May 23rd 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/22/2015
This is one of two known documented Colt percussion revolvers from what is surmised as four orders of approximately 50 guns per order that were sent from Colt to C.B. Cotton in September of 1861. Cotton was the Collector of the Port of Louisville, Kentucky. Charles Cotton was then selling these guns that he purchased for $15 for upwards of $100 each to the Confederacy. This gun was shipped on September 2, 1861. On October 31st, General Sherman ordered a seizure of arms and goods in Cottons possession. Colts from these shipments are fairly well known in collector circles as the Contraband Colts. This particular Navy was sent to a very famous and influential Louisville resident, one George D. Prentice who was a well known author and the editor of the Louisville Daily Journal from 1830-1868 and a loyal Unionist . This revolver was shipped to him in care of Charles Cotton. It is ironic in that both of Prentice’s sons fought for the Confederacy. One died on the field and the other ended up in a Union Prison Camp. In the 3” file of history and paper work that comes with this gun is a copy of a letter written to President Lincoln by Prentice pleading for the release of his son. The gun itself is a basic standard Colt Model 1861 Navy six shot .36 caliber percussion revolver that left the factory with a 7-1/2” barrel, blue finish with case colors and brass back strap with walnut grips. Serial numbered 1070. Shipped September 2, 1861. All matching numbers but wedge not numbered. All metal surfaces are clean smooth brown patina. Excellent original grips with "FP Nov. 3, 1912" carved into panel which is most likely a family member of Prentice. Cylinder has a fairly complete scene and indexes fine. Bore is strong. It is not often that a Colt has a story that actually mirrors the period of history in which it was manufactured and one that relates to a family and a specific event as the Civil War unfolded. This gun is the centerpiece of that time and place and a family torn apart by the War. The file of paperwork that comes with this historic revolver is a novel in itself. Includes Colt factory letter.