GUN FALL 2015
The live portion of this session begins on Monday, October 5, 2015.
VERY FINE CIVIL WAR MARTIALLY MARKED COLT MODEL 1860 ARMY PERCUSSION REVOLVER. COLT MODEL 1860 ARMY 67875 44 Cal. 44. This is a fine example of a martial 1862 US government purchased Colt Army revolver. Blue & color case hardened with 8" rnd bbl, German silver front sight and 1-line Colt U.S. America address. Frame has “COLTS PATENT” stamped on left side and is 3-screw style. Cylinder is usual rebated style with 6-chambers and Ormsby Naval battle scene roll marking. All of the safety pins are crisp and serviceable. The brass trigger guard & iron backstrap contain an oiled 1-pc walnut grip. Both sides of grip have discernible cartouches and several of the metal parts have inspector initials. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms about 127,000 Model 1860 revolvers were purchased by the Federal Government for use in the Civil War. The vast majority of these revolvers were issued to front line troops and was the most extensively used handgun throughout the Civil War. They mostly saw continuous service throughout the war and later on the American frontier, usually under harsh conditions with limited or no maintenance and are rarely found today in such extremely fine condition seeing honest use with good care. Note: the extensive muzzle wear from being taken in and out of holster but gun still retains excellent finish, mechanics and aesthetics. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. CONDITION: Very fine overall. All matching including bbl, frame, trigger guard, backstrap, cylinder, stocks and grips. Wedge was not numbered. Bbl retains over 80% orig blue with much of balance plum with scattered small dings and dents around wedge slot. Finish at muzzle around front side is dull though feathering is still visible and discernible muzzle wear on right side. Frame, hammer, and loading arm retain muted case colors with balance silver/grey. Cylinder retains traces of orig blue in safety slots and shows virtually all of its crisp and well discerned Ormsby Naval battle scene with some wear at high spots and light pitting around front edge. Trigger guard has yellow patina with initials "JFK" stamped on left side. Backstrap retains strong traces of bright blue in protected areas with balance matching patina to rest of gun. Grip is sound, solid and well fit with good discernible inspector cartouches though worn around edges. Grip has moderate edge wear with several dings, dents and scratches. Mechanics are fine. Bore is crisp and well defined with areas of staining and light pitting. 49059-55 JS (7,500-12,500)