3362

EXTREMELY RARE EARLY DEVELOPMENTAL SCHULHOF REPEATING PISTOL.

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,750.00 USD Estimated At:7,500.00 - 12,500.00 USD
EXTREMELY RARE EARLY DEVELOPMENTAL SCHULHOF REPEATING PISTOL.
SN 24. Caliber 10.6mm. Repeating pistols were the immediate predecessors to semiautomatic arms. All required a manual movement to chamber and discharge the cartridge. Sometimes, both actions were performed simultaneously. In most cases, upon manual release, a loading bar or lever would spring back to its original position. Schulhof was credited with having developed several types of repeating pistols in about 1884. This particular version has a 6" bbl with a drift adjustable front and rear sight. Serial number 24 was applied under the bbl and repeated on the lower surface of the receiver near its juncture. The left side of the receiver was marked "PAT. SCHULHOF" in scripted letters. A finger loop lever under the receiver was used to close the bolt. Having traveled to its final position, the trigger could be pulled to release the firing pin. A small nudge released the finger loop, allowing it to spring forward. Loading was accomplished through the left grip that was retained by a tensioned latch. It is estimated that Schulhof made fewer than 50 of these repeaters. Though awkward and cumbersome by today's standards, repeater pistols were an important development and provided the foundation for more modern semiautomatic designs. PROVENANCE: Joseph J. Schroeder, Jr. Collection. CONDITION: The bbl retains about 30% of its original finish. Toned patina and discoloration involves the entire pistol, transitioning all surfaces to a pleasing light brown-gray. Surprisingly bright bore with sharp rifling and only minimal etching. Mechanically perfect. One of the rarest repeater pistols in existence, suitable for the most advanced collection, and cheap at the suggested estimate! 4-48586 LMA69