Page 106 - 83-BOOK3

Important
Historic Note
Bootes was twice injured in battle, at Antietam and Gettysburg.
Malvern Hill Fredericksburg Antietam Gettysburg
“The original inscription attests to the history of the revolver, having been used in service by Lt. Levi Clark Bootes. . .No. 42333, is a supremely significant American historical Frontier firearm, well worthy of the most important museum or private arms collection.” - Colt Historian R.L. Wilson
LOT 3168
Historically Significant Lieutenant Levi C. Bootes Presentation Inscribed Colt Baby
Dragoon Percussion Revolver with Extensive Research File - Serial no. 4233, 31 cal., 5 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. The “Baby Dragoon” or “1848 Pocket Pistol” was the direct predecessor to the iconic Colt’s Model 1849 Pocket which was the most widely used Colt of the 19th century and was only manufactured in 1847 to 1850 with this particular revolver manufactured in 1848. Very few of the surviving Baby Dragoon revolvers are found in higher condition, and those with inscriptions and identified original owners are incredibly scarce.
They are important evolutionary pieces between the Colt Paterson and the ever popular ‘49 Pocket. This revolver is especially significant given it was owned
by and presentation inscribed for Levi Clark Bootes (1809-1896), a long serving U.S. military officer who fought for our country through nearly three decades of the most trying times in our nation’s history, including leading men into battle at Antietam and Gettysburg during the bloodiest individual days in our military history. Colt expert R. L. Wilson noted in an included research letter that “The inscription was likely engraved at the Colt factory, and likely to have been done complimentary of Samuel Colt.
104