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LOT 1181
Scarce Massachusetts Arms Company
Wesson & Leavitt Patent Dragoon Revolver - Serial
no. 330, 40 Perc cal., 7 1/8 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish,
walnut grips. This is one of approximately 770 Standard Model Dragoon
revolvers manufactured by the Massachusetts Arms Company of Chicopee
Falls, Massachusetts, circa 1850-51. This example is without a loading lever. The top strap is marked with the two-line Chicopee Falls address. The lock plate is marked “WESSON’S & LEAVITT’S PATENT” and the bevel gear is stamped with the 1849 patent date. The serial number is stamped
on the face of the recoil shield. The Wesson & Leavitt Dragoon revolver was a well made revolver that was one of Colt’s first competitors. Samuel Colt successfully sued Massachusetts Arms for patent infringement in 1851. The injunction imposed, as a result of the lawsuit, led to abandonment of the Dragoon pattern and redesign of the Wesson & Leavitt revolvers.
CONDITION: Very good. The revolver has mostly smooth gray patina overall with the cylinder retaining half of the dull period refurbished blue finish showing over some minor pitting. The grip is fine with a couple deep pressure dents, limited chipping and some minor handling marks. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
LOT 1183
Very Fine Cased Engraved Robbins & Lawrence Co. Leonard’s Patent Percussion Pepperbox - Serial no. 2338, 28 cal., 3 1/2 inch fluted bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in the 1850s with blade and notch sights, “ROBBINS & LAWRENCE CO.” on one rib, “WINDSOR. VT” on another rib, and “PATENT. 1849” on another rib. The frame and breech has scroll engraving. The barrel group unscrews for loading. The barrel cluster, breech, and both grip panels are numbered to the gun. The partitioned case contains a powder flask, two cavity brass bullet mold, key, metal cleaning rod with wood handle, and Eley cap tin.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 80% period refinished blue finish with thinning to gray on the balance. The engraving is crisp. The grips are also very fine with some handling marks. Action needs work. The case is fine with minor handling/storage marks and typical high spot wear on the lining.
Estimate: 2,500 - 3,750
LOT 1184
Cased Factory
Engraved Allen & Thurber Percussion Pepperbox - Serial no. 297, 31 cal., 3 1/4 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. This Worcester production pepperbox was manufactured circa 1847-1865. The barrel assembly
has the following markings: “ALLEN & THURBER WORCESTER” on one rib and “PATENTED 1837 CAST-STEEL” on another rib. The frame and nipple shield are engraved with floral scroll patterns. The left side of the bar hammer is marked “ALLENS PATENT.” “297” is stamped on the grip frame, hammer spring, barrel assembly, and both grip panels. The period partitioned case contains a powder flask, Royer & Sherr cap tin, lead rounds, two cavity bullet mold, and metal ramrod with wood handle.
CONDITION: Very good plus. The barrel cluster retains 30% original blue finish, and the remaining surfaces also retain 30% original blue finish with the balance between smooth brown and gray patina with some flash type pitting and crisp engraving. The grips are excellent with some minor handling marks and nearly all original varnish remaining. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with some handling/storage marks and mostly faded lining showing some high spot wear.
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
LOT 1182
Cased Allen & Thurber Percussion Pepperbox - Serial no. 151, 31 cal., 3 1/4 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Offered here is a Norwich production pepperbox with the barrel cluster marked “ALLEN & THURBER NORWICH C-T” and “PATENTED 1837 CAST-STEEL,” floral scroll engraved frame, acid etched nipple shield, and “ALLENS PATEN” marked bar hammer. A German silver oval inlay is featured on each grip panel. The number “151” is stamped on the grip frame, hammer spring, trigger guard, both grips, and barrel cluster. The partitioned case contains a powder flask, lead balls, ramrod, and French paper cap tin.
CONDITION: Fine. The barrel cluster retains 25% original blue finish in the protected areas with the remainder
a smooth brown patina. 50% original case colors remain on the hammer. The remaining surfaces retain 40% original blue finish with a smooth gray patina on the balance. The engraving is crisp. The grip is also fine with minor handling marks. One of the barrels is obstructed. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with a cracked bottom, minor handling/storage marks, and typical high edge wear on the lining.
168 Estimate: 3,250 - 4,500