3507

Rare U.S. Navy marked "Preproduction" Serial Number "7" Sedgley "Fist Gun" with History

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:7,500.00 - 15,000.00 USD
Rare U.S. Navy marked  Preproduction  Serial Number  7  Sedgley  Fist Gun  with History
This example is the follow-on lot to the one noted above and is actually one of the very rare "Preproduction" model Fist Guns discussed in the lead in paragraph above. This specific example is also described and photographed in the "Man At Arms" gun collector magazine, Vol 29, No. 1 2007. This example exhibits all the features of an actual true production model in that the barrel and firing mechanism is more rounded and not blockish as the prototype design and the actual firing mechanism is fully enclosed in a steel housing. The back plate of the gun is slightly curved to conform to the back side of the users hand, (unlike the prototype which is flat), it has incorporated a safety lever on the firing mechanism along with a rudimentary, combined hand ejector/extractor mounted on the side of the barrel. It has the same function as the prototype, with a single shot, swing out barrel design with a smooth bore. Interestingly this example is chambered for a .38 caliber cartridge which appears to be a .38 Special length chamber, and not a 38 S&W cartridge. In this example the firing mechanism is also attached to a left handed leather work glove. When you swing out the barrel it is correctly marked in four lines; "R.F. SEDGLEY INC./U.S. NAVY/PROPERTY/ encircled "S" Sedgley marking" and off to the right side of the markings it is stamped with serial number "7".
BBL: 2 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 38 S&W
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 7
Condition: Fine overall with 30% of the original blue/black finish remaining overall with most of the finish in the protected areas with the remaining metal surfaces turning dark gray brown patina. The leather glove is also in very good condition with tight stitching overall with the surface of the leather showing wear and flaking, probably indicating actual testing or field use. The markings are clear and sharp and it also comes with a photocopy of the original patent designs and a copy of the noted magazine.