November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
Manufactured 1851. This model was only available 1850 to 1851. It is a U.S. issue revolver. The identification is a simple stamp in the backstrap "MAJ. T.J. HUNT."; this was done one letter at a time and is of the period, as this revolver was acquired directly from the original family. It was obviously done for identification only and not as an inscription. It is a standard U.S. model in all respects, having seen much use. Colt patent on frame has U.S. stamp. Scattered U.S. inspector stamps on metal. Backstrap and loading gate have a "B". All matching numbers except wedge is not numbered. New York barrel address. There are barely traces of any cylinder scene remaining. All metal surfaces are basically a dark brown-grey freckled patina with no original finish. Has a brass squareback trigger guard and brass backstrap. Grips have been revarnished a couple of times, are very good condition and proud to metal. Indexes fine. Strong rifling with some black powder abrasion. Currently housed in an old walnut case with reproduction label, an original Colt brass powder flask, an Eley cap tin, and a few lead balls. Major T.J. Hunt was from Fayetteville, Arkansas and rode with the Fayetteville, Arkansas 1st Cavalry as a Major. The paperwork indicates this pistol, along with a 1st Arkansas Star carbine, and his oversized picture were obtained by Hunt's great-granddaughter in 1968. Many of Hunt's descendants still live in the Fayetteville area. This revolver is accompanied by an oversized copy of a picture of Hunt. One of the more interesting stories of Hunt was "While surrounded by the Confederate troops of General Brooks, Hunt made a deal with Brooks to allow the troops on both sides to cross their lines and go home for the holidays while in the middle of the siege. He apparently was brought up on court martial charges that were later dropped". There is a copy of the letter between Brooks and Hunt regarding the surrender of Fayetteville by Hunt, in which he refused; also copies of documents from the regimental history of the 1st Arkansas detailing certain battles and losses; numerous copies of reports by T.J. Hunt to superiors about different battles, intelligence, etc. mostly covering the year 1863. This revolver comes with all the copies of the paperwork and the copy of the photograph for display. The story of the war-time Christmas peace treaty makes for an interesting aside.
Caliber/Bore
.44 Percussion
Model
1847 2nd Model Dragoon