GUN FALL 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
LAST PAIR OF U.S. MODEL 1805 HARPERS FERRY PISTOL, SERIAL NUMBER 2048, LAST PAIR MADE.HARPERS FERRY1805204854Cal. 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, first SN "1", last SN "2048" and this is the last pair. Both are IN nice orig flint 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 2048. Locks are marked "HARPERS/FERRY/1808″ 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 weak script cartouche "V/JS" (James Stubblefield) on wood opposite the lock. This gun is featured on pg 45 of The Gun's of Harper's Ferry, Stuart Brown and the more recent text on pg 96, 126-130 Harpers Ferry Arsenal and Joseph Perkins The Classic Arms of the Early Years, Rich Hudak, 2012. The example just recently discovered in 2011. PROVENANCE: Jim Wertenberger Collection; Rick Hudak Collection; Collection of Robert Roughton. CONDITION: Very good overall. Gun appears all orig with crisp markings other than inspectors cartouche in stock which is still visible in outline. Stock is well fit with hand worn patina. Iron overall is a mottled grey with crisp markings. Brass has a light mustard patina overall. Functional with smooth clear bore. 52328-38 JS (20,000-30,000)
HARPERS FERRY 1805 2048 54 This gun was actually previously known, but because the "4" in SN 2048 is not easily discerned, it took a bit of detective work to realize what it was. This pair has the most intriguing story which is found on the provenance link on website, which is a narrative from Harper Ferry Arsenal and Joseph Perkin The Classic Arms of the Early Years, Rick Hudak, 2012. What an opportunity to own the final pair of the most aesthetically pleasing of all American patterns of martial flintlock revolvers. These are not only very fine guns but the last pair made in exemplary condition with great collection history. PROVENANCE: Jim Wertenberger Collection; Rick Hudak Collection, 2011; Collection of Robert Roughton. CONDITION: Very good overall. Gun appears orig and matching with good markings, with exception of the SN which on other example is extremely well struck. I imagine this was the very last gun made and whoever did the final serialization was tired and that's why the numbers are only partially struck, though the US cartouche is exceptionally deep. Lock markings are excellent and script inspectors cartouche "V / JS" (James Stubblefield) is excellent and barely discerned on its mate. Like its mate, this gun is functional with clear smooth bore. 52328-39 JS (10,000-20,000) W/BOOK