GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
EXTREMELY FINE AUGUSTA MACHINE WORKS REVOLVER. AUGUSTA MACHINE NAVY 7 36 Cal. 36. There is very little information on this particular manufacturer other than the Confederate government factory was located in Augusta, GA. Revolvers are known with 6 and 12 stop cyls and somewhat follow the course of the Rigdon & Ansley also made in Augusta. The 6 stop revolver as offered here with safety pins and the 12 stop without. There are less than 20 Augusta Machine Works revolvers known in any configuration and this is an exceptional survivor. Full oct bbl measures 7-9/16″. This gun appears in "as found" condition being authentic, complete and orig. Brass post front sight is very good and crisp. As with most Augusta Machine pistols there are very few marks, some guns being marked only two or three times however, this gun is marked on at least seven parts with its assembly or SN "7." These Augusta made pistols were extremely well constructed and have unique "pinched" grips at the frame, which this gun clearly exhibits along with other Augusta features that can be noted in William Gary's "Confederate Revolvers". This is a very fine example of a rare Confederate handgun that there are probably no more than 10 guns of this configuration and this gun is no doubt among the finest, if not the finest example known. PROVENANCE: Mentioned by SN on pg. 8, "Confederate Handguns" by Albaugh, Benet, Simmons, 1957; William Bond, Vernon, Texas, 1975; Pictured pgs. 46-49, "Confederate Revolvers" by Bill Gary, 1987; Conestoga Auctions, Lot #564, July 5, 1994; Don & Kathlee Bryan Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine overall. Bbl retains about 10% bright blue in protected areas with balance silver/gray. Bbl is smooth with sharp angles with several tiny dings and dents around wedge slot right side. Cyl is smooth with light plum/gray. Frame retains virtually all of sky blue apparent case color with several small reductions on left side that are mottled gray. Grips are sound and well fit with distinct Augusta profile with light tacking marks on right side, having hand worn patina. SN 7 appears on bbl, loading arm, wedge, frame, cyl, backstrap, and back of hammer, which is typically the only external SN by this manufacturer. Gun is mechanically excellent with crisp bright bore. The accompanying holster fits the revolver well with unusual pewter button closure and is in matching fine condition. 50122-10 JS (40,000-60,000)