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LOT 3148
Merwin, Hulbert & Co. 1st Type Large Frame Single Action Revolver with Attractive Pearl Grips - Serial no. 14429, 44 MH&Co cal., 7 inch round bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips. Manufactured from 1876 to the 1880s, these large frame single action revolvers were also known as the “Army Revolver.” This early production 1st model 1st type example has an
open top frame, scooped cylinder flutes, integral front sight, upturned hammer, and square butt with lanyard swivel. The revolver lacks a caliber marking. The barrel has the standard Merwin, Hulbert & Co. and Hopkins & Allen markings. The
serial number is found on the butt, and the assembly number “3697” is found
on the left side of the grip frame, rear cylinder face, and barrel lug. It is fitted
with a pair of smooth pearl grips.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 90% plus of the untouched original nickel finish, 60% of the vibrant original case colors on the hammer and trigger guard, and 95% of the original niter blue on the trigger, with a few scattered patches of light flaking of the nickel, mostly near edges. The attractive grips are also excellent with a few scattered light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. An exceptionally fine example of a Merwin, Hulbert & Co. Army revolver! Provenance: The Tom Selleck Collection.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
LOT 3149
Scarce Hopkins & Allen Army Model XL No. 8 Single Action Revolver - Serial no. 1147, 44-40 WCF cal., 6 3/4 inch round bbl., nickel finish, hard rubber grips. Approximately several hundred of these very scarce revolvers are estimated to have been manufactured from the late 1870s to early 1880s in several variations. This was one of many very competent competitors of the Colt Single Action Army in that American West that were simply
out marketed and out manufactured by Colt. The top strap is stamped with the two-line address/patent dates marking along with “XL NO.8” over the caliber marking. Matching serial numbers are on the left side of the
grip frame, inside both grip panels, and barrel. The XL Army and Navy are often considered to be the finest quality handguns made by Hopkins and Allen and would have been serviceable military sidearms though no government contracts are known.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 85% plus of the original nickel finish and 60% of the vibrant original case colors on the trigger guard and hammer with some scattered light speckling of brown patina and a few scattered patches of light pitting. The grips are excellent with a few scattered very light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Tom Selleck Collection.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
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