May 18, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/18/2022
This rare, exhibition grade Colt is not an altered "conversion" gun, rather a factory-made centerfire Pocket Police revolver. Manufactured by Colt from 1873-1875 with a total production of approximately 6,500 revolvers. Made using leftover components from percussion era Model 1862 Pocket Police revolvers, however, these guns have special frames with later patent date stamps. This revolver, serial number 5772 is marked left side of the frame with 2-line patent dates: "PAT JULY. 25, 1871 / PAT. JULY 2, 1872" same as seen on Model 1871-1872 Colt Open Tops, and very early Colt Single Action Army revolvers. This example is fitted with "Tiffany Style" high relief American Eagle motif grips. Grips are cast in bronze and silver plated, made by Ames Sword Co. of Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts. Presentation engraved in nearly full coverage featuring foliate scrollwork and punch dot backgrounds. Believed to be the work of 19th-century master engraver L.D. Nimschke. Engraving nearly identical to the same Model Colt revolver found on page 291, Volume II of R.L. Wilson's book "Magnificent Colts" featuring the collection of Robert M. Lee, which is also attributed to Nimschke. Serial number 5772 is finished in gold with silver-plated cylinder, hammer, and ejector housing, accented with fire blued screws. The special bored through .38 caliber rebated cylinder also features hand-engraved scrollwork. Colt inspector stamp "C" found inside hammer slot. Housed in a presentation-grade rosewood casing with ammunition block, Ivory handled screwdriver and compartment for a box of Colt .38 centerfire ammunition. French fitted to the revolver in burgundy color velvet interior. Lid has inlaid shield with inscription: "JOSEPH S. SPINNEY/TO/JOSEPH B. HILLO/DEC.25th. 1874." A quick research reveals a Joseph S. Spinney that was a prominent shipping merchant and commercial broker who dealt in railroad equipment. Mr. Spinney lived circa 1829-1893 in New York City. There was also a merchant sailing ship built in 1874 named the "Joseph S. Spinney" which sank on it's way from New York to San Francisco in 1892. No information on Joseph B. Hillo was found. Most likely this incredible presentation Colt revolver was embellished and cased by Schuyler, Hartley & Graham in New York, with whom L.D. Nimschke was long associated. CONDITION: Excellent plus with most all the original gold and silver finishes remaining. Most likely unfired as most of the silver is visible inside the cylinder chambers. Slight freckling present on the barrel, mainly from age, not use. This most rare revolver is perhaps one of the best known of its type and is worthy of the most advanced collection. History of this rare presentation Colt deserves further research . -MKS-
Accessories
Case, Accessories
Caliber/Bore
.38 Centerfire
Model
1872 Improved Pocket Police