Rock Island’s Premier Firearms
The 82nd Premier Firearm Auction at Rock Island has a treasure trove of historic weapons going under the hammer. The very first lot is a factory engraved New Haven Arms Company silver-plated Volcanic No. 1 Pocket Pistol. This good-looking pistol is all original and retains 90% of the original silver-plated finish. The barrel has 50% of the bright original blue finish with sharp factory markings on the top flat. The well-executed factory engraving is crisp. It’s is a very good example of an early production New Haven Arms Company Volcanic No.1 Lever Action Pocket Pistol with extra cost factory engraving and silver-plated frame. Unsurprisingly the estimate is $12,000-$18,000.
Next, a documented, antique special order, Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 lever action rifle in .45-70 calibre with corresponding letter from the factory. Manufactured in 1892 with the early case-hardened receiver, standard only on Model 1886 rifles manufactured before 1902, and is chambered in the desirable .45-70 W.C.F. calibre. The barrel is marked with the standard two-line address and calibre designation, model designation on the upper tang, and two line patent dates and serial number on the lower tang. The left side of the lower tang is marked ‘1XXXRB’, and ‘1’ is repeated in the stock inlet. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration of the rifle including the special order features as well as receipt at the warehouse on 20 February 1892 and shipment on 25 February 1892. Expect to pay $6,000$9,000.
A pricey gun next, with a rare early production, factory-engraved Smith & Wesson No. 2 Type I lever action repeating pistol. It was manufactured by Horace Smith and Daniel B Wesson in Norwich, Connecticut, c. 1854. S&W manufactured fewer than 500 of the large frame No. 2 repeating pistols, and surviving examples, particularly the early Type I pistols, are rare and very desirable. Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection. Estimate is $35,000-$55,000.
Probably the star item of the entire auction is the John
Ulrich double-signed and dated, relief panel scene engraved and gold inlaid Winchester Model
1873 lever action rifle. It was commissioned as a factory display piece for the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition and later presented by Winchester to the President of Honduras, Marco A. Soto with factory letter. Exceptionally fine condition, still radiating John Ulrich’s undisputed talents as a master engraver, a masterpiece of 19th century firearm artistry that rarely comes up at auction. The spectacular relief engraving is crisp, and Ulrich’s signatures are clear. Lottery winners and stock brokers can look forward to fighting it out with an estimate of $500,000-$800,00.
Back down to earth now with a documented Colt etchedpanel Model 1877 Lightning double-action revolver with scarce long barrel and HH
Heiser Skeleton Holster Rig.
Look to pay $1,800-$2,750. ■