SN 8. Cal. 45ACP. This exceptionally rare US test pistol was invented by Grant Hammond and made by the Grant Hammond Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut in a plant owned by Liberty Motors of New Haven, an ownership that led to the nickname "LIBERTY PISTOL". This single action pistol was made circa 1917-1918 in two variations, both as a delayed blowback with an external hammer. The bolt included a spring loaded stop that protruded as a 3/8" circular extension from the right side. Towards the rear was a stiff retarding spring that also assisted in the final lock-up. The design included two very interesting features: 1) After the last cartridge was fired, the bolt would lock open while the magazine was automatically expelled out of the pistol via a spring loaded accelerator loaded under the left panel, 2) Inserting a loaded magazine automatically released the bolt to a chamber the first cartridge, similar to what Mauser had implemented in its M1910/M1914 pocket pistols. The gun was tested on two separate occasions in 1917, and then sent to Springfield Armory for additional testing in early 1918. In several respects, the gun was felt superior to the Colt; the Grant Hammond was more accurate and had a higher magazine capacity (8 versus 7). Unfortunately, there were a number of malfunctions during the Army and later Navy testing and concerns regarding fabrication and endurance precluded its being selected as a standard service arm. Nevertheless, the Grant Hammond was a well documented contender that was taken very seriously by the US military. The pistol offered at auction is a 2nd variation Grant Hammond with a 6-3/4" rnd bbl, fixed front sight and drift adjustable rear sight. Top of receiver marked "HAMMOND". The left side marked "PATENTED MAY 4, 1915 OTHER PATENTS PENDING"; the right side marked "GRANT HAMMOND MFG. CORP. NEW HAVEN, CONN., U.S.A.". The receiver just below the bbl is numbered "8" and is repeated immediately below on the frame. The frame has been fitted with a push button magazine release behind the trigger. The magazine accelerator is in place under left grip. Smooth wood panels. Unmarked magazine with forward spine and folded lips over base. A super rare gun, total production of both the first and second variation Grant Hammond was fewer than 20 pistols. Included with this gun is a pamphlet on the development of the Grant Hammond, Savage, and Schoube pistols by Roger Marsh.This exact pistol is illustrated in a display article by Montgomery on pp.53-62 of World's Guns and Other Weapons, 1958. PROVENANCE: The Frank H. Wheaton, III Collection. CONDITION: Approximately 90% orig rust blue finish with sharp edge wear and grip strap handling as one might expect from a carefully tested pistol. The same condition concerns apply to the wood panels. The magazine is more worn, retaining approximately 20% orig finish, the remainder appearing as grayed metal with superficial oxidation. Bright bore with sharp rifling. Perfect manual mechanics. A phenomenal pistol, fresh to market, and the first to be offered in over a decade. 51516-5 LMA C&R

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Our shipping department here at James D. Julia, Inc. can package and ship most items anywhere in the world. Our experienced team uses proven packing methods to ensure that your purchases arrive safely. We use Federal Express as our preferred shipper, however we are happy to accommodate just about any request you may have including utilizing specialty pack & ship companies.

It is the purchaser's sole responsibility to identify and obtain any necessary export, import, firearm, endangered species or other permit for lots purchased. Delay or failure to obtain permits or licenses or contravening laws denying consummation does not relieve the buyer of paying for the item and obtaining title to the item.

Please allow 14-21 days from the time your payment has cleared for your purchases to ship. Items paid for by personal or business check will be held for 10 days before being released to the shipping department.
We may refuse to insure or ship items we deem too fragile or a shipping risk. We are not responsible for damage to picture frames in shipping.
Costs for shipping are:

· Shipping Charge: The cost is as per shipper's rate scales.
· Insurance: The charge for insurance on domestic shipments is $0.75 per $100 value (e.g. a $200 item costs $1.50 for insurance). The insurance charge on international shipments is $1.50 per $100 value
· Packaging Materials: We charge for the packing materials used including boxes, packing materials, and labeling materials.
· Labor Charge: Labor rate for shipping is billed at $38.00/hour. A minimum charge is for fifteen minutes.

by James D. Julia
April 11, 2017 10:00 AM EDT
203 Skowhegan Road
Fairfield, ME, US 04937

James D. Julia

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 23% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $249 $25
$250 $499 $50
$500 $999 $100
$1,000 $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