Lot 3087

Theodore M. Thorsen Deluxe Single Shot Falling Block Rifle

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Theodore M. Thorsen Deluxe Single Shot Falling Block Rifle

Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000

Starting Bid: $1,800

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Rare Theodore M. Thorsen Deluxe Single Shot Falling Block Rifle Manufactured c. the early 1900s by Theodore M. Thorsen of Philadelphia. It is believed that Thorsen began producing these single shot rifles in Camden, New Jersey in the late 1800s before moving to Philadelphia, being awarded a patent from there for an "automatic firearm" in 1902. This particular rifle design shows many similarities to the Ballard rifles being produced by Marlin during the period. The barrel is marked "T.M. THORSEN PH" near the breech, which appears to be the only marking. It is fitted with a globe front sight (loose in the dovetail) and a tangent type rear sight. There are two empty drilled and tapped holes on the bottom of the barrel. It is mounted with a checkered forearm and pistol grip stock with a cheekpiece on the left and a checkered shotgun buttplate.

Manufacturer: American

Model: Single Shot

BBL: 31 inch octagon

Stock: walnut

Gauge: .38

Finish: blue

Serial NumberNSN

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

  • Condition: Very good, retains 60% plus of the original blue finish on the barrel with the balance a mixed grey and brown patina, some light oxidation, and some scattered minor dings. The wood is also very good with a repair at the toe, some scattered minor dings and scratches, and well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $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 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000