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LOT 3176 Documented Belgian Acme Double Barrel Hammer Shotgun Owned by Actor John Hart “The Lone Ranger” - Serial no. 23, 12 gauge, 30 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Blued laminated steel barrels with single brass bead sight on the concave solid rib which is marked “BELGIUM-LAMINATED-STEEL”, Belgian proofs, 2 3/4 inch chambers with single extractor, and choke constrictions of .002/.000 inches. The casehardened hammer action features double triggers and rebounding hammers. Multi-point checkered splinter forend and round knob pistol grip stock with checkered steel buttplate. Included with this gun is a signed letter from Beryl Hart, wife of actor John Hart stating that this gun was used in films in which Hart acted and/or produced as well as hang tag with more information. John Hart was known for his roles in westerns, most famously for his stint on “The Lone Ranger” television series. Stock measurements: 1 7/8 inch drop at comb; 3 inch drop at heel; 14 1/2 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs 4 oz. CONDITION: Good, showing a brown patination on the barrels with some oxidation, mixed grey and brown patina on the action and locks, and moderate handling evidence. The wood is also good with some cracks and chips behind the lockplates, moderate wear, and worn checkering. Mechanically functions with slightly loose action. Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 3175
Documented Winchester Model 1894 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine Formerly in the Collection of Famous Hollywood Actor John Hart,
Who Played the Lone Ranger, with Authenticity Documentation and Two Leather Scabbards - Serial no. 986671, 32 W.S. cal., 20 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Included with this Winchester Model 1894 carbine is a letter signed by John Hart, the famous Hollywood actor who portrayed the Lone Ranger for a short time in the mid-1950s. The letter lists the carbine by serial number and states that it was previously part of his personal collection along with the included Winchester leather scabbard. There is also a certificate of authenticity signed by Mick LaFever, friend and agent of Hart’s, certifying Hart’s signature. Also included is another letter signed by LaFever certifying the provenance of the carbine as well as a John Hart signed photo of himself portraying the Lone Ranger with a brief written message listing the carbine by serial number. Hart’s acting career began in 1937 with an uncredited role
in “Daughter of Shanghai”, followed by a plethora of rolls in all genres of film and TV, many of them Westerns. Two of his larger rolls were as Nat “Hawkeye” Cutler in “Hawkeye and the Last of the Mohicans” and as the Lone Ranger for a short time in the 1950s. Hart’s final acting roll in 1982 was an appearance on the show “Happy Days”, where he portrayed the Lone Ranger, who was Fonzie’s childhood hero. The carbine itself was manufactured in 1925 with standard markings including a Winchester factory oval proof on the receiver. It is fitted a pinned Sheard beaded blade front sight and a Marble’s adjustable notch rear sight, which is likely covering the factory oval proof on the barrel, and a saddle ring and staple are mounted on the left of the receiver. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a carbine buttplate. Included with the lot is a fringed leather Winchester carbine scabbard which has been signed by John Hart and an additional, lightly tooled leather scabbard.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 40% plus of the original blue finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth brown-grey patina, primarily on the receiver and buttplate, and a few scattered very light patches of pitting. The wood is also very good with some scattered minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. The scabbards are both very fine showing some areas of mild wear. An iconic piece of documented Hollywood Western memorabilia owned by John Hart, The Lone Ranger!
Estimate: 10,000 - 20,000
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