GUN FALL 2015
The live portion of this session begins on Monday, October 5, 2015.
SCARCE CIVIL WAR MARTIALLY MARKED PETTENGILL ARMY PERCUSSION REVOLVER. PETTENGILL ARMY PERCUSSION REVOLVER 4447 44 Cal. 44. Blue finish with 7-1/2" oct bbl and nickel silver cone front sight. Bottom of frame marked with small shield and "PATENTED / NOV 4 1862". Top strap marked "PETTENGILLS/PATENT 1856 & PATD JULY 22 1856 / & JULY 27 1858". Cylinder is smooth and unfluted with 6 chambers and very large nipple recesses and stamped with SN 4447. Mounted with smooth 2-pc walnut grips with flared bottom edges, stamped matching numbers to this revolver. Left grip has a “WW” (William Walters) inspector’s cartouche with small “WW” initials on various parts. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were only about 3,400 of these scarce pistols manufactured for Pettengill by the Rogers, Spencer & Co. in the early 1860s. U.S. Ordnance Dept. initially contracted for 5,000 of these pistols in 1861 but in June 1862 reduced the order to 2,000. The contract was completed between October 1862 and January 1863. They were issued to the 3rd Michigan Cavalry, 3rd & 5th Missouri Militia, 1st Arkansas, 3rd Illinois and 3rd Kentucky during the Civil War. This is a fine example of a rarely offered high conditioned Civil War martial Army revolver. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching including frame, grips and trigger guard, and cylinder. Bbl retains about 95% glossy orig blue with scattered spots of light surface rust and sharp edge wear. Frame, grip frame and trigger guard retain about 10% glossy orig blue with the majority of loss areas on the rear part of frame, grip frame and trigger guard. The loss areas are a grey/brown patina. Cyl retains 40% glossy orig blue with front edge wear and numerous small longitudinal scratches. Grips are sound with sharp, completely legible cartouche, showing very little wear and retain virtually all of their orig oil finish. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore with blue finish in bore and chambers. 49059-152 JS (4,000-6,000)