"EXPRESS", .32 RIM FIRE / WITH 7-1/2 INCH RIFLED BARREL

All Factory Original, Serial No. 137

FOUND ON TOP OF FRAME, "EXPRESS"

This Spur Trigger revolver is so far, "a one of a kind", and is NOT a smooth bore Audubon Pistol, but has a fully rifled barrel. It chambers and fires the .32 Rim Fire cartridge. The maker is not known at this point. However, it has characteristics from two makers, Hopkins & Allen, and Forehand & Wadsworth. The cylinder pin release system is more like F&W, while the cylinder flutes speak of H&A. It has a 7-1/2 inch barrel ! The grips are a smooth wood, similar to, and maybe Rosewood. The original finish is nickel plating, and about 45% present, with more coverage  on the frame and cylinder. There are still strong  darkened case hardening colors on the hammer, and spur trigger. Mechanically it operates PERFECTLY on all phases of cocking,and firing, as well as loading and unloading. If you are a Collector of Spur Trigger Pocket Pistols, with all the various "Trade Names", this very well could be a "one time" opportunity, as no one has seen another ! PRICE $650 SOLD

SCOOP FLUTES, SIMILAR TO HOPKINS & ALLEN REVOLVERS

MADE 1864 -1866 by METROPOLITAN ARMS Co., founder, Orison Blunt, of New York City

It is truly hard to tell if this is a Colt 1851 Navy, or not. Why? it is an exact duplicate. In 1864 when Colt suffered the Factory Fire, and was virtually out of business, Metropolitan came on the scene and began filling orders to "needy" customers. There were ONLY 6,000 ever produced, making this a highly sought after revolver, by BOTH Colt, and percussion revolver collectors. Serial No. 372X comes with it's original Slim Jim Style Flap Holster.

The revolver has a wonderful dark blue/plum patina, and a smooth surface. ALL factory applied markings such as barrel address, and cylinder scene are clear and distinctly visible.

There is still about 10-15% of the silver plate left on the brass parts, but darkened, as it should be. Mechanically, the revolver functions on all phases correctly: loading, ramming, cocking, half cock, full cock, cylinder indexing, and celerity of fire. the Walnut grips have a fine antique luster.

A very fine example of a unique and scarce revolver, plus the original holster. PRICE $3,950

Metropolitan in the Holster ..........

Cylinder Scene/ Battle of New Orleans Logo, all present and clear.........................

A very fine "sliver" missing at front edge of grip.

HOPKINS & ALLEN, XL No.5 , .38 RIM FIRE

ENGRAVED BY L.D. NIMSCHKE OR HIS STUDIO....

The "Top of the Line" revolver that Hopkins & Allen produced in the Spur Trigger Line was the XL series. The quality and craftsmanship was unparalleled, compared to the bigger names of the day. This XL No.5, Serial No.190X, is an incredibly SUPERB sample. First: it has the shortest factory barrel length of 1-3/8 inch. Second: it is Engraved by the hand of the Master, Nimschke, at least his studio. It is fitted with Brilliant Mother of Pearl grips, which are in PERFECT condition. Third: combined with the above two features, it is an EXCEEDINGLY RARE combination, and fit for the very best collection. All factory applied markings are distinct and clear. The engraving shows very minimal wear. The original nickel finish is about 85 -90% present, the balance a very soft and blending gray. ALL mechanical aspects function 100% perfectly. This is a truly exotic and exquisite "snub nose" revolver of the period. PRICE $3,250

The intertwining and doubling back style of Nimschke engraving, as seen above.

XL No.2-1/2 , .32 Rim Fire

MERWIN, HULBERT & Co. NEW YORK, DISTRIBUTOR MARKED

This is an exceptionally RARE revolver, in several aspects. First, it is Serial No. X ( X representing a single digit serial number under 10), and exceptionally scarce. You see, on Page 16, of the Text by Charles E. Carder, on Hopkins & Allen, the 2-1/2 is non- existent in the XL series, which was the FINEST quality series produced by the firm. The numbering went from XL 1 to XL 7, no 1/2 nomenclatures. ONLY in the Ranger Line, another trade name for spur triggers by H&A, did the 1/2 model exist! The Pearl grips are DELUXE in the fact that the grip screw is only exposed on one side, like carved pearl, the screw enters the back of one grip to tighten, and not all the way through.

Outside of the ACTUAL, Merwin, Hulbert & Co. designed revolvers, produced for them by the H&A manufacturing facility, NON Merwin designed pistols, bearing their name are an ULTIMATE scarcity!!! This XL No.2-1/2 is in 99.999% condition, having that amount of the original factory nickel plating. The Pearl grips are also 99.999% condition, and ALL factory applied markings are clear, and crisp. The cocking action, for loading, cylinder indexing, locking tight, and firing functions perfectly, each and EVERY time the hammer is cocked. A rare spur trigger pocket pistol, in superb condition, appealing to both Pocket Pistol collectors, and Merwin Collectors. PRICE $1,495

IMPORTANT......On the left hand side of the barrel, on one of the hexagonal flats, is stamped: Merwin, Hulbert & Co., New York. This is extremely rare, and highly sought after by Merwin Collectors.

FOREHAND & WADSWORTH , "OLD MODEL ARMY" .44 REVOLVER, SERIAL No.10

During 1874 the United States Ordnance Department was still actively testing revolvers, for issuance to the Army, primarily the Cavalry. In 1871 they had ordered a limited quantity of 1,000 S&W 1st Model American revolvers, the first cartridge issued side arms. By late 1873 they had tested, approved, and were ordering Colt Single Action .45's. However, the door to acceptance was not all the way closed. In December of 1874 TWO Forehand & Wadsworth .44 Army Revolvers were submitted for testing. Serial No's 10 and 11. These revolvers were RIGOROUSLY tested, and compared against the existent Colt Single Action .45. An interesting foot note of history, they tested without the Schofield, as it would not be ready until late January 1875.

There are OVER 15 pages detailing EVERY single test the revolver was submitted to, and the results! IN ADDITION**it comes with the JULY 1994 Gun Report Article, (plus original magazine) written by the U.S. Ordnance Expert, E. Scott Meadows. This article details all the tests, and list ALL the Military Personnel, detailing the test, and their detailed opinions of the Forehand & Wadsworth .44 revolver, Serial No.10. At the conclusion of the tests, they found the blued finish from Forehand & Wadsworth, superior to Colt, but found no other beneficial characteristics to add the Forehand & Wadsworth to the Military. THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT FOR THE COLLECTOR OF MARTIAL REVOLVERS, IS THE OVERWHELMING SCARCITY OF ACTUAL ORDNANCE BOARD TEST REVOLVERS OF THE 1870'S TRIAL PERIOD! This is an once in a lifetime opportunity to own a revolver that was a part of the U S Ordnance Trials during the 1870's, when they were still considering "what could be the very best revolver" for use by the Cavalry, and the rest of the Army. Despite the harsh testing ,the operating mechanics of this revolver function correctly, each and every time the revolver is cocked. There is still some blue finish in the protected areas , but it is basically a "plum "patina finish. The walnut grips show handling, but have no cracks or damage. All markings on the F&W are clearly visible. All parts are original to the revolver. It has the 7-1/2 inch barrel, and is chambered for the .44 American cartridge. A REAL piece of History, that few can own! PRICE $12,500

The TEST , PLUS found on several parts and locations.

Found in National Archives:RG156 E21 Box 338

Found in National Archives:RG156 E1365 Box 64

As F&W Serial No. 10 Appears on page 47, July 1994 Gun Report

SWAMP ANGEL, .41 Rim Fire, by Forehand & Wadsworth

The most exciting of all the early 19th Century Pocket pistols were the .41's. The vast majority of production were the .22's, .32's, and some .38's, the smallest quantity being the .41's. Generally barrel lengths were 2-1/2 to 3 inches, so a 1-7/8 inch FACTORY barrel length is rare , and for the collector, very desirable. Of the 19th century Pocket Pistols, none had a more colorful name than the SWAMP ANGEL from Forehand & Wadsworth. This example, Serial No. 476X exudes character. It has about 99.9% of all the original factory nickel plating, with only a few "pepper spots" on the finish. It has ORIGINAL Ivory grips, which further enhance the appearance. The mechanical features ALL operate perfectly for loading, cocking, and firing. ALL factory applied marking are clear and strong, to include the scarce side barrel manufacturers address, and the Model Designation of Swamp Angel on top the frame. A powerful Pocket Pistol, in a scarce barrel length. PRICE $950

Like all the other major manufacturers of the 19th century, Iver-Johnson produced a line of small pocket revolvers, using "Trade" names. These names hopefully stimulated sales, and instilled confidence. So it is with the DEFENDER '89. This pistol was first introduced in 1881, but in 1889 they made mechanical improvements, and added the '89 to the name. THIS Defender has PERFECT hard rubber grips, NO chips, cracks etc.. Intertwined with the exotic vine and flower motif, is the name Defender '89.

Serial No. 16X has the 2-1/2 inch round barrel, and is chambered for the .32 rim fire cartridge. It has about 99.9% of all the original factory nickel plate, with only miniscule dark spots on frame near cylinder pin release lever. The hammer still has 100% of all the case hardening colors. The mechanical action of half cock, full cock, indexing, and firing all work perfectly. A superb example of a Defender, and PERFECT identifying hard rubber grips. PRICE $ 450

ORIGINAL GREEN BOX...ONLY ONE KNOWN TO TO EXIST TODAY !

MORGAN & CLAPP, NEW HAVEN, CT. , SINGLE SHOT DERINGER.

Mostly all were manufactured as .30 Rim Fire, a .22 is extremely scarce, and to add to it's already great scarcity, it comes in the ORIGINAL factory carton. Serial No.30X also has a personal story, and it's written on the bottom of the box! The blued barrel has darkened into a dark patina, and the frame has the perfect "mustard" patina, untouched. There are still traces of the once silver plating remaining on the frame. The side swing loading and closing, and then the cocking and firing ALL function 100% correctly. It has the 3 inch octagonal barrel, and smooth Rosewood grips. The manufacturers roll die is still crisp and legible on top of the barrel. AN EXTREMELY scarce Derringer for the collector!  PRICE $ 1,750

This attractive pocket revolver was one of the more popular brand names produced by Hopkins & Allen in the 1870-1880's period. It was called the Ranger No.2, designating .32 caliber. This one, Serial No. 920X, has the 2-3/4 inch round barrel. This Ranger has about 99% of all the case hardening colors remaining on the hammer, only slightly faded. The original nickel plate finish is about 99% also, with only slight gray patina at the face of the cylinder. As was the "style" in this period, some of the engravers cuts are filled with decorative enamel, which is also 99% present. The grips are smooth oiled walnut, and in perfect condition. All factory applied roll die markings are clear and crisp, and very legible. The mechanical actions of loading, cocking, and firing work correctly each and every time! A colorful example of an inexpensive Pocket Pistol, which was very popular with the self defense crowd of the last half of the 19th century. PRICE $575

CAPT. JACK, .22, SEVEN SHOT by HOPKINS & ALLEN........MARCH 28, 1871

In an era of bigger than life heroes, companies named their products. So it was with this pistol, Capt. Jack Crawford.

This seven shot .22 from Hopkins & Allen was called the Capt. Jack, after Poet & Frontier Scout, Capt. Jack Crawford. Serial No. 255X has about 98% of all the original nickel plating, and is highlighted by a pair of radiant Mother of Pearl grips. The mechanical action of cocking, and indexing to fire operates perfectly. The "trademark" hump back hammer from Hopkins & Allen has about 75% of all the case hardening colors remaining. It has the 2-1/4 inch round barrel, with bead front sight. it was not a high volume production model, so they are very seldom encountered, and in this condition quite scarce! PRICE $500 

Francis Hood was one of the wealthiest men in America, during the last half of the 1800's following the Civil War. One of the operations of his vast empire, was Hood Firearms Company, located in New York. They produced a variety of inexpensive Pocket Pistols, with a variety of Trade Names. The quality was very good, and they were very competitive in the market place of great demand. The Hard Pan 2, is one of them, and this Hard Pan 2 is Serial No. 887X. It has the 2-3/4 inch round barrel, and walnut grips. The finish is about 98% original nickel plating, and is decorated with an unusual " Star Burst " style of engraving. It is further decorated with three knurled rings around the cylinder. The hammer and trigger have their darkened case colors, and ALL mechanical functions operate perfectly! A unique pocket pistol. PRICE $450

This is a VERY interesting revolver ! Look closely at the cylinder, it has no stop bolt approach notches, it is a smooth cylinder. the cocking and locking system is done from the rear of the cylinder. This model was introduced in 1875, two years before a more famous DA pistol, but using the rear locking system. The Colt Model of 1877! Could possibly this Robin Hood been seen and examined, for ideas in design, we will never know? Serial No. 110X, is a single action, 7 shot .22 short pocket pistol. It has 99.99% of all the original factory nickel plating, and the hammer has all the case hardening colors, only slightly muted. The action of loading, cocking, indexing correctly, and firing function perfectly! A very scarce!! pocket pistol from the 1870's. PRICE $ 425

AMES MODEL 1842 NAVY PISTOL, a.ka. NAVY BOX LOCK MODEL, 1842 - 1847, in a LIMITED QUANTITY OF 2,000

This is a single shot, smooth bore of .54 caliber, with a 6 inch barrel. This MODEL was THE FIRST  percussion pistol delivered under CONTRACT to the U.S. Government. The barrel is marked with all the proofs US/P, however due to age, only the "P" is visible without magnification. The Ames still has both military cartouches present on the left flat of the wooden stock. The lock plate has all the CORRECT markings, and remains in excellent condition.

This pistol was simultaneously manufactured by Ames, and Deringer of Philadelphia. Ames produced just 2,000 pistols, so discovering one is a great rarity. This pistol still cocks and mechanically functions perfectly. The only minute flaw, is the loading rammer , is missing the swivel, however, the ram rod is period to the pistol. The overall condition is a beautiful aged patina, both on metal and wood. A VERY desirable martial pistol for the collector, particularly Naval enthusiasts. PRICE $ 2,500

During the last half of the 19th century, the market for inexpensive Pocket Pistols was huge! Most all the major manufacturers had entries, and MANY other firms ranging from small to large had entries in the market. Part of the secret of success was a " intriguing name", a "flashy look", and a good working mans price. This little Pocket Pistol had all of that, with the Name Red Jacket, and Ivory Grips. Serial No. 169XX has a 2-1/4 inch octagonal barrel, full nickel finish, and is chambered for the .32 rim fire cartridge. About 98% of the original factory nickel finish remains, with some minor pepper spots.  The Ivory grips are wonderful, having that mellow yellow color of age, and NO damage. All factory applied markings on barrel and frame, are clear and very legible. The mechanical action functions perfectly, loading through firing. A very "flashy" example of a 19th century Pocket Pistol. PRICE $400