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  • Auction Catalog #82
  • Lot #162
Lot #161
Lot #163

Lot 162: Factory Engraved Colt Pocket Navy Percussion Revolver

Desirable Factory Engraved Colt Pocket Navy Percussion Revolver with Exceptional Mexican Eagle "Tiffany" Grip

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 14, 2021

Lot 162: Factory Engraved Colt Pocket Navy Percussion Revolver

Desirable Factory Engraved Colt Pocket Navy Percussion Revolver with Exceptional Mexican Eagle "Tiffany" Grip

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 14, 2021

Estimated Price: $12,000 - $19,000
Price Realized:
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Desirable Factory Engraved Colt Pocket Navy Percussion Revolver with Exceptional Mexican Eagle "Tiffany" Grip

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Pocket Navy
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 36
Barrel: 5 1/2 inch octagon
Finish: brown
Grip: brass
Stock:
Item Views: 3785
Item Interest: Average
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 164
Class: Antique
Description:

The details of the serial numbers and dates of manufacture of this model remain disputed. Colt currently lists this revolver as a "Pocket Pistol of Navy Caliber" manufactured in 1863 within the same range as Police revolvers. However, the Colt Collector's Association now lists this model as manufactured from 1865 until 1872 within a serial number range of 1-22000 suggesting this revolver dates closer to 1870. This revolver was most definitely engraved by master engraver Gustave Young. It is engraved with the classic late floral vine scroll engraving known to sometimes be used by Young and has the wolf motif and five dots suggesting five ten hour days of engraving in Young's shop. It also has "COLTS PATENT" hand engraved on the left side of the frame in the style Young employed. The grip has an eagle, snake, and cactus pattern based on the coat of arms of Mexico and a silver cap. A very similar engraving pattern is shown on a factory converted Pocket Navy on page 152, serial number 17613, just three serial numbers after this revolver, on page 152 of "The Book of Colt Engraving" by Wilson, and the same grip pattern is seen on a Gustave Young engraved Model 1862 Police on page 99 and on page 160 on another Model 1862 Police and multiple revolvers in the "Tiffany Grips" chapter. These grips were shown in Schuyler, Hartley & Graham's catalogs on a revolver with the same style of engraving (see page 143 of "Steel Canvas" by Wilson). Additional features include the New York barrel address, matching serial numbers, "E" near the main serial numbers, and "36 CAL" on the front and rear of the trigger guard on the left.

Rating Definition:

Very good revolver with crisp engraving, smooth gray patina, light pitting on the cylinder, bright trigger guard and exceptionally fine original grip, aged patina on the silver cap, and mild overall wear. Mechanically fine. A fine representative example of both factory engraving and much sought after Tiffany grip.



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