December 20th 2014 Firearms (34)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/19/2014
Serial number 117089. Offered is an exquisite Colt Model 1860 Army .44 caliber percussion revolver cased with all of the accessories. It remains in spectacular condition retaining virtually all of the finish and displays about as full coverage of engraving that was possible. This exact gun is featured in an article by noted expert Herbert Houze in his book entitled “Colt Factory Engravers of the Nineteenth Century”. The factory letter indicates that this gun was shipped as a standard 8” .44 caliber revolver to the United States Government on May 22, 1863 in a shipment of 1000 guns. Houze, as well as Larry Wilson, have written their opinions as to why this gun is now engraved and whom did the engraving. It is opinioned that this gun was rejected by the government and once done, it was then engraved and sold as a deluxe model. Mr. Wilson correlates two other such rejected revolvers that ended up as engraved presentations. His examples are serial number 111592 and 111594, a pair of rejected guns, that were engraved and presented to Colonel Coolbauge and so inscribed. The factory letter indicates they were part of a 1000 gun shipment to the government on May 5th 1863. Another pair sent on March 9th, 1863 in another shipment of 1000 guns to the government was back in inventory on March 28, 1863 and engraved for General McClellan as a cased pair. Serial numbers were 100359E and 100362E. This said, there is absolute proof that rejected government shipped revolvers were returned to factory and then engraved and presented at a later date. It is the opinion of Herbert Houze and Larry Wilson that this particular government shipped rejected revolver exhibits the distinctive engraving of two Colt engravers, that of Conrad Ulrich as well as that of Gustave Young. The gun is amazing with all the high polish factory blue and beautiful case colors on frame. The silver plated trigger guard has worn to about 70%. The blue on the barrel is all there with couple of minor areas of patina near breech. Deluxe walnut varnished grips are as mint. Of course, the cylinder retains almost all of the original finish with perfect scene and engraved at back. All the screws are engraved as well. Original era case is near mint with wear at hammer spur, lined in purple velvet. Comes with original Colt flask, cap tin, box of 6 combustible cartridges, Colt bullet mold and an oil bottle. All of the documentation comes with this outfit. An amazing offering with lots of history and a true masterpiece of the gunmakers art.