September 20th 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/19/2015
The Upton and Sterling air rifles were manufactured by the American Tool Works based in Chicago but had sold all of their interests to Markham which was acquired by Daisy in 1916. The blue book of air rifles shows an Upton Model F with values not determined, but this particular rifle is not in the book. The top of the barrel is stamped "American Toll Works St. Joseph Michigan, Model F, 500 Shot, Sterling". It features the very rare round to full octagon barrel and measures 22 - 1/2". It has the original pressed front and rear sites and is fully nickel plated of which approximately 75% remains with the balance simply aged freckled. It sports the one piece walnut stock that was manufactured without a buttplate and is in near mint condition with no cracks or dents but there is a small 1/2" crack at top of comb. The lever has faded to a gun metal patina. Given the breathe and size of the air rifle reference guide to find one that is not even listed nor priced would lead us to believe that this is an extreme rarity.