Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms and Their Values

802 Pages·2007·75.18 MB·English

by  Norm Flayderman

The Leading Reference for Antique American Arms
TF
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9th Edition
– Over half a million L
FLAYDERMAN’S
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copies sold in circulation! Here’s why:
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TO ANTIQUE
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Identifi cation (cid:2) (cid:3) UD AMERICAN FIREARMS

New in this Edition:
4,000+ antique American fi rearm
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models and variants extensively
described with marks and • Over 1,200 revisions, with a wealth of new data and AE ... and their values
illustrations, make this enlarged ninth edition the most
specifi cations along with 1,800 M
extensive yet, including many previously unrecognized and
large-scale photographs for quick R
unstudied models and variations.
identifi cation. E
• • Chapter 8, Metallic Cartridge Handguns, refl ects an R 9
Values immense addition of salient new detail. M
I th

Over 4,000 individually-priced • Signifi cant new data and entries within Ethan Allen, Colt, C
fi rearms with full information on
Remington, Smith & Wesson and American Military Longarms A EDITION
how to assess values based on
chapters. A
demand, rarity and condition. N
Values in this new ninth edition • Chapter 7, Percussion Pistols (and particularly Section
F
indicate growth. 7-F, Dueling Pistols), has been entirely revised to refl ect N
I
a provocative new perspective on the role of dueling in
• R
Quick Reference American history — a rare treat for the historian, folklorist
Easy-to-understand organization and arms collector! E’
S
A
with a standardized numbering
Here’s what readers and reviewers have
system, extensive cross-referencing R
said about the eight previous editions of
and a comprehensive index.
MG
Flayderman’s Guide:
•
Firearms History
S
Histories of the makers with dates U
“Indispensable for understanding the gun in America…scholarly
and locations of manufacture and t.
work of the purest water, unrivaled in American or European h..
quantities manufactured.
arms literature for depth, scope, thoroughness and literary style ea
• inI
Trends in Collecting all in one.” rd
– Robert Held, author of Age of Firearms v D
A review of ever-changing
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collecting and buying patterns,
“…quite simply the best and most important study of antique l
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which have resulted in a volatile American arms ever written.” E
e
present-day collecting market.
– Man At Arms magazine s

9
th

US $39.99
Z0620 (CAN $47.99) EDITION
ISBN-13: 978-0-89689-455-6
ISBN-10: 0-89689-455-X
53999
Gun Digest® Books
Norm Flayderman
UPC An imprint of F+W Media, Inc. AN
www.gundigestbooks.com E
• 4,000 Individually Priced Firearms • 1,800 Photos for Quick
0 FnL1 04 0120 01 JUYrVyBQdWJsaWNhdGlvbnMsIEluYyAo 02 SW9sYSBkaXZpc2lvbikPR3JlZ29yeSBL 03 cnVlZ2VyAEXmjDgEMTAuNAI4MAExBVVQ 04 Qy1BDDA3NDk2MjAwNDU1MAA= 74962 00455 0 9 FnL1 04 0124 01 JUYrVyBQdWJsaWNhdGlvbnMsIEluYyAo 02 SW9sYSBkaXZpc2lvbikPR3JlZ29yeSBL 03 cnVlZ2VyAEXmlPAEMTAuNAI4MAExBkVB 04 Ti0xMw05NzgwODk2ODk0NTU2AA== 780896 894556 Reference • Coverage From Early-1700s to Early-1900s
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The Leading Reference for Antique American Arms
FLAYDERMAN’S

GUIDE
TO ANTIQUE
AMERICAN FIREARMS
... and their values

9th EDITION
Norm Flayderman
❉ 1
NINTH EDITION
ABOUT THE COVER
Representing the newer end of the contents spectrum, the Colt Model 1911 pistol has
become a sought-after collectible, and continues in use by military units, law enforcement
personnel and private citizens.
The Model 1911 autoloading 45-caliber pistol was adopted in 1911, and Colt’s fi rst
deliveries were made to Springfi eld Armory in early January 1912. Subsequently the
Model 1911, with numerous modifi cations, has compiled an enviable service record with
total production (to 1970) of over three million units, with most going to military
contracts.
Author Norm Flayderman acquired the illustrated M-1911, frames and drawing from
the Winchester Gun Museum in the mid-1970s when the museum contents were moved
to the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody, Wyoming. The Flayderman letter documenting the
details of the acquisitions appears in the background, as does a letter from the
Winchester Gun Museum, and is the sort of provenance that collectors value greatly.
(Courtesy Little John’s Auction Service)
© 1977, 1980, 1983, 1987, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2001 and 2007 by E. Norman Flayderman
All rights reserved
Published by
Gun Digest® Books
An imprint of F+W Media, Inc.
www.gundigestbooks.com
Our toll-free number to place an order or obtain a free catalog is [phone].
All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without
permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a critical article or
review to be printed in a magazine or newspaper, or electronically transmitted on radio, television, or the Internet.
The views and opinions of the author expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher,
and no responsibility for such views will be assumed.
All listings and prices have been checked for accuracy but the publisher
cannot be responsible for any errors that may have occurred.
The opinions stated herein by the author as to the values of used fi rearms represent the views of the author
and not necessarily those of the publisher. Obviously, the marketplace could yield different values for the subject
fi rearms.
Library of Congress Control Number: 2006935760
ISBN 13: 978-0-89689-455-6
ISBN 10: 0-89689-455-X
Designed by Patsy Howell and Donna Mummery
Edited by Ken Ramage
Printed in the United States of America
ZZ00662200__FFLLAA99..CCooppyyrriigghhtt..iinndddd 11 22//2200//0099 1111::1177::5500 AAMM
Fla9-FrontMatter.fm Page 3 Wednesday, October 24, 2007 4:46 PM
Contents
About the Author . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Chapter VIII
American Metallic Cartridge Pistols
Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 A: Revolvers, Pepperboxes, Single and
Multi-Barrel Pistols, Suicide Specials. . . . . . . . 458
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 B: Semi-Automatic Pistols. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 524
Chapter I Chapter IX
Collecting Firearms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 American Military Longarms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 530
A: U.S. Issue/Primary Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 536
Chapter II B: Secondary Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 606
Values and Condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Chapter X
Chapter III Confederate Firearms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 637
Restoration and Fakes; A: Handguns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 640
Where the Fine Line is Drawn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 B: Longarms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 646
Chapter IV Chapter XI
The Arms Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Kentucky Rifles and Pistols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 659
A: Rifles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 664
Chapter V B: Pistols. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 671
Major American Manufacturers
A: Ethan Allen (Allen & Thurber, Allen & Wheelock, Chapter XII
E. Allen & Co.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Percussion Sporting and Target Rifles, Plains Rifles,
B: Colt Firearms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Flintlock New England Rifles & Pistols. . . . . . 676
C: Manhattan Firearms Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
D: Marlin (Including Ballard and Marlin-Ballard). 132 Chapter XIII
Lever Action and Other Repeating Rifles . . . . . . . . . 691
E: Remington Firearms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
F: Sharps Firearms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Chapter XIV
G: Smith & Wesson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Single Shot Breech-Loading Cartridge Rifles. . . . . . 698
H: Stevens Arms Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
I: Frank Wesson (Including Wesson & Harrington Chapter XV
and Harrington & Richardson). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262 Revolving Rifles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 709
J: Whitney Arms Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
K: Winchester Firearms Chapter XVI
(and Their Predecessor Arms). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299 American Colonial and
Revolutionary War Firearms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 722
Chapter VI
American Military Single Shot Pistols. . . . . . . . . . . . 324 Chapter XVII
American Shotguns and Fowling Pieces . . . . . . . . . . 733
A: U.S. Issue/Primary Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
B: Secondary Types. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339 Chapter XVIII
Miscellanea
Chapter VII (Whaling Guns, Indian Guns, Alarm Guns,
American Percussion Pistols Blunderbusses, Spring and Air Guns, Harmonica
A: Revolvers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351 and Needle Fire Guns, Yacht and other Salute
B: Pepperboxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378 Cannon). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 755
C: Single and Multi-Barrel Pistols. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 783
D: Deringers (Henry Deringer and his Imitators). . 405
NRA Condition Standards for Antique Firearms . . . . . . .785
E: Underhammer Pistols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 422
F: Dueling and Deuling Pistols, Indexes
Percussion Target & Belt Pistols . . . . . . . . . . . . 449 A: Major Manufacturers Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 786
B: Alphabetical Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 792
❉ 3
NINTH EDITION
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Undoubtedly the world’s best-known antique arms dealer contribution to American arms lore, the massive sized,
and authority, Norm Flayderman’s name has become copiously illustrated “The Bowie Knife; Unsheathing An American
synonymous with historic weapons of all types. Legend” met with resounding success when published in 2005.
Having handled examples of most...if not all...known models Honored with a foreword by a noted historian at the
and types of antique arms, Flayderman possesses a prodigious Smithsonian it received enthusiastic reviews by the press.
amount of information which he has shared freely with his Sorting out truth from myth, Norm produced the first reliable
fellow collectors. Scholarship in his chosen field is easily attested history of that iconic Bowie knife; from its origin to present-day.
to by the “Acknowledgment” section of almost any antique arms The Bowie’s complex mix of history, hardware and tangle of
book published within the past decades where his name will be deceptive folklore is at last placed in clear, accurate and logical
carried, often as a major contributor, or as author of the perspective. He has authored two other books in the collecting
“Foreword” or “Introduction.” field and numerous articles about antique weapons that have
Norm has received more honors and official recognition than appeared in national publications. His multi-faceted career has
any other professional dealer or collector in his field. An often been a subject of feature articles appearing in national
acknowledged arms historian, he acts in an advisory capacity to magazines and the popular press over the years. A little known
some of the most prestigious American museums and historical facet of his interest is that in World War I aviation, a field in
societies. He is Staff Arms Consultant by U.S. Army which he is also considered a competent authority.
appointment to the famed Springfield Armory Museum, Arms The outdoors holds a special fascination for Norm. He is as
Consultant by U.S. Marine Corps appointment to the Marine much at ease behind the sights of a big bore double-rifle as he is
Corps Historical Center, Washington, D.C. and Quantico, in his professional career. He has stalked big game on safaris in
Virginia, and Arms Consultant by Legislative Act and many countries of Africa, where he bagged his share of record
Governor’s appointment to the State of Connecticut for their trophies; while Europe, Scandinavia, Canada and Iceland have
historic weapons collections. He most often been on his hunting and fishing
recently received appointment to the itinerary. Norm is among the handful of
Board of Overseers of the U.S.S. Americans to have hunted high in the
Constitution Museum at the Navy Yard, Caucasus Mountains of southern Russia
Boston, Massachusetts. He has the unique and the desolate Gobi Desert of Mongolia
distinction of being the only arms and Siberia. Hunting expeditions in the
authority on the editorial/advisory staff of Himalayas of India, Poland and Turkey
all three major national collector were followed by sporting treks in New
publications. Included among the most Zealand, the Australian Outback and Tien
notable collections he has officially Shan Mountains of the former Russian
appraised or catalogued are the West Point Republic of Kyrgyzstan, and more
Museum at the U.S. Military Academy, the recently by a stirring adventure deep in
famed Winchester Gun Museum at New the Amazon Jungle of Brazil.
Haven, Connecticut, and Cody, Wyoming, Each day continues to hold something
the Gettysburg National Museum, the new and different for this busy fellow. He
venerable Colt Factory collection at continues to take particular satisfaction in
Hartford, Connecticut, the renowned assuming the challenge and research of a
Kindig collection of Kentucky rifles and subject that has been little studied, adding
extensive arms and militaria collections at meaningfully to his chosen fields and
the Cowboy Hall of Fame, Oklahoma City American folklore. A student at heart, he
and the Smithsonian Institution, has amassed extensive data for a number
Washington, D.C. of ongoing research projects. As one of the
Widely known and respected in most experienced historians in the field of
collecting circles in the United States and abroad, Norm’s American swords, he has labored on a planned guide, about the
catalogs enjoyed the longest consecutive run of any ever issued subject ever since his acquisition in 1955 of the most extensive
in the antique arms field…over 120 editions in their 45-year collection of them ever assembled. Although long since
span. The detailed descriptions in them, appearing with the disposed (through his catalogs), he had the foresight to
earliest issues in the 1950s set new standards for the hobby. In his photograph all of them individually; those illustrations were
five decades of actively buying, selling and appraising American subsequently the basis for a significant addition to arms
and European weapons he has handled a remarkably broad literature “American Swords from the Philip Medicus Collection”
spectrum of antique and historic firearms, including some of the with the “Introduction” by Norm. Another pet project “waiting
greatest rarities. It was his sincere interest in the entire range of in the wings” is a graphic study of the Civil War years as
them that was the stimulus to amass the immense storehouse of witnessed through an unrivaled selection of military recruiting
knowledge that is reflected in this book. posters, printed proclamations, broadsides and handbills. The
An impressive range of accomplishments for an subject is one which the author is uniquely qualified to tackle
exceptionally active career. Add to this a hitch in the U.S. Navy and contribute to the lore of that momentous era. And there’s
in WWII as an aerial photographer and later as an officer in the more! Currently he is deeply engrossed in competing a study
U.S. Air Force. More recently, in the 1980s, he served 4 years as underway on another unique American primitive art form
Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, in which capacity he never previously studied, akin to the whaling sailor’s art of
often represented the U.S. Army and the Secretary on official “scrimshaw.” The carvings produced by American soldiers of
business and functions. Graduation from Boston University and both North and South and the prisoners-of-war of both those
an earlier profession in photography all played important roles armies during the Civil War were prolific. With the simplest of
in his wide ranging career in antique arms. tools and the most common of materials they fashioned a wide
Norm’s interests are legion. His book, Scrimshaw and range of fascinating items for themselves and the folks back
Scrimshanders: Whales and Whalemen (the indigenous folkart of home…tobacco pipes being their greatest output. Expectantly,
the American whalemen and the history of whaling) is that work and other favored “works in progress”…will find
considered the definitive treatise on the subject. His most recent their way into print in the not too distant future.
4 ❉
FLAYDERMAN’S GUIDE
Fla9-FrontMatter.fm Page 5 Wednesday, October 24, 2007 4:46 PM
Foreword
With thirty years in print and closing in on one million Simultaneous with the very introduction of this
copies in circulation, this ninth edition of Flayderman’s indispensable manual, collectors and dealers of all stripes
Guide to Antique American Firearms has dependably found new interest in the firearms cataloged, many not
proven itself as the standard work and basic reference source previously actively traded or avidly collected. With fresh,
in this challenging field of collecting considered by many its newly published data, much of it available at a mere glance
very bible. That remarkable achievement was recognized in only here, new collecting specialties were brought into the
short order, following issuance of the first edition three open. The book’s impact was immediately felt in the
decades ago. Subsequent editions were received with similar marketplace and its long-term effects are much in evidence.
enthusiastic, unstinting praise. This ninth revised and enlarged The catalog numbering system innovation Flayderman
edition certainly maintains that impressive record of introduced with the second edition of this Guide was well-
accomplishment. Perhaps the words of Mike Carrick, Staff received by the collecting community. As expected, it
Editor of the Questions and Answers columns of The Gun immediately found its way into the general terminology and
Report magazine, among the most influential publications jargon of the collecting world, allowing hobbyists to talk in
dealing with historic firearms, said it best. Fielding a heavy short-hand with unmistakable concurrence.
volume of inquiries about antique arms on a daily basis, he Both the general and the specialized arms press were
wrote: “I have over 2,500 books on guns and edged weapons, generous in their approval from the very earliest publication of
but I have only [Flayderman’s Guide] on my desk for constant this Guide and the space they devoted to their reviews
daily use in answering my columns inquiries. Your Guide is the decidedly showed it! Critics were uniformly laudatory. These
most useful book in my library.” That same periodical excerpts from a few widely known publications and by
commented in its earlier review of the second edition: eminent authorities best summarize that commentary:
“publication of Flayderman’s Guide was revolutionary. It was
Field & Stream magazine “…as a definitive work; you
the first to catalogue the whole field of collectible American
shudder at the amount of effort that must have
firearms and divide it into logical groups, an instant success.”
been required to put it together.”
And thus it has remained.
“…quite simply the best and most important study of antique Antiques & the Arts Weekly: “Flayderman’s Guide is the
American firearms ever written” said Man at Arms Magazine, the most authoritative price reference for American
equally popular journal for antique arms collectors in their collectors that has ever been made available to
review of the sixth edition. In their commendation of Norm’s 8th collectors.”
edition they noted: “Here at Man at Arms we get a pile of New York Times: “A most valuable book for the person
questions from readers [a large majority of which] could have interested in truly old guns made in this country is
been answered with a quick trip to Flayderman’s Guide! Every Norm Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American
edition is more comprehensive and accurate then the previous Firearms.”
one,” and that, too, is a tough one to beat!
The American Rifleman: “Coverage is thorough and
Perhaps the ultimate testimony and confirmation of this
material is arranged in a manner that permits easy
Guide is to be found out in the real world or, to employ more
access. The book is as valuable a general reference
fitting imagery, on the firing lines of the many gun shows held
as any listed in its extensive bibliography.”
throughout the country where the book is in high evidence.
Dog-eared, heavily worn and well-thumbed copies are to be The Guide is the only book dealing with antique arms
spotted on (and under!) tables, kept readily accessible for that was selected for the prestigious list compiled
instant reference. There are two-copy owners aplenty; by the American Rifleman (the most widely
retaining one on their library shelf the other for the road! By all circulated of all American firearms monthly
counts that qualifies as the ultimate test by professionals and periodicals) of the twelve most necessary and
novices alike, who measure the book the toughest way by its important books to be included in the gun expert’s
accuracy and usefulness. library! That was quite a recommendation!
Flayderman’s Guide is unique, the very first to embrace and
Hobbies magazine: “It soon became apparent to me
catalog in a comprehensive encyclopedic manner the entire
just how much almost priceless data the volume
field of collectible antique American firearms. Over 4,000 of
contained for the collector who wanted a single
them are classified here, illustrated with over 1,800 detailed
volume reference work on virtually the entire
photographs. From its very inception it became the ultimate
range of antique American firearms.”
arms collectors and guntrader’s reference, manual and
handbook. The Daily News Bangor Maine: “If knowledge is
This expanded ninth edition brings to the field the latest up- power in the collecting and dealing world
to-date, essential technical and historical information in the Flayderman’s Guide may be the ultimate weapon, at
treasury of arms lore; the veritable pillar of knowledge of this least to the gun fraternity.”
fascinating hobby. Many of these chapters have broken new Shooting Times: “This book will not be bettered in its
ground for the collector. They provide experienced insights to scope and field. If you are a collector, dealer or
assist the collector’s understanding and appreciation of each of student of antique arms you will find yourself
the many fields of firearms specialty. crippled without it.”
❉ 5
NINTH EDITION
Fla9-FrontMatter.fm Page 6 Wednesday, October 24, 2007 4:46 PM
Thomas E. Hall, curator, Winchester Gun Museum: dealers in the world, Flayderman has personally catalogued
“A splendid and brilliant work. After over 50 and described more firearms of all types than anyone else in
years of arms collecting and 29 years as curator of gun collecting history. His own sales catalogs (issued from
the Winchester Museum, I can say that it is a major 1954 to 1998) were the most widely read and cited throughout
contribution to arms literature.” the hobby. The 120 editions published over those years enjoyed
the longest consecutive run of any ever issued and have
Herb Glass, legendary American antique arms dealer:
become worthy collectors items in their own right! Collectors
“If I had to settle for only one book in my arms
worldwide recognize him as a serious student in many specific
library, [Flayderman’s Guide] would be that
fields and know him to freely share his knowledge.
choice.”
In his years as a dealer Norm Flayderman has appraised
Guns Magazine, by Elmer Keith, a renowned name in and purchased some of the largest firearms collections in
American firearms field: “The bible for the gun America. His expertise is often sought by well-known
collector a must for all students of early American museums, historical societies and government agencies; his
firearms!” many formal appointments to their staffs being a fine measure
Stuart W. Pyhrr; curator of Arms and Armor; the of competence. There is more, but the point is obvious: Norm
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York: “I also Flayderman is the right fellow to have produced this book. We
recommend your book to the public for its very are fortunate he has brought the same conscientious accuracy
practical discussion of condition and restoration and insightful judgment to this Ninth Edition.
as they affect the historical and monetary values of
firearms.” KEN RAMAGE, EDITOR
GUN DIGEST
And that brings me to the man and his credentials (as if the
book is not enough!): One of the best-known antique arms
6 ❉
FLAYDERMAN’S GUIDE
Fla9-FrontMatter.fm Page 7 Wednesday, October 24, 2007 4:46 PM
Introduction
STAYING THE COURSE unprecedented wealth of significant new data and
illustrations. Making use of every bit of available space in the
T his 9th edition marks the anniversary of 30 years in-print
8th Edition for that profusion of fresh material, it was still
for this Guide! The continuous enthusiastic manner in
necessary to increase the length of this work in excess of twenty
which the preceding eight editions were accepted by my
percent. That detailed, practical information along with
fellow collectors and dealers in this ever-fascinating hobby has
numerous entries never previously included are to be found
been highly gratifying. The realization that all those many years
throughout every chapter of this Guide, accompanied with a re-
sped by so swiftly cannot help but elicit a few personal remarks
evaluation of over four thousand individual firearms. Once
(with the reader’s indulgence) for the excitement and pleasure
again, Chapter VIII American Metallic Cartridge Handguns
afforded me by the provocative challenge of assembling,
continues among those sections reflecting an especially notable
composing and editing these nine editions. Surveying the
increase of information to include salient detail about handguns
bustling, often changeable pace of the marketplace has proven a
never previously catalogued and others that are finally placed in
continual cause for attention. Along with that lively action,
a proper perspective (such as the innocuous little revolvers
keeping an eye on the unceasing flow of newly published works,
known as “Saturday Night Specials” and the un-American
with its added bounty of freshly revealed data for this hobby,
named “British Bulldog” which has assumed a startling role in
have managed to keep me on my toes and not allow for many dull
American arms collecting). Among other chapters noteworthy
moments. The mere quantity of that literature, embracing
for the large numbers of new entries and additional factual data
everything from major studies of firearms not previously
are those classifying the firearms of Ethan Allen (V-A); Colt
examined to the minutiae of manufacturing details and variances
Firearms (V-B); Remington Firearms (V-E); Smith &Wesson (V-G); all
(often the very essence of collecting), is amply affirmed by the
the subsections and categories of percussion handguns of Chapter
bibliographies throughout this Guide.
VII; American Military Longarms (IX); and the numerous sections
The practice established with all prior editions of adding new
of Chapter XVIII Miscellanea (revealing reliable information on
information brought to my attention and reporting ever-
the once-questionable air rifle carried by Meriwether Lewis on
changing collecting trends, has continued to make these Guides
the historic Lewis and Clark 1803 Exploring Expedition). Just
credible and useful tools for the collector. As originally
about all bases have been covered.
anticipated when preparing the first edition of this Guide over
As for those “INCURSIONS ON VIRGIN TERRITORIES”
three decades earlier (and since), it was inevitable there would be
inferred in the caption above: I must admit to yielding to a
gaps in data or omissions for some models cataloged here, while
personal fixation for challenging the subjects of Dueling in
numerous variants were certain to be lacking for many other America and Dueling Pistols (Chapter VII-F). It appeared the time
entries. It was also recognized then, that with gradual maturing was right and long overdue to inject a note of skepticism and
of the hobby, the future years held many changes in store for disbelief at the manner in which both subjects have been accepted
previously unrecognized American firearms to qualify as antique carte blanche by collectors, historians and the public at large.
and gain admission to the ranks of the long-established, Having examined the subject at reasonable depth for my recent
venerable arms collectibles. For many American firearms, that study of the folklore, legend and myth of the Bowie knife (to
time decidedly arrived during the intervening years. They are refute a misconception that some American duels were actually
noted by the inclusion of numerous previously overlooked and fought with those knives), I became acutely aware that the entire
unstudied makes, models and variations. Chapter VIII (Cartridge subject was one fraught with misconceptions, distortions and
Handguns) bears particularly valid witness to that observation. It outright fallacies. It was invariably treated in an utterly simplistic
is just such information that is proven worthy for addition to this manner. Many of those same misrenderings of dueling practices
9th Edition and portends the future for other specialty fields of were transposed directly to “Dueling Pistols.” At first glance a
arms collecting. simple, unassuming explanation was envisioned. However, with
An increasingly visible trend noticeable over the years, and ever-increasing curiosity, as the topic was examined that
one which may be reasonably accepted as an accurate doubtfulness heightened accordingly. Ostensibly there has been
barometer, has been the ever-increasing emphasis focused upon a general acceptance, across-the-board (lock, stock and barrel) of
detail and manufacturing minutiae which continues to dominate just about everything ever printed about those subjects for the
numerous areas of collecting; especially the series of firearms past two centuries. It appears that no discernible voices were ever
made by major manufacturers such as Colt, Winchester, raised in disapproval or objection to even the most blatant
Remington, Smith & Wesson, etc. Recent decades have also seen distortions and delusions. I harbor the hope that my disputation
greater, justly deserved, significance accorded to antique and polemics might inject a note of rationality and logic into both
firearms directly associated with many historic eras and subjects of “dueling” and “dueling pistols.” Optimistically the
outstanding events of America’s past as well as firearms gauntlet, thus thrown down, will not be found unmerited or
identifiable to individuals that owned and carried them. irrelevant, but rather, will serve as a spark to motivate an
Commensurate with that heightened appreciation has been a enterprising historian, student or collector to accept that
noteworthy advance in comparative values, not a few reflecting challenge to investigate the subjects at greater depth. They are
unprecedented gains based on great historical import. deeply embedded in arms tradition as well as American folklore
and deserve better treatment and judicious attention!
IMPARTING NEW INFORMATION;
A persistently overlooked subject also due the attention of
INCURSIONS ON VIRGIN TERRITORIES
collectors is the relevance of early catalogs of firearms
This updated 9th Edition is the largest and most extensive manufacturers and the merchants who sold those same guns.
yet undertaken with over 1,200 revisions, modifications and an Others equally pertinent, are long outdated auction and other
❉ 7
NINTH EDITION
Fla9-FrontMatter.fm Page 8 Wednesday, October 24, 2007 4:46 PM
sales catalogs of notable American gun collections, many of conferring with many other dealers and collectors, each of whom
which played historic, as well as informative roles in the story of are actively involved in this hobby and are cognizant of market
antique American arms collecting. Quite a few of them continue conditions in their respective fields of specialty, including my
to serve as important references to the present-day. Their own fifty years of actively buying, selling, trading and dealing in
significance has not been merely underrated, but entirely these very same estimable arms. There is no simple formula for
disregarded. A few are particularly worthy of veneration and are arriving at values and value changes nor, would it be justifiable
discussed in Chapter I (Collecting Firearms). Equally relevant have or accurate to simply assign a generalized, overall percentage of
been the numerous periodicals devoted to antique firearms that increase (or decrease) to all antique firearms or a particular
have come and gone over the length of the 20th century. A résumé specialized area or make of them. Each specialty of arms
of their somewhat checkered past (also Chapter I) demonstrates collecting is characterized by its own popularity and value trends.
the deserved critical recognition and proud status since achieved In some of those more narrowly focused fields of special interest,
by this collecting field. it often takes but a newly published research study, or merely a
THE PULSE OF COLLECTING REMAINS STRONG, handful of active collectors to initiate an active search for those
THE CLIMATE STIMULATING particular models to realize dramatic value changes. The broad
range of values indicated for each of the listed firearms may be
It has been an exciting 6 years since the issuance of the last accepted as carefully considered, judicious, general guidelines
edition of this Guide. Much has happened in the antique arms that should be found of practical use in determining retail market
world, generally mirroring the tenor of economic times in values. To borrow phraseology in common usage by appraisers,
America. Reviewing my own comments in the previous 8 these value guidelines would serve to ultimately determine “the
editions about the general health and climate of this arms full and fair market value as would have been paid for the
collecting hobby affords the opportunity to get a handle on its [firearm] by a willing buyer to a willing seller in an open market,
stability and endurance, a reasonably accurate barometer to with both having knowledge of relevant facts.” To expect that all
envision its development and anticipate its future. Cutting collectors or traders would approach the estimation of values of
quickly to the bottom line: values, allure and demand for antique
antique firearms in the same manner or with the same practiced
American firearms continues strong and robust just as they have
eye or with the same motives of buying and/or selling would be
since I first committed myself to print in this Guide over 30 years
unrealistic. The highly subjective nature of placing dollar values
ago. A cursory reading of the “Introduction” of all those earlier
on antiques of any type, firearms specifically, and the many
editions amply confirms that conclusion. Collecting antique
motivations involved just do not make for unfailing exactness. It
American firearms, and consequently the values of them,
is commonly taken for granted that no two antique guns, in any
continues its unabated growth. That has proven quite the
condition less than new or like new, are rarely, if ever, identical;
opposite trend of many other fields of collecting. Values have
hence, should be evaluated on that individuality.
generally reflected a constant upward course throughout all the
various ups-and-downs of the economic cycles of the stock THE EXCITEMENT OF RECORD PRICES
market and the economy. With that track record, there is every vs. CONVENTIONAL VALUE PATTERNS
reason to believe that this engrossing field of collecting will
continue that same stable and healthy upward path, neither Among the many exciting, newsworthy events that happened
distracted by an influx of speculators, nor unbalanced by the in the interim since the last edition have been the unprecedented,
excitement of awesome, record-shattering prices recently record-shattering prices, invariably realized at auction, for a wide
achieved for a few matchless, superlative rarities. The recent variety of antique firearms. The startling numbers brought much
decade has witnessed increasing importance paid to minor favorable publicity and acclaim for this provocative field of
manufacturing details and historical associations once thought collecting. Understandably, the media most often reports only
insignificant. Quite often the respective arms are attended by a those phenomenal prices for a handful of choice rarities, with
commensurate of value rise. Those changing patterns of little or no coverage given the more conventional arms, which
collecting are often affected by the numbers of new collectors comprise, by far, the major part of the collecting marketplace. It
continually entering the field. Their outlook often differs from is essential for the collector, especially those newly introduced to
those old hands whose peripheral vision may have been blurred the hobby, to recognize that such exceptional values (many
by years of concentration on a narrow field of specialty; possibly running into the mid- and high-six figures) do not reflect across-
an instance of “not seeing the forest for the trees.” Arms the-board proportionate increases to all antique guns, and that
collecting does experience continual evolutionary change; most those remarkable values seldom, if ever, reflect upon to weapons
of it subtle, logical and enduring; occasionally profound and far- of the same make and model in lesser degrees of condition. The
reaching. Those same possibilities continue to present themselves excitement created by so many record smashing American gun
with the undertaking of each new research project in every area values was certainly provocative for the collecting community,
of this field. Nothing better exemplifies that comment than the and remains so to this day. It is of paramount importance to
recent entry on the collecting scene of the incongruously named recognize that, almost without exception, such sensational values
“British Bull Dog” (see full story Chapter 8A-061). The disclosure were established for antique firearms of equally outstanding
of new factual material, often the minutiae, and for some the very rarity or condition or historical import. The values are certainly
essence of collecting, has been seen to open up new turf for the indicative of a new status achieved by the collecting of antique
collector to explore, investigate and go gunning for (the analogy arms. They equally signify the continuing influx of an astute
was inescapable). cadre of collectors with a deep understanding and appreciation
If logically priced, antique firearms will continue to find a for the ultimate, top-of-the-line for their respective fields of
ready, if not eager market; just as they always have over the interest. However, the collector and dealer should not become
past half-century. I have written those identical words in all prior blind-sided to the reality that those eye-opening, astounding
editions of this Guide. They continue to reflect my assessment of prices were paid at public auction for equally eye-opening,
the present-day antique arms marketplace. astounding antique firearms. As for all other American arms, i.e.
99.9 percent of them, including the various ranges of grades of
ARRIVING AT VALUES
those listed and valued in this Guide, values will be seen
The values reflected for the antique firearms cataloged in this reflecting more modest changes and increases. These remarks are
9th Edition have been carefully and rationally analyzed and certainly not intended to diminish the import of such values or
determined on a piece-by-piece basis by my personally the desirability, of the respective arms, but rather, to again call
8 ❉
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Fla9-FrontMatter.fm Page 9 Wednesday, October 24, 2007 4:46 PM
attention to the unique disparity of values for those ultimate American firearms, that such remarkable values for prime rarities
specimens and caution the collector to keep in perspective the are merited. However, it is essential that collectors (and dealers,
factors that affect and are responsible for establishing that other too!) retain rationality and do not become distracted by such
99.9 percent of antique American firearms that are most apt to be record-breaking values in the belief (or, more likely, hopes) that
encountered in the marketplace. those same spectacular prices are transferable pro rata to identical
The values reflected by this 9th Edition confirm that prices model guns in lesser degrees of condition. Rarely, if ever does that
have continued a just about an across-the-board rise, just as occur. And, it is just at the juncture of irrepressible optimism that
they had in every edition of this Guide over the past 30 years. expectations overwhelm rational judgment to take precedence in
Generally, firearms on the lower end of the condition scale buying or attempting to sell similar models in lesser grades of
reflect modest increases, while those in the upper levels of that condition or quality; invariably to be met with disappointment.
same scale are shown to have disproportionately larger Those spectacular values established for equally spectacular lone
percentages of increased value owing to their greater demand specimens do not a market make. On occasion they cast a pall
in the marketplace. over segments of the marketplace in anticipation that new life has
suddenly been breathed into a specialized area of collecting, all
THE DUAL RANGE OF CONDITIONS UTILIZED
due to the record prices achieved and the publicity devoted to a
TO GRADE (AND VALUE) FIREARMS. single, or a mere handful, of rarities. Ultimately, the market settles
back and resumes normalcy, sometimes to the disappointment of
The dual grades of conditions shown for almost every listed
a few speculators, but to the relief of most others, dependent on
firearm cataloged in this Guide represent the average range of
who may be selling and who may be buying!
condition in which that particular specimen is most apt to be
found offered for sale (or available for sale) in the collectors IMPACT OF THE COMPUTER AGE
marketplace. Merely using the same average condition grades The Internet, Websites, Dot.Coms and Email
for all guns of all types and periods would be as inaccurate, as it
was unfair. All antique guns, regardless of their era of Major changes have taken place since the issuance of the
previous edition in the manner in which antique arms collecting
manufacture are not normally encountered in identical ranges of
in America is conducted and the impact of those changes
condition. That is especially evident with flintlock vs. percussion
continues to grow. They all came about in a relatively short time;
firearms vs. cartridge arms. In each instance the later
their very first mention in these Guides was only in that last (8th)
manufactured weapon (especially those of post-Civil War
edition in 2001. Their significant effect has not merely altered the
through turn-of-century eras) is more likely to be found in a
manner in which the commercial aspects of collecting are
generally better range of condition. The dual ranges chosen for
conducted, but encompasses the dissemination of information
inclusion here have been based on my own experience in
and communication between collectors, as well.
personally handling these exact types of firearms for over half a
It’s difficult not to sit up and take notice how the antiques
century, and in cooperation and concurrence with other
market has adapted itself to the computer age and vice versa.
professional dealers and collectors with long experience in
Less than a decade ago it may have been thought incongruous,
various fields of specialization. Thus, a great majority of Civil
if not irreverent, to discuss such unlikely topics as time-honored,
War and earlier firearms are most often to be chanced upon in
historical antiques and cutting-edge electronics in the same
the dual range of Good and Fine while the majority of later
breath. How greatly have the tables turned! The computer and
manufacture arms (especially of the metallic cartridge era) will
the Internet brought with them alternative collecting patterns,
most often be seen listed in dual ranges of Very Good and
many of which have a direct effect on values.
Excellent. It is essential to recognize that those dual ranges are
It is reasonable to believe that others are destined for the
not hard and fast for all periods of manufacture. For instance:
future as the inexpensive means of world-wide communication
almost all Civil War carbines (Chapter VI-B) are listed in the
continues its unceasing growth. Slowly and grudgingly, it even
lower ranges of Good to Fine, while a few specific models, such
appears to be ensnaring the geriatric set, the old-timers and
as the Smith carbine (9B-085); made during that same Civil War
seasoned collectors who ultimately realized it was necessary to
era, are most often found in better degrees of condition and
change gears to stay active in the game (myself included).
hence are listed in the Guide under Very Good and Excellent as are
Among the more noticeable changes engendered by the
Peabody carbines (9B-081). Other examples of differing ranges of
computer is its use as a means for auction bidding, augmenting
conditions for various guns are especially evident in chapters
and very often supplanting the telephone. Allowing those same
discussing well-known gunmakers with extended production
auction houses an instant world-wide audience via the Internet,
runs, such as Colt, Smith & Wesson, Remington, etc. Invariably
combined with their issuance of exceptionally well-illustrated
their later cartridge models are encountered in finer average catalogs, also eliminated even the necessity to personally attend
condition range than their earlier percussion models and are auctions for many potential bidders. Further evidence of change
thus listed in this Guide. brought about by the computer has been the virtual
Valuations for mint (or near mint) condition firearms have disappearance of antique arms dealers’ time-honored, printed
been purposefully avoided for almost all listings in this Guide. mail-order catalogs. They are fast-vanishing from the scene, with
Essentially, they are not within the range of conditions chosen but a handful of veterans still carrying the torch. On that score
for inclusion in this Guide i.e. the category most apt to be found there’s little doubt that the net’s convenience as a means of
for sale in the collectors marketplace. Such optimum specimens buying, selling and trading antique arms has grown
are certain to be encountered; their frequency of availability in phenomenally, not merely by dealers, but allowing equal access
ever-diminishing numbers and vied for evermore furiously. With for individual traders to the same enormous world-wide
the search for such ultimate specimens in mint condition (or rare audience of arms collectors and potential arms collectors. My
models in even lesser grades of Fine or Excellent) having reached original observation in the 8th Edition, that the absence of many
imposing, often sensational price levels, they have sometimes seasoned collectors [i.e. read: “old-timers”] from the electronic
been the subject of headlines and news stories in the firearms and scene was influential in preventing it from reaching its full
general antiques press. Those lofty price plateaus have been potential has distinctly given way to progress. It has become
primarily achieved at public auction (see further discussion ever more apparent that traditional exchange of information via
Chapter I). There is little doubt that with the ever-rising the postal system has yielded, with quickened pace, to email and
popularity of almost all fields of collecting, especially of historical the Internet. Inevitably, the future holds more useful distractions
Americana and general antiques.and more particularly antique in store for these same remarkable systems.
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NINTH EDITION