GUN FALL 2015
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2015
EXCEPTIONAL MILITARY INSCRIBED CASED 2ND MODEL COLT 1851 LONDON NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER, LOWER CANADA MILITIA. COLT 2ND MODEL 31122 36 Cal 36. Blue & color case hardened with 7 1/2" bbl, brass pin front sight and 1-line London address with dashes. Frame has a tiny “COLTS PATENT” on the left side and the blued steel, large trigger guard and backstrap contain a 1-pc varnished walnut grip. Cylinder is usual 6-shots with Ormsby naval battle scene roll marking.Left side of bbl lug & cylinder have small British proofs. Accompanied by its Colt orig burgundy velvet lined English mahogany case with brass plaque in the lid inscribed "CAPTN LAFITE 1ST M.L.C.". Gun is inscribed on backstrap identically. Paper directions for loading & cleaning are found on label inside the lid. Case is compartmented in the bottom for the revolver, a rare Dixon bag flask marked “COLTS NAVY FLASK”, a blued 2-cavity “COLT’S PATENT” mold with sprue cutter, an L-shaped nipple wrench, steel cleaning rod, pewter oiler, a lacquered tin of Eley’s caps. Covered compartment in the right rear hold lead balls. This is an exceptional inscribed revolver made in London in 1855 and utilized by British officer in the militia-Lower Canada (Quebec) we believe. A little research should reveal the officer''s history and unit. Other "Lower Canada" standard issue enlisted arms fall in the same serial range as subject gun this is the first inscribed officers gun we are aware of and nothing is mentioned in Nathan L. Swayze''s text “''51 Colt Navies”. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. CONDITION: Extremely fine overall. All matching including wedge, though stocks not numbered. Bbl and cylinder retain about 95%+ glossy orig blue with scattered stains with light pinprick pitting. Frame, loading assembly and hammer retain muted case colors with balance silver/grey. Backstrap and trigger guard retain traces of blue finish with balance grey and smooth. Stocks retain most of their varnished surface with edge wear and one bruise at edge on right grip. Mechanically gun functions well with bright crisp bore with pitting near muzzle. 4 complete safety pins are intact, the other 2 are partially smashed. Case is sound and solid, paper label intact with some foxing and edge damage. Burgundy lining has some light fading, wear and soiling. Iron mold retains about 80% of its finish though thin and fading. Dixon flask retains about 90% orig varnish with numerous small nicks, dings and scratches, one large 3/4" dent on side near base. Cap tin very good with label. Steel cleaning tool very good. L-shaped gun tool is fine retaining 90%+ bright finish. 49059-78 JS (10,000-15,000)