GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
VERY RARE COLT WALKER PERCUSSION REVOLVER. COLT WALKER C COMPANY 26 44 Cal. 44. Usual configuration with 9" oct to rnd bbl, altered German silver front sight with added fixed V-notch, tiny rear sight at the breech end of the top flat which is also marked "ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY". The brass square-back trigger guard & steel backstrap contain a varnished 1-pc walnut grip with number "26" in the bottom front web of the front strap channel. Cyl also is unfluted with oval stop notches and a distinctive pressure ridge. Cyl has the Dragoon/Indian fight scene roll marking with "MODEL U.S.M.R. / COLT''S PATENT" cartouches surrounding an open area that ordinarily would contain the SN, which has been obliterated with light rust. The partial SN "C - OMPAN - 26" is partially visible on the buttstrap. The number "26" is also found on rear face of bbl lug, front of the frame between frame pins, bottom of cyl spindle & right side of front strap, under the grip. SN markings on left side of bbl lug, left side of frame & the "U.S. / 1847" marking on right side of bbl lug were obliterated during the refinishing process. At the same time, varnish was added to the grip. Accompanied by a volume of information, mostly by renowned author and Colt historian R. L. Wilson, wherein he makes the case that this revolver had been stolen from the military and the markings were purposely removed. He cites two other such revolvers: 1) "C Co. 40" and 2): "D Co. 13" whose markings apparently were purposely removed. It is the contention of this cataloger that the markings of this revolver were obliterated simply as part of a refinishing process. No trace of the frame or bbl lug markings can be noted, even under magnification, however, the buttstrap marking, although thin and partially obscured, is still legible. Therefore, the logical conclusion is that no attempt was made to obliterate all the markings, especially to attempt to "hide" the U.S. markings since the "MODEL U.S.M.R." marking is still mostly legible on the cyl. The cyl does not appear to have been refinished. It is now fairly well documented that the cylinders of Walker revolvers were never blued but remained "in the white".
C Company of the Army sent to Mexico during the Mexican-American War was led by Capt. Samuel Walker. Capt. Walker''s C Company was to receive the 1st shipment of 220 Walker revolvers, but Capt. Walkers arrival in Mexico was delayed The C Company revolvers were issued to A Company under Col. John Hays. Capt. Walker''s Company were subsequently issued other Walker revolvers which they used throughout the Mexican War. Upon embarking from Mexico to return to the U.S., the majority of arms issued to the troops were recovered with a few having been stolen and others battle losses. All the arms collected at that time were transported to the San Antonio Arsenal, including 500 new, un-issued Walker revolvers. Shortly thereafter, these arms were issued to Mounted Dragoons and Texas Rangers where they saw extreme hard service with few surviving today. In a letter by R. L. Wilson, he states that as of 2008 there have been a total of 192 Walker revolvers discovered and recorded, about 17% of the 1,100 revolvers produced. This revolver is listed in The 1955 Revision of Colt-Walkers Pistol Owners, W.F.S. Quick, as having been owned at the time by F.P. Mills of Old Deerfield, MA of 1955. The Walker revolver along with the Texas Paterson are two of the most rare and sought after of all collectible Colts. Although this revolver has had some refinish it is still a real Walker and would add to any Colt collection. PROVENANCE: F.P. Mills Collection; Bobby Smith Collection. CONDITION: Very good, numbered as noted above. Bbl retains about 60-70% restored blue, faded to silver over the top with light pitting. Frame retains a dark restored blue with some fine pitting around the hammer screw on right side and scattered very light pitting on the left side. Cyl remains in its orig white finish with the distinctive pressure ridge and shows 35-40% Dragoon/Indian fight scene roll marking. Trigger guard retains traces of silver, mostly under the grip and backstrap is a mottled grey patina with fine pitting. Grip is sound with no trace of cartouches and shows about 60-70% added varnish finish. Wedge, trigger & several screws appear to be replacements. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with good shine and scattered pitting. 50142-2 JS115 (75,000-125,000)