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LOT 1255
Scarce .32 Caliber Engraved James Reid My Friend Knuckle Duster Revolver - Serial no. 14553, 32 RF cal., 1 3/4 inch round bbl., nickel finish, metal grips. This is one of approximately 3,100 “knuckleduster” revolvers chambered in .32 RF that were manufactured by James Reid. The left side of the top strap is marked “MY FRIEND” along with the 1865 patent date. The five-shot cylinder is plain while the frame features flourishes of floral scroll engraving and engraved accents on the front and on the top strap. Another flourish of engraving is featured behind the hammer, and the back of the grip area has a checkered panel. The trigger, cylinder, and cylinder pin are marked with the last two digits of the serial number.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 85% plus of the original nickel finish with the balance having thinned to mostly an attractively aged brass, primarily on edges and high spots, and crisp engraving overall. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 2,500 - 3,750
LOT 1256
Collector’s Lot of Two Frank Wesson Swivel Breech Double Barrel Pistols -A) Frank Wesson Large Frame Superposed Pistol with Desirable Sliding Bayonet - Serial no. 823, 41 RF cal., 3 inch fluted bbl., blue/silver finish, rosewood grips. Three variations of this model were manufactured in 1868-1880. This example is a third type and has the one line address and patent marking on the left side of each barrel, a sliding 1 3/4 inch dagger bayonet in the center, German silver blade front sight, hammer groove rear sight, and smooth grips. CONDITION: Good, the barrels showing mostly a bright grey patina with some scattered moderate pitting and the brass showing an attractively aged patina. The grips are very good with some scattered light handling marks. The trigger must be manually set when the hammer is cocked, otherwise mechanically fine. B) Frank Wesson Medium Frame Superposed Pistol - Serial no. 1254, 32 RF cal., 2 1/2 inch fluted bbl., blue/silver finish, rosewood grips. Approximately 3,000 manufactured from 1868 to 1880. Third Type with full fluted barrels and the one line Wesson legend on the barrel. Serial number marked on the left side of the frame. Blade front and hammer notch rear sights, nickel barrel, silver plated brass frame and fitted with smooth rosewood grips. CONDITION: Very good, retains 20% of the original blue finish in sheltered areas and faint traces of the original silver with the balance having thinned to a smooth grey-brown patina and attractively aged brass. The grips are also very good with some scattered minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500 LOT 1257 Scarce Stevens “Fish Tail” Single Shot Vest Pocket Pistol - Serial no. 702, 30 RF cal., 3 inch part octagon bbl., blue/nickel finish, antique ivory grips. Manufactured from 1864 to 1876, approximately 1,200 total of these vest pocket pistols were produced, 200 in .22 RF and 1,000 in .30 RF like this example. The “Fish Tail” or “Kickup” single shot was Joshua Stevens’ first work as an independent arms manufacturer and elements of the design can be seen in the Stevens firearms manufactured into the 20th century. It has the Stevens Chicopee Falls address on the top barrel flat and the serial numbers marked on the left of the barrel and left of the grip frame. It is fitted with a blade front sight and smooth antique ivory grips. CONDITION: Good, showing mostly a smooth grey-brown patina and some scattered very light surface pitting. The grips are also good with extensive hairline age cracking and a few repaired minor cracks. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
LOT 1258
Excellent Engraved Hopkins & Allen Arms Co. New Model Single Shot Vest Pocket Derringer with Pearl Grips - Serial no. 321, 22 RF cal., 1 3/4 inch slab sided bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips. Less than 1,400 of these small pistols, also known as “Parrot Beaks,” were manufactured in 1911-1915. It has scroll and zig-zag pattern engraving, a round blade front sight, “HOPKINS & ALLEN ARMS CO./NORWICH, CONN. U.S.A.” on the left side of the barrel, pearl grips with golden H&A monogram medallions, and the serial number on the left of the grip frame. CONDITION: Excellent, retains 95% plus of the original nickel finish with some light edge wear and scattered light handling marks. There are a few minor tool marks on the back strap. The grips are also excellent with only the slightest handling marks. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
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