This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/12/2026
It is no secret that Samuel Colt had no qualms selling his arms to both sides during conflict, including during the American Civil War. His clever marketing strategy also included presenting elaborate, fancily decorated examples of his products to entice potential clients, to famously include the "Sultan of Turkey" gun and its compatriots that Samuel Colt presented to solicit business from both sides of the Crimean War. This pistol continues to reflect that trend, and was presented to J.R. Anderson, the owner of the famous Tredegar Iron Works. Anderson was born in 1813 and graduated from West Point in 1836 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 3rd Artillery before transferring to the Engineering Bureau in D.C.. He was the assistant engineer for Fort Pulaski, and resigned in September 1837. He continued in the civilian sector as an Engineer, taking various projects, but in March 1841 he was the agent for Tredegar Iron Works. Over the years he became more and more involved, until he become the owner in January 1848. Tredegar was an extremely important manufacturer, providing locomotives, cannon, and other pieces of tooling to the US government. When the Civil War officially began, the decision to base the Confederate capital in Richmond was influenced in no small part by the need to hold Tredegar. A Secessionist, Anderson quickly arranged to provide the fledgling Confederacy with cannon and shot, but felt called to the field as well. He was commissioned as a Brigadier-General on September 3rd, 1861, with the stipulation that if his personal supervision was required at the Iron Works, he was to return. He commanded the 3rd Brigade and participated in the Battle of Mechanicsville, Gaine's Mill, and Frazier's Farm; Anderson was wounded at Frazier's Farm, and resigned his commission to return to Tredegar. Anderson was eager for the Confederate government to take control of Tredegar, citing his efficiency and ingenuity in the face of limited resources and other wartime stressors. After the War, Tredegar was temporarily seized by Union forces, but released back to Anderson in 1867. He continued to run Tredegar till his death, and was an active participant in politics until he died on September 7th, 1892, at the Isles of Shoals. This revolver was likely presented to Anderson as a result of his commercial relationship with Colt. Colt and Anderson previously had dealings, with 250 Navies shipped to J.R. Anderson in February of 1861. In April of 1861, Anderson reached out to Colt, looking to establish an ongoing contract for Colt pistols at a rate of 300 guns a week, but Colt was cut off from the South a mere two weeks later, April 15th. Per the included factory letter, this gun was documented as a blued 1851 navy with blued finish, 7 - 1/2" barrel, and shipped to Anderson in Richmond, Virginia, on February 6th in a shipment of 50. Most likely, realizing he had the opportunity to woo an important Southern industrialist and likely business contact, Colt had one of the guns pulled and decorated in the same vein as the Crimean War guns. Silver plated throughout, including the screws, and decorated with Gustave Young style acanthus scrollwork with a punchdot background and crosshatch shading. "ADDRESS SAMl COLT HARDFORD CT" across top barrel flat, "COLT'S PATENT" on left side of frame, and full or partial matching serial numbers on barrel assembly, rammer assembly, wedge, cylinder, cylinder axle, frame, trigger guard, and butt. Fit with an 1849 Pocket trigger. Elaborately engraved ivory grips with relief carving of a patriotic eagle atop a shield and a scroll that reads "LIBERTY" on left side; not numbered but fit with correct factory style wooden spacers, further suggesting the gun was quickly put together for Anderson. Accompanied by extensive documentation and letters discussing this gun, including a letter from Tom Powers opining that the gun was likely pulled for embellishment and that finish is original; letter from R.L. Wilson examining the history of the gun and remarking on its significance; Colt factory letter; copy of "The Colt Engraving Book: Volume Two", where this gun is photographed and described on pages XX and XXI, inscribed by Wilson to John Harris, whose collection the gun is attributed to; copy of the Fall 2009 TGCA magazine, where the display of this gun was used to entice people to attend the TGCA Collectors Arms show; extensive research and other materials relating to Anderson, Tredegar, and related, housed in a fliptop box and a portfolio that cleanly and effectively presents relevant information. CONDITION: With the vast majority of the factory silver plate retained throughout the barrel assembly and frame, with some areas of flaking and very fine oxidation visible, and some thinning to brass at sharp edges. Grips very good with heavier wear to brass, particular at back strap and around the trigger guard. Cylinder has all six safety nipples still intact and well defined. Mechanically fine, bore with strong, well defined rifling through. Grips excellent with one spliced repair on right scale, just behind frame screw, measuring approximately 1/4" x 1/16". Engraving is crisp and well cut throughout. This is an outstanding and extremely important Colt, representing not only Colt's predilection for soliciting multiple sides in conflicts, but also his tendency to present elaborate arms as a way to curry favor for business.