September 20, 2018 Colt Firearms Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/20/2018
One of the very few double cased sets of engraved Colt Model 1862 Police revolvers and the only ebony gripped pair. The Captain Waller 1862 Police revolvers are one of the greatest engraved percussion Colt sets. First pictured in full color in Sutherland and Wilson's "The Book of Colt Firearms" where Wilson notes "cased matched pairs in the Police and Pocket Navy Models are virtually nonexistent". These magnificent and historic guns were later sold by legendary Colt dealer Greg Martin, featured in his full page advertisement in "The Gun Report" magazine, wherein they are referred to as a "fabulous matched pair of Colt Police revolvers". Revolver No. 29172E retains nearly all of its original bright bluing on left side of barrel with some flaking on right. Frame retains much fading case colors with some vividness on recoil shield. Hammer retains considerable original case colors. Pin safeties present. Backstrap and trigger guard retain only traces of silver, most has drifted. All numbers match. Wedge engraving shows minor losses. All engraving sharp and crisp. Characteristic factory engraved grotesque face on left side of barrel lug. Factory ebony grips are an extraordinary rarity and retain nearly all of their original finish. Backstrap elaborately engraved with presentation "Presented to W.H.H. Waller / Capt. 4th M.S.M. / by the Officers of his Regt." and "Oct. 16./65" on front strap. Gun No. 29173E retains nearly all of its factory original bright bluing on left side of barrel, right side of barrel with spotting from resting in the case. The barrel is engraved with a portrait on left side, possibly an Indian princess and right side of barrel lug with portrait of an Indian warrior. Frame retains much original fading case colors with face emerging from one scroll and another face on left side of recoil shield. Eagle on right side of frame. Lever retains considerable darkened case colors. Cylinder retains most of its original bright blue with large area of spotting from resting in case. Pin safeties are present. Hammer retains much original faded case colors. Extremely rare factory original ebony grips retain most finish with a lightly incised "X" on left side of grip near toe. Most unusual to have five portrait heads on one revolver. Extremely rare original, factory brass bound mahogany case with escutcheon engraved "W.H.H. Waller Capt. 4th M.S.V." Interior of case with beautiful bright blue lining, mostly intact. Ultra deluxe high polish Colt's patent bullet mold that retains nearly all of its original bluing, Colt's patent powder flask with some original finish, Eley's cap tin, and Colt's paper pack of cartridges. The rarity and desirability of this set cannot be overstated. The Waller set is one only two known factory engraved double cased pairs of 1862 Police revolvers of this quality. The other, equally fantastic, formerly in the collection of William Locke with ivory grips has no presentation inscriptions on the revolvers or the case though they have always been associated with the General McPherson 1861 Navy revolvers, which are presented. Further enhancing the uniqueness of the Waller set is the presentation inscription on the lid, which matches the inscriptions on the revolvers, guaranteeing that the case and the revolvers were presented together in 1865. This set was one of Dr. Feldman's greatest treasures and cannot be improved upon.
CORRECTION: Barrel length is 6-1/2".
Accessories
Case, Bullet mold, Powder flask, Caps tin, Box of ammo
Serial Number
29172E, 29173E