BILL GOODMAN, 280 W. KAGY BLVD. SUITE D #152, BOZEMAN, MONTANA 59715

TEL. (406) 587-3131 FAX (406) 219-3415

EMAIL: montanaraven@hotmail.com

 

Bill Goodman has been a collector of antique/collector firearms for well over 40 years and a full time dealer for over 30 years. Traveling around the country constantly seeking good quality collector arms at REALISTIC PRICES, Bill sells exclusively by mail order. Until recently, he has advertised in every issue of The Gun List (now Gun Digest the Magazine) since it’s first small issues in the early 1980s (as well as The Shotgun News before that). All items are photographed. To view them just click the text of the item you want to see. Be sure to scroll down as most items have more than one photo.  All guns are sold as collector’s items, not shooters. If you wish to shoot an item listed here, it is strongly recommended that you have the item checked out by a competent gunsmith who specializes in antique/classic firearms. All items are sold with the usual three (3) day inspection. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase, call to say you are returning the item and you will receive an immediate refund when the item is received back in the same condition it was originally shipped. This list will be constantly updated as new items become available. Use the above phone number or email to check availability and for info on any item you wish to purchase. Prices do not include shipping. All federal/state laws concerning the transfer of firearms are strictly followed. Modern firearms must be shipped to an FFL dealer (or “Curio & Relics” license holders where applicable). Pre-1899 antiques may be shipped to non-FFL holders. All Layaway sales are final. AND PLEASE, MAKE CHECKS TO WILLIAM (OR BILL) GOODMAN AND NOT GOODMANGUNS

 

 

MORE GUNS WERE POSTED 9/27/23. WATCH FOR FREQUENT POSTINGS EVERY FEW DAYS THROUGH SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

 

NOTES FROM THE FIELD:

An interesting thing happened a few weeks ago that got me thinking… Here in Montana we had an early snow storm while most of the trees still had their leaves. As usually happens with these storms, lots of aspen and other tree branches broke under the weight of the snow. My brother called to have me come over to his place and help him cut up some branches. I arrived ready for action with my Home Depot purchased aluminum branch clippers. He met me at his garage holding MY FATHER’S OLD BRANCH CLIPPERS. So what’s the big deal? Well, I remember those clippers as a kid in the 1960s and I’m sure he owned them long before that. This tool was made of solid steel and had (wait for it…) riveted wood slab handles. This thing really had some weight to it! It also had a kind of double hinge for extra leverage cutting of larger diameter branches. It sure put my flimsy aluminum clipper to shame! I bet this solid steel beauty was made in the 1940s or maybe even before W.W.II. For all I know, it might have belonged to my grandfather! The point of all this is that it reminded me of why we all like antique/classic firearms. They too were made of steel and wood- no synthetics or alloys. They were made to last, and they have. My modern clippers are getting loose and worn. I was thinking of replacing it for another. Not my Dad’s clipper! It is generational. Same goes for the guns of that period and earlier. Not that I’m knocking modern firearms, but there’s something hard to describe about holding a Colt New Service or S&W .44 Hand Ejector revolver or shouldering a Winchester Model 71 .348 caliber… I know you get it or you wouldn’t be on this website.

COLT FIRE ARMS (click text for photo)

1) SUPERB CONDITION 1877 .41DA THUNDERER, #45XXX, MADE 1883. This exceptional revolver withj 3 1/2″ barrel recently turned up here in Montana. It retains about all the nickel with only a small amount of peeling at the extreme muzzle- metal is not dark and blends to the point of being almost unseen. The cylinder pin, trigger, hammer back and screws retain good fire blue. Perfect crisp and clear etched panel, bright nickel overall including the grip straps and edges. Exc. mechanically. Excellent grips, matching numbers and aside from the slight peeling at the muzzle and a ffew light scratches, this one is about as good as can be hoped for in a 140 year old investment quality Model 1877!  $2350

2) COLT’S FIRST MEDIUM FRAME SIDE-SWING CYLINDER TARGET MODEL IS THIS OFFICERS MODEL WITH LEFT TURNING CYLINDER BUILT ON THE OLD NEW ARMY & NAVY .38 DA MILITARY MODEL, .38 SPECIAL, #290XXX, MADE 1907. These distinctive revolvers are easy to spot as they have the double row of locking notches on the outside of the cylinder enabling the cylinder to turn in a counter clockwise direction (often called “left wheelers). Correct checkered walnut grips without the Colt medallions, checkered back strap and trigger, flat top frame with target sights. These earliest target models have the last patent date on the barrel of 1901 and on the left side of the barrel have “OFFICERS MODEL COLT D.A. 38”. Excellent overall condition with just the lightest of carry/handling wear- a spot of gray at the muzzle, light edge wear on the cylinder and a little thinning of the blue on the right side of the frame between the trigger and hammer. Interestingly, this one has the name “COX” lightly scratched into the butt between two tiny holes in which I assume a very small identification plate was once affixed. Inside each grip panel, aside from the matching assembly number, is “L-H COX, WATERLOO, GA. in pencil. The previous owner thought Cox had something to do with Georgia railroads. Overall, an interesting, high condition 116 year old Colt Target model whose history is worth investigating. A Colt letter might prove valuable on this one. (4 photos) $875

3) MEDIUM FRAME LIGHTNING RIFLE IN .38-40 CALIBER WITH 26″ SCARCE ROUND BARREL, #88XXX, MADE 1901. Overall the blue has thinned on the receiver, barrel and mag tube and mixed evenly with plum and gray. There is still some good blue overall and all markings including the rampant colt on the left side of the frame are fine. The action locks tight and will not “pump” when at full cock. Original buckhorn rear sight with Rocky Mountain blade front sight. Fine wood showing only light handling. Probably had a tang sight on at one time as there is an empty threaded hole in the upper tang behind the hammer. bore is fairly bright with sharp rifling and any roughness very light and scattered. (5 photos) $2150.

4) ARMY SPECIAL .32-20 CALIBER WITH DESIRABLE 6″ BARREL, #589XXX, MADE 1927. Fine example with perfect bore and exceptionally tight action with no movement to the cylinder upon lock-up. Fine blue with just normal thinning on grip straps and toward the muzzle on the barrel. Cylinder shows some light thinning on the outside edge. Nice fire blue on the hammer back and trigger. Exc. markings, grips appear to be a correct replacement that fit fairly well with some slight overhang at the butt that could easily be polished down- minor. Unaltered front sight. Made the year Charles Lindbergh flew solo across the Atlantic for the first time in his single engine plane THE SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS. ! Most of these revolvers that were chambered in .32-20 instead of the standard .38 Special were used by outdoorsmen who paired them with .32-20 rifles/carbines. Hence, it is not uncommon to find .32-20 revolvers in much used and often abused condition.  This is a nice one. $795.

5)  ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT COLTS TO FIND IS THIS TARGET POLICE POSITIVE IN .32 COLT CARTRIDGE CHAMBERING, #78XXX, WITH FACTORY LETTER SHOWING SHIPMENT IN 1910. Most of the Police Positive series of revolvers were standard models with those that were flat top target versions almost entirely .22 Rim Fire caliber. Very few target models were made in .32 Center Fire and one can search for years and never see an example. This one with factory letter confirms the .32 Colt Cartridge, 6″, blue, grips not listed, shipped to Von Lengerke & Antoine, Chicago, Illinois on September 23, 1910 as a shipment of one (1). Von Lengerke & Antoine were a big sporting goods store in Chicago that were bought out in 1928 by the famed firm of Abercrombie & Fitch who catered to wealthy sportsmen who could afford the best. As a shipment of one gun in this shipment, it was no doubt a special order for a customer. While it has seen use, it is still in fine condition retaining most of the early high polish Colt blue of the time. The major wear is to the frame on each side behind the cylinder which is typical of holster carry. The back strap is turning an uncleaned very aged blue to brown with some light ageing/thinning of the blue on the butt and front strap- but still good blue there. Aside from this there are a few small spots on the barrel and the usual edge wear. Target sights have not been altered excellent fire blue on the hammer top and trigger sides, exc. hard rubber Colt embossed grips, minty bright bore, extremely tight action with no play in the cylinder, exc. markings including the early “stylized C” with rampant colt stamping on the left side of the frame and Colt address with last patent date of 1905 on the barrel top. This is one of the earliest of these rare guns I’ve seen as the Police Positive was introduced in 1907 and continued to World War II. A really scarce 113 year old early double action Target Colt. (4 photos) $1595

6) VERY LIMITED PRODUCTION .32 (.32 S&W LONG CALIBER) OFFICERS MODEL HEAVY BARREL TARGET REVOLVER, #640XXX, MADE NEAR THE END OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION IN 1939. Colt only turned out a few hundred of these before ceasing production for World War II. All .32 caliber target revolvers are rare- both Colt and S&W produced very few in all models. It seems most shooters wanted either a .22LR or .38 Special in their target revolvers- some big bore target revolvers were turned out, but like the .32s, they are rare. This example has seen some less than ideal storage, but is still in excellent condition overall. There is a little spotting to the blue finish on the left side of the frame behind the cylinder latch and some light wear to the front strap and butt with the balance fine blue. Checkered back strap and trigger, tight action, perfect bore, unaltered adjustable target sights, retains about all the blue on the front face of the cylinder indicating that this one may not have been fired at all. I believe the above mentioned spots are from poor storage more than actual usage and handling. Excellent Colt medallion walnut grips with sharp checkering and one tiny surface chip in the middle bottom edge of the left grip- minor. Amazing Great Depression hand fitting and workmanship! This kind of individual care and craftsmanship would be too expensive to provide today aside from custom shops. $1950.

7) HISTORICAL MODEL 1902 .38ACP MILITARY MODEL AUTO PISTOL WITH LOW SERIAL NUMBER 14XXX, SHIPPED TO THE INVENTOR, BROWNING BROTHERS, OGDEN, UTAH IN THE FIRST FULL YEAR OF PRODUCTION, JULY 16, 1903. The earliest of the Model 1902 Military autos have no rear slide serations. Instead they have knurling in a rectangular pattern at the front of the slide. They also have rounded “stub” hammers, early slide markings with “BROWNINGS PATENT” over 1897 and 1902 patent dates. they also have nickel plated magazines with 1884 patent date stamping on the bottom. According to the book The Government Models by William Goddard, this serial numbered 1902 Military auto was listed in the Colt ledgers as being in a small block shipped July 16, 1903 to Browning Brothers. There is a good chance Jonathan Browning himself held this example which was sold out of their family run store in Ogden, Utah. When most men in Utah in 1903 were carrying Single Action Army Colts or perhaps a new double action Colt or S&W revolver, it would have been a pretty savvy shooter to choose to carry a big auto pistol like this! This is a fine 120 year old example that shows all the early features mentioned above. It retains fine blue on the frame sides and slide with only normal edge wear and minor thinning. The grip straps and bottom of the trigger guard bow are thinning to gray while the bottom of the frame and top of the slide retain fine deep blue. There is still soje nice fire blue on the trigger sides and some good light case color on the hammer. Markings are sharp and clear, fine blue on the barrel exposed by the ejection port, unaltered sights, excellent Colt embossed hard rubber grips and lanyard ring intact. Tight action, strong safety half cock on the hammer and bright exc. bore. A great Western shipped early Colt auto sold by the most famous firearms inventor in American history. $2850

 

MARLIN (click text for photos).

 

1)  A TRULY UNIQUE, ONE-OF-A-KIND MARLIN LEVER ACTION RIFLE! MODEL 1892 .32 CENTER FIRE CALIBER WITH 32 INCH ROUND BARREL, #428XXX, MADE c.1910. This model was ONLY OFFERED IN BARREL LENGTHS OF 24″, 26″, AND 28″. This exact rifle is pictured in the Marlin Book by Brophy and identified by serial number (Page 187). The .32 caliber Model 1892 was factory equipped with a rim fire firing pin, but was provided with an additional firing pin for .32 Center Fire. So, the rifle could be fired with .32 Short and long RF and .32 Short and Long Center Fire ammunition. This rifle has both condition and rarity! The receiver retains most of the original blue that is mixing a little plum with age and shows minor thinning/age. The barrel and mag tube also show fine lightly aged blue. It has the typical buckhorn rear sight and Rocky Mountain blade front sight. The sling swivels appear original and are mentioned in the caption on this rifle in Brophy’s book. The upper tang has the correct Model ’92 marking and the barrel also has the normal marking for this model. The bore is bright and excellent and the action is tight. A rare opportunity to own such an unusual and probably unique Marlin! $4950.

2) SCARCE M-’93 CARBINE IN .30-30, #C2XXX.  This one has the MARLIN FIREARMS CORPORATION barrrel address, so this one can be dated to the 1920s. Overall mainly very thin aged blue to gray on the barrel and magazine. The receiver is similarly an uncleaned gray with good blue on the loading gate. Generally fine wood showing the usual handling/hunting marks, but solid. A small surface chip out of the right side of the forend in front of the barrel band at the tip- minor and hardly worth mentioning. Fine action with solid half-cock safety. Fairly bright fine bore with strong rifling. Buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar intact with blade/bead front sight. Correct steel carbine butt plate. Thise are scarce Marlins and not often seen. $1150.

 

A NOTE ABOUT “MODERN MARLINS”: Marlin has closed its doors for good in North Haven, Connecticut and been bought out by the folks who own Remington. It looks like some models have been put back into production with the barrels marked “Utica, New York.” I did see one of the new ones with the old North Haven barrel address so I assume they had left over barrels they were using up. Quality in wood to metal fit was fair at best and trigger pulls were off the scale heavy! I don’t know if any of the octagon barrel “cowboy models” will be produced again, although their online catalogue does show a model 1894 cowboy-type with octagon barrel in .45 Colt. UPDATE: My understanding is that Remington is now in a bankruptcy situation and has sold the Marlin line to Ruger.  Ruger is now producting some Marlin models with more to come. In my opinion, all of this confusion and past quality control problems will make the CT manufactured Marlins even more desirable as shooters and collectibles. I know I’ll be looking for them, especially the limited production models.

1) THE RAREST AND HARDEST TO FIND OF THE JM MARKED LIMITED PRODUCTION NORTH HAVEN, CT MADE RIFLES IS THIS 1894CB “COWBOY LIMITED” 20″ OCTAGON RIFLE IN .32 H&R MAGNUM CHAMBERING, #95203XXX, MADE 2005. I’m not sure how many of these were made, but couldn’t be many as they almost never show up anyplace. They are unique in the 1894 line as they don’t have a loading gate and instead load through the magazine tube like the Model 39 .22 rifles and carbines. This example appears about like new having seen little to no use. $2250.

 

ANTIQUE & CLASSIC RIFLES, SHOTGUNS AND PISTOLS (click text for photos)

 

1) SAVAGE 1899 TAKEDOWN, .250-3000 CALIBER, #201XXX, MADE 1919. A good, cared-for example that retains fine blue on the 22″ barrel with original Savage marked rear sight. The receiver is mixing heavily gray with some good blue in the more protected areas. Tight takedown. Generally excellent wood with sharp checkering on the pistol grip and forend with no cracks or chips. Correct pistol grip cap and steel butt plate. Brass rotary magazine with cartridge counter cut out on the left side. Bright excellent bore. No extra holes. Nice 104 year old savage in a desirable caliber. $1150

2) HIGH CONDITION SAVAGE M-99 20″ CARBINE IN DESIRABLE .30-30 CALIBER, MADE 1923. A really fine example utilizing what Savage called “Fruitwood” for the stock and forend. This one retains about all the blue on the receiver (even on the bottom) and upper tang etc.. The barrel also retains deep blue with maybe some slight scattered freckling that is hardly worth mentioning. Buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar intact with blade/bead front sight. Still shows some case color on the lever and even the carbine shaped butt plate retains most of the original blue. The stock and forend each as a very small sling swivel hole that would be easy to fill. Very tight wood to metal fit, exc. tight action, good spring in the brass rotor magazine/cartridge counter, and minty-bright bore. Nice 99 year old carbine that came out of right here in Montana. $1495.

3) BEAUTIFUL CONDITION, CLASSIC R. F. SEDGLEY, PHILADELPHIA, PA UNALTERED 1903 SPRINGFIELD .30-06 SPORTER, MADE 1920s-1930s. Aside from the light weight Savage 1920, there weren’t many American made bolt action sporting rifles in the 1920s and very early 1930s. Remington and Winchester began manufacture of their Model 30 and Model 54 respectively, in the 1930s, but they were a little late to the party! Wealthy sportsmen of the day bought custom sporters, usually on 1903 actions and chambered in .30-06 by such firms as Griffin & Howe and Sedgley. Typically, the G&H cost a bit more and was fancier in stock and metal work, but the Sedgley was a very fine custom rifle that cost a bit less- still very expensive at about $65 and up in the 1920s. Sedgley bought surplus 1903 actions, stripped the actions, heat treated them, fitted them to his rifles and proof tested the finished product- stamping the barrels with his circle S proof mark and name/address. This example retains the Springfield markings on the receiver ring- I’ve seen them with the markings intact and with the markings ground off. It also displays sharp Sedgley barrel markings and proof mark. About all the blue remains with the bolt handle bright etc. It is also fitted with the correct Lyman receiver sight, no dovetail for a rear barrel sight, sling swivels, grip cap and checkered steel butt plate. Wood is about perfect with sharp checkering and schnable forend tip. The barrel is also fitted with a barrel band into which the front sling swivel is secured as well as a ramped front sight. In all, a typical Sedgley sporter in superb condition inside and out with light and crisp two-stage trigger and bright bore. Comes with a copy of a February 2018 article from the NRA p6ublication American Rifleman about Sedgley rifles. (3 photos) $2250.

4) SHARPS 1878 BORCHARDT .45-70 MILITARY RIFLE, #7XXX. The barrel retains fine aged blue with excellent markings including the OLD RELIABLE stamping. Correct military style ladder rear sight with slide intact. The receiver has aged to a dark gray/brown with worn markings. The butt stock has had a triangular piece of walnut spliced into the right side wrist/upper tang juncture, smooth steel butt plate, forend is fine and shows normal wear and handling, but is solid. The cleaning rod is an incorrect replacement (looks like from a muzzle loader), Bore is bright with a few small spots of corrosion, action is tight with the safety working. Comes with a heavy military style sling. $2250.

5) MARBLE GAME GETTER, FIRST TYPE MODEL 1908 WITH TANG SIGHT, #6XXX, MADE 1908-1914. This is the earliest and most desirable of the Marble over/under .22 Rimfire/.44-40 smooth bore “for shot or ball.” Latere models (Type II and Model 1921) did not have provision for a tang sight. This example retains the important tang sight- these are often missing. Has the desirable 18″ barrel length making this one perfectly legal- the other lengths were 12″ and 15″ and now require special paperwork and registration or are illegal. Has the correct skeleton stock that folds under the receiver and barrels for easy storage in a pack basket, canoe etc. Overall shows good blue that has aged somewhat with some thinning with all metal surfaces uncleaned and dark. Bottom shot barrel is bright and exc., the .22 RF top barrel shows good rifling with some light corrosion. All sharp markings, fine original hard rubber grips show some wear, but are not chipped or cracked.Stock folds and locks into place correctly- if there is a spring in the latch for folding it is either weak or missing- not sure if it is supposed to have one- if so, easily replaced.  Has the small buckhorn sight with blade front sight. Flayderman’s guide describes these best: Invented by William Marble based on his 20 years experience in the Northwoods as a trapper and timber cruiser, as an all-purpose, easily carried firearm that could dispatch at reasonable distance anything swimming, walking or flying in the woods. Overall, a difficult to find early First Type with tang sight intact and legal 18″ barrels. Many of these saw very hard extended use in the backwoods and when found today are in very rough condition, often missing the folding stock etc. $2150.

 

MODERN AND /OR OUT OF PRODUCTION FIREARMS 

1) ONE OF THE MOST RARE AND UNUSUAL AMERICAN MADE AUTO PISTOL: J. KIMBALL ARMS CO. .30 CARBINE CAL. AUTO PISTOL, ONLY 250-300 WERE MADE IN 1955. This Detroit, Michigan company attempted to produce a pistol for the popular .30 M1 Carbine round. During this time surplus ammo was cheap and readily available. However, there were problems with the basic design of this pistol and the company went out of business soon after production began. This example with adjustable target rear sight and serial number 1X IS BRAND NEW IN THE ORIGINAL BOX WITH OWNERS MANUAL! The box is in excellent condition with only some normal scuffs and handling. All end and top markings are sharp and clear. The owners manual is also fine. Even the most advanced auto pistol collections probably lack one of these. Of those that still exist, this may be the best. $3950.

 

REMINGTON (click text for photos)

1) MODEL 14 PUMP ACTION RIFLE IN .35 REMINGTON CALIBER, #108XXX. These fine rifles were made from 1913-1934 and were no doubt another victim of the Great Depression. This one has a tight action and bright excellent bore. The blue is intact overall but showing age and turning dull with plum mixing. the butt stock finish has “raised” and has gotten “crinkly” which is fairly common on these. It can usually all be removed with mineral spirits that often reveals nice walnut underneath. Looks like there may be a small crack in the corner of the wood by the safety on the left rear of the receiver/tang juncture. The stock retains the unusual “reverse” crescent butt plate with toe plate on the bottom. The forend is solid and shows only light wear. All markings are sharp and clear. Has a buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar and the barrel is also cut for the sometimes seen “wheel adjustable” buckhorn rear sight. Probably once had a tang sight as the two filler screws are missing from the rear top of the receiver- easily replaced. There is a hook-eye sling swivel in the butt as well as in the magazine retaining band. The safety functions and in all a rifle that ought to clean up nicely. This is the most desirable caliber in the Model 14. $795.

2) WORLD WAR II MODEL 11 U.S. MARKED SHOTGUN (see below in Springfield & U.S. Military section

3) REMINGTON/SPRINGFIELD 1871 ARMY ROLLING BLOCK .50-70 RIFLE (see below in Springfield & U.S. Military section)

 

RUGER (click text for photo)

1) SCARCE, LONG OUT OF PRODUCTION, NEW IN BOX,  BISLEY MODEL SINGLE SIX IN .32 H&R MAGNUM CALIBER, 6 1/2″ BARREL, #650-25XXX, MADE 1987. This is the model with fully adjustable rear sight. Unfired with Yellow box inside the cardboard protective outer box numbered to this revolver etc. Complete with paperwork, manual, plastic bag etc. Just flat new. $1295.

2) VERY LIMITED PRODUCTION AND DIFFICULT TO FIND BLACKHAWK BISLEY IN RARE .41 MAGNUM CALIBER. This 71/2″ Bisley with adjustable sights #47-07XXX was made in 1986 and appears new and unfired. It comes in the correct yellow box that is unmarked without an end label. It also has the original Ruger Bisley owner’s manual. Not sure how many of these were made in .41 Magnum, but the number was very small. As nice as you could hope to find. $1295.

3) MODEL 77 “ULTRA LIGHT” IN .270 WIN. CALIBER, #79-81XXX, MADE 1985. This is the classic Model 77 with tang mountted sliding safety, walnut stock with ebony forend tip and blued steel. This one is outfitted with a Tasco 3-9X scope with clear optics set in Ruger rings. It is also fitted with a brown Pachmayr Decelerator solid recoil pad (length of pull correct 13 1/4″). This rifle has seen some normal use- it came out of here in Montana. The stock shows only light handling marks and there are some scratches to the finish of the bottom of the floor plate and trigger guard, very light blue wear on the 20″ barrel and some on the bolt handle. Nylon padded sling included.  Overall an attractive and scarce model. I’m sure this one has taken its share of big game here in Montana and ready for more adventures! $795.

 

SHILOH SHARPS, MUZZLE LOADERS AND OTHER REPRODUCTIONS. Note: I am a Shiloh Sharps dealer and can order you any Shiloh you want. Check out my other website for Shilohs: www.shiloh-ballard.com (click text for photos).

 

1) ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR FANCY CUSTOM BUILT AND ENGRAVED HIGH WALL .45-70 SINGLE SHOT SPORTER. This one was built by Mike Kuffler of Oklahoma and is photographed in the magazine GUNMAKER Journal of Custom Gunmaking  Summer 2019/Issue 167.  The thickside Highwall action was made by Ballard Rifle & Cartridge Co., Cody, Wyoming and is fitted with an adjustable single set trigger (unmarked except the the serial number 1XX). The entire action is profusely and expertly scroll engraved- sides, top, receiver ring, upper and lower tangs, bottom edges and upper portion and bottom of the lever. The lever, checkered steel shotgun butt plate and action are beautifully bone-charcoal color case hardened. The 28″ half octagon barrel is richly blued and has a fancy transition milled into the barrel at the juncture of the round and octagon transition. The rear of the barrel behind the buckhorn rear sight is engraved and there is simple engraving on each side and in front of the globe front sight that will accept inserts. The pistol grip butt stock is sharply checkered and the bottom of the pistol grip along with the bottom of the schnable in the forearm have the traditional ebony wedge inlay Winchester used on their early deluxe rifles. the butt stock also sports a cheek piece with accent/shadow line. Target crowned muzzle. The forend is also checkered. the walnut would rate at least extra fancy and overall this is a simply stunning rifle. I don’t recall seeing a more beautiful Highwall. All in like new condition. It would cost a fortune to have one like this built from scratch plus a few years wait time.  $7250

2) HARRINGTON AND RICHARDSON 1871-1971 .45-70 OFFICERS MODEL TRAPDOOR RIFLE, #71XX.  These are truly beautiful American Made rifles produced just like the original Springfield Officers Models of the 1870s-1880s. It features checkered wrist and forend, scroll engraved case colored lock plate, hammer, breech block, butt plate, barrel bands, trigger guard, receiver, upper tang and engraved pewter forend tip. The barrel is richly blued and the rifle is fitted with a sporting tang sight and blade/bead front sight. Wiping rod is mounted under the barrel. This one comes with the brass plate that can be mounted on the butt stock engraved with the 1871-1971 Harrington & Richardson Officers Model etc. markings. This plate has never been put on. All in like new condition inside and out. Getting hard to find. A class act 145 years ago and a class act now! Great quality. These haven’t been made for decades. Still a bargain when you can find one, especially this nice. $1295.

3) RARE SHILOH SHARPS OFFERING: 1874 HARTFORD COMMEMORATIVE MODEL, ONLY 100 MADE IN THE EARLY 1990s. One of the most sought after and difficuilt to find Shiloh models, the Hartford Commemorative was serial numbered B001 to B100. This one is B04X. All were .45-70 with heavy 30″ octagon barrels with high polish blue finish (this one weighs a bit over 13 lbs). The lock plate has a silver banner that is embossed “HARTFORD MODEL.”  The serial number on the upper tang is also embossed in sulver. Each rifle was also fitted with a non-catalogued heavy nickel plated crescent butt plate as was often fitted on early1870s production rifles (The original Sharps company was in Hartford, CT until about 1875 when they moved to Bridgeport, CT until they went out of business in 1881). Further, it features hand selected extra fancy walnut in the butt stock and forend with AA finish, pewter forend tip, polished screw heads and a Hartford Collar with silver band on the barrel. As a further option, aside from the standard full buckhorn Lawrence ladder rear sight, this one has a Montana Vintage Arms mid-range Soule fully adjustable tang sight ($481) fitted with a Magnum Hadley adjustable aperture eye disc ($110) and a #113 spirit level front sight that will take inserts ($192). It also has as standard double set triggers and case hardened action and lever. One of the most stunning and historically correct Shiloh Models. This one has outstanding walnut and is in like new condition inside and out. $5800

 

SMITH AND WESSON (click text for photos)

1) SELDOM SEEN, EARLY MODEL 1899 .32-20 FIRST MODEL HAND EJECTOR, #11XX, MADE 1899-1902. This was the first of the famed Military & Police (M&P) line that continues to this day. Easily identified by the fully exposed and non-locking stud to the barrel ejector rod, the First Model was made in a quantity of only 5311 at which time the next model replaced it that did have the ejector rod connected to the barrel as on all models to the present time. The First Model was offered in .32-20 and .38 Special only. The .32-20 was mainly for outdoorsmen/frontiersmen who paired this revolver with an identically chambered rifle or carbine of the same caliber.  As such, most of these early .32-20s saw some pretty heavy usage in the outdoors. When encountered, they often display hard use and often abuse. This example with      6 1/2″ barrel and blue finish has matching numbers on the butt, cylinder, barrel and inside the right grip at the top portion. This model was only made in round butt configuration and the early hard rubber grips have a light and small patent merking at the lower edge on the left panel- with any wear this marking disappears. This example retains the grip patent marking. Overall, the blue is fine with thinning a little on the sides of the barrel, grip straps and on the outer portion of the cylinder- typical handling and holster wear. Exc. screws and markings including the top barrel address and correct patent date ending in ’98 along with “32 WINCHESTER CTG” on the left side of the barrel. Nice case color on the hammer and trigger sides. Front sight has NOT been filed or altered. The action is excellent with very solid cylinder lock up. Bore is excellent and bright. One of the better ones I’ve seen in a long while. A difficult to find 120+ year old S&W and one of the most significant  and historical introductory models. $1295

2) HIGH CONDITION NICKEL WITH MEDALLION PEARL GRIPS SAFETY HAMMERLESS 2ND MODEL .32, 3″ BARREL #161XXX, MADE C.1909. The 2nd. model top break safety hammerless revolver was made from 1902-1909. Serial numbers ran from 91418 – 170000. Judging from that, I’d assume this one was probably made during the last year of the 2nd Mod. production. The Safety Hammerless was a popular design for pocket carry as it had no hammer to snag on clothing and the grip safety, “lemon squeezer,” feature made it very safe to carry without fear it might go off unintended. The only way this revolver could fire is if the revolver was firmly gripped which depressed the grip safety and then the trigger pulled. The .32 S&W cartridge wasn’t a powerhouse, but five quick shots double action could be formidable at close range. Because this revolver was easy to carry, many or even most were frequently carried in pockets or purses. Often they are now found in fairly worn condition. This example is particularly fine and comes with factory pearl grips with deep dish S&W medallions (pearl grips without medallions are almost always non-factory replacements). The full nickel finish is generally excellent with only some minor pin-prick freckling on a few very small areas of the cylinder and frame. The trigger guard and barrel catch retain fine factory blue. The grips are excellent and not chipped or cracked. The action on these is interesting as the double action pull initially revolves the cylinder and cocks the internal hammer. It then comes to a bit of a stop before a little extra pressure fires the revolver. This actually makes sighting for a deliberate shot very possible. Action is excellent and the bore shows good rifling and some scattered very surface corrosion or possibly lead that may brush out. A most handsome 113 year old Smith with all matching serial numbers and great pearls! $850.

3) RARE 2″ BARREL “BICYCLE REVOLVER” SAFETY HAMMERLESS .32 S&W CALIBER,  3RD CHANGE, #189554, MADE C.1910-12. The 3rd Change Safety Hammerless was numbered from 170,000-242,981 and produced from 1909-1937. A very few were made with the short 2″ barrel and are considered rare. The 2″ variant has the S&W address etc. on the right side of the barrel as there is not enough room on the top- an easy way to tell an original, un-cut 2″ gun. This is a particularly fine example with excellent blue on the trigger guard and barrel latch, case colors on the trigger sides and exc. S&W embossed hard rubber grips. The nickel is also fine with only some light freckling on the top in front of and behind the barrel latch, and on portions of the cylinder, There is also some minor freckling/edge wear that is too small to describe. Exc. screws, matching serial numbers on the frame, cylinder, barrel and latch. Bright exc. bore and exc. mech. with the grip safety functioning correctly. Usually these show heavy wear from pocket/purse carry.  This is a fine example. $895.

4) RARE .44 HAND EJECTOR 3RD MODEL (POST WAR-TRANSITIONAL/1926 MODEL .44 MILITARY), WITH ULTRA SCARCE 6 1/2″ BARREL (!), #S 63XXX, MADE C.1946. In any barrel length these fixed sighted .44 Special revolvers almost never seem to turn up as it is thought that only around 1400 were produced between 1946 – 1949 in the serial range of S62489-S75000. Standard barrel length was 4″ or 5″ and according to the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 4th Edition by Supica and Nahas, “…4 inch or 5 inch round pinned barrel lengths with 6 1/2 inch very scarce; matte blue or nickel finish…” As for values with standard 4″ or 5″ barrels the book states, “Few sales reported; should bring a premium above .44 HE 3rd prewar values.” This example with all matching numbers on the barrel, cylinder and frame retains about all the original blue finish with only some light edge wear on the cylinder and top strap with some light muzzle wear. It still has excellent case colors on the hammer and trigger. The grips are correct “N” frame S&W medallion grips, but are of later manufacture. Action is very tight, excellent markings and the bore is bright and sharp. I don’t expect to see another of these rare early postwar .44s especially with a 6 1/2″ barrel. The most advanced S&W collections don’t have one of these! $2950

5) UNUSUAL SHORT BARREL .32 S&W LONG CALIBER REGULATION POLICE REVOLVER WITH 3 1/4″ BARREL, #364XXX, MADE 1922-1923. Made from 1917-1941, the Regulation Police series was different from the typical .32 Hand Ejector series in that the back strap is cut back so that oversized grips could be fitted that cover the butt of the revolver for a better grip.  They were offered in 3 1/4,” 4 1/4″ and 6″ barrel lengths. Most that I have seen are in the  4 1/4″ length with less in 6″ and almost none in 3 1/4.” The reason is fairly obvious, since the short barrel version would be used for concealment use, most people who wanted this length would buy the standard .32 Hand Ejector with small rounded grips. This revolver was intended for police use as well as field use, so again, the short barrel doesn’t make much sense with large grips. All numbers match on the frame (located on the front strap on this model as the butt is covered by the grips), cylinder, barrrel and inside the grips. It retains nearly all the blue with only some slight wear/freckling on the top strap edge etc. Barely a cylinder line and the front of the cylinder still shows about all the blue. The excellent grips have sharp checkering and are crisply stamped on the bottom with the 1917 patent markings. Exc. markings and exc. case colors on the hammer and trigger. Bright bore may have some minor scattered surface corrosion that may just clean out. Overall an excellent example of that superb between-the-world-wars hand fitted craftsmanship. A seldom seen short barrel variant. $895.

6) BEAUTIFUL CONDITION PRE-WAR TARGET SIGHTED MODEL 1905 .38 HAND EJECTOR, 4TH CHANGE, #656XXX, MADE LATE 1930s. A truly excellent example of the impeccable quality of the Great Depression Era craftsmanship. This example shows very little use or handling and aside from a touch of muzzle wear and a tiny rub spot on the bottom of the trigger guard (really not worth mentioning), this revolver is in top condition inside and out. Matching numbers on the frame, cylinder and barrel with no number inside the grips that are sharply diamond checkered and fit perfectly. Excellent case colors on the hammer and trigger, even the front face of the cylinder retains most of the blue. These have become quite scarce especially in this condition as most of these limited production revolvers saw sustained use on the bullseye target lines. $1395.

7) ONE OF THE MOST RARE OF THE TARGET SIGHTED S&Ws IS THIS .32 S&W LONG CALIBER REGULATION POLICE TARGET MODEL, #354XXX, MADE 1920s. All target S&W (and Colt) .32 caliber revolvers were made in very limited numbers and seldom come up for sale. The .32 Regulation Police Target revolver is particularly difficult to find. This example is in near mint, new condition. It has the correct oversize checkered S&W medallion target grips- note the serial number is always placed on the front strap when these grips are used as they cover the butt where numbers are normally placed. This revolver with matching numbers retains about all the blue with just a touch of wear at the muzzle on each side and some tiny, almost pin prick, spots of flaking by the screw in front of the hammer on the right side- hardly worth mentioning. Barely a cylinder drag line, exc. screws, markings and nice case color on the hammer and trigger. tight mech., bright exc. bore. As nice as one could hope to find. $2495.

8) PRE-WAR .38-44 OUTDOORSMAN TARGET REVOLVER, #41XXX MADE DURING THE WORST YEAR OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION IN 1933. These exceptionally well made adjustable sighted big “N” frame revolvers were only made during the Great Depression from 1931-1941 with only 4,761 made in those ten years. That breaks down to 476 produced each year or only about 39 per month! This is a fine condition example with matching numbers on the frame, cylinder and barrel. Only the diamond checkered grips show a higher serial number stamped on the inside. The blue is getting a little thin on the bottom of the trigger guard and grip straps with some light edge wear on the muzzle and cylinder. The pinned blade portion of the front sight has been slightly altered at the rear portion (only the pinned blade). Excellent sharp markings. Superb pre-war action and bright excellent bore. Still some nice case colors on the hammer and trigger. The hammer has the patent markings on the rear portion. Many of these were bored out to .357 magnum and this one is still the correct, unaltered .38 Special chambering. This one came out of here in Montana and probably has some good history in it!  $1595.

 

 

SPRINGFIELD AND U.S. MILITARY FIREARMS (click text for photos)

 

1)  WORLD WAR II REMINGTON MODEL 11 SEMI AUTO 12 GA. U.S. MARKED SHOTGUN. This shotgun with 26″ barrel and “IMP CYL” choke markings on the left side of the barrel has the correct “U S” flaming bomb stamping on the barrel top and left top of the receiver along with “MILITARY FINISH” stamping also on the left upper side of the receiver. Further, the left side of the butt stock has the crossed cannon stamping along with “FJA” cartouche. These scarce shotguns were used for training purposes often by the navy for aerial gun training and practice. Most of these have longer barrels and full chokes. This one is a bit unusual regarding choke and shorter 26″ length. Most of these guns were purchased by the government and taken from existing Remington stock as all firearms were in short supply. This example is in excellent overall condition and has matching serial numbers on the receiver and on the barrel under the forend. It retains most of the finish on the barrel and receiver with only light wear and some minor staining on the receiver. The stock and forearm are fine with a slight stress crack in the bottom of the forend just ahead of the receiver that goes nowhere and is minor. Overall, all a scarce military shotgun in fine condition. (3 photos) $1495.

2) 1866 SPRINGFIELD TRAPDOOR .50-70 CALIBER RIFLE.  Approximately 25,000 of these were made in 1866 and are considered one of the most historical of U.S. issued rifles.  These started out as .58 caliber rifled muskets for the Civil War.  After the war they were converted by Springfield by lining the barrel to .50 caliber and milling a “trapdoor”  to the rear of the barrel to create a breech loading center fire rifle. They were then issued to troops in the West for the Indian Wars. Their first real test came in 1867 in Wyoming in what has come to be known as the “Wagon Box Fight.” Taken from Wikipedia: The Wagon Box Fight was an engagement which occurred on August 2, 1867, in the vicinity of Fort Phil Kearny during Red Cloud’s War. A party of twenty-six U.S. Army soldiers and six civilians were attacked by several hundred Lakota Sioux warriors. Although outnumbered, the soldiers were armed with newly supplied breech-loading Springfield Model 1866 rifles and lever-action Henry rifles, and had a defensive wall of wagon boxes to protect them. They held off the attackers for hours with few casualties, although they lost a large number of horses and mules driven off by the raiders. The Model 1866 was soon replaced with the improved models 1868 and 1870- both in .50-70, and finally with the Model 1873 Trapdoor rifles and carbines in .45-70.  When the .50-70s became obsolete, many were sold as surplus and continued to be used by frontiersmen, homesteaders and buffalo hunters. So, this history in these is amazing! This is a fine example that is all orginal. The breech block/trapdoor is correctly eagle stamped with the date 1866. The Springfield lock plate is dated 1863 and the left slide of the stock retains a good inspection cartouche. These were finished in the “white” meaning the barrels were not blued. This one is still a nice slivery gray. The bore is excellent and the lock functions correctly. There is one sliver of wood missing on the left side of the upper tang which is fairly common and minor. There are also a few light dings in the tang at this area. The sights are the correct original ones and the cleaning rod is intact. The wood is solid and fine with the correct U.S. marked butt plate. Sling swivels are also intact. In all, a fine and handsome example that has “been there and done that!” $1295

3) SPRINGFIELD 1884 TRAPDOOR RIFLE, .45-70, #305XXX, MADE 1885.  Nice classic Springfield with sharp 1885 cartouche, correctly corresponding to serial number year of production. Aged barrel blue with some wear from having a bayonet fitted at the muzzle. Good “inky-blue” on the hammer and lock plate from correct Springfield oil quenching case hardening. Good trigger guard blue. Gray 1873 dated breech block. Correct Springfield marked with eagle lock plate. Fine wood with normal handling marks. Correct Buffington adjustable rear sight and correct 1884 style cleaning rod. Excellent bore is bright and sharp. Tight action and breech block, correct swivels intact. These are still a bargain! $1195.

4) REMINGTON/SPRINGFIELD 1871 U.S. ARMY MODEL ROLLING BLOCK .50-70 RIFLE. Only 10,001 of these were made 1871-1872 and this is a fine one. Excellent stock and forearm showing light handling only and a corrrect very sharp “ESA” oval cartouche. Mottled gray receiver with correct Remington address and patent dates on the upper tang. Correct ladder rear sight with slide intact. Has the cleaning rod. Correct Springfield 1872 markings on the right side of the receiver and “Model 1871” on the left side. Barrels etc. were left in the “white” and never blued. This example shows a barrel turned gray from never having  been cleaned or steel-wooled as most have. Very tight and correctly functioning “safety action” in which the hammer is brought to full cock for  loading and drops to a safety position when the breech block is closed- an excellent feature that should have been incorporated in all Rolling Blocks! Bright, excellent bore with only a couple of tiny spots of roughness. Needs only sling swivel in the trigger guard- interesting that in Flayderman’s Guide there are two 1871s photographed (rifle and carbine) and both are also missing this swivel. Regardless, easily replaced or left as is. Fine, historical example. $1795.

5) REMINGTON 1871 U.S. ARMY ROLLING BLOCK PISTOL, .50 CAL., MADE 1872-1888.  Approximately 5,000 of these handsome pistols were made for the U.S. Government.  The big question is WHY? They are beautiful and powerful single shot pistols, but during this time there were a number of big S&W and Colt revolvers that were issued and were more effective.  Regardless, they are interesting and scarce.  This example shows some fine case color on the left side of the frame and on the frame around the hammer/breechblock and upper trigger guard sides with the right side more mottled and faded. The barrel blue has aged to a soft, uncleaned dull blue/brown. Unaltered front sight. The receiver has the correct P and S government inspector stamp along with the usual Remington markings. The left side of the grip has a crisp inspector stamp. Grip and forend are fine and show only normal light handling. Tight action, fairly bright bore with fine rifling and some scattered surface roughness that may scrub out. Many of these were later gunsmith altered to target pistols, this one is all original and a fine example. $2200

 

WINCHESTERS (click text for photos

1) SPECIAL ORDER EARLY 1873 .44-40 OCTAGON RIFLE WITH 4″ LONGER THAN STANDARD EXTRA LONG BARREL, #187XXX, MADE 1885.  According to The Winchester Handbook by George Madis, only 1,201 1873 rifles were manufactured with barrels longer than standard- that includes all calibers and barrel lengths over 24″.  In my experience, most long barrel 1873s have been in .32-20 with .38-40 2nd. The .44-40 with extra long barrel is not often seen. This one shows good aged and somewhat thinning blue on the barrel. The mag tube has aged mostly an uncleaned brown. the receiver shows good blue on the left side that is mixing plum & brown. The left side is similar with more gray on the side plate. It has the original dust cover and bright blue in all the protected areas. The barrel is fitted with a classic full curved buckhorn sight with elevator bar intact and small Winchester blade front sight. All barrel and tang markings are sharp. Screw heads are all excellent and there is good blue on the loading gate. Butt stock shows normal light handling with tight wood to metal fit and the forend is also fine with the beginnings of an age crack coming back from the forend tip on the left side-minor. The action is tight and the safety half-cock is solid. The broe is much better than one would expect on a large caliber black powder rifle of this era being slightly dark with fine rifling all the way through and any corrosion or roughness being surface and light. A handsome special order extra long barrel ’73 in desirable .44-40 caliber. This one came out of here in Montana. $3850.

2) HIGH CONDITION 1873 .38-40 OCTAGON RIFLE, #549XXX, MADE 1900. Sharp condition inside and out with just enough age/wear that there is no question about refinish or reblue. The barrel retains most of the deep factory blue with only the most minor edge wear. The mag tube shows similar blue on the top half with the bottom half showing some plum & brown mixing naturally from age. the receiver displays fine high polish blue with minor edge wear and excellent screws with only a scattered spot here or there of wear. Original dust cover intact. All markings sharp and clear. Lyman tang sight with flat top buckhorn and Winchester blade front sight. Wood shows light handling only with very tight wood to metal fit. Bore is minty bright! Action is tight, half cock holds correctly, strong springs, un-polished mellow brass lifter and even the forend cap shows fine blue. A really fine example. $4350.

3) EXCELLENT 1886 OCTAGON RIFLE, 38-56 CALIBER, #129XXX, MADE 1903. This is an unusual rifle as by 1903 most of the 1886 production was taken up with Extra Lightweight rifles with round barrels and half magazines in .33 WCF and .45-70. In The Winchester Handbook, George Madis says: “After production commenced for the rapid taper 33 and 45-70 barrels, very few of the old style heavier round barrels or octagon barrels were fitted at the factory. For the 45-70 this change to the lighter barrels occurreed near serial number 103,000, in 1896.” This one retains excellent blue on the barrel and magazine. The barrel shows sharp and crisp markings and is fitted with with a flattop buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar intact and a typical factory Winchester blade front sight. The receiver shows fine deep blue on the sides, upper tang, receiver ring and bolt with only thinning and mixing silvery on the sharp edges and receiver bottom ahead of the lever and a little on the left side. The left side of the receiver is fitted with a Lyman receiver sight that is adjustable for windage and elevation. Excellent stock and forend with tight wood to metal fit. Exc. screw heads. Still some case color on the hammer. Tight action and string safety half-cock on the hammer. Excellent, sharp bright bore. A really attractive 1886 and probably one of the last octagon .38-56 caliber rifles built- a great caliber that is simply the big .45-70 necked down to take .38 caliber bullets and a full 56 grains of black powder (the .38-55 is a straight case based on the .30-30 cartridge and only holds about 42-45 grains of black powder). $3450.

4) 1892 SPECIAL ORDER SADDLE RING CARBINE, .38-40, WITH HALF MAGAZINE AND RIFLE-STYLE CRESCENT BUTT AND THREE LEAF EXPRESS SIGHT, #607XXX, MADE 1911. </b>I have no doubt this is the original stock and not a replacement as the walnut grain and color match the forend exactly. Also, the wood to metal fit is tight and the wear to the stock is consistent with the rest of the carbine. Also, it was a special order to begin with as it has a half magazine. The three leaf express sight appears to have always been on this carbine (all three leaves intact) and the pinned carbine blade in the front is stamped “Pat.” on the left side snd “Nov. 4, 1902” on the right side- all in tiny letters/numerals. The front blade also shows no indication of having been a replacement as the pin is perfect. Barrel blue has thinned and is mixing heavily light brown with excellent markings. Similarly, the receiver blue has aged/thinned and is mostly a light brown with good blue in the protected areas and on the loading gate. The screws are generally excellent and the receiver retains the saddle ring staple with the ring removed. Action is tight with the safety half-cock on the hammer weak. The bore is bright and excellent! A rare and unusual special order 1892 carbine! $2250.

5) 1892 .44-40 ROUND BARREL RIFLE, #794XXX, MADE 1915. A really nice, unmessed with rifle with a bright excellent bore. Fine deep barrel and magazine blue showing just minor age. Exc. markings, buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar intact mated with a typical small one piece blade front sight. Receiver mostly aged to an uncleaned, natural plum/brown mixing gray. Fine blue on the loading gate. Fine forend and butt stock with good wood to metal fit and a couple of hairline cracks beginning to come back from the center of the receiver at the wist on each side- minor and go nowhere. Tight action, solid safety half-cock notch on the hammer. Nice 107 year old ’92 in desirable .44-40 caliber with great bore. $2450.

6) FINE CONDITION 1892 SADDLE RING CARBINE, .32-20, #936XXX, MADE 1924. This is a surprisingly difficult caliber to find in a carbine. I tend to see more in .25-20 and .38-40 than in this caliber. Fine barrel and mag blue with some areas of light thinning toward the muzzle end. As is typical of 1920s vintage 1892s, the receiver shows some flaking of the blue, but still retains some blue in the more protected areas, on the bolt and loading gate. Correct original carbine rear sight with slide intact, exc. screws, fine+ walnut stock and forend with tight wood to metal fit and a only normal light handling marks, tight action with strong safety half-cock, bore is fairly bright with strong rifling and some light scattered surface corrosion that is minor. Nice appearance. $2250.

7) SPECIAL ORDER SEMI-DELUXE 1894 .30WCF, RARE HALF-OCT. BARREL WITH FULL MAGAZINE, PISTOL GRIP,, CHECKERED, SHOTGUN BUTT, #158XXX, MADE 1902. All aspects of this one are scarce with the half octagon barrel and full mag especially so as Winchester normally put a half-mag on half oct. barrels unless specifically ordered otherwise. I called this in to Cody and a call-in sheet comes included. It lists this as: rifle, cal. 30, 1/2 oct barrel, plain trigger, plain pistol grip stock checkered, Lyman front sight. Retains good thinning barrel blue with more consistent blue on the mag tube. Sharp markings on the barrel which is fitted with the standard buckhorn rear sight and, as listed in the ledgers, a Lyman marked small blade/bead front sight. The receiver blue has worn to gray/brown with some blue in the rear portions of the sides. Fine deep blue on the bolt. The wood shows normal light handling marks, but is solid with good wood to metal fit. Checkering shows some wear, but is all there and fine on both the forend and pistol grip. Correct Winchester embossed hard rubber grip cap. Smooth steel shotgun butt plate and tight action. Bore is typically a bit dark with sharp rifling all the way through. Nice appearance and rare barrel/mag. combination. $3200

8) EARLY 1894 OCTAGON RIFLE IN SCARCE .32-40, #111XXX, MADE 1901. This is a really fine example that shows fine receiver blue on the sides and bolt with only wear to the edges and some thinning toward the bottom portion mainly on the right side- even has some nice blue on the receiver ring. The barrel and mag tube retain fine even blue with some  very minor edge wear to the sharp edges of the oct. barrel. Exc. markings and fine screw heads. Original buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar intact and Winchester blade front sight. Still shows some light case color portions of the lever and hammer. Stock and forend are excellent showing only the most minor of handling with very tight wood to metal fit. Action is tight with strong half-cock on the hammer. Bore is typically a little dark, but shows excellent sharp rifling all the way through.  A really fine early example. $2650.

9) VERY FINE CONDITION 1894 .38-55 OCTAGON RIFLE, #125XXX, MADE 1901. Fine deep barrel and mag blue with only the lightest of age. Similarly, the receiver shows fine blue on the bolt, and both sides with one wear spot along the left rear edge. Screws are excellent and there is still some good aged case color on the sides of the lever. Wood shows only very light handling with tight wood to metal fit. Buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar intact and folding two-bead front sight along with a Lyman tang sight. Tight action with strong safety half-cock. Bore is bright, sharp and excellent! An attractive 122 year old 1894 .38-55. $2650.

10) EXCELLENT CONDITION, CLASIC 1894 OCTAGON RIFLE, .30WCF, #211XXX, MADE 1904. A particularly attractive example that retains fine deep receiver blue on the sides, bottom, bolt, receiver ring etc. with only some normal light edge wear, a couple of minor scratches and a few spots of thinning. The Barrel and magazine also show fine deep factory blue with only some light wear on the octagon shrp edges and a little dulling on the left side near the muzzle- minor. Buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar intact and Marble/Sheard blade/bead front sight. Both lever sides show some nice light case color with more vivid color in the protected areas. Excellent screw heads and excellent stock and forend with light handling marks only and very tight wood to metal fit. Bore is excellent and sharp. Tight action and strong safety half-cock. A very fine 119 year old 1894. Getting hard to find this nice.  $2450.

11) SCARCE 1897 BLACK DIAMOND “TRAP GUN” WITH 28″ FULL CHOKE BARREL, 12 GA, #273XXX, MADE 1905. These fine and early shotguns don’t turn up often. After the typical pistol grip and grooved forend field grade model, came the Tournament grade which had a straight checkered stock and forend with plain walnut with no special markings. Next came the “Trap Gun” with fancy walnut, checkered straight grip stock with black diamond inlays (used by Winchester until 1919 when the black diamond inlays were discontinued) in each side of the wrist and checkered fancy walnut forend. They were marked “TRAP GUN” on the bolt. This example has nice fiddle back walnut and is in particlularly fine condition. Often these trap and tournament guns saw very heavy use and now show heavy blue and wood wear This one still retains fine blue on the receiver sides and top. The barrel  and mag tube also show fine blue with some handling wear at the balance point just ahead of the receiver on the top and on the takedown ring. The stock and forend are solid and show some wear to the checkering- more on the wrist. Has the original Winchester embossed hard rubber butt plate (these oftenlater  replaced with recoil pads). The action is tight  as is the takedown and the bore is excellent. The choke is still full and does not appear altered. These were offered from 1897-1931 with “Black Diamond” guns only until 1919.  A really fine, early special 1897 in fine condition! $1595.

12) SCARCE SEMI-DELUXE MODEL 1903 .22 AUTO RIFLE WITH CHECKERED STOCK AND PISTOL GRIP, WITH CODY MUSEUM CALL-IN LETTER, #27XXX, SHIPPED 1906.  A very high condition example with about all the deep blue remaining on the barrel and receiver with one finger-nail size spot on the top right rear of the receiver and some thinning of the blue on the bottom & trigger guard. No telling how the spot happened, but could be easily touched up to blend better. Correct Winchester embossed pistol grip cap with  fine checkering on the pistol grip and forend. the left side of the receiver is fitted with the correct Lyman receiver sight. Retains the correct original rear and front barrel sights. Bright excellent sharp bore. Winchester’s earliest model auto rifle. Factory ledgers verify pistol grip, checkering and shipping date. $1795.

13) SUPERB CONDITION, TWO DIGIT SERIAL NUMBER MODEL 53, SCARCE 32-20 CALIBER, WITH FANCIER THAN STANDARD WALNUT, #6X, MADE FIRST YEAR OF PRODUCTION IN 1924. This is one of the best I’ve seen in a while. Aside from the two digit serial number, this one has better than standard walnut with some nice figure to both the stock and forend. The receiver retains nearly all the deep blue with only one small spot or “scuff”  on the lower right side where it appears the blue is thinned slightly- thumb nail size and a small similar spot on the receiver ring. Even the upper tang shows deep blue as does the barrel. Even the forend cap shows only the lightest of edge wear. Bright exc. bore, exc. wood with tight wood to metal fit. Flat top buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar intact and Marble No.2 blade/ivory bead front sight. Exc. screw heads. The standard caliber for the Model 53 was .25-20 with 16,905 made. Only 4718 were made in .32-20 (from The Winchester handbook by George Madis). About as nice as these come and certainly one of the earliest!  $3450.

14) FIRST YEAR PRODUCTION MODEL 74 AUTO RIFLE IN .22 SHORT CALIBER, #18XXX, MADE 1939. Only the first group of Pre-War Model 74s were made in .22 Short.  Soon after, they were chambered for the Long Rifle shell. I believe this is the ONLY Winchester auto rifle ever made for the .22 Short cartridge and then only for a very limited time This example shows nearly all the original blue with only some minor age. Even the trigger guard retains good blue. Excellent stock shows only light handling. Has the original buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar intact and small bead front sight. Tight action and mech. Bright excellent bore. These are not often seen and when encountered usually are in well used and often abused condition. Fine example of a Winchester more rare than most collectors are aware of $695.

15) MODEL 75 .22 LONG RIFLE TARGET RIFLE, #42XXX, MADE AT THE BEGINNING OF WORLD WAR II IN 1942. Retains nearly all the blue with slight wear to the bottom metal and edges only. Tight action, perfect bore, fully adjustable Lyman 58 E target receiver sight with globe front sight. Medium weight 28″ barrel, excellent wood with correct butt swivel and adjustable forend swivel holes. Correct “W” marked 5-shot magazine. These are classy rifles popular for 50 ft. bullseye matches of the day. Still great fun to shoot and finely accurate rifles to sharpen shooting skills with. And all with that early 1940s Winchester quality inside and out! $695.

BILL GOODMAN, 280 W. KAGY BLVD. SUITE D #152, BOZEMAN, MONTANA 59715 TEL. (406) 587-3131 FAX (406) 219-3415 montanaraven@hotmail.com

THESE WERE SUCH GOOD NOTES FROM THE FIELD I’M KEEPING THEM HERE.

FINALLY, MY SECOND NOVEL IS OUT! First, I’d like to thank everyone who read my first novel, DESERT SUNDAYS, and kept after me to get the second one done and published! So, after the usual delays and hitches, here it is. This one is called AN OBVIOUS SLAM DUNK and if you like courtroom scenes and a story that not only makes you think, but surprises you…well, this is a page turner I know you’ll like. And before anyone asks, yes, the third novel is almost done and I hope to get that one out before too long. All three form a trilogy, but each stands alone, so it doesn’t matter which you read first. Both are available on Amazon or Barnes and Noble (Kindle downloads too). If you want to save some money and have a signed copy, I have books here that I can sell cheaper than online at $13 each including shipping. Click here to see both books front and back with a synopsis of each.  Don’t bother to call to reserve a copy, just toss a check in the mail with shipping instructions. Thanks, Bill Goodman

CRACKED STOCKS! Seems like an odd thing to write about, but this is something I’ve not seen in print before. I’ve observed a lot of rifles with cracks coming straight back toward the butt plate from the upper and lower tangs. Sometimes the cracks are severe enough to warrant repairs (like cross bolts etc. through the wrist or extensive gluing) and other times the stock remains pretty solid as is. So what caused this condition in the first place? I’ve hunted with all kinds of rifles in all kinds of weather and terrain and never had a gun get damaged like all these I’ve seen. And I’ve taken some pretty bad falls too. Once, on ice I couldn’t see beneath a couple inches of fresh snow, my feet went out from under me and my rifle landed a number of yards away! Still, no cracks like these. So I’ve been puzzled by this for some time. Then it hit me, since these guns all seemed like Western big game rifles- large lever actions like 1876 and 1886 Winchesters or Marlin 1881 and 1895s as well as all over while the rifles were in saddle scabbards- fairly common in icy winter conditions, especially in the mountains. Also, sometimes horses will walk so close to trees that they rub against them. If a rifle is in a butt-forward position scabbard, the rifle can go on one side of the tree and the horse the other causing a stress cracked stock. Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t think so. The wrists are fairly strong on most rifles and it takes a lot to crack one. If anyone else has a different theory about this condition, I’d like to hear it!

“GUNS OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION YEARS” When the Great Depression began with the Stock Market Crash of 1929 America was taken by surprise. Prior to this pivotal event, in the gun industry production was high and sales were brisk. Almost overnight sales fell off hugely. The Winchester Handbook by George Madis shows production numbers by years of some of the major models. This is pretty illuminating. Here are some examples: Model 1890 .22RF had 12,367 produced in 1928 and 696 made in 1932; Model 1892 saw 64,833 produced in 1910 and 491 in 1930; Model 53 had 2,861 produced in 1925 and 30 made in 1937; Model 1894 had 29,967 made in 1927 and only1,192 made in 1934; Model 55 had 3,064 made in 1927 and 42 made in 1936. Colt, Marlin, Savage, Remington and Smith & Wesson etc. all felt the same pressure. With production down to a fraction of what it was, the big manufacturers had no choice but to fire employees. Those lucky enough to be retained were the most highly skilled and experienced craftsmen. They also had time to put extra fine fitting and finishing into each firearm. Generally, the quality of these guns is truly exceptionally. With production numbers of these late pre-war arms relatively small and quality without peer, their value should be assured. Some of the scarce large frame Colt and S&W handguns- especially the target sighted versions- are almost breathtaking in their fit an d finish. This has been an under-appreciated niche in arms collecting/investing. It is my belief Great Depression era arms are often “sleepers” on the antique market today and are bound to increase in value at a rapid pace making them excellent long term investments.

I have found a new shooting activity that I’m sure a number of folks who check out my website will either want to try themselves or will at least find interesting reading. I’ve discovered the fun of BLACK POWDER shotshells. And no, I’m not new to black powder. I’ve been shooting muzzle loaders since I was a kid (I was too young to buy ammo, but a can of black powder and a single shot muzzle loading pistol kept me shooting!) I’ve shot black powder cartridge rifles and some handguns since the 1970s. I’ve also tried a few muzzle loading shotguns, but a while back I noticed Midway was offering reloadable brass shotshells made by Magtech in Brazil. They cost about a buck a piece and come in a box of 25. So I thought this looked interesting and bought a box. They prime with a large pistol primer (I use CCI Large Pistol Mag. Primers) and require no special tools to load. I did buy a “cowboy 12 ga. shell holder” by RCBS which makes priming easier, but one can prime using a dowel, hammer and a flat surface to seat the primer. Anyway, I loaded with various loads of black powder as well as Alliant Black MZ black powder substitute. 27.3 grains equals one dram, so a typical heavy field load of 3 1/2 drams equals about 95 grains (by volume) of black powder or substitute. I load that through a drop tube to better settle the powder, using a wood dowel I seat an over powder card wad, then a cushion wad, pour in 1 1/8 oz. of shot from an antique shot dipper I picked up somewhere along the line, top with another over powder wad and then put about three small drops of CLEAR NON-FOAMING Gorilla glue on this top wad at the edge. Last, using a Q-tip sweep it around the wad edge. It dries making a nice seal with the inside of the brass case and holds everything together (note: this is the best glue I’ve tried, but do NOT use the brown foaming Gorilla glue as it pushes the wad up when dry and is awful to correct!). Firing removes any glue residue from the case. I picked up a particularly nice Remington 1889 double barrel with exposed hammers (damascus with exc. bores) and tried out my loads on some thrown clays. I’m not a good shot with a scattergun, but when I felt I was on, the clay targets broke as nicely as if I’d been using a modern smokeless shotgun. I used this double on a pheasant hunt last fall and did just fine with it. Truthfully, it made the hunt so much more fun I don’t know if I’d go again with one of my modern guns! Recently I tried the same shells in a Winchester 1887 Lever Action 12 ga. that was made in 1888. It fed beautifully and was a blast to shoot (no pun intended). The brass cases de-prime with a simple Lee type punch and clean up with hot soapy water. No resizing is required for the next loading. Pretty simple. The 12 ga. cases are 2 1/2″ long, which is exactly what a modern 2 3/4″ case measures LOADED AND UNFIRED. Remember, many of the older guns, like the Winchester 1887, have 2 5/8″ chambers. You don’t want to shoot a 2 3/4″ shell in them as they won’t be able to open up all the way causing pressures to jump etc. I don’t think Magtech offers brass cases in 10 ga. but they do in the smaller gauges. There are a lot of older shotguns out there that can often be purchased inexpensively and make wonderful shooters. Be sure to have any gun checked out by a gunsmith if you have doubts about it. With these brass cases and ease of loading, it’s worth trying. Buffalo Arms in Idaho sells the correct size wads for these brass cases- they actually take 11 ga. wads. If you give this a try, I think you’ll be glad you did- Bill Goodman

William T. Goodman, 280 W. Kagy Blvd., Suite D #152, Bozeman, MT 59715    (406) 587-3131    fax (406) 219-3415     montanaraven@hotmail.com