May 7, 2024 The Paul Friedrich Collection of Firearms & Gold Rush
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
This revolver is featured on page 475 of the "Colt Engraving Book: Volume I" by R.L. Wilson. This is one of less than fifteen Colt New Pocket revolvers that were factory engraved. This gun is attributed to the Master Engraver Cuno Helfricht. Not only is it engraved, it has a factory presentation inscription on the back strap to "GEORGE F. BILL / CHIEF / HARTFORD POLICE / 1894". It also has a wonderful panel scene of a bulldog's face on the right side of the frame. This panel scene was to signify his dogged career with the Hartford Police Department. The engraving is extensive and finely executed, with about 95% coverage. George F. Bill was the Chief of Police in Hartford, Connecticut, from 1867 - 1901. He was also a Capitan in the 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery from June 21, 1861 - September 25, 1865. He was wounded at Petersburg on July 5, 1864. This gun is engraved with a scroll and floral pattern with a punch dot background with extensive geometric designs incorporated in to the engraving. It has two piece ivory grip panels with fire blued small parts. It comes with a leather flap holster and an extensive amount of research on Chief Bill's life and military service. CONDITION: This gun retains most of the original factory applied blue finish. With most of the finish loss to the front and back straps. There is also some high edge and holster wear. The fire blue parts retain about half of the original fire blue. Grip panels show age coloring and the right grip has a small chip at the toe. The action works great in both single and double action. Bright and shiny bore with sharp lands and grooves.
Paperwork
Binder of Research