March 1-2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/1/2018
Approximately 700 English Hartford Dragoons were assembled at the Colt's London factory with British proof crown over "V" in 1853 only, making them extremely scarce in their own right. The silver plated backstrap on this revolver bears the inscription "C.B HALE 82nd REGt". The same inscription is found on the brass plaque on top of the Colt London oak display box. When researching C.B. Hale on the internet, there is a caption detailing the heroics of Lieutenant Colonel Hale as taken from a period book written on the events of his duty dated to 1858 and is easily researchable. All matching numbers including lever, with the exception of wedge which is numbered 150. The British proofs are easily seen on left side of barrel. Top of barrel has London address. The cylinder has the British proofs on every guard. USMR roll-engraved cylinder scene is virtually all visible. Trigger guard and backstrap retain virtually all of their nickel plating. The one piece walnut varnished grips are near mint. Most of the screws retain generous amounts of original Nitre blue, as does the trigger. The case colored frame has nickeled out. Cylinder is in the white. Case colors on loading lever have nickeled out. Barrel is basically a grey-brown patina with age freckling with generous amounts of blue on barrel flats. Indexes and locks up like new. Strong, clean, rifled bore. There is a Christies East London auction tag hanging from chain on trigger guard. The original London oak case is lined in blue velvet and comes with a James Dixon copper bag flask, metal jag and an Eley Bros. London cap tin. No bullet mold. It is obvious that this revolver did not see a lot of use. Extremely clean and presented to well-noted British officer from the mid-1850s. Fine original oak case. Beautiful presentation set.
Caliber/Bore
.44 Percussion