November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
The basis of this collection is a standard Military issue 1860 Colt revolver inscribed with the owner's name. Accompanied by a large 19-1/2" x 15" image framed to 25" x 20-1/2", the collection of Captain of Jacob Knapp. Included with the photograph is an entire packet of information on Knapp including a Colt letter. Most of the research is dated 1966 with various letters back and forth to local county researchers. There is also an original signed Ordnance turn-in sheet dated 1864 signed by Captain Knapp. Colt letter, dated 1966, shows that records indicate: "8", .44 calibre, Colt Model 1860, Army cap and ball revolver, no. 43819 sold to War Dept. ... June 9, 1862. Guns in shipment: 500". Jacob Knapp was promoted to Major during his service with the 1st New York Dragoons beginning in 1862 lasting until the end of the war in 1865. In addition, Jacob's three sons also served during the war, and states that Knapp entered the service at age 49 to look after his sons. He was commended for his bravery and fought in dozens of battles between 1862 and 1865; a complete list of his battles will be provided with some notable battles as follows: Battle of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, New Market, Manassas, and Culpepper, just to name a few. Also included are copies of war records, enlistment sheets, discharge papers, copies of local history, and assorted ephemera. The backstrap of this revolver is period engraved "JACOB KNAPP CAPT. NY 1ST DRAGOONS AUG 1862". For all intents and purposes this is a standard military issue. Features round barrel, six shot fluted cylinder with Naval scene, New York barrel address, brass trigger guard, steel backstrap, one piece walnut grips. Visible cartouche on grips, not readable. All metal surfaces are a dull gun metal grey. Barrel address has some weak areas. Rounded muzzle. Very strong cylinder scene. All matching numbers except wedge not numbered. Grips appear to have been refinished. A well-documented 1860 Colt with complete service records of battles that rode in a service holster throughout the majority of the war and survived intact. Still operational. Indexes fine. Has a fairly nice, strong bore. These historical Colts with their battle scars area amongst the most interesting in the Colt collecting field.
Caliber/Bore
.44 Percussion