GUN FALL 2016
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 4, 2016.
SPECTACULAR LOT OF TWO ENGRAVED "MY FRIEND" KNUCKLEDUSTERS BY JAMES REID. (The Carmen Gianforte Collection)REIDMY FRIEND4743.22Cal. 22 RF. Knuckleduster pattern frame constructed of brass with 7-shot cyl. Single action operation with spur trigger. Early style with safety. Marked above cyl "MY FRIEND" with patent dates following. Boldly New York style engraved with nickel finish overall. PROVENANCE: The Carmen Gianforte Collection. CONDITION: Superb overall condition, with most period nickel finish remaining with loss on high points and edges from gentle use. Engraving is sharp and crisp. Chambers and mechanics are very fine. Numbers matching gun with numbers being found on frame, cyl and cyl pin. An exceptionally fine example of an early production Reid Knuckleduster. 50603-20 TDW (2,000-3,500)
REID MY FRIEND 9841 .22 Cal. 22 RF. Knuckleduster. Transition model. This frame along with a few others was made about the time when Reid made the decision to eliminate the safety as a cost cutting measure. The grooves for the safety on these frames were already cut. Rather than scrap these frames Reid plugged the cutout with a piece of brass. Because the frames were actually bronze and the inserts were brass, the patina which developed over the years resulted in different colors. This fact made the brass insert stand out against the bronze frame. These have been known as the "transition models". This particular gun has scroll engraving on top of the brass insert in an attempt to cover or hide the insert. The hole in the front of the frame was intended for the safety which was never installed. This is the only example with these characteristics. PROVENANCE: The Carmen Gianforte Collection. CONDITION: Superb overall condition, with most of its period silver wash remaining with typical loss at bottom of butt and high points. Chambers and mechanics are excellent. Much flame heat treatment is still visible on hammer and trigger and is a very fine example overall. 50603-31 TDW (1,100-1,600)