September 20, 2018 Colt Firearms Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/20/2018
Pictured on page 51 of "The Antique Arms Annual 1971" and later sold by legendary antique arms dealer Allen S. Kelley; these splendid revolvers are one of two known sets of these extraordinary, rare and desirable 1851 Navies. This set is the better documented of the two, the other set having resided in the collection of Al Cali and sold at Heritage Auctions for ($149,500). Gun (A) Serial No. 45118 retains nearly 100% bright original inky blue finish. Frame has much darkened case colors. Cylinder retains nearly all the original blue finish. Trigger guard has considerable original blue and backstrap is mostly patina with some blue in protected areas. Varnished walnut grips retain nearly all their original varnish. Hammer has smokey case colors. Cylinder pins are intact. Loading lever retains nearly all its original darkened case colors. Gun (B) Serial No. 45226 has a barrel with nearly all its original bright blue with only minor marring around wedge area. Cylinder retains most of its original bright blue with minor fading in spots. Frame has dull smokey case colors. Trigger guard has considerable original blue and backstrap is a pleasing patina. Varnished grips retain most of their original finish with one minor area on right side where fitted to frame. Pin safeties intact. Numbers match. Revolvers are cased in their splendid original vertical lid rosewood case with "Division Aid De Camp" engraved on escutcheon and wine red velvet lining. American flask and cap retains most of its original lacquer and gilding on spout and top. Two paper-wrapped Eley's cap tins and Colt's patent mold with much original bluing. Exterior of case is on fine condition. This extraordinary set appears to be as pictured in the "1971 Antique Arms Annual" and would be a prize for any collector.
CORRECTION: Barrel length is 7-1/2"
Accessories
Case, Bullet mold, Powder flask, Two cap tins
Serial Number
(A) 45226 (B) 45118