Page 404 - 4095-BOOK1
P. 404
LOT 454
Rare Schulhof Toggle Action Manual Repeater Pistol - Serial no. 3, 10.5 mm cal., 6 inch octagon bbl., nickel finish,
hardwood grips. Based around a design patented in 1884 and produced in unknown quantities (highest known pistol serial number
is 36, per “Illustrated Encyclopedia of Firearms” by Hogg, page 277), a variety of mechanisms and magazines were used by Josef
Schulhof in his designs. This particular Schulhof Manual Repeater is built around a toggle link bolt action mechanism and an internal magazine, both of which
are controlled by a ring lever that rests just ahead of a conventional trigger. The toggle links are fully contained within the frame, so that only the bolt and striker
are externally visible; a set of removable sideplates, the left signed “Pat. Schulhof”. The magazine runs through the bottom of the frame down into the gripstraps,
with a fixed set of spring-loaded teeth along the bottom retaining the cartridges in position, a group of teeth on a moving arm in the right side advancing the
cartridges as the ring lever is returned to the rear position, and the hinged left grip panel acting as a loading gate. A set of dovetailed blade front and notch rear
sights are installed, with the serial number “3” on the underside of the barrel and frame and on the interior of the right grip panel, and a set of checkered grip
panels, the left with externally visible hinge hardware.
CONDITION: Fine, with 50% of the period applied nickel finish, showing areas of exposed steel with a brown and gray patina, spotting, and mild handling marks.
The grips are good with mild dents, the right panel showing some chipping. The grip hinge hardware shows some damage and is a bit loose. The trigger is a bit
stiff, and prone to rubbing against the ring lever, and a hole is visible in the interior magazine tube; otherwise, mechanically functions with good movement in
the bolt and magazine mechanism.
Provenance: The Collection of Clive Cussler.
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
402