May 23rd 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/22/2015
Gun features a 6" barrel, blued finish, six shot, double action, .44 caliber, and walnut grips. This example has New York style period engraving and was presented to a New York City firefighter in the early 20th century. The scroll engraving covers the rear sides of the barrel and side of the frame with wedges of scrollwork on the cylinder between the flutes and behind the hammer. A leaf is engraved on the trigger guard and dots are features around the hammer. The left side of frame is inscribed "N.Y.F.D./H.&L.Co. No. 130" and the backstrap is inscribed "Lt. C.F. Douth". Charles F. Douth was the winner of the James Gordon Bennet award in 1903. According to the website NYC.gov, "The James Gordon Bennet Medal was established in 1869 and, for years, it was the sole decoration awarded for valor in the Fire Department of the City of New York. As a result of its seniority among medals, it is awarded annually for the most outstanding act of heroism after the consideration and deliberate judgement of the members of the Board of Merit of the NYC Fire Department.". Douth is listed as a recipient of the award on the NYC.gov website. The top of the barrel rib is marked with the two line address and patent dates and matching serial number is marked on the butt, rear cylinder face, barrel, and barrel latch. Fitted with diamond checkered grips with the right grip panel numbered to the gun. As to condition it is very good as professionally embellished. Retains traces of blue finish in the protected areas with a smooth brown patina on balance.### Engraving of N.Y.F.D. – H.&L. C.O. - No. 130 & on handle engraving of Lt. C.F. Douth.