September 20, 2018 Colt Firearms Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/20/2018
These iconic 1860 Armies were presented to or owned by General G. Garcia Commander-in-Chief of the Line of Bravo, Matamoros, Mexico. This spectacular set of guns was prominently features in a photo depicting the collection of Raymond Stagg, circa 1930. They were the pride of the Harolds Club Museum of the Old West collection and pictured in their brochure. Later, these fantastic works of art were purchased by the late legendary collector George Repaire. These were the last purchase made by George before he passed away. Gun (A) Serial No. 181620 retains much original bright gilding on barrel. Cylinder retains bright gilding on rebated portion and portion with scene is turning silver. Frame retains nearly all of it bright gilding, trigger guard with most of its gilding, back strap mostly steel color with "G. Garcia" engraved in an oval. Hammer retains much of original gilding, frame screws are blued, small screws in trigger guard are marred, unnumbered wedge is gilded and engraved en suite. Barrel engraving in Nimschke style scroll is very elaborate with elaborately rendered arrows on sides of barrel. Pin safeties are flattened. Magnificent checkered carved ivory grips are in very fine condition with relief carved Mexican snake and eagle in very high relief. Gun (B) Serial No. 178975 retains much original bright gilding on barrel and most original bright gilding on frame and trigger guard. Back strap steel colored. Hammer with much gilder. Cylinder has bright gilding on rebated portions turning silver on portion that is scene. Barrel is engraved in a similar style to its mate and lacking the large arrows. Frame screws are blued, magnificent ivory grips are identical to the match. Excellent condition throughout. Brass bound rosewood casing is one of the most elaborate now, comparable to the casing of the Eustace Barron 1860 Armies, also gilded but not engraved. Interior of box has wine red, slightly faded lining and is piped in green felt. Includes elaborate two compartment silver plated flask, Colt's patent silver plated mold and silver plated screwdriver. Guns are essentially as they were in the Stagg Collection in 1930. Interestingly, General Garcia was well known to Robert E. Lee when he was a Brevet Colonel commanding the Department of Texas. Careful research will only enhance the historical significance of these guns. Case itself is in excellent condition with shield escutcheon engraved "G. G." for General Garcia. Generally regarded as one of the most important sets of cased Colts in existence, General Garcia's guns were features on the cover of "The Gun Report" magazine June 1993 and on the cover of "The Man At Arms", February 1998. The Garcia Armies have held an exalted position in Colt collecting for nearly a century and deservedly so.
CORRECTION: Barrel length is 8".
Accessories
Case, Bullet mold, Powder flask, Caps tin, Two boxes of ammo, tool
Serial Number
(A) 178975 (B) 181620