Very Rare Whitney Wolverine Nickel Plated 22 LR 4.5″ Pistol C&R 1 of 500
SOLD FOR: $6,225
WOA#: WY240318RU001
Make: Whitney Firearms Inc.
Model: Whitney Wolverine
Serial Number: 27214
Year of Manufacture: 1955-1962 (One of 500)
Caliber: .22 LR
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Right side of the frame marked “WHITNEY FIREARMS INC., NEW HAVEN, CONN., U.S.A.” Front Strap of pistol marked with serial number “27214”. 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 “5”.
Barrel Length: 4.5”
Sights / Optics: This pistol has front blade and rear notch sights. With a serrated top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This Whitney Wolverine is nickel plated (Only 500 were ever nickeled). The trigger and magazine follower is unfinished brushed aluminum. The grip panels are dark brown plastic, checkered with one screw holding each grip to the frame. The grips show little to no 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 Excellent to Like New condition.
Type of Finish: Nickel Plated, Aluminum Alloy
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 99% of its original finish. There are some extremely faint surface scratches that are barely visible in the finish. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent to Like New condition.
Magazine Quantity and Condition:This pistol includes one 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, paperwork, and a reproduction Wolverine Box in Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: The Whitney Wolverine Pistol is a unique and iconic handgun that emerged during the mid-20th century. Designed by Robert L. Hillberg, it was produced by the Whitney Firearms Company in New Haven, Connecticut, in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The Whitney Wolverine is particularly notable for its innovative and futuristic design, which was quite ahead of its time. The pistol features a distinctive aluminum alloy frame, which was a departure from the traditional steel frames commonly used in handguns of that era. This alloy frame, combined with its sleek lines and streamlined appearance, gave the Whitney Wolverine a futuristic and space-age aesthetic, earning it the nickname “Space Age Pistol.” One of the standout features of the Whitney Wolverine is its ergonomic grip design, which fits comfortably in the hand and contributes to its overall ease of use. In terms of finishes, the Whitney Wolverine was available in various options, including blued, satin, and nickel finishes. The nickel finish, in particular, was the rarest and offered a distinctive and attractive appearance, with a shiny and durable surface that provided both aesthetic appeal and added protection against corrosion. While the Whitney Wolverine Pistol gained a cult following among firearms enthusiasts for its groundbreaking design, unique features, and futuristic aesthetic, production ceased in the early 1960s due to financial difficulties faced by the Whitney Firearms Company. Today, the Whitney Wolverine is highly sought after by collectors and aficionados of vintage firearms, prized for its historical significance and iconic design. This example is in Excellent to like New Condition and the opportunity to own this very unique and rare pistol should not be overlooked. Please see our photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
