GUN SPRING 2018
The live portion of this session begins on Wednesday, March 21, 2018.
EXTREMELY RARE AUGUSTA MACHINE WORKS 6-STOP CONFEDERATE REVOLVER.AUGUSTA MACHINE WKSNAVYM36Cal. 36. Fewer than 10 of these rare Augusta, Georgia made Confederate handguns are known in this configuration. There is little information published on this particular manufacturer other than the government factory was located at the site of the Augusta Machine Works. These guns were made in both 12 and 6-stop variations, both equally rare, with distinct, cryptic markings, 7-5/8" oct bbls emulating Colt Navy's with unique pinched grips. The grips taper abruptly to the frame, unseen on any other revolver. Well known Antebellum Augusta gunsmiths E.H. Rogers and W.D. Bowen were contractors for the Machine Works according to Bowen descendants. As with most Augusta Machine pistols, there are very few markings, some examples being marked only 2 or 3 times. However, this gun is marked with SN or assembly number "M" on bbl housing, hammer, trigger guard, frame, cyl pin and unique "pinched" grips. This gun is in honest condition with good aesthetics and rarely come to market. William Albaugh in his 1960 text Confederate Hand Guns and Bill Gary in his 1989 text Confederate Revolvers dedicate chapters to this manufacturer which are attached on line in provenance. PROVENANCE: Outstanding estate collection of Confederate and historical arms of Morris Racker. CONDITION: Very good overall. Gun appears orig and complete with smooth, grey surface to iron with hints of finish in protected areas. Brass has a medium mustard patina, well fit grips retain about 50% of their varnish. Wedge and wedge screw have dissimilar colors and are probably replacements. The loading arm appears orig to time of use, though profile is lower than other examples noted. There is a 1/2" inset piece of brass at back of trigger guard which appears orig from time of use and possibly manufacture. Mechanically fine with crisp, well defined rifling in lightly pitted bore. 51957-9 JS (25,000-35,000)