Date of manufacture is 1892, This rifle is in amazing original condition.  The mechanics function as they should and it sports a minty bore, bright and sharp.  Metal finish on the barrel is original and 85% plus, with the mag tube going more plum colour.  The receiver has lost all of its colour case but is in the typical shiny silver that remains when the thin case colours disappear.  The wood is wonderful, with no chips or cracks, lots of bumps and bruises as obviously this rifle was used for intended purposes.  This is a very clean collector grade rifle in a rarer caliber.

$4500 Can.

With its innovative Browning design action, the Model 1894 became the first Winchester specifically developed for smokeless powder. This model has seen continuous production since its inception and has outsold all other models. Most important of its many features were the cartridges Winchester developed for this action. The old standby 30 W.C.F., also known as the “30-30” (30 caliber bullet with 30 grains of powder) has killed more North American big game than any other cartridge and still remains popular to this day.

Early Model 1894 Calibers:
.32-40 – introduced in 1894
.38-55 – introduced in 1894
.25-35 – introduced in 1895
.30 W.C.F. (30-30) – introduced in 1895
.32 Winchester Special – introduced in 1901

As many special orders features were available, a variety of interesting configurations can be found in both rifles and carbines making the Model 1894 one of the most collectable of all Winchesters.

This particular example was manufactured in 1908,  the metal finish on the barrel and magazine is 90 % plus condition, the metal finish on the receiver is mostly grey with some colour remaining in protected areas. 

Upon examining this rifle it is clear to me that it has suffered from the flaking of the blue finish on the receiver that was common on some rifles of that era. The wood is solid with only minor issues, bumps and bruises. It sports an excellent bore with lots of sharp defined rifling, bright and shiny.   There were not very many 38-55 SRC 's made, it is difficult to get an exact figure, but we know that they are somewhat rare.  

SOLD

Manufactured from 1866 to 1917, the Remington rolling-block cartridge rifle was so popular that more than half the world’s armies adopted it or purchased quantities for police or martial purposes. During the American Civil War, gunsmith Leonard M. Geiger designed the basic action, in which the shooter “rolled” the breechblock backward with the thumb and inserted a cartridge in the breech, before the block “rolled” forward and the interlocking hammer cocked in one fluid motion. E. Remington & Sons, America’s oldest firearms manufacturer, took over Geiger’s patent and assigned one of its chief engineers, Joseph Rider, to make the necessary refinements. Rider brought the new action along, and with his 1864 and 1865 patents, put it in its nearly perfect final form.

In the last year of the Civil War, the U.S. government placed an order for what became known as Remington “split-breech” carbines, just before Rider’s final improvement—strengthening the breechblock by machining it out of a solid billet of steel. The early “split-breech” action allowed the hammer to sit between the weaker, split-wall breechblock configuration that took only low-pressure, rimfire ammunition such as the .56-56 Spencer or .44 Henry cartridges. Once Rider’s mid- 1866 patent was issued, the simple but virtually indestructible rolling-block action became Remington’s new ace in the hole in countering the post–Civil War glut of surplus arms that was putting many gun companies out of business. Remington had something radically new to offer, and the new gun temporarily saved the company from bankruptcy. 

An expert rifleman, Remington claimed, could fire 17 shots a minute with the rolling-block rifle. But initially, only the U.S. Navy showed enough interest to place a few small sporadic orders. In late spring 1866, Samuel Remington crossed the Atlantic to demonstrate the rifle in Europe. Its superior design was quickly recognized, and many nations, including Denmark, Egypt and Mexico, began to place orders. During the 1867 Paris Exposition, the High Commission on Firearms called the Remington rolling block “the finest rifle in the world” and awarded it the silver medal (highest award) for mechanical excellence.

Meanwhile, back in the States, civilians were taking to the new Remington long arms. By the fall of 1866, cases of Remington rolling-block rifles in various calibers had found their way to Kansas, Texas, Colorado Territory and elsewhere in the West. The rifles were regularly stocked items for such Western dealers as Denver’s Carlos Gove and E.C. Meacham of St. Louis, and they were also in demand at gun shops in more out-of-the-way places. The courageous cattle drive by Nelson Story from Texas to Montana Territory in 1866 had been a great “domestic” boost for the Remington rolling block—an adventure that the Remington factory quickly capitalized on in its advertising literature.

After making money in the gold mines around Virginia City, Montana Territory, Story hired some 30 men, mostly Confederate veterans, to help him herd 3,000 Longhorns from Texas to the grasslands of Montana Territory. The cowboys nearly all had muzzleloading rifles and cap-and-ball revolvers that all took a long time to load— a drawback that could prove deadly when traveling on the Bozeman Trail through hostile Indian country. Upon reaching Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and hearing warnings that the Lakota leader Red Cloud was on the warpath, Story decided to buy a fresh shipment of Remington rifles and large quantities of ammunition. It is uncertain whether these arms were the old Remington split-breech carbines in .56-50 Spencer rimfire caliber or the newly introduced Remington rolling blocks in either .50-70 center fire caliber or .58 Berdan rimfire caliber. Most authorities believe that the 30 long arms purchased by Story were early versions of the Remington rolling-block carbine. In any case, the cowboys used the Remingtons effectively in fighting off an Indian attack near Fort Reno (in what would become Wyoming). After leaving two wounded cowboys at the fort, Story’s party of 28 pushed on, and in late October 1866, north of Fort Kearny, they faced even greater odds—an estimated 500 Sioux warriors readying for an attack. For several hours, the cowboys kept up a steady stream of fire from the rapid firing rolling blocks and forced the Sioux to retreat. Two other Sioux attacks were also thwarted, and the cowboys completed their incredible drive with the loss of just one man. Later, the Indians suggested that the white men were protected by some “new medicine.”

Capitalizing on Story’s amazing story and other positive reports from Europe and elsewhere, the Remington company sold more than 1.5 million rolling-block rifles by the 1880s. Most were sold on the international market; however, thousands of the guns in various calibers—from .32 to the more powerful .44-77 and .50-90— were sold and put to use in the American West. Hunters, lawmen, adventurers, homesteaders and many others appreciated the strong, accurate and well-made Remington rolling block. Between 1866 and 1896, repeating rifles made great strides in the West, but many individuals still chose the powerful, reliable single-shot rolling block. In the early 1870s, Remington boasted in an advertisement that its sporting rifle was “the preferred arm for hunting purposes on the Plains; it's simplicity and durability especially commending it for frontier use.” Among buffalo hunters, Remington’s heavy barrelled sporting rifle was the second most popular killing machine, behind only the Sharps.

From the 1870s until the late 1910s, the biggest fans of the Remington rolling block seemed to be in Mexico. The early Remington rolling blocks (and all other commercial American firearms) used black powder as the basic propellant for all ammunition until the smokeless, nitrocellulose-based powders became available to the U.S. civilian market in the mid-1890s. The U.S. Army had switched over to smokeless powder in 1892. While many of its single-shot, post–Civil War peers had long since been discontinued, the Remington rolling block, with its modern heat-treated steels, made the transition into the future. The first Remington rolling block introduced in the smokeless period was the Remington Model 1897. In 1899-1900, Mexico bought 14,712 of these military-style rifles and carbines for issue to its second-line army troops, as well as to federal and rural police. All were sold in the smokeless powder German 7.92mm Mauser chambering, since Mexico and most other Latin American countries had been using that cartridge since 1893.

When Pancho Villa raided Columbus, N.M., in 1916, many of his band carried the Model 1897 Remington rolling-block rifles or carbines in the contemporary 7.92mm Mauser cartridge, most of them probably stolen from the many rurales (rural police) armouries in northern Mexico. As late as 1918, bandidos armed with rolling blocks were still raiding border settlements, but they found themselves outgunned by U.S. lawmen and state militiamen. Large-caliber repeating rifles had been serious competitors to all single-shot rifles as early as 1881 (with the single shots’ biggest advantage being their lower price), but now came the era of semi-automatic weapons and machine guns. In fact, as early as 1908, the Remington company had come out with a semi-automatic rifle, the Model 8. By the end of World War I, rolling blocks had been left in the dust; yet during the Depression years, hunters and miners still used them.

Back in June 1876, less than three years after the Remington company received his letter of kudos, George Armstrong Custer took his cherished rolling-block sporting rifle with octagonal barrel on what would be his last campaign. On June 25 at the Little Bighorn in Montana Territory, Colonel Custer and his immediate command were wiped out, and his Remington rolling block—probably the most famous one of all time—was lost forever from the pages of history.  

SOLD

This is a prototype rifle… only an estimated 50 were produced (maybe). Special features are the one-piece stock and original black rubber Hawkins recoil pad.  Cal. .303. British. 22.8″ 5-groove bbl. Very rare Canadian lightweight as described in Ian Skennerton’s reference book The Lee Enfield, pgs 324-326.  These were converted from a No. 4 Mk I* action with reduced thickness sidewalls and left side profile like No. I Mk VI trials rifle. Front sight also similar to Mk VI, with light alloy trigger guard, magazine well and forend cap. Large recessed hole in knob of bolt handle which is slightly swept forward. Distinctive and immediately recognized lightening cuts in buttstock and grooved forend and hand guard.   These rifle are very scarce and very collectable, auction prices range from $10,000 - $32,000 Canadian.  

SOLD

Arthur Allan was born in Catrine, Ayrshire, in 1833. He was the son of Arthur (a power loom dresser) and Agnes. The family were recorded in the 1841 census living in Commercial Road, Gorbals, Glasgow. They were recorded again in the 1851 census at 53 Commercial Road, Arthur was described as an ironmonger's salesman. In 1855 he established his business as a gun maker at 12 London Street, Glasgow, he also sold fishing tackle and in 1857 he described himself as a mathematical tool maker as well. He does not seem to have been recorded in the 1861 census.In 1866 he opened an additional shop at 144 Trongate. The 1871 census records him as a 36 year old gun maker married to Catherine who was aged 19 (b.1852 in Edinburgh). They were living at 16 Grange Terrace, Cathcart.

In the 1881 census the family were living at 41 Albert Road. Four children were recorded including two sons who later joined the business, Arthur (Arthur (III) b.1872) and James G (b.1876). Arthur described himself as a gun maker and ironmonger. In about 1883 the shop at 12 London Street was expanded into 14 London Street. In the 1891 census the family were recorded living at 21 Queen Mary Avenue, Cathcart. Arthur (III) was described as a gun maker's assistant, James was still at school. Between 1894 and 1897 the shop at 12-14 London Street was closed and the firm traded only from 144 Trongate. The firm had workshops at 2 Brunswick Street but the dates are not known.

The 1901 census records Arthur as a gun and fishing tackle maker living with his family at 21 Queen Mary Avenue. Both Arthur (III) and James were described as gun makers. In 1917 Arthur died and one of the two sons took over the business; the other may have left the firm or died. In 1924 the firm bought the stock of William Horton of 98 Buchanan Street, Glasgow. By about this time the firm was a limited company, Arthur Allen Ltd. In about 1926 the company moved to 3 West Nile Street. They were recorded in the telephone directories at 3 West Nile Street up to 1977, possibly later. They closed in about 1985.

This shotgun has been partially and sympathetically restored to a used condition but has been re-colour case hardened and re-blacking of the tubes has been done.  I will list barrel dimensions shortly, however, the bores are bright and shiny and in proof, the barrels are also nitro proofed.  The gun is tight, functions perfectly and should make a great shooter.  The English walnut has some chips but overall is good and solid, with an oil finish, the butt stock is finished with a lined wood butt plate.  As you can see in the pictures the engraving coverage is about 50% and is tastefully done in traditional English style.  The gun handles beautifully.   It comes with it's own leather covered case with green bias, the case has seen better days but holds the gun well.

$1800 Canadian

Most of these guns did not survive and those that have are in very poor condition or have been severely modified, it's rare that the wood on these guns has remained in original configuration and that it has remained as a flintlock and did not get converted to percussion .  This rifle dates to around 1775, it functions as it should and would probably shoot as intended, although I do not recommend it.  A great piece of Canadian history, I hope it stays in Canada.  Wood is cracked and repaired, metal has turned a grey brown colour,  mechanically it functions as it should, ram rod is likely a replacement.  I date this gun somewhere around 1790-1820. Made in England as for trade with native Canadians for fur.  From its beginning in 1670, the Hudson's Bay Company traded guns to the Indians on a large scale.  By 1742, beaver pelts were valued at: one pelt for one pound of shot or three flints; four pelts for one pound of power; ten pelts for a pistol; twenty pelts for a trade gun. The primary source of the Indian trade gun was factories in Birmingham and London, England.  The gun makers in London charged that Birmingham turned out park-paling muskets for the American trade.  The Birmingham manufacturers were often referred to as blood merchants and their factories blood houses by the London group.  There are numerous accounts in journals of gun barrels blowing up when these trade guns were fired (Northwest Journal).  There is no way to determine how many Indians and trader lost all or parts of their hands from these guns.  Still, problems with the Indian trade gun were probably no higher than other Colonial guns of the period.  The full-stocked, smooth bore trade guns varied little in shape and style, but underwent changes in barrel lengths.  By the late 1820's, the 30 inch barrel had become popular.  A distinctive feature of these guns was the dragon or serpent shaped side plate.  Most Indians would not trade for a gun that did not have the serpent plate.  This is an antique in Canada, no license required.

$4700 Can.​

The M1911, also known as the Colt 1911, or the Colt Government, is a single action, semi automatic, magazine-fed, recoil operated machine pistol, chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge.  It was adopted by the U.S. military in 1911 and remained the standard issue side arm for more than 70 years, in many conflicts including WW1, WW2, Korea, Viet-Nam and many more.  I will not go into the history any more than this, all one has todo, is google search this pistol and as much information as desired will be at your fingertips.

This pistol is in amazing condition, it is a WW2 bring back, it belonged to a Canadian ferry pilot who won it in a poker game from an American G.I., while delivering an aircraft to its destination.  I have pictures of the Pilot next to his aircraft and partying with his buddies on some beach in the Mediterranean and a signed testimonial from his family at time of purchase.  I cannot find the pictures or the letter for the life of me, I know I stuck it somewhere for safety, (still searching). Bore is bright and shiny, the finish is 95% plus with minimal wear on the high points.

Mechanically, it functions perfectly.  A very nice example of a WW2 era side arm.

$4,200 Canadian

When first introduced by Smith & Wesson in 1935, it was known as the Registered Magnum. The model was essentially a custom-order revolver. Barrel lengths could be had in one-quarter-inch (6.4 mm) increments from 3 1⁄2 to 8 3⁄4 inches (8.9 to 22.2 cm) inches in length. In addition to the different lengths of barrels available, there were different grips, front sights, triggers, hammers, and finishes available. Each Registered Magnum came with a certificate of authenticity.

Even though it was introduced in the middle of the Great Depression and was extremely expensive, Smith & Wesson found itself backlogged with orders for the four years that it produced the Registered Magnum. The Kansas City Police Department issued the Registered Magnum to its officers, and many other law enforcement officers across the United States carried the Registered Magnum. In 1939 Smith & Wesson stopped producing the Registered Magnum. It was replaced with the .357 Magnum. The .357 Magnum was available with barrel lengths of 3 1⁄2, 5, 6 1⁄2, and 8 3⁄4 inches (8.9, 12.7, 16.5, and 22.2 cm). It has been reported that these were the most popular barrel lengths for the Registered Magnum. Essentially the .357 Magnum was still the Registered Magnum, but standardized for ease of production and economy. The Smith and Wesson model 28 "Highway Patrolman" was introduced as a lower-cost version of the Model 27 in 1954, stripped of some of the features of the Model 27, such as polishing.

It was noted for its durability and reliability. The 3​1⁄2-inch barrel length was extremely popular with FBI agents from the 1940s through the 1960s.  

SOLD

This is a late 1800's American revolver chambered in 38 rim fire, it is a display piece only.  It would have likely been used as a gamblers gun for short range protection.  All internals have been removed and all moving parts have been welded, as well the barrel has been completely filled and welded with a bar going straight through the barrel and cylinder.  No license required, buyer must be 18 years of age.

$ 175 Canadian