June 25-28, 2018 Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/25/2018
First produced in 1856, only ten of the First Model were ever manufactured followed by 250 of the First Model Second Variation, for a total of 260 First Models. Features full octagon barrel stamped "E SAVAGE. MIDDLETOWN CONN. H.S. NORTH. PATENTED JUNE 17, 1856". The round frame is made entirely of brass with the distinctive rear knuckle. Cylinder is non-fluted with all original nipples and stamped "15" (serial number). The only other numbers on the gun are four zeros stamped underneath barrel and frame. Underside of barrel is also stamped "CAST STEEL". An assembly number is stamped inside left of frame "99 99 369", each number individually hand stamped, not set in die. We can find a "0" stamped inside the removable cylinder plate. This revolver is so rare, most do not even know it exists. The existence of this revolver can be traced back to an early Greg Martin Auction, which we will include the original write-up; and it also appears in photo six of issue 39-40 of the October 1953 issue of Texas Gun Collector magazine. Grips are walnut, all original and in excellent condition. The barrel, cylinder and trigger guard had a reapplied blue finish, most of which remains today. The hammer was re-case colored. Blue ring lever retains flashes of original blue finish. Brass has turned a pleasing dark hue. Rifling is strong and pronounced but does have some black powder residue. of the 250 First Model Second Variations, 100 were contracted to the U.S. Government; this revolver is not martially marked, making it one of the 150 produced for civilian sales. One of the more interesting items of this revolver, besides the cocking ring, are the beveled chambered mouths of the cylinder which move forward when cocked to seal over the tapered forcing cone on the end of barrel. This revolver is so unusual and so rare, existing example totals are unknown. Even many of the most knowledgeable gun collectors and dealers have never even seen a single example of this scarce pre-Civil War revolver. This gun will be accompanied by an original Texas Gun Collector magazine, auction ad and a 2016 appraisal by noted antique gun dealer Jim Autry who placed its value at $22,000 to $35,000.
Caliber/Bore
.36 Percussion
Manufacturer
Savage & North