May 13-15, 2025 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/13/2025
For over forty years, collectors believed that these guns were issued to Austria recent scholarship has challenged this. This gun was part of a shipment of 3455 revolvers intended for delivery to Russia in 1855, while Colt was supplying the same arms to Great Britain, thus servicing both sides of the Crimean War. They were shipped through Prussia but were confiscated by the Prussian government, where they languished for several years until 1000 of these guns were eventually issued to the Prussian Royal Navy. These issued guns are stamped "KM" on top of the back strap with the number "187". This gun is recorded as being made in 1853. The Prussian Navy was involved in the Second Schleswig War (1864), the Austro-Prussian War (1866), and the Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871), the first two most likely where this gun saw service. The gun itself features all matching numbers to include the wedge and loading lever. The grips are one piece walnut. Finish was blue and case color. The cylinder has the roll die Naval scene. The straps are brass and were silver plated. The top of the octagon barrel has the one line Colt New York legend. The left side of frame has the Colt Patent legend. This revolver comes with an original leather slim jim style holster with the "KM" crown stamp but is missing the cylinder pouch and has no accessories. CONDITION: Very good. The original barrel was period shortened to 6"and a front sight was set in. There are traces of original plating on trigger guard. All legends are sharp. The naval cylinder scene is still partially evident. There is no visible original finish and is now a smooth clean patina. The grips are slightly shy to metal as refinished. The action indexes correctly with good half cock. The bore is well defined but frosted.
Accessories
Leather holster