Quackenbush Bicycle Rifle Nickel 22LR 12” Single Shot 1896-1919 C&R Non-NFA
SOLD FOR: $1,146.00
LSB #: WY240803MR042
Make: H.M. Quackenbush
Model: Bicycle Gun
Serial Number:NVSN
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1896- 1919, C&R Non-NFA
Caliber: 22 Rimfire (short, long or, Long Rifle)
Action Type: Single Shot, Break Action, Breach Loader
Markings: The left of the frame is marked “H.M.QUACKENBUSH. HERKINER .N.Y. U.S.A./ PAT. IN US & ENG. FEB 23’83 & BELG.MAR15’85”
Barrel Length: 12” Round part Octagon
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a replacement sight blade threaded into the front of the barrel. The rear sight is “v” notch flat dovetailed to the rear of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition:The stock is a retractable wire stock The stock is not original to the gun in this writer’s experience. The LOP measures 16” from the front of the trigger to the back of the bent wire rest. The stock is adjustable and usable at different lengths.There are no cracks, a few nicks, and the stock is not nickeled to match the gun. Where the serrations should be on the “butt” there are none, it is smooth. This metal stock that was crafted for this rifle has a few hard cuts and bends that cannot be attributed to Henry Quackenbush The stock is quite functional however. The stock rates in about good overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: Single Shot 22 RF Breach load
Type of Finish: Nickel Plated
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition:The bore is dark, and the rifling is worn. There is erosion in the bore. There is corrosion & fouling in the grooves that are left. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 2/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its current metal finish. The balance of the finish shows heavy operation/handling wear. Thinning, near the breech, finish loss on the grip frame; scratches & scuffs on the barrel; nicks in the stock and erosion scabs on the swivel breech. There are drag lines near the swivel breach; There is corrosion that was once cleaned up and re nickeled on the breech block. The screw heads range from lightly tooled with serviceable slots, to disfigured. The pins also range from marred to unmarred. The markings are partial and shallow, but legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fair condition.
Mechanics: The action does not function correctly. It will fire a round but the breech will not lock . So we do not advise firing this weapon. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: Quackenbush was born in Herkimer, New York, in 1847. At age fourteen, he began an apprenticeship at gun manufacturer Remington Arms Co.,[3][4] where he acquired skills as a metalworker and gunmaker. At the age of 16, he invented the extension ladder, which he patented on Oct. 22, 1867,[5] and then began manufacturing them himself, until he sold the patent for $500.[4] Several years later,[when?] he left his job at Remington to start his own metal working and gun shop in his hometown of Herkimer. It was a good running shop.
In 1871, he founded the Quackenbush Company in Herkimer, New York, and obtained his first air gun patent (issued June 6, 1871) for his Eureka air pistol. The pistol is now a collectors item
The company began producing air rifles in 1876. Their spring/air design, as well as the steam-powered manufacturing plant itself, were considered to be innovative at the time.
In the 1880s, they began mass production of so-called “gallery guns”, and the Quackenbush name appeared in carnival and amusement arcade shooting galleries throughout the United States.
The company went on to play a key role in the standardization of shot sizes for shotguns and air-guns, and to produce many models of their very popular Quackenbush air rifles.
The company also developed and manufactured many other products over the years — ranging from rifles and sport firearms to kitchen gadgets and seafood tools. Based on U.S. Patent Office records, H.M. Quackenbush and his company were responsible for inventing, or significantly contributing to the development of, numerous early 20th century inventions, including: bicycles; a foot-powered wood lathe; the scroll saw; darts; stair rails; the extension ladder; a bathroom shelf; the nutcracker and picks; the .22 caliber rimfire rifle (3 models, including a bicycle rifle); various air rifles and pistols; ammunition for airguns, including lead air rifle shot (commonly known as “BBs”), felted slugs; the Kaleidoscope; and garment hangers (“coat hangers”).
In addition to the items he invented and manufactured, Quackenbush also had to invent the machinery needed to produce the items, which included many innovative manufacturing techniques and methods.
Check out his Ad for the original Bicycle Rifle.
https://safetymikecsp.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/quackenbush.jpg
“Our $3.65 Improved Quackenbush Bicycle Rifle”
“JUST THE RIFLE FOR CYCLISTS.
Perfectly accurate, all steel beautifully finished and can be used either as a rifle or pistol. Breech System is the same as that used on the Quackenbush safety rifle , the Skeleton stock can be moved in and out quickly and is held firmly when in place. The Form of stock and pistol grip are such that the rifle comes to the shoulder, hand and eye, as conveniently as any rifle. Each rifle is tested before leaving the works. Shoot 22-Short, 22-Long, 22-Long rifle or 22-Shot cartridges.
No6R673 22-Caliber, whole length 27 inches, closed 16 inches,12 inch barrel. Weight, 31 ounces. Each ……. $3.65”
Mr. Quackenbush was one of the genius minds of our day. This is truly a rare item from the past. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition in our high quality photos. Good luck on your bid. -K.F.
