Manufactured in 1886, this historic Colt is an outstanding example of a factory engraved New House Model .38 with the addition of a very desirable factory presentation inscription. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration, including the engraving, inscription, and grips, as well as sale and shipment to Henry C. Hallaver [sic] at the Colt Factory on 14 June 1893. The back strap of the revolver is inscribed "Presented to Wm J. Collins by his friends June 18th 1898". In included copies of the 1890 Hartford, Connecticut Geers City Directory Henry C. Hallauer is listed as a gunsmith/assembler at the Colt factory. William J. Collins is listed in the same directory as a driller at Colt. Collins is also listed in the 1st Infantry Regiment of the Connecticut National Guard from 1888 to 1900, reaching at least the rank of 2nd lieutenant. Multiple printed photographs, postcards, and a Connecticut National Guard badge are included. It is unclear from period newspapers why exactly this revolver was presented, and it may have been merely a token of friendship to a co-worker. Collins was promoted to 2nd lieutenant in his regiment in 1893, but it was in December of that year, well after the shipment of this revolver. Included 1969 dated correspondence between Dr. Robert G. Cox and R.L. Wilson is included with this revolver indicating that Dr. Cox purchased the revolver from Wilson. In a letter from Wilson, he indicates that factory engraved examples of Colt New House revolvers are very scarce and that many of the engraved examples of the period were outside work, particularly of the Nimschke type. This specific revolver is also listed by serial number on p. 308 of "The Book of Colt Firearms" by Sutherland/Wilson, where it states that this example is the highest serial number of the .38 caliber New House revolvers. The revolver itself has the standard two-line address on top of the barrel, "NEW HOUSE 38" on the left, and "38" on the bottom. There is a circled Rampant Colt on the left rear of the frame and the assembly number "281" is marked on the left of the grip frame and inside the loading gate. It has 75% plus coverage factory style floral scroll and zig-zag line engraving and the above mentioned factory inscription on the back strap. It is fitted with a blade front sight, frame top groove rear sight, loading gate, and a pair of smooth pearl grips. Includes a binder of information including that discussed above in addition to information regarding Dr. Cox's collection. Provenance: The R.L. Wilson Collection, The Dr. Robert G. Cox Collection, The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection

Excellent, retains 97% plus of the untouched original nickel finish with a few scattered patches of light flaking, some scattered light handling marks, and crisp engraving overall. The grips are very fine with a few scattered light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. A rare opportunity to add a rare documented, factory engraved Colt New House Model revolver with an inscription linking it to two Colt employees to your collection!