GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
EXTREMELY RARE EARLY DEVELOPMENTAL SCHULHOF REPEATING PISTOL.SCHULHOFREPEATING PISTOL328MMCal. 8mm. Repeating pistols were the immediate predecessors to semiautomatic arms. All required a manual movement to chamber and discharge the cartridge. Sometimes, both actions were performed simultaneously. In most cases, upon manual release, a loading bar or lever would spring back to its original position. Schulhof was credited with having developed several types of repeating pistols in about 1884. This particular version has a 3.5" bbl with a drift adjustable front and rear sight. There are no manufacturer markings. Serial number 32 was applied under the bbl and repeated on the lower surface of the receiver near its juncture. A finger loop lever under the receiver was used to close the bolt. Moving the finger ring to its final position, released the trigger to fire the gun. A small nudge released the finger loop, allowing it to spring forward and eject the empty case. Loading was accomplished through the butt. It is estimated that Schulhof made fewer than 50 of these repeaters. Though awkward and cumbersome by today's standards, repeater pistols were an important development and provided the foundation for more modern semiautomatic designs. PROVENANCE: Ex-Dinely Collection. Collection of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess. CONDITION: Superbly restored pistol with lavish attention to preserving sharp edges and flat planes. The bbl, sights, takedown lever and bolt have been resurfaced and are in-the-white. The nickeled frame and sideplate have been brightly polished. Original grips with varnish appropriate to a 70% gun. Blunted checkering but no cracks or significant losses. Bright bore with sharp rifling. Perfect manual mechanics. An extremely rare and historically important repeater. 43475-266 LMA20 (3,500-6,000)