Whitney Firearms Wolverine .22 LR 4.625″ Semi-Auto Pistol, 1956-1957 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,600.00
LSB#: LSB251215DG005
Make: Whitney Firearms, Inc.
Model: Wolverine
Serial Number: 100765
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 “WOLVERINE / 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, with a few minor spots of dirt/grime build-up in the checkering. The grips fit tightly to the frame, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 10rd factory magazine, in Very 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 9.5/10
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 97% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with light scratches and dings, scattered throughout the metal surfaces. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads show signs of light tooling, but retain strong and serviceable slots. Overall, this pistol rates in Good to Very 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 its original serial number matching box, owner’s manual/paperwork, and the magazine as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Whitney Wolverine is one of the most iconic and forward-looking American rimfire pistols of the 1950s. Manufactured in New Haven, Connecticut from 1956 to 1957, the Wolverine reflected the era’s fascination with streamlined, modern industrial design. Its lightweight aluminum frame and flowing barrel shroud gave it a distinctly futuristic appearance that set it apart from more traditional .22 pistols of the period. Though production was short-lived, the Wolverine earned a lasting reputation among collectors for its bold styling and limited production run, making surviving examples increasingly desirable today. This particular pistol bears the “Wolverine” marking on the right side of the barrel shroud/receiver, which adds to collector appeal as only a couple thousand of the original models had the “Wolverine” marking.
This example retains approximately 97 percent of its original anodized blue finish, with only light handling marks and scattered minor dings across the metal surfaces. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and rates 9.5 out of 10. The original polymer grips remain solid with well-defined checkering and only light wear, and the included factory magazine rates in Very Good condition. Accompanied by its original serial number matching box and paperwork, this Wolverine represents a strong, well-preserved example of a uniquely American mid-century design. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.