October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/22/2019
Blue and color case hardened with 4 - 1/2" round barrel, brass pin front sight and one line New-York U.S. America address. It has "COLTS PATENT" on left side of frame and caliber marking on left shoulder of trigger guard. Cylinder is half fluted and rebated with 5 chambers and 3 safety pins serviceable. The silver plated trigger guard and back strap contain a nicely figured, varnished, one piece walnut grip that has the serial number in back strap channel. Accompanied by an original blue velvet lined mahogany Colt casing compartmentalized in the bottom for the revolver, a double sided eagle and stars "E PLURIBUS UNUM" flask, a blued steel 2-cavity bullet and ball "COLT'S PATENT" mold with sprue cutter that is marked on right side "36P",and a lacquered tin of Eley's caps. Given that this revolver was produced during the early years of the Civil War and survived in exceptional condition is just short of miraculous. Then to further survive the great Manifest Destiny Westward expansion still in unused condition, is even more astounding. Most of this model revolver saw hard service throughout the Civil War and on the American frontier and are rarely ever found with much original finish. They remained in service well into the 1870s and even 1880s until supplanted by the "new" cartridge revolvers. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all matching including wedge and grip, probably rarely fired. Barrel retains about 65-70% dark glossy orig blue with the loss areas flaked, not worn, to a medium patina. The rammer and handle retain some brilliant, vivid case colors as does the frame and hammer. The cylinder retains generous amounts of dark glossy original blue with flaked spots. Three of the safety pins are serviceable. The trigger guard and backstrap retain generous amounts of their original silver plating. Backstrap silver is thinned. Grip is very fine with sharp edges and small flaws and retains virtually all of its bright original varnish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Case has most all of its original factory varnish. Interior is slightly faded. Flask is very good, retaining some of its original factory finish. Mold is equally fine with some minor flaking and minor dents. Cap tin shows soil and staining to the label. TDW