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LOT 3009
Interesting “Old West” German Silver Mounted/Decorated Antique Winchester
Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with Heavy Part Octagon Barrel - Serial no.
205182B, 38 cal., 24 inch heavy part octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Originally
manufactured in 1886, this Winchester Model 1873 rifle shows attractive and very interesting period
upgrades and embellishment, evoking the styles of an earlier period when American long rifles and half stock rifles
ruled the frontier. During its period of use, the rifle was fitted with a heavy barrel that has a short octagonal section at the breech.
The buttstock has been custom shaped, very much in line with those seen on the previously mentioned rifles, and has extensive, lightly
engraved German silver mounts including an alligator, birds, and a stag head. There is a German silver patchbox on the right, a small cap box and
cheekpiece on the left, and a lightly engraved long rifle type buttplate and toe plate. The barrel has no visible markings, and the bottom of the cartridge
elevator is marked “44 CAL”, with the serial number on the lower tang. It is fitted with a low German silver blade front sight and a notch rear sight in a dovetail
on the octagonal section of the barrel. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and nicely figured straight grip stock with the previously mentioned mounts and
cheekpiece, as well as a deep crescent buttplate.
CONDITION: Very good as period customized, retains traces of period refinished blue mixed with dark grey and brown patina, some scattered light pitting, minor vise
marks on the magazine tube, and mostly bright German silver. The wood is good with a few chips/slivers absent, a re-glued semi-circular crack visible at the rear of
the tang, and typical minor handling marks. A very interesting Winchester Model 1873 rifle with both unique and attractive “old west” period customizations!
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
LOT 3010
First Generation Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Stag Grips - Serial no. 331893, 38 WCF cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, stag grips.
Manufactured in 1915 in .38-40 WCF, one of those perfect cartridges for the Western frontier. As explained by Colt SAA expert and author David Brown, “This cartridge, as
used in the Colt Single Action, made the revolver a perfect companion-piece for the Winchester .38-40 W.C.F. rifle--just as the .44-40 revolver was a mate for the .44-40 rifle.
This bottle-neck .38-40 cartridge made one of the harder-hitting of the handgun loads, and hand-loaders today know that it can be reloaded to near the modern Magnum
pressures” (“The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army,” page 150). The barrel has the one-line Hartford address on top and “38 W.C.F.” on the left side. The frame has the two-line
patent date marking followed by a Rampant Colt on the left side. The left side of the trigger guard has the Colt factory triangle proof and the number “1.” Matching serial numbers
appear on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. Fitted with a set of stag grips. Included is an extra set of highly attractive bone grips.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 50% original blue finish and 30% original case colors with a smooth brown patina on the balance and some pitting. The replacement grips are very fine.
Mechanically excellent. A .38 WCF Colt SAA that shows authentic character of an early 20th century working gun.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
LOT 3012
Attractive Massive George Wostenholm
& Son Sheffield I-XL “The Hunters
Companion” Bowie Knife with Stag
Grip, Sheath, and Advertising Material - 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 massive example measures approximately 15
1/2 inches overall. The drop point blade measures 10 1/8 inches and has the Wostenholm
Washington Works address, an eagle, The Hunters Companion, and I*XL markings all on
the left side of the blade. It is fitted with an elliptical German silver guard, a stag antler
grip with a slight curve, and a German silver cap on the pommel. Includes a red dyed
sheath with gilt filled border decoration and I*XL marking, as well as German silver
fittings at the tip and throat. Also includes an assortment of George Wostenholm & Sons
advertising material.
CONDITION: Very fine, the crisp blade mostly bright with some scattered patches of
patina/spotting and a few minor nicks in the edge. The German silver shows an attractive
lightly aged patina. The grip is excellent with some light handling evidence. The sheath
is fine with some mild wear and attractively aged patina on the fittings. A massive
Wostenholm Bowie knife in fine condition that shows evidence of genuine period use!
Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000
LOT 3011
Desirable H.H. Heiser Denver, Colorado “Bull’s Head” Mexican
Loop Holster Rig with Heiser Matched Cartridge Belt Featuring Rare Pouches -
Trademarked in 1878 in Denver, Colorado, H.H. Heiser Saddlery produced a wide range of
leather goods, including gun leather, well into the 20th century. This example shows one of
their more iconic designs, featuring a bull’s head prominently embossed on the holster loop.
This bull’s head design is pictured and discussed on p. 183-186 of “Packing Iron: Gunleather
of the Frontier West” by Rattenbury, where he indicates that examples like this one were a
continuation of an earlier design from the 1890s. The holster is configured for a right handed
shooter and will accommodate a 4 3/4 inch barrel Colt Single Action Army Revolver. The Heiser
maker’s mark is present on the skirt of the holster and on the buckle billet of
the belt. The belt is also marked “50” on the buckle billet, and the belt measures
approximately 43 3/4 inches including the billet, which has been moved from its
original location. This interesting belt features two pouches with snap secured
flap closures and a single row of cartridge loops which accommodate .45 caliber
cartridges (.50 were tried but do not fit). A belt with somewhat similar pouches
is pictured on p. 172 of the previously mentioned book.
CONDITION: Very fine, both the holster and belt show some scattered light wear
and marks from use and all of the stitching appearing to remain tight. The is a
desirable Western holster with a cartridge belt in a rarely seen configuration!
Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250 11