April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2019
For all intents and purposes this is a standard Colt Pocket Model made during the last year of the Civil War. It is accompanied by some history provided by the consignor, whom states this pistol was acquired from the Perry Mills area of New York. He states that his father, who was a doctor, was given this gun by a patient and the son of Captain Mills. It had been in the owners family since shortly after World War II. Also included is the military history of Captain Mills, who enlisted in Albany in 1862 and was promoted to the Captain of the U.S. Colored Troops in 1863. There is nothing on the revolver itself to corroborate this information, only the family's oral history and documentation. The serial number 276062 can be found on the following parts: frame, trigger guard, backstrap, cylinder pin, wedge, and cylinder. CONDITION: That said, the gun is in lovely condition. The octagon barrel retains approximately 60-70% of its original factory bright blue. The lever has traces of case colors. Cylinder stagecoach scene is nearly 100% complete. Safety pins are worn. Has original nipples. Cylinder has turned a soft patina. All legends are razor sharp. The frame colors have darkened and the one piece walnut grips are excellent to near mint. It is obvious that this gun was carried in a holster but does not appear to have seen much use. Action and timing are perfect. Bore is strong and sharp. A fabulous revolver in its own right, with some interesting New York and Colored troop history. An exceptionally clean rig and its association with the Colored Troops which was dramatically exemplified by the Battle of Fort Wagner under Robert Shaw of Boston. CORRECTION: Provenance updated
Caliber/Bore
.31 Percussion