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/Auctions...
/Premier Firearms Auction #82

Premier Firearms Auction #82

May 14, 2021 to May 16, 2021

This auction has ended.

/Auctions...
/Premier Firearms Auction #82

Premier Firearms Auction #82

May 14, 2021 to May 16, 2021

This auction has ended.

Auction Time Summary

Preview DayThursday, May 13th10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

SESSION IFriday, May 14th9 AMLots 1 through 726

SESSION IISaturday, May 15th9 AMLots 1000 through 1718

SESSION IIISunday, May 16th9 AMLots 3000 through 3758

To Be Sold At Auction

Preview Day Thursday May 13th
Open at 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

SESSION I - Friday, May 14th
TIME: Commencing at 9 a.m. selling between Lots 1 and 726
SESSION II - Saturday, May 15th
TIME: Commencing at 9 a.m. selling between Lots 1000 and 1718
SESSION III - Sunday, May 16th
TIME: Commencing at 9 a.m. selling between Lots 3000 and 3758

Phone: 1-309-797-1500

Email: [email protected]

Rock Island Auction Company
7819 42 Street West
Rock Island, Illinois, 61201, USA

Phone: 1-309-797-1500

Toll-Free: 1-800-238-8022

Email: [email protected]

Rock Island Auction Company - Rock Island

7819 42nd Street West

Rock Island, IL, 61201, USA

Page 1 of 9

Showing 1-50 of 436 results

Tombstone City Marshal Owned Colt Police Positive Double Action Revolver

Lot 55

Tombstone City Marshal Owned Colt Police Positive DA Revolver

Manufactured in 1910. Features round blade front sight marked with the standard "Police/Positive" and "38 Special." on the left side and the standard Colt address on the top as well as the numeral "1" on the bottom at the frame. Both grip panels are numbered to the gun. Included with the revolver is a letter from Deputy R.N. Stutsman stating this revolver, listed by serial number, was owned by Charles Brubaker (spelled Bluebaker in the letter), the former city marshal of Tombstone, Arizona. In his time as the city marshal, Brubaker more than once made the papers for his actions. The final and most notable being found guilty for discriminatory conduct in 1966 after jailing a government employee for forty-five minutes without charge which lead to a hearing with two delays. Following this incident, Brubaker agreed to remain city marshal until a replacement could be named. Stutman states in the letter that Brubaker gave him the revolver when he passed away. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 38 special

Price Realized:

Montana Shipped Colt First Generation Single Action Model Revolver with Factory Letter

Lot 56

Montana Shipped Colt First Generation Single Action Revolver

The included factory letter states this revolver was shipped on October 24, 1902 to A.M. Holter Hardware Company of Helena, Montana as part of a four gun shipment with a 5 1/2 inch barrel in .41 caliber and blue finish. In standard Colt fashion the grips are "Not Listed". Montana pioneer Anton Martinius Holter (1831-1921), the "father of the lumber industry in Montana", arrived in the United States in 1854 from his native country of Norway as a carpenter in Iowa and Wisconsin. In the heat of the Montana gold strikes and outlaw activity, Holter strategically migrated to the new city of Helena in 1863 and made his fortune in Montana lumber, farming, real estate and hardware, and served on Montana's first territorial council and first legislature, and Helena's first school board. Several Montana institutions and landmarks are named in honor of A.M. Holter. In Helena, he founded several general merchandise and hardware companies, including the well known A.M. Holter Hardware Company at 113 North Main Street, which opened circa 1886 and remained in business until 1958, supplying various necessities during the most interesting times of Helena. The barrel of this revolver has the one-line Hartford address on top and "41 COLT" on the left side. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking and circled Rampant Colt. The hard rubber checkered grips have the circled Rampant Colt at the top. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 41 Colt

Price Realized:

Documented Colt Etched Panel Model 1877 Lightning Double Action Revolver with Scarce Long Barrel and H.H. Heiser Skeleton Holster Rig

Lot 57

Colt Model 1877 Lightning Long Barrel Revolver

Manufactured in 1888. The scarce and desirable 6 inch barrel features the acid etched "Colt D.A. 38" panel marking on the left side. Matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. Includes a H.H. Heiser of Denver, Colorado, skeleton pattern shoulder holster rig, circa 1910-1920, that accommodates this revolver. The revolver and holster rig are pictured together and identified in Richard Rattenbury's "Packing Iron" on page 156. According to Rattenbury, this Heiser holster "was a knock-off of the original Zimmerman/Furstnow design with the addition of a flap leather cover over the grip and hammer area of the pistol." Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 LC

Price Realized:

Presentation Cased New York Engraved and Silver and Gold Plated Colt Model 1860 Army Percussion Revolver with Carved Mexican Eagle Grip

Lot 66

Cased Engraved Colt Model 1860 Army Percussion Revolver

This revolver was manufactured in 1866 just following the Civil War and was engraved in New York by one of Colt's allies such as Hartley & Graham. It features deep scroll and floral engraving in a very American style, plated in gold and silver, and fitted with a grip carved with the eagle, snake, and cactus design from the coat of arms and flag of Mexico. The barrel has the standard New York address, and the frame has the "COLTS/PATENT" marking on the left. The trigger guard has "44 CAL" on the left shoulder. The revolver is numbered "161703" on the barrel and frame, "1703" on the cylinder as well as the wedge and arbor pin, "161949" on the trigger guard, and "166335" on the butt. It comes in a fitted rosewood case with three cartridge packs, a double sided eagle powder flask with sloped charger, a silver oiler, blued "COLT'S/PATENT" bullet mold, L-shaped combination tool, and two cap containers. The revolver may have been embellished for presentation to one of the Mexican republican political or military leaders following their successful ouster of the French and Maximilian I at the end of the Second French Intervention in Mexico. The engraving on the cylinder removed the scene of the Naval Battle of Campeche which reflected an earlier period of disunity in Mexico and intervention by the Republic of Texas. With the end of the Civil War, President Johnson pressured Napoleon III to back down and unofficially armed the Mexican republicans against Maximilian and the foreign supported Mexican imperial forces. With the withdrawal of French forces, Maximilian was left scrambling to hold power and issued increasingly brutal orders, including a decree calling for the execution of any member of an armed band in a futile attempt to end resistance to his rule. He was captured and executed himself by firing squad on June 19, 1867. The revolver would have certainly been a fitting presentation piece for a leader of the "Restored Republic" in 1867-1876. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Historic Butte, Montana Police Officer Edward J. O'Connor Revolver and Pistol Holster -A) Smith & Wesson .38 Safety Hammerless 4th Model Double Action Revolver

Lot Contains 2 Items

Lot 68

Pair of Pistols Owned by Butte, MO Officer Edward J. O'Connor

This pair of pistols and the holster rig belonged to Officer Edward J. O'Connor of Butte, Montana. O'Connor was born in 1910 and join the Butte Police Department in 1929 at the age of 19. O'Connor was a fine officer by all accounts and attend the National Police Academy run by the FBI and also helped in the capture of Harmon and Margaret Waley, the perpetrators of the infamous Weyerhaeuser kidnapping. He passed away in 1939 after a long battle with meningitis. Standard markings and features. Matching serial number on the barrel, barrel latch, cylinder, butt, and right grip panel. Includes a custom made leather holster rig made to fit both guns and a spare magazine, extra magazine for "B", detective's badge, and a letter proclaiming the pair as carried in the line by O'Connor but listing his date of passing incorrectly as 1938.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 25 ACP, 38 S&W

Price Realized:

Desirable Antique Etched Panel Colt Sheriff's Model 1877 Lightning Double Action Revolver with Pearl Grips

Lot 73

Colt Sheriff's Model 1877 Lightning Revolver

Manufactured in 1879. The sought after 3 1/2 inch ejectorless barrel features the etched caliber panel on the left side and the stamped two-line Hartford address on top. The frame has the standard three-line patent dates. Matching serial numbers on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 LC

Price Realized:

Lot 76

Engraved Colt New Line 22 Pocket Revolver with DeGress Grips

Manufactured in 1873. Features round blade front sight with the standard two-line barrel address and approximately 75% coverage floral scroll, crosshatch and punch dot, and intertwining line engraving as well as DeGress inscription grips with blank inscription panel. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 22 RF

Price Realized:

Lot 79

Early Colt Third Model Derringer

Manufactured c. 1870s. Features one-line "Colt" on the barrel, blade front sight, high spur hammer, bulbous frame around the front screw, and matching serial number on grip frame and inside each grip panel. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 RF

Price Realized:

Lot 84

Colt Third Model Derringer

Manufactured 1870-1912. Features one-line "Colt" on the barrel with British proofs on the underside, blade front sight, swept back spur hammer, and matching serial number on grip frame and inside each grip panel. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 41 RF

Price Realized:

Montana Shipped Colt First Generation Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter

Lot 86

Montana Shipped Colt First Generation Single Action Revolver

The accompanying factory letter lists revolver with a 4 3/4 inch barrel in .44/40 caliber, blue finish, grips not listed when shipped to Carl Engel of Butte, Montana on April 24, 1905. This was a single gun shipment. Carl Engel (1871-1956) owned a successful sporting goods store in the lively mining town Butte, Montana that sponsored lots of local shooting events with the Butte Rod and Gun Club. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite Masons, later a deputy sheriff circa 1925-1931 during Prohibition, became an insurance agent after 1931 and resided in Reno, Nevada circa 1952 until his death in 1956. The barrel has the two-line Hartford address on top and "FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER" on the left side. The left side of the frame has the two-line, three patent dates marking followed by a circled Rampant Colt. Matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, and both grip panels hand-numbered "6571". Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Price Realized:

Exceptional Antique Special Order Nickel Plated Colt Medium Frame Lightning Slide Action Rifle

Lot 98

Special Order Nickel Plated Colt Medium Frame Lightning Rifle

Manufactured in 1889 with standard markings including the Rampant Colt on the left side of the frame. The rifle features a special order full nickel plate finish and is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and elevation adjustable notch rear sight, both of which are blued. Mounted with a multipoint checkered slide handle and smooth straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38-40 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 100

Colt Burgess Lever Action Rifle

The Colt Burgess rifles and carbines were only available from 1883 to around 1885, and only 6,403 were manufactured. They were designed by Andrew Burgess who held 894 patents by the end of his life. It has long been rumored that Colt and Winchester came to an agreement that Colt would exit the lever action market and Winchester would not release a revolver. There seems to be little other reason for Colt to have discontinued these fine repeating arms so quickly after they introduced them. The Burgess is arguably more advanced and refined than the Winchester Model 1873. This example has standard markings and is fitted with dovetailed German silver blade front and elevation adjustable notch rear sights. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 101

Colt Lightning Medium Frame Slide Action 32-20 Rifle

Colt's Lightning rifles were introduced in the 1880s in an attempt to get Colt involved in the lucrative repeating rifle market dominated by Winchester, Marlin, and Remington. The Colt's prior attempt, the Burgess lever action rifles, was halted shortly after production began supposedly due to a back room agreement with Winchester that Colt would steer clear of lever action innovations and Winchester would not compete against Colt's revolvers. That agreement must not have included other repeating rifles given Colt released the Lightning the following year. They were manufactured until 1904 and though well received, hardly put a dent in Winchester's lever action sales. These medium frame rifles and carbines were the most popular because they were chambered for many of the same cartridges as Colt's famous Single Action Army. This example was manufactured in 1893 and has the standard later production markings and features and also has a tang mounted peep sight. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 26 inch octagon barrel in .32 caliber, blue finish and "wood" stock and states the rifle was shipped to Farwell, Ozmun, Kirk & Co. of St. Paul, Minnesota, on March 13, 1893.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 32-20 WCF

Price Realized:

Exceptional Pair of Colt "Thuer" Third Model Deringers with Extremely Rare Factory Box -A) Colt Third Model Deringer

Lot Contains 2 Items

Lot 102

Pair of Colt Third Model Deringer with Shared Box

Colt manufactured these Third Model derringers from 1870 to 1912, and they were Colt's most popular single shot pocket pistols. This exceptionally high condition pair has the later sloped hammers, round blade front sights, "-COLT-" on top of the barrels, blued barrels, nickel frames, casehardened hammers, niter blue remaining small parts, and grips hand numbered to the pistols. They come in an extraordinarily rare box designed to hold the pair with wooden rods on the inside. The lid has the Rampant Colt trademark and "COLT'S/41 Cal./BREECH-LOADING/DERINGER."

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 RF

Price Realized:

Extraordinarily Historic and Incredibly Well-Documented Special Order High-Sight Colt Single Action Army Revolver and Holster Rig, Personally Ordered, Owned and Carried by American Legend, Western Lawmen and Gunfighter, Bat Masterson, with Colt Factory Letter and Additional Documentation

Lot 103

Bat Masterson's Colt Single Action Army and Holster Rig

"Nothing is more symbolic of the stature of the legendary Bat Masterson than his firearms, tools of the trade for a lawman, a professional hunter, a gamble, and even a frontier businessman - whose main trade was in that most treasured of American institutions, the saloon." wrote R.L. Wilson in an included detailed letter on this historic revolver and Bat Masterson's life and legacy. Throughout the world, the Colt Single Action Revolver is recognized as the greatest symbol of law enforcement and gunplay in the American West, associated with virtually every legendary character and major event of the time. Bat Masterson, one of the most heralded of gunfighters, was more than a legend. He was an absolutely fearless man of resolute character and a seriously respected shootist. He was a contemporary associate and personal friend of Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Charlie Bassett, Dave Rudabaugh, Buffalo Bill Cody, Billy Dixon, Luke Short, and Jim Courtright. Unlike many of the “legends”, many of Masterson’s exploits and involvement in multiple shootouts of the Wild West in the 1870s and 1880s are fully documented, some in sworn court testimony. How many men he killed ranges anywhere from 3 to over 20, not including Native Americans he may have shot in battle. The number of wounded is even more impressive, as Masterson was not considered a “killer” of men, but rather an “enforcer” of law. He was intolerant of bad behavior. If you opposed him you were taking a risk, and Masterson did not suffer fools gladly. Born in Quebec, Canada on November 24, 1853, William Barclay “Bat” Masterton's birth name was Bartholomew. He grew up on farms in New York, Illinois and eventually near Wichita, Kansas where his family moved while still a youth. In his late teens, he left home with his brothers to become a buffalo hunter, plainsman and scout. While engaged in buffalo hunting at the age of twenty and beginning at dawn on the 27th of June in 1874, he was one of twenty-eight buffalo hunters and one woman that held off a deadly five-day siege of an estimated 700 Comanche, Kiowa and Cheyenne warriors under the leadership of Comanche war leader Quanah Parker at the Second Battle of Adobe Walls, a well known trading post in the Texas Panhandle, just north of the Canadian River. The complex included a store, a sod saloon and restaurant owned by James Hanrahan, a blacksmith shop and corral, and a sod store used to purchase buffalo hides, all of which served the population of 200-300 buffalo hunters in the area. During the horrific fighting, somewhere between 30 and 70 of the native warriors were killed. How many of them died from bullets fired by Masterson is impossible to say. In Billy Dixon's words: “There was never a more splendidly barbaric sight. In after years, I was glad that I had seen it. Hundreds of warriors, the flower of the fighting men of the southwestern Plains tribes, mounted upon their finest horses, armed with guns and lances, and carrying heavy shields of thick buffalo hide, were coming like the wind. Over all was splashed the rich colors of red, vermillion and ochre, on the bodies of the men, on the bodies of the running horses. Scalps dangled from bridles, gorgeous war-bonnets fluttered their plumes, bright feathers dangled from the tails and manes of the horses, and the bronzed, half naked bodies of the riders glittered with ornaments of silver and brass. Behind this headlong charging host stretched the Plains, on whose horizon the rising sun was lifting its morning fires. The warriors seemed to emerge from this glowing background.” At first, it was difficult for the hunters to defend themselves with their long-range Sharps rifles as the Indians were amassed in close quarters about the buildings. They relied on their Henry and Winchester Rifles in 44 rimfire and revolvers (primarily Colt Conversions) in these closer quarters, barely surviving the initial onslaught. During the second day, the besieged buried or dragged away the dead horses and bodies to "prevent the evil smell from reaching the buildings”. During a break in the fighting on day 3, Dixon was credited with hitting one man from nearly a mile away with his long-range Sharps. Seeing their fellow warrior killed from such a distance apparently so discouraged the Indians that they decamped on day 5 and gave up the fight. A week later, 25 men headed back to Dodge City, including James Hanrahan, Masterson and Dixon. In response to this and other incidents on the Southern Plains, Colonel Nelson A. Miles was ordered to lead an expedition against the Indians of the Texas Panhandle in what would become known as the Red River War. Masterson joined the expedition as a civilian scout working out of Fort Elliot in what was then called Sweetwater, Texas. The next spring he returned to buffalo, becoming a frequent visitor to the many saloons in the area. By early 1876, he was working as a faro dealer in Henry Fleming’s Saloon. He claimed his first life in self-defense in 1876 in a classic western conflict involving a woman in a saloon where he was working as a dealer. In that instance, Masterson was confronted by Army Sergeant Melvin A. King who was romantically interested in Mollie Brennan and who Masterson had been with that evening. King shot Masterson in the pelvis and then Brennan in the stomach. Masterson returned fire, hitting King in the heart. Both King and Brennan were killed. The injury caused Bat to walk with a limp, and he adopted the use of a cane for a short period. After recovery, Masterson returned to Dodge City where he became a lawman along with his friend Wyatt Earp under Ford County Sheriff, Charlie Bassett. These were the years that Dodge City was known as a “wicked little town”. Bat was elected Sheriff on November 6, 1877, with the Dodge City Times stating before his election: “He is well qualified to fill the office, and, if elected, will never shrink from danger.” and after; “Bat Masterson, is said to be cool, decisive, and a bad man with a pistol.” Bat officially took the office of sheriff in January 1878 and wasted no time in putting his talents to work. On January 27, 1878, Dave Rudabaugh and four other men attempted to rob a train at Kinsley, Kansas. Their robbery attempt was ineffectual and the bandits fled. On February 1st, Sheriff Bat Masterson led a posse, which included his brother, Ed Masterson, in pursuit of the would-be robbers. They captured two of them — Dave Rudabaugh and Edgar West, apprehending the others soon after. Bat killed another man in 1878 in Dodge City, Kansas, where he was then sheriff of Ford County and where his brothers Ed and Jim were also working as lawmen. After ordering Jack Wagner, a rider for trail boss Alf Walker, to check his gun with a bartender at The Lady Gay Saloon in accordance with local ordinances, a scuffle ensued and Ed was shot in the stomach, his coat catching fire from the muzzle blast. Across the street and from 60 feet away, Masterson emptied his gun, hitting Wagner in the abdomen and Walker in the chest and arm. Bat then tended to his brother, who died in his arms about a half hour after the fight. Wagner died shortly thereafter. Walker survived long enough to get back to Texas where he died from pneumonia that resulted from his wound. Originally, Wagner's death was attributed to Ed, but the locals knew who had actually fired the shots. In 1887, the newspapers recorded that when asked by the court in Topeka, Kansas, if he had killed 38 men, Masterson responded that "he had not, unless Indians were counted. He had killed a good many Indians, but had never killed any man except in self-defense. 'I don't let any body shoot at me,' he said, 'If folks let me alone I never hurt them.' In a later libel case detailed in "When New York City Tamed the Feared Gunslinger Bat Masterson" by Gilbert King in the Smithsonian Magazine, "Masterson denied killing any Mexicans; any Indians he may have shot, he shot in battle. Finally, future US Supreme Court Justice Benjamin Cardoza rose to cross-examine the witness. 'How many men have you shot and killed in your life?' he asked. Masterson dismissed the reports that he had killed 28 men, and to Cardozo, under oath, he guessed that the total was three. He admitted to killing Sergeant King after King had shot him first in Sweetwater. He admitted to shooting a man in Dodge City in 1881, but he wasn't certain whether the man died. He also confessed that he, and not his brother Ed, had shot and killed Wagner. He was also involved in several other shootouts as a lawman and private citizen in which people were wounded but not killed. In 1881, he likely shot and wounded Albert Updegraff after confronting him in relation to threats against his other brother, but he was not charged due to lack of evidence. By the time he received this revolver in the late 1880s he continued to be involved in controversies and dangerous activities such as gambling and romancing with women in western saloons. In 1888, he was the owner of the Palace Variety Theater in Denver, and was associated with con man and gang leader Soapy Smith. He was also involved in prizefighting. He moved to the East in the mid-1890s and was living in New York in 1895 working as George Gould's bodyguard, and later returned to the West. By April 6, 1897, he was a deputy sheriff in Arapaho County Colorado. That day, he got into a melee with Tim Connors that resulted in another man getting shot in the left wrist by a shot from Masterson, likely using this very revolver. In 1902, Masterson was again living in New York City and was arrested on June 6, 1902, along with two other men accused of conning George H. Snow out of $17,000 in a bunko game. The charges were dropped, but Masterson was arrested again just a few days later on June 15 for carrying a concealed weapon, perhaps this Colt. He found work as a reporter at the New York Morning Telegraph and had a column titled "Masterson's Views on Timely Topics" generally focused on sports including prize fights. He also worked as a timekeeper for fights. Masterson writings about his life in the West and about his many famous friends and fellow gunfighters helped secure him firmly as one of the best known western legends both then and now. Masterson became friends with President Theodore Roosevelt and was a regular visitor of Roosevelt at the White House. In response, Roosevelt appointed Masterson as a deputy U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of New York. Roosevelt was known for preferring to hire men of merit rather than based on personal and political considerations, and Masterson's western reputation no doubt found favor with Roosevelt who was fond of the hard men of the American West. In his appointed position, Masterson received the significant salary of $2,000 per year until he was fired by Roosevelt's handpicked successor and soon to be adversary President William Howard Taft in 1909. Masterson again returned to writing about boxing matches for the Telegraph. He was also more directly involved with boxing, acting as a second for Jess Willard on April 5, 1915, when he knocked out Jack Johnson to claim the heavyweight title. He was still at work writing when he suffered a heart attack at the age of 67 on October 25, 1921. His friend fellow author and sports reporter Damon Runyon wrote: "He was a 100 percent, 22-karat real man." This incredible revolver is documented by Colt factory letter as a .45 caliber revolver with 5 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, rubber grips, and "sights higher than usual." The "blue finish" notation is a widely accepted clerical error by the factory. The letter indicated the revolver was shipped to W.B. Masterson on July 5, 1888. This revolver has appeared in several publications. It is pictured on the cover of "The Rampant Colt" in Summer 2007 and covered in detail in the article "Bat Masterson and His Last Colt Single Action Revolver" by Dick Burdick, the owner of the revolver at that time. It is also featured as "Bat's Gat" in the March 2016 issue of "America's 1st Freedom" and in the October 2007 issue of "Wild West" in the article "Bat Masterson's Colt Has Celebrity Appeal: The Legendary Lawman Ordered It" by Lee A. Silva. In Silva's article, he notes the holster and belt rig accompanying the revolver with "W.B.M." prominently tooled on the belt were produced by F.A. Meanea in Cheyenne, not far from Denver. Silva notes that the fact that the holster and belt rig remained with the revolver even as the details of the ownership of the revolver and belt were unknown at the time, is “solid evidence that the gun and holster rig combined, did find a home on Bats hip." The revolver has a one-line "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A." barrel address, no caliber marking on the left side of the barrel, the classic "black powder" frame with the three-line 1871-1875 patent markings, "45 CAL" on the left side of the trigger guard bow, classic Rampant Colt and Federal Eagle pattern hard rubber (gutta percha) grips, assembly number "164" on the loading gate, an "L" on the back of the frame on the right, the matching partial serial number "70" on the barrel under the front of the ejector housing and on the rear of the cylinder, and the full matching serial numbers on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The screws were finished in niter blue, and the remaining metal surfaces all have nickel plating. The brown leather rig has "~W.B.M.~" on the right side of the belt, an engraved nickel-silver buckle, "F.A. MEANEA/CHEYENNE" on the left side, an open toe double loop holster with light tooling and unclear marking, and twenty cartridge loops (reduced from about twenty-five). The documentation, which includes copies of several of the publications noted above, is contained within a "W.B. Masterson/Colt SAA/sn. 126770" embossed case. Masterson has been the subject of numerous films, television shows, biographies and magazine articles which have increased his fame and his notoriety, lifting him to equal status with the likes of Wyatt Earp, Billy the Kid and "Wild Bill" Hickok. When the factual documentation of his life and deeds are read and fully absorbed, his modern-day reputation is that of the Old West's toughest and deadliest lawman. Provenance: Bat Masterson, J.C. Smith, John Leweller, Jerry Keener, Richard Ellis, Rick Bronstein, Richard Burdick, property of a gentleman

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45 Long Colt

Price Realized:

Iconic and Incredibly Rare, Well Documented Finest Known Cuno Helfricht Deluxe Factory Engraved, Nickel and Gold Plated, Black Powder Colt Etched Panel Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army Revolver with Incised Eagle Pearl Grips and Factory Letter as Pictured in "A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver"

Lot 104

Factory Engraved Colt Frontier Six Shooter SAA Revolver

Offered here is an exceptional factory documented masterpiece of the most iconic 19th century American firearm by Colt's longest tenured Master Engraver Cuno Helfricht. It's combination of rarity, condition, configuration and pedigree put it into the rarified category of not good nor great but utterly exceptional. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 4 ¾ inch barrel in .44-40 caliber, two-tone finish (“nickel with gold cylinder”), pearl grips and engraving and states the revolver was shipped to J.F. Schmelzer & Sons of Kansas City on January 29, 1889. The revolver is pictured in Graham, Kopec and Moore’s “A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver” on page XXII. The authors attribute the engraving to famed Colt Master Engraver Cuno Helfricht or his shop and the pearl stocks with incised and enameled American eagle as factory original. Helfricht spent his nearly 50 year career exclusively with the Colt firm (1871-1921). During his tenure with Colt, Helfricht saw the transition from percussion to cartridge firearms and a rapidly growing market for engraved firearms. At the height of the firearm engraving fad, Helfricht oversaw a shop of six engravers. By the turn of the century, experts believe that Helfricht did most of the work himself with the help from one to two assistants. Helfricht's successor's included famed Colt engravers Wilbur Glahn and William Gough. Using the most liberal statistics only 2,500 1st Generation Colt SAAs of the 357,800 manufactured were factory engraved, and the overwhelming majority of those 2,500 were done in the twilight years of production. Thus, an emphasis must be placed on the rarity of factory documented black powder single actions. Yet even fewer of those remain in high condition, like this incredible piece. In the chapter devoted to engraved SAAs in the seminal work “A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver” the authors lay out statistics that without a doubt make this SAA a true rarity in Colt collecting, a standout piece to even the most advanced public or private collections. Out of the engraved 1st Generations surveyed approximately 15% were chambered in .44 WCF (the vast majority, 65%, where in .45 caliber) and 4% had a combination of gold and nickel plating. As already mentioned, the grips are pearl and feature an incised American eagle on the left panel. Colt historian and author R.L. Wilson noted only "a few" SAAs left the factory with embellished grips, the embellishment was generally a carved steer head, and those of pearl are especially rare. The rarity of this SAA cannot be overstated. The left side of the barrel has the acid etched “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” panel. As noted in “A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver,” the barrel etching “is in nearly as fine a condition as the day it left the factory.” This highly desirable etched barrel panel was officially replaced by the Colt factory in the 120,000 serial number range with the much easier to produce and larger roll-stamping. Rarely is the etched panel encountered in such pristine condition. We currently know of four other factory engraved SAAs with the Frontier Six Shooter etched panel (nos. 47135, 52438, 56304 and 53117). No. 47135 was engraved by Eugene Young. Known as the Rosebud SAA, no. 52438 was owned by a U.S. Indian Service superintendent at the Rosebud Indian Agency. Nos. 53117 and 56304 are in private hands. No. 56304 has the additional significance of being presentation inscribed to one of Billy the Kid’s captors, Frank Stewart. The top of the barrel is stamped with the two-line Hartford address. The left side of the frame has the standard three date, three-line patent marking. The left side of the trigger guard is stamped “44 CAL.” Matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The trigger guard serial number is inside an engraved banner. Provenance: The Ray Vanyek Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Price Realized:

Incredible and Iconic Special Order Fort Worth Texas Shipped Wilbur Glahn Factory Engraved Colt First Generation Single Action Army Revolver with Relief Carved Eagle Grip and Factory Letter

Lot 105

Texas Shipped Glahn Engraved Colt Single Action Army Revolver

There is no single revolver that stirs the imagination of 19th century fine arms collectors more than the legendary Colt Single Action Army, particularly factory engraved, Texas shipped examples by the hand of Wilbur Glahn. From the time he arrived in Hartford in 1919 until the spring of 1950, Wilbur Glahn did the bulk of the engraving for Colt. His death in 1951 signaled the end of one of America’s family dynasties of firearms engravers. He left behind a legacy of high quality craftsmanship and design, which is certainly showcased on this SAA. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 7 ½ inch barrel in .45 caliber, nickel plating, checkered grip straps and 4 ½ lb. trigger pull (both rare special order factory features). The type of stocks are “not listed.” The revolver was shipped to famed Fort Worth, Texas, dealer Wolf & Klar on May 25, 1927. Glahn’s stylistic floral scrollwork on a matte background appears on the frame, top strap, recoil shield, loading gate, cylinder flats, trigger guard, top of back strap, butt, rear barrel section and ejector rod housing. Amongst the engraving on the sides of the frame are floral blossoms. Simple wavy line motifs decorate the top of the ejector rod housing and rear of the cylinder. The embellishment covers 50% of the surfaces. As confirmed in the factory letter, the special order grip straps are checkered. The barrel is stamped with the one-line Hartford address on top and “45 COLT” on the left side. The left side of the frame has the three date, two-line patent marking followed by a Rampant Colt. The left side of the trigger guard has the Colt factory inspection markings (“3” and triangle factory proof). The grips feature silver Rampant Colt medallions, and the right panel is decorated with a wonderful relief carved eagle/shield motif. As noted by Colt historian R.L. Wilson, factory relief carved grips are rare with those encountered generally featuring a steer head motif. The eagle motif on this grip set is especially rare. Matching serial numbers are on the frame and right side of the trigger guard and back strap under the grip panel. Matching assembly number “1110” is on the loading gate and rear of the frame. Using the most liberal statistics only 2,500 First Generation Colt SAAs of the 357,800 manufactured were factory engraved

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 LC

Price Realized:

Factory Engraved, Texas Shipped Colt First Generation Single Action Army Revolver with Relief Carved Steer Head Medallion Pearl Grip, Holster and Factory Letter

Lot 106

Factory Engraved Colt 1st Generation Single Action Army Revolver

The factory letter confirms the 5 1/2 inch barrel in .45 caliber, nickel plating, pearl stocks with carved steer head and level 5 factory engraving. The revolver was shipped to Potchernick's in San Antonio, Texas, on November 30, 1928. In operation from about 1894 to 1991, Potchernick's Sporting Goods was a major supplier of sporting wares to the San Antonio area, as well as a noted patron of the shooting sports, playing an active role in establishing an early municipal skeet field for the city. The factory engraving is in the style of famed Colt Master Engraver Wilbur Glahn. From the time he arrived in Hartford in 1919 until the spring of 1950, Wilbur Glahn did the bulk of the engraving for Colt. His death in 1951 signaled the end of America’s family dynasties of firearms engravers. He left behind a legacy of high quality craftsmanship and design, which is certainly showcased on this SAA. The engraving consists of Glahn style floral scrollwork and blossoms on a stippled background. Wavy lines decorated the top of the ejector rod housing and rear of the cylinder. A star burst appears on the ejector rod head. The embellishment covers 70% of the surface. The barrel is stamped with the one-line Hartford address on top and “45 COLT” on the left side. The left side of the trigger guard has the Colt factory inspection markings (“1” and triangle factory proof). The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking followed by a Rampant Colt. The revolver is fitted with silver Rampant Colt medallion pearl grips featuring the highly desirable factory documented relief carved steer head on the right panel. As Colt historian and author R.L. Wilson noted, only "a few" SAAs had factory hand carved steer head motif grips. Matching serial numbers are on the frame and on the right side of both the back strap and trigger guard. The last two digits "65" of the serial number are stamped on rear face of cylinder. Using the most liberal statistics only 2,500 1st Generation Colt SAAs of the 357,800 manufactured were factory engraved. Includes a leather holster with embroidered border.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 LC

Price Realized:

Highly Desirable, Nickel Plated Black Powder Colt Etched Panel Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army Revolver

Lot 107

Colt Black Powder Frame Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army

Manufactured in 1889, this is a much sought after example of an acid etched panel black powder and fully factory nickel plated Colt Single Action Army revolver in 44-40 WCF. The left side of the barrel has the acid etched “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” panel. This highly desirable etched barrel panel was officially replaced by the Colt factory in the 120,000 serial number range with the much easier to produce and larger roll-stamping. The top of the barrel has the stamped one-line Hartford address, the left side of the frame has the stamped three-line patent dates marking, and the underside of the barrel has the correct small "44" marking. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The loading gate is marked with the assembly number "4" and it is fitted with a pair of original eagle pattern hard rubber grips.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 108

Engraved First Generation Colt Single Action Army Revolver

Originally manufactured in 1907, the revolver has since been customized with Wolf & Klar style engraving patterns and Edward Bohlin silver grips. The barrel is marked "44" on the bottom and has the one-line address on top. The two-line/three date patent marking and circled Rampant Colt emblem are on the left side of the frame. The zig zag line and dot motif engraving is featured on the major components to include the barrel, ejector rod housing, frame, cylinder and grip straps. The matching serial number appears on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The assembly number "990" is marked on the loading gate. The revolver is fitted with sterling silver grips by Edward H. Bohlin of Hollywood, California, as marked on the back of both grip panels near the top. The grips feature a profuse floral scroll engraving with a floral blossom around the screw hole and a blank oval at the top of the right panel. The right grip panel also has a raised 14k gold steer head. The bottom of the grip panels are also engraved.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40

Price Realized:

Lot 109

U.S. Colt Artillery Model Single Action Army Revolver

The accompanying factory letter states this revolver was originally delivered to the U.S. Government Inspector at the Colt plant on September 30, 1885, later returned to the factory for refurbishment to Artillery Model configuration, and reshipped to Springfield Armory, Springfield, MA on April 17, 1903. These arms were brought back into service during the Spanish-American War, Filipino-American War, and Moro Rebellion. Though nicknamed "Artillery Models," they were actually issued to a variety of U.S. Army units and particularly known to have been favored for use against the Moro warriors who were known to continue fighting after being shot with the weaker .38 caliber Colt double action revolvers also in use. The revolver has mixed numbers and components typical of the Artillery variants. The frame was inspected by David F. Clark. Both grip straps have serial number "1601," which falls into a serial number range of revolvers originally issued to the 6th Cavalry, and were inspected by O.W. Ainsworth. The barrel and grip have Rinaldo A. Carr's "RAC" inspector initials. "P" proof marks are on the barrel and cylinder. The right side of the grip has the date "1903" above Rinaldo A. Carr's script letter "RAC" cartouche. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address on top. The left side of the frame has the three-line, three patent dates making followed by "U.S." The ejector rod has the early "bullseye" head. Provenance: The Dr. Robert Azar Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45 LC

Price Realized:

Exceptional Colt U.S. Model 1878/1902 Alaskan/Philippine Double Action Revolver

Lot 110

Colt U.S. Model 1878/1902 Philippine Revolver

Manufactured in 1902. In 1902 the Ordnance department purchased 4,600 Model 1902 revolvers in the serial number range of 43,401-48,097. The revolver has the distinctive oversized trigger and trigger guard that are characteristic of the Model 1902 Revolvers. The top of the barrel is marked with the one line address, "45 COLT" on the left side and the circled Rampant Colt on the lower left rear of the frame. The upper left front of the trigger guard and the left rear of frame is marked with the inspectors initials "R.A.C.", with "U.S." on right of frame and "J.T.T." on right rear of frame. The complete serial number "044/898" is marked on the toe of the butt and the partial serial number "4898" is marked on the loading gate. There is a "K" marked on the bottom of the barrel directly ahead of the frame. Highly attractive commercial high polish Colt blue finish with nitre blue trigger and hammer with polished sides, blade front and frame notch rear sights, with checkered hard plastic grips with the Rampant Colt in an oval at the top and lanyard loop on the butt. All numbers matching including original cylinder and loading gate.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 Long Colt

Price Realized:

Exceptionally Scarce and Documented Dual "C & J" Sub-Inspected Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Army Revolver with Kopec Letter

Lot 111

"C & J" Inspected Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Army

Manufactured in 1875 this is a an exceptionally scarce Colt Cavalry Model revolver that was dual sub-inspected by both W. W. Johnson and A. P. Casey. The included John Kopec letter indicates that this revolver was previously listed in their survey and falls between two Artillery Model revolvers, bearing serial numbers 17246 and 17257. Kopec goes on to state that this revolver could not be located in the National Archives records but that it falls between two revolvers issued to the 7th Cavalry, 17128 issued to Troop F and 17403 issued to Troop L. These revolvers would have been issued to the 7th Cavalry that was reformed shortly after George Custer's command was wiped out at the Battle of Little Bighorn and were likely carried through the remainder of the Indian Wars. The disastrous Battle of the Little Bighorn fomented national outrage in both the U.S. Army and public. New recruits eagerly rushed to enlist, and these revolvers were issued to replacement troops known as Custer's Avengers. The 7th Cavalry subsequently fought in the Nez Perce War, Crow War, and Ghost Dance War, including at the infamous Wounded Knee Massacre. He also notes that in analyzing their survey they discovered only fifteen known "C & J" inspected revolvers and that the known number range they are found in only includes approximately 300 serial numbers, making this example incredibly scarce. Kopec states that it is his opinion that the revolver remains completely authentic, with the possibility of some of the screws being later replacements. He notes that the grip is original with "7251" faintly visible in the back strap channel and there is a faint Casey "C" cartouche on the butt. Kopec also states that this particular revolver was likely "liberated", possibly by a deserter, prior to the recall of 1893 and thus escaped being converted to an Artillery Model. The revolver is pictured and identified in Kopec and Fenn's "Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers…a Continuing Study" on pages 40-41 and listed by serial number as a "C & J" inspected example on page 43. The revolver has the early "bullseye" ejector rod head, "cavalry" hammer with bordered elongated knurling on the spur and cone-shaped firing pin. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the first style, "script" barrel address "+ COLT"S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. +" with slanted crosses at either end. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt, two-date/two-line patent marking followed by a small "U.S." property mark. The assembly number, "958," is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. The small "J" sub-inspection mark used by Johnson is stamped below the serial number on the trigger guard. The "C" inspection marked of Casey are visible on the underside of the barrel, side of the cylinder, rear face of the cylinder, and above the firing pin hole. Colt "G" and "C" inspection marks are stamped below the ejector housing barrel boss. The full serial number, "17251," is stamped on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number "7251" is stamped on the barrel beneath the ejector housing (7 overstamped 5 which Kopec notes as a factory error) and on the side of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45 LC

Scarce Documented Nickel Finish Colt Black Powder Frame Single Action Army Revolver in Highly Desirable .44 Henry Rimfire with Factory Letter

Lot 112

Colt Single Action Army Revolver in .44 Henry Rimfire

Manufactured in 1881, this is an example of a highly sought after Colt Single Action Army Revolver that is chambered for the .44 Henry Rimfire cartridge. Only 1,863 Single Action Army revolvers were chambered in this caliber. The .44 rimfire series was introduced in 1875, and they were serial numbered in their own range from 1 to 1,863. Surviving examples are scarce. It has standard markings and matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, and barrel. The ejector housing assembly is a replacement. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration including the rare caliber (grips not listed), as well as shipment to Hartley & Graham in New York on 30 March 1881.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Henry RF

Price Realized:

Lot 113

U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Army Revolver

The accompanying factory letter states that this Cavalry Model revolver was delivered to the U.S. Government Inspector at the Colt plant on April 30, 1890. This was a 300 gun shipment. Additional information is obtained from the included John Kopec letter of authentication. According to Kopec, the revolver was likely issued to the 8th Cavalry and probably escaped recall for Artillery configuration because it was issued to a state militia. U.S. Cavalry Model revolvers in the serial number range 131187-140361 were inspected by Ordnance Sub-Inspector Rinaldo A. Carr. Carr's sub-inspector "RAC" mark is found on the barrel, frame, and cylinder. "P" proofmarks are stamped on the cylinder and barrel. The left side of the frame has the three-line patent dates marking followed by "U.S." The top of the barrel has the one-line Hartford address. A "K" Colt inspection mark is stamped below the serial number on the back strap. The matching full serial number is on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. Both sides of the grip have faint cartouches. The matching partial serial number ("1678") is on the cylinder and barrel. Comes with a U.S. leather holster and belt. The belt has a "US" buckle. The exterior of the holster flap is stamped "G27/ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL/EHS" and "JJL."

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45 LC

Price Realized:

Engraved and Gold and Silver Plated Pair of First Generation Colt Single Action Army Revolvers with Pearl Grips -A) Colt Single Action Army Revolver

Lot Contains 2 Items

Lot 114

Engraved & Gold & Silver Plated Pair of Colt Single Action Armys

These revolvers were manufactured in 1911(A) and 1917 (B) and feature matching gold and silver plated finish, extensive scroll engraving with zig-zag lined backgrounds covering 75% of the surfaces, and smooth pearl grips. The other markings and features are all standard.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 32-20 WCF

Price Realized:

Spectacular, Documented Cased Horacio Acevedo Relief Chiseled, Engraved, and Gold Inlaid Exhibition Quality Post-War Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Magnificent Sterling Silver Tiffany Style Grip

Lot 115

Horacio Acevedo Embellished Colt Single Action Army Revolver

Manufactured in 1968 and subsequently highly embellished by Horacio Acevedo. Throughout the years Acevedo worked for multiple firms including for Colt through special commission projects and owning his own family operated business. This "extremely elaborate example of metal worker's art" is pictured and identified in R.L. Wilson's "The Book of Colt Firearms" on page 277 and "The Colt Engraving Book Volume II" on pages 706 and 707" and on the covers of the December 1971 issue of "Guns" and the July 1972 issue of "Gun World." Included is a copy of a letter from R.L. Wilson indicating the revolver was to be showcased in "the Colt Engraving Book." According to Wilson, "Grips and engraving by Horacio Acevedo, and the complete project was produced by Thomas Haas. The Tiffany revolver is recognized as one of the finest achievements of Acevedo, a versatile craftsman of considerable talent and experience. Reportedly 1200 hours were devoted to creating this distinctive revolver" (see "The Colt Engraving Book Vol. II" page 706). By far the most stunning feature is the Tiffany style grip. Made of solid silver and featuring "over ten ounces of nearly pure gold," the grip is simply a marvel of post-war firearms artistry. The grip is decorated with gold overlays of a Native American on horseback on the left side and a U.S. cavalry officer riding a rearing horse on the right side, and a three dimensional buttcap depicting a gold eagle clutching an enameled Federal shield. At the top of the grip is a relief Statue of Liberty. The remainder of the revolver is highly decorated with elaborate chiseled floral scrollwork in gold along with magnificent chiseled Western themed panels adorning the barrel, cylinder, recoil shield and loading gate. These panels include wolves chasing cattle and a Native American stalking a wagon train on the barrel, Native American scenes on the recoil shield and loading gate, and various Western frontier animals on the cylinder flats. Ahead of the flush gold Colt Hartford barrel address is a relief gold eagle. According to Wilson, Acevedo used three quarters of a pound of 24 karat gold for the inlays. Comes with an older leather bound case that is refitted with gold tooled leather and rose velvet lining. Provenance: R.Q. Sutherland, J.B. Solley III and Enrique Guerra collections

Documentation

Has Box

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 357 magnum

Price Realized:

London Agency Cased Set of Two Colt .41 Rimfire Derringers -A) Colt No. 2 Derringer

Lot Contains 2 Items

Lot 117

London Agency Cased Set of Two Colt .41 Rimfire Derringers

This set consists of a Model No. 2 deringer and a Third Model derringer within a case marked "Colt's Firearms Co./14, Pall Mall,/London." in gold on the lining inside the lid. It has a "BARRONS PATENT" lock, and also includes a Dixon oiler and two cartridges. The lid is inscribed "RS." The first derringer is the No. 2. It has a rounded blade front sight, standard markings and engraving, London proofs, matching serial number on the barrel and butt, an "S" ahead of the trigger, and matching numbered checkered grips.

Has Box

Antique

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 41 RF

Price Realized:

Desirable U.S. Martially Marked Colt Model 1855 Military Percussion Revolving Rifle with Bayonet and Scabbard

Lot 143

U.S. Colt Model 1855 Military Revolving Rifle

This is a scarce example of a U.S. martially marked Colt Model 1855 revolving rifle. The Ordnance Department purchased 4,613 Colt 1855 Military Rifles during the Civil War; nearly 900 of these rifles were purchased from B. Kittredge and other commercial sources and over 3,700 rifles were purchased directly from Colt. The 1st and 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters (Berdan's Sharpshooters), the 21st Ohio Infantry and 2nd Michigan Cavalry were primarily armed with Colt Model 1855 Military Rifles. The rifle has a five-shot cylinder, a Root-type side hammer, ratchet-type loading lever, and is fitted with a block front sight base which serves as a mount for an angular socket bayonet. The folding three leaf rear sight is graduated for 100, 300 and 600 yards. The rifle has an iron cleaning rod with knurled handle and threaded end fitted in the forearm. "COLTS/PATENT/US" visible on the top strap with illegible patent markings. Illegible boxed script cartouche on the left wrist, and "WAT" (William A. Thornton) on the right. "56 CAL" marked on the left side of the trigger guard bow. Small "K" inspector stamp on the left breech end of the barrel and left sideplate. All matching serial numbers "977" marked on the barrel beneath the forearm, in the forearm channel, trigger guard tang, and toe of the buttplate. The stock and forearm are black walnut with a varnish finish. Factory sling swivels are located on the middle barrel band and trigger guard tang. The buttplate has a sliding trap door. Includes "U.S." marked socket bayonet and leather scabbard.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 56

Price Realized:

Highly Desirable, Rare Serial Number 28 and One of the Earliest Known First Model 'Wedge Over Screw' Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver with Documentation

Lot 150

Early Serial 28 "Wedge Over Screw" First Model Colt 1851 Navy

This two digit First Model 1851 with square back trigger guard was manufactured in 1850 (the first year of production) and is one of approximately 800 Model 1851 Navy revolvers manufactured with the barrel wedge positioned over the screw in the serial range of 1-1250. The Colt Model 1851 Navy, first known as the "Ranger Model" and also known as the "Revolving Belt Pistol of Naval Caliber," was originally designed between 1847 and 1850. Though its name implies maritime use, most Navy revolvers saw use on dry land, including in the Old West and down South. Includes a February 1955 issue of "Texas Gun Collector" magazine featuring an article about this gun on page 21 where it mentions this revolver as being a fresh find at the time out of the San Antonio area and refers to it "...as pure as a lily, even though it does show it has had considerable use." and also states "If any of you boys out there known of one with a lower number, we would certainly be glad to give it due mention in the magazine." Early brass post front sight, early style barrel with a non-beveled loading cut out, screw under the wedge, and the correct early production "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-" marking stamped on top. The left side of the frame has the "COLT'S/PATENT" marking. The cylinder has the Naval Battle of Campeche scene. A partial "8" can be seen on the cylinder, which has faint traces of what should be a 2 in front of it, but erosion and battering has made it illegible. "K" inspector mark on the front of the silvered brass trigger guard, and "T" on the right side of trigger guard. Matching serial numbers on the loading lever, barrel, arbor pin, frame, trigger guard, and butt. The wedge is not marked.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 36

Price Realized:

Desirable Documented "U.S. DRAGOONS" Martially Marked Colt First Model Dragoon Percussion Revolver

Lot 151

Documented "U.S. DRAGOONS" Martial Colt First Model Dragoon

Around 7,000 First Model Dragoons were manufactured in 1848-1850, and they are important as one of the massive "horse pistols" manufactured by Colt following the famous Colt Walker revolvers of 1847. Like the other Dragoon models, they were used in the antebellum era on the frontier and also saw considerable use during the Civil War. This revolver dates to 1849 and has the rare and desirable "U.S. DRAGOONS" marking on the cylinder rather than the more common U.S.M.R. marking. Included scanned documentation shows this revolver photographed and mentioned by serial number in the March 1960 "Gun Report" article "Martial Percussion Revolver Inspectors" by C. Meade Patterson. The barrel has a German silver blade front sight and "-{ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY}-" reading towards the breech end. The cylinder also has a nice visible Texas Ranger and Indian running battle scene and the correct oval stop slots and single safety pin. The frame has "COLT'S/PATENT/U.S." on the left. "N" inspection marks are on the top of the barrel at the breech, left side of the loading lever, on the cylinder by the serial number, left side of the frame, bottom of the square back trigger guard, and on the top of the back strap. Wedge is unnumbered but appears to have been with the gun a long time. The other serial numbers are all matching. The grip has faint cartouches "SK" (S. Knows) on the left and "WAT" (William A. Thornton) on the right. The lower mortise of the grip is matching numbered to the gun with black ink (faint).

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Lot 152

Cased Factory Engraved Colt Model 1855 Root Pocket Revolver

This is a solid representative example of a factory engraved Colt Root Pocket Revolver that was manufactured in 1861. The revolver features floral scroll and punch dot engraving on the rear sides and upper flats of the barrel, loading lever, frame, hammer sides, and upper and lower (including the butt) of the back strap. The top of the hammer is decorated with a fish scale motif and has six dots which denote the level of embellishment, in this case a high level. The top of the barrel is marked with "COLT'S PATENT/1855" and "ADDRESS COL.COLT/HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." flanked by Maltese crosses. The matching serial number is marked on the butt in a banner, on the cylinder and on the bottom barrel flat. Behind the barrel serial number is the letter "H". The cylinder is roll engraved with the cabin and Indian fight scene and is marked "COLT'S PATENT/26484" and "PATENTED SEPT 10th 1850". Post front and frame notch rear sights, all blue finish and fitted with a smooth one-piece grip. The revolver comes in a rosewood case with five compartments with wine colored velvet lining. In the case is a lacquer stars over eagle/shield over crossed revolvers and "E PLURIBUS UNUM" in a banner powder flask, an "L" shaped screwdriver, two cavity "COLT'S/PATENT" marked iron bullet mold, and a partially full Eley Bros. cap tin.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 28 Percussion

Lot 153

Colt Model 1862 Police Cartridge Conversion Revolver

This truly outstanding Richards-Mason metallic cartridge "conversion" of a Colt Model 1862 Police revolver is pictured on page 161 of "The William M. Locke Collection" by Frank Sellers and is certainly among the finest Colt "conversion" revolvers extant. Only around 6,500 '62 Police/Pocket Navy revolvers were manufactured c. 1873-1875 using a mix of left over and newly manufactured parts. Within this group, there are a variety of variations in barrel length, centerfire versus rimfire, fluted versus non-fluted cylinders, markings, and finish making this revolver especially scarce. It is finished with a high polish blue on the barrel, ejector, and cylinder; niter blue on the screws and trigger, case colors on the hammer and frame, and silver plating on the trigger guard and back strap, and it is fitted with a "piano" varnished walnut grip. The barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, and cylinder are all marked with the matching low serial number "112", and the breech plate and loading gate have the assembly number "68". The loading gate is the style without a spring. It features a small brass cone front sight, "ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA" on top of the barrel, the ejector rod housing fitted on the right, "COLTS/PATENT" on the left side of the frame, and "36 CAL" on the left side of the trigger guard. Provenance: The Williiam Locke Collection and The Mac McCroskie Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 RF

Price Realized:

Well-Documented D Company No. 13 Colt Model 1847 Walker Percussion Revolver Documented as Owned by Texas Pioneer and Confederate Cavalry Veteran John Z. Leyendecker with a Massive Amount of Extensive Research

Lot 154

Texas Confederate Cavalryman's Colt Walker Revolver

The Colt Walker is the pinnacle of collecting for advanced Colt collection. These incredibly historic revolvers are among the most difficult to obtain of all antique American firearms. Only 1,000 military contract Walker revolvers were manufactured by Samuel Colt at Eli Whitney's factory in Connecticut. They are the model responsible for relaunching Samuel Colt’s firearms making business and propelling his name and his firearms to international fame. They were first issued to the U.S. Mounted Rifles in 1847 and first used in the Mexican-American War. Many remained in Texas after the war, and some, like this one, are documented as having been used by Confederate cavalrymen during the Civil War. Those in working condition continued to be used through the Civil War by Confederates. Due to this extensive use in the mid-19th century and beyond, as well as flaws in the metallurgy, only around 10% of Colt Walkers survive, and many that do are incomplete relics. This revolver was displayed as part of the famous Parade of Walkers in 2003 by Mr. Virgil Mylin and is pictured in the Gun Report article "The Texas Gun Collectors' Parade of Walkers" by Dick Salzer about the display. The Colt comes with a copy of its display certificate signed by the TGCA Walker Display Committee (Paul Sorrell, Bobby Smith, Michael Simens and Bobby Vance) and information about the display are included within the two binders of research and documents that accompany the revolver. The revolver is also listed in some of the published lists of surviving Walkers. The documents include correspondence with multiple descendants of Confederate Assistant Quartermaster John Z. Leyendecker (1827-1902) who owned this revolver. After his purchase, Mr. Mylin contacted the Leyendecker surviving relatives who confirmed they personally knew of the revolver and that it had been passed down through their family. The family documents also provide insight into Leyendecker’s biography discussed below. Per family tradition, this revolver was carried by John Z. Leyendecker in both the Mexican-American War and the Civil War. It was later passed onto Joseph Leyendecker (1871-1963), one of his sons, and the younger Leyendecker may have also personally used the revolver in the southwest while he was transporting freight between Laredo and San Antonio. He passed the revolver on to Liston Leyendecker (1931-2001), his grandson and one of John Z. Leyendecker’s many grandchildren. Liston Leyendecker was professional historian living in Colorado when he sold the revolver to noted antique American firearms expert and collector Frank Sellers in 1981. Since then, it has been owned by a select group of collectors. The revolver is one of an estimated 220 revolvers manufactured with "D COMPANY" markings (the 1,000 military contract Walker Model Revolvers were serial-numbered sequentially with Company A-E with between 120 and 220 revolvers marked for each company). It has the base of the German silver front sight blade present and a small notch in the hammer for a rear sight. “D COMPANY No 13” is on the left side of the barrel lug and frame. “D” and “13” visible on the cylinder. The front of the brass trigger guard has “D COMY No 13.” The butt of the iron back strap has “D COMPANY No 13” reading from the heel towards the toe. The cylinder pin is marked “13” on the bottom, and “13” is repeated on the left side of the front strap and the toe of the grip. A copy of a December 9, 1982, letter from Sellers is included in which he explains that the rammer assembly (rammer, screw, plunger, and plunger screw) is a period replacement "probably done by a blacksmith to replace these parts which were notoriously weak on the original." The rammer catch is a modern replacement made by Sellers since no catch was present when he acquired it. The wedge screw is also a replacement, but the wedge "is probably the original." "Internal parts, as far as could be determined without removing the hammer, trigger, and bolt screws, which are frozen, are all original and carry the proper assembly marks." The included letter from R.L. Wilson details his examination of the revolver, which essentially confirms what Sellers and the family information provide, but Wilson also adds that the "US/1847" markings on the barrel lug were likely defaced to prevent reclamation by the government. He wrote that he "considers D Company No. 13 as a superior example to the majority" of surviving Walkers and notes specifically that it is better than C Company No. 33 from the Colt factory museum collection as well as examples in several other prominent museums. He concludes, "D Company No. 13 is an extremely important Walker, due particularly to the accompanying history of Mexican War and frontier Texas use, as well as during the frontier Texas and Civil War services of John Z. Leyendecker." John Zirvas (Johann Zefrus) Leyendecker was born September 10, 1827, at Mellmerod in the Dutchy of Nassau in what is now Germany and emigrated to the U.S. when he was 18 years old along with his parents and siblings on the Riga and arrived in Texas in 1845. His family settled at Fredericksburg in the Texas Hill Country. He is reported to have fought in the Mexican-American War but documentation providing details of that service have not been uncovered. He opened a sutler’s shop and Indian trading post at Fort Chadbourne with fellow German immigrant Christian Kraus in March of 1853. In 1855, he opened a store in Laredo. He became a U.S. citizen on April 1, 1856. On June 1, 1857, he married Maria Andrea Benavides (1835-1863), the sister of influential local leader Santos Benavides (1823-1891). Together they had four children and adopted another. His store in Laredo was robbed in 1858. He also had another store in Fredericksburg. He is reported as the first postmaster of Laredo in 1858-1859. During the Civil War, the recent immigrants from Germany living in the Texas Hill Country were generally Unionists and held anti-slavery views, but his brother-in-law was the commanding officer of the 33rd Texas Cavalry, commonly known as the Benavides Regiment or Benavides Cavalry, and Leyendecker elected to serve under him as a lieutenant and later captain. Colonel Benavides was the highest ranking Confederate Tejano. Records list Leyendecker as the acting assistant quartermaster and acting assistant commissary of subsistence for the regiment based at Fort McIntosh. He appears to have enlisted in 1863. Among the Benavides Cavalry’s exploits were fending off three attacks by an estimated 200 Union troops at the Battle of Laredo on March 18, 1864, despite only numbering around 42 men themselves. The Union troops attacked to try to destroy bales of cotton destined for Mexico. The Confederate victory ensured the passage of cotton into to Mexico and thus helped to provide resources to the Confederate cause. As a merchant and quartermaster, Leyendecker was involved in the sale and shipment of Confederate cotton and the purchasing of goods from Mexico and likely had his own personal finances at stake. Benavides also led his men in the last official land battle of the Civil War at the Battle of Palmito Ranch on May 12 and 13 of 1865. Leyendecker’s first wife died during the war from tuberculosis, and he remarried to her sister Juliana (1837-1926) on August 1, 1865. This was apparently in accordance with his wife’s wishes. Together they raised his surviving children from the first marriage and had ten more, including Joseph Patrick Leyendecker (1871-1963) who was later given this revolver by his father and likely used it himself in the Southwest. According to one of his second wife’s included obituaries, John Leyendecker was one of two men in Laredo along with Father Souchon when Union forces arrived. After first fearing he would be executed, his wife noted that he was instead kept on as quartermaster for the Union troops in Laredo. He was the postmaster in Laredo for nine years during Reconstruction and was active in politics, including as the representative for Colorado County in the Texas Legislature in 1873-1874. He was also a prominent local businessman with various official capacities, including as treasurer and secretary and a director of the Rio Grande & Eagle Pass Railway. His fine home built after the war still stands in Laredo today and remained in the family until 1995. His obituaries from August 1902 note that he was a Texas pioneer and was well-known throughout the state. The ranching community of Leyendecker, Texas, (now essentially a ghost town) northwest of Laredo and John Z. Leyendecker Elementary School in Laredo were named in his honor. Provenance: John Z. Leyendecker, Joseph P. Leyendecker, Liston Leyendecker, Frank Sellers, Don Fraser, Eric Vaule, Paul Sorrel, Frank Singer, Virgil Mylin, Michael E. Simens, Current Consignor

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Lot 155

Factory Engraved Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver

This exceptional factory engraved Colt Model 1849 Pocket was manufactured in 1864. It has the "E" by the frame, trigger guard and back strap serial numbers which was used to denote factory engraved revolvers. Note the wolf head pattern on the hammer, floral blossoms amongst the scrolls and 75% plus coverage floral scrollwork on a punch dot background are patterns that match other Gustave Young engraved Model 1849 Pocket revolvers. Young worked for Colt from 1852 until the mid to late 1860s. Additional engraving includes a floral blossom around the front sight, fan pattern on top of the back strap, and scallop bordering around the stamped one-line New York barrel address terminating in a flourish of scrolls. Even the barrel wedge is engraved. The cylinder has the roll-stamped stagecoach scene. The left side of the frame has the stamped "COLTS/PATENT" marking. The left side of the triggerguard is stamped "31 CAL." Fitted with a select walnut grip. Matching full or partial serial numbers are on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, loading lever, cylinder, wedge and arbor pin. The partitioned walnut case is lined in red wine velvet and contains a double face powder flask, blued bullet mold marked "COLTS/PATENT" on the sprue cutter and "31PKT" on the right side, "L" shaped combination tool, case key, sealed package of pocket pistol cartridges, and Eley cap tin. Provenance: The Mac McCroskie Collection

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 31

Price Realized:

Scarce Documented Cased Pair of Colt Model 1855 Sidehammer Pocket Revolvers -A) Colt 1855 Sidehammer Percussion Revolver

Lot Contains 2 Items

Lot 156

Documented Cased Pair of Colt Model 1855 Pocket Revolvers

This cased set of .31 caliber Colt Model 1855 Sidehammer Pocket revolvers and accessories are pictured and discussed on pages 92-93 of Wilson and Hable's COLT PISTOLS. They write "Among the true rarities in Colt casings are cased pairs from the Model 1855 Sidehammer series. Pistols Nos. 370 and 1124 may well be unique, due mainly to the casing: Leather covered wood, with a contour-lined interior…The extra fine condition overall suggests the set saw little, if any, use but undoubtedly was a conversation piece for all who saw it." The pair of 'Model 3A' revolvers have 3 1/2-inch octagon barrels, fluted five-shot cylinders, round loading levers and 5/8-inch capping cut-outs in the recoil shields. The barrels are roll-stamped with the second style legend, without the pointing hand. "PATENTED SEPT. 10th 1850" is roll stamped in the cylinder flutes of both revolvers. The serial numbers are stamped on the underside of the barrel and on the butt of both revolvers Both revolvers have the Colt high polish commercial blue finish on the barrels, cylinders and frames. The loading levers, hammers, triggers and cylinder pins are casehardened. The barrels have brass cone front sights and the hammer spurs have bordered knurling. The one-piece walnut grips have a high polish piano finish. The revolvers are in a wooden, French-fitted dealer case. The case has a black painted finish and the lid is secured with two hooks. The case is lined with brown velvet and has seven compartments. In addition to the revolvers, the case is complete with: (1) a blued, iron, straight leg, .31 caliber, double cavity bullet mold for round balls and conical bullets marked "COLT'S/PATENT" on the top of the sprue cutter (Rapley #M25), (2) American Flask and Cap Co., pocket pistol flask with fixed charger embossed with the 'Eagle and Shield' motif and "E.PLURIBUS UNUM." in a ribbon on both sides (Rapley, p.309, Fig.7 and 8), (3) Combination tool for Root Sidehammer pistols (Rapley #T19), and (4) assortment of lead round balls and conical bullets. The case has a compartment for a cap tin but no tin is present.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 31 percussion

Price Realized:

Lot 157

Colt Model 1860 Army Thuer Conversion Revolver

Offered here is a stunning Colt Thuer conversion Model 1860 Army revolver that was manufactured from 1869-72 with total production about 5,000. The revolver has a high polish blue finish on the barrel, cylinder, and back strap; casehardened loading lever, frame and hammer; and a silver plated brass trigger guard. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-". "COLTS/PATENT" is stamped on the left side of the frame. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene and "COLTS PATENT". The full serial number "174986" is stamped on the frame, barrel lug, trigger guard and back strap. The partial matching serial number is "986" on the cylinder pin. The cylinder is not numbered. The rear of the cylinder has been correctly shortened to accommodate the Thuer conversion ring, and the ring has a correct script "E" on the side, which denotes the eject position. The left side of the trigger guard is stamped "44 CAL." The conversion ring has the distinctive knurled turning knob, rebounding firing pin, and ejection mechanism. The Thuer conversion was the first Colt revolver to utilize a metallic cartridge and is a scarce and historically significant revolver that is missing from many of the antique Colt arms collections. The left side of the grip has a fabulous and always desirable relief carved Mexican eagle. The partitioned rosewood case contains a blued two cavity bullet mold marked ""COLTS/PATENT" on the sprue cutter, 8 unloaded brass casings, 4 loaded cartridges, sealed package of .44 CF cartridge manufactured for W.J. Syms & Brother, loading tools and single faced "COLTS/PATENT" marked powder flask Provenance: The Mac McCroskie Collection

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 CF

Price Realized:

Lot 158

Factory Engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver

This revolver was manufactured in 1852 and has the classic German-American factory style engraving of Master Engraver Gustave Young, Colt's primary engraving contractor in the period. The full serial numbers on the barrel, frame, trigger guard and back strap are accompanied by a dot, which denoted factory engraving and special finishing. The engraving throughout consists of primarily acanthus scroll patterns accented by floral blooms along with a beast head on the hammer. The barrel has the stamped one-line New York address. The cylinder has the classic Naval Battle of Campeche roll scene and is marked "COLTS PATENT No 18624." The hand engraved "COLT'S/PATENT" frame marking certainly in keeping with Gustave Young's shop's extremely fine engraving from the period. Matching full serial numbers are on the barrel, frame, trigger guard back strap, loading lever and cylinder. Matching partial serial number "8624" appears on the wedge and arbor pin. The partitioned case contains a case key, Eley cap tin, double face standing arms and flags powder flask marked "COLT'S/PATENT," and blued bullet mold marked "COLT'S/PATENT" on the sprue cutter and "36B" on the right side.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 36

Price Realized:

Scarce Factory Engraved Colt Round Model Cartridge Navy Conversion Revolver with Ejector

Lot 159

Engraved Colt Round Barrel Conversion Revolver

Reportedly 6,500 of these conversion revolvers were manufactured c. 1873-1875, and a very limited number were factory engraved. This revolver has "E" by the main serial numbers indicating designation by the factory for engraving and features the late "vine scroll" engraving typical of the factory engraving from Colt in this period. The left side of the frame has "COLTS/PATENT" inscribed rather than stamped, and the hammer has the wolf head motif. All of the visible serial numbers match. The barrel has the one-line New York address, the cylinder has the standard roll-scene, and the trigger guard has a "V" and "38 CAL" on the left (8 stamped over the original 6).

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 CF

Price Realized:

Lot 160

Colt Model 1861 Navy Percussion Revolver

The Model 1861 Navy is one of the most popular Colt percussion revolvers, but they are considerably rarer than Colt's other Civil War era revolvers. Only 38,843 of these revolvers were manufactured compared to over 200,500 of the Model 1860 Army and around 272,000 Model 1851 Navy revolvers, and examples in excellent condition are nearly unheard of and especially valuable. This revolver was manufactured in 1864 for the commercial market and may have been privately purchased for use as a sidearm during the Civil War. However, unlike the vast majority of Civil War era revolvers, it is in exceptionally high condition and appears to have seen little to know use and has clearly been very well cared for. The high polish blue finished barrel has a German silver blade front sight, "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" on top, a casehardened "creeping" loading lever, and the matching serial number, "20372", on the bottom of the lug. The cylinder also has the bright high polish blue finish and displays the classic Naval Battle of Campeche roll scene and "COLTS PATENT No 372." The casehardened frame has "COLTS/PATENT" on the left, the full serial number on the bottom at the front, and a capping groove. The wedge and arbor pin are "372" and "0372" respectively. The trigger guard and back strap were plated in silver and have the matching full serial number. The left side of the trigger guard also has a "B" at the front and "36 CAL" on the rear. The grip is checkered. The accompanying April 1976 dated letter from the late noted collector and dealer Herb Glass, Sr. to Kim Zarintash states that the revolver once belonged to auto giant Henry Ford's nephew, W.B. Ford III, who had purchased it in from Glass in 1970. Glass states, "The gun is 100% original including the rare checkered grip." The portioned case contains a double face stand of arms and flags powder flask, "L" shaped combination tool, sealed package of navy belt pistol cartridges, sealed Eley cap tin, few lead rounds, and blued bullet mold marked "COLTS/PATENT" on the sprue cutter and "36B" on the right side. Provenance: The Mac McCroskie Collection

Documentation

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 36

Price Realized:

Exceptional Cased Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver with Rare Hand Engraved Factory Sam Colt Presentation Barrel Address and Colt's Patent Marking

Lot 161

Cased Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver with Engraved Markings

This outstanding Colt Model 1849 Pocket Model revolver was manufactured in 1859. The revolver has the rarely encountered marking "Saml Colt" hand engraved in Old English letters on the top of the barrel and "COLT'S/PATENT" hand engraved in large block letters on the left side of the frame. Colt expert R. L. Wilson notes in "The Book Of Colt Firearms" that although the hand engraved "Saml Colt" and "COLT'S/PATENT" markings were standard on factory engraved Model 1849 Pocket revolvers between 1852-1860, the hand engraved markings are also occasionally found on non-engraved revolvers. In addition to the rare hand-engraved markings, the revolver features a silver plated barrel, loading lever, frame and trigger guard. The back strap is silver plated. The cylinder and hammer are gold plated. Fitted with a smooth one-piece factory grip. The five-shot cylinder is roll engraved with the stagecoach hold-up scene and "COLTS PATENT". The full serial number is stamped on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, back strap and cylinder. The partial serial number "9302" is stamped on the loading lever and cylinder arbor pin. "95302" is stamped on the bottom of the wedge. All of the visible serial numbers match. Included is an American style presentation case with accessories.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 31 percussion

Price Realized:

Lot 162

Factory Engraved Colt Pocket Navy Percussion Revolver

The details of the serial numbers and dates of manufacture of this model remain disputed. Colt currently lists this revolver as a "Pocket Pistol of Navy Caliber" manufactured in 1863 within the same range as Police revolvers. However, the Colt Collector's Association now lists this model as manufactured from 1865 until 1872 within a serial number range of 1-22000 suggesting this revolver dates closer to 1870. This revolver was most definitely engraved by master engraver Gustave Young. It is engraved with the classic late floral vine scroll engraving known to sometimes be used by Young and has the wolf motif and five dots suggesting five ten hour days of engraving in Young's shop. It also has "COLTS PATENT" hand engraved on the left side of the frame in the style Young employed. The grip has an eagle, snake, and cactus pattern based on the coat of arms of Mexico and a silver cap. A very similar engraving pattern is shown on a factory converted Pocket Navy on page 152, serial number 17613, just three serial numbers after this revolver, on page 152 of "The Book of Colt Engraving" by Wilson, and the same grip pattern is seen on a Gustave Young engraved Model 1862 Police on page 99 and on page 160 on another Model 1862 Police and multiple revolvers in the "Tiffany Grips" chapter. These grips were shown in Schuyler, Hartley & Graham's catalogs on a revolver with the same style of engraving (see page 143 of "Steel Canvas" by Wilson). Additional features include the New York barrel address, matching serial numbers, "E" near the main serial numbers, and "36 CAL" on the front and rear of the trigger guard on the left.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 36

Price Realized:

Lot 163

Colt Richards-Mason Conversion Model 1861 Navy Revolver

The revolver has the high polish Colt commercial blue finish on the barrel, ejector housing and cylinder; casehardened frame, hammer and loading gate; silver-plated brass trigger guard and back strap and a one-piece varnished walnut grip. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "-ADDRESS COL SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" in one-line. The left side of the frame is marked with the two-line "-PAT. JULY.25.1871.-PAT.JULY. 2. 1872" patent markings over the original percussion "COLTS/PATENT" markings. The left side of the trigger guard is stamped with the original "36 CAL" markings. The full serial number is located on the bottom of the barrel lug, the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The inside of the loading gate is stamped with the partial serial number "1486". The cylinder is numbered "602/486". All of the visible serial numbers match. The revolver has the distinctive plug in the loading lever hole of the barrel lug, ejector head with concentric rings, ejector housing screw on the left side of the barrel lug and loading gate spring screwed to the frame above the trigger screw. The hammer has the rim fire firing pin riveted to the left side and bordered and cross-hatched knurl.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 RF

Price Realized:

Lot 164

Colt Model 1860 Army Richards Conversion Revolver

This is an exceptional example of a Colt Model 1860 Army revolver that has been factory fitted with a Richards conversion unit. Total production of Model 1860 Army Richards conversion revolvers is estimated at approximately 9,000 in 1871-1878. It is theorized that these late conversions were all based on using up the leftover 1860 percussion revolvers that still remained at the Colt factory. This type of conversion was performed by supplying a new cylinder in the Colt 44 CF cartridge, fitting it with a new cylinder ring in front of the recoil shield and installing a new loading gate on the frame with an internal spring. The loading lever has been replaced with an ejector housing on the right side of the barrel lug which has the cross-hatched ejector head. The conversion breech plate has a firing pin and integral rear sight. The hammer face is milled flat, and the spur is cross-hatched with a border. The top of the barrel is marked "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-", the left side of the frame is marked "COLTS/PATENT", and the left trigger guard shoulder is marked "44 CAL". The cylinder is roll engraved with the Texas Navy scene and marked "COLT'S PATENT No. 392". The assembly number "1135" is on the left side of the breech plate and loading lever. Visible matching serial numbers are on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap and cylinder.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 CF

Price Realized:

Lot 165

Cased Colt London Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver

Manufactured in 1854, the second year of production for the 1851 London Navy. The single line "ADDRESS. COL: COLT. LONDON" marking with flanking arrows is on top of the barrel, with the London "crown/V" and "crown/GP" proofs on the left side ahead of the wedge, "COLT'S/ PATENT" on the frame, and the roll engraved Texas Navy scene on the cylinder. Equipped with the iron back strap and trigger guard, which were only found on London guns during this period, and smooth one piece walnut grips. Matching numbers on the lever, barrel, frame, cylinder and grip strap. Includes a relined, modern custom hardwood partitioned case containing reproduction Colt directions label affixed to the interior of the lid, "COLTS/PATENT" marked bullet mold, cleaning tools, nipple wrench, two spare nipples, Eley branded caps, oiler, bag flask, spare mainspring, two round balls, and six conical bullets.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 36

Price Realized:

Lot 166

Cased Colt London Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver

While the Model 1849 Pocket was the most popular of all of Colt's revolvers in the United States in the 19th century, this model was produced and sold in more limited numbers from Colt's London factory; only around 11,000 were manufactured in London compared to around 42,000 of the London Navy revolvers. The London Model 1849 Pockets are thus considerably rarer than the Hartford manufactured Pocket revolvers. This revolver was manufactured in 1855 and has a small cone front sight, "{ADDRESS COL: COLT/LONDON.}" on top of the barrel, London proofs, "COLTS/PATENT" on the left side of the frame, standard stagecoach scene on the five-shot cylinder, the rounded screws common on London Colts, and all matching serial numbers. The case has blue lining, an L-shaped combination tool, Colt's patent dual cavity bullet mold, cartridge pack, two Eley cap tins, bag shaped James Dixon & Sons flask, and some balls and bullets.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 31

Price Realized:

Excellent Boxed Pre-War Colt Detective Special Double Action Revolver with Factory Letter

Lot 384

Boxed Colt Detective Special with Factory Letter

Manufactured in 1932. Included factory letter lists this revolver with type of grips "Not Listed" and shipped to H & D Folsom Arms Company New York, New York on February 2, 1933 in a 10 gun shipment. Featuring a half moon blade front sight, notch rear sight and 6 round capacity. Marked " 38 DETECTIVE/SPECIAL" on the left side of the barrel with the early two line address/patent dates on the right. Rampant Colt motif on left side of the frame. Wearing grips with Colt medallions possibly retailer installed. Includes replacement re-numbered to match correct maroon factory box.

Documentation

Has Box

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 38 S&W special

Price Realized:

Pair of Colt New Service Flattop Target Revolvers in Dual Caliber 44 Russian/S&W Special with British Factory Letter and a NRA Case -A) Colt New Service Flattop Target

Lot Contains 2 Items

Lot 385

Pair of Colt New Service Flattop Target Revolvers

This is a beautiful example of a factory documented pair of Colt New Service Flattop Target revolvers in the ultra-rare dual calibers of .44, Russian/S&W Special. These pistols are serial numbered 306929 and 307135 and the included factory letter states they were shipped in August 1920 to Von Lengerke and Detmold of New York. Obviously after that they were shipped directly to England as both pistols have the full British import/firing proofs of the London proof house under each barrel. These revolvers have the Colt high polish commercial blue finish with the very rare fully checkered walnut grips in a Fleur-De-Lis pattern with the gold Colt medallions at the top of each grip. The top of the barrels are marked "COLT'S PATENT FIREARMS MANUFACTURING CO. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A./PAT.AUG.5.1884. JUNE 5 1900, JULY 4.1905." and the left side of each barrel is marked with the designation: "NEW SERVICE RUSSIAN AND S&W SPECIAL, 44". The frames are the later Flattop Target style and the markings consist of the Rampant Colt trademark on the side plate behind the cylinder latch of each revolver. The underside of each barrel is marked with British proof marks from the London Proof house which are "the raised sword over NP (Nitro Proof) 44, .958 7 G.R.S. S.S X 246 G.R.S." just ahead of the frame, and each chamber of both cylinders also has a small Crown firing proof. The full serial numbers are located on the inside of the frames and the inside of the cylinder cranes and the back of each grip panel is marked with the full serial number in pencil (which would be the correct factory style at this time). They are fitted with the factory target sights that have the blade front sight and the blade rear, each adjustable for elevation and windage respectively, with the grip straps, face of the trigger and hammer spur, hand checkered. The two pistols are housed in an old black leather bound carrying case that is marked on the front with a small brass plate that reads "MFG. EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA , WASHINGTON D.C., REGISTERED No. 255/HARTMAN". The case has room for the two pistols and two other compartments for cleaning equipment and accessories.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Russian S&W special

Price Realized:

Colt Police Positive Double Action Revolver Outfitted with a Unique Seely Night Sight, as Documented in American Rifleman

Lot 386

Colt Police Positive Revolver with Unique Seely Night Sight

As described in the article "An Extraordinary Achievement: The First Handgun-Mounted Light?" by J.B. Wood published in "American Rifleman" October, 2013 (copy of text included), this revolver is the only known example of what may be the first practical electric targeting/illumination device mounted on a firearm. While the electric flashlight arrived on the scene in 1902, the delicate bulb filament presented a challenge for anyone who wanted to attach one to a gun, as the force of recoil could break the light. In 1911, George Seely of San Francisco addressed the problem with an integrated rubber and spring shock assembly that provided some protection for the bulb. Patent #1029951 was granted in 1912, and records show the Seely Night-Sight & Arms Co active in 1915. In many, many ways this device was light years ahead of its time, and the world really wasn't ready for it. Battery and bulb technology simply weren't where they needed to be to make a design like this practical, and the work to install one was significant, deterring all but the most committed. Seely's design was clever, but not successful; California records show that the business did not cover its corporation taxes for 1915, causing it to be shuttered in 1916. While not successful in its day, decades later the use of on-board illumination and targeting devices came back around, and in the current era rank among the most popular handgun accessories on the market. As originally manufactured (per the included letter), this revolver was part of a 10-piece shipment to the Dunham, Carrigan & Hayden Company of San Francisco, California on April 9, 1915. Standard markings are present, and many modifications have been made to the revolver. The Seely device rides below the barrel, attached to a bracket that is secured with at least two drilled and tapped screws. A pair of thin steel tubes connects the light to the frame, where a series of cunningly cut channels allow the wire connections to run through the frame to an aluminum grip unit which houses both the battery and a pressure-activated power switch. Out of concern for the safety of the device we have not attempted grip disassembly, but the American Rifleman article notes that a modern-made battery is installed, which powers the device. The revolver includes a custom fit black leatherette case, a vintage Winchester flashlight battery, a spare bulb and a small screwdriver. Provenance: The Clive Cussler Collection

Documentation

Has Box

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 38 special

Price Realized:

Scarce Documented Factory Inscribed Southern Express Company Shipped Colt Police Positive Double Action Revolver with Factory Letter

Lot 387

Southern Express Company Colt Police Positive Revolver

Manufactured in 1913 with standard markings apart from the "S.E.C. No. 665" marking on the butt. This marking is for the Southern Express Company which operated a large railway network in the southeast United States from 1861-1918. It is fitted with a pair of Colt medallion grips with a relief carved steer head on the right panel. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration including the engraving on the butt (grips not listed), as well as shipment to C.L. Loop, V.P. of the So. Express Company for W. Buckner, Superintendent on 27 August 1913.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 38 LC

Price Realized:

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