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LOT 1117
Scarce and Desirable “Stand of Flags”
Gutta Percha Case for a Smith & Wesson
No. 1 Revolver - Offered here is a scarce
and desirable Smith & Wesson “Stand of
Flags” gutta percha case. According to Flayderman,
only around 5,000 of these cases were manufactured
by Littlefield Parsons & Co. for Smith & Wesson
around the time of production of the No. 1 revolver.
Gutta percha is a delicate material and many of
these case have not survived to be available to
collectors today. The “stand of flags” case, like this
example, was the second type made and is believed
to be more scarce than the first type. These “special”
cases were popular during the second half of the
19th Century and were usually used for fancy or
presentation guns. They were special ordered or
added by the distributor after shipment from the
factory. These were generally found with the Model
1, 1st and 2nd Issue revolvers. The exterior of the
case features a stand of flags around a martial motif
on the lid, all surrounded by floral scroll motifs and
decorative borders. The interior of the lid is lined
with plum velvet and the lower half is lined with
red baize and has a cartridge block containing a
selection of .22 RF cartridges.
CONDITION: Very fine, showing an attractively aged
chocolate tone, a few scattered very light edge
chips, and distinct designs. The interior is fine with
some light wear on the lid lining and moderate wear on
the lower lining. A must have accessory for the serious antique Smith & Wesson collector!
Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
LOT 1116
Exceptional Civil War
Era Smith & Wesson No. 2 “Old Army” Spur
Trigger Revolver with Unique Non-Standard
Rear Sight - Serial no. 10762, 32 RF cal., 6 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish,
rosewood grips. Manufactured c. 1861 to 1864, this is a very fine example
of a Civil War era production Smith & Wesson No. 2 “Old Army” revolver.
A large number of these “Old Army” revolvers were privately purchased
by soldiers for use as a sidearm during the war, and many were also purchased by family
members and friends and parting gifts for soldiers leaving for war. All of these revolvers with
a serial number below 35731 were produced prior to 1 May 1865, meaning that it is very
possible they saw Civil War use. Due to these revolvers being commonly carried as a sidearm,
either in a holster or tucked in a belt, many during war time, it is quite rare to find them in
high condition like this example. The one-line address is marked on top of the barrel rib and the patent dates are
marked on the cylinder. The matching serial number is marked on the butt and stamped inside the right grip. The
matching assembly number “65” is marked on the left of the grip frame, front face of the cylinder, and rear face of
the barrel lug. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight, a notch rear sight on top of the cylinder latch, as
well as a non-standard, possibly experimental notch rear sight mounted on top of the barrel lug in a dovetail. The
non-standard rear sight is of high quality and appears to be the work of a talented period gunsmith or the Smith
& Wesson factory. It is also fitted with a pair of smooth rosewood grips.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 85% of the original blue finish and strong traces of the original case
colors on the hammer with some areas having slightly thinned, mostly on edges and high spots, showing a
grey or brown patina. Apart from a crack in each panel, the grips are fine with the rear portion of the left panel
somewhat loose/detached and otherwise minimal light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. An exceptional
example of a Civil War era Smith & Wesson “Old Army” revolver with a very interesting additional sight!
Provenance: The Andrew Singer Collection.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
LOT 1115
Exceptional Smith & Wesson No.
1 First Issue Third Type Spur Trigger Revolver with
Desirable Factory Gutta Percha Case - Serial no. 1179, 22
RF cal., 3 1/4 inch solid rib bbl., blue/silver finish, rosewood grips. Manufactured
c. 1857-1860, this is an exceptionally fine example of a Smith & Wesson No.
1 First issue third type revolver, which were the company’s first metallic
cartridge firearm. This revolver is the “third type” as defined by Norm Flayderman,
which saw the first introduction of the improved barrel latch type, the earlier “bayonet” type being
discontinued. The top of the barrel rib is marked with the single-line address. The matching serial
number is on the butt, rear face of the barrel lug, front face of the cylinder, and stamped inside both
grip panels. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight, notch rear sight on the cylinder stop, and
a pair of smooth rosewood grips. Includes a scarce and very desirable gutta percha case. The case features the likeness of a
No. 1 First Issue revolver, patriotic and scroll motifs in the corners, small revolvers as the upper and lower borders, and the
Smith & Wesson markings on the outside of the lid. The inside of the lid is lined with emerald velvet with floral designs and
the lower half is lined with dark green baize and has an
empty cartridge block. Reportedly, 5,000 of these cases were
produced by Littlefield, Parsons & Co. in two variations, with very few examples surviving, particularly in extremely high condition like this one.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 80% plus of the bright, original blue finish, slightly thinned on edges and high spots, and 85% of the original silver finish
with some light flaking, mostly on the back strap, showing an attractively aged brass. The grips are very fine with some mild handling wear and most of the original
varnish. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with a chip absent from the lid edge, some light handling/storage wear on edges/high spots on the exterior, and a
few mild wear spots on the exceptional lining. This revolver and its case would be an exceptional addition to any antique American or Smith & Wesson collection!
Provenance: The Cam & Deb Cooper Collection.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
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