Page 180 - 4094-BOOK1

LOT 179
Scarce P.W. Porter “Third Model” Revolving Turret Percussion
Rifle - Serial no. 1037, 50 cal., 28 inch octagon bbl., brown finish, walnut stock.
George P. Foster of Taunton, Massachusetts, manufactured these Porter patent turret rifles
in the 1850s, showcasing a number of impressive features. They are in essence lever action revolving
rifles featuring vertically oriented turrets. This example exhibits some “Third Model” features of Parry W. Porter’s
distinctive turret rifles in that it has percussion nipples on the cylinder and an angular side hammer, reportedly
seen in the 680-1225 serial number range (per 9th Edition Flayderman’s Guide, 15-017). It differs from Flayderman’s
definition of a “Third Model” in that it has a loading lever. Features blade and notch sights offset to the left to clear the turret,
no visible address or patent markings, matching serial number “1037” marked on various components including the removable
cylinder, and a smooth straight wrist buttstock.
CONDITION: Good with mostly artificial brown patina, some patches of mild oxidation and light pitting. Stock is good as
revarnished, with some areas of filler visible, and numerous scattered dents and scratches. Mechanically fine.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 178
Scarce P.W. Porter “Third Model” Revolving Turret Percussion Rifle
- Serial no. 780, 42 cal., 26 inch octagon bbl., brown finish, walnut stock. George P.
Foster of Taunton, Massachusetts, manufactured these Porter patent turret rifles in
the 1850s, showcasing a number of impressive features. They are in essence lever action revolving
rifles featuring vertically oriented turrets. This example has a spurious added rectangular bordered script “BH”
inspection stamp on the left stock wrist and a spurious added rectangular bordered bold font “U.S.” stamp located on
the bottom of the buttstock. It exhibits some “Third Model” features of Parry W. Porter’s distinctive turret rifles in that it has
percussion nipples on the cylinder and an angular side hammer, reportedly seen in the 680-1225 serial number range (per 9th Edition
Flayderman’s Guide, 15-017). It differs from Flayderman’s definition of a “Third
Model” in that it has a filled in slot where a previous loading lever likely once
resided. Features blade and adjustable notch sights offset to the left to clear the
turret, three-line address and patent markings “ADDRESS/P.W. PORTER/NEW-
YORK” and “P.W.PORTER’S/PATENT./1851.” on the upper left barrel flat, matching
serial number “780” marked on various components including the removable cylinder, and a smooth straight wrist buttstock.
CONDITION: Good with mostly artificial brown patina, some patches of mild oxidation and light pitting, replacement release button behind the lever catch, and an added hook
section on the side hammer. Stock is also very good, with numerous scattered dents and scratches, and added inspection markings noted above. Absent pin at the breech. Mechanically fine.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 177
Scarce P.W. Porter Revolving Turret Percussion Rifle - Serial no. 108, 38
cal., 28 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. George P. Foster of
Taunton, Massachusetts, manufactured these Porter patent turret
rifles in the 1850s, showcasing a number of impressive
features. They are in essence lever
action revolving rifles featuring
vertically oriented turrets. Features
an automatic percussion primer built into the lock plate
(absent spring mechanism), blade and adjustable notch sights offset
to the left to clear the turret, the address and patent markings “ADDRESS P.W.
PORTER/NEW-YORK” and “P.W. PORTER’S/PATENT.1851.” on the upper right barrel flat, matching serial number
“108” marked on various components including the removable cylinder, and a smooth straight wrist buttstock.
CONDITION: Very good plus, with a very fresh appearance, exhibiting a mix of smooth brown and gray patinas, some scattered light surface
freckling, some patches of light pitting, and defined markings and edges in the metal. Stock is very good with scattered dents and scratches, and defined edges. Absent rear
sight elevator. Absent primer feed mechanism spring, otherwise mechanically fine. A desirable antique American firearm!
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
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