September 10-12, 2019 Field & Range Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2019
It is documented that all Model 1870 pistols with the 7" barrel were altered 8 - 1/2" Model 1865 pistols, with trigger guard added and converted from .50 rimfire to .50 centerfire. This is one such example that has the P and FCW stamp on right side of frame for Franklin C Warner. All metal surfaces wear a period nickel plating with walnut stocks. It is documented that the Navy had at least 21 of these conversions nickel plated at the time which makes sense since the iron trigger guard was added. The cartouche on left grip is no longer readable but visible and would be the same as frame, FCW. Ordnance letters (copy included) detail that the Kansas was about to be put to sea and there is an inquiry about the 21 nickel plated conversions being sent to her before trigger guard was added. Letter is dated July 23, 1870. These guns were delivered to the Navy yard at Portsmouth, NH. Included with this lot is a picture of serial number 118 after conversion and plating. The Kansas is listed in the Navy 1870 inventory as being docked in Washington for repairs so these pistols were intended for her departure after repairs were finished. USS Kansas (1863) was a gunboat constructed for the Union Navy during the middle of the American Civil War and participated in the Union blockade of the waterways of the Confederate States of America. She was the first U.S. Navy ship to be named Kansas and was the first of a class of 836-ton screw steam gunboats. At war's end, she continued serving her country by performing survey work and defending American interests in Cuba until sold in 1883. CONDITION: This gun still retains at least 85% of this period arsenal plating with balance bright metal. Fine clean bore and action. From the Robert Sadler Collection.
Paperwork
Book excerpt, photos