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LOT 94
Very Scare Early Two-Digit Serial Number “22” P.W. Porter Revolving Turret Percussion Rifle
- Serial no. 22, 38 cal., 28 1/4 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. These rifles were manufactured in the
1850s. Many have noted how these rifles seem to fly directly in the face of firearms safety rules given there are loaded chambers pointing at the shooter, but they represent a very clever solution
to creating an multi-shot rifle without infringing on other patented designs. The primer magazine on these early rifles feeds caps into alignment with the hammer. They are then struck by the hammer against small
holes in the turret. This very low serial number example falls within the 1-300 serial number range typically associated with
the First Model version but has features of both the First Model and the Second Model
variants explained in “Flayderman’s Guide” as well as details not found on either. It is in .38-.40 caliber
like the earliest “canister” mounted Porters rather than .44. It also has a different lock mechanism latch.
This rifle along with serial number 25 sold by our firm several years ago are in similar configurations and show that these
early rifles have differences from the usual model classifications and are particularly scarce variants. The barrel is marked “ADDRESS P.W. PORTER/NEW=YORK” and “P.W. PORTER’S/PATENT 1851” in two-line/two-blocks on the upper left flat and has offset front and rear sights since the turret is in the normal line of sight and the serial number “22” on the bottom. The “U” shaped iron turret cover is absent, but these are only rarely found with the rifles. The percussion cap magazine is round and pivots downward and has a circular cover that also rotates downward for refilling. The cover is marked with the serial number “22” and the rotating plate has “23” and “22.” The rifle has a straight hammer like the first and second models. This early example has a larger latch for the action. Matching “22” serial numbers are marked on various internal components. The rifle has a smooth, straight grip stock with a crescent iron buttplate. CONDITION: Very good plus with dark brown patina overall, mild oxidation, absent spring from the primer magazine, and general mild overall wear. The stock is fine and has mild scratches and dings, much of the original finish, and minor chipping at the toe. Mechanically fair. Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 95 Very Scarce Second Type P.W. Porter Turret Percussion Rifle - Serial no. 167, 52 cal., 28 inch octagon bbl., brown finish, walnut stock. Manufactured by G.P. Foster of Taunton, Massachusetts, Porter’s revolving rifles showcased a number of impressive features, with the Second Type fitted with an automatic percussion
primer built into the lock plate. Blade front and notch rear sights, both offset to the left to clear the
turret cylinder, with the 3-line address and patent markings “ADDRESS/P.W. PORTER/NEW=YORK” and “P.W. PORTER’S/
PATENT./1851.” on the upper right barrel flat. The cylinder is numbered “245”, with “167” on the frame, lock plate, takedown catch, primer cover, barrel and loading lever. Smooth straight wrist stock, with a lever catch on the lower
tang and a smooth curved buttplate. CONDITION: Very good, with a mixed brown and gray patina overall, showing bright wear along the high edges and scattered handling marks. A retention pin is absent from the the turret protector has been removed. Stock is very fine, with most of the original varnish, some scuffs, dents and varnish loss. Mechanically fine. Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 96 Scarce Porter Percussion Turret Shotgun/Musket - Serial no. 5, 15 gauge, 33 1/2 inch round bbl., unknown finish, walnut stock. This is a Third Model is one of around 550 manufactured by Parry W. Porter of Memphis, Tennessee, and New York City normally found in the 680- 1225 serial number range. Most of those would have been rifles while this is a scarce example with a larger caliber smoothbore barrel for use as a musket or shotgun. It measures around 15 bore and has offset blade and notch sights. Instead of a serial number in the Third Model range, it is numbered “6” on the bottom of the barrel and “5” inside the lock and frame suggesting the larger caliber smoothbores may have been in their own range, perhaps as prototypes or trials guns. There are no other markings. The lever on this version does not appear to have been designed to automatically cock the hammer.
CONDITION: Good with mottled gray and brown patina on the barrel, dark brown patina on the action and furniture, some mild oxidation and pitting, and general moderate overall wear. The refinished stock is also good and has visible but partially smoothed checkering, mild dings and scratches, and a chip at the toe. The latch mechanism to keep the action closed is weak; otherwise, it is mechanically functional. Provenance: The Mark Aziz Collection; Property of a Gentleman. Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
right side of the frame, and
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