October 25, 2023 The Paul Friedrich Collection of Firearms & Gold Rush
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/25/2023
Manufactured 1852. Standard configuration with 4" octagonal barrel with rammer, top flat with 2 line New York address, and screw-in cone front sight. Frame with a visible but almost totally obliterated patent legend on left side. Silver-plated brass trigger guard and straps. Matching full or partial numbers observed on barrel assembly, rammer, cylinder arbor, frame, trigger guard, cylinder, and butt. Single piece walnut grips with faint pencil on inside, appears to be 707. Of particular interest is the period engraving on the back strap that reads "Adams & Co No 47". The Adams Express Company was a period competitor to Wells Fargo, and this revolver is accompanied by a plethora of Adams Express paraphernalia including: a pair of wax seals stamps, one that reads "ADAMS EXPRESS CO / 1095 / DAHLGREEN / ILL'S", the other "ADAMS EXPRESS COMPANY / SAN FRANCISCO / 9782 / CAL", both with modern wax seals; a button with an Adams Express Company and Whitehead and Hoag catch on rear; a badge that reads "SPECIAL OFFICER / ADAMS EXPRESS CO. / PHILAD'A", hallmarked on rear with "WM. DAVEY&SON / PHILA" and number 35; a gold poke with ink stamped "ADAMS & CO.. / NEW YORK / $1000 For (illegible) Bills of Exchange"; a postcard depicting the snake offering Eve a snake in the Garden with "They say Eve was made for Adam's Express Company"; a trade card for Coleman's California line for San Francisco with "Neptune's Favorite" graphics; a pair of Adams and Co receipts; an Adams and Company broadside. CONDITION: Revolver is devoid of finish throughout, with a mixture of dove grey and chocolate patina throughout, darker on frame and rammer. Cylinder scene is very good with a turn line and some patination. Grip has handling marks throughout and traces of what might be the original varnish. Silver plate is largely gone, retaining approximately 20%, mostly in protected areas and to top of backstrap. Mechanically fine, bore with strong rifling and mild frosting towards muzzle. Paraphanelia is very good throughout with handling marks and softening from age and use throughout. Poke is still pliable and ink stamp is legible, minus aforementioned area in third line. Paper is legible with some foxing and ink bleed. A great selection of Adams Express items!
Accessories
Numerous accessories
Caliber/Bore
.31 Percussion