Known Shoulder
Stocked Merwin Hulbert & Co. First Model Frontier
Army .44 Open Top Single Action Revolver Featured
in Merwin Hulbert Reference Book - Serial no. 4498,
44 cal., 7 inch round bbl., nickel finish, antique ivory grips.
This revolver is pictured in the book “The Story of Merwin
Hulbert & Co. Firearms” by Phelps on page 11 and 46. The
caption under the picture on page 11 reads “Rare First
Model .44 Merwin Hulbert caliber revolver with shoulder
stock. The only one known! Attractively aged, ivory grips,
single action and scoop flutes.” The revolver is not identified
by serial number, but the pictures clearly show this revolver
and stock. The top of the barrel is marked with the one-line
Merwin Hulbert & Co. address and patent dates and the left
side is marked with the one-line Hopkins & Allen address.
The matching serial number is marked on the left side of
the butt under the grip, back of the barrel lug and on the
cylinder pin and rear face of the cylinder with “69” marked
on heel. Integral blade front and frame notch rear sights,
lanyard ring on the butt, all nickel finish with casehardened
hammer and fitted with smooth ivory grips. The stock is
varnished walnut with nickel plated attaching iron and
buttplate. Also comes with a black leather pommel holster
with brass end caps and a copy of the
aforementioned book.
CONDITION: Very fine. The revolver retains 80% original
nickel finish with scattered flaking and some minor pitting
on some of the exposed areas, which show a gray patina.
The grips are a little loose and show some minor age
cracking on the bottoms and a pleasant caramel patina. The
markings are clear. Mechanically fine. The stock is also very
fine with 60% original nickel remaining with a smooth gray
patina on the exposed areas. The wood retains 95% original
varnish and there are a number of minor dents and dings.
The period modified holster is also very good. The securing
strap has a small tear in it and there is some cracking around
the holes. The body shows little wear, has some minor flex
cracking and the stitching is tight. A unique example of the
only known Documented First Model Merwin Hulbert Open
Top Frontier revolver with an attachable shoulder stock. As
close to a “Buntline” Merwin Hulbert as one will ever find!
Provenance: The Gateway Collection.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE STORY OF
MERWIN HULBERT & CO. FIREARMS BY PHELPS
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