Rare Whitney Wolverine .22 LR Semi-Automatic Pistol 1950s C&R & Magazine
SOLD FOR: $1,425.00
LSB#:WY250127ST036
Make: Whitney Firearms, Inc.
Model: Wolverine
Serial Number: 29138
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1956-1958
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol with Removable Magazine
Markings: Standard factory markings on the slide and frame, including manufacturer details and serial number placement.
Barrel Length: 4.6 inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade, and the rear sight is a notch integral to the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are brown checkered plastic panels, showing light wear but no major damage. The checkering remains well-defined with minor handling marks.
Type of Finish: Blued Top, Parkerized Frame
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, but the rifling is worn. There is no major erosion, but some light wear is evident. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7.5/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 85% of its original finish. The blued top and parkerized frame show finish wear, particularly on leading edges and high-contact areas. The screw heads are sharp, and the markings remain clear and legible. Overall, this pistol is in very good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The single-action trigger is crisp, and the safety and slide operation are smooth. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Whitney Wolverine is one of the most futuristic and collectible American pistols ever produced. Manufactured from 1956 to 1958 by Whitney Firearms, Inc., this space-age semi-automatic was ahead of its time in both design and materials. It was one of the first firearms to use an aluminum frame, making it significantly lighter than other pistols of its era.
Designed by Robert L. Hillberg, a brilliant firearms engineer, the Wolverine was intended to be sleek, modern, and ergonomic. Its graceful, streamlined profile drew inspiration from the 1950s fascination with rocketry and atomic-age aesthetics. However, despite its innovative design and excellent functionality, the Wolverine was only in production for about two years, with approximately 13,371 units made, making it highly collectible today.
Though the Wolverine was well-received, Whitney Firearms struggled financially, and the company folded before it could establish itself in the competitive firearms market. This has only increased the desirability of surviving examples among collectors and enthusiasts.
This particular example, with its 85% finish retention and bright bore, remains in very good condition. The mix of a blued top and parkerized frame is less common, making this an intriguing piece for collectors. Whether you’re a firearms historian, a space-age design enthusiast, or a collector of rare American pistols, this Whitney Wolverine is a fantastic find. 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.
