Gabbett-Fairfax model 1895 patent model pistol
Sold in auction (March 2014) for $2,875.00
SN NSN. Resembling Hugh Gabbett-Fairfax’s first
pistol patent, GB Pat. 18686 of 1895 (copy included with lot), and possibly a precursor
design, an unfinished, patent model pistol, with 7” barrel chambered for the 7.65 mm
Borchardt cartridge, assembled to show relationship between feed mechanism, bolt and
hammer. Rotary magazine with short recoil action, locking wedge lacking. Frame without
side panels has trigger group. Mainspring does not connect to hammer that must be manually
cycled. PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess. CONDITION: Grey-brown gun with
20% bright metal, largely on the left side of the frame and subframe. Bright bore with
strong rifling. Mild corrosion in grooves suggests barrel must have been at least test
fired. A very interesting piece of history, particularly for the collector of
British pistols or early semiautomatic arms.
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