This magnificent presentation revolver was manufactured in 1864 and features scroll engraving with floral and checkered accents, a full silver plated finish, post front sight and "ADDRESS COL. COLT/NEW-YORK U.S.A." on the two-stage barrel, the stagecoach hold-up scene on the cylinder, matching serial numbers (barrel, cylinder, and butt), and a grip carved with a dragoon/cavalryman bust on the left and inscribed with "TO HENRY G. BRANT FROM/ROBT: W. SOUTHMAYD, * GEO: C. BAIN,/MARSHALL A. JONES, * ROBT: T. ROSS,/THO'S F. FRALEY, * RICH'D PRICE JR.,/CHA'S H. HARKNESS." on the right with black enamel highlighting. The revolver is fitted in a mahogany presentation case with wine colored lining, a blued "COLT'S/PATENT" ball and bullet mold, a small Eley Bros. cap tin, a Colt patent pocket powder flask with the design based on the Great Seal of the United States on one side, a key, and several balls and bullets. The most likely recipient for this revolver is Corporal Henry G. Brant (spelled Brandt in some records) of the 13th Regiment of Pennsylvania Cavalry given name and the carving on the left side grip. He is listed in Company D. The 13th was organized in Philadelphia and Harrisburg from December 1861 to April 1862 and served until discharging in Philadelphia on July 27, 1865. Among their activities were scouting in Virginia and they became part of the Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Potomac. Among other service, they participated in the Mine Run Campaign, Battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, Hatcher's Run, Sherman's March to the Sea, and the surrender of Johnston's army at Bennett's House. He may have been an employee of one of the other businessmen prior to serving in the Pennsylvania cavalry. All of the men listed as presenters have been located in Philadelphia directories and additional records in or near the Civil War years, and many of them were located on Market Street. Robert W. Southmayd and Marshall A. Jones are listed among the pro-Union citizens of a committee from Philadelphia in 1859 that presented a flag to Governor Henry A. Wise of Virginia as a sign of respect and support for Virginia and the continuity of the Union. R.W. Southmayd of No. 316 Market Street in Philadelphia was selling an "immense lot of buffalo robes" in December 1863. Henderson, Southmayd & Co. are located at that address in 1860 and are listed as members of the Philadelphia Board of Trade. Elsewhere, the company is identified as a hat and cap business. Marshall A. Jones is listed as a clerk at 213 N 13th. In the 1857 directory, George C. Bain is listed as a salesman at 173 Market. Robert T. Ross is listed as a salesman at 527 Market. Thomas F. Fraley is listed as located at 525 Market Street and as a member of the Philadelphia Board of Trade in 1860. In the directory, he is listed as a straw goods dealer at 528 Market. Richard Price Jr. is referenced in 1861 as a member of the Corn Exchange and part of the committee that raised funds to pay for a sword and pistols for General B.F. Kelley. The city directory in 1860 lists him as a merchant at 525 Market Street. Elsewhere, he is listed as a member of the fabric firm Price, Ferris & Co. which was also listed at 525 Market Street and as members of the Philadelphia Board of Trade in 1860 and identified on the "The Black List, or Abolition Houses, of Philadelphia" in February 1860 as "enemies to the institutions of the South" (aka anti-slavery). Charles H. Harkness was a clerk in Charles Harkness & Son, a wholesale clothing store at 338 Market in Philadelphia. This revolver is featured at the top of page 211 in "Colt Engraving" by R.L. Wilson where it is identified as engraved by L.D. Nimschke and lists as from the William M. Locke Collection. It is also featured in Frank Seller's "The William M. Locke Collection" on page 122. Provenance: The William M. Locke Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Exceptionally fine with 95% plus of the silver plating remaining and crisp engraving and markings. The silver has taken on a very attractive aged patina. The grip is also exceptionally fine and retains crisp raised relief carving and inscriptions and has a couple very minor age cracks on the left and attractive natural tones. Mechanically fine. The case and accessories are very fine and have mostly minor age and storage related wear. This is an incredible cased set. Brant must have felt very honored when he first laid his eyes on this stunning Colt.