May 13-15, 2025 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/13/2025
Lot consists of a pair of Metropolitan Police Revolvers, which were produced from 1864-66. The back stamp on (A) bears the presentation engraved "Wm J. Greasey, Newburyport, October 1861" while the butt is engraved "Roanoke, Feb 8, 62 March 14, Newbury". Lt. Greasey served with the 23rd Massachusetts, where he enlisted on September 11th, 1861, and served until July 24th, 1862, when he was overtaken by a severe illness that forced him out of the service. Since the dates on this revolver predate their manufacture, this pair of guns appear to have been presented to him after the war's end to thank him for his service with the dates and places of his career documented. (A) is the earlier version that does not have the Metropolitan barrel legend. The known serial range for these unmarked revolvers is 11xx-18xx and then again from 1950-2400. The five shot fluted cylinder on this gun is 2125, which falls into this range. Every other part on this gun to include the wedge and lever, is number 6788. The highest known serial number recorded for the Police models was 3850. This writer can only assume that this gun with proper cylinder number range was assembled by the factory and they simply applied a serial number from another series of revolvers in production at the time. (B) has all matching numbers including the wedge and cylinder. This later example has the Metropolitan barrel legend and falls into the correct serial range from 18xx through 1950. Both revolvers feature fluted cylinders, brass straps, one piece varnished walnut grips, and case colored frames, hammers, and levers. Both revolvers have silver plated straps. CONDITION: (A) retains approximately 70% case color on frame. Hammer has darkened. Lever on this gun is bright blue on forward portion and case color only on the back portion. The barrel and cylinder retain at least 85% plus bright blue. Grips are excellent. Straps retain about 40% silver plating. Action advances correctly but there is no half cock. Bore is sharp. (B) remains in nearly the same condition. Frame colors are a bit darker and straps show less plating. The half cock works on this gun. This set comes in a period lined wood case with a small eagle flask, a nipple wrench, two lacquered Eley cap tins, a packet of five Hazard New Police Pistol cartridges, and a nickel oil bottle.
Item Dimensions: 11 - 1/2" x 10" x 3"
Barrel Length
(BOTH) 4 - 1/2"
Manufacturer
(BOTH) Metropolitan
Serial Number
(A) 6788 (B) 1863