GUN FALL 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
EXHIBITION GRADE ENGRAVED, GOLD AND IVORY LARGE BORE MODEL 1868 TRANTER REVOLVER BY H. HOLLAND. TRANTER 1868 DA 5978 450 ESA Cal. 450. This is about the fanciest Tranter cartridge revolver you will find mounted with ivory grips with royal cypher as are ivory handled tools in case. 5" oct engraved bbl with gold inset designs and address "H HOLLAND 98 NEW BOND ST. LONDON". Fine floral and scroll engraving are found on most of the flat surfaces of frame with about 50% coverage on cylinder, bbl, trigger guard and buttcap. Tranter's patent markings are found on left side of frame and left side of lever. Frame, cylinder, trigger guard and buttcap are gold plated, as is brass tip to cleaning rod, screwdriver and Dixon oiler. The custom French fitted English case is maker marked "P & F SCHAFER MAKERS / 27 PICCADILLY LONDON". Casing is also bound in leather with same crown over unknown cypher that is on gun and each cleaning tool ivory grip. Case has two compartments, one with functional key and small chamois bag with extra mainspring and triggerspring. The second compartment retains cutouts for 36 cartridges retaining a mix of 34 complete cartridges and brass, all with "ELEY" backstamps. The quality of engraving, plating, ivory finish and casing are all exceptional. This gun was obviously made for a very important person. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Bbl retains over 90% orig bright blue finish with slight muzzle wear and small reductions near frame. Cylinder retains about 90% orig gold. Frame retains about 70% orig gold, worn on gripstrap and worn at high areas of frame flats. Trigger guard and buttcap retain strong traces of gold, especially in protected areas of trigger bow. Hammer and trigger retain about half of their orig bright finish. Mechanics are crisp with bright shiny bore. Casing is matching fine condition internally with a green baize lining, with some soiling and wear at contact areas of muzzle and hammer. Gold plating to oiler and screwdriver is thinning. Ivory grips and tool handles are smooth with fine patina, with crisp scrimshawed seals with black backgrounds. Leather covering to case is very good with scuffing and cosmetic blemishes expected after 150 plus years with well discerned embossed cypher in lid as seen in photos. Casing has an orig attached leather folding handle seen on other high grade English sporting arms. 52700-20 JS (17,500-27,500)