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LOT 1077
Very Scarce Roper Sporting Arms Co. Revolving Rifle
- Serial no. 447, 41 CF cal., 28 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened
finish, walnut stock. This is a very scarce example of a .41 caliber six-shot
revolving rifle, as manufactured between 1869-1876 by the Roper Sporting Arms Company of
Hartford, Connecticut, per “Flayderman’s Guide” (9th Edition, 15-019). Roper rifles are encountered with far
less frequency today than the Roper shotguns based on the same design. It features a six-shot revolving cartridge
carrier enclosed in the frame, a bolt connected to the cocking hammer, a rifled round barrel with a dovetail mounted combination flip-up globe and
blade front sight, a dovetailed provision for a rear sight (absent) on the barrel, a folding ladder rear sight on top of the frame just ahead of the hammer, “ROPER
SPORTING ARMS CO./HARTFORD, CONN./PAT. APR. 10. 1866. JULY 14. 1868.” marked on the hinged loading gate, smooth walnut forearm with pewter end caps, and smooth walnut buttstock with an iron
rifle buttplate. Matching serial number “447” marked on the bottom chamber area of the frame, barrel, and breech bolts.
CONDITION: Very good plus, retains 50% original blue finish on the barrel, 20% original case colors concentrated on the sides of the frame ahead of the hammer, with some silvering and smooth brown
patina on the balance of the iron overall, scattered surface freckling, and legible markings. Wood is fine, with smooth oiled finish and some darker areas, a few small cracks on the left of the wrist, some
light handling marks, and defined edges. Mechanically functions.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 1078
Very Scarce Factory Engraved James Warner Pocket Model Percussion Revolver with Attractive Relief Carved Dragoon Portrait Ivory Grip -
Serial no. 3953, 28 cal., 3 1/8 inch round bbl., blue/silver finish, carved ivory grips. Manufactured c. 1857 to late 1860s, with only a few hundred of these .28
caliber second model first variation revolvers manufactured, per “Flayderman’s Guide” (9th Edition, 7A-121). This is a desirable specimen with scarce engraving and special ivory
grips, with the left grip with a detailed raised relief carved bust portrait of a dragoon above a patriotic shield. The round barrel has a cone front sight. The frame has fancy floral scroll
engraving, with “JAMES WARNER.SPRINGFIELD.MASS.U.S.A.” marked on the top strap, and the cylinder has etched martial patterns. Matching visible serial number “3953” on the bottom of the
barrel and butt of the frame.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 30% original blue finish on the barrel and cylinder with smooth brown patina on the balance, 85% original silver plated finish on the frame, with some patches of light
to mild pitting, and sharp engraving
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
LOT 1076
Very Scarce James Warner Retractable Cylinder
Type Open Frame Percussion Revolving Rifle - NSN, 40
cal., 24 inch part octagon bbl., brown/blue/silver/casehardened
finish, walnut stock. This rare James Warner revolving rifle is one of only less than
30 estimated to have been manufactured c. 1849 with a manually revolved retractable
type cylinder, with chamfers at the mouth of each chamber that create a gas seal, per
“Flayderman’s Guide” (9th Edition, 15-023). There is a small release ahead of the main trigger to allow the
cylinder to unlock, so it can then be manually pulled rearwards and then rotated by hand, functioning
similar to a Collier. The cylinder has etched scroll, floral, and martial patterns as well as bands. The barrel has a dovetail provision
for a front sight (absent), and the top strap has a dovetailed adjustable notch rear sight. Partly visible “JAMES WARNER/
SPRINGFIELD. MASS.” on the right sideplate. The stock has a brass capbox on the right side.
CONDITION: Very good, exhibits smooth brown patina on the barrel, 85% replated silver finish on the receiver, top strap, and trigger
guard, smooth gray patina on the balance, some mild oxidation, a loose barrel, and general mild overall wear. Absent cylinder pin wedge.
Stock is also very good with some minor scratches and dings, a few small hairline cracks at the edges, and a nice oiled finish. Mechanically functions.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
Collector’s Fact
Fewer than 30 James Warner Retractable
Cylinder Type Open Frame Revolving Rifles were
manufactured, per "Flayderman's Guide".