Lot 1156: Pair of Tiffany Civil War Colt Model 1860 Army Revolvers

The pair was originally manufactured in 1992 and then magnificently embellished by Master Engraver Andrew Bourbon on behalf of Tiffany & Co. This set was designed by Tom Watts of the Tiffany & Co. Corporate Division on commission from Thomas A. Conroy. Bourbon was a friend and apprentice to renowned American Master Engraver Alvin White. The revolvers show extensive fine gold inlaid engraving from muzzle to butt. The "A" gun's muzzle has a gold band and three stars on either side of the barrel while "B" shows intricate Confederate officer's sleeve braids. "A" has colorful enameled American flag with banners reading "8th U.S. VOL. NEW YORK/DESIGNED BY TIFFANY & CO. 1992" on the left and "1st U.S. VOL. NEW YORK/SAML COLT NEW YORK U.S.A." on the right. "B" shows a similar design but has the Confederate flag with "1st C.S.A. VOL. TEXAS/DESIGNED BY TIFFANY & Co. 1992" on the left and "2nd C.S.A. VOL. SOUTH CAROLINA/SAML COLT NEW YORK U.S.A." with a Confederate battle flag. The tops of both of the barrels have been matted with gold and marked "SAML COLT" . Both cylinders show a gold band with six inlaid cannons and colorful red, white, and blue enamel banners at the back. The frame has a beautiful lattice work design surrounded in gold borders on "A" and the "stars and bars" pattern on "B". A gold inlaid eagle atop crossed cannons stands proudly on the left side of the recoil shield of "A" with an anchor to match on "B". The 24k gold plated silver grips show patriotic relief motifs with the words "long shall it wave" under a sailor holding the American flag on "A" with similar Confederate motifs on the other. The butts have a large "US" and "CS" raised off of the matted background respectively. This pair is pictured and discussed on pages 106-112 of "Fine Colts: The Dr. Joseph A. Murphy Collection" by R. L. Wilson and the design drawings are pictured on pages 286-287 of "Steel Canvas: The Art of American Arms" also by Wilson. The set comes in a case marked "CIVIL WAR COLT/1860 ARMY REVOLVERS/204964-204965/BY/ANDREW BOURBON/1993" on the lid and with a plaque crediting Bourbon with the work.

Near new as magnificently embellished by Andrew Bourbon showing minimal handling evidence. The case is very fine with the top internal panel glue failing and some darkening of the internal plaque. Mechanically untested as intentionally blocked with wooden stops to prevent wear.

As described in "A".

Near new as magnificently embellished by Andrew Bourbon showing minimal handling evidence with slight wear at the top of the left grip panel. Mechanically untested as intentionally blocked with wooden stops to prevent wear. Provenance: Dr. Joseph A. Murphy collection.