INSCRIBED COLT 1862 POLICE PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

INSCRIBED COLT 1862 POLICE PERCUSSION REVOLVER. Cal. 36. SN 7413. Usual configuration with 6-1/2″ rnd bbl, 5-shot fluted rebated cylinder, silver plated brass grip frame and 1-piece walnut grips. The bottom of the butt is engraved in period script “Lieut. Randolph / from his friends / Norwalk O”. The right grip is neatly stamped near the bottom edge “T.H.”

Lt. Randolph appears to have been Lt. John F. Randolph who enlisted at Monroeville, OH on September 24, 1862. Lt. Randolph had a fairly distinguished career, participating in battles and fights with the 123rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Lt. Randolph performed a dangerous mission, riding alone about 40 miles through Virginia dodging enemy patrols to deliver a message to a besieged regiment. His regiment was engaged almost continually in scouting assignments in and around the Shenandoah Valley. He was promoted to Captain March 6, 1863. On June 13, 1863 they engaged Gen. Lee’s army at Winchester and were driven back toward Martinsburg and were surrendered by their commander on June 14th. Capt. Randolph was incarcerated in Libby Prison for 11 months. Several attempts were made to exchange him for a Confederate officer, to no avail. Capt. Randolph and several other Union officers escaped on December 8, 1864 and floated down a river, traveling only at night and foraging off the land for sustenance. They hid during the days and after about 30 days reached the mouth of the river and were picked up by a Union gun boat. Capt. Randolph rejoined his regiment in February 1865 and on March 30th engaged the Confederates at Harcher Run. After three continuous days of battle they pursued the Confederates towards Petersburg capturing many prisoners and forts. After a brief rest they were sent to burn “High Bridge” fifteen miles in the advance. They were attacked by rebel cavalry before they could reach their destination and after suffering heavy losses and running out of ammunition they surrendered. Capt. Randolph was shot in the chest after they had surrendered. He eventually recovered from his wounds and was mustered out along with his regiment June of 1865 and returned to Norwalk, OH. No mention is made of Capt. Randolph’s Colt, but it can be assumed that when he was captured the first time, it was taken and probably used by Confederate officer or soldier.

Accompanied by an extensive article written by John G. Hamilton which appeared in the Winter 1989 magazine The Winchester Repeater. Also accompanied by an extensive file of copies of Capt. Randolph’s military record. CONDITION: About good, all matching except the wedge which is unnumbered. No original finish remains being an even dark brown patina overall with some light to moderate surface rust on the bbl. The grip frame retains traces of original silver plating and the grips are very worn but sound. One frame screw and one back strap screw are battered. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with scattered moderate pitting. Hamilton Collection 4-52116 JR819 (3,0000-5,000)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2004

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.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	1210	$6,325.00	INSCRIBED COLT 1862 POLICE PERCUSSION REVOLVER. Cal. 36. SN 7413. Usual configuration with 6-1/2″ rnd bbl, 5-shot fluted rebated cylinder, silver plated brass grip frame and 1-piece walnut grips. The bottom of the butt is engraved in period script “Lieut. Randolph / from his friends / Norwalk O”. The right grip is neatly stamped near the bottom edge “T.H.” Lt. Randolph appears to have been Lt. John F. Randolph who enlisted at Monroeville, OH on September 24, 1862. Lt. Randolph had a fairly distinguished career, participating in battles and fights with the 123rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Lt. Randolph performed a dangerous mission, riding alone about 40 miles through Virginia dodging enemy patrols to deliver a message to a besieged regiment. His regiment was engaged almost continually in scouting assignments in and around the Shenandoah Valley. He was promoted to Captain March 6, 1863. On June 13, 1863 they engaged Gen. Lee’s army at Winchester and were driven back toward Martinsburg and were surrendered by their commander on June 14th. Capt. Randolph was incarcerated in Libby Prison for 11 months. Several attempts were made to exchange him for a Confederate officer, to no avail. Capt. Randolph and several other Union officers escaped on December 8, 1864 and floated down a river, traveling only at night and foraging off the land for sustenance. They hid during the days and after about 30 days reached the mouth of the river and were picked up by a Union gun boat. Capt. Randolph rejoined his regiment in February 1865 and on March 30th engaged the Confederates at Harcher Run. After three continuous days of battle they pursued the Confederates towards Petersburg capturing many prisoners and forts. After a brief rest they were sent to burn “High Bridge” fifteen miles in the advance. They were attacked by rebel cavalry before they could reach their destination and after suffering heavy losses and running out of ammunition they surrendered. Capt. Randolph was shot in the chest after they had surrendered. He eventually recovered from his wounds and was mustered out along with his regiment June of 1865 and returned to Norwalk, OH. No mention is made of Capt. Randolph’s Colt, but it can be assumed that when he was captured the first time, it was taken and probably used by Confederate officer or soldier. Accompanied by an extensive article written by John G. Hamilton which appeared in the Winter 1989 magazine The Winchester Repeater. Also accompanied by an extensive file of copies of Capt. Randolph’s military record. CONDITION: About good, all matching except the wedge which is unnumbered. No original finish remains being an even dark brown patina overall with some light to moderate surface rust on the bbl. The grip frame retains traces of original silver plating and the grips are very worn but sound. One frame screw and one back strap screw are battered. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with scattered moderate pitting. Hamilton Collection 4-52116 JR819 (3,0000-5,000) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2004 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.

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