April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2019
Sharps features a 4 barrel cluster that pulls straight out with release button for loading. The four position firing pin is operational. Features brass frame with spur trigger and finely checkered walnut grips. Has matching numbers on barrel and frame. On the backstrap is engraved "Walt Whitman 1870". The engraving is in fancy script and appears factory done. No manipulation of surface and brass is the correct color with no toning or changes preceeding the color. It is our opinion that this inscription is original and period to the pistol. It was obviously well used over its period of ownership and appears to have spent its life in someone's pocket. To some it may seem unusual that someone gave a pocket pistol to the famed poet, most noted for his treatise entitled "Leaves of Grass". Mr. Whitman is considered by most of the scholarly crowd to be the greatest American poet of the 19th century. Whitman was a fervent Unionist. Whitman was a well-known pacifist. When writing his poem on the death of Abraham Lincoln, entitled "O Captain, My Captain", his fame skyrocketed as a respected poet. Whitman was at the height of his popularity in 1870 and it is feasible that the pistol was a gift from an admirer. The pistol was displayed at the National Firearms Museum in 2003 in an exhibit entitled "Exceptional Arms" alongside other pieces such as a rifle belonging to Teddy Roosevelt and Serial Number 1,000,000 M1 Garand. He is often claimed as America's first poet of democracy and his name is arguably one of the most noted of all 19th century writers. CONDITION: Barrels show traces of original blue but are basically brown with salt and pepper finish. Traces of silver plating on frame. Checkered walnut grips are excellent. Bores are decent, fully operational. This pistol is housed in a specially made book binding with leather spine entitled "Exigency / Walt Whitman / Washington 1870". When the French fitted case is opened there is a small plaque that reads "A Pacifist But Not A Fool". This is the first literary attachment to a firearm that we have offered and is sure to please any scholarly English major or poetry fan.
Manufacturer
C. Sharps & Co.