GUN FALL 2016
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 4, 2016.
SPECTACULAR AND UNIQUE WILLIAM MARSTON'S PERSONAL PRESENTATION GUSTAV YOUNG ENGRAVED BREECH LOADING PERCUSSION RIFLE. MARSTON RIFLE NSN 36CAL Cal. 36. 45-1/2" overall. 25-13/16" oct to 16-sided transition to rnd bbl. Top of frame engraved "W.W. MARSTON, PATENTED 1850, NEW YORK". Gun is finely scroll engraved most likely by Gustav Young on the frame, hammer, breech & breech tang, buttplate, toe plate, trigger guard/lever, screw heads and rear ramrod thimble. Large panel on obverse of frame shows a rampant wolf and reverse has woodland scene showing a buck and doe. Both these panels are shown in Nimschke's book of patterns. Nimschke has an "X" next to each denoting that they were not his work; several other engraved panels marked with "X" are known to be Gustave Young. Regardless, this is an impeccable and beautiful rifle described by Doug Eberhart in his 1974 American Society of Arms Collectors bulletin, No. 30, as "Probably the finest rifle known...It is, by far the most decorated piece I have ever seen. In addition to the deluxe engraving, it has two gold barrel bands, at the breech, just as you might expect to find on a better grade of Philadelphia Derringer. This piece also has several other features that make it unique. The maker's name and address...is engraved in script on the top of the frame, instead of being stamped on the left side of the frame...the ramrod is of rosewood instead of ash, as was commonly used." Marston's Model 1850 rifle's are extremely rare with few examples known and this exquisite example is in extremely high condition retaining virtually all of its orig finish. PROVENANCE: William Walker Marston (1822-1872), circa 1855; Ex-Henry M. Stewart collection; The two panel scene engravings are shown on pg. 11 of "L.D. Nimschke Firearms Engraver", by R.L. Wilson, 1965; Pictured and described in L.D. Eberhart article in "American Society of Arms Collector Bulletin" No. 30, 1974; Ex-Stanley Diefenthal Collection, New Orleans; Estate of Tig Sogoian. CONDITION: Extremely fine overall. Bbl retains most all of its original brown finish though thinning. Ramrod thimbles retain strong traces of orig brown though thinning on bottom to a silver/gray patina. Frame and buttplate engraving is crisp retaining most of their orig thinning blue finish brighter in protected areas, case colors on lever are mostly bright with balance a smooth silver/gray, hammer is mostly gray with strong areas of bright and muted case colors. The birds-eye maple stock is well fit retaining excellent color and its original smooth oil finish. Patented mechanism and set triggers are mechanically fine and bore exhibits distinct rifling. 50763-1 JS (30,000-50,000)