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LOT 195
Cased Pair of Scarce Factory Engraved Two Digit Serial Number Colt Hartford English Third Model Dragoon Percussion Revolvers with Accessories -A) Engraved Colt Third Model Dragoon Revolver - Serial no. 49, 44 cal., 7 1/2 inch part round bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. Both of these revolvers were assembled at Colt’s London factory in 1853 from parts manufactured at the Hartford factory. Only 700 of these revolvers were manufactured. These two are just a few serial numbers apart (49 and 52), and each features related but different English engraving. Both revolvers feature “COLT’S PATENT” in banners on the sides of the frame and primarily traditional English scroll and floral engraving patterns. The first revolver’s
back strap has traces of an inscription executed with dots that began with “Lie” (lieutenant) and ended in “ves,” and the frame and back strap are cut for a shoulder stock. Both revolvers have blade front sights, the “{ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY}” barrel address, London proof and view marks, the Ranger and Indian battle scene and “U.S.M.R.” and “COLT’S PATENT” markings on the cylinders, and are all matching with the exception of the wedge of the
frame with loss mainly on the back strap where the inscription was removed, 25% of the original blue finish remaining mainly concentrated on the left side of the barrel lug, traces of original case colors on the frame, 40% of the faded original case colors remaining on the hammer, mostly smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, mild pitting mainly on the barrel, flattened safety pins, distinct primary markings, some fading of the cylinder markings but mostly distinct scene, and general mild overall wear. The grip is also fine and retains the vast majority of the varnish and has some scrapes and dings, slight gaps between the left panel and butt, and minor edge wear. Mechanically fine. The relined case and accessories are generally very good, with the flask in excellent condition, and have minor storage related wear.
B) Engraved Colt Third Model Dragoon Revolver - Serial no. 52, 44 cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. As described in “A.”
CONDITION: Fine with crisp engraving, 80% original silver plating on the grip frame with some light loss at the edges and a light aged patina on the silver and exposed brass, 30% plus original blue finish remaining on the barrel
second revolver (marked “179”). The second revolver has a six-pointed star
on the right side of the trigger guard (used later by Colt on repaired arms)
and a small diamond shaped marking on the left side at the front. The rare possibly unique period case is fitted to the revolvers and also has a loading and cleaning label inside the lid, a cleaning rod, a bore brush attachment (not compatible with the rod), two Eley Bros. cap tins, ornate key, extra mainspring, brass dual cavity bullet mold, two L-shaped combination tools, an oiler, and a James Dixon & Sons powder flask.
CONDITION: Fine with crisp engraving, 70% original silver plating on the grip
concentrated along the bottom where it is protected by the loading lever and on the lug, silver-gray and light brown patina on the cylinder along with a very nice roll-scene with only light fading at the front, mostly solid safety pins, 30% original case colors remaining in some of the protected areas such as the top of the loading lever, lighter original case colors mixed with smooth gray and brown patina on the frame as well as the loading lever and hammer, and general minor overall wear. The grip is also fine and has most of the varnish remaining, small dings and scratches, and light edge wear. Mechanically fine. Estimate: 40,000 - 60,000
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