Whitney Firearms Wolverine .22 LR 4.625″ Semi-Auto Pistol, 1956-1957 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,581.00

LSB#: LSB251230ST004

Make: Whitney Firearms, Inc. 

Model: Wolverine

Serial Number: 31696

Year of Manufacture: 1956-1957

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Direct Blowback, Semi-Automatic, fed by Detachable Magazine

Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “WHITNEY”. The right side of the receiver is marked “WHITNEY FIREARMS INC., NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A.”. The front of the grip frame is marked with the serial number. 

Barrel Length: 4.625″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade, integral to the barrel shroud. The rear sight is a square-notch sight, dovetailed to the barrel shroud/receiver. 

Stock/Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are a two-piece checkered polymer grip set. The grips show light wear, with scattered scratches and minor dings throughout. The checkering is mostly well defined. The grips fit tightly to the frame, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Good to Very Good condition. 

Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 10rd factory magazine, in Good condition. 

Type of Finish:  Anodized Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is fouling present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 90% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows thinning of the finish at the muzzle, and on the leading edges of the safety. There are scattered scratches and dings throughout all of the metal surfaces. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are lightly tooled, but retain strong and serviceable slots. The pins are unmarred. Overall, this pistol rates in Good condition. 

Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. We did not fire this pistol, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with the magazine as mentioned above.  

Our Assessment: The Whitney Wolverine is one of the most distinctive American rimfire pistols of the postwar era. Introduced in 1956 by Whitney Firearms of New Haven, Connecticut, the Wolverine stood apart from its contemporaries with its space-age styling, lightweight aluminum frame, and streamlined barrel shroud. Designed during a period when American industry embraced futuristic forms, the Wolverine captured that spirit in steel and anodized alloy. Though production lasted only a short time from 1956 to 1957, its bold profile and limited run have secured its place as a sought-after mid-century design. Chambered in .22 Long Rifle, it reflects the era’s strong interest in affordable, accurate rimfire pistols for target shooting and recreation.

This example retains approximately 90 percent of its original anodized blue finish, with expected thinning at the muzzle and safety edges along with scattered light handling marks. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and rates 9 out of 10. The polymer grips show light wear but remain structurally sound with well-defined checkering, and the included factory magazine is in Good condition. Mechanically sound and visually striking, this Wolverine remains an appealing representation of 1950s American firearms innovation. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.