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LOT 3187
Scarce Sharps Patent Arms Mfg. Co. Single Shot Breechloading Percussion Pistol - Serial no. 335, 32 cal., 5 inch round bbl., blue/ casehardened finish, walnut grips. Only around 850 of these distinctive breech loading pistols were manufactured circa 1854-1857. Of these, only approximately 500 were this early “First Type” variation. Both variations use mechanisms similar to the famous Sharps rifles. Like the New Model rifles and carbines, it employs an integral pellet primer. The barrel has a brass post front sight, and the action has a groove rear sight on top, “SHARPS PATENT/ARMS MFED/[FAIRMOUNT struck out]/ PHILA. PA.” on the left. The frame under the left grip, both grips, the lever, the back strap, and the butt cap are marked “335.” It is believed that Christian Sharps left the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Co. to start his own business in part due to the fact that others in charge of the Hartford company did not want to manufacture these handguns which they believed would be a poor seller and ultimately proved to be true. Other tensions, including changes to Sharps designs without his input, are also known to have been contributing factors to his Philadelphia venture. While these percussion pistols and the related “pistol rifles” were not successes, Sharps’ rimfire four barrel pocket pistols as well as his Model 1861 and Model 1862 rifles an carbines proved to be more successful. CONDITION: Very good with an attractive “frontier” look. The pistol has an attractive mottled gray and brown patina and some isolated mild oxidation and pitting mainly at the breech. Some markings have been obliterated as discussed above. The grips are also very good and have minor dings and scratches and mild handling wear. Mechanically fine. This is a very scarce Sharps pistol. These were manufactured in limited numbers and are hard to find today. Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
LOT 3188
Fine Factory Engraved
Massachusetts Arms
Co. Wesson & Leavitt
Belt Model Percussion
Revolver - Serial no. 906, 31 cal., 6 inch
round bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. Only
around 1,000 of the Wesson & Leavitt Belt Model revolvers were
manufactured by the Massachusetts Arms Co. in 1850 and 1851
before production was halted due to a patent infringement suit won by
Colt. The design was in part by Edwin Wesson, older brother of Daniel B.
Wesson of later Smith & Wesson fame. The younger Wesson and Horace Smith were among the incorporators of the Massachusetts Arms Co. In addition to the standard markings and cylinder etching, this revolver has higher quality engraving and silver plated trigger guard, grip washer, and back strap. “1058” marked on the back of the barrel “barb” and face of the arbor pin. “906” marked on the underside of the back strap, on the right of the grip beneath the lock, front flat of the grip and front and rear flats of the frame.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 30% plus original blue finish on the barrel with strong original blue finish on the barrel latch, 50% plus vivid original case colors strongest on the left of the frame with smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, and crisp engraving and markings in the metal. 80% original silver finish partly turned to a black remains on the trigger guard and rear grip strap, with the front grip strap turned to a smooth gray patina. Grip is also fine with scattered light scratches and dings, mostly on the butt. Mechanically excellent.
138 Estimate: 2,500 - 3,750
LOT 3189
Scarce Massachusetts Arms Co. Wesson & Leavitt Percussion Dragoon Revolver - Serial no. 240, 40 cal., 7 1/8 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. Reportedly, 850 of these Dragoon revolvers were manufactured between 1850-1851 before production was halted due to a patent infringement suit won by Colt. The design was in part by Edwin Wesson, older brother of Daniel B. Wesson of later Smith & Wesson fame. The younger Wesson and Horace Smith were among the incorporators of the Massachusetts Arms Co. This nickel finished example has standard markings and features with a six-shot cylinder. “MASS. ARMS CO./CHICOPEE FALLS” marked on the top strap, “WESSON’S & LEAVITT’S PATENT” marked on the lock, “LEAVITTS PATENT APRIL 29. 1837” on the back of the cylinder, “WESSON’S PATENT AUG. 28. 1849” on the bevel gear. “240” is marked on the recoil shield, rear of the frame, underside of the back strap, and front face of the grip. An illegible number is marked on the top strap lug. CONDITION: Very good, with smooth brown patina overall, some scattered areas of light pitting, and numerous minor dings on the cylinder. Grip is also very good with some dings and scratches and a few cracks. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 2,500 - 3,750 LOT 3190 Very Fine Civil War Era James Warner Pocket Model Revolver - Serial no. 6408, 31 percussion cal., 3 1/8 inch round bbl., blue/silver finish, walnut grips. Designed by James Warner of Springfield, Massachusetts, only approximately 9,000 of these Second Model Second Variation revolvers were manufactured from 1857 to the late 1860s. It is marked with the one-line address on the top strap, “WARNER’S PATENT 1857” on the cylinder, and the serial number on the butt, barrel, and the underside of each of the varnished walnut grip panels (partial). The cylinder and frame are lightly engraved. It has a brass post front sight, hammer notch rear sight, and is fitted with two piece smooth walnut grips. James Warner was unfortunate enough to have lost two patent infringement suits for revolvers in the percussion period and early cartridge period. These losses helped limit the production of these rare revolvers which were among the most popular handguns while they were available. Men on both sides of the Civil War carried Warner’s as personal sidearms. CONDITION: Very fine, with 90% plus of the original blue finish remains with some light spotting and 75% of the tarnished silver plating remains with some flaking and overall speckling. The loading lever is an even brown. The cylinder has a distinct drag line. The grips are fine with glossy varnish, a repair on the left panel at the junction with the frame, and some edge and overall handling wear. The action remains excellent, and the markings are crisp. Estimate: 2,250 - 3,250
LOT 3191
Very Scarce Engraved Springfield Arms Co. Warner’s Patent Navy Model Revolver - Serial no. 20, 36 cal., 6 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. The Springfield Arms Company was founded in the early 1850s
and manufactured several variations of revolvers based on James Warner and Elijah Jaquith patents. However, Colt sued the company for patent infringement almost immediately, and the company was quickly forced to stop production of these Warner revolvers less than a year later.
Due to this, only around 125 of these single trigger Navy Model revolvers were manufactured, with roughly an equal amount made with a dual trigger. This example is marked “WARNER’S PATENT” and “JAN 1851” along with martial themed engraving on the right side of the frame and a second martial themed pattern on the left side of the frame. The cylinder is etched with floral decoration and an eagle. “20” marked on the right of the grip frame and rear face of the cylinder. “34” stamped on the underside of the left grip panel. CONDITION: Very good with smooth brown patina on the barrel and cylinder, smooth gray patina on the casehardened frame, trigger guard and grip straps. Grips are also very good with some light scratches and handling marks and some light crazing. Cylinder is out of timing and does not line up properly, otherwise mechanically functional. Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500