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  • Auction Catalog #56
  • Lot #3192
Lot #3191
Lot #3193

Lot 3192: Colt 1851 Revolver 36 percussion

Historical Kidder Cased Gustave Young Factory Engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver with Civil War Double Presentation Inscribed with Scrimshawed Ivory Grips To William Domer Major General Robert Anderson's Assistant

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 7, 2012

Lot 3192: Colt 1851 Revolver 36 percussion

Historical Kidder Cased Gustave Young Factory Engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver with Civil War Double Presentation Inscribed with Scrimshawed Ivory Grips To William Domer Major General Robert Anderson's Assistant

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 7, 2012

Estimated Price: $50,000 - $75,000
Price Realized:
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Historical Kidder Cased Gustave Young Factory Engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver with Civil War Double Presentation Inscribed with Scrimshawed Ivory Grips To William Domer Major General Robert Anderson's Assistant

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: 1851
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 36 percussion
Barrel: 7 1/2 inch octagon
Finish: blue/casehardened/silver
Grip: ivory
Stock:
Item Views: 2015
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 58
Class: Antique
Description:

Accompanied by a 11 page R.L. Wilson letter which authenticates this revolver and elaborates on the historic significance of this revolver. Wilson writes; "In more than 50 years of studying engraved and inscribed Colt firearms the author cannot recall another instance of an example with the presence of two inscriptions of like wording on the same revolver" or as he states in his bold headline "The Only Double Presentation Inscribed Colt Percussion Model Revolver Known to the Author". Furthering the importance of this revolver is it's presentation to a significant Civil War figure and Aide to Major General Robert Anderson, the celebrated heroic defenders of the Fort Sumter. This revolver as well as another Factory engraved Colt model 1851presented by Samuel Colt to sea Captain J.J. Comstock also in this auction share a unique paralleled association with Major General Anderson, and Fort Sumter. The battle of Fort Sumter was of course the first battle of the American Civil War which began on April 12, 1861 in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. The fort would be surrendered two days later April 14, 1861. One of the defenders of the fort would have been William Domer, one of Major General Anderson's key aides. Upon the forts surrender the U.S. Government commissioned the U.S. the Baltic, the fastest ship in the world at the time, to retrieve Major General Anderson and the 200 heroic defenders. Never before in our companies history have we had a chance to sell two such historic, Colt presentations which can also be directly link to such a pivotal and famous battle in our nations history. As Wilson writes this revolver features "special polish at the Colt Factory before engraving by Gustave Young or the best talent of his Colt factory engraving shop. Manufactured in 1858, this revolver features the typical high quality scroll and floral engraving and wolf head hammer engraving from the Gustave Young shop at Colt. The engraving covers the rear sides and upper flat of the barrel, frame, loading lever, trigger guard, hammer sides, butt and upper and lower back strap. The ends of the wedge and all screw heads are also engraved. The back strap is inscribed "To William Domer from his friends/At Altoona Oct 21st 1861". The left side of the grip has the same inscription in three lines scrimshawed in the ivory. William Domer enlisted in the Union Armies Anderson Troop, was Anderson's assistant and was later recommended for a commission (Anderson is well known for his relentless defense of Fort Sumter previous to this presentation). The top barrel flat is marked "--ADDRESS SAML COLT HARTFORD CT--", "COLT'S/PATENT" is engraved on the left side of the frame in a downward arch and the cylinder is roll engraved with the Texas naval battle scene as well as "COLTS PATENT 79298" in a panel. The complete matching serial number is marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, cylinder and back strap. The partial serial number "9298" is marked on the wedge and loading lever. The frame, loading lever and hammer are casehardened, the barrel and cylinder are blue and the trigger guard and back strap are silver plated brass. The revolver is complete in an ultra-rare brass bound brown velvet lined Kidder case. Unlike the Pocket Model, only a handful of Model 1851 Navies are known in a Kidder case. The case has the brass corner protectors, is stamped "PATENTED . APR 1854." on the rear top edge and is divided into 5 compartments. In the case is a coat of arms flask, an iron two cavity bullet mold marked "COLT'S/PATENT" on the sprue cutter, an empty Eley Bros. cap tin and several lead bullets.

Rating Definition:

Very Fine. The barrel retains 60% of the original blue finish. There are indentation marks and scratches on the forward portion of each side flat. There are some stress cracks at the breech of the barrel which were probably caused by double stacked load mishap incurred during period of usage. It definitely is fractured, but is barely noticeable from the side. There is some minor pitting present on the breech end of the barrel and cylinder face. The cylinder has a smooth brown patina and visible scene. There are strong traces of the original case colors on the loading lever and protected areas of the frame with a smooth dark gray patina on the balance. The trigger guard and back strap retain 90% of the original silver plating with loss mainly concentrated on the back strap, butt and edges of the trigger guard bow. The exposed areas have an aged patina. The grip is good with some minor age cracks on the bottoms and have aged to a pleasant caramel patina. The markings and engraving remain clear and crisp. Mechanically sound. The case is very good with some scattered minor scratches and dings, there is some fraying on the edges of the lining and indentations and contact wear from the cylinder. The accessories are very good. A very nice Gustave Young engraved, presentation inscribed Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver in an ultra rare Kidder case. Some research on Domer may prove interesting.



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