Lot 116: 1st Edition Elizabeth Colt Signed Copy of "Armsmear"

Offered here is a first edition copy of Samuel Colt's memoriam book "Armsmear". This copy is inscribed on the cover page "Mr. Horace Lord./with the regards of/Mrs. Elizabeth H. Colt." as well as "Armsmear-/Christmas 1866." Horace Lord was a friend to Samuel Colt and worked under him as an engineer for many years, both before and after Colt's death. Lord was recruited from the employ of Eli Whitney Jr. by Colt and became the right-hand man to Elisha K. Root. He was also a pallbearer at Colt's funeral, demonstrating the close connection with the Colt family he must have had, likely the reason for this copy of his memoriam signed by Colt's widow. Lord designed and patented improvements to the breechloading conversion rifle as well as design changes for the cylinder release on swing out cylinder revolvers, namely the Colt Model 1889 New Service Revolver. Also included is a copy of a letter stating that the book is no longer available for public purchase and is only available via private distribution, a copy of a Steroview card of Armsmear, and a paper trail of ownership back to 1968.

Excellent, showing very little wear for its advanced age. A couple small tears are present on very few of the pages inside the book. The cover shows very little wear to either the leather or the gold inlay with just a few small scuffs on the spine. Elizabeth Colt's signature is clearly legible as is the rest of the inscription. A truly wonderful piece of Colt history inscribed to a long time Colt engineer.