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  • Auction Catalog #80
  • Lot #1128
Lot #1127
Lot #1129

Lot 1128: Two Inscribed Factory Engraved Colt Model 1862 Police Revolvers

Historic Set of Inscribed Factory Engraved Colt Model 1862 Police Percussion Revolvers

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 12, 2020

Lot 1128: Two Inscribed Factory Engraved Colt Model 1862 Police Revolvers

Historic Set of Inscribed Factory Engraved Colt Model 1862 Police Percussion Revolvers

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 12, 2020

Estimated Price: $14,000 - $22,500
Price Realized:
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A) Factory Engraved Colt Model 1862 Police Percussion Revolver

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: 1862 Police
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 36 percussion
Barrel: 5 1/2 inch round
Finish: silver-plated
Grip: antique ivory
Stock:
Item Views: 2271
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 124
Class: Antique
Description:

This is a unique set of factory engraved Colt Model 1862 Police revolvers with back straps inscribed: "Col. H. F. Liebenau". On September 4, 1863 Colonel Liebenau received authority from the Governor of New York to recruit a regiment of cavalry, which on January 15, 1864 received the numerical designation of the 25th Cavalry Regiment, Sickles' Cavalry. Leaving the state in 1864, the regiment served as detachments in the defenses of Washington D.C. 22nd Corps, April 1864 in the Provost Guard, Army of the Potomac, June 1864 and 4th Brigade, 1st Division, Army of the Potomac, July 1864, 4th Brigade, 1st Division, Cavalry, Army of the Potomac August and September, 1864, Army of Shenandoah October 1864 and the Cavalry Division, Army of West Virginia, April 1865. The regiment was honorably discharged and mustered out June 27, 1865. Revolver No. 3430 was made in 1861 and Revolver No. 23811 was manufactured in 1864. Number 3430 has a punch-mark stamped next to the serial number on the barrel lug and trigger guard; the punch-mark was used by Colt until about 1861 to designate special handling, polish or finish in the manufacturing process. Revolver No. 23811 has a small "E" stamped next to the serial number on the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The "E" replaced the punch-mark in mid-1861 to designate parts that would receive special handling, finish or polish. Both revolvers are engraved with nearly identical "American style" scrollwork on a punch-dot background and shell-shaped designs that characterize the work of master engraver L.D. Nimschke. The sides of the hammers are engraved with the wolf's head motif. Revolver No. 3430 has "COLT'S PATENT" hand engraved in an oval on the left side of the frame. Revolver No. 23811 has a stamped "COLTS/PATENT" marking in an engraved oval. Revolver No. 3430 has the legend, "-ADDRESS SAML COLT HARTFORD CT.-" roll-stamped in a panel with engraved borders. "PAT.SEPT.10TH 1850" is roll-stamped in one flute of the five-shot cylinder. "36 CAL" is stamped on the left front trigger guard bow and "L" is stamped on the left rear trigger guard bow. The full serial number, "3430", is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The arbor pin is numbered "3430" and the wedge is numbered "3431". The serial number on the rear of the cylinder is illegible. The barrel of Revolver 23811 is roll-stamped: "ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT ADDRESS NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA" in an engraved panel. The fluted, five-shot cylinder is roll-stamped "PAT.SEPT.10TH 1850". "36 CAL" is stamped on the left side of rear trigger guard bow and "7" is stamped on the left front of the bow. The full serial number, "23811", is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number "3811" is stamped on the arbor pin and wedge. "38" is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers on this revolver match. Both of the revolvers have a silver-plated finish and are fitted with one-piece grips.

Rating Definition:

Very good. The revolver retain traces of the original silver-plated finish in protected areas. There is some deep pitting on the left side of the barrel at the muzzle and on one cylinder chamber with scattered pitting on the balance of the cylinder. The cylinder pins are battered. The barrel, frame, loading lever and hammer have scattered age spotting on a silver-gray patina. The markings and serial numbers on the barrel, frame, trigger guard and back strap are clear. The patent markings on the cylinder are faint and the inscription on the back strap shows handling wear. The deeply cut engraving remains sharp. The grip is in excellent condition. Mechanically fine.



B) Inscribed and Factory Engraved Colt Model 1862 Police Percussion Revolver

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: 1862 Police
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 36
Barrel: 5 1/2 inch round
Finish: silver-plated
Grip: antique ivory
Stock:
Item Views: 2271
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 124
Class: Antique
Description:

As "A"

Rating Definition:

Very good. The revolver retains 20% of the silver-plated finish in protected areas. The balance of the revolver has a silver-gray patina. There is scattered pitting on the barrel, loading lever and cylinder with heavy pitting over one chamber of the cylinder and on the barrel muzzle. The cylinder pins are battered. All of the markings and serial numbers are clear and the engraving is sharp with the exception of the back strap inscription which shows handling wear. The grip is very good with and minimal discoloration. The action is tight and functions well. This is an attractice pair of factory engraved Colt Model 1862 Police Revolvers with inscribed back straps.



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