GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
EXTREMELY FINE AND RARE LATE PRODUCTION RIGDON & ANSLEY REVOLVER WITH LARGE SERIAL NUMBERS.R&ANAVY223136Cal. 36. This Confederate revolver made in Augusta, GA is among the last few hundred made with large style serial numbers. Top of bbl flat is properly marked and inspected "CSA". This gun represents the final refinements to Confederate navy revolvers originally made by Leech & Rigdon and finally by Rigdon & Ansley with 12 stops, Navy style latch and cap release groove. The earliest range of these large SN guns begins about SN 1900. This gun, if not the finest example known of this variety, no doubt is among them. This gun retains original finish and beautiful aesthetics. For surviving Confederate revolvers this gun is among the very best and is accompanied by a fine Confederate brass 2-cavity bullet mold and holster. PROVENANCE: Jackson Arms catalog #16, July 1960; Collection of Harry Brooks; Pictured pg 15 of Texas Gun Collectors #36, July 1953; Conrad Smith Collection 1969; Don & Kathlee Bryan Collection. CONDITION: All matching, complete and original, very fine overall. Bbl retains about 30% thinning bright blue finish especially in protected areas with the balance a mottled plum with crisp edges and few small dings on right side of wedge slot and light holster wear at muzzle. Cyl shows hints of thin original blue with balance plum/gray. Frame, hammer and loading lever show typical finishing marks and small casting imperfections in recoil shields associated with these very late Confederate revolvers, with hints of case colors in protected areas with overall matching mottled plum/gray. Grips fit well, retaining about 90% original varnish with edge wear. Tacking marks found on butt and light touchup un-affecting aesthetics as can be seen in photos. Revolver is mechanically sound with crisp bright bore. Accompanying this gun is a contemporary brown leather holster that fits the gun well. It retains much of its original finish with cracking, crazing and 2 repaired holes around where cyl fits, belt loop is also a restoration but displays well. The accompanying bullet mold is a Confederate copy of Colt and is very good to fine overall including iron sprue cutter. The brass mold retains similar finishing marks and casting flaws much like this revolver. 50122-19 JS (40,000-60,000)