3196

Scarce Allen & Wheelock Center Hammer Lipfire Army Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,250.00 USD Estimated At:4,500.00 - 7,000.00 USD
Scarce Allen & Wheelock Center Hammer Lipfire Army Revolver
Also known as the 2nd Model Lipfire, this revolver was manufactured in the early 1860's with a total production of only about 250. The left side barrel flat is marked "ALLEN & WHEELOCK, WORCESTER, MASS. U.S. / ALLEN' S PAT'S SEP. 7, NOV. 9, 1858" and the serial (batch) "171" is marked on the left side of the frame under the grip, on the loading gate and on the rear face of the cylinder. The rear cylinder wall has notches for cartridge lips. The lipfire is sometimes confused as a conversion from percussion, but was actually manufactured before the percussion model. Pinched brass blade front and frame notch rear sights, loading gate hinged at the bottom, narrow grip frame and fitted with two piece varnished walnut grips. Although no government contracts were given for this model it is considered a martial piece by collectors. This model was discontinued due to a successful patent infringement suit by Smith & Wesson.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch half-octagon
Stock:
Gauge: 44
Finish: nickel
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 171


Very fine. 95% original nickel plating remains on the barrel showing only minor collector type surface scratches down the length. The frame and cylinder also retain approximately 95% original nickel finish exhibiting a few scattered patches of light spotting and some minor collector type handling marks. The grips are excellent, having lightly shrunk with age around some edges and show slight varnish loss on a few high points. An excellent example of a rare Allen & Wheelock Lipfire pistol in hard to improve upon condition. The writer can not recall our auction company ever offering one for sale in nickel finish.