October 30 - November 2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria, & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2018
This rare and desirous presentation 1849 Pocket revolver from the inventor himself Samuel Colt and Inscribed on the backstrap "J.W. Stancliff from the Inventor". John Wells Stancliff (1814-1891) was a noted artist in the Hartford area and whos artwork was displayed in the Wadsworth Atheneum and was ; from 1845 to 1848 he ran a daguerreotype business in Hartford, according to a committee of fine arts boasted of two silver medals and three years running as "Best Daguerreotype Portraits & Miniatures". His work was claimed by Mark Twain (Samuel L. Clemens ) as having no equal in a letter dated 17 Nov, 1875. He also worked as superintendent of the telegraph office in Hartford and was a copper plate engraver. All businesses that would have put him in contact with Colonel Colt and his family. A relative of John Wells Stancliff. Robert C., was still a member of the Portland Historical Society in 2006. The gun itself has the hand engraved "SAMUEL COLT" on barrel and Colt's patent on left side of frame. This factory engraving can be found on almost every major part of this revolver, with exception of cylinder, in the scroll and punch dot style and the world head engraved hammer. CONDITION: Barrel retains approximately 50% of the original high polish factory finish, frame and lever colors have faded to standard grey patina. The roll engraved five shot cylinder has a nearly complete stagecoach hold-up scene. Straps are factory nickel plated. Grips are deluxe one piece varnished walnut. Strap retain approximately 90% original nickel plating. Cylinder is grey. Loading lever has a professional contemporary repair. Action indexes correctly. Bore exhibits strong lands and grooves with just some minor black powder abrasion. Comes in original walnut display case with a small tin powder flask, Colt's patent steel two cavity bullet mold and some original lead projectiles. Engraving is identified as having been done by Gustave Young. A beautiful and scarce Colt presentation pre-Civil War revolver to both a renown artist and contemporary of Samuel Colt himself. TDW
Accessories
Case, Tools, Ammunition
Caliber/Bore
.31 Percussion