GUN FALL 2015
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2015
EXTREMELY RARE CASED DOUBLE SET OF ENGRAVED COLT MODEL 1860 ARMY PERCUSSION REVOLVERS.COLT1860 ARMY159780/15979344IVORYCal. 44 Revolvers are virtually identical with 8" rnd bbls, nickel silver front sights and 1-line New-York U.S. America addresses. Left side of frames, about center are engraved with "COLTS PATENT" in a pillow shape. Left front web of trigger guards have the caliber marking. Frames are 3-screw type with usual rebated cylinders that have Ormsby Naval Battle scene roll marking. The silver plated brass trigger guards and iron backstraps contain old replacement, varnished burl walnut 1-pc grips. Revolvers are identically engraved by Gustave Young in late vine pattern with full coverage foliate arabesque patterns without background shading on the frames. Matching engraving extends up both sides of bbl lugs and terminates just forward of the addresses. Trigger guards & backstraps are matching engraved with Mr. Young''s trademark fan pattern on the top flats. SNs on the bottom of both revolvers are all accompanied by the small letters "I.P." which signifies that they were to have ivory grips and receive special polishing for engraving. Trigger guard on No.159780 has been thinned & beveled. Accompanied by what is probably their orig burgundy velvet lined mahogany double casing with brass reinforced corners and a brass plaque in the lid that is engraved "JJS". Interior is compartmented for the two revolvers, a presentation style silver plated trophy of arms & flags "COLTS PATENT" flask with long straight spout, a bow-legged brass 2-cavity "COLTS PATENT" mold with sprue cutter that has had the cavities polished which heavily beveled edges of cavities, a soft packet of waterproof cartridges dated "March 18, 1862", an L-shaped nipple wrench and two lacquered tins of Eley''s caps. Engraved Model 1860 revolvers, while not uncommon, are still scarce and are seldom encountered. Double cased sets are extremely rare. CONDITION: Revolvers are both all matching except grips, as noted. They are virtually identical in condition, being mostly grey metal patina with fine pitting around the muzzle of 159780. Cylinders are matching patina and show about 50% Ormsby Naval Battle scene roll marking. No. 159793 has a replaced hammer screw and backstrap screws are battered. The replacement grips are extremely fine with sharp edges and retain about all of their fine custom hand rubbed oil finish. Mechanics are fine; bore on 159793 is bright & shiny; bore on 159780 has strong rifling with some shine and moderate pitting. Case has a couple of cracks in the top with some lifted veneer and some grain checks in the bottom, otherwise is sound and retains most of a very old restored finish; lining in the lid is lightly faded with light soil; bottom is heavily faded with cleaned heavy soil; partitions are solid; flask has some small dents in the back and overall retains 65-70% thin orig silver finish; mold has pitted sprue cutter and has been heavily polished including the cavities in the left arm which have dished the edges effectively ruining the mold; cartridge packet is still sealed with one small tear on the top and missing parts of the label, but still a very rare packet; nipple wrench is fine; cap tins are flaked with soiled labels. The two compartment lids utilize 10.5mm turned "certifiable antique ivory" finials. 49254-1 JR160 (25,000-35,000)