GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
RARE AND UNIQUE PRESENTATION SHOTGUN FROM "JOHN B. FLOYD, SECRETARY OF WAR" TO ROBERT E. LEE'S DOCTOR IN 1860.JB FLOYD/GARNETTPRES SHOTGUNNSN10 GA10 GA. John B. Floyd was well known Virginia statesman and past Governor of Virginia, when he was chosen to be President James Buchanan's Secretary of War. Floyd would resign from his cabinet post just before Abraham Lincoln became President to become a Major General in the Provisional Army of Virgina and later a Brigadier General in the Confederate States Army. There are several presentation arms from Samuel Colt during his years as Secretary of War. On these same floors John B. Floyd presentation model 1855 revolving Colt rifle was sold in March 2008, Lot 1154. This is, however, the only known presentation gun from Floyd. This gun was presented to prominent Virginia Physician Alexander Y.P. Garnett in his last year in office as Secretary of War. Garnett remained in Richmond, Va, throughout the Civil War and was attending physician to the families of Robert E. Lee and Confederate Generals Joseph E. Johnston, Wade Hampton, William Preston and John C. Breckenridge. When Richmond fell, Dr. Garnett accompanied Jefferson Davis as a member of his personal staff. Dr. Garnett continued his medical practice after the Civil War and was elected President of the American Medical Association in 1886.
Dbl bbl shotgun is in beautiful condition, retaining much of its original finish with impeccable presentation on Sheffield plate patchbox "HON. J.B. FLOYD / SECRETARY OF WAR / 1860 / to / AYP GARNETT". This gun was originally in the collection of the well known Virginia collector Bill Turner along with 2 John B. Floyd presentation Colt revolvers. Accompanying this gun are detailed biographical sketches of Floyd and Garnett. PROVENANCE: Ex-Bill Turner collection. Ex-collections of Civil War Preservations. CONDITION: Fine to very fine overall, bbls retain smooth plum color, locks show hints of case color otherwise smooth. Smooth dark gray/silver patina. Gun appears all original and complete with exception of left hammer screw which appears to be a well made restoration. Well fit stock retains most of its original varnished finish, Sheffield plate silver is virtually all intact with scattered small scratches and other scattered tiny blemishes. Original ramrod retains most of its silver plating on brass tips. Mechanically gun is sound, with clean smooth bores. 50120-1 JS (8,000-12,000)