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Two Antique American Handguns -A) Scarce American Arms Wheeler Patent Over Under Pistol B) Paragon

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:425.00 USD Estimated At:850.00 - 1,300.00 USD
Two Antique American Handguns -A) Scarce American Arms Wheeler Patent Over Under Pistol  B) Paragon
A) Marked "AMERICAN ARMS CO. BOSTON, MASS." on the top of one barrel "WHEELER'S PAT. OCT. 31. 1865" on the other. Made between 1866 and 1878. Two barrels are bored into a single block, which then turns on an axis to line up with the firing pin. Each barrel has its own brass half-moon sight. One barrel is chambered for the .32 rimfire cartridge, while the other barrel takes .22. The frame is brass plated with silver, with a smooth spur trigger and a checkered hammer. The grips are smooth walnut with a square butt stamped with the serial number.
BBL: 3 inch octagon fluted
Stock:
Gauge: 22RF/ 32RF
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 1334


B) These most unusual spur trigger revolvers have a bag grip and a spur on the backstrap. It is marked "PARAGON. No 32" on the top strap over the cylinder. It is identified as a product of Edwin A. Prescott of Hatfield, Mass. by the cylinder pin catch. The hammer spur on this example has a more pronounced curl than most.
BBL: 2 7/8 inch octagon
Stock:
Gauge: 32 RF
Finish: nickel
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 374


A) Good, with traces of the original finish remaining. Both the barrels and the frame have been thoroughly cleaned in the distant past. The barrels are mostly smooth, with some spotting and traces of the original finish and a brown patina. The brass is entirely exposed, with a mottled patina and a dark spot on the left of the frame. The casehardening colors on the hammer are clearly visible. The grips are fair, with a couple absent chips, some dings and varnish loss.

B) Fair. Only traces of finish on brass frame. Barrel and cylinder with scattered light pitting. Mechanically functions, but is slightly out of time. The right grip has a sliver missing along the rear edge.