GUN FALL 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
U.S. MODEL 1805 HARPERS FERRY PISTOL, SERIAL NUMBER 61. HARPERS FERRY 1805 61 54 Cal. 54. The Model 1805 pistol was the first American military handgun produced by a national armory. There were 4,096 guns made from 1806-1808 and they were issued in pairs with the same SN. This is a nice early example conforming to other guns with 10" rnd bbl, breech marked with raised eagle over "P" in a sunken oval behind a raised "US" in a sunken oval behind SN 61. Lock is marked "HARPERS/FERRY/1806" in vertical arcs behind cock. Under the pan is a spread-winged eagle facing toward the cock over "US". Harpers Ferry brass furniture consisting of rear rammer pipe, trigger guard, buttcap and sideplate all of correct pattern and configuration. There is a cartouche "V/CW" (Charles Williams) on wood opposite the lock. Harpers Ferry Model 1805 pistols are among the most sought after U.S. sgl-shot martial pistols and this piece is a very pleasing example with crisp markings. Many collectors feel the lines of this gun are the finest of any collectible martial pistol such that the prestigious American Society of Arms Collectors adopted an image of this gun as their logo. PROVENANCE: Collection of Robert Roughton. CONDITION: Very good overall. Gun appears all orig and correct, with especially crisp bbl markings. When this gun was cataloged in 2007, it was noted as an early re-conversion. Upon closer examination, gun appears orig with no discernible welds in bbl and lock parts all appear orig and matching. If this is a re-conversion, it's undetectable. Lock also has well discerned markings with pitting. Bbl has been cleaned to a smooth, mottled grey/plum with pitting, especially around vent. Stock is sound, solid with discernible cartouche, hairline rear of escutcheon, hand worn patina. Brass cleaned with a light mustard patina. Mechanically sound with clear, smooth pitted bore. 52328-40 JS (10,000-20,000)