Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.
If you have questions please email firearms@jamesdjulia.com.
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1146
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$6,325.00 |
*EXTREMELY FINE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.SN 316046. Cal. 38 WCF (38-40). Blue and color case hardened with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight, 2-line address with “38 W.C.F.” on left side. Left side frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt in circle. Mounted with 2-pc Rampant Colt hard rubber grips that have last 4 digits of SN scratched inside each grip. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter identifying revolver as: .38/40 cal, 4-3/4″ bbl, blue finish, shipped to Witte Hardware Company, St. Louis MO on January 10, 1911, with 2 guns in this shipment. PROVENANCE: Ex-Tony Smith; Ex-Robert Howard Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine, all matching except cyl which is unnumbered but undoubtedly orig to revolver. Bbl and ejector rod housing retain about 96% glossy orig blue with only slight muzzle edge wear. Frame and hammer retain virtually all of their lightly faded orig case colors with staining on left side of frame, thin on top strap. Cylinder retains about 95% orig blue with light drag line. Grips are sound with light diamond point wear. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 50412-27 (7,500-9,500) C&R – Lot 1146 Click here to view provenance |
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1163
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$0.00 |
RARE AND FINE PAIR OF MASSACHUSETTS SURCHARGED MARTIAL COLT DRAGOON 2ND MODEL PERCUSSION REVOLVERS.SN 10482/10549. SN 10432/10549. Cal. 44. Rare pair of 2nd model Dragoons made in 1851, standard configuration blue and color case hardened with 7-1/2″ oct to rnd bbl, nickel silver front sights and one-line New York addresses. Trigger guard behind SN is stamped “MS” for Massachusetts. Left side of frame has a tiny “COLT’S PATENT” over a tiny “U.S.” The square back brass trigger guard & backstrap contain an oil finished 1-pc walnut grip with clear, faint inspector cartouches and almost every part on the revolver has tiny inspector initials. Cylinder has the Ormsby Dragoon-Indian fight scene roll marking and “MODEL U.S.M.R.” and “COLT’S PATENT” cartouches surrounding the SN. There were only about 1,000 of these guns produced under government contract, 1850-1851. The 2nd Model Dragoon was the lowest production of all the Dragoon models and of that limited production, only a few hundred were issued to the Massachusetts militia. There is currently in Smithsonian SN 10603 which was one of a pair carried by Ben Butler when he was in the Mass Militia, later Civil War general and governor of Massachusetts. These are a fine matching pair, tight, complete, well functioning examples with especially nice cylinder scenes and crisp markings. PROVENANCE: Ex-Robert Howard Collection, lot 2013, Butterfield and Butterfield, March 26, 1991. CONDITION: Very good to fine, all finish has been polished away as was done by early collectors in “European style”, all matching serial numbers including bbl, frame, trigger guard, buttstrap, loading arm, cylinder, wedge and grip. Iron is overall gray/bright, crisp markings, cylinder has matching patina with well discerned rolled scene. Cylinder scene is mostly discernible, 90%+ with areas of staining and pitting. Trigger guard & backstrap exhibit light brass patina with minor cosmetic blemishes and old polish. Grips are sound and well fit, showing edge wear, hand worn patina and scattered dings and dents, 10432 has large chips at toes as seen in photos. Mechanically gun functions well with well defined bright crisp rifling, Eacg left grip has “X” stamped just above vestige of cartouches and internally each grip is stamped with “AME” monogram of unknown origin. 51671-2 JS (30,000-50,000) – Lot 1163 |
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1164
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$4,830.00 |
FINE MARTIAL COLT THIRD MODEL DRAGOON PERCUSSION REVOLVER.SN 13669. Cal. 44. Usual configuration with 7-1/2″ oct to rnd bbl, German silver front sight and 1-line New York address. Front sight has been trimmed and 3-leaf rear sight has been dovetailed and fitted into back of bbl. Left side of the frame has a small “COLTS PATENT” over “US”. Trigger guard is fitted with sling swivel just in front of trigger guard and backstrap has rectangular cutout for detachable stock. Cylinder is usual 6 shots with excellent Dragoon/Indian fight scene roll marking. The brass trigger guard and backstrap should contain a 1-pc walnut grip. These Dragoon revolvers were produced from about 1851 to 1861 with a total production of about 10,500 revolvers, of which about 4,330 were purchased on military contracts and this particular gun being made in 1854. This is a particularly nice crisp example. Unfortunately, gun has been cleaned in the European style removing all orig finish except for hidden case colors inside frame. CONDITION: Very fine overall as polished and SNs freshened or re-struck on frame and bbl housing, see photos. Gun appears orig and authentic otherwise with matching numbers though no number on wedge and wedge screw is restored. Small sub-inspector letters are found on most parts. Rolled cylinder scene is almost entirely discernible with scattered scratches and scuffs. Stocks are sound and well fit, though refinished and varnished partially obscuring inspector’s cartouches on either side. Mechanically gun has crisp action, retaining all safety pins and bright well defined bore. 51605-3 JS (5,000-7,000) – Lot 1164 |
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1166
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$25,300.00 |
EXQUISITE FACTORY ENGRAVED, CASED GOLD & SILVER TIFFANY GRIPPED COLT MODEL 1849 PERCUSSION REVOLVER, EX-ROBERT Q. SUTHERLAND COLLECTION.SN 231610. Cal. 31. This is among the most aesthetically pleasing deluxe Colt revolvers you will find. This gun is pictured on pgs 114 & 578 (color plate) The Book of Colt Firearms, R. L. Wilson, 1971. This gun is also pictured and described in Jordan and Watt’s treatise Colt’s Pocket ’49, Its Evolution, 2000 on pgs 113 and 247. Four designs are known on these distinctive raised relief grips. This example exhibits a raised wing American eagle with floral and arabesque framing decoration. This gun was manufactured during the height of the Civil War, early in 1863. Jordan and Watts state in their text “So called “Tiffany” style grips are a rarity and are sometimes found on percussion Colts… These grips were cast in New York and were installed by special order… We only know of two Pocket ’49s that are outfitted with Tiffany-style grips, both are 1-line New Yorkers. One has an American eagle [subject gun], the other, the Mexican eagle design. This gun was originally offered in a April 1967 Gun Report (pg 2) ad by Al Kelley and Jack Malloy. The gun then was described six inch barrel with New York address was originally gold and silver plated, but only 10% of this finish now remains. The metal is very clean and crisp having no rust or pitting. The barrel, rammer, frame and hammer are beautifully engraved. Cylinder is fine with the usual stagecoach hold-up scene. Serial number “23160E” and all matching. The ornate cast metal grips are brass showing an American eagle with wings outspread. Surrounding the eagle is raised, floral and scroll work. The buttcap is missing and has been replaced by a piece of walnut. This is the rarest of all the Tiffany done arms and one of the most desirable of Colt items. Rarely seen or offered for sale.” Obviously, after Mr. Sutherland purchased this gun, he had it re-plated and had the buttcap beautifully restored. The added orig Colt casing has a very fine double eagle flask, 2-cavity mold, cartridge pack and cap tin. PROVENANCE: Al Kelley Collection, 1967; Ex-Robert Q. Sutherland Collection; Pictured and described on pgs 114, 577-578 “The Book of Colt Firearms”, 1971; Ex-William Meyers Collection CONDITION: Markings are all crisp and well defined. Surfaces are vibrant and 98% of gold and silver remain. Mechanically gun is crisp with well defined rifling in bore. Casing is sound and solid, retaining much of its orig varnish with empty brass plaque on lid. Flask retains 95% orig varnish and 2-cavity “Colt’s Patent” mold retains about half of its thinning blue and also properly stamped “31PKT”. Wood block Colt pistol pack is empty and missing about 20% of its label. Eley cap tin is very good-fine with good label marked “Made Expressly for Colts Pt Belt and Pocket Pistols”. The blue lining is better than average with light fading, soiling and wear spots. Compartment lid for loose bullets has a polished bone finial and red baize cover which contrasts nicely with the blue. 51346-1 JS (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1166 Click here to view provenance |
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1167
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$8,050.00 |
RARE AND HISTORIC CASED COLT ROOT REVOLVER PRESENTED TO LT. DANIEL L. BRAINE IN 1861, LIFELONG NAVAL OFFICER AND HERO WHO RETIRED A REAR ADMIRAL.SN 12273. Cal. 28. This is a very fine Type 2, Model 1855 Colt Root in standard configuration with 3-1/2″ bbl. Gun is in proper Colt casing with correct mold and flask. Cyl is 5-shot with cabin/Indian fight scene roll marking. Gun retains much of its orig blue finish and has presentation on backstrap “LIEUT. E.W.HENRY TO / LIEUT. D.L. BRAINE 1861”. Daniel L. Braine (1829-1898) was a true Navy career officer having left his New York home at the age of 17 to become a Midshipman on the “Austin” out of Galveston, Texas. Braine served on both the “Mississippi” and “John Adams” during the Mexican War. During the Civil War, he had his first command aboard the “Monticello” with his first engagement with the rebel battery at Sewell’s Point at Hampton Roads, Virginia. Just prior to Braine’s assignment as Acting Commander of the Monticello, he was given this revolver by Lt. Edmund Wilkes Henry who was assigned with Braine in New York City just prior to each of their reassignments in January, 1861. Braine was promoted to Lt. Commander, July, 1862 and was later Captain of the “Mississippi”. Braine’s last Civil War command was on the “Pequot”. Braine would be involved in the capture of blockade runners, including the sinking of the well known blockade runner “Ella” while on this last Civil War command. Daniel Braine served on a total of 22 vessels during his naval tenure from 1846-1887, commanding the last eleven: Monticello, 1861; Vicksburg, 1863; Pequot, 1864; Shamokin, 1868; Juniata, 1873; Vermont, 1873; Colorado, 1875; Powhatan, 1879; Tristan Shandy, 188;, Lancaster, 1886; Talapossa, 1887. The USS Juniata which was under the command of Daniel Braine, made national headlines in 1873 when searching the Arctic for survivors of the ill-fated voyage of the USS Polaris. Braine was promoted from Commander to Captain in 1874, then Commodore in 1885, and finally Rear Admiral, September 4, 1887. Braine’s grandson, Clinton Elgin Braine (1894-1951), was also a livelong naval officer; a Captain and Chief of Staff for Admiral Ingraham during WWII. In Daniel Braine’s honor, the USS Braine, DD630 was commissioned March 7, 1943 and this destroyer was christened by the wife of his grandson who was currently on duty in the Pacific. This lot is accompanied by 3-first edition texts that Braine is mentioned in: The Navy in the Civil War – The Atlantic Coast, Daniel Ammen, 1883; The Rebel Shore – The Story of Union Sea Power in the Civil War, James Merrill, 1957; The Blockade-Runners – True Tales of Running the Yankee Blockade of the Confederate Coast, Dave Horner, 1968. Also accompanying, is a large binder of research and correspondence including early bills of sale, history, provenance and photographs and images of 18 vessels associated with Braine. PROVENANCE: Daniel Lawrence Braine, 1861-1898; Capt. Clinton E. Braine (grandson), USN; James S. Cox, about 1930; J. H. Goodyear, 1976. Published and pictured October, 1977 in The Monthly Bugle – The Pennsylvania Antique Gun Collections Association newsletter. CONDITION: Gun is overall very good to fine, retaining over half of it’s orig blue, with scattered areas of staining. Inscription is easily read with some dinging marks as noted in photographs at top of backstrap. Stock retains 90% of its orig bright factory varnish. Markings are all crisp and clear. Cyl scene is 90%+ discernible. Mechanically, gun functions well with crisp rifling and bore. Casing is sound and solid still retaining numerous lead projectiles, a small screwdriver, a “Colt’s Patent” marked, 2-cavity brass mold, correct with rounded handles for Root, double eagle with stars powder flask, orig cap tin with label and functional key. 51543-1 JS (8,000-12,000) – Lot 1167 Click here to view provenance |
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1168
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$4,887.50 |
FINE CIVIL WAR COLT MODEL 1851 NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER WITH BEAUTIFUL CHECKERED IVORY GRIPS.SN 128320. Cal. 36. Standard configuration of a mid-war Colt Navy revolver popular among officers both North and South. 7-1-2″ oct bbl with 1-line NY address, 6-shot cylinder with rolled Ormsby Naval battle scene. This particular gun was made in 1862 and is in beautiful condition retaining much of its orig finish with a very unusual pair of full checkered ivory grips. Gun is all matching and has an “I” stamped adjacent to each SN which is thought to designate ivory. Special Note: This item(s) contains plant or animal properties that may be covered by the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We have taken care to ensure that this item(s) meets the standard for sale under the ESA. However, certain states and other countries have laws that are more restrictive than the ESA. It is the bidder’s responsibility to ensure that it is lawful to purchase or transport this item(s) into their state, and to obtain the necessary import and export approvals. Delay or failure to obtain any such permit or approval does not relieve the buyer of paying for the item(s) and consummating the purchase. CONDITION: Very fine overall. Bbl retains about 90% bright blue finish. Cylinder has strong traces of blue with about 80% discernible Naval battle scene. 5 of 6 safety pins are serviceable. Trigger guard retains strong traces of silver plate in protected areas. Backstrap has tiny traces of silver in protected areas and its SN has been re-engraved. “Certifiable antique elephant ivory” stocks fit well with hand worn patina. Mechanically gun is fine with crisp, shiny bore. 50412-40 (4,000-6,000) ESA – Lot 1168 |
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2173
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$805.00 |
COLT 1849 POCKET MODEL PERCUSSION REVOLVER.SN 303144. Cal. 31. Standard configuration with 4″ oct bbl, 1-line New York address, all matching SNs with good discernible rolled stagecoach hold-up scene. Based on SN, gun was made in 1868. CONDITION: Good to very good overall with traces of orig blue and silver in protected areas. Gun appears all orig and matching with exception of wedge screw. Mechanically functional with crisp discernible bore. 51127-9 JS (750-1,250) – Lot 2173 |
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2174
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$690.00 |
COLT MODEL 1849 POCKET REVOLVER.SN 200850. Cal. 31. 4″ bbl. Blue and case color finish. Brass backstrap and trigger guard. Varnished 1-pc walnut grip. CONDITION: Good. Revolver shows a smooth gray-brown finish overall, with a clear bbl address and Colt’s patent mark on left side of frame. Rammer screw has been replaced. SN’s match on frame, bbl, wedge, arbor, trigger guard, and backstrap. Grips were not removed, but appear orig and fit very well. Cyl is a silver-gray patina with clear Colt’s patent mark and SN. 20-30% of cyl scene remains intact. A good example of a post Civil War Colt Pocket made in 1867. 51757-1 TEP (800-1,200) – Lot 2174 |
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2175
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$1,437.50 |
COLT MODEL 1862 POCKET NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER.SN 14901. Cal. 36. Desirable 6-1/2″ Pocket Navy in standard configuration made at the height of the Civil War in 1863. Gun retains some orig finish and presents nicely. CONDITION: Good to very good overall. Bbl retains 20%+ orig blue with balance mottled plum/grey with nicks, dings and pitting. SNs match throughout, though loading assembly, front sight and wedge appear to be replacements. Frame is cleaned to overall grey with pitting. Weak but discernible patent marking. Cylinder exhibits partial discernible cylinder scene with pitting. Bbl housing has been filed and arbor shimmed for tighter fit. Stocks are well fit, retaining over half their orig varnish 51127-17 JS (750-1,500) – Lot 2175 |
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2176
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$2,300.00 |
CIVIL WAR COLT 1851 NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER.SN 172667. Cal. 36. This is a nice example of the most popular privately purchased Civil War sidearm in standard configuration. This example was made at height of Civil War in 1863. CONDITION: Gun overall is very good, retaining strong traces of orig finish and crisp markings. German silver blade front sight is trimmed and possibly contemporarily replaced. Matching SNs are found on bbl, frame, trigger guard, backstrap, cylinder and wedge. No number on loading arm which retains some muted case color. Cylinder retains 5 orig safety pins and over half of its rolled cylinder scene. Grips are sound, well fit, retaining over half their orig varnish with hand worn patina, moderate edge wear. Mechanically sound with crisp bore. 51127-18 JS (750-1,250) – Lot 2176 |
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2177
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$2,012.50 |
COLT MODEL 1860 ARMY REVOLVER U.S. ISSUE IN SLIM JIM HOLSTER.SN 91844. Cal. 44. 8″ bbl. Blue and case color finish. Brass trigger guard with iron backstrap. 1-pc walnut grip. Bbl shows correct 1-line New York address. German silver front sight. Inspector no. “F” is stamped on both side of bbl lug. Frame is of the 3-screw cut for shoulder stock variety. Colts Patent stamped on forward left side. Inspector initial “B” stamped on face of recoil shield. “W” stamped behind trigger guard bow. “C” stamped on apron of backstrap. Cyl shows inspector initials “C” and “F”. SNs match on frame, bbl, trigger guard, backstrap, arbor wedge, and cyl. Grips were not removed, but fit well. Grips show no trace of a cartouche. Buttstrap screw shows a reinforcement. Holster is of slim jim design and has been modified for right hand carry. CONDITION: Very good. Bbl shows a silver-gray finish overall with sharp markings and no heavy pitting. Bore is dark with visible rifling. Frame is also a silver-gray patina, with a few scratches and some staining. Trigger guard is a mustard-brown patina with sharp marks. Backstrap is a gray-brown patina with sharp markings. Cyl shows traces of scene with a sharp Colt Patent mark and patent date. Holster has a dark russet brown patina. Stitching has been reinforced with a rivet near the throat. A very good U.S. Model 1860 made in 1863 at the height of the War. 51590-16 (1,500-2,000) – Lot 2177 |
