November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
This Artillery Model has the typical mismatched U.S. numbers, having been reassembled and the barrel shortened circa 1900 for issue to U.S. troops in Cuba and the Philippines. The frame has the "D.F.C" (David Clark) inspector mark and was manufactured in 1883. Barrel has "D.F.C." stamp with proof "P". Trigger guard is 112809 with "G" inspector stamp. Backstrap is 10050. Cylinder is stamped 2155 with "D.F.C." stamp. The one piece walnut grips have no visible cartouche and the butt is marked with at least ten kill notches. Left side of frame has the three line patent address with U.S. stamp. One-line barrel address. All legends are very sharp. Gun has all four Colt clicks. Indexes and locks up solid. Strong rifled bore. Metal is basically all soft brown patina. This revolver includes a binder full of research. Springfield research indicates this revolver was issued to Private Charles H. Reeves, Company E, 32nd U.S. Volunteer Infantry, issued during the Philippine Insurrection. Reeves also served in Troop K with the 8th U.S. Cavalry during the Spanish American war ,re- enlisting in August of 1899, this revolver issued to him after re-enlistment to the infantry. He was deployed with the regimental scouts; participated in the battle on the Bagre Trail in August 1900; and embarked for the Philippines on October 1, 1899. This gun is featured in the book "Colt Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers" by Kopek on page 126. Accompanied by an original photograph of Reeves in full military gear mounted on his horse with Colt revolver and Krag carbine (Spanish American War 1898) that was obtained from a direct descendent, along with original mailing envelope and a small tin type of Reeves as a young man. This 1898 photograph is also featured in the Kopek book. It is recorded that on February 1, 1900, near the village of Balanga, Reeves took part in one of the last official horse charges using Colt Single Action Army revolver whereupon their leader, Lt. Castillo was mortally wounded. There is a copy of Charles Reeves induction papers, dated July 9, 1898; numerous copies of paperwork from the National Archives pertaining to Reeves. Also comes with a factory letter from Colt showing destination of the gun to be the U.S. Government in June 29, 1883,an application for a burial flag dated 1941, and Reeves medical record in Cuba from July 8, 1898 to May 16, 1899 where he was treated for blood poisoning, malaria and dysentery. The history of the Spanish American War is well-documented but less is known of the Philippine American War 1898 to 1902, often referred to as the Bolo War and is often viewed as an appendage of the 100-day Spanish-American War, suppressing Philippine nationalists seeking self rule. It was an effort by President McKinley to reduce Spanish power in the Philippine Islands. It was America's first participation in a guerrilla war dealing with an unseen enemy. Gun writers often use the term "if guns could talk", in this case this gun speaks volumes to the early American effort, what Teddy Roosevelt would call its Manifest Destiny, as the U.S. Government saw the expansion of its powers and territories. This gun is well documented in published books and ID'd to the soldier that carried this weapon in one of the last U.S. horse charges with the old Colt Single Action Army, thus ending an era. A rare opportunity to acquire a documented U.S. service weapon with complete record of its owner and service.