GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
IDENTIFIED COLT NAVY REVOLVER AND SPENCER CARBINE OF WILLIAM H. LOVERING, 1ST RHODE ISLAND CAVALRY AND 1ST NEW HAMPSHIRE CAVALRY.COLT/SPENCER1851 NAVY/1860 CARBINE93632/3741336/56-56Cal. 36/56-56. Fine model 1860 Spencer carbine SN 37413 is in much better condition than normally seen, being "as found" with traces of original finish, very good markings and bright inspectors cartouches, carbine shows actual saddle wear. Colt model 1851 Navy revolver with 1-line Hartford address is in beautiful condition, all matching retaining much of its original finish and fine maker marked military flap holster and maker marked pistol cartridge box. This grouping descended and is consigned by the great great grandson of William H. Lovering. Consignors middle name is still Lovering and he still lives in New Hampshire where this material has always been in his family. William H. Lovering enlisted as Private on Christmas day 1861, into the "New Hampshire Brigade" of the 1st RI Cavalry. 1st RI was consolidated late in the war and January of 1864 Private Lovering's company "M" became company "M" 1st NH Cavalry. Lovering served the entire war being captured once near Middleburg, VA and later paroled. He was promoted to Corporal and then Sergeant during occupation in the south in July of 1865. Lovering died in 1891 at the National Soldiers Home. Rarely do fresh fine carbines and side arms identified from the same soldier in Civil War come to market. CONDITION: Carbine is very good to fine overall with strong traces of case color on breech and lever in protected areas. Other metal overall is plum/gray with good discernible makers mark on top of bbl flat "SPENCER REPEATING / RIFLE CO. BOSTON MASS. / PAT'D MARCH 6 1860". Stocks are well fit with scattered nicks and dings with hand worn patina, 2 crisp inspector cartouches. Mechanically gun functions well with crisp well defined bore. Colt Navy is fine overall, made in 1860 all matching, complete and original. Bbl retains about 60% original bright blue though thinning in areas with balance a mottled plum/blue color. Frame retains strong traces of case colors with balance silver/gray. Loading assembly and hammer also retain faded case colors with balance silver/gray. Backstrap and trigger guard retain about 95% of their bright silver plate. Screw heads are sharp retaining traces of fire blue. Grips which are well fit retain over 95% of their bright factory varnish with edge wear and scattered small blemishes. Cylinder has traces of original finish with 95% cylinder scene visible with light pitting at forward edge and around nipples, all 6 safety pins are crisp and present. Mechanically gun functions well with bright shiny bore. Accompanying holster is very good retaining most of its original dyed finish, plug has been long gone and rawhide knot tied at bottom, tab has contemporary war time repair with brass rivets replacing the original sewing. Holster is marked under flap "MADE BY / J. I. PITTMAN / N-Y". Pistol cartridge box is sound and solid with most of its original finish with some cracking and crazing and scuffing at edges, marked by maker on flap "J. DAVY & CO / NEWARK N.J." 50106-1 JS (6,000-10,000)