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.

Page 1 of 5

Showing 1-50 of 235 results

Lot 18

John Walch Ten Shot Double Hammers Pocket Percussion Revolver

This is one of approximately 2,000 brass variations of the Walch Double Hammer Revolver manufactured from 1860 to 1862 for John Walch and partner J.P. Lindsay by New Haven Arms Company. This scarce revolver fires ten shots from five chambers. The cylinder is twice as long, so that two loads can be put in the same chamber. There is a channel leading from the front load to the right nipple and the left nipple fires directly into the rear of the chamber. When the trigger is pulled, the right hammer drops, firing the front load, the trigger must be released before it can be pulled a second time to fire the rear load. The top barrel flat has the two line New York address/1859 patent date marking. The matching serial number is marked on the frame under the grip and on the cylinder pin. Brass cone front sight and a notch in the left hammer serves as the rear sight. Fitted with smooth varnished walnut grips. It is known that some of the Walch revolvers were privately purchased and carried by Union soldiers during the Civil War.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 31 percussion

Price Realized:

Lot 42

Antique Colt Black Powder Single Action Army Revolver

The Colt Single Action Army was one of the most popular handguns in late 19th century and is easily the most iconic and most thoroughly associated with the American West. This example was manufactured in 1886, and it certainly has the classic look of an authentic cowboy gun. The barrel has the correct two-line Hartford marking on top. The left side of the frame has the three-line patent dates marking. The caliber designation "45 CAL" is stamped on the left side of the trigger guard. Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard and back strap.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45 LC

Price Realized:

Lot 43

Remington Model 1890 Single Action Army Revolver

Remington reportedly manufactured 2,000 of these Model 1890 Single Action Army revolvers in 1891-94. The Model 1890 was the successor to the Model 1875 and 1888 and was also intended to be the competitor to the Wild West legend the Colt Single Action Army. The Model 1890 is one of the most sought after of all of the Remington produced handguns. The top of the barrel is marked "REMINGTON ARMS CO. ILION, N.Y." The caliber designation "44 C.F.W" is marked on the left side of the frame just below the cylinder. The serial number is correctly located on the lower left side of the frame under the grip panel. A factory lanyard ring is mounted on the butt. The back of the left grip panel has a modern collection label for Richard G. Gooding (1921-2003) of Wausau, Wisconsin. Gooding was a decorated WWII veteran of Patton's 3rd Army Division, breeder of purebred Dalmatians and German shepherds, an expert gunsmith and collector of militaria and firearms with special interest in antique Remingtons.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 WCF

Price Realized:

Exceptional Massachusetts Arms Co. Wesson & Leavitt Percussion Dragoon Revolver

Lot 101

Massachusetts Arms Co. Wesson & Leavitt Dragoon Revolver

Only around 1,000 of these revolvers were manufactured between 1850-1851 before production was halted due to a patent infringement suit won by Samuel Colt. The design was in part by Edwin Wesson, older brother of Daniel B. Wesson of later Smith & Wesson fame. The younger Wesson and Horace Smith were among the incorporators of the Massachusetts Arms Co. "MASS. ARMS CO./CHICOPEE FALLS" is marked on the top strap. "WESSON'S & LEAVITT'S PATENT" is marked on the lock. "LEAVITTS PATENT APRIL 29. 1837" is on the back of the cylinder, and "WESSON'S PATENT AUG. 28. 1849" is on the bevel gear. "144" is marked on the recoil shield and underside of the top strap, and "488" is on the back of the barrel lug.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 40

Incredibly Historic, National Treasure, Documented, L.D. Nimschke Master Engraved Remington New Model Army Percussion Revolvers with Patriotic Eagle and Portrait Raised Relief Carved Grips Presented to Commander of the Union Armies and Future President of the United States Ulysses S. Grant -A) Remington New Model Army Revolver

Lot Contains 2 Items

Lot 106

Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's Cased Remington New Model Army Revolvers

Ulysses S. Grant is one of the most famous Americans of all time and certainly of the 19th century thanks to “Unconditional Surrender Grant’s” important victories during the American Civil War starting with the capture of Fort Donelson, arguably the first significant Union victory of the war, and ending with General Robert E. Lee’s surrender to Grant at Appomattox. Grant’s historic role as President Abraham Lincoln’s hand-picked overall commander of the Union armies and as the savior of the Union during the American Civil War established him as a national hero. He was the first American after only George Washington to be commissioned as lieutenant general. Lincoln liked Grant as a commander because he was aggressive and got results whereas other generals were seen as too cautious or too reluctant to commit their forces fully when necessary to secure victory. After many called for Grant’s removal as commander of the Union Army of the Tennessee, Lincoln is famously reported to have remarked, “I can’t spare this man–he fights.” After the war, Grant was rewarded by becoming the first living “General of the Army” (four-star general, now a five-star rank), and his immense popularity propelled him to the White House as the 18th President of the United States of America. As president, Grant worked to bring the country back together while also struggling to protect the rights of freedmen and women in the South, including using federal military force to try to protect the rule of law. His autobiography completed in 1885 just before his death was published by his friend Mark Twain for the benefit of the Grant family and helped solidify Grant’s enduring legacy as the hero who led the Union to victory and is a true American classic. In it, he offers frank commentary on the Mexican-American War and American Civil War and defended his actions during the latter as necessary for victory and to ultimately reunite the country. He concluded that the Confederate cause was “one of the worst for which a people ever fought, and one for which there was the least excuse.” On the other hand, he also recognized that their cause was truly believed in by his former adversaries, and Grant’s terms of surrender for Robert E. Lee ultimately saved Lee from execution for treason. Given his incredible significance as a military leader and later as president, items owned by Grant are among the most desirable 19th century American artifacts, particularly artifacts presented to, owned by, or used by General Grant during the Civil War. They are tangible connections to one of the United States’ most iconic military leaders and to the Union cause and are naturally highly sought after by Civil War collectors. Ulysses S. Grant’s historic presentation engraved Remington New Model Army revolvers are arguably the most historically significant and valuable Remington firearms of all time and certainly must be considered a “Holy Grail” for Civil War collectors. They were hidden from public view for over a century and a half until they surfaced only a few years ago when they were put on display at the Las Vegas Antique Arms Show in January 2018. The set and their history were discussed in detail in the article "General Grant’s Magnificent Set of Lost Remingtons" by the late firearms author S.P. Fjestad published in the National Rifle Association’s “American Rifleman” that September. The author writes, “Without a doubt, these cased Remingtons constitute the most elaborate and historically significant set of currently known revolvers manufactured during the Civil War.” The revolvers themselves are true works of art on “steel canvases.” While no signature has been found on this pair of revolvers, we do know the identity of the engraver: iconic 19th century Master Engraver Louis D. Nimschke of New York. The pair identified as a gift to the Czar Alexander II of Russia in appreciation for the visit of the Russian fleets to the United States in 1864 and sold in Rock Island Auction Company’s May 2021 Premier Firearms Auction was signed by Nimschke (“N”) and has some of the same exact patterns featured on this revolver. That pair is notably recorded in Nimschke's famous pull-book in detail, and the patterns overall on this historic pair are very similar overall minus the naval anchors and arrows. The barrel engraving on Grant’s revolvers also matches the designs from Nimschke’s pull-book and shown on page 25 of “L.D. Nimschke Firearms Engraver” by R.L. Wilson. The barrels include border designs at the muzzle and breech ends, scroll patterns with punched backgrounds on the sides, entwining bands and floral motifs at the center on the sides and repeated three times on the top, and entwining line motifs on the upper side flats at the breech. The bulk of the engraving on the revolvers consists of Nimschke’s exceptionally well-executed scroll engraving patterns with punched backgrounds. Among the scroll patterns are also floral accents such as the blooms on the left side of the frames at the breech and among the scrollwork on the left side of the frames as well as checkerboard and dot patterns on the right side of the frames and butts. The recoil shields have floral and fan patterns. The top straps have twisted or entwining rope patterns along the sides sighting grooves. Columbia's shield is located behind the hammers followed by "FROM YOUR FRIENDS/O.N. CUTLER. W.C. WAGLEY." down the back straps. The left grip of the first revolver and of the second revolver features an excellent raised relief carved eagle, flags, and Columbian shield patriotic motif that was also used on the grips of the Alexander II revolvers, and the right panel of the first and left panel of the second feature the significant and beautifully executed raised relief carved bust of General Ulysses S. Grant. The choice of Remington’s New Model Army revolvers is also notable. They began production in 1863 and became the second most issued sidearm of the Union Armies during the Civil War. As the latest and greatest in martial sidearms, they were an excellent choice for presentation to the Union’s greatest military hero. Serial numbers "1" and "2" respectively are marked on the bottom of the barrels, inside of the grips, and on the grip frames. The trigger guards were not removed out of caution and immense respect for this historic pair but are clearly original and likely also have "1" and "2" on the rear spurs. The left side of both grip frames have "1" in addition to the respective "1" and "2" on the right side. Whether these are the first two Remington New Model Army revolvers off of the production line or have special custom order numbers is not known. The regular production began around serial number 15000 continuing from the 1861 Army range. The revolvers have the "pinched" blade front sights, "PATENTED SEPT. 14. 1858/E. REMINGTON & SONS. ILION. NEWYORK U.S.A./NEW MODEL" marked on top of the barrels, full blue finish aside from the silver trigger guards and casehardened hammers, and expertly carved and fitted grips. The deluxe rosewood presentation case has a blank lid escutcheon, pheasant and dog pattern powder flask with sloped charger, oiler, blued ball/bullet mold, L-shaped combination tool, cleaning rod, key, and Eley Bros. cap tin. Grant's uniform in the carving on the grips displays the insignia of a two-star general (major general). Grant attained this rank in the volunteers in 1862 after he captured Fort Donelson (RIAC sold his commission for this rank in May of 2021) and then became a major general in the regular army in the fall of 1863. Grant was promoted on March 2, 1864, and became the country's second three-star general (lieutenant general) in history, after only General George Washington. After the war, he became the first living four-star general (General of the Army of the United States/Commanding General of the U.S. Army) on July 25, 1866, and held that position until he resigned when he became president in 1869. These ranks and dates plus the introduction of this model in 1863 suggest the revolvers were presented to Grant in the latter half of 1863 or early 1864. The exact date, location, and circumstances of the presentation of the set remains unknown, but the inscription on the back strap matches the inscriptions on a known pair of Colt Model 1861 Navy revolvers (11756 and 11757) manufactured in 1863 and presented to General James B. McPherson and provide more context for the presentation. Given the evidence available, it is likely the revolvers were presented to Grant sometime in the second half of 1863 or early 1864 after he captured Vicksburg on the Fourth of July in 1863 and thus secured the length of the Mississippi River for the Union. The pair was presented by Otis Nelson Cutler and William C. Wagley, both veterans of the Mexican-American War. Wagley was a 2nd lieutenant in the 3rd Dragoons, and Cutler was a captain in the Massachusetts Regiment of Volunteers. The included pages from “A Cutler Memorial and Genealogical History” lists Cutler as enlisting as an orderly sergeant in the 1st Mass. Volunteers in 1846 under General Taylor and later being promoted to captain. He formed a company of men to explore for gold in California where he met with success. He later built a home on the family farm in Lewiston, Maine, and was contracted for the building of the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad in Missouri and moved there and became the superintendent of the railroad and lived in Hannibal. At the end of the Civil War, Cutler was assigned as a special treasury agent stationed at New Orleans. Wagley remained active in the river trade in Louisiana after the war and is recorded as commanding steamboats running to Mobile and Montgomery in at least 1865 and 1866. Fjestad concluded this incredible cased pair was “a ‘thank you’ for a wartime cotton-smuggling scheme” and that Cutler and Wagley most likely ordered these revolvers through Schuyler, Hartley & Graham of New York City, the largest dealers in the country at the time. The retailer then contracted L.D. Nimschke, also of New York City, to execute the incredible embellishment on the pair. “The overall cost of the extravagant gift was no more than $400, with the revolvers’ original value at about $12 each. The set could have either been picked up or delivered to a specific location as per Cutler and Wagley’s request.” Period sources including newspapers, Senate records, and Grant’s own papers link Grant and McPherson to Cutler and Wagley via the cotton trade in 1863. However, Grant’s participation is not as nefarious as Fjestad’s comments imply, but, regardless of whether or not Grant’s involvement in the trade was legal and truly disinterested or evenhanded, these beautiful presentation engraved, carved, and inscribed revolvers certainly smack of a bribe much in the way other gifts during his presidency were later called out as evidence of Grant’s supposed corruption. Like the claims of corruption that dogged him as president, the truth is more complicated and unlikely as dark as his detractors suggest. By 1863, Grant was already a Union hero following his famous victory at Fort Donelson, the Union’s first significant victory of the war, in February of 1862 along with the victory of the Army of the Tennessee over the Confederacy at the bloody Battle of Shiloh in April of 1862, the bloodiest battle in American history up to that point. Combined with the capture of New Orleans on May 1, 1862, the Union controlled the northern stretch of the Mississippi River and the mouth, but the Confederacy still retained control of Vicksburg in between. The fortified city on a bend in the Mississippi became the main target for Grant and had the potential to end the war. The river was the key mode of transportation for the region, including for the lucrative trade in cotton. While cotton was a key cash crop in the South, it was a key raw material for northeastern industry. Grant established programs putting runaway slaves to work in camps picking cotton that could be shipped up river and sold to fund the Union war effort and to produce needed supplies. Moving the cotton out of the South under Union contract also helped prevent the South’s most valuable cash crop from being used to fund the Confederate war effort. The runaways were compensated for their work under this plan, and some of the proceeds were also used to provide food, clothing, and shelter. This plan was approved by President Lincoln. The trade in cotton in Union controlled territory was regulated by Union officers and agents of the U.S. Treasury. Grant and his officers were in charge of granting trade licenses for his district. The legal trade provided cover for illegal trade, and there were widespread reports of bribes, corruption, and illegal trade. The Secretary of War was told, “Every colonel, captain or quartermaster is in a secret partnership with some operator in cotton; every soldier dreams of adding a bale of cotton to his monthly pay.” Though many Union officers were corrupt and profited through involvement in both legal and illegal trade in cotton during the war, evidence shows that Grant found the whole business to be an annoying distraction from his primary military objective: capturing Vicksburg. Grant’s own father was involved in the affairs and came down river with two businessmen intent on getting a contract for cotton and splitting profits. Had Grant been inclined to corruption and self-dealing, he certainly could have played along. Instead, he was furious and sent the men back north as soon as he learned of their plans. In response to all the corruption surrounding cotton in his district, Grant also gave his most controversial order in late 1862: General Order No. 11. Under this order, Jewish residents were expelled from Grant’s district because blamed them in part for the illicit cotton trade. Lincoln eventually reversed the order after outcry, but not before many Jewish residents had been expelled. Frustrated with dealing with the cotton trade, Grant moved to significantly curtail it all together. News reports from the period provide important evidence for both Grant’s efforts to limit the cotton trade and his connection to the men who presented the revolvers. The Daily Missouri Republican on February 18, 1863, noted: “It is unfortunately too true that many of our officers have been unable to resist the wonderful temptation of the cotton trade. The demoralization has been well nigh checked below by the orders of Gen. Grant, which will not allow any cotton to be shipped North, nor even bought, until Vicksburg is taken.” Coincidentally, this article appears next to an advertisement for “Remington’s Army & Navy Revolvers” noting they had been approved by the U.S. Board of Ordnance. “The Nashville Daily Union” on April 25, 1863, in an article from “Correspondence of the Cincinnati Gazette. Young’s Point, LA., April 7.” about “King Cotton” directly references both Grant and one of the men who presented these revolvers. The article notes that Grant had announced he would not allow cotton to go upriver until Vicksburg was taken but that some cotton was being shipped nonetheless. “A Breckenridge Democrat, whose loyalty is like that of the Enquirer, has had a contract for picking and bailing cotton in the vicinity of Lake Providence, - This gentleman, Wagley by name, who hails from Warsaw, Ill. Has most emphatically ‘struck ile.’ How much cotton he has sent North, I do not know, but I do know that five hundred bales are now awaiting shipment at Lake Providence and Berry’s Landing. It is a matter of comment that his cotton has been gathered already baled, from the plantations in the vicinity, and that not one-tenth of it is really picked and ginned under his superintendence. Another individual of the same stripe had nearly succeeded in getting a similar contract for the region in the vicinity of Gen. McClernand, but his plan was overthrown by that officer himself. He is now endeavoring to obtain an order from Gen. Grant over Gen. McClernand’s head, and it is feared that he will succeed.” Page 328 from “The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant” included with the set provides more details of direct cooperation of Grant and McPherson with Wagley: “On April 1, USG wrote to Capt. Ashley R. Eddy. ‘The cotton detained by you one half of which was for Government and the other for Mr. Wagley is a part of some cotton abandoned in the field and picked by Mr. Wagly [sic] under an arrangement made with him by Genl McPherson. The one half can be released to Mr. Wagley.’…When William C. Wagley wrote that Col. William S. Hillyer, provost marshal at Memphis, threatened to seize his cotton, Rawlins endorsed the letter. ‘This contract was made by with Mr. Wagely [sic] in the utmost good faith and must be respected. You will therefore not interfere with shipment of cotton by seizures or otherwise, unless you pass satisfactory evidence of a violation of the contract on Mr Wagely’s [sic] part, mere suspicions will not suffice.’” This clearly provides a link between Grant and McPherson and Wagley’s role in the cotton trade, but what about Cutler? “Senate Documents, Volume 254” includes an additional important report for the context of this cased set that ties all of the men together. It notes “The Committee on Claims, to whom was referred the claim of O.N. Cutler, have examined the same and submit the following as their report:” It states that William C. Wagley later identified as a citizen of Illinois had a March 5, 1863, contract signed by Assistant Quartermaster John G. Klinck “for picking, ginning, and bailing of cotton then growing on the lands about Lake Providence, in the State of Louisiana, which had been abandoned by the rebel owners and occupants, and then lately brought within permanent Union lines by the advance and occupancy of the federal forces. This contract was approved by Major General McPherson, commanding that district.” The report notes that half of the cotton was to be government property and the other half Wagley’s and that Wagley would be allowed to have his cotton shipped by the government to Memphis. On April 3, Wagley assigned his interest over to O.N. Cutler of Hannibal, Missouri. Cutler then delivered “a large amount of cotton” at Lake Providence and took his assigned half. General Grant had his quartermaster seize Cutler’s cotton to use it to protect the machinery on the steamer Tigress for a run of the Confederate blockade at Vicksburg. Captain B. F. Reno recorded this amounted to 268 bales. Cutler claimed they weighed 113,900 pounds in total and had a total value of $62,645. The report concludes with a recommendation that $50,000 be appropriated by Congress to pay for this seized cotton. This evidence clearly demonstrates that Grant and McPherson were involved in at least one valuable contract for southern cotton that served to net Wagley and Cutler considerable profits. It also shows that Grant actually seized at least one shipment of cotton as part of his efforts to capture Vicksburg. Grant’s revolvers may have been specifically presented in response to his capture of Vicksburg which gave the Union essentially full command of the Mississippi River and would have opened the river up to more trade and reduced the risks for men like Wagley and Cutler shipping cotton and other goods up and down the river. Unfortunately no documentation has been found detailing when and where Grant and McPherson were presented their respective sets, but the information at hand certainly suggests that Wagley and Cutler presented the Union generals their respective pairs of incredible revolvers as a thank you for their assistance in the cotton trade. On the Fourth of July, 1863, Grant’s forces captured Vicksburg and Pemberton’s approximately 30,000 strong army. The day prior, Pickett’s charge had been repulsed at Gettysburg, and Robert E. Lee’s defeated army limped back to Virginia. Together, the Union victories in the East and West marked the ascent of the Union’s fortunes and the decline of the Confederate cause. Grant was promoted by President Lincoln to major general in the regular army and given command of the new Division of the Mississippi on October 16, 1863. His decisive victory in the Chattanooga Campaign in November opened the South up for attack and earned Grant more national fame. He received his famous horse Cincinnati in response to this victory. On March 2, 1864, Grant was promoted to lieutenant general and given command of all of the Union armies. As noted above, only George Washington had previously held this rank. Grant was formally commissioned by Lincoln on March 8 in a Cabinet meeting and worked more closely with the president for the remainder of the war. With Grant in charge, Lincoln expected Union forces to relentlessly pursue and defeat the Confederacy and finally bring the bloody war to a close. Grant directed the Union armies in pursuit of Robert E. Lee into Virginia and worked towards capturing the Confederate capital at Richmond and Petersburg to the South. He kept his men in near continual contact with the Confederate lines and slowly wore them down at a great cost in blood on both sides. Petersburg and Richmond finally fell into Union hands on April 3, 1865. Lee retreated with part of his army to fight another day, but Union victory in the war was close at hand, and Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Court House less than a week later on April 9. Grant gave Lee and his men rather lenient terms, including parole and a guarantee that the men would “not to be disturbed by U.S. authority so long as they observe their paroles and the laws in force where they may reside." Grant saw this as the end of the war. As such, the former Confederates were now their countrymen again not the enemy. He even allowed the Confederates to keep their sidearms and horses and helped provide Lee’s bedraggled men with much needed provisions. Most of the remaining Confederate resistance ended by the end of the month with Johnston's surrender on April 26, 1865. The final surrenders were completed a month later. By securing victory for the Union, Ulysses S. Grant provided the basis for national reunification and established himself as a national hero. He remained commander of the armies as the country began reconstruction. He was honored on July 25, 1866, when Congress promoted Grant to the newly created rank of General of the Army of the United States. Grant broke with President Johnson over the latter’s lenient policy towards the South. Congress had guaranteed Grant’s control of the U.S. Army by passing the Command of the Army Act. After Secretary of War Stanton was illegally fired by Johnson, Grant was appointed as interim Secretary of War, but when Congress reinstated Stanton, Grant stepped aside infuriating the president who was soon impeached in relation to the whole affair but narrowly not convicted. In 1868, Grant was unanimously nominated by the Republican National Convention as the party’s candidate for president and won the election. As president, he oversaw both reconstruction and reunification and the ongoing Indian Wars in the West. He sought to protect southern Republicans and African-Americans both through additional legal protections and by deploying the cavalry back into the South to counteract the Ku Klux Klan and other lawless groups. As president, he also signed the legislation that established Yellowstone National Park. Though he succeeded in winning a second term in office, claims of corruption and other scandals Grant diminished his power in the South and renewed conflict undermined his peace efforts in the West. In regards to the latter, the discovery of gold in the Black Hills led to the Great Sioux War and Custer’s famous defeat at the Battle of Little Bighorn. Grant blamed Custer, not the tribes, for the affair, but Grant had followed the advice of General Sherman, his hand-picked successor to command the army, including not prosecuting those who trespassed on native land and the extermination of the bison on the Great Plains which led to an escalation of the conflicts. Grant initially declined to run for a third term and instead returned to civilian life in 1877 for the first time since the outbreak of the Civil War, but he made a run for the Republican nomination again in 1880. Many of his post-presidential business ventures ended in failure destroying his finances, and he sold many of his valuable Civil War relics in the 1880s to pay his debts, but as laid out in Fjestad’s article, these incredible Remington New Model Army revolvers remained with the Grant family for decades. Grant may have already given the pair to one of his sons. They are believed to have been brought to California in the late 19th century by either Ulysses Grant Jr. or Jesse Grant II. The two brothers ran the U.S. Grant Hotel in San Diego together in the early 20th century. Jesse Grant II was the last surviving child of General Grant’s and died in 1934. Many of the U.S. Grant artifacts were eventually passed on to Ulysses S. Grant V, but not these. They were reported to have been given as payment to a handyman who worked on the Jesse Grant home (also known as the Julia Grant home) around the time of the Great Depression. That man kept the revolvers for many years. The family was eventually convinced to sell the revolvers in 1976 after many years of pursuit by a collector. A notarized statement from Richard Hatch dated January 6, 2022, accompanies the set and notes that his father had been pursuing these revolvers in the early 1960s when they were in the possession of Mel Reynolds of San Diego. His father stayed in regular contact with Reynolds after learning of the revolver around the 1950s and reminded him of his interest in the revolvers and purchased them after around 20 years in 1976. Reynolds was the son of the handyman that had received the revolvers from the Grant family. Per the statement, they were payment for work on "the 'Grant House' near the Park. The Park being Balboa Park in San Diego. Years later I found out by the 'Grant House' he meant he Julia Dent Grant House at 6th and Quince." Hatch indicates he drove his father on December 26, 1976, to purchase the guns at Bill Reynold's house in San Diego. As documented in an included sales receipt dated "Dec. 26, '76," Bill and Mel Reynold’s "Received from Frank L. Hatch $1,500 for a pair of engraved Remington pistols.” A letter from Mel Reynolds discussing the sale is also included noting that his brother lived in El Cajon just east of San Diego. At that time, it appears these men did not know the revolvers had been originally presented to General Grant during the Civil War. Hatch, a resident of San Diego, kept his new treasures guarded, but he did begin researching the men whose names are inscribed on the back straps with help from his wife but little luck as demonstrated by the included correspondence with the Smithsonian, West Point, the U.S. Army History Institute, NRA’s American Rifleman, and R.L. Wilson. Through these sources and his own research, he was able to find some details about the men who presented the revolvers, including their service in the Mexican-American War. Perhaps the most important information he uncovered is that gleaned from copies of pages he obtained from “The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant” in the early 1980s that provided clues as to the connection between Grant, Wagley, and McPherson relating to cotton discussed above. When he died in 1987, the revolvers remained with his wife until she moved into a care facility in 2002 when they transfered into the possession of their son Richard who then inherited the pair when his mother passed in 2013. The remained hidden for several more years until they were put on display for the very first time in Las Vegas in 2018. After our catalog had gone to press, we received subsequent confirmation of this pair of historic revolvers' provenance from the Grant family in the form of an April 20, 2022, dated letter from Millard W. Grant of Republic, Missouri. It states: "RE: The cased pair of engraved Remington New Model Army revolvers presented to U.S. Grant - #1 and #2 My father, Ulysses S. Grant V, mentioned many times over his life that he had viewed 'a pair of highly engraved revolvers with highly ornate grips and wooden presentation box' which were given to his great-grandfather and namesake President U.S. Grant. Having myself known about these revolvers' existence for many years, I have been waiting for them to reappear. My father had viewed these revolvers at his grandmother Elizabeth Chapman Grant's house on 6th & Quince in San Diego, known as the Julia Dent Grant House. Elizabeth Chapman Grant was the first wife of Pres. Grant's son Jesse R. Grant II, and remained in the house until her death in 1945, even though she had divorced from Jess Grant II, who died in 1934. My father eventually received many items of Pres. Grant's that had passed down, but these revolvers were already out of the Grant family. I was also aware of a handyman that worked at the Grant House during Elizabeth Chapman Grant's time there. I myself visited the house on 6th & Quince many times in my youth, after Elizabeth Chapman Grant had already passed." Now, for the very first and possibly last time, this pair of incredible Remington revolvers inscribed from two businessmen involved in the cotton trade during the war, beautifully embellished by Master Engraver L.D. Nimschke and carved with the bust of General Ulysses S. Grant on the grips are publicly available at auction for the very first and possibly last time.

Documentation

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Exceptionally Rare Documented Civil War Confederate Dance & Brothers Percussion Revolver Attributed as Received by Private Bell of the 23rd Brigade of Texas Cavalry

Lot 117

Civil War Confederate Dance & Brothers Revolver

This Confederate Dragoon style revolver was manufactured by J.H. Dance & Brothers of Columbia, Texas circa 1864. The exact number of these manufactured is unknown; some sources state 275-300, and others list 300-400. According to "Confederate Handguns," the highest known serial numbered Dance & Brothers .44 caliber revolver is serial number 324. This exact revolver, serial number 317, is pictured and described in Gary Wiggins' book "Dance & Brothers, Texas Gunmakers of the Confederacy" on pages 98-99 in which the picture caption states, "Pvt. Mile C. Bell, Co F, 23rd Brigade of Texas cavalry stationed at Brenham, Texas. Bell was home on sick leave in Kenny, Texas in 1865 when he received serial number 317. The war ended before he could return to duty. Courtesy Don Tharpe." This exact revolver is also pictured and described in Daniel D. Hartzler's book "Confederate Presentation & Inscribed Swords & Revolvers" on pages 260-261 in which it states, "Michael C. Bell did not enlist in the Provincial Army of the Confederate States, but served in the Texas State Troops. He enlisted on July 6, 1863 at Brenham, Texas, for three months. In the ranks as a private, he served in F company 23rd Brigade Texas State Troops." The discrepancy of his first name "Mile" and "Michael" in the two books is noted, and no further information has been found at the time of writing to confirm which one is correct. The source identifying the revolver as issued to Bell is not given, but the specificity of the information suggests it was an original period service record, possibly a muster roll. A Michael Bell is also listed as a private in Company A of the 20th Texas Infantry in the National Park Service Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System, so he may have served in that unit and fought with them in Arkansas in 1862 and 1863 prior to re-enlisting in the 23rd in mid-1863. The 23rd fought in in the Western Theatre, including in Louisiana during the Red River Campaign. In the final year of the war, they were dismounted and eventually surrendered as part of General Edmund Kirby Smith's forces on May 26, 1865. Since Bell is listed as on sick leave, he would not have been present at the surrender, and the fact that the revolver was issued to him while on sick leave near the end of the war likely explains how it has survived in such high condition for a Confederate sidearm. This revolver has the distinctive flat frame with no recoil shields, part-octagon barrel and nickel-silver front sight blade. The hammer spur is not knurled. The six-shot cylinder has rectangular stops. There are no safety pins in the rear face of the percussion cylinder. The revolver has a thick oval brass trigger guard and brass back strap. The one-piece grip is nicely figured walnut with a high polish finish. Matching serial number "317" located on the loading lever, cylinder, left side of the hammer, bottom of the frame, bottom of the barrel lug, trigger guard, and butt. More examples pictured and information on Dance revolvers can be found in Albaugh's "Confederate Handguns" on pages 157-161, and in Albaugh's "Confederate Arms" on pages 23, 26 and 27. Provenance: The R. E. Neville Collection, A Gentleman

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Desirable Civil War Era Parisian Second Model LeMat "Grape Shot" Percussion Revolver

Lot 118

Civil War LeMat Second Model "Grape Shot" Percussion Revolver

The LeMat is one of the most distinctive and famous of all 19th century revolvers thanks to unusual central smoothbore "grape shot" barrel plus its use by well-known Confederate military generals and officers including P. G. T. Beauregard, Braxton Bragg, and J. E. B. Stuart. They were designed by Jean Alexandre LeMat of New Orleans but mainly manufactured in Liege, Belgium and Paris, France. Period advertisements for the revolvers refer to them as "LeMat's Grape Shot Revolvers." The barrels on this example measure .40 caliber and 18 gauge (.64 caliber). It has a triangular front sight, pull-pin style barrel latch, the central selector on the hammer tip for switching between the cylinder and the smoothbore shot barrel, and groove on the hammer selector for a rear sight. The barrel has "Syst. Le Mat Bte s-g-d-g Paris" (partially faded) inscribed in an engraved panel, and the serial number and "LM" marking on the right at the breech (collectors believe this to be Confederate). The serial number is repeated on the inside of the loading lever, on the cylinder, and right side of the frame. The checkered walnut grips have light engraving on the washer, screw, and nut. The butt has a lanyard loop.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 40

Price Realized:

Lot 119

Unidentified American .44 Caliber Percussion Revolver

This unidentified revolver is most likely American made, possibly during the Civil War and was formerly part of the famous Henry Stewart firearms collection and is pictured and described on page 203 of "AMERICAN PERCUSSION REVOLVERS" by Frank Sellers and Samuel Smith. The revolver has a round barrel with dove-tailed front sight with brass blade, hand-forged, six-shot, cylinder and solid, flat top frame. The frame has a sight groove in the top strap and loading notch on the left side. The frame does not have recoil shields. The upward pivoting loading lever is located on the left side of the frame. The revolver has a narrow iron trigger guard with short trigger and a short hammer with knurled spur. The one-piece walnut grip is very similar to that found on the Starr revolver. The overall workmanship of the revolver is good but simple and un-sophisticated. The simple, workman-like design, hand forged cylinder and lack of recoil shields are very similar to the Dance Brothers & Co., revolver and other Civil War Confederate percussion revolvers made in small shops by unskilled workmen. The revolver has no visible marking or serial numbers.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 percussion

Price Realized:

Lot 122

Civil War Confederate Spiller & Burr Percussion Revolver

According to some sources, approximately 700 Spiller & Burr percussion revolvers were manufactured in Atlanta, Georgia, circa 1862-1864, and another roughly 700 were manufactured at the Macon Armory after the firm was purchased by the Confederacy in January of 1864. Bill Gary's book, "Confederate Revolvers," differs in that it states that the Atlanta partnership manufactured 840 revolvers before the Confederate government takeover, and further states that Macon Armory manufactured only approximately 400 revolvers before closing upon the approach of General Sherman's forces. Production started with a very optimistic government contract of about 15,000 revolvers in 1862 but was stopped in November 1864 due to Sherman's March to the Sea. The revolver is patterned after the Whitney Navy Model and has a distinctive solid brass frame with "C.S." stamped on the left side. This Second Type features a large cone front sight, frame groove rear sight, six-shot cylinder with six cylinder stops, and smooth walnut grips. "SPILLER&BURR" marked on top of the barrel. The barrel, loading lever, cylinder, frame under the trigger guard, underside of the trigger guard, and butt are all marked with the matching serial number. "E" is marked on left grip strap. The letter "T" is carved into the top of the left grip, and five kill notches are carved into the butt of the grip. This exact revolver is pictured and described in "Spiller & Burr Revolvers: Chronology of Manufactory" by John Sexton in which it states, "SN 500, 'SPILLER & BURR' marked, Atlanta produced probably lot 3 October 1863, twisted iron cylinder failed and was replaced and serial numbered in Atlanta. Serial numbers on original parts are all early Atlanta dies. Reissued Macon November 1864. I underbid this revolver in mid 1980s auction the 'Museum of Lost Arts'. Information on these revolvers can be found in Albaugh, Benet and Simmons' book "Confederate Handguns" on pages 61-77.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 36

Price Realized:

Civil War Confederate Leech & Rigdon Percussion Revolver

Lot 127

Documented Confederate Leech & Rigdon Percussion Revolver

The Leech & Rigdon Revolver is a close copy of the Colt Navy Model revolver, except that it has a round barrel with an octagonal top barrel housing similar to the Colt Dragoon. These are among the most highly sought after Confederate firearms. This is one of approximately 1,500 manufactured by Thomas Leech and Charles Rigdon at the Greensboro, Georgia factory circa 1863-1864. The company was dissolved in 1864 and was replaced by Rigdon, Ansley & Co., which continued to manufacture a small amount of an updated variation of these revolvers in Augusta, Georgia. This revolver has the pin and ball loading lever latch and six-shot cylinder with six cylinder stops whereas the Rigdon & Ansley revolvers have twelve cylinder stops like the Manhattan revolvers. The barrel has a brass pin front sight. "LEECH & RIGDON CSA" (partial) marked on the top barrel flat. The barrel wedge is fitted with a retaining spring. The hammer has coarse knurling and a groove for a rear sight. Brass trigger guard and back strap. The revolver has a one-piece oil-finished walnut grip. The face of the recoil shield lacks a cap channel. The matching serial number is marked on the loading lever, side of the cylinder, bottom of the frame, bottom of the trigger guard, handwritten in the back strap mortise of the grip, and bottom of the back strap. The initials "ECG" are carved in the bottom of the back strap. Information on these revolvers can be found in Albaugh, Benet and Simmons' book "Confederate Handguns" on pages 39-60. Includes a letter of authenticity from Maryland Line Trader who sold the revolver in 1988. Also includes a 2004 dated letter of examination of the revolver from Frederick R. Edmunds, former Curator of the Confederate States Armory & Museum. This revolver has been included in numerous displays of products by the firm of Leech & Rigdon at Civil War Shows and Traveler's Rest, the home of Judge John B. Overton which served as headquarters of Confederate General John B. Hood's Army of Tennessee during the Battle of Nashville, December 1864. Provenance: The William A. Gary Collection, The Morris L. Racker Collection, The John Graham Collection, The Dave Mark Collection, The Bill Beard Collection, The Jerry Fertitta Collection, A Gentleman

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 36

Price Realized:

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 Upper Canada Marked Colt London Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver

Lot 147

Upper Canada Colt London Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver

This Model 1851 Navy percussion revolver was manufactured in the Colt London factory in 1855. It has the "-ADDRESS. COL. COLT. LONDON-" barrel address, London proof marks on the barrel and cylinder, "COLTS/PATENT" on the left side of the frame, matching serial numbers, standard cylinder scene, varnished walnut grip, and rounded head screws. Upside down "U.C/G/42" letters on the left side of the grip which indicates this revolver was issued to the Upper Canada Militia, Troop G, man number 42. Troop C, man number 42's revolver is also in this sale.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 36

Price Realized:

Lot 148

Colt Model 1848 Baby Dragoon Percussion Revolver

The Model 1848 Baby Dragoon was the first pocket model manufactured by Colt at the Hartford factory and is largely based on the full-size Colt Dragoon revolvers. Around 15,000 Baby Dragoon revolvers were manufactured in 1847-1850 before production shifted fully over to the newer Model 1849 Pocket which went on to be Colt's most popular percussion revolver. This revolver was manufactured in 1849 and falls into the correct pre-11600 range for the Texas Ranger and Indian battle scene found on the cylinder. The barrel has a small post front sight, "-ADDRESS SAML COLT/NEW YORK CITY-" on top, and correctly no loading cutout or provision for a loading lever. The frame has the small "COLTS/PATENT" marking on the left side. It also has distinctive round cylinder stops and square-back trigger guard. The serial numbers match throughout including in the grip's back strap inlet.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 31 percussion

Price Realized:

Lot 151

Colt Richards-Mason Model 1861 Navy Revolver

These revolvers were manufactured around the mid-1870s as cartridge revolvers using percussion parts on hand and newly fabricated cartridge revolver components. They are generally numbered in the 100-3300 range like this revolver. The barrel has a blade front sight, an ejector fitted on the right, a re-contoured and filled lug, and "-ADDRESS COL SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" marked on top. The left side of the frame is marked with the two-line "-PAT. JULY.25.1871.-/-PAT.JULY. 2. 1872-" patent markings, and the left side of the trigger guard is stamped with "38 CAL." The full serial number is located on the bottom of the barrel lug, the frame, trigger guard, and back strap, and a "1" is also marked by the serial number on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The cylinder has the partial serial number "466." The loading gate is marked "3420." The hammer has a firing pin for rimfire ammunition pinned to the left side.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 RF

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:

Historic Early Production Presentation Cased Consecutively Serialized Pair of Rare Factory Engraved Squareback Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolvers, Serial Numbers 2872 and 2873, the Presentation Case Inscribed to Dr. William George Thomas by His Friends in Edgecombe, North Carolina, in 1852 -A) Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver

Lot Contains 2 Items

Lot 153

Presentation Cased Colt 1851 Navy Revolvers of Dr. W. G. Thomas

This cased set contains one of the earliest known pairs of engraved Colt revolvers. Only a very limited number of Colt revolvers were engraved as pairs overall, fewer still were embellished as pairs in the early 1850s, and most engraved pairs were not consecutive. Thus, this likely both the first matching cased pair of factory engraved Model 1851 Navy revolvers and the first consecutive cased pair of factory engraved '51 Navies. Most of the known early Colt percussion revolver pairs were the larger dragoon revolvers which is logical given dragoons and other mounted troops routinely carried a pair of handguns. These include a pair of Whitneyville-Hartford Dragoons in 1847 inscribed by Moore & Baker for presentation to Colonel George Washington Morgan discussed on page 20 of "Colt Engraving" by R.L. Wilson, the James Janeway Van Syckel presentation Second Model Dragoons from 1850 on page 30, and the Third Model Dragoons on page 35 from 1851. The presentation inscription for this pair is on a silver plaque on the case lid and reads: "To/Dr. Wm. Geo. Thomas/from his friends in/Edgecombe, N.C./1852." Dr. William George Thomas (1818-1890) of Louisburg, North Carolina, was a medical doctor, completing his medical studies at the University of Pennsylvania in 1840. He married in Tarborough (now spelled Tarboro), Edgecombe County, North Carolina, in 1843. He appears to have been given a second degree from the university in 1852 as well based on newspaper articles listing him as one of 161 men receiving the degree of doctor of medicine from the University of Pennsylvania that year, and the University of Pennsylvania's list for Medical Department matriculants from 1806-1852 lists him as attending in 1839 and 1840 and from Franklin, North Carolina, and then again in 1852 and from Louisburg, North Carolina. "Cyclopedia of Eminent and Representative Men of the Carolinas of the Nineteenth Century" from 1892 and "American Medical Biographies" by Dr. Kelly and Dr. Burrage in 1920 note that Dr. Thomas was born in Louisburg, North Carolina, and went to the local schools before studying medicine under Dr. Wiley Perry and then the University of Pennsylvania. They list him as graduating in 1840 and then working in Tarborough until 1850 when he moved to Wilmington and also note that he was one of the founders, vice-presidents, and presidents of the State Medical Society and studied climactic diseases and was a leading physician in obstetrics and diseases of women. He is noted as using quinine to treat malarial fever. He published a lengthy paper on the 1862 yellow fever epidemic which is also discussed in an included copy of a letter from his grandson Dr. Pride Jones Thomas in 1905. He remained in the service of his patients after another local doctor died from the disease and continued on until he too fell too ill to help, something reminiscent of many doctors and medical staff today. Even while still weakened by the disease, he went recruiting for help back in Tarborough. He grew weak from the disease while there again, and it is said to have afflicted him for years before regaining his health. His son Dr. George Gillett Thomas became a surgeon, and the noted grandson from the letter was also a doctor. The engraving on this pair from 1851 is more refined than the "donut scroll" patterns on some of the early Hartford Colts attributed to Thomas J. Barlow. Instead, this revolver's engraving is the style attributed to Joseph Delany in Herbert Houze in "Colt Factory Engravers of the Nineteenth Century." Note for example the '51 Navy revolvers on page 37 and 38 of Houze's book which are clearly by the same engraver and are attributed to Delany, an Irish born and trained engraver who was active in Hartford c. 1849-1851 and then again in 1857 and 1858 based on the directories. The engraving consists of a floral pattern border at the muzzles, rope border design on the breech end of the barrels and bottom and rear of the frames, some simple lined borders elsewhere, flowing scroll engraving without background shading, a characteristic bestial design on the hammers with "bat-wing" style ears, and banner designs around the lower serial numbers. The revolvers have brass cone front sights, "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-" on top of the barrels, the classic Naval Battle of Campeche cylinder roll-scenes, small "COLTS/PATENT" marks on the frames, matching serial numbers aside from the wedges ("825" and "242"), the factory dot marking by the main serial numbers designating the pair for special finishing, "B" on the left side of the early squareback trigger guards, "W" on the right side of the trigger guards, and varnished walnut grips. The "A" grip has some nice figure. The unusual double case has attractive figured panels, silver straps and the noted silver inscription plaque on the exterior, red velvet interior lining , two Eley Bros. cap tins, a Colt's patent navy flask with sloped charger, an L-shaped combination tool, spare mainspring, spare nipples, and a brass Colt patent ball and bullet mold with iron sprue cutter.

Documentation

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 36

Price Realized:

Cased Gustave Young Factory Master Engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver with Rare Oak Grip

Lot 154

Factory Engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver

This revolver was manufactured in 1856 and has an apostrophe marked by the matching serial numbers on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap indicating factory engraving. Master Engraver Gustave Young was Colt's primary engraving contractor starting c. 1855 and held that position until he made a return visit to Germany in July of 1858. He returned to the U.S. in 1861 and returned to work for Colt where he is listed as a "pistolmaker" in records for 1863 and then opened his own independent shop in Hartford before becoming the head engraver for Smith & Wesson in 1869. He died from cancer in 1895. His sons also engraved for Smith & Wesson. This revolver features the classic German-American style associated with Young with floral booms and animal heads among the highly detailed scroll engraving along with fan/rayed patterns. Note the fanciful eagle head among the scrolls on the left side of the barrel and the more discreet dog head design on the right side of the frame at the bottom rear corner. The "COLTS/PATENT" marking inscribed rather than stamped on the left side of the frame is also typical of Gustave Young's work. The hammer has the dog's head motif used by Young and the other German-American engravers of the period and has three dots visible ahead of the knurling, often believed to denote the number of days of work in Gustave Young's shop. The revolver has the classic blue, casehardened, and silver finish use on most Colt percussion revolvers and a smooth oak grip. The writer believes this to be from the historic Charter Oak of Hartford, Connecticut, as Samuel Colt is known to have used wood salvaged from the tree for grips after it fell in a storm on August 21, 1856, the same year this revolver was made. The barrel has a cone front sight and the "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-" marking, and the Naval Battle of Campeche scene is on the cylinder. The revolver comes in a fitted hardwood case with a martial pattern powder flask with slanted charger, an L-shaped combination tool, brass ball and bullet mold, two Eley cap tins, and D.C. Sage cartridge and caps pack.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 36

Price Realized:

Highly Attractive Cased New York Gold Plated and Engraved Colt Round Barrel Navy Cartridge Conversion Revolver with Ejector and Pearl Grips

Lot 155

Gold Plated Engraved Colt Round Barrel Navy Cartridge Revolver

Only approximately 2,000 of these conversion revolvers were manufactured c. 1873-1875 with round barrels and side mounted ejectors. They are further split into 4 1/2, 5 1/2, and 6 1/2 inch barrel versions and rimfire and centerfire variations. Only a very limited number were engraved. This revolver has extensive scroll engraving with punched backgrounds and decorative borders and wavy line accents on the barrel, rear of the cylinder, frame, loading gate, trigger guard, and backstrap. The elaborate scroll engraving is in the style popularized by L.D. Nimschke and other German-American engravers back in the 1850s and 1860s and was likely executed for a retailer. The barrel has a brass post front sight and the two-line "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO./HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A." address. The left side of the frame has the two-line "-PAT. JULY. 25. 1871-/-PAT. JULY. 2. 1872.-" marking. The cylinder has the standard stagecoach holdup scene. The serial numbers on the barrel, cylinder, frame, trigger guard, and back strap match. "1815" is marked on the loading gate and arbor pin, and the wedge is a replacement. The major parts are all finished in gilt silver (gold over silver plating). The hammer is casehardened, and the trigger is niter blued. It has a very attractive pair of pearl grips. The case has a cleaning rod, L-shaped screwdriver, key, and a large cartridge block that is partially filled with cartridges.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 RF

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:

Cased Gustave Young Master Factory Engraved Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver with Attractive and Desirable Pearl Grips

Lot 157

Gustave Young Engraved Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver

The serial number falls between the ranges in the "4 inch" columns on the June 3 and September 23 lists for work from Gustave Young's shop suggesting this revolver would have been engraved in the summer of 1854. The style of the engraving is consistent with other examples from Gustave Young's shop in 1854, including the use of rayed designs on the bottom of the barrel lug and shoulders of the back strap. Much of the engraving on this revolver matches or is similar to the engraving on examples off the identified lists noted above recently sold by RIAC. The masterfully executed engraving covers 2/3s of the barrel, essentially all of the frame, the side flats on the loading lever, the side of the hammer, and parts of the trigger guard and back strap. The barrel has the hand engraved "Saml Colt" marking with engraved line accents and a brass post front sight. A cat's head is "biting" at the loading lever screw on the left side of the barrel, and "2" marks are on the lower left side of the barrel lug. The frame also has the hand engraved "COLTS/PATENT" mark. The hammer has the dog's head design on the sides and a scale pattern on the top. There are some checkered panels on the frame and back strap edges by the hammer well and by the serial number on the bottom of the barrel and frame. The factory "dot" mark for arms designated for embellishment is found by the lower serial numbers. Matching numbers are found on the wedge, arbor pin, cylinder, loading lever, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The trigger guard also has an "S" on the left side. The revolver has a pair of period pearl grips. The case contains a small eagle powder flask, Eley cap tin, a blued double cavity mold, and some projectiles.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 31

Price Realized:

Lot 158

Colt London Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver

Samuel Colt's Model 1849 Pocket was the most popular Colt revolver of the 19th century in the U.S. and was used from the California Gold Rush through the end of the Indian Wars, but the London '49 Pocket revolvers were much more limited with just an estimated 11,000 manufactured in 1853-1856 compared to over 325,000 of the Hartford '49 Pockets and 43,000 London Navy revolvers. Many of the London '49 Pocket revolvers were made at least in part in Hartford, but this one was likely completely made at the London factory in 1855. It has the small brass cone front sight, "{ADDRESS. COL. COLT./LONDON.}" barrel address, classic stagecoach holdup scene on the 5-shot cylinder, "COLTS/PATENT" on the left side of the frame, London proof and view marks on the barrel and cylinder, and matching serial numbers on the various metal components. It is finished with high polish blue on the barrel and cylinder, silver on the iron grip frame, and case colors on the loading lever, frame, and hammer. The English oak case has navy blue interior lining and contains a bright high polish blue bullet mold, W. Eley cap tin, L-shaped combination tool, James Dixon & Sons bag shaped powder flask, and cleaning rod.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 31

Price Realized:

Lot 159

Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver

Colt Model 1851 Navy or "Revolving Belt Pistol of Naval Caliber" was the second most popular of all Colt percussion revolvers after only the more compact Model 1849 Pocket. When Samuel Colt was alive, it was this model that was probably the first to come to mind when someone brought up Colt's innovative "revolving pistols." It was an excellent revolver for lawmen, soldier, and every day citizens who might need some protection. It had more power than the '49 Pocket but was still much easier to carry than the massive .44 caliber Colts such as the Walkers and Dragoons. This highly attractive '51 Navy was manufactured in 1870. The barrel has the one-line New York address, the frame has the "COLTS/PATENT" marking, "36 CAL" is marked on the trigger guard, and matching full or partial serial numbers appear on the frame, barrel, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, and cylinder pin. The loading lever and wedge are unnumbered. The cylinder has the naval battle scene and is marked "COLTS PATENT No. 176."

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 36

Price Realized:

Lot 160

Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver

This revolver was manufactured in 1866 and remains in very high condition, especially for a Model 1849 Pocket. These revolvers were the most popular Colt percussion revolvers and usually got a lot of use. This one seems to have rarely left its case. It has the standard markings and features, including matching serial numbers (loading lever blank). The case has lead balls and conical bullets, an eagle pattern flask, L-shaped combination tool, dual cavity mold, and cap tin.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 31

Price Realized:

Scarce .32 Caliber Engraved James Reid My Friend Knuckle Duster Revolver

Lot 169

James Reid .32 Caliber My Friend Knuckle Duster Revolver

This is one of approximately 3,100 "knuckleduster" revolvers chambered in .32 RF that were manufactured by James Reid. The left side of the top strap is marked "MY FRIEND" along with the 1865 patent date. The five-shot cylinder is plain while the frame features flourishes of floral scroll engraving and engraved accents on the front and on the top strap. Another flourish of engraving is featured behind the hammer, and the back of the grip area has a checkered panel. The trigger, cylinder, and cylinder pin are marked with the last two digits of the serial number.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 32 RF

Price Realized:

Cased, Engraved, First Year Production, London Agency Shipped Colt House Model "Cloverleaf" Spur Trigger Revolver

Lot 175

London Agency Shipped Colt House Model "Cloverleaf" Revolver

Manufactured in 1871, this is one of approximately 7,500 manufactured known as the "cloverleaf" variation, due to the shape of their four-shot cylinder. This example has flourishes of floral scroll and border engraving on the sides of the frame and back strap that appears to have been executed at the factory. It has standard markings and features as well as British proofs on the barrel and the cylinder. Matching serial numbers are on the bottom of the barrel, butt, and inside of both grips. Includes a hardwood case with Colt London Agency interior label, key, and thirteen "E" headstamped .41 RF cartridges.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 RF

Price Realized:

Cased Engraved Colt New Line .22 Acid Etched Panel Pocket Revolver with Pearl Grips

Lot 176

Engraved Colt New Line .22 Etched Panel Pocket Revolver

Manufactured in 1876 as a Second Model featuring period zig-zag, dot, and floral scroll engraving on more than half of the surfaces. The left side of the barrel has the desirable acid etched panel marked "COLT NEW 22", the top marked with the two-line address, and it is fitted with a pair of smooth pearl grips. Includes a leather wrapped, fitted case, with the interior lining Cogswell & Harrison retailer marked and eight .22 RF cartridges.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 22 RF

Price Realized:

Cased London Retailer Marked Colt New Line .41 Etched Panel Spur Trigger Revolver

Lot 184

London Retailer Marked Colt New Line .41 Etched Panel Revolver

Manufactured in 1877 with standard features, the two-line address on top of the barrel, "COLT NEW 41" in an etched panel on the left, "E.M. REILLY & Co/502 NEW OXFORD ST. LONDON" retailer engraved on the right, and the patent marking and serial number on the bottom. The caliber marking is on the left of the frame and the matching serial number is on the left of the grip frame under the grip. Includes a leather wrapped semi-hard case with E.M. Reilly interior trade label, oiler, turnscrew, cleaning rod, and five .41 CF cartridges.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 CF

Price Realized:

Lot 186

Factory Engraved Colt New Line .41 Spur Trigger Revolver

Manufactured in 1874 as a First Model with the short cylinder flutes and stop slots on the outside. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address marking flanked by Maltese crosses and the left of the frame is marked "41CAL". This specific revolver has been factory engraved with near full coverage floral scroll and geometric designs. The matching, early production serial number is on the left side of the grip frame, bottom of the barrel, rear face of the cylinder, and inside each grip panel. It otherwise has standard features of an early production First Model.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 RF

Price Realized:

Very Fine Colt Etched Panel New Line .30 Spur Trigger Revolver

Lot 188

Colt Etched Panel New Line .30 Revolver

Manufactured 1876 with standard markings, including the "COLT NEW 30" in an etched panel on the left of the barrel. The full serial number is on the butt and the last three digits ("709") are marked on the barrel, rear face of the cylinder, and inside each of the unique factory hard rubber grips. It has standard features.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 30 RF

Lot 189

Pacific Mail Steamship Co. Colt Single Action Army Revolver

Offered here is the only known Pacific Mail Steamship Company marked Colt Single Action Army Revolver. The Pacific Mail Steamship Company marking, “PM SS Co,” is stamped on the left side of the barrel followed by “45 COLT.” Otherwise the revolver has standard Colt markings, including the one-line Hartford barrel address, two-line patent dates marking on the frame and matching serial numbers on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The rear cylinder face is marked “03.” Over the years this SAA has been documented in Colt related publications. The revolver is pictured in Jerry Hemphill’s “Colts from Texas and the Old West” on page 33. When this book was published in 1986, Hemphill acknowledged this revolver as the “only known single action stamped P.M.S.S. Co. on the left side of barrel.” The PMSS Co. marking on this revolver is pictured and identified in Keith Cochran’s "Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia” on page 288. Of interest is the Colt Lightning Revolver no. 108310 stamped with the PMSS Co. marking on the back strap as referenced in Richard Marohn’s article “The Lightning Express Revolver” published in the January 1981 edition of Arms Gazette (issue included). This Lighting and this SAA were both manufactured in 1898. Marohn proposed that Wells Fargo, “the sole freight agent of the Pacific Mail Steam Ship Company,” had arms branded with the PMSS Co. name as well as the names of the other agencies it served. The included factory letter confirms the 7 ½ inch barrel in .45 caliber, blue finish and hard rubber grips. The factory records also show this revolver as being part of a 25 gun shipment on February 5, 1898 and delivered to Colt’s San Francisco Agency, California. In the accompanying May 1981 dated notarized letter, the original owner’s son and inheritor of this revolver recounts, “This revolver was carried by my father, Mr. Elleck Lonnie Angles, deceased, during his duties as Mail Room Guard on various vessels operated by the Pacific Mail Steamship Company. To the best of my recollection, my father was so employed by this company during the years 1907 through 1915. The revolver was given to me by my father in 1954.” An accompanying bill of sale and letter indicates that this revolver was sold in June 2004 by past director of the Colt Collectors Association C.D. Terry (1928-2012). Founded in 1848, the Pacific Mail Steamship Company was originally created to carry U.S. mail along the Pacific transcontinental route via Panama. The California Gold Rush of 1849 created an economic boom for the company nearly at its inception, as it played a key role in carrying supplies and gold seekers. In fact, a PMSS Co. ship carried the first gold seekers from the East to San Francisco. Within five years the company was operating 18 steamers. At its operational peak in 1869, the company owned 23 steamers. Under threat from Confederate raiding parties, PMSS CO. ships carried a detachment of Union soldiers for protection during the Civil War. In 1867, the company began regular service routes between San Francisco and Hong Kong, which opened the East to the West and brought diversity to the shores of California. The PMSS Co. was the most profitable business of its kind while also playing a pivotal role in America’s westward expansion. Competition from the railroad and the company’s own neglect of keeping up with changing technologically ultimately doomed the PMSS Co., which officially closed in 1949 with just over 100 years of service. Includes an original PMSS Co. advertisement from 1905 and an original PMSS Co. label.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45 LC

Price Realized:

Extraordinarily Fine U.S. David F. Clark Sub-Inspected Cavalry Model Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Kopec Gold Seal Letter

Lot 191

U.S. Cavalry Model Colt SAA Revolver

This incredible U.S. contract Colt Single Action Army has defied the odds and survived nearly a century and a half in excellent condition and certainly is in the top 1% of Colt Cavalry Model revolvers. Noted Colt Single Action authority John A. Kopec gave this revolver his gold seal with ribbon in the included authentication letter. The gold seal represents "a revolver which is found to be authentic in every respect, regardless of the percent of original finish remaining...This revolver is one which the writer feels would qualify being in his own personal collection: one for which 'no excuses' would ever be required. Few surviving examples will qualify for this distinction." The very rarely awarded ribbons represent an even higher grade, the best of the best. In the letter he writes that, "Historically, there would be no point to attempt to pin-point an area of service for this revolver because it is this writer's opinion that this revolver had never been issued, but was in fact sold directly to a private individual as surplus from the Springfield Armory during the 1920s. During the past 102 years this revolver has been protected and never fired by some very thoughtful individuals." He also notes that it falls between 119054 and 119064 in their database and was manufactured in January of 1887 and shipped c. January 18, 1887. It was inspected by Captain John G. Butler. "His prominent un-circled initials appear on the left grip panel and remain in perfect condition under the year-date '1887'. The Ordnance-Sub-Inspector during the entire 1880s period was David F. Clark. His cartouche is located on the lower right grip and his initials 'DFC' may be found on the frame, barrel, cylinder and left butt of this fine revolver." Kopec notes that this revolver was not dismantled in any way nor cocked during the examination because of the extraordinary high condition of this revolver. This U.S. contract "Cavalry Model" revolver is one of the earliest inspected by Butler given other known examples and the range estimated in "Colt Cavalry and Artillery Revolvers... a Continuing Study" by Kopec and Fenn. The authors in the former text also note that only Butler used an acceptance stamp without a border, and Kopec calls the exceptional cartouche on this revolver "text-book" in his letter. Given the revolver escaped being altered to "Artillery" configuration and remains in exceptionally high condition, it was likely issued to a state militia/national guard unit or stowed away somewhere at Springfield Armory and remained safely confined for many years. As Kopec noted, it appears to have remained unfired since leaving the factory. The barrel, ejector housing, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap have the Colt military blue finish. The screws and trigger are a fiery niter blue. The frame, hammer and loading gate are color casehardened. The one-piece walnut grip is oil finished. The revolver has the later smaller "dished" ejector rod button, and the early "black powder" frame with a screw securing the arbor pin. The "U.S." property mark is stamped on the left side of the frame behind the three-line, three-date patent marking. A small block "D.F.C." sub-inspection mark is stamped on the underside of the barrel, bottom of the frame above the serial number, side of the cylinder, and on the left side of the grip on the butt. "P" proofmarks are stamped on the underside of the barrel and side of the cylinder. The lower left side of the grip is stamped with the year "1887" above the script "JGB" final inspection mark. The lower right side of the grip is stamped with the script "DFC" sub-inspector's mark. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." in one line. The assembly number "97" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. The full serial number is visible on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The partial serial number "9063" is stamped on the side of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. Given the exceptional condition of the revolver, including the screws, we did not risk disassembling the revolver to inspect the barrel under the ejector housing or the grip under the grip strap, but we would expect to find matching numbers in these hidden areas.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45 Long Colt

Price Realized:

Cased London Agency Shipped Colt Etched Panel New House Model Spur Trigger Revolver in Very Scarce .32 CF Caliber

Lot 192

Colt Etched Panel New House Model Revolver in .32 CF Caliber

One of approximately 4,000 manufactured from 1880 to 1886, with the vast majority being chambered in .38 or .41 CF. The top of the barrel has the two-line address, and the "COLT. 32." etched panel is on the left. There are British proofs (some from inter-war period) on the barrel, frame, and cylinder, including "NOT ENGLISH MAKE" partially overlapping the etched panel. It has standard features including checkered hard rubber grips with "COLT" in ovals at the tops. The serial number is on the butt, and the partial serial number is on the rear face of the cylinder. Includes a hardwood case with Colt London Agency interior label, cleaning rod, key, and eighteen Kynoch .32 CF cartridges.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 32 CF

Price Realized:

Cased Period Retailer Engraved London Agency Shipped Colt Etched Panel New Line .41 Spur Trigger Revolver

Lot 193

Engraved Colt Etched Panel New Line .41 Revolver

Manufactured in 1874-1879 with standard features, the two-line address on top of the barrel, "COLT NEW 41" in an etched panel on the left, and the patent marking and serial number on the bottom. The revolver has 75% coverage floral scroll engraving that appears to have been executed by the retailer. The caliber marking is on the left of the frame, and the matching serial number is on the left of the grip frame under the grip. Includes a hardwood case with Colt London Agency interior label, cleaning rod, key, and ten .410 Eley cartridges.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 CF

Price Realized:

Exceptional Cased London Shipped Colt Etched Panel New Line .41 Spur Trigger Revolver

Lot 194

London Shipped Colt Etched Panel New Line .41 Revolver

Manufactured from 1874-1879 with standard features, the two-line address on top of the barrel, "COLT NEW 41" in an etched panel on the left, and British proofs on the bottom of the barrel and on the cylinder. The caliber marking is also on the left of the frame, and the matching serial number is on the left of the grip frame under the grip and partially ("600") on the rear face of the cylinder. The loading gate and right of the grip frame are numbered "855", and the bottom of the left grip panel is stamped "1855". Includes a hardwood case with Colt London Agency interior label, cleaning rod, and four .41 CF cartridges.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 CF

Price Realized:

Early Production, Factory Engraved, Silver Plated Colt New Line .22 Spur Trigger Pocket Revolver

Lot 195

Engraved Silver Plated Colt New Line .22 Revolver

16,000 First Model New Line .22 revolvers were manufactured in the 1870s with short fluted cylinders and visible cylinder stop slots. This example was manufactured in 1876 and has the two-line address on top of the barrel, the matching serial number on the butt and inside each smooth grip panel, British proofs on the bottom of the barrel, and 50% coverage factory floral scroll engraving. This scarce early production example lacks the etched panel on the left side of the barrel, and the frame is silver plated.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 22 RF

Price Realized:

Very Fine Documented Scarce 5 1/2 Inch Barrel Colt Frontier Six Shooter Etched Panel Single Action Army Revolver with Holster and Factory Letter

Lot 200

Colt Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army Revolver

The factory letter lists this revolver in .44-40 with a 5 1/2 inch barrel and nickel plated finish and as shipped to Pribyl Brothers in Chicago on July 9, 1887, as one of a pair. The barrel has a blade front sight, "44" on the bottom, and the "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER" etched panel on the left. The frame has the top strap groove rear sight, niter blue screws, and the three-line patent marking on the left. "44 CAL" is on the left side of the trigger guard. The loading gate has assembly number "935." Matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. A lightly tooled double loop holster with "44" and "113" marked on the loops is included. Ignatius M. Pribyl and Joseph A. Pribyl operated Pribyl Brothers in Chicago c. 1880 to 1905 and were cutlery, firearms, and sporting goods dealers and importers. Provenance: The General Sam S. Walker Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Price Realized:

Scarce Cased Colt Black Powder Flattop Target Single Action Army .450 Eley Revolver

Lot 201

Colt Flattop Target Single Action Army .450 Eley Revolver

Manufactured in 1890. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address on top and "450 ELEY" on the left side. Per R.L. Wilson in "The Book of Colt Firearms" Colt manufactured 84 flattop target Single Action Army revolvers chambered in .450 Eley. London proofs are stamped on the underside of the barrel and in each cylinder flute, target sights, and matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The partitioned case features an added cartridge block for 31 rounds and currently holds 22 rounds of .450 Eley and a single round of .455 Eley. A Colt London paper label on the interior of the lid and containing an oiler, screwdriver, and cleaning rod.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 450 Eley

Price Realized:

Historic, Documented, Factory Individually Shipped to Montana Pioneer and Gunsmith Charles Morrell, Colt Black Powder Single Action Army Revolver with Rare W.B. Ten Eyck of Montana Money Belt/Holster Rig and Factory Letter

Lot 204

Montana Pioneer's Colt Single Action Army Revolver

Offered here is a great piece of Montana history that letters to a true pioneering legend: gunsmith Charles Morrell, who played an "active part in Montana territorial days." Documented Montana shipped guns are difficult to discover. Finding one that is individually shipped to a noted Montana legend is nearly impossible. Adding to the rarity and desirability is that this SAA comes with an SAA holster rig made by one of Montana Territory's most noted and sought after saddleries: W.B. Ten Eyck. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with a 7 ½ inch barrel in .38 Colt caliber and blue finish with stocks not listed when sold to Charles T. Morrell of Missoula County, Montana and shipped to A.L. Babcock Hardware, Billings, Montana, on March 30, 1894. This was a single gun shipment. Charles T. Morrell (?-1940) grew up as the youngest of 5 children in New York State. His father was killed at the Battle of Antietam in the Civil War. His sister, Nan, moved from New York to Helena, Montana, after marrying a builder. Nan wrote to Charles explaining Montana would be a great place for him to start a business. Taking his sister’s advice Charles moved to Montana in 1886 or 1889, just before the territory was admitted to the Union. A gunsmith by trade, Charles established his gun shop in Helena, and by 1895 he had gained the reputation as "the best gunsmith in Helena.” Based on the advertisements he took out in local newspapers Charles seemed to shy away from his local celebrity status, choosing instead to promote himself simply as a "practical gun and locksmith" and "manufacturer of and dealer in guns." He is credited as manufacturing the first gun in Montana. In his obituary it was reported that Charles "recalled that guns from his shop had been used by many possemen in hunting down desperadoes of that era, and that in some instances he had ridden with the posses." In the same obituary he was fondly remembered as "a veteran of Montana's turbulent territorial days." Charles moved out of the center of town and into the unsettled northwest area of Helena now known as Seeley Lake in 1894, the same year he purchased this SAA that would have offered him protection in the untamed wilds of Montana whether it be man or beast. He bought land near a creek that today bears his name. A mountain peak, lake and waterfall are also named after him. Today the five mile Morrell Falls National Recreation Trail is one of the most popular of the Seeley Lake Ranger District trials. Charles remained at his homestead until 1910 when his wife, Laura, died and thereafter returned to Helena. In 1912, he remarried. He became land commissioner in western Montana in 1902 and served for several years. Information on Charles Morrell is included. Charles Morrell’s SAA has standard factory markings consisting of the one-line Hartford address and “38 COLT” on the barrel and the two-line patent dates followed by a circled Rampant Colt on the left side of the frame as well as matching serial numbers on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The revolver wears two-piece smooth pearl grips. The assembly number “745” is marked on the loading gate. Includes a period original holster rig by W.B. Ten Eyck, a Montana saddle shop known for exceptional quality. The front of the Mexican loop pattern holster is marked “W.B. TEN EYCK” above “Billings MT” in script, all in a cartouche. The W.B. Ten Eyck cartouche is repeated on the belt tongue. The leather cartridge money belt measures 43 ¼ inches long and 3 ¾ inches wide. It is not hard to imagine Charles Morrell picking up this SAA at A.L Babcock Hardware in Billings and walking over to W.B. Ten Eyck’s shop to purchase this holster rig for his 7 ½ inch SAA. Before dying from a gunshot wound in 1929 in Billings, W.B. Ten Eyck created some of the most distinctive holsters and saddles west of the Mississippi. Leather work by W.B. Ten Eyck is highly prized and extremely rare with very few examples even in the most advanced public or private collections.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 LC

Price Realized:

Exceptional Cased London Barrel Address Colt Model 1877 Lightning Double Action Revolver with Etched Panel

Lot 206

London Barrel Address Colt Model 1877 Lightning Revolver

The Colt Model 1877 revolvers were Colt's first double action revolvers and were designed by William Mason who also helped design the Single Action Army. Like the latter, these revolvers were popular in the Old West, and Colt also worked to market them in the United Kingdom where they competed with popular British designs like the Adams and Webley revolvers. This Colt Lightning was manufactured in 1879 for the U.K. market and has a half-moon style front sight, "COLT D.A. 38" in an etched panel on the left side of the barrel, "COLT PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A./DEPOT 14. PALL MALL LONDON." on top of the barrel, the three patent dates on the left side of the action, "38 CAL" on the left side of the trigger guard, "S" on the front face of the cylinder, and checkered grips with embossed Rampant Colt trademarks. Matching serial numbers are on the back of the cylinder (partial), frame, trigger guard, back strap, and grips (handwritten). The bottom of the barrel and cylinder between the flute have London proof marks. The small parts are finished in bright fire blue, and the balance has nickel plating. The modern case has a label addressed similar to the barrel and has an English fitted interior with two empty cartridge blocks.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 Long Colt

Price Realized:

Extraordinary, Well-Documented, Incredibly Rare, First Year Production, Three Digit Serialized B. Kittredge & Co. Shipped Colt "Omnipotent" Etched Panel Model 1878 Double Action Revolver with Factory Letter, Formerly of the Famed William Locke Collection

Lot 207

Colt "Omnipotent" Etched Panel Model 1878 Revolver

The Model 1878 was Colt’s first large frame double action revolver and, until recently, has been overshadowed by its legendary cousin, the Single Action Army. In the words of famed SAA expert and author John Kopec, “The Colt Model 1878 Double Action Army revolver has always held a more or less secondary place in the Colt collecting field. That is until now!” In recent years the Model 1878 has become increasingly popular with collectors who are rediscovering its legacy in Colt heritage and in U.S. history in general. Just like the SAA, the Model 1878 shaped American history out on the western frontier. The Model 1878 was used by settlers, lawmen and outlaws during America’s push to the West coast. Its association with the Wild West alone has made the Model 1878 a very collectable American handgun. The Model 1878 has also found a special place with military collectors. The U.S. Ordnance Department purchased 4,600 Model 1878s known as the Philippine or Alaskan models, which saw action during the Philippine-American War and Moro Rebellion. High condition examples are catching the eye of serious collectors, especially those looking for rare variations such as this example. Offered here is a superb, one of less than 200 B. Kittredge & Co. shipped ”Omnipotent” marked Colt Model 1878 Double Action Revolver. The story of the Omnipotent marked Model 1878 is retold in Don Wilkerson’s seminal work “Colt’s Double-Action Revolver, Model of 1878,” and Wilkerson referred to these handguns as “among the most sought after revolvers by collectors today” (page 233). These incredibly rare revolvers feature an acid etched “OMNIPOTENT” panel on the left side of the barrel, just as featured on this example, and most “Omnipotent” marked Model 1878s were shipped to B. Kittredge & Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio. Benjamin Kittredge is extremely important to the Colt legacy. In the 1870s and 1880s, Kittredge dominated the Colt retailer market. He is credited for coming up with at least nine Colt model trade names that included the now legendary names “Peacemaker” for the Single Action Army Revolver and “Lightning” and “Thunderer” for the .38 caliber and .41 caliber Model 1877 respectively. “Omnipotent” was Kittredge’s trade name for the Model 1878, and he had this name etched on the left side of the barrel. The first of these revolvers were shipped to Kittredge in August 1878. The last of these revolvers were shipped to Kittredge in May 1882. A very limited number of these revolvers were shipped to other dealers such as Hartley & Graham. The bulk of the “Omnipotent” revolvers were received by Kittredge. These revolvers came finished in blue or nickel with at least one nickel plated gun having a gold plated cylinder, grips varied from the standard hard rubber to more costly special order material like pearl, a few were even engraved, and in general they had 7 ½ inch barrels and were chambered in .45 caliber. Based on Wilkerson’s reading of the available factory records, “A total of 174 revolvers were shipped to Kittredge between the first Omnipotent marked invoice on August 6, 1878, and the last Omnipotent marked invoice on Mary 13, 1882. The author tends to think all of these revolvers were probably etched with the Omnipotent marking. If we count only those revolvers listed as Omnipotent in the records (the only revolvers that will definitely letter as Omnipotent) we have only 154 revolvers” (page 236). “Omnipotent” is defined by Merriam-Webster as “having complete or unlimited power,” often associated with deities. It is a name that truly fits the Model 1878 in powerful .45 caliber. Unfortunately, the “Omnipotent” trade name did not catch on like Peacemaker did for the SAA. This exceptional revolver was formerly of the famed William Locke collection and the Renaud de Kerchove d’Ousselghem collection and was well-documented over the decades as it was pictured and identified on page 240 in Don Wilkerson’s “Colts Double-Action Revolver, Model of 1878” and on page 209 in “The William M. Locke Collection.” The factory letter confirms the 7 ½ inch barrel in .45 caliber, nickel plating and grip material as well as the revolver being shipped on September 2, 1878 to the famed Cincinnati, Ohio, dealer B. Kittredge & Co. This shipment included one other gun of this type. As stated, the left side of the barrel has the incredibly rare “OMNIPOTENT” acid etched panel. Although the etched panel is not confirmed in the factory records, it is most certainly factory. As indicated by Wilkerson’s research, not all “Omnipotent” marked Model 1878s will letter as having the trade name on the barrel. The top of the barrel is stamped with the one-line Hartford address. “45 CAL” is stamped on the left side of the trigger guard. The early production three digit serial number “370” appears on the butt ahead of the lanyard loop, on the loading gate, and on the rear cylinder face with the individual numbers stamped between the chambers. Both of the bird head grip panels are also numbered to the gun. Besides the matching serial number, the rear cylinder face is also stamped with a factory “P” inspection mark. Includes a copy of George Gamble and R.L. Wilson's "A Life's Tapestry of a Collector, The Gamble Collection" where this revolver is pictured and identified on pages 284-287. Provenance: The William M. Locke Collection; The Renaud de Kerchove d'Ousselghem Collection; The George F. Gamble Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45 LC

Price Realized:

Very Scarce and Highly Desirable Houston, Texas, Shipped Colt Black Powder Sheriff's Model Single Action Army Revolver with Rare Documented Factory Silver Half Moon Sight and Factory Letter

Lot 210

Antique Colt Sheriff's Model Single Action Army Revolver

The ejectorless black powder Colt Sheriff's Model Single Action Army Revolver is one of the rarest and most sought after variations of the legendary Peacemaker. In "A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver," approximately 1,000 of these "ejectorless" revolvers were estimated to have been manufactured with the majority of the production occurring before 1900 (page 69). Per Keith Cochran 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. Based on Cochran's estimates only 32 SAAs out of the total Sheriff's Model production run were chambered in .41 caliber. Only those chambered in .38 Colt caliber had lower production numbers (8 units). The accompanying factory letter confirms the 4 inch barrel in .41 caliber, blue finish, grip material (however, current grips are antique period replacements marked "T.D./Texas" on interior right panel and "BROWN/Field" on interior left panel) and German silver half moon front sight as well as being shipped to Dunlay & Geisler of Houston, Texas, on May 25, 1895. This was a single gun shipment. The Colt Peacemaker is forever linked to Texas and the American West, and no state retains as strong of a cowboy heritage as Texas. It is not difficult to imagine this Sheriff's Model at the hip of a wondering cowboy. Offered here is a true piece of Americana! German silver half moon front sights were factory fitted on early production SAAs but were quickly replaced by the standard iron pattern. Although actual production numbers remain unknown, these German silver sights are rarely encountered; nearly impossible to find on a Sheriff's Model such as this one. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address with "COLT'S" obscured by the factory German silver front sight. The left side of the barrel is stamped "41 COLT." The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking followed by a circled Rampant Colt. The matching serial number appears on the frame, trigger guard and back strap.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 Colt

Price Realized:

Rare, Documented, Texas Shipped, Factory Engraved Colt Bisley Model Single Action Army Revolver with Relief Carved Steer Head Grip and Factory Letter

Lot 213

Texas Shipped Factory Engraved Colt Bisley Single Action Army

Documented factory engraved Colt Bisley Model Revolvers are a true rarity in Colt collecting. In his “Colt Engraving Book, Vol. I,” Colt historian R.L. Wilson clearly points out the extreme difficulty in finding a documented factory engraved Bisley. Wilson wrote, “Not more than sixty Bisley Model revolvers are listed in Colt records as engraved” (page 451). With only 60 officially recorded as factory engraved, there are not enough to satisfy collector demand, leaving examples out of even the most advanced collections. Here is a real opportunity to fill that void in your collection. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 4 ¾ inch barrel in .38-40 caliber, nickel plating and factory engraving with type of stocks not listed as well as confirming the revolver was shipped on May 18, 1907, and delivered to Krakauer, Zork & Moye Co. of El Paso, Texas. This was a single gun shipment. The factory records also indicate the revolver was returned to the factory on October 29, 1907, and subsequently shipped back to Krakauer, Zork & Moye Co. on November 18, 1907. Krakauer, Zork & Moye Co. was a leading retailer in the Southwest, and the mercantile even had a branch in Chihuahua, Mexico. Being a factory confirmed Texas shipped gun only enhances the desirability for this Bisley. Colt's single action is forever linked to the American West, and no state retains as strong of a cowboy heritage as Texas! During this period, many El Paso shipped Colts found their way to Texas oil fields such as Spindletop which led to the Texas oil boom. The Cuno A. Helfricht pattern engraving consists mostly of his signature floral scrollwork on punch dot background along with fan motifs on the loading gate and recoil shield and zig-zag line and dot motifs featured most prominently on the ejector rod housing, top strap, rear of cylinder, back strap, butt, and trigger guard. Bisley revolvers nos. 292113 and 292642 feature similar factory engraving, and these two revolvers were also shipped to El Paso, Texas. Note that all three of these factory engraved, Texas shipped Bisley Model revolvers fall into the 292000 serial number range with 292642 being only 5 numbers away from this example no. 292637. It is therefore likely that the Colt factory pulled a batch of Bisley Models from the 292000 serial number range destined for special embellishment. The barrel has the two-line Hartford address on top and “(BISLEY MODEL) 38 W.C.F.” on the left side, all inside panels. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates inside a banner followed by a Rampant Colt. The left side of the trigger guard is stamped with a Colt “VP” factory triangle proof and “6.” Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The assembly number 3213” is marked on the loading gate. The revolver is fitted with two-piece grips featuring a relief carved steer head on the right panel, the perfect decoration for a Texas shipped Colt.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 WCF

Price Realized:

Extremely Rare, Excellent and Well Documented Special Order Silver Plated Individual Shipped Antique Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Pearl Grips and Factory Letter

Lot 214

Silver Antique Colt Single Action Army Revolver

The factory letter lists this exceptional antique Colt in .45 caliber with a 5 1/2 inch barrel, silver finish, and pearl grips and as sold to Fred Wilson (address unavailable) and shipped to Simmons Hardware Company in St. Louis on November 23, 1898. Also, a factory note dated November 21, 1898 stating: "Pearl Slivers furnished by S.H. Co.". The barrel has the standard blade front sight and factory address, "45 COLT" on the left, and ejector with small dished button. The "smokeless" frame has the two-line patent marking and circled Rampant Colt on the left and the assembly number "255" on the loading gate, and matching serial numbers are on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The lovely pearl grips have "Simmons" and "238" marked inside on both panels. With no information available to help identify the original owner other than a name, which of the great many Fred Wilsons in the U.S. owned this extraordinary Colt is anyone's guess. Whoever he was, he clearly took great care of this revolver and used it little if at all. Silver plated antique Colt Single Actions are very hard to find, particularly in high condition, and many of the silver Colts are engraved guns not "plain" revolvers like this one.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45 Long Colt

Price Realized:

Cased L.D. Nimschke Engraved Smith & Wesson No. 1 Second Issue Revolver with Factory Letter

Lot 234

Nimschke Engraved Smith & Wesson No. 1 2nd Issue Revolver

This highly embellished arm showcases the artistry of the most celebrated 19th century Master Engraver L.D. Nimschke. The engraving pattern is Nimschke's elegant arabesque style with fine punch dot backgrounds. Perhaps the most striking feature to the engraving are the "kidney shaped" motifs on both sides of the frame. Entwining lines and dots decorate the barrel at the muzzle. Behind the hammer is a scroll flourish incorporating a series of stars. The back strap and butt feature unique scroll patterns on a punch dot background. The engraving is complete with Nimschke's characteristic "star burst" on the bottom of the frame and arrow on each side of the barrel. Several similar patterns, especially the barrel embellishments, are found as Nimschke's smoke pulls published in R.L. Wilson's "L.D. Nimschke: Firearms Engraver" on the bottom of page 18. The right grip panel is numbered to the gun. Matching assembly number "47" appears on the grip frame and cylinder. The period case contains a cartridge block holding 49 rounds and a cleaning rod. The accompanying factory letter states this revolver was sold on May 21, 1866, purchased by J.W. Storrs of New York City and shipped with a 3 3/16 inch barrel, blue barrel, blue cylinder, silver plated brass frame and smooth rosewood grips. In the factory letter, S&W historian Roy Jinks provides additional information and observations: "This shipment was for 100 units. This is an interesting group of guns in this serial number range. I have seen several all engraved in the same style and it has been my opinion that Storrs had them done for the factory, however, we never find them as being sold [engraved] by the factory." Provenance: The John J."Jack" Malloy Collection; The Sheryl Cheely Collection

Documentation

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 22 RF

Price Realized:

Rare Early Production Serial Number 202 Smith & Wesson No. 1 First Issue Second Type Spur Trigger Revolver with Early "Bayonet" Style Latch

Lot 236

Smith & Wesson No. 1 First Issue Second Type Revolver

Manufactured c. 1857, this is a rare example of a very early Second Type Smith & Wesson No. 1 First Issue revolver. Much of the available Smith & Wesson literature lists the First Type No. 1 revolvers spanning from serial number 1 to approximately 213, however the writer believes this to be incorrect, and instead ending right around serial number 200. This example has the distinctive "bayonet" barrel latch visible on the front bottom of the frame but lacks the visible key fastening the recoil plate which was a defining feature of the First Type. The single line Smith & Wesson address is on top of the barrel rib and matching numbers are present on the toe, barrel lug, front face of the cylinder, and inside both grips. The distinctive round sideplate of the First Issue No. 1 revolvers is visible on the left of the frame. Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 22 RF

Factory Oscar Young Gold Inlaid and Inscribed Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target Revolver with Pearl Grips and Rare Pipe Case

Lot 237

Oscar Young Embellished Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Revolver

The accompanying factory letter indicates that this revolver was shipped on March 16, 1899 to the Edward K. Tryon Co. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and it left the factory with gold inlay by Oscar Young. The left side of the frame is inscribed "S. Anderson" in gold. Note that the line under the signature resembles a sword. The right side of the frame has an unusual gold inlaid sword motif. Although the revolver has a factory rework star on the butt and factory October 1942 return date ("10.42") on the left side of the grip frame, the gun lacks a factory refinish mark which indicates return for repair or adjustment. The finish on the revolver is original. As S&W historian Roy Jinks points out in the factory letter, "Records do not indicate the type of service work performed by the factory in 1942." The revolver has target sights, the one-line address on the barrel rib, S&W medallion pearl grips, and matching serial numbers on the butt, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch. Comes with a rare period correct pipe case. Unfortunately S. Anderson remains unidentified at the time of this writing. However, the sword motifs suggests that S. Anderson was involved in the sport of fencing. As reported in the Philadelphia Inquirer on January 16, 1898, fencing had become a popular sport in America at the turn of the century: "The fair devotees of society are taking an active interest in fencing…Philadelphia lovers of bodily exercise have at last found out that the sword, aside from being useful as a mode of dueling, is of a higher importance as an exercise." The popularity of fencing resulted in the founding of the Amateur Fencers League of America (AFLA) by a group of New York fencers in 1891. Ninety years later the AFLA later changed its name to the United States Fencing Association, which continues to operate to this day. Also of interest is S. Anderson of Pennsylvania who is identified as an active competition skeet shooter in period newspapers. Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection

Documentation

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 S&W Russian

Price Realized:

L.D. Nimschke Engraved, Inscribed, Silver Plated Smith & Wesson Model No. 1 Third Issue Revolver with Pearl Grips and Rare Pipe Case

Lot 242

Nimschke Engraved Smith & Wesson Model No. 1 3rd Issue Revolver

The Third Issue model was manufactured from 1868 to 1881 and this example features highly desirable engraving by famed Master Engraver L.D. Nimschke. The profuse engraving consists of Nimschke's signature floral scrollwork on a punch dot background, zig-zag line borders, star burst patterns and shell motif behind the hammer. Similar Nimschke identified scrollwork is found on a S&W Model No. 1/2 (no. 87669) formerly of the Norm Flayderman collection pictured in R.L. Wilson's "L.D. Nimschke: Firearms Engraver" on page xxxvii. This type of engraving is the American style with heavy, bold scrolls. The back strap is inscribed "CLARA LONG" inside a panel. Unfortunately, Clara Long remains unidentified. Matching assembly marks are on the grip frame, cylinder and barrel. The revolver wears pearl bird's head grips. Complete with an exceptionally and seldom-ever seen period correct retailer pipe case. Provenance: The David Carroll Collection; NRA Display, Charlotte, NC 2010; The Sheryl Cheely Collection

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 22 RF

Price Realized:

Lot 243

Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 "Old Army" Revolver

The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with a 6 inch barrel, blue finish and smooth rosewood grips when shipped on May 7, 1863 and delivered to J.W. Storrs Co., New York City. This shipment was for 25 units of this model in the same configuration. The revolver features a full silver finish that appears to have been applied when the gun was in new-untouched condition and has seen only minor handling evidence since. As noted by S&W historian Roy Jinks in the factory letter, "J.W. Storrs Company altered many of these revolvers to various finishes to fill special war time orders." J.W. Storrs Co. was S&W's sole agent from 1857 to 1869. The right grip panel is numbered to the gun. Matching assembly marks are on the grip frame, cylinder, and barrel. The Model No. 2 Army began production just prior to the start of the Civil War and quickly became popular, especially among Union officers. Provenance: The Sheryl Cheely Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 32 RF

Price Realized:

Page 1 of 5