Lot 1070

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Description:

ROLLIN WHITE ARMS CO. REVOLVER
Scarce Rollin White pocket revolver, made for Smith & Wesson. White was famous for his revolutionary 1855 patent for a "bored through cylinder", which would pave the way for America's first cartridge gun. In 1856, White entered an agreement with Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson that gave their company exclusive rights to his patent in exchange for a small commission. Four years earlier, while employed at Colt, White showed a model to his his famous boss, which Colt dismissed as a "novelty". Nevertheless, White applied for and received a patent. After finishing employment with Colt a couple years later, he sought and received a patent before signing on with Smith & Wesson. His only error was that he was responsible for enforcing his patent - the cost of which broke him in the end. In the end, White manufactured only 4,200 such pistols for Smith between 1861 and 1864 to help the company keep up with orders received during the war years.
This particular example, serial no. 7139, is in rather rough condition. Barrel has a good deal of surface corrosion, but still displays attribution to White's company: "Made for Smith & Wesson By Rollin White Arms Co, Lowell, Mass." The cylinder is a bit more pitted, and roll-stamped patent information is lost. The brass frame has an attractive old uncleaned patina, with a light surface scratch. The grips have been notched, one having a chip at an upper corner. The action works but the spring for the cylinder stop is very weak. An important gun for any Smith and Wesson collection. In a period holster, probably not original to the pistol. Estimated accordingly.

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July 15, 2020 11:00 AM EDT
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000