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Interesting & Unique Wilfred Ellis Reising 9mm Semi-Auto Carbine

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:2,800.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Interesting & Unique Wilfred Ellis Reising 9mm Semi-Auto Carbine
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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2024 Nov 23 @ 09:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
serial #1, 9mm, 16 1/4” finned barrel with a bright excellent bore. This interesting gun was made by master gunsmith Wilfred Ellis at his workshop “Fort Ellis”. Mr. Ellis was a retired police officer, expert machinist and consummate firearms historian who, in addition to restoring original pieces, apparently loved tinkering with new ideas. According to a 1982 Philadelphia Inquirer article, he built a working Gatling gun from scratch and one other known piece of his is the rather futuristic-looking experimental XR86 semi-auto rifle which is now somewhat famous on the internet. The barrel of this interesting Reising does not appear to be a sleeved 45 ACP barrel and was no doubt made from scratch by Mr. Ellis, the stock also appearing to be handmade in the original style. Some particulars of the gun are also a bit different than the original H&R Reising, most notably the lever delay system has been removed and it is now a simple blowback, the magazine well is modified and more robust, and the striker has been simplified and allowed to protrude from the rear receiver plug to act as a cocking indicator. The extractor is more robust as well and there were no doubt a few other small modifications and improvements made. The metal surfaces retain about 98% original and reapplied Parkerized finish showing some areas drifting to mild brown patina under bright light and some areas of light pitting beneath the finish. The major components show an assortment of stamped markings such as “PATENTS PENDING” along the top of the receiver, side of bolt and magazine housing, these parts also bearing the serial number “1”. The bolt and receiver also show “9mm” designation stamp, the left side of the receiver bears “GVT INSP” and the right rear of receiver is stamped “U.S. NO. 1”. The smooth walnut stock remains in about very fine condition showing some scattered light dings and a thin 1 1/2” sliver missing at the heel. The left side of the stock below the action is stamped with a rather large “R1” and the smooth buttplate is also stamped with a smaller “R1”. The stock is equipped with Remington “R”-marked swivels and the arm is sighted with a Model 1903A3 rear sight and robust plain blade front. The custom magazine housing/well assembly is very similar to the United Defense M42 submachine gun and indeed the gun includes one slightly modified M42 magazine that fits perfectly along with a somewhat worn US military olive drab sling. The action seems to function well mechanically and there is a brass tag securely affixed to the front swivel stamped “(FORT ELLIS) / ABINGTON PA 1985” along with an inventory number “40”. This carbine was originally sold by James D. Julia Inc. in 1995 when they handled the Ellis estate (Lot 536). This is a fascinating and no doubt completely unique Reising professionally-made by a well-regarded and colorful gunsmith. (13D11700-34) {MODERN} (4000/6000)