Colt House Pistols, more commonly referred to as a "Cloverleaf," were not the manufacturer's most popular pistol. Produced only from 1871 - 1876, their total run was 9,952 revolvers. However, despite their lack of widespread success, these little self-protection guns incorporated several then recently-developed design features and even found some notoriety in their short lifespan.
In 1889, a structure was constructed from a lattice-work of iron and placed in Paris squarely at the entrance of the 1889 World's Fair. At 1,063 feet tall, it was likely not lost on many Americans that the newly built Eiffel Tower now eclipsed the Washington Monument as the tallest man-made structure in the world. Such is the scenario that prominent architect Daniel Burnham found himself in during 1890. He was given the responsibility of transforming an entire square mile of marsh into a showcase of beauty, ingenuity, architecture, prosperity, and invention. Burnham was overseeing construction and exhibit selection, and with the spectacle and success of the Paris Universal Exposition looming behind him, failure was a very real possibility.
The Columbian Exposition was a World's Fair that was off to a bad start. Intended to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Columbus's landing, the event had to be postponed a year in order to make the proper accommodations. However, those efforts would prove to be worth the wait. Burnham had assembled a "who's who" of architects, designers, landscapers, and planners and gave one commandment to precede all others, "Make no little plans." The full quote reads,
"Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will never die, but long after we are gone be a living thing, asserting itself with ever-growing insistency. Remember that our sons and our grandsons are going to do things that would stagger us. Let your watchword be order and your beacon beauty."
Taken to heart, this prime directive gave rise to a White City filled with neoclassical architecture, high brow art, frivolous entertainment, national pavilions, and a list of inventions so long, it reads like a tome of American contributions. It includes items such as: the Ferris Wheel (arguably the fair's premier attraction), the zipper, Cracker Jacks, Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer, Aunt Jemima's pancake mix, Juicy Fruit gum, cream of wheat, shredded wheat, the telautograph (an early, analog fax machine), AC power, the movie theater, the dishwasher, phosphorescent lamps, Hershey's chocolate, spray painting, Gold Medal baking flour, elongated souvenir coins, moving walkways, the debut of harry Houdini (a then unknown Ehrich Weiss) and much more.
The exhibits chosen for this monumental event had to be the very best. The decree of "no small plans," had apparently extended far beyond the planners, and worked its way to the inventors and exhibitors themselves. Even firearms manufacturers held themselves to the task to bring forth their most elegant, finely decorated firearms. The results are spectacular: remarkable engraving executed by the most esteemed Master engravers, lush and expertly applied gold inlays, and outsourced embellishments from the likes of Tiffany & Co. Some of the most outstanding work being done on firearms in the world at that time was present in that single square mile in Chicago, Illinois.
In Rock Island Auction Company's 2016 April Premiere Firearms Auction, we are extremely fortunate to have no less than four guns with direct ties to this prestigious and historic event. Here is a brief look at each one.
It's no secret that famed New York jeweler and silversmith Tiffany & Co. was known to make wonderful embellishments for firearms. Some were done for Colt, but the largest grouping known are those decorated for Smith & Wesson in the 1890s. Unlike those done for Colt, the Tiffany work on Smith & Wesson firearms were all individually completed by commission or special order by wealthy clients.
These remarkable handguns were commissioned by D. B. Wesson specifically as show pieces for the Columbian Exposition, but their glory days extended far beyond. Many were also exhibited at the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris as well as the 1901 Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. This revolver is accompanied by its factory letter which details its shipment with four other Tiffany decorated revolvers. It is unknown how many Columbian Exposition guns survive today, but only nine Tiffany-commissioned Smith & Wesson revolvers were created specifically for the Columbian Exposition (others were made as special orders). Four of which are currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, plus twomore located at the Springfield Museums in Springfield, MA, making this revolver one of only three that are potentially available to private collectors if they aren't already behind museum glass or if they still exist at all.
An exquisitely crafted gun, it is a masterpiece of silver and steel. It was shipped to Tiffany & Co. with a nickel finish and hard rubber grips, but what resulted is truly stunning. The geometric acid etching on the barrel extends to the cylinder and top strap, but even these angular designs are not without nods to the floral vines that wrap themselves around the grip and come to a spine on the front and back straps. The grip's vine embellishment is elegant and simple, ending with in a crown-like finial. It is given its shape by what is made to look like a small cord binding the grip, so that cold, solid sterling silver grip appears as if it might have the same texture as a soft curtain, bound up to better let in the sun.
Greener was once king of the world when it came to hunting shotguns and rifles. During the time of the Columbian Exposition his 37,000-square foot facility located at St. Mary's Row in Birmingham was dubbed by W.W. Greener, a fantastic self-promoter, as the "largest and most complete sporting gun factory in the world," which turned out 1,000 hand-built shotguns and rifles annually. Unlike many competitors, Greener had sales agents and retail locations around the world in cities such as new York, London, Paris, Berlin, St. Petersburg, Montreal, and Buenos Aires. He had legitimate geniuses in his employ, working to invent and popularize features that are still used in modern sporting guns to this day. The following year, nine of the top 11 shooters in the 1894 U.S. grand Nationals were using Greeners.
With his marketing prowess and international savvy, Greener was not going to miss the chance to showcase his finest wares to a nation of shooters who were simultaneously experiencing an era of economic prosperity. To that end, he spared no expense at his booth showing off a high number of firearms in a variety of styles: shotguns, rifles, double barrel, hammerless, automatic ejectors, external hammers, a "locking lug" which better secured the break action arms, safeties, large bore safari guns, small bore guns for small game, double and quad barrel smooth bore pistols, and so on. Greener also took it upon himself to help educate the throngs on the technical aspects of the firearms displayed, by showing bits of the steel and iron used to make the arms, dissected actions, cross-sectioned barrels to illustrate the chokes and rifling, locks for hammer guns, wooden models of the guns, and models from other manufacturers for comparison. The Committee on Awards for the event is quoted as saying, "Altogether, it was a very complete exhibit."
The shotgun in this auction is no exception to the high quality arms that were on display for the exposition. The wood is well-figured and finely checkered, the forearm piece being tipped with a inset made from horn. The buttstock continues forward up the checkered pistol grip where it meets an intricately engraved tang, trigger guard, and box lock action, all of which, in addition to the tiny floral scroll engraving is dotted with wild game panel scenes. Just over the serial number on the tang is an engraved pheasant rooster on the wing, and the trigger guard features two hunting dogs on a point, The safety switch on the left shows another ring-necked pheasant beneath it, with the word "Safe" in gold inlay, and the box lock on the same side has a hunting dog running after two sprung game birds. The opposite side lock has a more disciplined dog still holding his point on two quail that have burst from cover. Atop the opening lever is gold inlaid crown and full coverage of the same engraving. The underside of the action has two engraved rabbits, as hidden as they would be during a hunt. The engraving extends up the scalloped lock and on to the side-by-side barrels, the rib between which is engraved with an egret and a maker's mark before continuing into its matte finish. The inscription reads, "W. W. Greener. Haymarket London & St. Mary's Square, Birmingham, England. Winner at the London Gun Trials, 1875, 1877, 1878, & 1879." The muzzles are punctuated with a single brass bead between them.
It is of note that this Greener shotgun is also a Greener's best grade "G-Guns," officially known as a Royal Grade G60, and shows many of the same features such as the chiseled fences, gold crown and "Safe" marking, the fine floral "bank note" engraving, and so on. Vic Venters in his book Gun Craft" gives the quote, "Outside of a small group on connoisseurs, virtually no one realizes these guns exist or the level of craftsmanship they embody. For all intent, they are lost to history." Barely more than 20 craftsmen were trusted to manufacture these best-grade G-Guns from 1880 to 1916. Venters further quotes, "They were Greener's elite, a workforce hand-picked for its skills and experience. For 45 years the same surnames appear in the archives under each of the 14 major stages in building a G-Gun... Unfortunately, we know very little about these men - not even their first names - other than that they were among the best craftsmen of their day and that they spent their entire working lives in the employ of Greener's. We do know that they were extraordinarily well paid for their era. It was quite normal for them to earn 100 shillings per week in the 1880s, when the average Birmingham trade worker was only taking home about 20."
Some extra research into this shotgun could yield big results for one lucky collector.
If this Winchester's ties to the Columbian Exposition weren't enough to endear it collectors, its assortment of special order features and embellishments would seal the deal. It has an octagon barrel, half magazine, Lyman front sights, and a fancy checkered walnut stock. The combination of the full octagon barrel and the half magazine is a rare one indeed.
Then there are features that are above and beyond even a special order Winchester. Mentioned first and foremost in the accompanying Madis letter are the "very special silver inlays." Adjacent to the receiver at the top of the grip, these silver pieces, accented with a large fleur de lis are also engraved and would have been added at the same time as the rest of the gun's engraving. Madis writes, "Collectors have named these inlays 'Tiffany inlays,' after the New York jeweler who did most of this work." Despite this flattering title, the engraving on the receiver, barrel, forend tip, and buttplate were instead masterfully executed by L. D. Nimschke, "...one of America's foremost engravers of his period." Lush scroll work covers every surface of the receiver sans two areas that have been reserved to panel scenes of a hunting dog in pursuit of its quarry and a majestic stag. This work goes far above and beyond typical Winchester engraving. Both it and the checkering are considered "extensive" and alone earns this rifle a prized status among collectors.
Perhaps even more distinguishing than engraving and special order features, if it could be so, are two features especially unique to this rifle. One is an inlaid, still-functioning compass that has been inset into the right side of the stock and given a handsome, engraved, brass frame to better hold in the recessed compass. It is similar to one seen on the Winchester Factory Presentation Model 1873 given to Edward Stabler, inventor of the Stabler cut-off system. The second is an inscription on the left barrel flat that reads, "Made for Helen A. Foster. Prize Rifle Columbian Exposition."
It may initially seem unusual to see such a rifle inscribed to a woman, but at the Columbian Exposition women were particularly active in the event. So much so that the Women's Building was said to be slightly less popular than the prominent and extremely well-received Ferris Wheel. Born as Helen Foster, Helen Foster Barnett was the wife of Dr. James P Barnett of Brooklyn, New York, but she is far from being known by virtue of her husband. Dr. Barnett passed in 1886 leaving her with their children and a considerable fortune. She turned into a well-known and generous philanthropist, mostly via her appreciation and support of art. It is unknown (even by Madis) how Mrs. Foster is associated with the rifle. Was the rifle made as a prize for her to present? Was it made as a prize for her personally thanks to her love of the aesthetic or perhaps some charitable act or donation on her part? Madis says it best, "Research continues on the inscription, Mrs. Foster, and the history of the rifle."
This little gem of a Smith & Wesson revolver appeared side-by-side with the opulent Tiffany-embellished handguns that were on display for those six months in 1893. The rich dot and scrollwork engraving should be familiar to Smith & Wesson collectors and is unquestionably done in the hand of one of the Young engraving dynasty: Gustave, Oscar, or Eugene. It is noted in the factory letter that this revolver was "offered by Smith & Wesson for sale at the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago, but did not sell and was sold after the close of the World's Fair." With its provenance and embellishments, this revolver should have no such troubles at Rock Island Auction. It wouldn't take long for it to find a home even after the exposition; the letter further indicates that it was shipped within months on January 15, 1894 to Hartley & Graham Co, in New York City. It still matches all of its factory original specifications: 4-inch barrel, factory engraving, nickel and gold finish, and pearl grips.
The dot and scroll engraving finds nearly every corner of the revolver, starting on the butt and backstrap, it resumes on the sides of the frame and hinge, the top strap, the cylinder, and down the barrel. The pearl grips are bright and iridescent, while the trigger guard retains traces of the original finish. Once regarded as one of the finest guns that Smith & Wesson had to offer, this revolver would resume a place of honor in any collection in which it resides.
All in all the event was a huge success for Daniel Burnham and the city of Chicago. The bustling metropolis was now associated with all the luxury, innovation, beauty, spectacle, and entertainment that the Columbian Exposition had packed into its six short months. Historian David Nasaw writes of the world fairs and their purpose that reached far beyond mere entertainment, "The world's fairs were paeans to progress, concrete demonstrations of how order and organization, high culture and art, science and technology, commerce and industry, all brought together under the wise administration of business and government, would lead inevitably to a brighter, more prosperous future."
In an age of economic prosperity, expansion, innovation, industrial might, and melding nationalities, the Columbian Exposition was perhaps the best physical manifestation of a nation bursting at the seams to grow in every direction at once. The firearms present at this show are also a perfect representation of the era from which they come, a physical time capsule that can be held in the hand, contemplated, and returned gently to a collection until the next time it is called upon to tell its tale of a time in American when nothing was impossible.
The Hall of Fine Arts at the 1893 Columbian Exposition
Venters, Vic. Gun Craft: Fine Guns & Gunmakers in the 21st Century. Camden, ME.: Shooting Sportsman, 2010. Print.
World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago, Ill., 1893: Report of the Committee on Awards of the World's Columbian Commission. Vol. 2. Washington: G.P.O., 1901. Print.
Concealed carry is a big topic in the firearms community right now. People discuss which calibers are best, which position is safest to carry, pros and cons of holsters, and any number of topics that, more often that not, end up involving a degree of subjectivity. However, concealed firearms as a whole are nothing new. They go back to flintlock ammunition systems and there would probably be matchlock versions if people didn't have to worry about setting their clothes on fire when they carried.
Prior to calling them derringers, these pint-sized pistols were referred to as pocket pistols, muff pistols, palm pistols, and various other pseudonyms. Only the advent and popularity of the Philadephia Deringer (note the spelling with a single 'r') developed by Henry Deringer, did the term become a generic, ubiquitous, term for any small, concealable handgun. It also adopted a second letter "r" in the spelling, perhaps to differentiate it from the original Deringers.
While some of the earliest pocket pistols have have been flintlock, true Deringers were percussion style handguns produced from 1852 - 1868. Around 15,000 of them were produced in that time in a variety of barrel lengths, and factory records imply that they were nearly all sold in matching pairs. After all in the case of a missed shot or a misfire, one wouldn't reload a Deringer, but simply draw a "fresh" one. The average price was around $15 - $20 for a pair, with embellished versions bringing higher prices. Not only would they spawn dozens of imitators, but the gun's popularity would also inspire many gun makers to come up with derringers of their own design. This article will look at pocket pistols of several makers, in an attempt to show the wide variety produced to satisfy a voracious demand by the public.
This set of Deringers was featured in last week's article regarding the Lincoln assassination, but it is also appropriate to include here. The pistols seen above are the style Deringers are most known for: the bird's head stock, pineapple-style finial engraving on the trigger guards, and mounted with German silver. Both are some of the smaller Deringer designs, but the one appearing upside-down in this photo is also known as the "Peanut" Deringer for its extremely small size and only 1 7/8 inch barrel.
This Colt Third Model derringer is silver plated, features mother of pearl grips, and is possibly New York engraved. These tiny shooters were manufactured 1875 - 1912 and this particular model has a front sight for the optimistic user. It remains in very fine condition and quite attractive.
Here the stylistic references to the Philadelphia Deringer are undeniable. The checkering on the stock is nearly identical! Less than 10,000 of these Williamson derringers were made and this is one of very few to survive at all, let alone in this excellent condition. A fine maple stock holds a silver plated barrel and a gold plated, engraved trigger guard. These were produced for Williamson by the Moore's Patent Firearms Co (which didn't last long after being sued by Rollin White for patent infringement) and National Firearms Co. in the late 1860s.
It's difficult to determine which part of this case is the most beautiful, the outside or the inside. The outside is a honey colored birdseye maple with a centered brass plaque, while the inside bears a velvet purple lining that must have been exceptionally vivid upon its creation. Please click on the link to this gun to see an additional photo of the case's exterior. The gun itself is worthy of such a case. The Remington Type II (a.k.a. Model 3) derringer would have been made around 1888-1889 and still has its original nickel plating. Adding to its high condition are sharp checkering on the grips and nitre blue parts. Its low serial number of 413 adds to its collectablity.
Collectors find Marston derringers desirable for any number of reasons: their size, the "barrel selector dial," the superposed triple barrels, and often some fine embellishments, as seen on the example shown above. Made between 1864-1872, this little pistol has antique ivory grips, silver plating, and most notably, engraving by renowned Master Engraver L.D. Nimschke.
The second of the Colt Third Model derringers in this article is a masterfully done piece. Its copious factory engraving was performed by Master Engraver K.C. Hunt, one of the finest Master Engravers of our time. I strongly recommend visiting the item's listing to see even more angles of his incredible work. The frame having been left bare after the engraving shows a handsome brass, but under the grips and barrel the original nickel plating may still be seen. This is absolutely phenomenal work! With all this rich engraving, one might wonder where the artist signed his work. Wonder no more.
Showing that not only Deringers were copied, this Spanish pistol attempts to replicate the Sharps Model 2A four shot pistol in rather spectacular form. Gold inlays cover the barrel, floral engravings curls around the receiver, and it all ends in a sharp black hard rubber grip.
The advent of cartridge handguns spelled doom for the percussion, single shot, breech-loaded Philadelphia derringer. Multiple barrels came into play as did an endless number of designs, because while the Deringer did not live on, the popularity of small, concealable firearms certainly did. This Marlin Model 32, borrowing heavily from the early Smith & Wesson revolvers, is one example of how cartridge ammunition put more firepower into the hands of derringer users. Firing smaller, 32 long cartridges, gave users less "oomph" that the Deringer did, but it made up for it with the ability to take multiple shots at their target. Very stylish, this Marlin has a gold plated cylinder, "New York" style engraving, nickel plating, and the DeGress "Tiffany" style grips. Our describers say it best in this pistol's official description, "This is a beautiful gun and belongs in a serious Marlin collection. This combination of grips and master engraving is rarely available especially in this condition."
As you can see, with the huge selection of rarity, beauty, and fascinating designs, this could have just as well turned into its very own book. With any number of barrels, finishes, grips, sizes, calibers, embellishments to choose from, collecting derringers can be a highly personalized endeavor. As I've heard jokingly mentioned at several gun shows, "The best part about collecting derringers, is that you can transport a whole collection in a shoe box." This same sentiment is often echoed by collectors who display their much larger, heavier guns. Looks like these pocket guns have put their diminutive size to yet another good use, even in the 21st century.
Click here to see all the Colt 1877s in this incredible auction! For those not familiar, Rock Island Auction Company sent out a series of emails containing some of the highlights in our May 2014 Premiere Firearms Auction. These messages covered a number of popular genres and gave a first look at some firearms that are bound to attract the attention of some of the world's foremost collectors and investors. This blog, and the ones to follow, are a reprint of those emails for those who do not receive that type of communication. As an added bonus, these blogs will also include many photos that did not appear in the original emails in order to keep them at a reasonable size. We hope you enjoy these collectible firearms and their multitude of photos! If you like what you see below, be sure to check out our auction highlights in the Photo Preview, 4-page Sneak Preview, or our full 16-page mailer. To search our entire auction listing please visit www.rockislandauction.com/search.
Well, friends this is it. The last article of our 9-part series that shows off the exciting, historic, spectacular, and beautiful firearms that have come to Rock Island Auction Company and will highlight our May 2014 Premiere Auction. The good news is, these are far from being alone in their excellence. Having the enormous quantity of world-class guns that we do in this single auction is a thrill that never loses its kick. Today's firearms are a model that has been requested by several collectors whose interests have been piqued by items they've seen in our Photo Preview. This email will focus on the impressive selection of Colt Model 1877 Lightnings and Thunderers that will be appearing in our May 2014 Premiere Firearms Auction. As always, we appreciate all your interest in Rock Island Auction Company.
Many times, when we see a fancy antique gun, we might wonder who it was made for. Some past baron of industry? A beloved sheriff? A politician or head of state? Maybe just someone who was well-to-do? This next revolver is just the type to instigate such questions, but is also gracious enough to provide us with a rather exciting answer.
This exceptional, factory engraved, nickel-plated Colt 1877 has been so well preserved it still has its original factory picture carton. The nickel plating is in remarkable condition and the factory engraving, a "Style 2" or "B" engraving, is likely that of Cuno A. Helfricht, chief Colt engraver in 1889, or possibly his staff. This engraving and nickel finish are accented by fiery blue accents from the ejector rod head, frame screws, trigger, and hammer top. But who would own such a fine and decorated revolver?
That answer comes from the factory letter, which lists the caliber, barrel length, finish, type of stocks, factory engraving, and also that it was shipped to "F.F. Knous, Colt's Patent Fire-Arms Mfg. Company, Hartford, Connecticut" on May 31, 1889. It specifies further that "Mr. Knous was Superintendent of the Colt Company during this time period." Knous began working for Colt in 1861 and by 1890 was recognized by some as one of Colt's most valued artisans and one of the best all around master mechanics in the country, as testified to by the many ordnance officers who had the pleasure of working with him.
Along with the box, which bears a large black and white "ENGRAVED" label, are a pink label glued to the inside of the carton lid entitled "DIRECTIONS for using COLT's .38 in & .41 in cal RELOADING TOOLS," the original tissue paper instruction sheet, a wire cleaning brush, and copies of patents issued to Franklin F. Knous. It's yet another gun that provides a powerful combination of enticing traits for collectors: excellent condition, factory engraving, desirable make and model, original box, special finish, and an impressive provenance - a direct link to a valued and important employee at the Colt factory with a tenure extending nearly three decades.
Our next look will be at this outstanding, Gustave Young Master Engraved, gold and nickel-plated Colt Model 1877 Sheriff's Model 1877 Lightning double action ejectorless revolver. The gold covers the cylinder, hammer, trigger, and cylinder pin and the nickel-plating covers the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and backstrap. All of the visible serial numbers match on this rare two-finish Colt which enjoys Gustave Young's American style scrollwork factory engraving, equivalent to Colt "B." The two-piece, black, hard rubber, bird's head grips are checkered and in excellent shape. Manufactured in 1878, this revolver shows that it has been impeccably kept for the last 136 years.
This 1877 revolver was manufactured in 1895 and has profuse Nimschke engraving covering its surface in a wondrously well done floral scroll pattern. This Sheriff's Model 1877 in addition to the master engraving that covers 95% of the gun, has a nitre blue hammer top, a checkered, one-piece walnut grip, and a lanyard ring mounted on the bird head grip.
This gun, unlike our first gun, does not do us the favor of telling us its former owner, though this handsome engraved monogram at the top of the checkered backstrap does give us quite a clue. It is touches like this and the scalloped border around the caliber designation on the barrel that make an already alluring gun all the more so.
The final gun we'll look at today, though not the final 1877 in this auction, is yet another excellent chance to own a rare combination finish Colt! This documented, gold and nickel-plated, factory engraved, etched panel, pearl handled Lightning double action reads like a checklist for everything collectors want.
In addition to all the special features listed above, the revolver is further embellished with nitre blue trigger and back of its hammer, a 'bulls eye' head ejector rod, and bordered knurling on the hammer spur. All of the visible serial numbers match. Given the timeframe, this gun's American style scrollwork and punchdot background is another likely candidate as the work of Master Engraver Cuno A. Helfricht or his shop.
There you have it Colt 1877 collectors! Ask and you shall receive. We hope that these 4 choice examples have whetted your appetite to see the remaining 1877 revolvers in this sale as well as the 530+ other Colts appearing in this auction! We'll have everything from Walkers and Patersons to Gatling guns and a remarkable selection of M1911/A1 pistols, including every wartime manufacturer. This amazing selection will also include Single Action Army revolvers, Armys, Navys, Gustave Young engravings, Tiffany grips, rare long arms, fluted cylinders, special finishes, historic provenances, Dragoons, 1849 Pockets, gorgeous grips, known military histories, and so much more. Stay tuned for future announcements. You'll be glad you did.
