Premier Firearms Auction #85

May 13, 2022 to May 15, 2022

This auction has ended.

Premier Firearms Auction #85

May 13, 2022 to May 15, 2022

This auction has ended.

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Showing 1-27 of 27 results

Scarce and Desirable Fluted Cylinder Colt Model 1860 Army Percussion Revolver with Holster

Lot 141

Fluted Cylinder Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver

This early Colt Model 1860 Army was manufactured in 1861 and has the highly desirable early full fluted cylinder. While over 200,000 Army Model revolvers were manufactured, only around 4,000 were manufactured with fluted cylinders, making this variation especially desirable. Some of these distinctive Colts were even shipped to the South before and at the very beginning of the Civil War. Of the small amount of these fluted cylinder revolvers made, most of them were no doubt heavily used during the war, making surviving examples particularly scarce. This example features the one-line New York barrel address, "COLTS/PATENT" frame marking, frame cut for a shoulder stock, a cylinder flute with the 1850 patent date marking, and matching serial numbers on the frame, barrel, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, wedge (renumbered), and cylinder arbor pin. It comes with a brown leather flap holster attributed by the consignor as a Confederate product. It has no visible markings.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Exceptional U.S. Martially Inspected Colt Second Model Dragoon Percussion Revolver

Lot 145

U.S. Martially Inspected Colt Second Model Dragoon Revolver

Only an estimated 2,700 Second Model Dragoon revolvers were manufactured from 1850 to 1851 compared to 7,000 of the First Model Dragoons and 10,500 Third Model Dragoons. They are thus by far the rarest of the primary Colt Dragoon revolvers. The combination of rectangular cylinder stops and square-back brass trigger guard clearly identify the revolver as a Second Model Dragoon. The barrel has a German silver blade front sight and is marked "-ADDRESS SAMl COLT, NEW-YORK CITY" on the top flat. The loading lever has a vertical catch. "COLT'S/PATENT/U.S." stamped on the left of the frame. The cylinder has the Texas Ranger and Indian fight scene along with the "MODEL U.S.M.R./COLT'S PATENT" marking. Small single letter inspection marks are present on various components. Matching full and partial serial numbers are marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, loading lever, wedge, cylinder, and arbor pin. Each side of the grip has a script letter cartouche with "JCB" (Joseph C. Bragg) on the left and "WAT" (William A. Thornton) on the right. The U.S. contract Colt Dragoon revolvers were used primarily by the First and Second Dragoon Regiments and the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Scarce U.S. Martially Inspected Colt First Model Dragoon Percussion Revolver

Lot 146

U.S. Martially Marked Colt First Dragoon Percussion Revolver

Only an estimated 7,000 Colt First Model Dragoon revolvers were manufactured between 1848-1850. The First Model Dragoon is an important descendant of the famous Colt Walker revolver, which debuted just one year earlier, and was meant for use by the U.S. Mounted Riflemen and U.S. Dragoons. These revolvers saw use on the western frontier in the antebellum era and on the battlefields of the Civil War in both Union and Confederate hands. This specific revolver was manufactured in 1848, the first year of production. It has the distinctive First Model oval cylinder stops and brass square back trigger guard. "ADDRESS SAMl COLT NEW-YORK CITY" marked on the top barrel flat. "COLT'S/PATENT/U.S." marked on the left of the frame. Standard "MODEL U.S.M.R./COLT'S PATENT" marked cylinder with the Texas Ranger and Indian fight scene. Matching full or partial serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard, butt, cylinder, and cylinder pin. The matching serial number "4019" is marked on the barrel lug and cylinder with the "0" punched over top of a "6" which may have been a factory error, and "619" is marked loading lever. "644" faintly marked on the replacement wedge. "K" and "B" single letter inspection initials visible on top of the barrel, on the trigger guard, back strap, and top of the left grip panel. Two faint outlines of oval script inspection cartouches are visible on both sides of the one piece walnut grip. Dragoons are important to collectors of antique American revolvers in general, and collectors of Colts in particular as one of Samuel Colt's large "holster pistols" descended from the famous Colt Walker.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Fine Colt Model 1855 Revolving Full Stock .44 Caliber Percussion Sporting Rifle

Lot 149

Colt Model 1855 Revolving Full Stock Rifle

Manufactured from 1856 to 1864. Per R.L. Wilson in "The Book of Colt Firearms," Colt only manufactured 300 Model 1855 sporting rifles with 27 inch barrels chambered in .44 caliber (page 182). This rifle is made even rarer by having a full length stock. R.L. Wilson pointed out the rarity of a full stock Model 1855 when he wrote: "Half Stock types outnumber Full Stocks by a significant proportion" (page 188). These full length Model 1855 are becoming more difficult to find no matter the condition, and this example is in fine condition. The top strap has the two-block, two-line patent/Hartford address marking: "COLT'S PT./1856" and "ADDRESS COL. COLT/HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, rear cylinder face, arbor pin, and buttplate. The rifle is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight and a three leaf rear sight graduated from 100 to 600 yards and correctly lacks provision for a bayonet. There are two barrel bands, a sling swivel attached to the underside of the buttstock and rear barrel band, cleaning rod, 6-shot fluted cylinder, buttstock with crescent buttplate and full length forearm with brass end cap.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Lot 152

Colt Richards Conversion Model 1860 Army Revolver

Total production of Model 1860 Army Richards conversion revolvers is estimated at approximately 9,000 in 1871-1878. They were thus manufactured both before and alongside the famous Colt Single Action Army and are an important evolutionary piece between Colt's percussion and cartridge revolvers. It has a German silver blade front sight, hammer notch rear sight, New York barrel address, standard patent markings and cylinder scene, "44 CAL" on the left side of the trigger guard, "1947" on the loading gate, and matching visible serial numbers. Some numbers along with "W" are hand scratched on the butt.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Colt CF

Price Realized:

Highly Desirable and Rare Martially Inspected Colt Pre-First Model "Fluck/Walker Replacement" Dragoon Percussion Revolver

Lot 156

Colt Pre-First Model "Fluck/Walker Replacement" Dragoon Revolver

This revolver was manufactured in 1848 and falls into the reported 2001 to 3000 serial number range for the "Walker Replacement Dragoons" identified by researcher John J. Fluck in 1956. He estimated 300 were made to replace the Walker revolvers that had failed and indicated they were made for the U.S. military using original Walker parts and reworked parts. They are also known as "pre-First Model Dragoons" and "Second Contract Dragoons" and are among the rarest of the roughly 19,000 Colt Dragoon revolvers. More recent research by Dick Salzer, David Basnet, G. Maxwell Longfield, and others has changed our understanding of this model and shown that they were not replacements for broken Walkers or made from recycled or repaired Walker components as Fluck had theorized. In "Debunking the Fluck Myth: Colt Legends Die Hard" by Salzer for the American Society of Arms Collectors in 2019, the author notes that these revolvers are actually the first Dragoons sold to the government, and "The obvious conclusion is that Colt, for reasons of completeness perhaps, chose to number the guns made for the second government contract in a closed, out-of-sequence series, beginning with 2001 and continuing to 3000. That left him with a gap in his civilian production between 1340 and 2000 which he subsequently filled with later production guns." He also notes that the tiny serial number numerals were stamped with the same dies as the civilian Walker revolvers, the Whitneyville Dragoons, and on the early "pre-First Model Dragoons" until the dies are presumed to have worn out around serial number 2650. The revolver has the distinctive First Model style oval cylinder stops and brass square-back trigger guard. The top of the barrel flat has a nickel-silver blade front sight and is marked "ADDRESS SAMl COLT, NEW-YORK CITY" reading from the breech to the muzzle, and a "P" is stamped above the wedge screw on the left. "P" is also marked on the arbor pin, left side of the hammer, and cylinder. "COLT'S/PATENT/U.S." is marked on the left of the frame. The cylinder is has the Indian and Texas Rangers battle scene and "MODEL U.S.M.R./COLT'S PATENT." The complete matching serial number is marked on the barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard, back strap, and arbor pin. The wedge is not numbered, and the loading lever has "66" or "99." The grip has traces of cartouches visible on the the bottom left and right. The butt has a faint handwritten marking that appears to be "PA/S3."

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Lot 209

Colt Deluxe Lightning Medium Frame Slide Action Rifle

A little under 90,000 of the medium frame variation of the Colt Lightning rifles were manufactured between 1884 and 1904. The vast majority of those would have been full blue and have featured the standard stock and pump handle. This 1886 production rifle is a very scarce deluxe Lightning with a casehardened frame and fancy grade walnut handle and pistol grip stock featuring attractive multi-point checkering. The rifle is chambered for the .44-40 caliber cartridge and has a 26 inch octagon barrel, 15-round magazine, German silver blade front sight, and elevation adjustable rear sight. The receiver is the early style with no provision for a sliding breech cover. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Hartford address/patent dates legend ahead of the rear sight and "44 Cal." at the breech. A Rampant Colt is stamped on the left side of the receiver. The serial number is stamped on the lower tang. This rare rifle features a special order deluxe checkered and highly figured walnut stock and forend and casehardened receiver and buttplate. The fine checkering on the stock extends to the bottom of the pistol grip. The underside of the stock is inlaid with a blank German silver oval. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 26 inch octagon barrel in .44 caliber, blue and casehardened finishes, and fancy pistol grip stock as well as being shipped on April 16, 1886 to Wm Read & Sons of Boston, Massachusetts. In the 1880s Colt's revolvers were extremely popular, but Remington and Winchester had the rifle market cornered. Colt needed to find a way in, and what better way could they have done this than by designing a rifle specifically to compliment their revolvers? The result was three sizes of Colt Lighting rifles which were the first slide action rifles developed by Colt and were chambered for the same cartridges used in the Single Action Army. Colt proclaimed "Nothing was faster than lightning!" The Medium Frame Lightning was the first of the Colt slide action rifles. Colt Lighting Rifles with special order deluxe stocks and casehardened receivers are exceedingly rare.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Cased Factory Engraved and Gold Inlaid Colt Second Generation Third Model Dragoon Percussion Revolver

Lot 600

Engraved and Inlaid Colt 2nd Gen Dragoon Revolver

Manufactured in 1978. This revolver features a gold band inlaid at the muzzle, a spray of floral scroll engraving on the top of the barrel, floral scroll engraving on the barrel flats with a gold inlaid Rampant Colt on the left side. The frame also features floral engraving with a wolf's head hammer. The cylinder features the standard battle scene. The grip straps are silver plated and features light flourishes of floral scroll engraving. Includes a partitioned wooden Colt case containing a martial themed powder flask, cap tin, combination and dual cavity bullet mould.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Factory Engraved Colt Custom Shop Model 1860 Army Percussion Revolver with Box

Lot 601

Factory Engraved Colt Custom Shop Model 1860 Army Revolver

This revolver has 75% plus coverage of beautifully executed floral scroll engraving. There is a German silver blade front sight and a hammer notch rear sight. The recoil shields are cut for a shoulder stock, there are screws for engaging the shoulder stock and a notch in the butt for the shoulder stock. Fitted with a nicely figured smooth walnut grip. With a blue Colt Custom Shop box and a white box numbered to the gun.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 percussion

Price Realized:

Cased Pair of Factory Engraved and Gold Inlaid Colt Black Powder Series Percussion Revolvers -A) Colt Dragoon Percussion Revolver

Lot Contains 2 Items

Lot 604

Pair of Engraved and Inlaid Colt Percussion Revolvers

Both revolvers feature matching engraving and gold inlay consisting of a gold inlaid band at the muzzle and Rampant Colt on the left of the barrel with flourishes of floral scroll and wavy line engraving on the barrel, loading lever, and frame with wolf's head hammers. Both revolvers have standard markings and "COLT ENG" on the front strap below the grip. Includes a double gun case for the revolvers.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44, 36

Price Realized:

Scarce and Desirable Cased Pair of Colt Hartford English Dragoon Percussion Revolvers -A) Colt Hartford English Dragoon Revolver

Lot Contains 2 Items

Lot 1101

Pair of Colt Hartford English Dragoon Revolvers

Both of these Third Model Dragoon pattern revolvers were assembled at Colt's London factory in 1853 from parts manufactured at the Hartford factory. Only 700 of these revolvers were manufactured, making them significantly rarer than the London Navy and '49 Pocket revolvers, and cased pairs like this are very hard to come by. They have nickel-silver blade front sights, the New York barrel address, London proof and view marks, "COLTS/PATENT" on the left side of the frame, the Indian fight scene and "MODEL U.S.M.R." on the cylinders, and all-matching serial numbers on the various metal components. They are finished with blue on the barrels and cylinders, silver on the grip frames, and case colors on the loading levers, frames, and hammers. They come in an English style case with green baize lining, a Colt directions for loading and cleaning label inside the lid, an L-shaped combination tool, large cap tin, Colt patent brass ball and bullet mold with iron sprue cutter, James Dixon & Son bag shaped powder flask, extra mainsprings, and a James Dixon & Son oiler.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Rare and Desirable Historic C Company U.S. Colt Model 1847 Walker Percussion Revolver Inscribed for Terry's Texas Ranger "F.H. Kennedy"

Lot 1102

Colt Model 1847 Walker Revolver Inscribed "F.H. Kennedy"

Only 1,000 of the historical U.S. martial contract Colt Walker revolvers were manufactured in 1847. These massive "horse pistols" resurrected Samuel Colt's firearms business. The design was famously conceived in collaboration with Captain Samuel H. Walker of the Texas Rangers and the U.S. Regiment of Mounted Riflemen. John Coffee Hays, Walker, and the Texas Rangers had successfully used Colt's Paterson revolvers while outnumbered in combat with the Comanche in Texas and in battle with the Mexican army in the 1840s. In 1847, Samuel Colt contacted Walker asking for details on the battles in which his revolvers had been used and for an endorsement that he could then use to pursue government contracts. Walker wrote back a glowing endorsement of Colt's revolvers but also made suggestions on how to improve the design, and a contract for 1,000 revolvers was signed. Colt did not have a manufacturing facility for the revolvers, so he contracted to have Eli Whitney Jr. build them for him. Aside from a few special pairs sent earlier, this revolver would have been part of the first batch of 220 revolvers with the C Company markings (Walker's company in the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen) shipped to the Vera Cruz Ordnance Depot, but nearly all of these were diverted for Colonel Hays's men in the Texas Rangers. During the fighting, the Walker was reported to be as effective as a rifle at 100 yards and more effective than a musket at 200 yards. Walker was famously killed while armed with a pair of these revolvers at the Battle of Juamantla in October 1847. After the Mexican-American War ended, most of the surviving Colt Walker revolvers were returned to government arsenals in Texas, and, of the 191 turned in by Hays's men, only 82 are recorded as remaining serviceable. Many of the Walkers used during the Mexican-American War and in fights with Native Americans in the late 1840s were shipped to the San Antonio Ordnance Depot and were captured by the Confederacy at the beginning of the Civil War and then issued to Confederate cavalry units. This revolver is shown on page 23 of the Alamo exhibit publication “Firearms of the Texas Frontier: Flintlock to Cartridge, 1836-1876” by Alamo Historian and Curator Dr. Richard Bruce Winders and was also featured as the Alamo Artifact of the Month in the October 2014 edition of The Alamo Messenger where it was noted as being featured in the exhibit which was set to open on October 15, 2014. It is also featured in the Fall 2019 issue of “The Texas Gun Collector” on pages 30-31 in the article “Best of Show TCGA Show, Fall 2018: A Passel of Walkers” by John Galle where he reports his friend Doug Myers first noted the back strap inscription after Galle received the revolver in 2014. He notes that “F.H. Kennedy enrolled in Terry’s Texas Rangers in Houston in 1861” and the revolver previously belonged to Arnold Chernoff and John Fluck. He also states “C-136 is the only Walker that I know of that has been carried in the Mexican War (98% probability) and the Civil War.” In an included copy of a letter from R.L. Wilson to Arnold Chernoff, this revolver is noted as “one of the fifteen best Walkers in America” and as “distinguished in having completely matching numbers and all original parts.” Wilson attributes the lever latch as a factory alteration. In an included copy of a letter from Herb Glass, Jr to John Galle in 2015, Glass states this revolver “can be certainly counted among the best of the ‘no cylinder scene Walkers’” and notes that the “4” markings are “apparently an assembly number related to the loading lever alteration. It is possible this alteration is factory done; the work is certainly of factory quality.” He also notes that the grips are numbered “131” instead of “136” but attributes this as a factory error and notes that it is also marked “136” in the buttstrap cutout. The revolver has a German silver blade front sight, "ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY" marked on the top flat at the breech, "US/1847" marked on the right side of the barrel lug, and a period modified loading lever with lever catch below the barrel. The frame and barrel have "C COMPANY No 136" on the left side, and the same is repeated on the butt. The trigger guard has "C COM-Y No 136." "COM-Y No 136" is on the side of the cylinder, and "13" is on the rear. "136" is on the bottom of the arbor and marked in the rear grip mortise, and "136" with the "3" horizontal us on the wedge. "4" is marked on the right side of the arbor and frame, the left side of the barrel lug, on the bottom of the barrel, on the front face of the cylinder, and the bottom of the grip. A horizontally flipped "N" or "11" is marked on the left side of the grip at the top. The inscription "F.H. KENNEDY." is along the back strap cut over some of the wear. In Wilbur F.S. Quick's inventory of known Walkers from 1953, this revolver was identified as owned by Charles W. Fritz of Norwood, Ohio. Per the National Park Service Soldiers & Sailors database, an F.H. Kennedy fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War as a private from Houston in Company K of the 8th Texas Cavalry (Terry's Texas Rangers). Copies of some of his service records shared on-line list him as 23 years old and later show him sick in a private hospital in Nashville starting in April-May of 1862. His fate is not known. Other records suggest he was a druggist by profession before the war and was born in Kentucky. Per the Texas State Historical Association, when they enlisted in Terry's Texas Rangers, "Each man was required to furnish a shotgun or carbine, a Colt revolver, a Bowie knife, and a saddle, bridle, and blanket." They fought at Shiloh, Perryville, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, and Atlanta and raided in Kentucky and Tennessee with Lt. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest. They were sent to try to slow Sherman's "March to the Sea," and fought at Bentonville, seen generally as the end of the war. They did not surrender and instead escaped with plans to continue fighting, but with the collapse of the Confederate cause, they split up and returned home to Texas. Provenance: The Dr. Douglas Sirkin Collection; The John Galle Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Lot 1103

Colt Civilian Model 1860 Army Percussion Revolver

Successor to the Third Model Dragoon, the 1860 Army ranks third in total production among Colt's percussion guns and was the chief sidearm of the Union Army during the Civil War. Manufactured in 1870, this example is a civilian model that remains in very fine condition. The top of the barrel has the one-line New York address. The left side of the frame is marked "COLTS/PATENT." The left side of the trigger guard is marked "44 CAL." The cylinder has the naval battle scene. The frame, loading lever and hammer are casehardened. The barrel, cylinder and back strap are blued. The brass trigger guard is plated in silver. The wedge is unnumbered. Matching full or partial serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, and cylinder. Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Highly Desirable U.S. Colt Second Model Dragoon Percussion Revolver with Very Scarce New Hampshire Markings

Lot 1109

New Hampshire U.S. Colt Second Model Dragoon Revolver

This Second Model Dragoon revolver was manufactured in 1851, with only an estimated 2,700 Second Model Dragoon revolvers being produced in 1850 and 1851 before the Third Model came on the market, making it the scarcest of the three models. This particular revolver is extremely rare in that it is one of only a few hundred that were issued to the New Hampshire and Massachusetts militias. These Dragoons fell into the serial number range of 10,000 to the early 11,000's. This revolver is two over the normal 10700 serial number cut-off for Second Models, but has the characteristic square-back trigger guard of the Second Model. The left side of the barrel is marked " NEW HAMPSHIRE". The top of the rear barrel flat is marked "--ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY--", the left side of the frame is marked "COLT'S/PATENT/U. S." The serial number "10702" is marked on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, (top portion of the "2" faded) and backstrap, and the wedge is unnumbered. The frame and loading lever are casehardened, the barrel and cylinder are blue and the trigger guard and backstrap are brass. The cylinder is roll engraved with the Ranger and Indian scene, with matching serial number. The three screw frame has no provision for stock mounting. The trigger guard is stamped "Q" ahead of the bow, and a small "B" is marked on the left side of the frame, underside, rear of the trigger guard, top of the backstrap and left side of the hammer, and an "F" is on the left front of the trigger guard. The grip is one piece smooth walnut with faint inspector's cartouches. These revolvers were generally found in good condition, apparently seeing little use in the field. An extremely rare and desirable New Hampshire militia marked Second Model Dragoon.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Outstanding Documented Carlos Gove, Territory of Colorado Shipped Colt Model 1871-72 Open Top Revolver with Factory Letter

Lot 1111

Carlos Gove Shipped Colt Model 1871-72 Open Top Revolver

Highly prized by collectors for its limited production and significance as the first large frame Colt revolver manufactured specifically for a metallic cartridge, the Model 1871-72 Open Top Revolver is the transition model between the Colt percussion revolvers and solid frame Single Action Army revolver. The production of the Open Top was made possible after the American government refused Rollin White’s request to extend his breech loading revolver patent in 1870. White’s patent was a drastic leap in the progression of firearms development as it allowed for a bored through revolver cylinder to be loaded with cartridges at the rear. Smith & Wesson held exclusive rights to the use of White’s patent, and for every S&W manufactured revolver that used his bored through cylinder patent, White received a 25 cent royalty. White was responsible for defending his patent in court against other manufacturers who infringed upon his breech loading design, and his success in the courts paved the way for S&W to manufacture the first commercially successful revolver to use rimfire cartridges, the Model 1, with near immunity from competitors. S&W followed up the Model 1 with a series of tip-up revolvers that dominated the rimfire market. The expiration of White’s patent signaled the end to S&W’s unyielding domination over the rimfire revolver market. Colt’s response was the Model 1871-72 revolver of which 7,000 were manufactured in 1872 and 1873 at a time when settlers pouring into the American West demanded powerful large caliber sidearms. Their heavy use on the Western frontier and limited production run has made the Model 1871-72 one of the most difficult Colt revolvers to find in any condition. This Model 1871-72 is in exceptionally fine condition and is historically linked to American westward expansion. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 7 1/2 inch barrel in .44 Rimfire and blue finish as well as this revolver being part of a 50 unit shipment on January 10, 1874, delivered to C. Gove & Co., Denver, Territory of Colorado. The Territory of Colorado existed as territory of the United States from February 28, 1861, until it was admitted to the Union as the State of Colorado on August 1, 1876. The territory, which included portions of the Kansas, Nebraska and New Mexico Territories, was created by Congress in response to the population boom caused by the Pike’s Peak gold rush, and the territorial borders gave the Union control of the area’s rich mineral deposits during the Civil War. Carlos Gove was a legendary gunsmith and merchant in the Denver area. He came West while serving in Second Dragoons. In the 1840s, he was working as a gunsmith for the Pottawatomie, and after multiple relocations came to Denver and opened a ship in the fall of 1862. Fellow legendary western gunsmith J.P. Lower as well as Gove's son-in-law Frank Church partnered with Gove to form C. Gove & Co. on September 2, 1872. Their "Denver Armory" became one of the largest firearms dealers in the West. Lower left in 1875, and the company became C. Gove & Sons. Among the gunsmiths working for him were George and Olaf Schoyen. After Gove retired and sold the business in 1884, he entered local politics. As part of the C. Gove & Co. shipment nearly 150 years ago, this Colt Model 1871-72 Revolver represents 19th century attitudes of American exceptionalism, economic wealth and Manifest Destiny that drove settlers to the West coast. It certainly is a physical piece of the American spirit. The barrel has the distinctive blade and integral notch sights and "- ADDRESS COL SAML COLT NEW - YORK U.S. AMERICA-" on top. The left side of the frame is stamped with the two-line patent dates marking. The cylinder is roll engraved with the naval engagement scene. Matching full serial numbers are on the frame, barrel, trigger guard and back strap. The matching partial serial number "205" is on the cylinder. The loading gate has the assembly number "131." Fitted with a nicely figured and varnished walnut grip.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 RF

Price Realized:

Colt Model 1860 Army Percussion Revolver with "HARDIN" Marked Holster and Framed "J.W. Hardin" Signed and July 4, 1895, Dated Shot Five of Hearts Playing Card

Lot 1114

Colt 1860 Army Revolver with "HARDIN" Holster & Signed Card

This revolver was manufactured in 1868 and is said to have been owned by a cousin or uncle of the notorious outlaw and gunfighter John Wesley Hardin based on the holster which is hand marked with "o. S. HARDIN. C" on the outside. It is possible the "S." and "C." relate to his aliases "J.W. Swain" and "Wesley Clement" per the consignor or to a Hardin relative nicknamed "Osc." The revolver has the standard markings and features aside from the antique ivory grip, a rare feature. Only 492 Colt Model 1860 Army revolvers with this grip are recorded in the factory records per Charles Pate in "The Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver." The serial numbers match aside from the replacement wedge. Hardin is said to have been armed with a Colt Model 1860 Army when he was arrested in 1877, and 1868 was coincidentally the same year he is said to have first killed a man when he shot freedman Major "Maje" Holshousen five times with a revolver and then claimed to have killed the three soldiers sent to arrest him with a double barrel shotgun and his revolver. Before being arrested by Texas Ranger John Armstrong in 1877 for the murder of a sheriff deputy, Hardin had killed several more men, many of them lawmen, and wounded others. Estimates range on the number of men he killed. More than 20 is often stated, and some say more than double that number met their untimely demise thanks to Hardin and his quick aim with a Colt. Despite the bloodshed, he was a free man again in less than 15 years and was even pardoned in 1894. In the mid-1890s, he frequented the saloons of El Paso and worked as an attorney. On May 1, 1895, he used his pistol to get money he lost gambling back at the Acme Saloon. The included framed five of hearts playing card is signed "J.W. Hardin/7-4-95" below a tight group of small caliber bullet holes. The card is in a modern frame and has a brass plaque inscribed "John Wesley Hardin/Born May 26, 1853/Died August 19, 1895." It has been said these cards were shot by Hardin as part of a shooting exhibition held during at the grand opening of the Wigwam Saloon in El Paso, Texas, on the Fourth of July in 1895, but the saloon opened several years earlier while Hardin was still in prison and was well-established by the time he was released, so they may have been shot as part of an Independence Day event. Regardless of the specific details of the origin of the playing cards, they are particularly interesting as Hardin was killed the next month in El Paso. On the 10th of August, he is recorded as having been fined for carrying a pistol. Details of what led to Constable John Selman Sr. shooting Hardin multiple times on August 19 in the Acme Saloon while Hardin was playing dice vary somewhat from source to source. The main facts appear to be that Hardin had argued with John Selman Jr. and possibly pistol whipped him and threatened his life. The argument appears to have related to the arrest and fining of Bula/Beulah M'Rose/Mroz. Some sources say she was arrested for brandishing a gun and others for vagrancy or drunk-and-disorderly conduct. She was an associate and possibly romantic partner of Hardin. He had acted as a lawyer for her husband Martin M'Rose when he was arrested by Mexican authorities in Juarez, and then Martin was killed in July 1895. The elder Selman and Hardin were both in the Acme Saloon gambling before Selman shot and killed Hardin. Hardin was armed with a Colt Model 1877 at the time. At least one witness, Frank McPherson, said that Hardin had said he would kill Selman before leaving town and told Selman this before the incident. Selman claimed Hardin was reaching for his gun when he shot him. Selman was not convicted for the killing but was himself killed in a shootout with a lawman in April 1896 over a gambling dispute. A modern printed and framed reward poster for Hardin, an original funeral notice for S.A. Hardin (wife of Thomas A. Hardin) and information from the sale of other Hardin items are also included.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Lot 1117

U.S. Marked Colt Third Model Dragoon Percussion Revolver

Manufactured in 1858 and bears U.S. government contract inspector's markings. Most of these revolvers saw hard use on the frontier with the 1st and 2nd Dragoons and U.S. Regiment of Mounted Riflemen and were subsequently used by both sides during the Civil War. The revolver has the round brass trigger guard and rectangular cylinder stops found on Third Model Dragoons. The barrel has a German silver blade front sight and "ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW" cutoff by the three-leaf rear sight (one standing, two folding). The left side of the frame is marked "COLTS/PATENT/U.S." The cylinder has the Indian fight scene and the "Model U.S.M.R." marking. Matching serial numbers on the loading lever, wedge, arbor pin, cylinder, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The rear mortise of the grip is marked with the matching serial full number "17096" in pencil. The grip also has "WAT" and "BH" cartouches on either side. There are single letter government inspector type markings on various parts.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Incredibly Scarce, Documented and Highly Desirable Factory Engraved Colt Black Powder Frontier Six Shooter Sheriff's Model Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter

Lot 1152

Factory Engraved Colt Sheriff's Model SAA Revolver

The Colt Single Action Army Revolver is arguably the most iconic handgun of Americana. In the hands of ranchers, cavalrymen, Native Americans, lawmen and outlaws, the Peacemaker’s legacy was forged out in the hostile American West. Its association with the Wild West has made it one of the most collectable American handguns. The limited factory engraved guns and other rare variations are especially sought after. This ejectorless Sheriff’s Model of the legendary Peacemaker certainly meets the criteria for a highly prized SAA. As a factory engraved example, this Peacemaker is one of only around 4,500 or .012% of the total First Generation Colt SAA revolvers manufactured with engraving. As an ejectorless black powder Sheriff’s Model this revolver is one of the rarest and most sought after variations of the legendary Peacemaker. It has been estimated that only around 1,000 of these “ejectorless” revolvers were manufactured by Colt with the majority having left the factory before 1900. Based on Keith Cochran’s estimates presented in “Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Volume 1,” only 494 out of a grand total of 1,000 “ejectorless” SAAs were manufactured with a 4 inch barrel and only 180 out of the total Sheriff’s Model production run were chambered in .44 WCF (page 370). Without a doubt the factory engraving, 4 inch barrel in .44 WCF and ejectorless configuration make for an incredibly scarce, possibly one-of-a-kind, Peacemaker. Perhaps nowhere else is this fact so clearly illustrated than in the chart presented in Wilkerson and Hoyt’s “The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver, 1873-1895” on page 339. Per the authors only five .44 WCF ejectorless SAAs in the serial number range 1-164100 were reported in the Colt archives records as being factory engraved and out of that five only one was nickel plated and with a 4 inch barrel. This Peacemaker has the added bonus of being documented in the Colt factory records as well as in R.L. Wilson’s seminal work “The Book of Colt Firearms” on page 252. The factory letter lists the 4 inch barrel in .44-40 caliber, nickel plating, and factory engraving, while the grip material is not listed. The factory letter also states the revolver was shipped to G.L. Wild & Brothers of Washington, DC on March 31, 1883, leaving us to speculate if this revolver was destined for a high profile federal official. This was a single gun shipment. As stated, the revolver is pictured and identified in Wilson’s “The Book of Colt Firearms.” In the photo caption Wilson calls out the embellishment as “a standard engraving pattern.” The profuse engraving consists mostly of floral scrollwork on a punch dot background along with dot and zig-zag line bands and borders and fan patterns on the recoil shield, loading gate and back strap shoulder. The embellishment displays the characteristics of patterns associated with Colt Master Engraver Cuno Helfricht and his shop. As seen in the photo published in Wilson's book the pearl grips on this revolver have been on this gun for many decades. The barrel has the two-line Hartford address stamped on top and larter style “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” incorrectly stamped inside an oval panel surrounded by the engraving on the left side. The left side of the frame is stamped with the three-line patent dates marking. “44 CF” is stamped on the left side of the trigger guard. The matching full serial number appears on the frame, trigger guard and back strap.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 3047

Colt Burgess Lever Action Rifle

The Colt Burgess rifles and carbines were only available from 1883 to around 1885. 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 is one of only 2,556 Colt Burgess rifle manufactured with an octagon barrel. The rifle is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Hartford address/patent dates legend. The left side of the receiver is stamped with a Rampant Colt. The buttstock is fitted with a trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included). The plain forearm and straight grip stock are nicely figured walnut.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 WCF

Price Realized:

Desirable Documented Confederate Use Attributed New Orleans, Louisiana April 1861 Shipped Colt Model 1860 Army Fluted Cylinder Revolver with Factory Letter

Lot 3076

New Orleans, Louisiana Shipped Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver

The included factory letter confirms the serial number, caliber, barrel length, blue finish with brass trigger guard and wood grip. The letter states that the revolver was shipped to Kittredge & Folsom, New Orleans, Louisiana, on 9 April 1861 as a shipment of 50 guns. The date and shipping address undoubtedly indicates Confederate use (Colt's shipping of revolvers to the South at the outbreak of the Civil War has been a source of debate for years). This revolver is one of only about 4,000 Colt Model 1860 Army Revolvers manufactured with the full fluted cylinder. These revolvers appear in the first 8,000 serial numbers and have a four-screw frame with recoil shields cut for an attachable shoulder stock. Brass trigger guard and iron backstrap. The cylinder is stamped with the 1850 patent date and the full serial number, both markings are present in individual cylinder flutes. The top of the barrel is marked "-ADDRESS SAML COLT HARTFORD CT." and "COLT'S / PATENT" is stamped on left side of the frame. Matching full serial number on the cylinder, barrel, frame, trigger guard and backstrap, with the partial serial number "237" on the barrel wedge. Blade front and hammer notch rear sights, and fitted with a one piece smooth walnut grip.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 percussion

Price Realized:

Desirable Colt Thuer Conversion Model 1860 Army Single Action Revolver

Lot 3104

Outstanding Colt Thuer Conversion Model 1860 Army Revolver

This Colt Thuer Conversion Model 1860 Army revolver was manufactured 1869-72. The revolver has a high polish blue finish on the barrel, cylinder and back strap, casehardened loading lever, frame and hammer and silver-plated brass trigger guard. The revolver has a one-piece grip. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" in one line. "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 NO". The full serial number is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The replacement cylinder is numbered "4646". The Thuer conversion ring has a script "E" that denotes the eject position. The right side of the barrel lug is machined to permit front loading of the cartridge and the loading lever rammer is threaded on the internal face, both Thuer features. The cylinder has been modified to accommodate the conversion ring. The conversion ring has the distinctive knurled turning knob, rebounding firing pin, and ejection mechanism. The Thuer conversion were the first Colt revolvers to utilize a metallic cartridge and are scarce and historically significant firearms.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Lot 3105

U.S. Colt First Model Dragoon Percussion Revolver

This is a solid representative example of a U.S. Colt first model Dragoon revolver. Only an estimated 7,000 Colt First Model Dragoon revolvers were manufactured between 1848-1850. The First Model Dragoon is an important descendant of the famous Colt Walker revolver, which debuted just one year earlier, and was meant for use by the U.S. Mounted Riflemen and U.S. Dragoons. These revolvers saw use on the western frontier in the antebellum era and on the battlefields of the Civil War in both Union and Confederate hands. This specific revolver was manufactured in 1848, the first year of production. It has the distinctive First Model oval cylinder stops and brass square back trigger guard. "ADDRESS SAMl COLT NEW-YORK CITY" marked on the top barrel flat. "COLT'S/PATENT/U.S." marked on the left of the frame. Standard "MODEL U.S.M.R./COLT'S PATENT" marked cylinder with the Texas Ranger and Indian fight scene. Matching full or partial serial numbers are on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, butt, cylinder, wedge, and cylinder pin. Dragoons are important to collectors of antique American revolvers in general, and collectors of Colts in particular as one of Samuel Colt's large "holster pistols" descended from the famous Colt Walker.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Exceptional U.S. "MS" Massachusetts Marked Colt Second Model Dragoon Percussion Revolver

Lot 3108

U.S. Massachusetts Marked Colt Second Model Dragoon Revolver

Manufactured in 1851 under U.S. contract, this Colt Second Model Dragoon revolver was later issued to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts under the Militia Act and stamped "MS" in front of the trigger guard. According to the 2013 publication "Massachusetts Marked Colt Second Model Dragoon Revolvers Their Early History and U.S. Civil War Issue" by Douglas L. Hays, Jr. only 100 Colt Second Model Dragoons were procured from the U.S. Ordnance Department by the Massachusetts Militia in 1852. Hays estimates approximately 20 "MS" marked Second Model Dragoons are known to exist today. The serial numbers are scattered randomly and span a numerical range of 450, mostly in the 10000-11000 range. The revolver has the distinctive combination of rectangular cylinder stops and square-back brass trigger guard that identify Second Model Dragoon revolvers. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-". "COLT'S/PATENT/U.S." is roll-stamped in three lines on the left side of the frame. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Ranger and Indian fight scene and "MODEL U.S.M.R./COLT'S PATENT". Single letter government inspection marks are visible on various parts and the grip is marked with boxed "W.A.T." cartouches. The full serial number, "10612", is stamped on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, back strap and cylinder. The partial serial number "0612" is stamped on the lever. "612" is stamped on the cylinder pin and wedge. Colt manufactured fewer Second Model Dragoon revolvers (2,700) than any other Dragoon revolver, making them relatively scarce, even more-so with Massachusetts militia markings!

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Lot 3113

Colt Pre-First Model "Fluck" Dragoon Percussion Revolver

Manufactured in 1848, this revolver falls into the reported 2,001 to 3,000 serial number range for the Walker Replacement Dragoons first identified by researcher John J. Fluck in 1956. Estimates for the total production of these revolvers are as low as 300 but the total is likely closer to 1,000. They are also known as "pre-First Model Dragoons" or "Second Contract Dragoons" and were designed to replace Walker revolvers that failed while in use by the U.S. military using original Walker parts and reworked parts. The revolver has the distinctive First Model style oval cylinder stops and brass square back trigger guard. The top of the barrel flat is marked "ADDRESS SAMl COLT, NEW-YORK CITY" reading from the breech to the muzzle. "COLT'S/PATENT/U.S." marked on the left of the frame. The cylinder is recut with the roll engraved Indian and Rangers battle scene and "MODEL U.S.M.R./COLT'S PATENT". There is a small "P" inspection mark stamped on the top of the back strap and on the upper left side of the barrel. The complete matching serial number is marked on the barrel, frame, cylinder (re-stamped), trigger guard, back strap, wedge, and arbor pin. The replacement loading lever is numbered "118". Blade front and hammer notch rear sights. The frame was casehardened, the grip frame silver plated and the remaining metal surfaces were blue finished . Fitted with a smooth one-piece walnut grip with a visible cartouche on the bottom of the left panel and faint remnants of a cartouche on the bottom of the right panel.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Documented Schuyler, Hartley & Graham Shipped Pair of Nickel Plated Closely Serialized Colt Model 1860 Army Percussion Revolvers with Slim Jim Holsters, Factory Letters, and Kopec Letters -A) Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver

Lot Contains 2 Items

Lot 3115

Pair of Nickel Plated Colt Model 1860 Army Revolvers

These nickel plated Colt Model 1860 revolvers are only three serial numbers apart. The included factory letters include both of these revolvers as part of the same shipment of 50 on March 17, 1877 to Schuyler, Hartley and Graham of New York. The included John Kopec letter indicates that this revolver, serial number 176469, was purchased by Kopec on September 13, 1992, and the individual he purchased it from indicated that he acquired it from Sheriff Lloyd Low during the 1950s, who confiscated this revolver from an Indian on the Klamath Indian Reservation, near Chiloquin, Oregon during the late 1940s. A newspaper obituary for Lloyd Low, Sheriff of Klamath County, Oregon, is included that indicates he passed away at age 75 on October 9th, 1963 and states, "Lloyd Low first ran for sheriff in 1921 after an honorable discharge Oct. 27, 1919, from the Army. He served in World War I as a first sergeant overseas with the 302nd Division, Remount Squad Cavalry including the Army Occupation in Germany at the end of the war. He served in the sheriff's office for 24 years, earning statewide recognition for courage, undaunted approach to difficult duty and earnest devotion to his responsibilities. Mr. Low retired in 1948." Although both of the factory letters mention these revolvers as being shipped with blue finish, Kopec states this revolver and the other one in this lot are factory nickel. Kopec states, "The cylinder of this revolver is nickel plated and has a mismatched serial number '169'. It is believed that this revolver was shipped originally from the factory with this mismatched cylinder. The revolver appears to be totally correct except for the replaced barrel wedge and the brass tacks which had been added to both sides of the grips." The book "The Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver" by Charles Pate states on page 351, "Collector/author John Kopec has two nickel-plated NMA revolvers marked with the 'I.P.', and again, those pistols have matching wood stocks rather than ones made with ivory. The screws on these revolvers appear to have originally been blued. The author could not find inventory data on these two revolvers, SN 176469-I.P. and SN 176472-I.P., but both were in a shipment of 50 'Army P&B' (powder and ball) revolvers to Schuyler, Hartley & Graham on March 12, 1877. It is interesting to note that both the cylinders are mismatched... both match the pistols well in appearance." It has a German silver blade front sight and "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW YORK U.S. AMERICA.-" marked on top of the barrel. Matching numbers on the barrel, frame, and trigger guard. Properly hand-written matching number "6469" in black ink in the rear mortise of the grip. Includes leather slim jim holster.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Lot 3117

Colt Model 1871-72 Open Top Revolver Marked C. R. Nagle

Highly prized by collectors for its limited production and significance as the first Colt revolver manufactured specifically for a metallic cartridge, the Model 1871-72 Open Top Revolver is the transition model between the Colt cartridge conversions and solid frame Single Action Army revolver. The production of the Open Top was made possible after the American government refused Rollin White’s request to extend his breech loading revolver patent in 1870. White’s patent was a drastic leap in the progression of firearms development as it allowed for a bored through revolver cylinder to be loaded with cartridges at the rear. Smith & Wesson held exclusive rights to the use of White’s patent, and for every S&W manufactured revolver that used his bored through cylinder patent, White received a 25 cent royalty. White was responsible for defending his patent in court against other manufacturers who infringed upon his breech loading design, and his success in the courts paved the way for S&W to manufacture the first commercially successful revolver to use rimfire cartridges, the Model 1, with near impunity from competitors. S&W followed up the Model 1 with a series of tip-up revolvers that dominated the rimfire market. The expiration of White’s patent signaled the end to S&W’s unyielding domination over the rimfire revolver market. Colt’s response was the Model 1871-72 revolver of which 7,000 were manufactured between 1872-1873 at a time when settlers pouring into the American West demanded powerful large caliber sidearms. Their heavy use on the Western frontier and limited production run has made the Model 1871-72 one of the most difficult Colt revolvers to find in any condition. The included factory letter confirms the 7 1/2 inch barrel in .44 rimfire, blue finish with iron back strap, and wood stocks as well as being part of a 50 gun shipment on August 28, 1873 to J.P. Moores Sons, New York City. "-ADDRESS COL. SAMl COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" marked on top of the barrel. The left side of the frame is marked with the "COLT'S/PATENT" marking and the cylinder is roll engraved with the Texas naval scene and "COLTS PATENT No. 601". The matching serial number "1601" is marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The loading gate is numbered "680". Blade front sight and notch rear sight on the breech end of the barrel. Fitted with a one-piece varnished walnut grip. The name "*C.R. NAGLE*" is stamped on the right of the breech end of the barrel. Although not a positive identification, a few 1882 dated newspaper articles have been located referring to a C .R. Nagle, traveling auditor of the East Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia Railroad, as well as an 1887 dated newspaper article that mentions him becoming the new master of trains for the East Tennessee Railroad.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 RF

Price Realized:

Lot 3118

Colt Model 1860 Army Richards Conversion Revolver

This is one of approximately 9,000 Richards conversion Model 1860 Army revolvers manufactured between 1871-1878 based on designs by Charles B. Richards; Richards was also one of the designers of the Colt Single Action Army, and some of these revolvers were manufactured alongside the Single Action Army and are believed to have seen significant use in the Old West. The revolver has a nickel finish and is fitted with a one-piece walnut grip. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "-ADDRESS COL. SAMl COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" in one line. "COLTS/PATENT" marked on the left side of the frame. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene and "COLTS PATENT No 6244". The matching full serial number "196244" marked on the bottom of the barrel lug and frame, "191597" marked on the trigger guard, and "198/844" marked on the butt. "6876" marked on the loading gate.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Colt CF

Price Realized:

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