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Couple of other revolving rifles in the RIA auction. "Scarce Warner Open Frame Revolving Carbine Marked 23 Serial #: 23 Manufacturer: James Warner Model: Revolving Type: Carbine Gauge: 40 Barrel Length: 22 inch part octagon Finish: blue Grip: N/A Stock: walnut Description: Very few of these Warner retractable cylinder carbines survive. Most estimates place total production of this early variation at less than thirty. This example is marked "23" on the underside of the top strap and bottom of the barrel suggesting it was one of the last produced c. 1849. It has faint "JAMES WARNER/SPRINGFIELD MASS" markings on the right and "PATENT APPLIED FOR" on the left, and the cylinder features the correct floral/scroll etched designs. It has post front and notch rear sights and is fitted with a varnished walnut stock with brass patch box and crescent buttplate. Condition: About good. The carbine has a deep brown patina with pitting, various nicks and scratches and a few marks. The wood is fine as revarnished with some minor pressure marks and scrapes. Mechanically fine with one nipple absent and partially obliterated markings. Nearly all surviving examples of the Warner carbines are found in heavily used condition. This is a well above average condition example of a very rare revolving carbine! P.W. Porter First Model Revolving Turret Percussion Rifle http://www.rockislandauction.com/viewitem/aid/63/lid/1125 Serial #: 25 Manufacturer: Porter P W Model: Turret-Rifle Type: Rifle Gauge: 38 Barrel Length: 27 inch octagon Finish: blue/casehardened Grip: N/A Stock: walnut Description: Manufactured in the 1850s, this is an example of a First Model. Approximately 300 First Model rifles were produced and serial numbered 1 through approximately 300 with this example numbered 25. Marked "ADDRESS P.W. PORTER/NEW-YORK" and "P.W. PORTER'S/PATENT 1851" in two-line/two-blocks on the upper left barrel flat. The rifle has offset front and rear sights to allow for the turret which is in the normal line of sight and a rounded shaped primer cover that swivels downward for loading (note that First Models typically had square shaped primer covers with a rounded front edge, according to Flayderman's Guide). The included "U" shaped iron turret cover is rarely found with the gun. The serpentine shaped loading lever, which is a feature of the first models, included with this example. This example shows no provisions for the loading lever that was mounted on top of the barrel at the breech. Matching serial number on the inside of the frame, lever, turret iron cover, nine shot cylinder, barrel. Smooth straight grip stock with a crescent iron buttplate. The name "W.P. Morton" (who remains unidentified at the time of this writing) is nicely carved on the left side of the buttstock. The old story about Porter being killed while showing his invention to Samuel Colt has proven to be just that, a story. While the rifle, like almost any multiple shot percussion gun, was subject to multiple charges going off at the same time, the angle is such that the person firing the gun should get no worse than powder burns. Condition: Very good. The barrel has a smooth dark patina. The remaining metal surfaces have a smooth gray patina. There is some minor pitting. The stock is fine with a number of pressure dents and scratches. Mechanically needs work as the cylinder does not rotate with cocked. Smith & Wesson Model 320 Revolving Rifle with Scarce 20 Inch Barrel and Stock Serial #: 417 Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson Model: Revolving-Rifle Type: Revolver Gauge: 320 Barrel Length: 20 inch solid rib Finish: blue Grip: hard rubber Stock: N/A Description: Manufactured from 1879 to 1887, the Model 320 revolving rifle is one of the rarest Smith & Wesson firearms manufactured produced with a total production of 977. These firearms were serialized from 1 to 977. The Model 320 was manufactured in three barrel lengths of 16, 18, and 20 inches with twenty being the rarest length, only 224 were manufactured by Smith & Wesson. The 20 inch barrel has a globe front sight and two leaf folding rear sight. The top of the barrel rib is marked with the two-line address/patent dates. The matching serial number appears on the butt, cylinder, barrel and barrel latch. Blue finish with casehardened trigger guard and hammer. The barrel is fitted with a checkered hard rubber red mottled forearm with the Smith & Wesson monogram on the underside. The grips are matching with Smith & Wesson monograms in a circle at the tops. The stock is smooth walnut with blue finished attaching iron and a checkered hard rubber buttplate with Smith & Wesson monogram. A factory peep sight is mounted on the stock attaching hardware. Condition: Very good. The revolving rifle retains 10% original blue finish in and around the protected areas with the balance a smooth brown patina. Traces of original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger guard. The forearm and grips are excellent showing limited minor handling marks with overall crisp checkering. The stock is with a few very minor handling marks on the wood and 50% original high polished blue finish remaining on the attaching hardware. Mechanically excellent. |