GUN FALL 2015
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2015
RARE COLT 1ST MODEL DRAGOON CARRIED BY HUGH ODOM 18TH REGIMENT TEXAS CAVALRY.COLT1ST MODEL DRAGOON7463/771544Cal. 44. Colt First Model Dragoon has direct family descent in the Hugh Odom family. Hugh S. Odom was a member of a Texas cavalry unit and files of his military history are included in this report. It is most interesting that Hugh S. Odom went into the war with this gun and was actually paid by the state compensating him $75 for bringing in his own revolver. Identified Confederate Colts are quite rare, especially ones used by specific members of a Texas cavalry regiment. This gun was once part of the museum at Texas Tech University as noted by accompanying documentation, which identifies the gun a as Colt First Model Dragoon Cavalry Handgun SN 7463-Cylinder Number 7716 which has been changed in pencil to 7715 which is correct. This particular arm appears orig with some restoration such as grips and trigger being replaced as the original Texas Tech document states “handles and trigger are missing.” The restoration done at an unknown date is quite excellent and presents the gun quite nicely. The family retained a photograph of Hugh S. Odom pictured as a veteran wearing a Masonic pin on his overcoat dated January 4, 1905. Mr. Odom was the original owner of this firearm and he carried it while a member of the 18th regiment Texas cavalry. The 18th Texas had a most interesting history being part of Granberry’s Texas Brigade fighting in many of the battles in the west, finally being paroled at Greensboro, NC about May 1, 1865. In the national archives, a Texas roster roll index card state that Private H.S. Odom is found enlisting July 17, 1861 at Cannonville, Hayes County, Texas. This card notes that “while on scout July 17 to the San Saba River, Concho Springs,‘head of Llano and head waters of Devils River’, no fresh Indian signs were found”…second card in this file states “Enlistment March 4, 1862 12 months”. Mr. Odom’s age is listed as 27 living in Hayes City. The enrolling officer, R.N. Calhoun, noted to his account certain monetary amounts credited him for his horse, equipment, gun and pistol. This is unusual record showing that he was compensated $75 most likely for this Colt Dragoon revolver. In a State of Texas pension document (see addendum) signed in 1898 by Mr. Odom stating his military service, he states that he served in Company F, 18th Texas Cavalry, under Colonel N.H. Darnell. He also states “I never received a dollar from the government in my life and received no pay for my service.” Odom further states that he served in Company F 18th Texas Cavalry under Colonel N.H. Darnell, enlisting January 8, 1862 and served until the surrender of General Lee in 1865.” This is a most historic first model Dragoon with written provenance from recent family descent stating past owners in family. Albert G. Odom was Hugh S. Odom’s grandfather. Albert Odom was a county judge in Stanton, TX in the early 20th century and family legend states he used his gun as protection in the court. A bound report & appraisal on this gun accompanies which include family letter of provenance and war records. PROVENANCE: Hugh S. Odom, 1834-1918; Robert Odom Gray (great-grandson). CONDITION: Good to very good. Sound and complete with restored grips & trigger as stated above. SNs matching with exception of cylinder which is noted above appears orig to its time of use. Metal overall is brown/grey with areas of staining and pitting. Markings crisp & discernible as can be seen in photos. 49300-1 JS (12,000-15,000)