September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2024
The factory letter states that this gun was shipped on February 10th, 1902, as 6" .41 calbier gun with blue finish and stocks not listed to E.G. Shields Insular Purchasing Agent, Manila, Philippine Islands, marked "E.G.&S. Manila c/o J.H.", through New York in a 350 gun shipment. Features are as listed sporting the standard Colt gutta percha grips. The term "Marked" is interesting in that the gun does not have any marks other than standard factory. We can only surmise that they intended for bill of lading to be marked for agent. Standard blue finish also means standard case color frame. All of the screws are fire peacock blue as well as the trigger and top/back of hammer. The left side of barrel wears the roll die stamped "COLT D.A. .41". Top of barrel stamped with Colt address. Left side of frame bears the later four line patent legend. It is also interesting that this gun was shipped to Manila four months before The Philippine-American War (1899–1902) was declared over by Teddy Roosevelt. CONDITION: Stunning overall with nearly all the brilliant case colors on frame as well as the bright blue finishes. The high polish blue finish on barrel has a hint of muzzle wear. The straps show only minute handling. The tips of the cylinder show a touch of wear with a few ghost circumference marks. The grips are crisp. The blued cylinder face shows no signs of burn. Typical of these firearms, the action works single action but sticks in double action. The bore is bright. It is amazing that any gun sent to a tropical climate such as Manila could survive in this nearly pristine condition. It is also surprising that a gun that saw no use could already have issues with the double action giving credence to the fragile nature of this Colt design.
Paperwork
Factory Letter, Information