September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/5/2023
Offered here is a revolver with association and extensive attribution to an American Consular who lived in Spain during the Spanish Civil War, Edward J. Norton. Manufactured in 1883 with 7 - 1/2" round barrel, chambered in .44-40 WCF, with correct blade front sight, single line barrel address, and "v" notch rear sight. Matching serial numbers observed on butt, frame, trigger guard, cylinder, and barrel underneath ejector rod housing. Other features include correct low-profile ejector rod head and 1-piece plain walnut grips marked "EJN" on the left grip panel, which was done long ago. Accompanied by a period leather holster and money belt. The holster is marked "G. JAGGI". Paperwork includes a City of Chicago registration card dated April 8, 1982 registering a revolver that was given to William W. Harmon from Edward Norton (Edward J. Norton passed away in 1959, so this is presumably a relative or descendant) in 1968, and a copy of Edward J. Norton's Consular Appointment dated 1907 and signed by Theodore Roosevelt. Also included is a factory letter confirming configuration (barrel length and stocks are "Not Listed" which typically indicates 7 - 1/2" barrel and walnut grips during this period) as well as shipment on January 8, 1883, to Hartley & Graham in New York, New York. Further accompanied by a book documenting Edward J. Norton's experiences during the Spanish Civil War as a US Consular, written by Norton's great-nephew, William Whitaker Harmon (who is the registrant of the revolver with the city of Chicago previously mentioned). CONDITION: Good, with virtually all of the revolver's surface turned an untouched brown patina with traces of original blue beneath ejector rod head and scattered handling marks. Grips show edge wear and handling marks throughout. Action is tight and crisp with all 4 hammer stops. Bore is frosted with well-defined rifling. Holster is good, with age cracking and wear throughout but is complete. From Louie Parker Collection.
Paperwork
Book and Factory Letter