1260
Large Morrill, Mosman & Blair Elgin Patent Cutlass Pistol, Serial Number 52
Currency:USD
Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory
Start Price:7,000.00 USD
Estimated At:14,000.00 - 22,500.00 USD
SOLD
12,000.00USD+ (2,340.00) buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2010 May 01 @ 12:19UTC-5 : EST/CDT
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A full invoice should be emailed to the winner by the auctioneer within a day or two.
Produced in Amherst, Mass. circa 1837-39 by Henry Morrill, Silas Mosman and Charles Blair. Silas Mosman worked as an etcher for the N.P. Ames Company before and after his partnership with Morrill and Blair and the style of etching on this blade is very similar to that found on Ames blades of this period. This pistol was part of the Lock Collection, and can be seen on page 470 of the Collection Catalogue. The pistol features a 13 3/8-inch Bowie style blade and 6 inch round rifled .36 caliber barrel and square back pointed trigger guard typical of their pistols, along with a brass pin front and notch rear sight. A long unsharpened clip is present on the blade, with extensive etching, showing an eagle with "Liberty" ribbon on both sides, a faint Elgin patent marking on the right and "MORRILL, MOSMAN & BLAIR, AMHERST, MASSACHUSETTS" faintly etched on the left side. The only marking on the main body of the pistol is the serial number "52" that is stamped on the bottom of the frame behind the trigger guard. Smooth mahogany grips, secured to the frame with a pair of side tangs, with a round butt. The description of the pistol in the Locke catalogue states that this is the largest Elgin Cutlass Pistol known.
BBL: 6 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 36 percussion
Finish: casehardened
Grips: mahogany
Serial Number: 52
Very good. The blade has been lightly cleaned and the etched decorations and markings are faint but visible, with some scattered light pitting. The barrel and frame have a smooth "cloudy" mottled (possibly cold blue) brown gray patina, with considerable case colors. There is some very minor flash pitting on the percussion nipple and adjacent portions of the frame. The grip is in very good with some minor dents, varnish loss and handling marks. The Locke catalogue describes the grip as a replacement but writer believes it to be correct with an extra coat of wax. This is an impressive example of an Elgin Cutlass Pistol and reportedly the largest known example of this rare and unique weapon.
Auction Location:
4507 49th Avenue, Moline, Illinois, 62165-7578, United States
Previewing Details:
Preview: Open to the public Thursday, April 29th from 10 AM to 6 PM Friday, April 30th from 8 AM to 10 AM Saturday, May 1st from 8 AM to 10 AM Sunday, May 2nd from 8 AM to 10 AM
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
19.5% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
Please contact the auction house for the preferred shipper’s contact information
Payment Details:
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