GUN FALL 2015
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2015
IMPRESSIVE UNIQUELY CASED GABBET-FAIRFAX MARS M1901, CALIBER .45. GABBET-FAIRFAX 1901 39 .45 LONG MODERN; C&R; IMPORT Cal. .45 Long. At the turn of the last century, Hugh Gabbet-Fairfax patented and made a small number of big bore pistols, the most powerful semi-automatic pistols of their time, all produced with military trials in mind. Those made by him prior to his bankruptcy in 1903 bear serial numbers up to 41 or 42 and have checkered grips. This example, one of the last made by Gabbet-Fairfax personally, has a bbl length of 9-1/2", though at least 5/8" of that length houses the bolt. Fixed front & rear sights. Lightly hand engraved on the rib is "MARS PISTOL 0." 450". On the left side of the receiver, scribed upside down are the numbers "93/646" that, according to the consignor, was a Kynoch inventory number. On the right side of the receiver at the rear, is a shield containing initials "EBL/L", the Eley trademark and the number "195", the Eley inventory number. SN "39" appears on the bottom of the frame as do the initials "T.J.S.". As true for most Gabbet-Fairfax pistols, this one is rust blued except for a few small parts, including the magazine, numbered "8" on the front spine, that were left in-the-white. Walnut grip panels are checkered with a border around the screw escutcheons. To open the action, the hammer is cocked and the carrier knob twisted 45 degrees counterclockwise, which unlocks the bolt from the bbl. As the bolt is withdrawn, a cartridge from the top of the magazine is drawn backwards onto a carrier which lifts the cartridge up, above the upper magazine extension, for chambering. There is no holdopen. Releasing the carrier knob allows the bolt to fly forward and lock into place, though sometimes the carrier ears need to be nudged clockwise to lock into place. The magazine is loaded with the nose of the top bullet bearing against the elevated extension. Complete with unmarked leather carrying case, lined in green felt and internally compartmentalized for ammo/accessories, with a flap lid that may be locked, no key supplied. PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess. CONDITION: Bright orig blue with 95% coverage, with sharp edge wear and thinning of the front & backstrap. Comparable condition in-the-white parts that show minor age appropriate staining & minimal oxidation. The same considerations hold true for the magazine. Grips have most orig varnish and only a few surface dings. Near mirror bore. Perfect manual mechanics, with congealed grease making the mechanism sluggish. Carrying case in VG-excellent condition with cracking of the lid and moderate losses of felt interior in areas of contact. 43475-237 LMA (40,000-60,000)