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

 

 

UPDATING SITE – SOME PHOTOS NOT YET POSTED.

 

MORE GUNS WERE POSTED 6/4/23. WATCH FOR FREQUENT POSTINGS THROUGH JUNE

NOTES FROM THE FIELD:

BillAn 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) DOCUMENTED EL PASO, TEXAS SHIPPED BISLEY, .45 COLT CALIBER REVOLVER, 4 3/4″, #284XXX, SHIPPED 1906. I know it’s a cliché, but this is one I wish could talk! The Colt letter verifies the caliber, barrel length, blue finish etc. (grips not listed), as being shipped to Krakauer, Zork & Moye Co., El Paso, Texas on October 19, 1906 in an order of 7 revolvers. Many of these Colts sold through this company were purchased by Mexican Nationals. In fact, some of their ledgers still exist and they wrote the names/serial numbers of Colts they sold. In the ledger some names are simply noted as “Mexican.” The Mexican Revolution began in 1910 and ended in 1920. Old photos show loads of Winchesters and Colts being used in this bloody affair. This Bisley in .45 Colt chambering was obviously somebody’s every day carry gun. The grips fit very well and are worn about smooth except for a very worn oval Colt in the top of each hard rubber grip with a small amount of checkering at the very top edge. The metal surfaces are a smooth gray/brown with much typical frontier holster wear on the left side where metal is actually worn away at the muzzle and “Bisley Model” markings are nearly obliterated. Correct two line barrel address on top of barrel and caliber marking on the side is good. Frame patent dates are also good. Screw heads are fine and the action is also fine. Looks like the front sight has been slightly filed, but looks good. the bore was very dark when I got this one. I ran a few oily patches through it followed by a brass brush and loads of black gunk came out. Bore is fairly bright with fine rifling and will probably clean out much better with some additional diligent scrubbing. Matching serial numbers. This one comes with the kind of Colt letter and history collectors love to see! Loads of Tex-Mex history in this one! Great used, but never over-cleaned appearance. (4 photos) $2950.

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) $995

3) FIRST MODEL SADDLE RING CARBINE LIGHTNING, .44-40, #20XXX, MADE 1887. The First Model Lightnings are easy to spot ss they have “open top” receivers that later were fitted with dust covers (2nd. Models). The First Models also have sliding safety tabs in the front of the trigger guard (which were eliminated later.) and are usually removed- as is this one. Mostly a gray/brown overall with fine markings including the Rampant Colt on the left side of the receiver. Still some good blue in the most protected areas- around the saddle ring etc. Checkered forend is fine and shows only normal wear with no cracks or chips. Butt stock is also fine with good wood to metal fit. The carbine ladder rear sight is dated 1873 is appears to be from a Wincheter 1873 carbine.  The bore is a little dark with fine rifling all the way through and any roughness very minor. Attractive appearance. Solid 143 year old Lightning Carbine. $2650.

4MEDIUM 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) $2250.

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) $1695

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. $2350.9)

7 EARLY MODEL 1902 SPORTING .38 ACP AUTO PISTOL, #10XXX, MADE 1906. The Model 1902 was made in two variations- the Sporting Model and the Military Model. The Sporting model has a rounded grip frame (like its predecessor the Model 1900) while the Military model had a square profile with lanyard swivel. According to the excellent book, Colt’s .38 Automatic Pistols by Douglas Sheldon, the Sporting Model was only made from May 1902 to July1907 with only about 6,900 produced. The 1902 Military was made from July 1902 to December 1928 with approx. 18,000 made. Obviously, the Sporting model is considered quite a bit more rare than the Military Model, with a shorter period of production during the earliest time of large frame Colt auto pistol manufacturing. This is a very fine example that retains fine deep high polish Colt blue with only some light thinning and edge wear on the slide and frame bottom from the trigger guard forward. The blue wear is on the grip straps and bottom of the trigger guard which is typical of holster carry where this portion of the pistol is exposed. Correct hard rubber grips are excellent, has the correct unmarked magazine (later production magazines are unmarked), sharp excellent markings, unaltered sights, tight action, and minty bore. Some of these early pistols encountered have cracked slides around the wedge area. This is from being fired with .38 Super ammo, which is identical to .38 ACP but loaded to much higher pressures and should never be fired in any pistol intended for the lower pressure .38 ACP round. This example has a solid, un-cracked slide. These historical Colts were the great-grandfathers of all large frame auto pistols and are becoming hard to find. The 1902 Models were surprisingly popular south of the border and this one recently came out of Arizona. A Colt factory letter might prove interesting. (3 photos) $2250.

8) SCARCE NEW SERVICE “SHOOTING MASTER” TARGET REVOLVER, .38 SPECIAL, #340XXX, MADE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION IN 1936. A superior example of one of the finest made Colts ever produced by them. During the Great Depression production and sales were very limited. Colt kept only their finest craftsmen and gunsmiths during this difficult period, and they had plenty of time to spend hand fitting and tuning each revolver- whith special attention given to adjustable sighted target revolvers in general and the big and expensive Shooting Master in particular. Checkered walnut grips with checkered back strap, front strap and trigger, The Shooting Master had a slightly rounded grip compared to thre standard New Service. This example is in excellent+ condition with only the very slightest of edge wear apparent if you look carefully. Only a hint of a cylinder ring. Would be hard to improve upon. $3650.

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! $5700.

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. PDATE: My understanding is that Remington is now in a bankruptcy situation and has sold the Marlin line to Ruger. It is suggested that Ruger will produce the Marlins sometime in the future when all the tooling and machinery is moved to their facilities. In my opinion, all of this confusion and quality control problems will make the CT manufactured Marlins even more desirable as shooters and collectibles. I know I’ll be looking for the

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.

2) 1894 COWBOY LIMITED .44 MAGNUM, 20″ OCTAGON BARREL, #93201XXX, MADE 2007. Another difficult to find octagon barrel CT made Marlin. This one has Has nicely grained walnut and seen very little use .It is excellent+ inside and out. Going up in value fast! $1395.

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

1SAVAGE 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. $1250

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) $2450.

4)  WESTERN SHIPPED SHARPS 1874 BRIDGEPORT MANUFACTURE OCTAGON SPORTING RIFLE WITH LETTER, #161XXX, SHIPPED 1878. Very fine condition example in .40-70 caliber (.40 2 1/4″) that is listed in the factory ledgers and described in the factory letter as: “.40 Caliber, case length not specified, with a 30″ octagon barrel, double triggers, open sights and oil finished stocks. The weight was given as 9 & 3/4 pounds. The Price was $42 less 20 + 10%. It was invoiced at the Bridgeport factory on March 27, 1878 to N. Curry & Bro., gun and sporting goods dealers of San Francisco, California.”  (Actually weighs about 10 1/4 lbs on my postal scale). The top of the  barrel ahead of the receiver is stamped CALIBRE 40 and the right barrel flat is stamped in tiny numerals 2 1/4 indicating the .40-70 BN chambering. The barrel retains about all the blue with the correct Lawrence ladder rear sight and excellent Sharps markings including the iconic “OLD RELIABLE”  stamping. The receiver is an uncleaned mottled gray/brown with fine markings. and has two very small extra holes with filler screws  in the upper tang for a tang sight.  The bore is excellent and the double set triggers function properly. The stock is the correct shotgun style typical of Bridgeport manufactured rifles and is in excellent condition with no chips or cracks. The forend is also excellent with barely a sliver out near the schnable tip on the right side. The barrel number matches the receiver number. There is a very small line stamping “J A C” (does not appear stamped with individual letter stamps) on the barrel top behind the rear sight, on the lock plate and on the left side of the receiver- meaning unknown, but appears a small professional stamping. The factory letter goes on to state that this rifle was one of a number or rifles and loading implements ordered by Curry etc. This is a really fine condition  California shipped 1874 Sharps. $7850

5SHARPS 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.

6ONE OF THE FEW MUZZLE LOADING PERCUSSION SPORTING RIFLES PRODUCED BY A KNOWN ARMS MANUFACTURER IS THIS DISTINCTIVE ALLEN AND THURBER SIDE HAMMER RIFLE, ONLY A FEW HUNDRED ESTIMATED MADE 1840s TO EARLY 1860s! I’ve only seen a few of these fine rifles in the last decades. They were made by the famous Allen factory in Worcester, Massachusetts- the same company that produced pepperbox pistols and later percussion and cartridge revolvers and pistols- Colt’s main competitor in the early years! This example has a 28″ octagon barrel with a bore measuring .40 across the grooves and approx. .36 across the lands. This is a fancier example than the standard as it has a scroll engraved receiver and also has scroll engraving on the top of the heavy iron butt plate with long “prong” lower portion that seems typical of these. Sights consist of a long buckhorn with wheel adjustments for elevation and small blade front sight. The left side of the barrel is marked “ALLEN & THURBER WORCESTER CAST STEEL.” Also typical of this scarce model is the unusual iron forend. Wood ram rod is held under the barrel by two thimbles. Very simple action housed inside the iron wrist and receiver that is accessible by unscrewing two screws that hold the panel on the left side. Once removed, this allows the action to be viewed or cleaned. This rifle has obviously seen use as all metal surfaces are a deep gray/brown patina with some very aged blue on the barrel. The butt stock sows some chipping around the butt plate and receiver. The butt plate screws have begun to strip the wood and could easily be fixed. The hammer screw and some other screws appear to be replacements. The action works fine and the nipple appears broken and should be removed and replaced. A little skill and T.L.C. would go a long way with this one! A most unusual and attractive 170+ year old rifle made by one of the earliest large manufacturers of American firearms. Even advanced Allen collections don’t have one of these. Interestingly, for a few years this model was reproduced (in brass) in the 1970s by the Mowrey Gun Works of Olney, Texas. This original antique Allen & Thurber turned up here in Montana. (4 photos) $1150.

7) RARELY FOUND IN PAIRS ARE THESE TWO MATCHING FACTORY ENGRAVED ALLEN & THURBER SINGLE SHOT BAR-HAMMER DERRINGERS WITH MATCHING IVORY GRIPS. These were serial numbered in batches and the numbers on these are #496 and #498. No doubt they were sold together and have been together ever since. Made from the late 1830s up to about the Civil War, these double action percussion pocket pistols gave Henry Deringer’s products a good run for their money! They were actually a much better design as they had “snap-free” bar hammers and fired double action, which at the card-table range they were designed for were quicker to get into action than a single action piece with pronounced hammer that could easily get snagged on clothing. These also have screw-off barrels which made cleaning and loading from the breech easy with no ramrod required- just toss in a lead ball or bullet in the slightly oversized chamber, add black powder, screw on the barrel and cap. Pretty fast and easy. Consistent condition for both with nice gray patina metal and mellow, yellowing ivory grips that show no chips or breaks. Left sides of hammers are marked “ALLENS PATENT.” Approx. .31 caliber with 2″ half-octagon barrels, overall length about 5.” fine matching engraving on the receiver sides (also indicates they were made as a pair). These don’t turn up too often, especially with ivory grips and as a matched pair. $1850.

8) 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. $2350.

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. $4800.

2) PAUL SHUTTLEWORTH/CPA STEVENS TWO BARREL SET     (see below in Shiloh Sharps, Muzzleloader & Reproduction section)   

REMINGTON (click text for photos)

1)  VERY DIFFICULT TO FIND No. 1 ROLLING BLOCK OCTAGON SPORTING RIFLE, .40 CALIBER, EARLY PRODUCTION SERIAL NUMBER 40XX. These were made in fairly limited numbers mainly from the early 1870s through the 1880s and finding one today is not easy! This example is simply marked “40” on the bottom of the barrel ahead of the receiver. I believe it is chambered for the .40-50 Bottle Neck cartridge (I tried a .40-70 BN which did not fully chamber). This example has matching serial numbers on the bottom of the barrel under the forearm and on the receiver. Also under the forearm is stamped “S.T.” for set trigger- which this one has. The single set trigger Remington used on these was simply pushed forward until it “clicked” or set and then only a few ounces of pressure was required to fire the rifle. The set part of the trigger isn’t holding, although it does click and has the adjustment screw behind the trigger intact. I assume it simply needs an adjustment to function correctly. As is, it works fine as a standard trigger. The barrel is 30″ and has the correct Remington crown at the muzzle in which the octagon edge are beveled (a good way to determine if a barrel was cut). The barrel retains the original small Remington buckhorn rear sight and correct Remington front sight. Barrel blue is nearly all intact and only slightly dulled from age. markings are sharp. The receiver has the correct patent dates etc. on the left side and overall has aged to brown. There is still some aged blue on the hammer and breech block. The forend has the correct metal schnable tip and is in fine condition overall. The butt stock is also fine with a light crack coming back from the comb behind the wrist for a short way, but is not a chip or break. Fine wood to metal fit and overall the wood shows normal light handling. Action is crisp and the bore shows fine rifling with scattered pitting more toward the middle of the barrel that may brush out better. In all, a true No. 1 Rolling Block Sporter nearly 150 years old that is in fine condition! $3250.

2) 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.

3) REMINGTON HEPBURN TWO BARREL SET, .22 WCF AND .32-40. This is a high serial numbered late model with number I-10052. These high numbered Hepburn single shot rifles in this serial range were probably made in the very late 1890s to very early 1900s. They differ from earlier models in that the forearms have schnable tips with ebony wedge inlays where the earlier rifles have metal forend tips. The later models also have a heavy curved butt plate. In the fairly recent book Remington’s No.3 Hepburn by Tom Rowe one is illustrated on P. 59 that is #i-10057 that is identical to this one with .22 WCF barrel that is noted as being the highest serial number found to date (5 numbers higher than this example). The barrel and forend on this light barrel in .22 WCF are both matching the receiver number. The 30″ very heavy half octagon barrel mounted on this Hepburn is unmarked except for the matching serial number under the forend. The rear of the forend also shows a matching serial number. Whether this was sent back to Remington for a barrel or someone else fitted it is up for speculation. Odd that the forend that is obviously made for this heavy barrel and has the metal forend tip is also correctly numbered to the receiver. The bore on the .32-40 is bright and excellent. The bore on the removed 30″ .22 WCF barrel is a bit dark and shows wear, especially ahead of the chamber area. This barrel shows good aged blue and markings with a buckhorn rear sight and Rocky Mountain blade front sight. The muzzle has the correct Remington crown- beveled octagon edges, and has not been cut. The rifle mounted with the heavy half octagon .32-40 barrel weighs 12 1/4 lbs. The barrel shows fine blue and has not provision for a rear barrel dovetail. The front sight is a later Redfield Olympic large globe which has a spirit level and will take inserts., mounted in the front dovetail. The vernier tang sight is adjustable for both windage and elevation and has a very old rubber ring that will fit around the eye disc. The receiver is mostly gray/brown and has the Hepburn patent dates on the lower left side. Action is tight with crisp very light trigger pull. The butt stock is excellent with sharp checkering on the pistol grip (for some reason Remington checkered the pistol grips on these and left the forends un-checkered unless special ordered with checkering). The original heavy curved butt plate is numbered to the receiver and wood to metal fit is tight. Overall an interesting Remington two barrel set. $4250.

4) NEW YORK STATE CONTRACT .50-70 CALIBER ROLLING BLOCK MILITARY RIFLE. This is an early example with the last patent date of 1871 located on the uppr tang. Later New York rifles have patent dates up to 1874. A particularly nice example, the receiver is an uncleaned gray/brown. The barrel is similarly an aged brown with a touch of gray- these left the factory “in the white” or bright, unfinished. Wood is generally excellent with a few handling dings and tight wood to metal fit. There is a clear cartouche on the left wrist as well as typical rack numbers on the wrist and in the top of the butt plate. The New York rifles have the same action as the 1871 Army rifles built at Springfield, in which the hammer falls slightly to a safety position when the rifle is loaded and the breech block closed. To fire the hammr is pulled back minutely to full cock. This is a feature that should have been incorporated into all Rolling Block actions. Probably would have saved a lot of unintended discharges on the battle fields, hunting fields and target ranges! Tight action that functions correctly. Fairly bright bore with sharp rifling throughout and some light scattered surface roughness that might brush out better- still a fine bore as is. Cleaning rod intact (these often missing) and comes with the correct unmarked angular bayonet. $1495.

5) WORLD WAR II MODEL 11 U.S. MARKED SHOTGUN (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) ABOUT NEW IN BOX RUGER AR-556 .223 CAL. RIFLE. Selling this for a friend who bought it and never used it. If shot at all, it was test fired with a couple or factory rounds only. Original box, paperwork, outside brown sleeve box etc. $675.

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)  JONATHAN BROWNING MOUNTAIN RIFLE IN .50 CALIBER PERCUSSION WITH BRASS MOUNTINGS. These were made for only a short time and discontinued in the very early 1980s. I bought one in a “close-out sale” in 1984 and have been shooting it since. Very high quality and made in the U.S.A. They were offered in iron fittings and brass fittings. All were made with walnut half-stocks holding the browned 30″ octagon barrel with two wedges/keys. All have adjustable single set triggers in which one merely pushes the trigger forward until it “clicks” or sets and then a slight amount of pressure releases the hammer. All also have the distinctive rams horn bolster where the percussion nipple fits. Heavy crescent butt plate with toe plate, cheek piece and a small adjustable buckhorn rear sight with blade front sight complete the package. The muzzles are heavily chamfered to make loading easier. One of the finest and most attractive Hawken-style rifles ever offered. Getting very hard to find now. This one is excellent inside and out showing minimal handling or use. $1295.

2) SHILOH SHARPS 1874 OCTAGON SPORTER, .45-70 CALIBER, #4XXX, MADE IN FARMINGDALE, NY EARLY 1980s. This is a straight stock No. 3 Sporter with steel military butt plate and double set triggers. The standard walnut stock and forearm are nicely grained with a medium dark color. It features a 30″ standard octagon barrel which gives the overall weight of this rifle at about 10 1/2 lbs. It has a filler in the rear sight dovetail (original semi buckhorn lawrence ladder rear sight included with an additional new full buckhorn ladder sight plus the original blade front sight) and is fitted with a high quality Lee Shaver mid-range fully adjustable Soule rear tang sight with globe front sight (inserts included). Also included is a now difficult to obtain RCBS 500 grain paper patch bullet old that appears little if ever used. All in about new condition inside and out. Set up like this, the price of this rifle with mold and sights would be over $3300 with a 2 plus year back order wait time. My price $2750.

3) LONG OUT OF PRODUCTION, THOMPSON-CENTER HAWKEN, .45 PERCUSSION HALF-STOCK RIFLE. This one appears about new and little used. Most of this model are found in .50 caliber with the .45 and .54 caliber examples quite scarce. The .45 is probably the most versitile as it  can be used with a patched round all for small game and target work or with a heavier lubed “Maxie” bullet with a stiff charge of black powder to equal in power such big game cartridges as the  .45-90 etc. as the rifling twist was made to use either ball or bullet.  Brass trigger guard, forend cap, butt plate, patch box with brass cleaning jag etc. with case colored engraved lock, double set triggers and blued 28″ octagon barrel with adjustable rear sight make this a handsome American made rifle that also features a walnut stock with cheek piece. These are known for accuracy and quality.  Getting hard to find especially this nice. $795.

4) PAUL SHUTTLEWORTH (CPA CORPORATION, PA) STEVENS MODEL 44 1/2 TWO BARREL SET SPORTING RIFLE, #97XXX. These Stevens based replicas are incredibly well made in every way inside and out. This two barrel set consists of a 28″ medium heavy half-octagon barrel with forend in .44-40 caliber and an identical one with its own forend in .25-35 Winchester caliber. The stock is fancy walnut with pistol grip, accent  lined panels at the wrist and traditional Stevens marked hard rubber shotgun butt plate. The matching forends are schnable tipped.  Interestingly, the barrels are stamped with dimensions under the forends.  The .44-40 is marked “Douglas XX, 32 TW,  .4282 GR, 12.16.98” as well as the last three digits of the serial number matching the receiver. These markings stand for the type of barrel Paul Shuttleworth used, twist rate, exact groove diameter and date built. The .25-35 barrel is stamped “Doublas XX, 14 TW, .2569 GR, 12.16.98” with the same matching serial number. Each barrel is marked “Paul Shuttleworth” with caliber on the side. The receiver is not marked aside from the serial number. Paul Shuttleworth founded CPA Corporation and passed away in 2017. However, CPA is still turning out these fine rifles on a custom order basis. This unusual two-barrel set would cost nearly $4000 to duplicate today (with wait time). The receiver has traditional Stevens style case colors, loop lever and double set triggers. It is fitted with a sporting tang rear sight, sight blanks in the rear dovetail slots, and globe front sights which will accept inserts. The barrels are richly blued. The .44-40 barrel shows some light spotting of the blue toward the muzzle on the left side which is minor. The .35-35 will weigh a bit ore because of the smaller bore size. Switching barrels is easily done by unscrewing one screw in the bottom front of the receiver and removing the barrel. A really great set with two interesting, low recoil and fun calibers to shoot! $3250.

SMITH AND WESSON (click text for photos)

1) AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO FIND S&W REVOLVER IS THIS MODEL OF 1891 (.38 SINGLE ACTION 3RD MODEL), #5XXX, MADE 1891-1911. One of the most attractive revolvers in the S&W line at the time, these Model 1891s look like a scaled down New Model No. 3. They seem to almost never show up for sale and one can go to gun shows for years and not see one except in S&W displays. According to THE STANDARD CATALOG OF SMITH & WESSON, 4TH EDITION BY SUPICA AND NAHAS: This is a very attractive gun, looking like a 2/3 scale New Model Number 3, and is highly sought after. However, unfortunately, there has always seemed to be a discrepancy between the number of guns supposedly manufactured and the availability of this model on the collectors market. By manufacturing records, this model should be about as common as the Baby Russian .38 SA, and maybe twenty times more common than the Model of 1891 Single Shot, (approx. 1250 1891 Single Shots were made) with which it shares a common frame. However, our subjective impression is that one sees ten .38 SA 1sts for every .38 SA 3rd, and that the Model of 1891 Revolver is, if anything, scarcer than the Model of 1891 Single Shot. Of course, there is more info on this rare model in the book, but that sums up the scarcity of this model pretty well. This nickel plated example has the standard 4″ barrel and is fitted with the rare and desirable mottled red and black gutta percha grips that are in excellent condition showing no chips or cracks and displaying a perfect fit. It has matching serial numbers on the barrel, latch, frame and cylinder. The barrel has the correct “MODEL OF ’91” marking along with the usual patent dates etc. There is fine nickel on the barrel with just some peeling at the muzzle on the right side and some peeling along the left outside edge. The grip straps show some small evidence of wiped off rust which left some small areas of light dark gray/brown pitting. There is good nickel in the cylinder flutes with some peeling on the outside. The barrel latch shows fine blue, screws are excellent, action is tight and the bore is bright. This is a really fine early antique example with only light blemishes to the nickel that are fairly minor and great mottled red grips. Many S&W collectors have never seen one of these! (4 photos) $1795.

2) THE RAREST S&W I’VE EVER OFFERED! NEW MODEL No. 3 UNIQUE .38-40 SERIES, ONLY 74 MADE AND NUMBERED IN ITS OWN SERIAL RANGE 1-74; THIS IS #5X!!! Obviously, these are seldom ever seen and even the most advanced S&W collection lacks an example. While all New Model No. 3 frames were made pre-1899 making all New model No. 3s antique, the .38-40 Model was produced only from 1900-1907. They were offered in 4″ and 6 1/2″ with a few in 5″ in both blue and nickel finish. This example is a 6 1/2″ nickel revolver with matching numbers on the frame, cylinder and barrel (for some reason the barrel latch number is in the 27XXX standard production range which is minor). The butt has three initials “R A B” scratched in the nickel and when the grips are removed these same initials are scratched inside the grip straps- only visible with the grips removed, and also inside the grips themselves. This marking on the inside of revolvers was fairly common so that if the revolver was ever stolen, removing the grips would reveal the true owner. This is an attractive example as where the nickel is flaked, the metal underneath has remained an uncleaned gray/silver which blends evenly with the nickel giving a smooth even appearance. Fine nickel remains in all the protected areas, on the bottom of the frame ahead of the trigger guard, on the lower rear of the barrel assembly and forward portion of the barrel bottom, in the cylinder flutes, on the top strap and much of the barrel rib and upper portion of the barrel, around the hammer on the frame and recoil shields etc. The front sight has not been altered, the left side of the barrel is correctly (and importantly) stamped “38 WINCHESTER CTG.” The grips show light wear, but are not chipped or cracked. They fit perfectly and I have little doubt that they are original. The action is good and the cylinder locks tightly at full cock, the ejector mech. works properly and the bore is bright with sharp rifling and any roughness is very minor, light and scattered. All markings are fine. Quoting the most accepted work on S&W, THE STANDARD CATALOG OF SMITH AND WESSON, 4TH EDITION by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas (latest edition, published in 2016 and now 5-6 years old), “One of the rarest production models. Serial number range 1 to 74, with the 74 firearms manufactured circa 1900-1907. Value: Too rare to price. Most specimens would probably change hands in the four- to low five figure range. A very few auction sales noted over the last five years, with two refinished examples selling at $3,700 and $4,600, and two VG to fine examples at $8,000 and $9,200. I don’t expect to ever offer another or perhaps even see another of these. A very respectable example. (3 photos) $5300.

4) VERY LIMITED PRODUCTION .32-20 HAND EJECTOR MODEL 1902, #70XX, ONLY 4499 MADE 1902-1905 IN THE SERIAL RANGE 5312-9811. This model was offered in 4, 5 and 6 1/2″ barrel lengths, in blue or nickel finish and all with the distinctive round butt. This example has the desirable long 6 1/2″ barrel and is nickel finished. All markings are fine and the serial numbers match on the frame, cylinder, barrel and inside the right grip. It is actually hard to tell the exact amount of nickel on this one as where the nickel has flaked, the metal underneath is bright and blends almost perfectly. It does look like there is some nickel missing on the cylinder and on the frame around the S&W logo where there appears to be some minor freckling visible only when the light hits at an angle. There is also some light freckling in the cylinder flutes. The front sight has either been “built up” or replaced with a higher blade. The black S&W monogram hard rubber grips show some heavy wear to the checkering but are not cracked or chipped, the action is tight and the bore generally fine with light and minor scattered areas of surface roughness. Correct last patent date on the barrel in 1901. With such a limited production number for such a short time 117-119 years ago, there can’t be too many of these left. $795.

5) 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! $895.

6) AUTHENTICATED WITH DOCUMENTATION WELLS FARGO MARKED MODEL 1905 M&P 4TH CHANGE .38 SPECIAL, 6″ BARREL, #418XXX, MADE C. 1920. This fine condition example comes with a copy of a letter dated May 24, 1966 on “Wells Fargo Bank , Head Office, 464 California Street, San Francisco, California 94120” stationary “BILL OF SALE” that lists 62 S&W M&P 6″ revolvers plus numerous other handguns BY SERIAL NUMBER, as being sold to Ellingsons Sport Center. This revolver is on the list. Interestingly, most of the M&Ps are serial numbered very close together indicating that they were from one major purchase from Smith & Wesson. “W. F. & Co.” neatly stamped on the right side of the frame just under the “Made in U.S.A.” marking. The stamping was done with one stamp, not with individual letter stamps. This same stamp is also on the bottom of the frame under the grips. Overall fine+ blue with only some minor flaking/spotting on the frame and blue flaking brown on the back strap. Aside from some minor edge wear and handling marks/scratches this revolver shows nice deep original blue. Exc. markings, fine case color on the hammer and trigger, diamond checkered walnut grips are lightly pencil numbered inside and match the frame cylinder and barrel serial number. Grips show a minor and very small edge chip on the right bottom. “H.C.R.” very lightly surface-scratched in the bottom right grip. Tight action, bright bore. Probably carried a bit, but shot little. Great 100+ year old authenticated/documented Wells Fargo Smith! $1695.

7) EARLY TARGET SIGHTED .32-20 HAND EJECTOR MODEL OF 1905- 2ND CHANGE, #34XXX. The 1905 2nd Change revolvers were serial numbered 33501-45200 and only made from 1906-1909 before being replaced by the 3rd Change. The serial number of this example places it in the first year of 1906 manufacture. With only 11,600 .32-20s produced in this series, finding one of the very few with target sights is remarkable. By the remaining finish on this example I’d bet it was kept somewhere around the Gulf of Mexico as I’ve seen a number of firearms from this region appearing like this one. In short, much of the early S&W high polish blue has turned brown. It’s not that the blue was worn off, it just aged brown probably because of salty, humid air. There is still some good blue in the cylinder flutes, some on the frame and in protected areas. It is not rusted or pitted, just…brown. The round butt checkered walnut grips fit perfectly and show only light wear with no chips or cracks. Serial numbers all match on the barrel, cylinder and frame, original target sights are fine, all markings are sharp and clear, action is tight with that wonderful turn-of-the-last-century hand fitted and tuned trigger! The bore is bright, sharp and excellent. The screw heads don’t look turned. Still and attractive and extremely rare S&W that has a lot of life left in it! $1150.

8) 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! $3250

9) 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.

10) 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. $2950.

11) PRE-35, MODEL 1953 22/32 6″ BARREL .22 LR “KIT GUN,” FLAT LATCH, #35XXX, MADE 1955-1957. Excellent example of one of the more difficult models to find. Most that show up are the Post-1957 manufacture with the “MOD. 35” designation stamped in the yoke. This one has the original diamond checkered walnut grips that are numbered to the gun. Retains nearly all the blue with just some normal small scuffs and scratches to the finish (mainly on the barrel) that are too minor to describe. Nice case color on the hammer and trigger. Adjustable target sights, exc. grips, excellent inside, tight action etc. These were typically marketed to outdoorsmen and many saw pretty hard use and show carry wear. One of the better ones. $1295.

12) CLASSIC SMITH & WESSON MODEL 27-2 .357 MAGNUM WITH 8 3/8″ BARREL, #N214XXX, MADE 1975-1977.  Superb 1970s quality inside and out. Pinned barrel and recessed chamberd cylinder. Excellent blue with case colored hammer and trigger. Factory red insert front sight with white outline rear sight. Aside from a couple of minute scratches on the left side of the barrel, this one has seen very light/limited use and barely shows a cylinder line in the blue. Tight action, crisp 1970s S&W trigger pull. They don’t make them like this anymore! Desirable long barrel. $1100

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) $1595.

2) 1868 SPRINGFIELD .50-70 TRAPDOOR RIFLE, #5XXX. One of the more historical U.S. issued rifles, these started out as .58 caliber muzzle loaders issued to the Union forces in the Civil War. After that bloody conflict, these were collected and returned to Springfield Arsenal where they were converted to breech loading .50-70 Trapdoor actions with lined barrels and then re-issued for the Indian Wars. The stocks, lock plates and other small parts were retained from the original configuration when issued as a muzzle loader. When these were replaced with the Model 1873 Trapdoor in .45-70, many of these were sold on the surplus market to settlers heading west. Some western outposts and forts actually gave these to settlers who needed a rifle for foraging and protection. Many of these powerful rifles were also used by buffalo hunters who couldn’t afford an expensive Sharps or Remington sporting rifle. This is a fine uncleaned and unaltered example that still shows good inspection stampings in the left side of the stock. and matching numbers on the barrel and breech. The lock plate is correctly marked with the U.S. SPRINGFIELD and eagle motif as well as the 1863 date from when it was originally made as a muzzle loader for the Civil War. The breech block is also stamped with a small eagle head, U.S. and 1869 date. retains the correct original rear sight and has a tight action with generally fairly bright excellent bore. The lock and hammer still show some tight case colors. Stock is fine and hasn’t been refinished or sanded. Cleaning rod intact. The barrels of these were not blued, but left “in the white” or bright. This barrel is uncleaned and aged dark with some brown spotting. A fine example that came out of here in Montana. $1395.

WINCHESTERS (click text for photos)

1. 1886 OCTAGON BARREL RIFLE, .40-65 CALIBER, WITH MINTY BRIGHT BORE, #121955, MADE 1900.  Attractive example with fine lightly aged and thinned barrel blue, nice deep magazine blue, mottled gray receiver with some case color in the protected areas. Winchester blade front sight with small Lyman flip up blade rear sight (looks like it had a sporting ladder or buckhorn sight mounted at some time).  All sharp markings and fine blue on the bolt. Fine stock and forend with very tight wood to metal fit and only normal handling marks.  Looks like a couple of initials very lightly scratched in the left side of the butt stock- very light and old, worn in, minor. Tight action with strong half cock safety and amazingly bright minty bore! $3250.

2) 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! $2650.

31892 .44-40 CALIBER ROUND BARREL RIFLE, #573XXX, MADE 1910. Winchesters were made to be used and this one lives up to that slogan. Basically a gray/brown gun overall that has seen some light rust wiped off (not buffed or sanded). Markings are all good. There are some deep scratches that look like vice grip marks at the rear of the barrel. Buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar intact with small Lyman blade/bead front sight. Surprisingly excellent screw heads with some good blue on the loading gate. Fine+ stock and forend with good wood to metal fit. No extra holes in metal or wood. Has 9 old and worn in “kill notches” in the bottom of the forend ahead of the receiver. Tight action with solid safety half-cock. Bore shows good rifling with scattered light pitting throughout. This one came out of Arizona and looks like a typical Mexican Revolution ’92. $1295.

4) VERY FINE CONDITION 1894 .32-40 OCTAGON RIFLE, #925XXX, MADE 1920. An unusually late production rifle to be in this caliber as by this date the smokeless bottleneck cartridges (.30WCF etc.) had taken over most of production. This excellent example shows fine, deep blue on the receiver with only some normal brown ageing on the edges, portions of the bottom and upper tang (typical 1920s blue that tends to flake, this hasn’t). Similarly, the barrel retains nice deep blue as does the mag tube with a little more ageing. Exc. markings, buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar intact, front sight is a brass blade. Fine+ wood shows only normal light handling marks and very tight wood to metal fit. Excellent screw heads and a minty bright bore! Getting hard to find octagon .32-40s this nice. $2850.

5) RARE, FULL FANCY DELUXE 1895 WITH INTERESTING WINCHESTER FACTORY HISTORY! This unusual rifle in .30-40 caliber with serial number 38XXX was made in 1902. I called this one in to the Cody museum myself and received the following: “Rifle, .30, fancy, checkered stock, Sights: Lyman front and receiver, screw eyes, received in the warehouse October 16, 1902 and shipped March 26 1903.” Now, here’s were it gets interesting. This rifle was sent out and returned a multiple amount of times through 1903-1904. Then, “Charge to John E. Bassett and Co., City, sample consignment account on September 16, 1912…Returned on October 7, 1912…Charge to Exhibition Show Case sample consignment account on October 5, 1912.” So, apparently this was a Winchester exhibition rifle put on display. Bassett & Co. was a hardware company in New Haven, CT (“City”). Where it went after being on display “exhibition” after this is a mystery. Perhaps Bassett sold it or it might have been kept by the owner? Regardless, a chance to own a Winchester Factory Exhibition full deluxe Model 1895! This one shows handling, but no abuse. The fancy burl walnut is dark with 120 years of grime that has never been cleaned. The barrel retains nearly all the blue that shows some light age only. The rear dovetail is empty and the front sight is a blade/bead- I assume Lyman blade mentioned above. The receiver has the M-21 receiver sight and shows fine blue overall with some brown mixing on the edges and upper tang etc. The sling eyes (“screw eyes”) are intact. Wood is generally excellent with fine checkering showing some normal light handling wear only. Tight action with excellent sharp bore. A good and proper cleaning would go a long way with this one. All deluxe 1895s are rare and this one has a fascinating Winchester history with it! $5800.

6) MODEL 53 IN RARE .44 WCF (.44-40) CALIBER, #970XXX, MADE EARLY IN PRODUCTION IN 1926. Introduced in 1924, the standard caliber for the Model 53 was .25-20. Also made in .32-20, which is scarce, and the .44-40 which is rare and seldom seen. This example shows good aged blue on the receiver mixing with some brown. Similarly, the barrel shows good aged blue that is thinning and shows some freckling/brown. Possibly some old blue added at one time, but if so, it was done a very long time ago- hard to tell as all the blue appears aged and worn. All good markings, wood shows handling and use, but basically solid. Fine action, half-cock on hammer weak, but the bore is bright and excellent. Original serrated steel butt plate. One of the more difficult Winchester model/calibers to locate. $2350.

 

7) VERY SCARCE MODEL 57 .22 LONG RIFLE BOLT ACTION “TARGET RIFLE” #10XXX, MADE 1928. Introduced in 1926 along with the “sporter” version Model 56, only a little over 17,000 of these were made until discontinued during the Great Depression in 1936. Interestingly, only about 2500 of these were made annually until about 1932 when production fell off significantly. After that, because of the dire economic conditions in the U.S. only a few hundred were produced annually until it was totally discontinued. This is a fine example with especially fine stock with original steel butt plate and steel patent marked barrel band. It also retains the original Lyman peep receiver sight as well as small folding leaf rear sight. The barrel blue has aged to an even blue/plum and has a minty bore. The markings are all excellent, the action is crisp and it has the Winchester marked magazine. These are hard to find in unaltered condition with excellent bores. $795.

8) 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 $795.

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

 

 

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