Whitney Firearms Co. Wolverine .22 LR Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1958-1960 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,509
WOA#: WY240321ST024
Make: The Whitney Firearms Co.
Model: Whitney (like Wolverine)
Serial Number: 34960
Year of Manufacture: 1958-1960s
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The right of the frame is marked “CALIBER .22 L.R. / PATENT PENDING / THE WHITNEY FIREARMS CO., HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”, the left is marked “WHITNEY”. The frontstrap is marked “34960”.
Barrel Length: 4 1/2?
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to the top-front of the frame. The rear sight is a sheet-metal square notch, drift-adjustable at the top-rear of the frame.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered brown plastic panels. The grips have some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 10rd magazine. Magazine has scattered light oxidation and operational wear with intact feed lips, in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Black Alloy
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges. Most of the balance is scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches in the gloss-finished barrel/bolt shroud area of the frame. There are some other scattered minor marks. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-plus 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 comes with the magazine described above.
Our Assessment: The Whitney Wolverine was designed by Robert Hilberg, a man who had quite the career. He worked for Colt, Bell Aircraft, Republic Aviation, and High Standard. Along with the Wildey, COP Derringer and M60 Machine Gun, he designed a rimfire automatic pistol constructed primarily from aluminum. In 1956, this was quite the space-age pistol, both in construction and appearance. Despite being futuristic, lightweight, and functional, initial production underestimated costs and Whitney Firearms Inc. would go out of business in 1956. The design, machines and tooling would be purchased by a Charles Lowe who resumed production as The Whitney Firearms Co. Due to an existing distribution agreement, Lowe’s firm also didn’t get very far, producing even fewer pistols than Whitney Firearms Inc. In all, just over 13,000 of the pistols would be produced, some branded as the Wolverine and some as the Whitney.
This example is a Whitney produced by Lowe’s firm, The Whitney Firearms Co., from quite near the end of production. The pistol has wear consistent with its intended use, but will still make quite the piece for collectors. As one of the later pistols from the second company, it is quite rare and still in good working order. Don’t miss out on this futuristic pistol from the past. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
