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Frontier Firearms from the Lifetime Collection of Larry Ness
|
- Sale 1987
Live
| Cincinnati
Jun 8 | 10:00 AM EDT
Live
| Cincinnati
Sale 1987
| Cincinnati
| Cincinnati
Estimate$10,000 – $15,000
.44-40. 7.5" barrel length. SN: 56883. Manufactured in 1880. Blued and color casehardened finish, two piece bone grips. Weak one-line barrel address, three-date in three-line patent marking on lower left side of frame, "44" under barrel in front of cylinder pin. Matching numbers on frame, triggerguard, butt and barrel, no number visible on cylinder. Black powder frame, bullseye ejector rod head, firing pin missing from hammer. Grips apparently period of use replacements are two-piece bone secured with a single large head iron screw. Revolver is accompanied by a period assembled cartridge belt that has a 2.75" wide double-billet leather belt as its base, with a period modified civilian flap holster attached for the revolver, which has had the flap cut away. The belt includes 6 shotgun shell loops that contain 3 empty 12 gauge brass hulls, 10 .45 caliber loops that contain 6 copper cased .45-70 cartridges, a small, cap pouch style leather purse with brass button closure and a leather covered sheet tin knife sheath with fringe, which is secured to belt with iron rivets. The sheath contains a Sheffield Bowie knife marked IXL on the reverse ricasso and in three lines on the reverse of the blade at the spine: "G WOSTENHOLM & SON/WASHINGTON WORKS/SHEFFIELD". Knife measures 14.75" in overall length, with a 10" semi-clip point single edged bowie blade with a 6" false edge. 4.625" hilt with 3.875" German silver cross guard and pinned horn scales.
Please note that Cowan's does not ship ammunition due to various legal restrictions and potential liability. The loaded cartridges in the belt will be removed for shipping and will only be delivered with an in-person pick up.
The Collection of Larry Ness
Good. Revolver with a moderately oxidized brownish gray patina and a couple of minute traces of blue in protected areas. Metal cleaned in the past, barrel markings weak, other markings remain legible. Mechanically functional action, missing firing pin from hammer. Bore good with strong rifling and moderate oxidation with pitting. Grips with wear, some shrinkage, numerous drying and age cracks, chipped loss at the sharp leading and trailing edges and a more substantial chip missing from the front lower quarter of the right grip. Knife very good retaining some original polish on the blade with scattered surface oxidation and some surface roughness. Markings mostly clear and sharp, edge with some lightly chipped wear, showing moderate use. Belt and holster rig about good, showing hard use and wonderful age. Leather remains relatively strong and stable, but should be displayed flat and well cared for to prevent further deterioration from age and mishandling.
The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.
The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.
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Tim Carey
Associate Vice President, Head of Department, Arms, Armor and Militaria
