September 9, 10, & 11, 2025 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/9/2025
Circa 1861. Full or partial serial numbers observed on barrel assembly, frame, trigger guard, butt, rammer assembly, cylinder, and cylinder axle; wedge is numbered "4643". Frame, trigger guard, and butt with the floating dot, which is believed to have been used by Colt to denote factory engraving. Classically configured example of one of Colt's most popular percussion revolvers with an unusual dovetailed blade front sight, and well figured walnut grips, with other features as standard. Top flat engraved "ADDRESS COL SAML COLT NEW-YORK US AMERICA". The front sight is particularly interesting, and "The Book of Colt Firearms" Third Edition, by Wilson, notes that after 1860, some guns are known to have German silver or iron blade front sights dovetailed into barrel, see pg. 113. This gun and its case are also pictured in "The Colt Engraving Book, Volume One" by Wilson, on pg. 111, with an attribution to the Greg Lampe collection. The engraving consists of acanthus scrollwork on a fine punch dot background, with cloverleaf elements incorporated throughout. The left side of the lug is further accented with an eagle head, and the hammer is engraved with a wolf's head on either side. Given the engraving, the work is the work of noted engraver Gustave Young or his shop. Housed in a mahogany case compartmentalized for gun, powder flask with an embossed patriotic eagle over "E PLURIBUS UNUM", Eley Bros cap tin, Colt's Patent combination bullet mold and sprue cutter with two cavities, one conical and one ball, and an assortment of cast balls. CONDITION: Excellent, retaining the vast majority of the original bluing on barrel assembly, with some handling marks and mottling throughout; approximately 70% bluing remaining. Cylinder commensurate with slightly better retention of bluing. Rammer assembly and frame with good evidence of case colors, as much as 20%, mostly in protected areas. Silver plate approximately 80%, with thinning to brass on sharp edges and high traffic areas such as bottom of guard and butt. Grips excellent with some scattered handling marks. Mechanically fine, strong rifling with some mild frosting. Case very good with scattered handling marks and impressions, lock face missing. Accessories excellent. Fabulous.