Guns International #: 102313856
Seller's Inventory #: 228340

Category - Civil War Revolvers - Antique Revolvers - Cartridge

Category
Civil War Revolvers
Antique Revolvers - Cartridge

J.P. LOWER Marked CIVIL WAR Era WILLIAM UHLINGER .32 Cal. POCKET Revolver RARE Patent Infringement Pistol of the Civil War

Description:
J.P. LOWER Marked CIVIL WAR Era WILLIAM UHLINGER .32 Cal. POCKET Revolver 

RARE Patent Infringement Pistol of the Civil War

Here we present an antique J.P. Lower Marked William Uhlinger .32 caliber rimfire spur trigger revolver made in 1861-1865 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Here is a very rare patent infringement pistol made during the American Civil War. Made by William Uhlinger, it is estimated that about half of all of his pistols were left unmarked except for a serial number. The other half used other names to avoid being tracked by Smith & Wesson, against whose patent Uhlinger had infringed.

Altogether, he made about 10,000 pistols from 1861-1865. Some were in .22 rimfire long, .22 rimfire short and .32 rimfire. All of these pistols were made in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in what used to be the William Hankins’ (of Sharps and Hankins) manufactory. Uhlinger knew full well that he was making infringements, specifically a bored through cylinder, known as the Rollin White patent, which S&W owned. So, he used at least three other names by which to market his pistols, and simultaneously avoid detection.

This piece is chambered in .32 rimfire and has a 6 inch barrel. Put together the fact that many of these guns were likely destroyed by Smith & Wesson, the limited number of total guns made, the different chamberings, and the different markings that could be found on these, this is one rare gun.

The barrel on this pistol is stamped with Famed Denver gunsmith and entrepreneur J.P. Lower of Denver, Colorado. Born in 1833 to a Philadelphia carpenter, John Pray Lower soon developed a much keener interest in firearms than carpentry. At the age of 13 he began an apprenticeship with J.C. Grubb, a blacksmith turned gun dealer and trader, and by age 20 Lower had become a master gunsmith prior to moving to Denver. There he became one of the “Wild West’s” most famous firearms dealers. He made a name for himself in a profession as essential, if not as glamorous, as that of the lawman or army scout. Lower stated that he had probably armed every Colorado Territory lawman, badman, Indian, and gambler.

The overall condition is fine. Original blue and silver finish. The action is excellent. The loading gate piece is absent. The bore is in nice shape with sharp rifling. The rosewood grips are fine.

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 6 inches.

Caliber: .32 rimfire

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.

ancestryguns

$2000

#228340
 

SOLD

Antique: Yes