GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
EXTREMELY RARE COFER PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA, PERCUSSION CONFEDERATE REVOLVER.COFERNAVY136CALCal. 36. One of the true rarities and among the most coveted revolvers in Confederate collecting is the brass framed revolver made in Portsmouth, Virginia by Thomas W. Cofer. There are 13 known percussion specimens plus an additional three made for special percussion cartridges. Several of extant examples are heavily restored. Existing percussion Cofers are either uniquely numbered or lettered; existing authentic examples are 1, 11, 13, 59, F, L, M, N, T, V and three examples with no number or letter; 5 of 13 examples are in museums and one is unknown since 1934. SN 1 is the first numbered percussion Cofer and is a fine, original, and complete example with great collector history and provenance. PROVENANCE: Harry Brooks Collection, Dallas, Texas; Jackson Arms, Dallas Texas; "Texas Gun Collector" No. 36, July 1953; William Bond, Vernon, Texas, 1959; Mentioned pg. 148 "Confederate Handguns", Albaugh, Benet, Simmons, 1963; Conestoga Auctions Lot #565, July 5, 1994; Pictured on pgs 94-95 "Arming the Glorious Cause" by Whisker, Hartzler & Yantz 1998; Don & Kathlee Bryan Collection. CONDITION: Overall Good to very good. All matching and complete. SN 1 is found on top of cyl pin, right side of loading lever, bottom of bbl, front of frame, inside left grip and face of cyl. Gun is marked on brass top strap "T.W. COFER'S / PATENT" and on top bbl flat "PORTSMOUTH VA". Gun is overall apparently "as found" with iron surfaces overall mottled brown/gray with staining, light pitting and scattered small blemishes. Frame has olive/brass patina with numerous small dings and nicks especially on left side plate. Grips are sound and fit well with hand worn patina, edge wear and tacking. Left grip has 8 deliberate grooves cut into its back near frame. The accompanying leather holster fits gun well and displays well, is in fine condition though most likely of later manufacture. 50122-2 JS (100,000-150,000)