October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2019
Colt 1847 Walker A Company No. 181. One of the most rare and desirable of all Colt firearms is the Walker pistol. These massive 4 lb. revolvers were manufactured in 1847 in a quantity of only 1,000 to arm mounted troops for the war in Mexico. Subsequent to the military contract of 1,000 revolvers, Colt assembled an additional 100-104 Civilian Model Walker revolvers. The Martial Walker revolvers were marked Company specific from Company A to Company E with various numbers assigned to each company. The first shipment of Walker revolvers to Mexico was only about 220 units with a second shipment of 280 revolvers arriving about a week later on October 26th, 1847. Out of the first shipment, six revolvers were reported stolen. Upon arrival in Mexico these 496 revolvers were issued to various Companies including Company A, B and C which included 394 pistols issued to the Texas regiments under Colonel John Hays. The second shipment of 500 was delayed and did not arrive in Mexico until the war was nearly over and were not issued at that time. When the war was over the Walker pistols that had been issued were recalled and turned in at the Vera Cruz Depot on May 8th, 1848. Of the 394 pistols issued to the Texans, only about 316 were turned in, with many of those missing lost in battle and others simply stolen or retained by Officers of the various Companies. In February 1861 the San Antonio Arsenal was seized by the State of Texas, including all remaining arms and accouterments and turned over to the Confederacy. It seems likely that all those seized arms would have been issued to Confederate troops for use during the Civil War. Very few Walker pistols survive today in any condition with any original finish. Such a revolver today is a great rarity and seldom ever seen today. Colt Walker A Company 181 is identified in Whittingtons book "The Colt Whitneyville-Walker Pistol" 1983 publication, on page 79, as having been one of the known survivors. As well A Company 181 is accompanied by a certificate, signed and dated June 1961, as having been inspected and authenticated by the Texas Gun Collectors Association, Certificate of Authenticity signed by Herb Glass, Leon Jackson, as well as others. It is also noted that the loading lever spring has been correctly replaced, mainspring and two nipples have been replaced. This rare and iconic Colt revolver is wonderfully documented. PROVENANCE: Previous collections of Jack Hutton "1961" Robert Sadler "2019". CONDITION: Fine original condition with exceptions previously noted. Finish is a wonderful chocolate brown patina overall with a very good bore and properly functioning action. Left side of frame marked "A COMPANY No 181". Trigger guard "A COMPANY 181" Barrel marking are fully legible "ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY" right side of barrel above unnumbered wedge is marked "US 1847". Butt is marked with proper A COMPANY 181 marking as well. Grips are very fine with slight shrinkage and material loss from use and age, cylinder is properly numbered and marked as well. Brass trigger guard is a mellow mustard color. A very important and verified authentic Walker with outstanding early provenance. TDW
Caliber/Bore
.44 Percussion
Paperwork
TGCA Certificate
Serial Number
A Company 181