Scarce Whitney Wolverine 22 LR 4.5″ Semi-Auto Pistol & Mag, 1956-58 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,175.00
LSB#: LSB250518TR003
Make: Whitney Firearms Inc.
Model: Whitney Wolverine
Serial Number: 34586
Year of Manufacture: 1956-1958
Caliber: .22 LR
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Blowback, Fed By Detachable Magazines.
Markings: Right side of the frame marked “WHITNEY FIREARMS INC., NEW HAVEN, CONN., U.S.A.” Front Strap of pistol marked with serial number “34586”. Left side of the pistol frame is marked with “WHITNEY”. The left and right side of the magazine are marked, “5” and “10” as round indicators. The front of the magazine well is stamped with a “6”.
Barrel Length: 4.5”
Sights / Optics: This pistol has front blade and rear square notch sights. With a serrated top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This pistol has two-piece checkered brown plastic panels. The grips show light handling wear. The checkering is well defined with only two places having something in the checkering on the left panel. Overall the grips are in Very Good to Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Anodized Aluminum
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 92% of its original finish. There are scratches and thinning throughout. The bottom of the frame shows most of the wear present. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition.
Magazine Quantity and Condition: This pistol includes one 10rd Magazine in Excellent Condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol includes One Magazine.
Our Assessment: The Whitney Wolverine is one of the most distinctive and futuristic-looking pistols of the 20th century. Designed by Robert Hillberg and produced by Whitney Firearms Inc. of New Haven, Connecticut, the Wolverine was only manufactured from 1956 to 1958. Its unique space-age profile, sculpted aluminum frame, and streamlined design set it apart from nearly every other rimfire pistol of the era. Despite its forward-thinking aesthetics and excellent ergonomics, production was short-lived due to financial issues, making original Wolverines both rare and collectible today. This example, serial number 34586, remains in very good condition with approximately 92% of its original anodized finish intact. The aluminum frame shows light scratches and thinning, primarily on the bottom. The bore is excellent—bright with sharp rifling and no erosion—rating a 10/10. The checkered brown plastic grips are well preserved, with only minor blemishes in the checkering and no chips or cracks. The pistol includes one original magazine in excellent condition, and all markings are crisp and clear. Mechanically, the action functions properly.
For collectors of rare American pistols or fans of mid-century industrial design, the Whitney Wolverine is a must-have. Its unique profile and limited production run give it strong collector appeal, and this example—complete with original magazine and a clean bore—is a standout. Whether displayed as a piece of firearms history or taken to the range as a functional rimfire oddity, the Wolverine remains one of the most iconic and ahead-of-its-time .22 pistols ever produced. -R.E.
