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LOT 188
Presentation Cased
Factory Engraved Early Production Colt Model 1851
Navy Percussion Revolver with Case Inscribed to Eusebio Squella - Serial no. 18397, 36 cal., 7 inch octagon bbl., blue/ casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. This
early production cased set from 1852 is inscribed “Eusebio Squella” on the lid escutcheon. The back strap had the same name, but the inscription has been mostly removed. Though no documentation is included with the revolver, one individual by that name was Chilean politician Eusebio Squella Lopetegui (d. 1869) who came from a wealthy and connected family in northern Chile. In the 1840s and 1850s, he was active as a politician, including as interim governor of Copiapo in 1845 and alternate deputy for Copiapo in 1855 to 1858. He also worked in the regions prosperous silver mines. The revolver has the “dot” by the main serial numbers indicating the revolver
was selected for factory engraving. All of the serial numbers match on the metal components,
and the grip has “83” still legible in the rear mortise. It has very attractive early factory floral scroll engraving with textured
backgrounds on the barrel, loading lever, frame, hammer, and grip straps. The hammer has a bestial face similar to the later
wolf head motif popularized by Gustave Young who became Colt’s primary engraving contractor in 1852. The “COLTS/PATENT”
marking on the left side of the frame is in archs. The barrel has “-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-” and a brass cone
front sight. The cylinder has the standard Naval Battle of Campeche roll-scene and a “4” below the serial number. The trigger
guard has a “G” on the left shoulder. The case is closely fitted to the revolver and the following accessories: a second cylinder
numbered “19457,” a cleaning rod, starter, brass bullet/ball mold, pheasant and dog pattern brass powder flask, L-shaped
combination tool, and two compartments (empty).
CONDITION: Very good with 20% original blue on the barrel, silver-gray patina on the cylinder along with most of the cylinder scene, traces of original case colors, gray or brown patina on the balance of the steel, an oversized hammer screw, 60% plus original silver plating, loss primarily were the back strap inscription was purposely defaced, and mild overall wear including some mild pitting concentrated on the cylinder. The slightly undersized refinished grip is also very good with a dark coat of varnish, some light dings and scratches, and minor edge wear. Mechanically fine. The case is also very good and has mild age and storage related wear (including some cracks in the lid) and a distinct inscription. The flask spring is absent, but the accessories are otherwise fine with age and storage related wear. The second cylinder is similar to the rest of the revolver and displays gray and brown patina, light pitting, and a distinct roll-scene. Overall, a very attractive Colt Model 1851 Navy with
highly desirable early style factory engraving.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
LOT 189
Fine Cased Colt Model 1855 “Root” Sidehammer Percussion Pocket Revolver - Serial no. 16349, 28 cal., 3 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in 1857 as a Model 2 with the Hartford barrel address with pointing hand motif and the “cabin and Indian” rollmark on the cylinder. One piece piano varnished walnut grip. Barrel and cylinder are numbered to the gun. Includes a hardwood case, Colt’s Patent bullet mold, dual-sided eagle motif flask, cap tin, and .28 caliber balls and conical bullets. CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 60% plus original bright blue finish with the balance between smooth gray and brown patina. 50% of original case colors on the hammer and loading lever. Most of the cylinder scene remains. The grip is also very fine with some minor handling marks and retaining nearly all original varnish. Mechanically fine. Case is very good with storage and handling marks and some high edge wear on the lining. Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
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