Rock Island’s Collector Firearms auction
February saw Rock Island’s latest sporting and collectable firearms auction. Let’s start with the very first lot, a factory-engraved, Smith & Wesson No. 1 lever action pistol. One of only about 1,200 No. 1 pistols were manufactured by Horace Smith and Daniel B Wesson in Norwich, Connecticut, in 1854 and 1855. They are historically significant pieces for both Smith & Wesson and Winchester collectors. Featuring factory floral scroll-engraved receiver, ‘103’ on left grip frame and inside left grip. Early round magazine follower, uncrowned muzzle, single spring screw, and lever spur. Provenance is the Dr Gerald Klaz collection so sold for $12,650 (includes Buyer’s Premium of 15%).
Next was a desirable
Winchester Model 1866 lever action rifle. Manufactured in 1869. In original rimfire configuration. Barrel marked with two-line
Winchester address/King's patent marking and fitted with German silver blade front and folding ladder rear sights. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included). It sold for $5,463.
A scarce New Haven Arms Company Volcanic lever action carbine drew a crowd when that came up, selling for $19,550. The New Haven Arms. Volcanic pistols and carbines manufactured in 1857-1860 were important pieces in the evolution of Winchester firearms. An estimated
1,000 total carbines were produced distributed across three different barrel length configurations, with most being factory engraved. Numbered ‘120’ on the left of the lower tang, inside the buttplate, and both buttplate screws. Provenance for this antique was the Dr Gerald Klaz collection.
Back to pistols now with a scarce and desirable LeMat grapeshot percussion revolver. These distinctive LeMat revolvers were most famously used during the Civil War by notable Confederates, including JEB Stuart. Around 1,500 were ordered for use by the
CSA Army and Navy. Jean Alexandre LeMat of New Orleans designed these revolvers with cavalry in mind, and the combination of a high capacity cylinder and central smoothbore barrel for shot was well-suited for running battles. Loading lever was cracked and some major parts had been replaced but it still sold for $5,750.
Another percussion revolver here, this one a Model 1851 Navy gun, in a case and with London proof marks. The revolver featured gold and silver plating, the serial number dated it to 1853 in the London range and the case contained a bag-shaped powder flash, L-shaped combination tool, cap tin and dual cavity bullet mold. The grip was walnut. It sold for $4,313.
Cast your eye over this oddlooking Savage Navy percussion revolver with a leather flap holster that had seen better days. In only fair condition, as some parts had been replaced while others were rusty, this was manufactured between 1861 and 1865. It still sold for $1,955.
Going back in time a bit further, it’s an English Long Sea Service flintlock pistol. Featuring a walnut stock and 12 1/8in round barrel, there were some minor replacement parts and cracks but was still in good working order with principle lettering and numerals legible on the metal. It sold for $2,070.
Or how about a brace of French Navy Chatellerault Mle 1849 percussion pistols? Both in good condition with some minor replacement parts. In 60-gauge with 6 3/4in round barrels and in good working order, the pair made $3,163.
If you’re looking for a bit more firepower, how about a brass-barreled, flintlock blunderbuss? Described as in fair working order, some repair work was needed to get it actually firing as some major parts had been replaced and the barrel was obstructed near the breach. Still went for $1,955 though.
At the other end of the spectrum there was this cased, Henry Deringer style percussion pocket pistol. Handle with care as the barrel was noted as either obstructed or loaded! No identifying markings, scroll engraving on the lock. The case contained a small ball mold, Eley cap tin, undersized balls, and a small powder flask. It went for $1,035.