GUN FALL 2016
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The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 4, 2016.
EXTREMELY RARE FACTORY ENGRAVED COLT MODEL 1849 PERCUSSION POCKET REVOLVER WITH SAMUEL COLT PRESENTATION TO CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR JOHN WELLER AT HEIGHT OF THE GOLD RUSH. COLT 1849 PRES 146808 31 Cal. 31. This standard model 5" pocket is elaborately factory engraved in style Gustav Young made famous with wolf's head decorated hammer, beautiful floral scrolls terminating in flower blossoms and a large dog's head on left side of bbl housing. Backstrap engraved "To John B. Weller/from the Inventer [sic]". John B. Weller (1812-1875) was the fifth governor of California from 1858-1860. This gun was made in 1858, no doubt the enterprising Mr. Colt saw big potential in gifting this beautiful gun to the newly elected governor of a very wealthy state, now governed by a veteran of the Mexican War who was well acquainted with the firepower Colt could give his militia. Weller, at the end of his administration in 1860, became the American Ambassador to Mexico. Gun is cased along with brass "COLT'S PATENT" 2-cavity bullet mold, eagle and stars powder flask, L-shaped gun tool and 1858 dated percussion cap box. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall retaining strong traces of bright finish in protected areas. Gun appears complete and orig and all matching, though cyl is unserialized it has matching color and surface and crisp rolled stagecoach holdup scene. Crisp action and well-defined rifling. Stocks retain about 90% of their orig varnish with edge wear and tacking marks on butt. Engraving and markings all crisp and discernible including presentation. Accompanying casing retains much of its orig varnish. The interior is heavily light faded, once a burgundy red, now a mix of pink and light orange with soiling and several glued repairs. Bottom of case has 1/4" wide longitudinal crack and several hairlines found elsewhere. Tools are very good overall. Flask retaining traces of varnish with old polish. Mold has mustard patina with light tacking marks. 51057-1 JS (20,000-30,000)
COLT, 1849 PRES, 146808, 31
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