November 18, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2020
The Walker Model 1847 was Samuel Colt's first success in selling revolvers in quantity to the U.S. Government, thus setting the stage for the inventor to make a name for himself in military and commercial firearm manufacturing. In the words of the late Colt historian and prolific author R.L. "Larry" Wilson, "The Walker revolver gave Samuel Colt keys to the mint". A collaborated effort of Texas Ranger Captain Samuel H. Walker, national hero from the Texas-Mexico Wars, and Samuel Colt, this powerful revolver became subject of legend and fame. Manufactured in Eli Whitney's factory in Connecticut only 1,100 were made with 1,000 going to military sales and 100 reserved for civilian sales. The revolver was known for its power packing punch, delivering .44 caliber shots in a six-cylinder design, producing a powerful recoil when fired. The gun is a behemoth, weighing 4 pounds 9 ounces. Though originally intended for close quarter cavalry engagements, the Colt Walker was known to reliably shoot much further. Captain Walker himself reported the revolver shooting past 100 yards with little effort, further saying "It would take a Texan to shoot it". Walker was unfortunately killed soon after receiving his pair of presentation revolvers, on October 9, 1847 at the command of 250 men heroically chasing 1,600 Mexicans out of the town of Huamantla, Mexico. This rare and desirable martially marked Colt Walker has a 9" barrel with brass trigger guard, iron backstrap, and one piece walnut grips. The barrel is properly marked "B COMPANY No 49" on left side of the lug and in 2 lines "U.S./1847" on the right side. However the barrel is a modern replacement. Balance of the revolver is original. 6 shot cylinder with "Ranger and Indian scene" depicting Captain John "Jack" Coffee Hays and his force of Texas Rangers fighting off a band of Comanche Indians. Left side of the frame and bottom of the backstrap is marked "B COMPANY No 49". Front of frame between the barrel locator pins is marked "49". The number "49" is also observed on the bottom of the cylinder arbor, on the inside left side of the trigger guard, and inside the grips. The correct number "489" observed on back of cylinder. CONDITION: Very fine as partially restored. As mentioned the barrel is a modern replacement. Balance of revolver is original with an overall pleasing grey brown patina with traces of original blue on the backstrap. Faint cartouches visible on grips. The original one piece walnut grips are in fine condition showing modest wear with rounded corners. The original cylinder is in fine condition with a pronounced pressure ring. "MODEL U.S.M.R." and "COLT'S PATENT" clearly visible in banners. "B COMPANY 49" also clearly visible. Roll die Indian Fight scene is approximately 30-40% visible. Overall a much desirable Walker Colt with above average condition. -MKS-
Caliber/Bore
.44 Percussion