October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/22/2019
The Elgin cutlass pistol is one of the most desirable US Martial handguns. It is the only combination gun ever issued by a branch of the US Military. Additionally, it is the first officially used US percussion handgun. The Bowie blade was made by A.P. Ames of Springfield. Only 150 of these imposing weapons were issued specifically for the Wilkes South Sea Exploring Expedition. The Bowie blade measures 11" and is 2" wide, the overall length approximately 17". The octagonal barrel with steel foresight properly marked "ELGINS PATENT INSPECTOR P. M. CBA DATED 1837". Serial number 147 on left flat, frame with box lock action, serial numbered 147, stamped "C.D. ALLEN, SPRINGFIELD MASS.". One piece on the grip, steel knuckle guard and trigger guard. CONDITION: Barrel and Bowie blade with brown finish over minor pitting, frame in similar condition to Bowie and barrel, hammer with old pitting does not appear to be refinished, although appears to have some repair to hammer nozzle. Walnut grip with extremely minor split at butt and old varnish. Certainly one of the rarest and most sought after of all American single shot Martial pistols. To own a genuine Elgin cutlass pistol has been the goal of every serious Martial collector for the last century. MZ
Caliber/Bore
.54 Smoothbore