170

Desirable Rare Large Frame Smith & Wesson Lever Action Magazine Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:10,000.00 USD Estimated At:25,000.00 - 40,000.00 USD
Desirable Rare Large Frame Smith & Wesson Lever Action Magazine Pistol

Estimate: $25000 - 40000
Predecessor to the more frequently encountered brass frame "volcanic", this is a rare example of the 8 inch barrel 38 caliber "lever action magazine pistol" manufactured by Smith & Wesson Repeating Arms Company which began manufacturing in 1854. The company would be reorganized a year later, 1855, as the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company and the rest is history. Smith & Wesson focused their efforts to design and produce a pistol that could fire the self contained metallic cartridge using Rollin Whites bored through cylinder. While the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company would become the subsequent birth of the Winchester Repeating Rifle Company. Relatively little information is known about the total number produced though some estimates suggest as few as 500. These pistols were made in two types, a large frame with 8 inch barrel and a small frame with a 4 inch barrel. The pistol has a part octagon barrel, (the rear 3 1/4 inches), with front-loading integral magazine. The pistol has an iron frame and loading lever with round ring hole. The barrel has a pinched steel front sight blade and the rear sight is an iron "v" notch attached to the top of the frame with a screw. The top barrel flat is marked "SMITH & WESSON/NORWICH CT/CAST-STEEL" and behind that "PATENT". The sides of the receiver are decorated in the typical volcanic pattern with large open scroll engraving and the top of the receiver features an engraved leaf motif, front and rear of the ejector port. The serial number, "117", is stamped on the lower left side of the frame underneath the grip and written in pencil on the inside of each grip panel. Fitted with smooth varnished rosewood grips.
BBL: 8 inch part octagon
Stock:
Gauge: 38
Finish: blue
Grips: rosewood
Serial Number: 117
Condition: Very good. The barrel, magazine and lever have a dark mottled patina with some moderate pitting on the barrel and magazine, and a small amount of minor pitting on the lever. The frame and hammer have a mottled gray patina with some minor pitting. The grips are fine showing some wear on the lower edges, a small chip on the left toe and heel, a couple of minor cracks on the right panel and overall a few minor dents and handling marks. When using the lever the hammer does not remain in the cocked position, when done manually it does. The engraving and markings are clear. An extremely rare and desirable Smith & Wesson in the scarce long barrel.
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