GUN SPRING 2018
The live portion of this session begins on Wednesday, March 21, 2018.
ARCHIVE OF UNION GENERAL HENRY L. ABBOTT INCLUDING HIS SPECIAL CASED MARTIAL COLT NAVY REVOLVER HE CARRIED THROUGH THE ENTIRE CIVIL WAR.COLT18516077736W/CASE, BULLET MOLDCal. 36. 7-1/2" bbl. Henry L. Abbott (1831-1927) was a lifelong military man from Beverly, Massachusetts. Abbott graduated 2nd in his class from West Point in 1854. His four years at the military academy found him always at head of the class or number two. Upon graduation he chose the Artillery Service, but the brightest students typically ended up in the more prestigious Engineering Corps. The Academy Adjutant convinced Abbott to join the Engineers and he would indeed see American frontiers as he wished. Abbott was quickly assigned to survey the area on the Pacific Coast for the Trans-Continental Railroad. Abbot kept a detailed diary and notes of his travels in the Pacific Northwest which were published in the Oregon Historical Quarter in 1932. A copy of this 48-pg text accompanies this lot. During the Civil War, Abbott was wounded at the 1st Battle of Bull Run, later becoming topographical engineer and was in charge of artillery during the Peninsula Campaign in 1862. January 19, 1863, he was appointed Colonel of the 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery, transferring March 3, 1863 as Brigade Commander. In May of 1864, he commanded the artillery during the siege at Petersburg and his classic military text, Siege Artillery in the Campaigns Against Richmond With Notes on the 15-Inch Gun which was printed just after the war. Abbott commanded siege artillery during the successful bombardment of Ft. Fisher in January 1865. In post-war years, Abbott continued to serve in the US Army Corps of Engineers. Abbott's influence would be seen in coastal defenses well into the 20th century. Abbott is the father of the submarine mine system, still used today. After Abbott's retirement from military service, he designed a lock canal system that convinced President Theodore Roosevelt to adopt the Panama Canal construction as we know it today over a majority consensus that recommended a sea level canal. Indeed, Abbott's engineering legacy lives on today. This lot includes an 1868 detailed letter to Edward Dana concerning his concussion fuse along with a hand drawn sketch of "The Dana Concussion Fuse" and handwritten explanation of its mechanism. There are two other letters concerning artillery and mortar fire, along with a an 1868 review of Abbott's siege artillery book published in 1868 which a later addition accompanies. Two other wrap bound books also accompany, both by Abbott; Early Days of the Engineer School of Application, 1904 and Half Century of a West Point Class 1850 to 1854 with annotations by Abbott concerning classmates. Also included, are three wartime photographs of Abbott: two CDVS; one as Captain, circa 1862, one is Colonel, circa 1863 and an 1865 cabinet card as Brevet Major General. Other wartime documents include: his Captain's appointment and a pass to leave Washington defenses to Alexandria. Also, Brigadier General transmittal document from 1904 and a scarce silver 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery membership medal with ribbon. Abbott's pistol is in remarkable condition, retaining most of its orig finish and is most unusual in that it is a US Martial with inspection cartouches on stocks and sub-inspector marks on most every metal piece. Very usual is the fact that the brass trigger guard and backstrap are silver-plated, retaining virtually all their well patinaed surface. Gun is housed in a compartmented mahogany Colt case with paper label glued to surface "MY OLD COLT REVOLVER / CARRIED BY ME THROUGH THE / CIVIL WAR 1861-65 / H.L.A". Casing is green velvet lined, retaining Colt Patent 2-cavity mold with wooden handle extension tied with chord, L-shaped gun tool, tin of caps and a small oil bottle. CONDITION: Very fine overall, all matching. Bbl and cyl retain about 80% orig blue with areas of staining and pinprick pitting. Bbl housing on right side has numerous small dings and dents at wedge and wedge slot. Hammer and loading assembly have strong traces of bright case colors. Frame has traces of case colors with an overall plum/grey patina. Backstrap and trigger guard retain about 90% orig silver-plate with freckling. Screws show about half their orig blue. Rolled Ormsby cyl scene is 95% intact with all 6 safety pins intact. Grips are very fine, still showing raised grain with bright cartouches with light edge wear. Mechanics need attention due to grease build up. Cyl chambers show strong blue finish with bright shiny crisp bore. Paper and ephemera are all very good. 53179-1 JS (12,000-15,000)