Winchester Model 1886 40-65

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.

The Queen Anne pistol was a style of flintlock pistol used in the late seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.  Although the name Queen Anne could apply to any pistol built during the reign of Anne as Queen of England (1702-14), the term Queen Anne Pistol applied to any pistol with screw on barrel.  Queen Anne Pistols are thought to have first been produced in 1660, although they did not become popular until the early 1700s during the reign of Queen Anne I of Great Britain. The Queen Anne was used throughout the expanding English (later British) Empire, although the actual number manufactured, or indeed where they were manufactured, is unclear.  Outside of England, a significant number of Queen Anne pistols are thought to have been used by Revolutionary forces during the American Revolution.  It is thought that they came into the possession of the Revolutionaries during the Siege of Boston (April 1775 to March 1776) after the population in the town took up arms against the British who controlled the town.  The Queen Anne was still in production, post-American Revolution, until the 1780s before gradually falling out of use in the nineteenth century.

I describe these as in the Queen Anne style because the barrels are not removable but are in the same style.  This is a very interesting Late 1700's boxlock, flintlock pistol. Mechanically it functions as it should with good, solid, crisp hammer to trigger response with a sliding top safety lock.  The gun appears to be like a time capsule, being untouched. The stock grip has nice cross hatch  checkering at the rear.   The metal has turned as beautiful grey/blue/brown patina.  Different from most muff style pistols this one is much larger and may have been made as a man's concealed weapon, I believe it is of French origin but cannot confirm as there are no visible markings to be found.

$995 Canadian

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.  

oldguns.ca, virtual museum collection.

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 rifles are very scarce and very collectable, auction prices range from $10,000 - $32,000 Canadian.  

oldguns.ca, virtual museum collection.

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.  The bores are bright and shiny and in proof, the barrels are also nitro proofed.  The gun is tight, functions perfectly.  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. 

oldguns.ca, virtual museum collection.

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 semi auto pistol, chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge.  It was adopted by the U.S. military in 1911 and remained the standard issue sidearm 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 to do, 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, while delivering an aircraft to its destination in Europe,  won it in a poker game from an American G.I.  I have pictures of the Pilot next to his aircraft (a Lancaster Bomber) and partying with his buddies on some beach in Bermuda and a signed testimonial from his family at time of purchase.   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

This is the Walther version of the Gewehr 41, also known as the G41(W).  By 1940 the German military realized the need for a semi-auto battle rifle, so they invited various manufacturers to submit prototypes. Walther and Mauser answered the call, thus there are 2 versions of the G41, this being the Walther or "W" version.

The military specified 3 criteria for the new design.

- no holes were to be bored into the barrel for a gas operating system.

- the rifle could not have any moving parts on the surface.

- if the semi-auto mechanism failed, there was supposed to be a bolt action system as a back-up.

Walther took it upon themselves to disregard the last 2 items, regardless, their rifle design won out. The G41W mostly saw use on the Eastern Front, and thus saw a very high attrition rate, making them quite scarce today.  Eventually the G41W rifle was re-designed in 1943 and became the Gewehr 43, or G43.

This particular example has matching numbers throughout except for the nose-cap.  It sports a beautiful shiny bore with good strong rifling, the metal finish is as expected for a war time rifle as is the wood condition, bumps and bruises but good and solid.  Mechanically it functions as intended, minor issues are the missing dust cover on the top of the bolt which does not affect the functioning of the rifle and a missing front sight hood.  The leather sling is believed to be correct and original.

oldguns.ca, virtual museum collection.

Description coming shortly.

$  8,800 Canadian