Manufactured in 1870 and subsequently engraved, this revolver is inscribed to Judge Sterling Fontaine Grimes and comes with an inscribed pocket watch and a black leather open toe holster. An engraved cross hatch pattern is featured on the recoil shield. The frame and barrel feature two different styles of engraved scrollwork. The top of the barrel is marked with the one-line New York address. The stagecoach holdup scene is engraved on the 5-shot cylinder which is marked "COLTS PATENT/No. 1103." The left side of the frame is marked "COLTS/PATENT." "31 CAL" is marked on the left side of the trigger guard. Matching full serial numbers appear on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. Note that these serial numbers have the second "1" stamped over a "0", but this appears to be factory. The partial matching serial number is marked on the cylinder and barrel wedge. Fitted with a smooth one piece varnished walnut grip. The back strap is inscribed "Judge Sterling F. Grimes/Cuero, Texas." The silver National Watch Co. pocket watch is inscribed "Sterling F. Grimes" on the back and has a key and chain. The revolver, holster and watch come in a contemporary case and are on the cover of the May 2009 issue of "The Gun Report, " which features this set in the article "What's in a Name?" by William E. Schubert. The magazine is included in this lot. According to Schubert, the watch was made in 1883. The article provides a biographical sketch on Sterling Fontaine Grimes and can be summarized as the following. During the Civil War, Grimes sided with the South and enlisted as a private on September 8, 1862 in the town of Stanford, Kentucky. He served under Brigadier General John Hunt Morgan. Under Morgan's leadership, the 2nd Kentucky Cavalry Regiment participated in daring raids in northern territory. During one such raid in northern Ohio, Private Grimes was captured on July 20, 1863 and was a prisoner at Camp Douglas in Chicago, Illinois. After the war, Grimes relocated in Cuero, Texas, and studied law, passing the bar in 1871. He practiced law for the next three years and then was appointed District Attorney for the 20th Judicial District. From 1892 to 1896, Grimes served as the District Judge. He died at the age of 75 and is buried in Cuero.

Good as custom embellished, inscribed. The revolver has a smooth gray patina. Most of the cylinder scene remains. The grip straps retain 30% of the silver plating. The refinished grip is good with a few deep pressure dents near the bottom (left side), some high edge wear and retaining most of the finish. Mechanically excellent. The holster is fair with overall age cracking and tight stitching. The watch is very good with scratches on the glass face and adhesive on the back.