October 30 - November 2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria, & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2018
Colt factory letter states Serial No. 48269 was sent to US Government July 12th, 1878 in a 100 gun shipment. John Kopec letter of 2012 authenticates this revolver with Ordnance inspector Captain John E. Greer and sub-inspector Henry Nettleton. Historically, he could not locate this revolver in the National Archives. He surmises that the excellent overall condition of this revolver, that this was probably sent to a state militia unit and escaped the recall of 1893; that is simply an interpretation and cannot be verified in fact. He further states that this revolver is so nice, having been fired, but ever so slightly during its militia service. He states the grips are original and concludes “the overall original condition of this revolver remains very nice.” The “HN” Nettleton stamp can be found under barrel, frame, trigger guard, backstrap, hammer, bottom of right grip panel and cylinder. The right grip panel has a strong cartouche “HN” in oval for Henry Nettleton. Left grip panel is dated 1878 and has the inspector stamp “JEG” for John E. Greer. CONDITION: John is also correct when describing the outstanding condition of this rare Nettleton revolver. Barrel and housing retain approximately 70% original factory blue. Cylinder retains flashes of blue on flats, the majority of blue in flutes; balance a pleasing plum patina. Trigger guard retains 60% or better original blue with typical candy striping. Backstrap is basically patina with generous blue at top. Case colors on frame and hammer are prolific, some quite bright, with a minimum of 80% coverage. Every screw head is perfect, retaining the majority of the high polish nitre blue finish with a superior amount of original finish applied in 1878 and never touched. This particular revolver locks up like a new gun. A phenomenal survivor.