November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
Both revolvers have all matching numbers to include cylinder and wedge. Gun (B) was manufactured in 1867 and Gun (A) 1868. Both are standard with blue octagon barrels, New York stamped with approximately 75% bright finish. Both cylinder have strong Naval roll-engraved battle scenes that are nearly 100%. Strong traces of case colors on loading levers and frames. Both have round, brass trigger guards and backstraps. Both revolvers show traces of plating and are a grey patina. Original one piece varnished grips with approximately 50-75% varnish remaining. Index and lock-up perfectly, and have strong, clean rifling. Set comes in a period double gun display box that also holds an original Colt flask, two original Eley London cap tins, a reproduction box of cartridges and a Texas Ranger badge made from silver peso. Here's where it gets interesting: in a letter written by previous owner, July 23, 1975 to the Texas Historical Commission talks about this badge being part of this set from a local and the butt of both revolvers is engraved "G.R.". They were seeking information of a potential Texas Ranger with the initials "G.R.". They received a response pertaining to Private G.W. Ryan, Texas Ranger 1874-1875, but given that the badge is not old and that "G.R." is engraved on butts of both guns does not indicate that these initials have anything to do with the Texas Rangers. We are selling this cased set simply as a nice, all original pair of Colts that look like they have been together forever and were once owned by someone with the initials "G.R." but not necessarily the one listed in the paperwork.
Caliber/Bore
.36 Percussion
Serial Number
(A) 206250 (B) 200165