September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/5/2023
J.H. Dance & Bros Navy revolver produced in their Columbia, Texas factory for Confederate use in Texas Cavalry units. Known units to have used these included the 35th (Brown's) Texas Cavalry and Sutton's Cavalry (Graham Rangers), who used these revolvers to defend the Texas frontier and the Gulf Coast. Features of this revolver include 7 - 1/2" half octagon to round barrel in .36 caliber with a German silver blade front sight and hammer notch rear sight. Brass backstrap and trigger guard. 1 piece walnut grips. Frame screws are rounded on the head, typical of .36 caliber Navy revolvers. Matching large font single-stamped serial numbers observed on the barrel, rammer, rammer lever, cylinder, frame, trigger guard, and backstrap. Barrel has the correct 7-groove rifling rotating clockwise. In the entire known production of revolvers that Dance made, of approximately 485 total, about 135 were Navy revolvers, and of the 135 Navy revolvers, only about 6 are known to have a recoil shield. This particular gun is pictured in Gary Wiggins's "Dance & Brothers: Texas Gunmakers of the Confederacy" on page 45 and mentioned by serial number in "Confederate Revolvers" by William A. Gary on page 66, and also mentioned by serial number in an article by John Sexton in "Military Antique Collector Magazine Vol. 1 No. 4" on page 58. Navy revolver serial number 48 is interesting because there is also a Dance Dragoon with the same serial number for sale in this auction. The repeating serial numbers for a pair of Dance Dragoon and Navy revolvers are possibly only seen in these 2 examples. Offered here is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own both revolvers. CONDITION: Good, with virtually all of the iron assemblies turned a blue-gray patina with scattered areas of heavy freckling throughout. The trigger guard and backstrap are a pleasing mellow patina. Safety pins have worn away from the rear of the cylinder. Cones show consistent wear with the rest of the revolver. Grips show heavy wear with heavy handling marks and gouges, with a large vertical crack on the right grip panel. The left grip panel is initialed "H" while the right grip panel is initialed "D". Mechanically operable, with the cylinder stop spring weak and the cylinder slightly out of time. Bore is dark with visible rifling. In the words of William A. Gary in his book "Confederate Revolvers": "Nothing quickens the heartbeat of a Texas gun collector more than the anticipation of acquiring a Confederate Dance Revolver." and this revolver is no exception. Sure to be a highlight of a Confederate or Texas gun collection. From Louie Parker Collection.
CORRECTION: The trigger guard has a small brazed repair on the rear where it was professionally restored. In addition, the rammer catch is a professional replacement.
Caliber/Bore
.36 Percussion