GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
COMPOSED CASED PAIR OF ENGRAVED COLT NEW LINE SPUR TRIGGER REVOLVERS. COLT NEW LINE 5005 41 CAL Cal. 41. Fine pair of New Line pistols, both with nickel finish and 2-1/4" rnd bbl, half-moon front sight with 2-line address. Both have 2-pc smooth pearl grips. 1) SN 5005 Cal. 41 CF. Left side of frame bottom strap has the Cal. marking and a "C" which indicates center fire and left side of grip frame is marked with the SN, a "P" and an "N" which indicates pearl grip & nickel finish. Grips are matching numbered to the pistol. Pistol is engraved from the Gustave Young shop, possibly by the Master''s hand with about full coverage on the frame of foliate arabesque patterns that have a fine shaded background. Topstrap and edge of hammer slot are engraved in diamond & dot patterns with full foliate arabesque patterns on the bbl and backstrap. Cyl is engraved to match. 2) SN 5014 Cal. 41 RF. Toe of the grip has the Cal. marking and left side of grip frame is marked with the SN and a "P" which indicates pearl grips. Inside right grip is marked with a partial matching SN. Pistol is engraved by Gustave Young with about full coverage foliate arabesque patterns with fine shaded background on the frame which extends over the top strap and down the backstrap. Bbl is beautifully engraved with intertwined foliate arabesque patterns and very fine pearled background. Cyl is engraved to match over the chambers. Accompanied by a distributor supplied, German silver bound, blue velvet lined rosewood casing with empty plaque in the lid. Interior is French fitted for the two revolvers and two boxes of 41 Cal. Long RF ammunition, one sealed and one opened. The open box has a couple of 41 Short cartridges. Only about 7000 of these scarce revolvers were produced 1874-1879. Accompanied by a packet of information and the cart de visit of James R. Wasson which is addressed to "Gen. O. M. Watkins" on the front and inscribed on the back "With compliments and as a souvenir of May & June 1883 which coincides with the date on the card.", and signed "Jas. R. Wasson". Wasson was at that time a Major in the Army having graduated first in his West Point class of 1871. He had been close to President Grant and family and associated with the upper crust of society. He spent substantial time in Japan advising the Japanese government. In May of 1883, Major Wasson stole $24,000 from the Army to which he subsequently confessed, was cashiered out of the Army and sentenced to prison for 18 months. His trial took place in May & June 1883. Also accompanied by a Colt factory letter for SN 5014 which lists it as a 41 RF, bbl length not listed, nickel and gold finished pearl grips, factory engraved, shipped to Worton & Cooke on March 18, 1886 in a 1-gun shipment. Also accompanied by a letter on the letterhead of R. L. Wilson, dated June 1972 over the signature of George F. Havens who states that this revolver was used by his father during 35 years with the Hartford City Police Department, ca 1890-1925. Another letter also dated June 1972 is selling this revolver to Dr. Cox. PROVENANCE: The Dr. Robert G. Cox Estate Collection. CONDITION: 1) Fine to very fine. Overall retains about 90% orig nickel on the frame & bbl with losses only around the muzzle. Cyl shows traces of orig nickel, being mostly a cleaned grey metal patina. Grips are sound with great fire and color. Trigger return spring is broken, otherwise mechanics are fine. Strong bore with fine pitting. 2) Very fine. Frame retains about 70% orig nickel and the bbl about 95%. Cyl shows nickel in the flutes being a dark patina on the outer diameter. Grips are exceptional with great fire and color. Mechanics are fine. Strong bore with moderate pitting. Case is extremely fine with a few light nicks & scratches and retains most of its orig varnish. Interior is lightly to moderately faded and soiled. Cartridge boxes are fine. 50018-110 JR45 (4,000-7,000)
COLT NEW LINE 5014 41 RF