LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 Collection of Western History #680  / 

74106

A Model 1883 45-70 Gatling Gun on its original c

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:70,000.00 USD Estimated At:140,000.00 - 200,000.00 USD
A Model 1883 45-70 Gatling Gun on its original c
<B>FANTASTIC MODEL 1883 GATLING GUN</B></I> - 'Manufactured by Colt's Pat. F.A. Mfg. Co. & U.S. Government Inspected'. Rarely in the field of firearm collecting does an opportunity to purchase, at public auction, an offering of this rarity and importance present itself. First invented in 1862 when Richard Jordan Gatling took out a patent for his mechanical gun, by the time he developed this model it was capable of firing 1,200 rounds per minute. Singularly important in revolutionizing warfare, the Gatling Gun's basic mechanism is still used today on ship and aircraft guns. Gatling started a new wave of engineering and invention and changed the face of war forever.<BR><BR>The beautifully patinaed, 50" long brass housing for the ten .45-70 caliber barrels is handsomely hand-engraved. The extensive amount of hand engraving on top of the barrel housing has a black background. When contrasted with the patina on the brass housing, it makes the engraved lettering itself come alive. The trunion collar is engraved in block letters: “Manufd. by” then, diagonally in flowing script, surrounded by delicate swirls “Colt's Pat. F.A. Mfg. Co.” Below and once again in block letters is “HARTFORD CONN.” Affixed to the breach of the barrel housing is a 3 5/8” diameter brass disc that houses the 'spirit level' used as part of the sighting process. The entire diameter of the disk is edge engraved. The spirit level is centered in the disk with flourishes of engraving on the sides. Radially on the disk in large block letters is engraved “GATLING GUN PATENTED”. Immediately above the disk is engraved '1887' in block letters and in script U.S. Government inspector initials 'JGB'. Below the disk, another U.S. Government inspector's initials are engraved “D.F.C.” (David F. Clark). The engraving terminates at the breach with bold block letters reading “MODEL 1883”, “NO. 459” and “Cal. 45” on three lines.<BR><BR>This Gatling Gun is equipped with the rare and desirable “Accles” positive feed drum mechanism. The base of drum is stamped “PAT. DEC. 18, 1883”. Two fixed front sights flank the barrel housing at the muzzle. Matching, vertically adjustable rear sights are located on opposing sides at the breach.<BR><BR>The iron carriage is fitted with 55' diameter wood spoke wheels rimmed in iron. Two iron, wood lined and compartmentalized boxes measuring 10” x 14” x 14” are affixed to the axle shaft on either side of the barrel. Some tools still remain in these boxes. The front of the axle is stamped “WATERVLIET ARSENAL”, “U.S. No. 37, 1886”. A brass barrel yoke, mounted in the center of axle, facilitates both vertical and horizontal aiming adjustments. The mechanism for those adjustments is intact as well as the tiller rod. All iron work on the carriage is painted black with the wood wheel spokes being painted gray.<BR><BR>This description only begins to describe the beauty and feeling one gets when viewing this magnificent and important piece of American firearm evolution - “The Gatling Gun”.<BR><BR><B>Condition:</B></I> Superb as described.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Requires 3rd Party Shipping (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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