GUN FALL 2015
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2015
RARE CASED 1ST TYPE MASS ARMS POCKET PERCUSSION REVOLVER. MASS ARMS PERC REVOLVER 707 28 Cal. 28. Blue finish with 2-1/2" oct bbl, brass pin front sight and fixed v-notch rear sight in the top strap. Cyl has six chambers with etched foliate, floral & martial decorations. Frame is flat sided with Maynard's tape priming system in right side. Left side of frame and tape priming system cover are lightly engraved in foliate arabesque patterns with matching patterns on the heel of backstrap and hammer nose. This revolver is the earliest type with manually rotated cyl. Cyl release is a small button inside trigger guard. Mounted with smooth 2-pc rosewood grips matching numbered to this pistol. According to Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms there were only about 900 of these tiny revolvers produced early in the period 1851-1860. These tiny revolvers are seldom encountered and cased examples are very rare. Accompanied by a rose velvet lined English casing, compartmented in the bottom for the revolver, a double sided Mass Arms flask, a tiny 2-ball brass mold without sprue cutter, a tin of Maynard's tape primers, about half full, and a functioning key. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains about 65% glossy orig blue with the balance flaked, not worn to a dark patina. Locking latch retains virtually all of its bright blue. Frame retains about 30% flaked orig blue with the loss areas light patina. Hammer retains about 70% bright case colors and the trigger guard, 80% bright blue. Grips are sound showing most of their orig varnish. Mechanics are fine. Strong bright bore. Case has a couple of grain checks in the lid and is missing its lock escutcheon, otherwise is sound showing most of its orig varnish. Lining inside the lid is crisp and clean with the bottom showing light to moderate soil and slight wear. Flask retains about 75% dark orig finish. Mold has a few light nicks with crisp cavities and shows a medium mustard patina. Cap tin is fine with the brass ends dark patina. All together a rare, nearly complete set, missing only the loading tools. 49538-6 JR (5,000-6,000)