Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this semi-automatic pistol with a unique futuristic sci-fi appearance for a penny-start auction; this is the Whitney Wolverine!
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-Only very few were manufactured and are feverishly sought after by collectors around the world-
According to an included official signed letter from Don Findley, Author of the book The Whitney Pistol, "This Whitney .22 pistol serial number 34298 was part of my award winning collection of Whitney Pistols. It was produced at the Whitney Firearms, Inc. factory in 1956."
**Don Finley acquired his award-winning collection directly from BOB HILLBERG'S PERSONAL COLLECTION**
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Whitney
Model: Wolverine
Serial: 34298
Date of Manufacture: 1956
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 4 5/8"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Front and Rear
Stock/Grips: Brown Checkered Synthetic
Action: Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Whitney Wolverine is a unique and innovative semi-automatic .22 caliber pistol designed by Robert L. Hillberg, a research engineer at High Standard Manufacturing Company. Produced between 1956 and 1958, the Wolverine was groundbreaking for its time, with only 13,371 units manufactured during its brief production run. Hillberg, who had gained expertise in aluminum casting during World War II while working with aircraft guns, applied his knowledge to the Wolverine’s frame, which was crafted using investment casting by Alcoa. This method, considered innovative at the time, was a major departure from traditional forging and is now a standard practice in the firearms industry. The Wolverine featured distinctive plastic grips in black, dark brown, or white, with the white grips most commonly found on the nickel-plated models, of which about 500 units were made. The rest of the pistols were finished in varying shades of anodized blue, adding to its distinctive appearance. The futuristic design of the Wolverine, with its clean lines and ergonomic shape, was unlike anything else on the market in the 1950s, setting it apart from the typical pistols of the era.
Model: Wolverine
Serial: 34298
Date of Manufacture: 1956
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 4 5/8"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Front and Rear
Stock/Grips: Brown Checkered Synthetic
Action: Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Whitney Wolverine is a unique and innovative semi-automatic .22 caliber pistol designed by Robert L. Hillberg, a research engineer at High Standard Manufacturing Company. Produced between 1956 and 1958, the Wolverine was groundbreaking for its time, with only 13,371 units manufactured during its brief production run. Hillberg, who had gained expertise in aluminum casting during World War II while working with aircraft guns, applied his knowledge to the Wolverine’s frame, which was crafted using investment casting by Alcoa. This method, considered innovative at the time, was a major departure from traditional forging and is now a standard practice in the firearms industry. The Wolverine featured distinctive plastic grips in black, dark brown, or white, with the white grips most commonly found on the nickel-plated models, of which about 500 units were made. The rest of the pistols were finished in varying shades of anodized blue, adding to its distinctive appearance. The futuristic design of the Wolverine, with its clean lines and ergonomic shape, was unlike anything else on the market in the 1950s, setting it apart from the typical pistols of the era.
The Wolverine was marketed with slogans like “Lightning” and "Tomorrow's Pistol Today," underscoring its forward-thinking design and modern appeal. Despite its limited production, the Whitney Wolverine gained attention for its innovative use of materials and its unique, futuristic aesthetic. Hillberg, who considered the Wolverine his greatest achievement, held over forty patents in firearms design and was deeply involved in every aspect of its creation. The pistol's legacy, however, was somewhat constrained by Whitney Firearms Company's marketing missteps, particularly after signing a marketing contract with Galef, which ultimately hampered the gun's broader success. Nonetheless, the Wolverine remains a significant milestone in the history of firearms, with its blend of technology, design, and engineering making it a notable piece of American gun manufacturing history. The influence of Robert Hillberg on firearm design is undeniable, and his contributions continue to be remembered as one of the most influential in the industry.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with the original box and the official signed letter from Don Findley as seen pictured above! The condition is Astounding, showing no evidence on consumer use or handling that we can see.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
