GUN SPRING 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, April 11, 2017.
COLLECTOR'S LOT OF THREE BROWNING PISTOLS. BROWNING 1903 2875 9MM LONG MODERN; C&R Cal. 9mm Long. 5" bbl with factory rust blue finish overall and commercial "FN" monogrammed hard rubber 2-pc grips. Factory slotted for detachable shoulder stock holster with standard fixed sights and provided with appropriate 10 rnd extended mag. Wooden shoulder stock holster with all appropriate attaching irons and complete with wiping rod and appropriate "FN" manufacturing proofs. This rare variation was produced in very limited quantities and were adopted by Sweden, Russian, and rumored to have been issued to the Belgian Navy. This commercial variation is rarely ever seen and little is known of actual production numbers. PROVENANCE: The Frank H. Wheaton, III Collection. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, with most blue finish remaining with a slight amount of wear and finish loss on crowns of slide with several areas of finish loss on front and rear strap, as well as rear of slide. Bore is very good, with slight darkening in grooves of rifling. Appears to be numbers matching on slide, bbl, and frame, as well as trigger group. Stock is non numbers matching, however retains over 90% rust blue finish on attaching iron and metal components. Wood stock is exceptionally fine with minor bruising and scratches as to be expected. A very small shrinkage crack is evident in bottom of stock forward of where grip would protrude. This in no way affects its function or desirability. A very rare and desirable rig. 51517-3 TDW (4,000-6,000)
BROWNING NOMAD SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL. BROWNING NOMAD 59975P6 22LR MODERN; C&R Cal 22 LR. 6-3/4" bbl, full blue finish, 2-pc checkered plastic stocks with Browning logo at top. Left bbl lug reads "Browning Arms Co.". Right bbl lug reads "Made in Belgium" over "22 Long Rifle". Bottom of bbl shows Belgian proof marks. SN is stamped on forestrap of alloy frame. Magazine base plate is marked ".22 L.R. Browning". Adjustable rear sight. PROVENANCE: The Frank H. Wheaton, III Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains 98% bright blue finish with muzzle wear on both sides and high point wear on the front sight. Bore is bright with strong rifling. Receiver retains nearly all of the black anodized finish with only a couple of small scratches. Grips are fine, intact and show only a couple of dents on the bottom edge. Magazine shows almost all blue finish with some scratch marks. A very nice Browning Nomad pistol. 51517-96 TEP (400-700)
NEAR NEW BROWNING CHALLENGER SPORT PISTOL WITH BOX AND INSTRUCTIONS. BROWNING CHALLENGER 5402U2 22LR MODERN; C&R Cal. .22LR. 4-1/2" bbl with blue finish overall and traditional varnish finished checkered Browning grips. Gold trigger accents with adjustable rear sight and high Partridge front sights. 10 rnd mag capacity. Housed in period red and black plastic Browning box with appropriate operating instructions pamphlet. Indicated by date code as having been manufactured in 1962. PROVENANCE: The Frank H. Wheaton, III Collection. CONDITION: Overall as new, with only the slightest hint of edgewear at base of grips from having been in box. Several extremely small imperfections or scratches are evident in top right side of slide when held under very bright light. Bore and mechanics are excellent. Box is equally as fine. Pamphlet has slightly discolored with age. 51517-88 TDW (500-800)