1886 experimental carbine

[Lead Snowstorm]

Just sold at auction: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/14 ... door-rifle

Curious to hear the experts' thoughts. I wasn't a bidder - already have one in the traditional serial number range. A number of...interesting?...features, including the serial number; an SWP/1892 cartouche and "MASS" on the receiver. Regarding the latter, I'm curious to know who/what in Massachusetts might have used these - I'm only aware of their use in, IIRC, Cincinnati OH. No good photo of the muzzle crown.

[Dick Hosmer]

Well, it doesn't light my fire, and, like you, I am fortunate enough to have a "proper" one. We do know that three examples were made later, but the serials are known, so that one is really an outlier. The questions you pose are good ones, but are difficult if not impossible to answer at this point in time.

[Fred Gaarde]

So what did it go for?

[45govt]

Hello
Here is an interesting photo showing an XC Carbine?

[Lead Snowstorm]

So what did it go for?

Winning bid was $1150. Depending on the buyer's location and/or bidding platform, looks like a 20% buyer's premium, and who knows tax/shipping.

My typical auction expectation (as a remote buyer needing shipping) is to take the hammer price and add another 30-40% to get the take-home price.

I considered a bid, but I just bought a Colt Custom Shop M45a1 to go with my new CMP 1911a1, and I also had my eye on an auction for a 1903 that seemed to have sight covers, a polished bolt, and the black finish suggesting an NM gun.

[Dick Hosmer]

That ($1150) is about a quarter of what a proper XC should bring, so the buyer evidently didn't have any illusions about what he was getting. You cannot fake an XC stock from any other model, and, I've never heard of a repro being made, so that part might be right. The lock plate dates to after the serial number. Maybe there is a reason why the muzzle wasn't shown? Looking at the positive side, the guy has filled a hole on his wall for a modest price.

To address an unanswered point, Don, there is no other gun that possibly could be, other than a XC. I'd guess such pictures are few and far between. Very nice - thanks for posting.

This iteration of the phpBB software seems to lack the usual "reply with quote" feature, allowing for the possibility of such 'out-of-step' responses.

[Jim]

. . . . .
This iteration of the phpBB software seems to lack the usual "reply with quote" feature, allowing for the possibility of such 'out-of-step' responses.

FYI, Richard . . . .

Click on the quotation marks in the upper right corner of the message you wish to quote.

Then you can include the original post . . . .or any portion thereof.

[Dick Hosmer]

Ahh so. Thank you!