November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
Manufactured 1861. All matching numbers including wedge, loading lever, and cylinder. Has New York address and two line patent. 90% stagecoach cylinder scene. 30% silver plating on brass trigger guard, traces on backstrap. Balance of metal is a soft grey-brown patina. Frame has some denting. Strong rifling. Comes with a period flap holster. There is a newspaper article that is not dated but clearly is older, that shows a picture of this revolver, an image of Colonel Lindorf Ozbourn. Ozbourn joined the Union 31st regiment Illinois Volunteers in August 1861 and was promoted to Colonel in 1862, resigned 1863 and was murdered by one of his own soldiers on April 28, 1864. The newspaper article shows the revolver, two epaulettes, a patch and a flask that were supposedly obtained from the late Mrs. George Ozbourn. In the article they list his commissions: a .31 Colt pocket pistol carried by him, his hat ornament and shoulder epaulette, along with his powder horn, a battle plan for the 1862 battle at Corinth, Mississippi. There is also a detailed and neatly-written letter to Linsdorph from his friend Thomas Campbell, regarding the Whig party and their future. The letter insults President James Polk and states he hopes that by 1900 a Whig will be elected. We have the revolver, unnamed holster, epaulettes, hat badge, tin type, an original drawing of the Corinth battle, original telegraph to his wife "I am safe", detailed 1844 letter from his friend Thomas Campbell, and an original Illinois state militia commission paper (all framed). Flask is not present and the holster is not mentioned. This is a very historic and interesting group of items and would make an excellent and impressive display!
Caliber/Bore
.31 Percussion