December 6-8, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/6/2023
Per the factory letter from the last time this revolver sold, this gun shipped as a 7 - 1/2" .45 Colt, unlisted grips, shipped soft to Schoverling, Daly & Gales, for engraving on July 28th, 1884, in a 15 gun shipment. Current configuration is a 5 - 1/2" gun in .45 Colt, engraved in the New York style, probably by Nimschke or his shop. Top of barrel with block Hartford address, cut from 7 - 1/2", with kidney shaped ejector rod head. Blackpowder frame with 3-line 3-date patent information on left side of frame, "45 CAL" stamp on left side of trigger guard. Gun is engraved in approximately B class coverage of acanthus scroll with a punch dot background and hatch shading. Cylinder has starbursts at rear and scroll over chambers, with a double line at rear. Geometrics have been interspersed, top of gripstrap has a shell motif, and the frame has a stylized wolf head underneath hammer screw on left side. The last time this gun sold it had raised ivory steerhead grips, but is presently fit with a pair of smooth pearls. Matching serial numbers observed on frame, trigger guard, and butt. Housed in an appropriate Colt maroon box with an oilright ad, cleaning brush, Colt special instructions sheet, shooting suggestions pamphlet, and a small glass bottle with label indicating it was a free sample of 3-in-1 oil. PROVENANCE: Richard "Dick" Burdick collection. CONDITION: Very good, retaining virtually all of the period nickel with some light surfacing mossing throughout, with some flaking primarily at barrel. Typical superficial scratches common to nickel throughout. Engraving is crisp and well cut. Front sight shows evidence of being moved when the barrel was cut to 5 - 1/2". Mechanically fine with all 4 Colt clicks, bore is excellent with strong rifling and some mild even frosting throughout. Box is excellent with typical age related distress, a few scrapes and rubs, but solid and strong. A very attractive gun.