VERY RARE JENNINGS BREECH LOADING RIFLE FRESH FROM MAINE ESTATE.

SN NSN. Very rare rifle appearing in configuration of 2nd model with magazine tube beneath bbl, exposed ring trigger with no trigger guard & automatic priming device using pill lock, one of only a few made in the period 1850-1851. These rifles were invented by Lewis Jennings of Windsor, Vermont and produced by Robbins & Lawrence in Windsor, Vermont in very limited quantities. They were originally produced as repeating rifles utilizing the Hunt “rocket ball” which was a hollow bullet with the powder inside covered with a pierced paper which allowed the powder to be ignited by the pill primer. They were grossly underpowered and unsuitable for either hunting or defense and therefore almost completely unsuccessful. When this became apparent Jennings stopped production of the repeater and either converted already produced repeaters into single shot breech loaders such as this one or manufactured them from existing parts. It is unknown how many were actually made but it can be surmised that it was only a very few, making this one of the most rare American production rifles ever made. With the lack of success for the orig repeating rifle, Jennings apparently decided to produce rifles in single shot. This was accomplished by reducing the size of the magazine tube, shortening it slightly and utilizing it for stowage of a brass tipped hickory cleaning rod. Rifle has 27″ heavy rnd bbl with tiny brass front sight and dovetail mounted, elevation adjustable, rear sight. It has flat sided receiver, engraved on both sides and across top with light foliate arabesque patterns. Left side is marked “NEW YORK / C.P. DIXON AGENT / NEW YORK”. Top of frame just forward of hammer has a raised area which contains the pill priming reservoir with hinged cover which still retains finish internally. Right forward side of frame has a small hinged door which, when opened, allows access to the chamber area for loading; which is frozen & was not opened. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain, American walnut with missing 2-3/4″ oval plaque and a crescent buttplate with engraved tang & toeplate. CONDITION: Fair to good “as found”. Metal is dark & uncleaned with traces of finish under layers of dirt & blackened rust. Stock is sound & well fit with some raised grain & hand worn patina. Other then agent marks found on left side of frame only markings are a small “8” found stamped on the right side of ring trigger & an “18” stamped on rear sight base. Gun is not functional & hammer is locked in full cock position. Bore exhibits a bright shiny crisp bore with some pitting near muzzle. 49969-3 JS (6,000-8,000) – Lot 2000

SPECTACULAR VOLCANIC ARMS NO. 2 NAVY LEVER ACTION PISTOL ONCE IN SAMUEL COLT’S PERSONAL COLLECTION.

SN 1275. Cal. 41. Wonderful Volcanic Navy in near new condition in standard configuration with 8″ oct bbl that has integral magazine, silver pin front sight & fixed rear sight in top flat of receiver. Top flat of bbl has a crisp 3-line Volcanic Repeating Arms address. Mounted with smooth 2-pc walnut grips that are matching numbered to this pistol. Serial number was observed on left side of buttstrap under the grip, inside each grip & right side of lever. No further disassembly was affected to check for other matching numbers. Accompanied by a 39-pg letter from renowned author & Colt historian R. L. Wilson wherein he certifies that this pistol, identified by SN was de-assessed from the Connecticut State Museum Collection where the Samuel Colt arms collection was housed since 1957. Contained in this voluminous letter linked here in provenance are details of Colt’s close affinity to other manufacturers of his era and why he collected arms of competitors invention. Prospective bidders should read the detailed history of this particular arm and the minutiae associated as it is quite involved and interesting. There were only about 1,500 of these pistols produced 1855-1857. The Volcanic Arms Co. succeeded the Smith & Wesson Volcanic line in 1855 and then were themselves bought by Oliver Winchester and became the New Haven Arms Co, remaining in business under that name until 1860. The Volcanic design fostered the venerable model 1860 Henry rifle which became very famous during the Civil War & later on the American frontier. The Volcanic line is extremely important in the history of the development of repeating arms. PROVENANCE: Samuel Colt Firearms Collection; Colt Factory Museum, Hartford, CT; Connecticut State Library/Museum, after 1957; inventoried by Norm Flayderman in 1974 and given tag #1319; traded by State of Connecticut Museum, 1980; Theodore Hutcheson Collection, Chattanooga, TN. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Appears to be new and unfired. Bbl & magazine retain about 98% crisp orig blue with crisp sharp edges. Frame and sideplates are also crisp & new with clean sharp edges and only 2-3 very faint, very minor scratches and overall shows a wonderful mustard patina. Hammer retains about all of its orig case colors, showing wear on left side. Lever retains about 70% thin orig blue. Grips are sound with crisp sharp edges and retain virtually all of their orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore with a few spots of rust that may clean. Bolt & carrier retain most of their orig fire blue except on bottom of carrier which has faded to grey. 50142-1 JS101 (75,000-85,000) – Lot 2001

| Click here to view provenance

MARTIALLY MARKED HENRY MODEL 1860 LEVER ACTION RIFLE IDENTIFIED TO MAJOR JOEL W. CLOUDMAN 1ST D.C. CAVALRY & 1ST MAINE CAVALRY.

SN 3889. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Standard rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl that has integral magazine, German silver front sight and and 900 yard Henry Ladder rear sight without slide-stop screw. Right side of bbl, at the receiver is marked with the inspector initials “CGC” over an “H” with a corresponding “H” adjacent on the frame. Right side of buttstock at the heel has a tiny “C” inspector mark with a corresponding “C” on the buttplate. Right side of wrist has a partially legible “CGC” cartouche. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut buttstock, with straight grip and early style brass crescent buttplate with round heel and large trap which contains an orig 4-pc steel & hickory cleaning rod. Left side of buttstock has a pronounced “Henry Bump”. Top flat of bbl is marked with the large, 2-line Henry address. SN is found on the top flat of bbl just forward of the receiver, on left side of lower tang under the wood, inside top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Loading sleeve was not removed to check for matching numbers. The 2 buttplate screws are matching numbered to the rifle. The wrist screws are properly unnumbered but are orig Henry equipment. Receiver is spectacularly post-Civil War engraved with an elaborate American shield with trophy of arms & flags on left side plate all surrounded by nearly full coverage foliate and floral arabesque patterns with a fine shaded background in the center portion and a pearled background on each end. Right side is engraved with the vignette containing the initials “JWC” surrounded by intertwined foliate and floral patterns which extend to the front side flat. Top of the receiver, top tang and top flat of the bbl between receiver and rear sight are engraved to match. Accompanied by a 3-ring binder of provenance regarding Major Cloudman. Included is a typewritten page apparently from a previous owner which supports some of the above information and adds that “this rifle was discovered behind a wall in an old cabin that was being razed to make way for a summer home at Mayo Beach, Maryland (just south of Annapolis) in 1963. I acquired it shortly thereafter from the gentleman on whose property it was found. —–“. Also accompanying is a 2-pg typewritten letter on the letterhead of Ronald Rothschild dated November 2, 1975 and addressed to Mr. Paul Elam of Louisburg, N.C. Mr. Rothschild states that he had just completed, the week before, a very careful check of the roster of the 1st D.C. and 1st Maine Cavalry Units and there was never an officer or enlisted man in either unit with the initials JWG or anything close. He also states that he checked a book in the possession of his friend Everett (Birdie) Partridge which lists the rosters of Civil War Units, including the 1st D.C. and 1st Maine among them and there was nothing close to anyone with initials “JWG”. Mr. Rothschild addresses the possible confusion of the letter “C” in the inscription on the right sideplate. He states that a Mr. Albert Sullivan of Baltimore, who is apparently a well known Kentucky rifle person, owns a powder horn which bears a “C” which is identical and is undeniably a “C”. He also references a letter from Mr. P. William Filby, Director of the Maryland Historical Society was also “A world renowned expert in the field of calligraphy”. Additionally accompanying is the referenced letter from Mr. Filby dated 23 June 1974 wherein he states “–a careful study of the last letter (which is the “C” in question) convinced me that without doubt it is a C. He goes on to detail the characteristics on which he based that statement. Mr. Filby is the author of Calligraphy and Handwriting in America, 1710-1962 (published in 1963) and he was the co-author of 2,000 Years of Calligraphy (published in 1965). Also accompanying are many muster rolls for Maj. Cloudman as well as his application for pension. Joel W. Cloudman who at age of 40 enlisted as a Private in the 1st D.C. Calvary, Aug. 1863, serving under Col. Lafayette C. Baker. The unit became known as “Baker’s Mounted Rangers” and reportedly only took orders from the War Department. Cloudman enlisted as a private, but became a favorite of Col. Baker and in less than three months was promoted to Captain with his commission signed by Pres. Lincoln. Capt. Cloudman returned to Maine and raised a Company of 140 men and returned to Washington in October 1863. In the Spring of 1864, the unit joined Gen. Benjamin Butler’s army and at that time were the only regiment in the Army of the Potomac armed with Henry rifles. The 1st D.C. Cavalry engaged in several major battles during which time Capt. Cloudman was promoted to Major. In Sept. 1864 he was captured at Sycamore Church, but was held for only a short time. In August 1864, the unit was transferred to the 1st Maine Cavalry where they saw additional battles and in Feb. 1865 Maj. Cloudman was discharged for disability and died in 1877 in Stetson, Maine. As reported in an article titled Trials and Tribulations of the Henry Rifle, Eric Ortner, as orig published in the Civil War Courier, Maj. Cloudman is quoted as having written a letter to Oliver Winchester singing the praises of the Henry rifle. He related one of his experiences with a captured Southerner who exclaimed “Give us anything but your damned Yankee rifle that can be loaded Sunday and fired all week”. Accompanied by a copy of an original letter to “Mr. O.F. Winchester, Pres’t N.H. Arms Co.” over the signature of Joel W. Cloudman, late Maj. 1st D.C. Cavalry, wherein he states in the very last sentence the most famous and oft quoted statement regarding the “Damned Yankee Rifle”. The Union army purchased 1,103 Henry rifles between April 1863 and June 1864. These are considered to be Type 1 Henry rifles and are marked as noted above. Additionally accompanied by a reproduction 1865 Henry Rifle Catalog. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, all matching including bbl, receiver, buttstock & buttplate, loading sleeve was not checked. Bbl and magazine retain a wonderful dark plummy patina with some scattered fine pitting. Inspector initials on the bbl are crisp and clean. Receiver shows light edge wear with some hammer marks on top and bottom of sideplates. Lever & hammer are also a dark patina. Stock is sound with a chipped toe and nicks & dings and retains 60-65% orig varnish. Buttplate is matching patina to the receiver. Mechanics are fine. Strong bright bore with light pitting and a ring about 3″ from the muzzle. Hickory & iron cleaning rod is fine. 50093-1 JR50 (30,000-50,000) – Lot 2002

Click here to view provenance

SCARCE ENGRAVED 2ND MODEL HENRY MODEL 1860 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 1570. Cal 44 RF Henry. Usual configuration with 24-1/4″ oct bbl that has integral magazine with square back nickle silver front sight & 900 yd Henry Ladder rear sight with stop screw. Mounted with very rare, orig, uncheckered rosewood buttstock. Left side of buttstock and left bbl gullet are mounted with factory swing swivel and sling loop. Right side of buttstock is inlaid with an empty 1-3/8″ x 1″ oval silver plate. SN is found in the usual places, on top flat of bbl between receiver and rear sight, left side of lower tang under the wood, top tang channel of buttstock and inside heel of buttplate. Round portion of the bbl, under the loading sleeve, is marked with the assembly number “614”, which number is also found on rear face of loading sleeve. All buttplate and tang screws are matching numbered. Receiver and buttplate tang are beautifully engraved, probably by master engraver L.D. Nimschke with about full coverage flowing foliate and floral arabesque patterns with fine pearled background on sides and side plates. Matching patterns extend over top of receiver, top tang and on buttplate tang. Receiver and buttplate are gold washed. Very few Henry rifles were equipped with rosewood stocks and extremely few are known today. This rifle appears to have been produced about 1863 which was at the height of the Civil War. Undoubtedly it would have been a presentation to a senior military officer or influential government official to promote government purchases of the Henry rifle. Firearms of that era usually saw hard service throughout the war and later on the American frontier. PROVENANCE: Robert Wyatt Collection; Paul Tudor Jones II Collection. CONDITION: About very fine, all matching. Bbl and magazine tube retain a pleasing smooth brown patina that may have been original browning instead of blue as is occasionally encountered on special Henry rifles. Receiver retains about 20-25% original gold wash and the buttplate about the same. Lever and hammer show dark case colors being mostly brown on the lever. Screw heads retain generous amounts of orig blue. Stock has a hairline in the right wrist otherwise is sound with a few light dings in the finish having been cleaned, possibly lightly sanded with light finish added. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with good shine and moderate pitting. 49941-11 JR72 (50,000-75,000) – Lot 2003

Click here to view provenance

FINE MARTIALLY MARKED TYPE 1 HENRY MODEL 1860 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 3759. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Usual configuration with 24-1/4″ oct bbl that has integral magazine, square-back German silver front sight and 900 yard Henry ladder rear sight missing its slide. Top flat of bbl has the large 2-line Henry address. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut that has early style brass buttplate with large trap and round heel. Right side flat of bbl, at the receiver is marked with the inspector initials “C.G.C.” over an “H” with two “H’s” adjacent on the receiver. Heel of the buttstock on the right side is marked with a small “C” with a corresponding “C” adjacent on heel of buttplate. Buttplate screws are matching numbered to the rifle. The main tang screw and bottom tang wood screw are replacements. Stock has a repaired crack in right side of the wrist and down the stock with a spliced piece of walnut and a small bit of wood fill which apparently happened during the period of use and required refinish which obliterated the cartouche. SN is found in the usual place on the top bbl flat in front of the receiver, left side of lower tang under the wood, inside top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Rnd portion of the bbl, under the loading sleeve, is marked with the assembly number “910” with matching number on rear face of loading sleeve. This rifle was part of the first purchases by the Union Army in about 1863 which were used to arm the 1st D.C. Cavalry which later became the 1st Maine Cavalry. Both of these units saw heavy fighting and employed their Henry rifles to great effect. A Major in the 1st Maine Cavalry is quoted as saying he had overheard a captured Southerner make the statement “Give us anything but that damned Yankee rifle that you load on Sunday and shoot all week”. These rifles were highly prized by the units and individuals who used them as well as the confederates who captured one. Many of these rifles were purchased by the soldiers who used them at the expiration at their term of service. They continued in use well into the 1870’s on the American frontier and few survive today with any orig finish. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, all matching. Bbl & magazine retain about 30% orig blue in sheltered areas, mostly in the gullets and around the rear sight with the balance a pleasing plum/blue patina. Rear sight retains about 50% bright blue. Frame and side plates show strong sharp corners with some minor chipping around the left side plate. Hammer retains faded case colors, mostly silver and the lever a brown patina. Stock has a small bruise on the right wrist & with the aforementioned repair, shows a fine restored oil finish. Buttplate is matching patina to the receiver. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore. 50014-1 JR51 (30,000-50,000) – Lot 2004

MARTIALLY MARKED TYPE 2 HENRY MODEL 1860 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 8744. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Usual configuration with 24-1/4″ oct bbl that has integral magazine, square-back German silver front sight and 900 yard Henry ladder rear sight with slide stop screw. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain walnut buttstock that has 2nd type brass buttplate with pointed heel and small trap door. Left side of buttstock has a factory sling swivel with pronounced “Henry Bump” and left side of bbl has sling loop. Left side of wrist has the faint, tiny inspector initials “AWM” with the A & W visible. Right side of buttstock is inlaid with a small pearl shield secured with 2 pins. The SN was observed in the usual places on top flat of bbl just forward of the receiver, left side of lower tang under the wood, top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Accompanied by a small purple string tag with historical content from consignor stating that “this rifle has been in a private collection for 80 years, prior to that it belonged to WWI Brigadier General Harry C. Trexler”. According to The Henry Rifle, Quick, this rifle was part of two shipments received by the Union Army in April & May 1865, totaling 627 rifles. These rifles were issued to the 3rd Veteran Volunteer Regiment whose primary duty was to protect Washington, DC, where they spent the majority of their term of service. This unit, as suggested by the name, was composed of all volunteer veterans and part of their enlistment contract was that at the expiration of their term of service, with good conduct, they were allowed to retain their arms and accouterments. Most of these rifles were retained by their soldier owners when they returned to civilian life and many of them saw hard service on the American frontier. Very few are found today with any orig finish and very few of those two shipments are identified today. The inspector initials were lightly struck and very small and easily obliterated with heavy wear or simply overlooked. CONDITION: Fine, all matching. Bbl retains 10-20% orig blue in the gullets with the balance a dark brown patina with some crusty patina toward the receiver. Receiver and sideplates retain fairly sharp edges with some slight chipping and light hammer marks on and around the sideplates. Hammer is a crusty brown patina. Lever retains faded case colors on the sides being mostly a brown patina. Stock has a hairline in the toe with nicks, dings, scratches & bruises and retains a dark hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine. Strong bright bore with some scattered fine pitting. 49970-1 JR52 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 2005

Click here to view provenance

HENRY MODEL 1860 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 2705. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Standard Henry rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl that has integral magazine tube, replacement front sight and replacement fixed rear sight in the top flat. Top flat also has the 2-line Henry roll marking. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut buttstock that has straight grip and brass buttplate with large trap to accommodate what would have been the orig 4-pc hickory and iron cleaning rod. Left side of buttstock and left side of bbl have factory sling swivel & loop. Buttplate is early style with rounded heel. Left side of wrist is hand-carved “H.A.Porter”. Buttstock may be an old replacement. The two wrist wood screws are replacements. The two buttplate screws are orig and matching numbered to the rifle. Magazine follower is a replacement. Unable to remove the loading sleeve to check for matching numbers there. Hammer spring screw is also a replacement. The Henry rifle was a very successful repeating rifle during the Civil War and highly respected by both the Union and Confederacy. The Union Army purchased over 1700 of them for a few of their units and several thousand others were obtained by private purchase to arm some complete regiments. They saw service throughout the Civil War and later on the American frontier, usually under harsh circumstances and often without maintenance. This rifle was produced in about 1863 at the height of the Civil War and it can be assumed with some certainty that it would have seen service. CONDITION: Poor to fair, bbl, receiver and buttplate are matching numbered. Buttstock number in the top tang channel has been obliterated with spurious number stamped in the buttplate trap spring channel. Bbl is a mottled silver/black patina with fine pitting. Receiver and sideplates shows heavy wear with nicks & dings and retains a medium to dark mustard patina. Hammer is matching patina to the bbl. Lever is a dark brown patina with moderate to heavy pitting. Stock has a couple of cracks in the wrist with some chips in the toe, a couple of gouges with nicks & dings and shows an old refinish. Lever spring is loose, otherwise mechanics are fine. Dark bore with strong rifling. 50093-2 JR49 (12,500-22,500) – Lot 2006

FINE REPRODUCTION HENRY MODEL 1860 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 7572. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Usual configuration with 24-1/4″ oct bbl that has integral magazine with nickel silver front sight and a reproduction, 1st Model 1000 yard Henry ladder rear sight in the bbl dovetail. Mounted with a modern replacement, uncheckered American walnut buttstock with straight grip & late style brass buttplate with pointed heel and small trap containing a reproduction 4-pc brass & iron wiping rod. Left side of buttstock has an orig sling swivel with corresponding loop on left side of bbl, without “Henry bump” on the buttstock. SN is found on top flat of bbl between receiver & rear sight, left side of lower tang, inside top channel of buttstock & inside toe of buttplate. Rnd portion of the bbl, under the loading sleeve, is marked with the assembly number “1131” with matching number on rear face of loading sleeve. Accompanied by a 2-pg letter from Winchester historian & author George Madis who verifies some of the above information. This rifle is an incredible reproduction, probably by the late Ron Kudrik of Reno, NV. Mr. Kudrik, during his career, created some of the most exact copies of both Henry & Winchester Model 1866 rifles. They are so good, in fact, that they often deceive even the knowledgeable individual and usually completely pass examination by the novice. CONDITION: Fine, all matching. Bbl & magazine retain about 97-98% fine restored blue and the loading sleeve about 80% thin blue turning a little purple. Receiver & sideplates show very sharp corners and edges with a few light, fine scratches and show a fine brass patina. Lever & hammer retain faded case colors. Buttplate is a matching patina to the receiver. Buttstock is crisp & clean with a few small scratches & dings with a hairline back of the top tang and overall retains about 98% bright custom finish. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny unfired bore. 50186-1 JR203 (7,500-12,500) – Lot 2007

Click here to view provenance

OUTSTANDING REPRODUCTION OF A VERY EARLY HENRY MODEL 1860 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 28. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Usual configuration with 24-1/4″ oct bbl that has integral magazine, altered later style German silver front sight, no dovetail in the bbl flat with a reproduction 1000 yard Henry style ladder rear sight in top flat of receiver. Mounted with beautiful, uncheckered, straight grain walnut that has early style brass buttplate with round heel and large trap containing a reproduction 4-pc hickory & steel wiping rod. Buttplate screws & wrist screws are all matching numbered to the rifle. SN was observed on top flat of bbl, left side of lower tang under the wood and inside top tang of buttplate. Buttstock was not numbered. Rnd section of the bbl under the loading sleeve has the assembly number “1705” with matching number on rear face of loading sleeve. Receiver & buttplate tang are very nicely engraved in early style consisting of intertwined foliate arabesque patterns with a heavy border. Engraving extends over top of the receiver and top tang, with buttplate tang engraved to match. Magazine follower is the larger late style with milled flat in the receiver versus the early style of a smaller tab and no milled flat. This is an outstanding reproduction by a master gunsmith. PROVENANCE: The Spiropoulos Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine, all matching except stock as noted. Bbl & magazine retain about 95% bright glossy blue with sharp edge wear and some minor chemical spotting. Receiver & sideplates show crisp sharp edges and a medium mustard patina. Buttplate is matching patina. Stock is sound with a few light scratches and retains most of its orig finish. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore with scattered pitting. 49891-7 JR53 (10,000-20,000) – Lot 2008

HISTORIC AND SPECTACULAR NIMSCHKE ENGRAVED, IVORY STOCKED WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 SADDLE RING CARBINE PURPORTEDLY MADE FOR EMPEROR MAXIMILIAN OF MEXICO AND LATER OWNED BY PRESIDENT OF MEXICO PORFIRIO DIAZ.

SN 21921. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Incredible and well known ’66 carbine with 20″ bbl, full magazine that has integral front band/front sight and a 2-position rear sight graduated to 500 yards. Carbine is mounted with an extraordinary carved, solid elephant ivory buttstock & forearm with straight grip & brass crescent buttplate with trap. Left side of buttstock is wonderfully, deep relief raise carved with the Mexican eagle perched on cactus holding a snake in its beak and right talon. The carving is extremely well detailed and has the appearance of engraving done by master engraver L. D. Nimschke. Receiver & buttplate tang are beautifully engraved in very fine, intertwined foliate arabesque patterns with very well executed pearled background showing very little overlapping in the pearls. Raised area between the sideplates and front flats are engraved in feather patterns and front flats are engraved to match the sideplates. Matching engraving extends over top three flats of the receiver, receiver ring,top tang, & buttplate tang. Most unusually, the bbl is also engraved with matching patterns over the chamber area, before & after the forearm band and behind the front band. Bottom of the receiver has one small matching pattern with bottom of the carrier engraved in diamond & dot patterns with a small 4-petal flower blossom in the center, all surrounded by very fine zigzag border. Bbl is marked with the Henry’s & King’s patent address in 2-lines. This exact carbine is pictured in full color with a full page spread on pg 53 of Winchester Engraving, Wilson. In the caption, Mr. Wilson states that this carbine is “traditionally attributed as having been created for the Emperor Maximilian and documented from the arms collection of Mexican President Porfirio Diaz”. Accompanied by a beautiful burgundy leather covered, burgundy velvet lined case with gold embossed lid. It has a leather panel in the top embossed “HIS EXCELLENCY / PORFIRIO DIAZ / PRESIDENT OF MEXICO”. This exquisite case was handmade by Arno Werner. Inside the case has a green leather label embossed identically. This case was created by Arno Werner, Master Bookbinder for Harvard University’s Houghton Library rare book collection. It has long been believed that this gun was made for Emperor Maximilian who was executed on June 19, 1867. Production records published by Madis would imply the gun was completed after Maximilian’s execution. However, Madis’ dates are speculative there are no factory records for these early 66’s and we are told various documented and date inscribed Model 66’s affirm this theory. It is also important to note that a similar Ivory stocked Model 66 ornamented with Mexican Eagle is in the Mexican Military museum in Chapultepec. It is identified as having been owned by Miguel Gregorio de la Luz Atenógenes Miramón y Tarelo. General Miramón was executed with Maximilian on June 19, 1867 and thus very strong support for the Maximilian ownership. This exact carbine is also pictured on pg 505 of The Wm M. Locke Collection book. It is also beautifully illustrated in the Texas Gun Collector “Antique Arms Annual” 1st Ed. 1971 on pg 97. At the time it belonged to Herb Glass (Sr). It is also illustrated in the 1970’s Sotheby’s Annual of Sales Results when it was auctioned by Sotheby’s at Los Angeles for Walter B. Ford, III. The gun was also featured on the front cover of Gun Report July 1963 with an accompanying article on pg 44. It is also illustrated in “Winchester: An American Legend” by R. L. Wilson and on pg 335 it depicts Mrs. John B. Solley III seated with this very gun at her feet. Obviously created by a master, probably Mr. Nimschke. This is generally considered to be the finest Ivory stocked Model 66 known, a true masterpiece. This ivory stocked Winchester, SN 21921, was awarded SN 5 Silver Medal in the NRA Annual 10 Best Firearms in the first year of that competition in 1960. Included is a detailed R. L. Wilson letter detailing much of this. In 1946, the Model 66 was temporarily loaned to Winchester, as arranged by the Metropolitan Museum for the special exhibition and again in 1966 it was loaned for the Centennial exhibition at PepsiCo Company in New York City. PROVENANCE: Acquired from the Estate of Porfirio Diaz, President of Mexico (1830-1915), after his death, by collector Walter Douglas who bought Diaz’s collection. Most of the pieces were donated to the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario, Canada and those donated are fully documented, however this gun as per information from Lt. Col. Leslie Collins was one of various guns sold by Douglas to collector Lt. Col. James W. Flanagan. Flanagan’s collection subsequently sold at Parke-Bernet Gallery April 21-22, 1944 and was lot 351. William M. Locke acquired from this same sale in 1944; Richard P. Mellon via Herb Glass; W. Buhl Ford III via Herb Glass; John B. Solley III; Joseph T. Hajec; Carl Press; Paul Tudor Jones II Collection. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 98% orig blue with some fine surface freckling. Receiver, sideplates & buttplate retain strong traces of orig silver that has turned dark with the loss areas a pleasing dark mustard patina. Receiver & sideplates show sharp, crisp corners. Buttstock has several age lines with some cracks by right side of top tang, but is sound. Forearm has a couple of minor age lines and overall the ivory is a mellow, golden patina. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore. Case is extremely fine. 49941-1 IVORY (150,000-250,000) – Lot 2009

| Click here to view provenance

EXTREMELY RARE GOLD & NICKEL ELABORATELY ENGRAVED WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 100360. Call 44 RF Henry. Extremely rare carbine with 20″ bbl, full magazine, integral front band/front sight and 2-position flip rear site graduated to 500 yds. Mounted with 2-3X uncheckered, shell grain American walnut with carbine forearm and straight stock that has rifle buttplate with trap. Receiver, forearm band and front band are gold washed while the remainder of the rifle including bbl, magazine tube, rear sight, lever, hammer, trigger, buttplate, staple & ring, loading gate and screws are nickle finish. Left side of lower tang, under the wood, is marked with an “X” and a “V”. Top tang channel of buttstock shows last 3-digits of matching SN with matching SN inside toe of buttplate. Receiver is elaborately engraved, probably by master engrave Conrad Ulrich, with full coverage on sides and side plates. Left side plate has the large vignette depicting a running hound, a hare and a duck in a field scene with shrubbery and trees. Left front flat has the very detailed vignette of a standing bull elk also in a field scene. Right side plate has the round vignette of a running bull buffalo and right front flat depicts a skulking mountain lion with both vignettes set in field scenes. All the vignettes are surrounded by sweeping foliate and floral arabesque patterns with extremely fine pearled background and a variety of border patterns. The left side patterns incorporate 4 very detailed flower blossoms and the right side a larger flower blossom, with a dog or fox head in one scroll and an eagle’s head in another. Engraving patterns extend over top of receiver, top and bottom tangs and bottom of receiver with the buttplate tang engraved to match. This was most likely an exhibition piece used by Winchester for advertising purposes, possibly in the 1876 World Expo. Engraved specimens such as this are extremely rare and seldom encountered, usually only once in a lifetime. PROVENANCE: Paul Tudor Jones II Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Bbl and magazine tube retain about 80% strong original nickle with most of the losses on the left side where it appears to have lain in a cloth case in a damp climate which caused rust and pitting with nickle losses. Bbl bands retain about 50% gold wash on the front and about 10-15% on the forearm band. Receiver and side plates retain strong areas of gold wash being mostly a crisp, light mustard patina. Lever, hammer and loading gate retain most of their original nickle. Butt plate retains 20-25% original nickle. Wood is sound with nicks and scratches with buttstock retaining about 75% bright, original piano varnish finish and forearm about 60-65% showing wear over the carry point. Mechanics are crisp. Strong bore with good shine and scattered light pitting. 49941-34 JR71 (100,000-150,000) – Lot 2010

VERY RARE ULRICH ENGRAVED WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 DELUXE LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 46022. Cal 44 RF Henry. Well-known, spectacular and rare ’66 Rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, altered half nickle front sight and 900 yd Henry ladder rear sight. Mounted with, most rare, about 3X center crotch, flame grain, uncheckered American walnut including straight stock with brass crescent buttplate that has a trap. Left side of lower tang under the wood is marked “XXX” and the assembly number “77” along with a “G” and a “V”. Upper tang is numbered “52”. Top tang channel of buttstock has last 4-digits of matching SN visible which are also found inside toe of buttplate. Rifle is most unusually and whimsically engraved by Conrad Ulrich with full coverage on the receiver, forend cap and buttplate tang. Left side of receiver and sideplate have the very large, whimsical vignette depicting a large male African lion crouching over the body of a native with a native man fleeing in the foreground and a dog leading the way, all set in an extremely detailed African veldt scene. Bottom of sideplate, in an arc around the lever screw is engraved “AFRICA”. Left front side panel is engraved with a very detailed vignette of a liberty style woman on a pedestal holding a sword, reminiscent of several South American style statues. Right side of receiver and sideplate are engraved with an equally large vignette titled “CHALLENGE”. The scene shows the central figure of a large bull elk being challenged by another bull elk coming in from the left side, all set in a mountain meadow scene. Right front flat is engraved with the raised figure of a prancing horse. Both sides are surrounded by elaborate fleur-de-lis borders with foliate and floral arabesque patterns over the top and bottom along with both tangs, forend cap and buttplate tang. Bottom tang is engraved beside the hammer spring tension screw with the engravers name “C.F. Ulrich”. Most unusually, the bbl is also engraved in matching foliate arabesque patterns which extends about 7-1/2″ forward of the receiver on 5 of the exposed flats. There is another panel of about 3-1/2″ matching engraving on each of the side flats, leaving the top flat unengraved. Muzzle area of the bbl is also engraved with about 5″ of matching patterns on 7 of the 8 flats. It is very likely that this rifle, having been produced in 1870, was an exhibition piece used by Winchester for advertising. This rifle is similarly engraved to Model 1866, SN 80492 which depicts tiger hunting. Rifle being sold here is fully illustrated on pg 94 of The Book of Winchester Engraving and again on pg 105 of Winchester Engraving, both by Wilson. Both illustrations are credited to the collection of Ivan Hart. Extremely few of these profusely engraved rifles survive today. PROVENANCE: Ivan B. Hart collection; Paul Tudor Jones II Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, all matching. Bbl and magazine tube show about 93-95% smooth plummy patina with sharp edge wear and some thinning on the top flats. Receiver, forend cap and buttplate retain traces of original gold wash in the most sheltered areas and overall shows moderate wear and a medium mustard patina. Forearm has a repair on the left side of the receiver with several grain checks on the bottom and overall retains a fine professionally restored finish. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with fine pitting. 49941-6 JR70 (100,000-150,000) – Lot 2011

RARE SPECIAL ORDER ENGRAVED WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 26363. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Usual configuration with extremely rare 28″ oct bbl, full magazine, replacement nickel silver front sight blade and 900 yard Henry ladder rear sight with slide-stop screw. Top flat of the bbl has an extra dovetail which has obliterated the forward part of the bbl address. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent brass buttplate with trap. Buttstock and forend cap have factory sling swivels. Left side of lower tang under the wood is marked “XX”. SN is found on bottom tang, inside top tang channel of buttstock with last 3 digits of matching number inside toe of buttplate. Receiver, forend cap and buttplate tang are very nicely engraved in New York style, probably by L. D. Nimschke. Receiver and side plates have about full coverage elaborately, intertwined foliate arabesque patterns with fine pearled background and chip & dot borders. Engraving extends over top of receiver, top tang, bottom tang and carrier. Forend cap & buttplate tang are engraved to match. This rifle was produced about 1869 at the time of the great Westward expansion when the Model 1866 was the finest and most reliable repeating rifle available in the world. These rifles usually saw extremely hard service on a daily basis under adverse conditions and are rarely found today with orig configuration and any orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Spiropoulos Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good, all matching. No orig finish remains with the steel parts being a dark, mottled plummy/brown patina with scattered fine pitting on the bbl & magazine tube. Lever & hammer are matching patina, also with fine pitting primarily on right side of hammer and outer face of lever. Receiver & sideplates show moderate to heavy wear with rounded edges and softened detail in the engraving. Screw heads show use but no abuse. Forearm has a couple of bruises on the left side & a few other small nicks, otherwise wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retains a hand worn dark patina, possibly a very old restored finish. Mechanics are fine. Strong dark bore with moderate pitting and a ring about 4″ from the muzzle that is not evident from the outside. 49891-9 JR54 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 2012

REPRODUCTION OF A RARE 1ST MODEL WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 14772. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Usual configuration with 24-3/8″ oct bbl, full magazine, half-nickel front sight and 1000 yard reproduction Henry ladder rear sight without stop screw. Top flat of bbl is marked with large 2-line Henry’s & King’s patent dates. Receiver has a staple & ring in the left side. Mounted with very highly figured, uncheckered American walnut with straight stock that has crescent buttplate with trap. Forearm is 1st type without forend cap and has dimpled front end secured with a single screw through brass escutcheons. Magazine tube is secured by a band that is both pinned and screwed to the bottom side flats. Receiver is flat side style with flat, blued steel loading gate. SN is on left side of lower tang under the wood, inside top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Left side of top flat of bbl, lower tang also has and assembly number “1717” in tiny font. This rifle is dimensionally correct in about all aspects. Bbl address is wrong size font and slightly out of position. Bottom of bbl & magazine tube under the forearm are not finished but still in the white. All together, an incredible reproduction probably by the late Ron Kudrik of Reno, NV or one of several other individuals capable of producing such a fine rifle. PROVENANCE: The Spiropoulos Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching as noted. Bbl retains most of a medium blue finish with sharp edge wear. Magazine tube is turning plum and retains most of its fine finish. Receiver & sideplates are crisp with fine sharp edges and show a dark mustard patina. Buttplate is matching patina. Lever & hammer retain thin, faded case colors. Stock has a grain check on the left side with a few light scratches on the wood and overall shows a finish that may have been exposed to heat on the buttstock. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant shiny bore. 49891-8 JR56 (7,500-15,000) – Lot 2013

ENGRAVED WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 37678. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Usual configuration with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, gold-washed Beach’s combination front sight and a 900 yard Henry ladder rear sight with slide stop screw, may be a reproduction and a thick base sporting rear sight with 4″ staff. Mounted with very nicely figured uncheckered shell grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate with trap that contains a reproduction 4-pc brass & iron cleaning rod. Bottom of buttstock & forend cap have factory sling swivels. Receiver, forend cap and buttplate tang are engraved in L. D. Nimschke patterns consisting of nearly full coverage, intertwined foliate arabesque patterns with fine pearled background. Left side plate has the vignette of a running stag & hound with trees and the spurious initials “LDN”. Right side is engraved in similar but tighter scrolls with the inscription panel on sideplate engraved “HENRY GEORGE / SAN FRANCISCO”. Both front sight panels are engraved to match with counter-point open areas and all is surrounded by fine border patterns. Top of receiver, top tang, bottom tang, sides of forend cap and buttplate tang are engraved to match. Bottom of the receiver and bottom of carrier are engraved in Nimschke patterns with spurious initials “LDN” on a ribbon between timing screws. SN is found on bottom tang and inside top tang channel of buttstock with last 4 digits of matching SN inside toe of buttplate. The engraver is unknown, however, several similarly engraved Model 1866 Winchester and Henry rifles have been observed with the identical engraving patterns. PROVENANCE: The Spiropoulos Estate Collection. CONDITION: About fine, matching as noted. Bbl & magazine tube retain most of a bright restored finish with nicks & scratches on the sharp edges and sharp edge wear. Receiver, forend cap and buttplate have sharp edges and show a medium mustard patina. Stock has a repaired crack through the wrist with wood fill in the crack area, at the tip of bottom & top tangs and overall the wood has a fine modern finish. Extractor is broken, otherwise mechanics are fine. Strong bore with good shine and moderate pitting. 49891-10 JR (6,000-12,000) – Lot 2014

RARE NIMSCHKE-STYLE ENGRAVED WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 20927. Cal. 44 CF. Early standard grade ’66 rifle that has been after market engraved. It has 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, slightly altered front sight and 900 yard Henry ladder rear sight with slide-stop screw. Top flat of bbl is marked with the Henry’s & King’s patent 2-line address. Mounted with uncheckered, nicely figured American walnut with straight stock and brass crescent buttplate with trap. Bottom of stock & forend cap have factory sling swivels. Receiver, forend cap & buttplate tang are modern engraved in the style of L. D. Nimschke with about full coverage, foliate arabesque patterns with pearled background on the sides. Left side plate is engraved with a Mexican eagle. Engraving extends over top of receiver, top and bottom tangs & bottom of receiver with the spurious initials “LDN” engraved on a ribbon between timing screws. Sides of the forend cap & buttplate tang are engraved to match. SN is found on the bottom tang with matching number in top tang channel of buttstock & inside toe of buttplate. PROVENANCE: Paul Tudor Jones II Collection. CONDITION: Very good, all matching as noted. Bbl & magazine tube retain a thin, artificially aged brown patina with light nicks & dings. Front sight is altered and has been staked in place. Rear sight is a modern reproduction. Receiver, forend cap & buttplate show light to moderate edge wear and overall retain a medium mustard patina. Wood is sound with a few light bruises and overall retains a professionally restored finish. Bottom tang screw is a replacement. Mechanics are a little loose. Worn bore with moderate to heavy pitting. 49941-21 JR66 (4,000-7,000) – Lot 2015

EXTREMELY RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 1876 1 OF 100 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 896. Cal. 45-75. One of only 8 of 1 of 100 Model 1876 rifles every produced by Winchester. This rifle has 28″ oct bbl, full magazine, half-nickel front sight, early style semi-buckhorn rear sight with checkered edges & a thin base vernier tang sight with 3″ staff. Receiver is 1st type, open top without dust cover and has single-set trigger. Mounted with about 3X, center crotch, flame grain American walnut with early style checkered forearm and straight stock with crescent buttplate that has thick toe & trap. Left side of lower tang is marked with assembly number “52” and “XXX”. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock & inside toe of buttplate. The chamber area of the bbl is engraved with the 4th style patterns consisting of the top panel engraved “One of One Hundred” with a fine chip & dot border and elaborate fleur-de-lis. The top side panels are very nicely engraved in foliate arabesque patterns with pearled background. The muzzle and around front sight is engraved on 7 of the 8 flats with matching foliate arabesque patterns. Neither end of the bbl has the usual silver bands. This rifle is listed, by SN, in the chart on pg 119 of The Story of the Winchester 1 of 1000 and 1 of 100 Rifles, Lewis. It is also mentioned on pg 124 of the referenced publication as having surfaced in Jan 1952 in Kansas and later was offered in an ad by renowned dealer Arnold Marcus Chernoff as appeared in the Fall 1984 issue of The Winchester Repeater. This rifle was received in the warehouse Nov 16, 1877 with oct bbl, case hardened receiver, checkered stock & set trigger, shipped same day to Order Number 10536. Being 1 of only 8 such rifles produced with an unknown number of them surviving today, this can be considered one of the most rare of all Winchester rifles. PROVENANCE: Virgil Hoops, Wichita, KS; Arnold M. Chernoff; Robert Watt Collection; Paul Tudor Jones II Collection. CONDITION: Fine, all matching. Bbl retains 70-75% thinning orig blue with sharp edge wear and a cleaned area about mid-point. Magazine tube retains strong blue in sheltered areas being mostly a plummy/brown patina. Forend cap is silvered case colors. Receiver retains strong case colors in the most sheltered areas with faded case colors on side plates and the balance silver patina. Lever & hammer retain faded case colors. Buttplate is a grey metal patina. Stock has a couple of hairlines by the top tang with some bruising in the checkering on the wrist and a chip & hairline by the bottom tang, otherwise is sound. Buttstock is lightly cleaned with possibly some oil finish added. Forearm shows moderate to heavy wear on checkering and shows a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore. 49941-4 JR69 (175,000-275,000) – Lot 2016

Click here to view provenance

EXTREMELY RARE 1 OF 1000 WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 DELUXE LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 31270. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Rare 2nd Model rifle with 28″ oct bbl, full magazine, a gold-washed Beach’s combination front sight, early style semi-buckhorn rear sight with checkered edges & thin base sporting rear sight with 4″ staff. Mounted with 2-3 X flame grain American walnut with early style checkered forearm and straight stock with crescent buttplate that has trap containing an orig 4-pc steel & brass cleaning rod. Left side of lower tang, under the wood, is marked with the assembly number “897” and “XX”. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock & inside toe of buttplate. Receiver is 2nd type with attached dust cover rail and 3rd type dust cover with impressed checkered thumbprint and has single-set trigger. Bbl is engraved over the chamber area in what is commonly accepted as 4th style with script panel “One of One Thousand”. This panel has a fine chip & dot border and an elaborate fleur-de-lis at the front end. The top side panels in the same area are very nicely engraved in foliate arabesque patterns in fine pearled background and it has a silver band at the receiver. Matching engraving patterns are found on 7 of the 8 flats around the muzzle and front sight, also with a silver band around the muzzle. Magazine tube is 1st type with screwed in plug. This rifle was the 4th Model 1873 1 of 1000 reported in 1950 during the search for such rifles by the Universal Movie Studio who produced the James Stewart film Winchester ’73. This rifle was at that time owned by Scott Merry of Tacoma, WA, who reported that he had purchased it “from an old rifleman by the name of Widum”. According to the book The Story of the Winchester 1 of 1000 and 1 of 100 Rifles, Lewis, this rifle was received in the warehouse November 14, 1878 along with 5 other consequentially number 1 of 1000 rifles and shipped November 20, 1878 to order number 13488. The same order also contained 3 Winchester Model 1876 1 of 1000 rifles. Remarks on two of the 1876 rifles states “returned by Skinker 5/1881”. John Skinker was Winchester’s West Coast agent based in San Francisco. It is well documented that he ordered a large number of the 1 of 1000 rifles, both 1873 & 1876 and later sold them at a discount when sales lagged. It can be stated with almost certainty that this rifle was one of the “Skinker” rifles which lends credibility to it having surfaced in Washington State. PROVENANCE: Scott Merry Collection; Robert Watt Collection; Paul Tudor Jones II Collection. CONDITION: Fine, all matching. Bbl retains about 88-90% strong orig blue with sharp edge wear and some minor flaking which areas show as a brown patina. Magazine tube retains blue in the sheltered areas being an overall plummy/brown patina. Receiver and sideplates retain faded case colors, stronger on right sideplate and in sheltered areas, being mostly a mottled silver/grey patina. Hammer retains strong case colors, faded on top edge. Lever retains traces of case colors being mostly a silver patina. Buttplate is a mottled silver/grey patina. Stock has a couple of tiny hairlines back of the top tang, otherwise wood is sound with normal handling and use marks with the buttstock showing light to moderate diamond point wear and retains most of its orig oil finish. Forearm is sound showing moderate to heavy wear on the checkering and is a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine. Strong bright bore with scattered light pitting. 49941-3 JR68 (175,000-275,000) – Lot 2017

| Click here to view provenance

*EXTREMELY RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 TRAPPER CARBINE ONE OF ONLY FOUR KNOWN TO COLLECTORS IN THIS CALIBER.

SN 604237B. Cal. 44 WCF. 14″ bbl. Blue finish. Saddle ring. Straight grained American walnut stocks with carbine butt. Bbl has standard carbine front sight with ladder type rear sight that is marked “1873” on top. Standard Winchester 2-line bbl address that is behind the front sight and in front of bbl band which is correct for this model. “WP” proof in a circle at breech end on top of bbl. “44 W.C.F” stamped on left side of bbl at breech. Receiver is of the “stepped” type usually found on smaller caliber carbines but on Trapper models during this period of production is absolutely correct. Forward ring of receiver shows “WP” proof in circle. Receiver has sliding dust cover with smooth top and serrations on either side at rear. Cartridge elevator is stamped “44 CAL.” Upper tang is stamped “MODEL 1873” over “WINCHESTER” over “TRADEMARK. REG. IN U.S. PAT. OFF.” Lower tang is marked with SN at the rear end. Buttplate is unmarked. Compartment in buttplate contains 3 50 peso Mexican bank notes from the period of the Mexican Revolution. Accompanying this carbine is a letter from the Cody Firearms Museum confirming the caliber and bbl length and type of this carbine. Letter shows that it was received in warehouse on March 1, 1906. The shipping date and order no. was blank on record. Also included is a letter from the BATFE exempting this firearm from the provision of the National Firearms Act which makes bbl with a length of less than 16″ against the law to possess. Letter is signed by Earl Griffith, Chief, Firearms Technology Branch. CONDITION: Very good for this model of carbine. Bbl and magazine tube both retain an even plum-brown finish overall. Magazine tube has a small dent on left side. Bbl address is very sharp and clear. Winchester proof mark and caliber mark are also sharp and clear. Sights are very good with clear markings. Rear sight is slightly pitted. Bore is somewhat dark with strong rifling and a powder stain about an inch and a half in muzzle. Receiver is a gray-brown patina overall with some roughness on either side of the mortise and some denting on right side in front of loading gate and beside side plate. Left side of receiver shows a saddle ring shadow. Screws are good. Side plate screw is a replacement. Dust cover is a plum-brown patina with some speckling and high point wear. Dust cover rail has some small dents and receiver is also dented behind rail in front of hammer. Dust cover may be a replacement but is definitely of Winchester manufacturing. Loading gate is somewhat pitted. Hammer is an even brown patina overall with some erosion on either side and very sharp checkering. Lever is a plum-brown patina overall with some dents on bottom outside below trigger. Tang screw is a replacement and is slightly marred. Elevator has a sharp caliber mark and has been lightly cleaned. Stocks are very good and full-sized with numerous mars and dents overall especially toward heel of buttstock. Stock has a couple of small cracks behind rear tang. Buttstock has a couple of burn marks behind the lower tang. Forestock is battered with a couple of small cracks in front of band. Bbl bands are both an even plum-brown patina. This is an extremely rare model 73 44 cal. Trapper carbine with a 14″ bbl. In Jim Gordon’s book, “Winchester Model 1873, A Tribute”, Jim was only able to locate 3 carbines in this bbl length and caliber in his survey of hundreds of model 73 Winchester carbines. Mr. Gordon was not able to obtain a picture of any of those guns for his book on the subject. A unique opportunity to obtain a extremely rare Winchester Trapper carbine. 49766-3 TEP C&R (12,000-15,000) – Lot 2018

Click here to view provenance

RARE 1ST MODEL 1873 WINCHESTER CARBINE WITH CASE COLORED RECEIVER.

SN 3171. Cal. 44 WCF. 20″ bbl. Blue and case colored finish. Straight grained American walnut stocks. Saddle ring. Bbl shows standard Winchester address that is bordered on top side by “LONDON ARMOURY” and on bottom side by “Ja’s Kerr & Co. 54 King William St.E.C.”. Breech end of bbl shows 3 British proof marks on left side. Front sight on bbl band. Rear sight is fold down leaf with “3” & “5” on the longer leaf. Receiver shows British proof at forward left side. Dust cover shows a small oval thumbprint which is correct for this model. Upper tang shows “Model. 1873.”. Lower tang shows assembly no. 483 on left side. Receiver side plates both show last 2 digits of SN on the inside. Stock shows assembly no. 483 in the upper tang mortise. Buttplate shows assembly no. 483 at toe on the inside. Compartment in buttstock contains orig 3-pc steel cleaning rod with brass tip. Accompanied by a Cody Museum letter verifying case hardened finish and showing shipment on April 1, 1875 order no. 2826. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl and magazine tube retain 30-40% blue finish overall blending into a smooth plum-brown patina with no roughness whatsoever and only a few slight handling marks. Bbl address and other markings are very sharp and clear. Sights are fine. Bbl bands retain a smooth plum-brown patina with slight high point wear on outer edges. Bore is frosty with some staining and very sharp rifling. Bbl band screws are fine and unmarred. Receiver retains 50-60% of muted case color finish which has silvered out. Case colors on early model 73s were never vibrant to begin with. Side plates retain traces of case color and have turned a very pleasing plum-brown patina. Receiver screws are all fine. Loading gate shows generous traces of blue finish turning a pleasing plum-brown patina. Hammer retains generous traces of case color on either side. Checkering on hammer is very sharp. Lever shows generous traces of case color overall. Lever has some roughness on bottom surface. Trigger is a pleasing plum-brown patina. Engraved SN on lower tang is sharp. Model no. on upper tang is sharp. Buttplate is an even silver-brown patina with traces of case color and slight wear at heel. Buttplate screws are fine. Stocks are fine, full-sized and retain nearly all their orig varnish finish. Buttstock shows numerous handling marks overall with some battering at wrist on both sides possible from a gun rack. Wrist on left side shows saddle ring groove. Forestock is also fine with some handling marks and dents commensurate with age of carbine. Forestock in front of band shows scratches on either side. Forestock also retains nearly all the orig varnish finish. This is an opportunity to obtain a very rare fine condition 1st model Winchester 1873 carbine with an extremely rare case colored receiver. 49766-2 TEP (12,000-15,000) – Lot 2019

Click here to view provenance

RARE SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 287828. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade 3rd Model carbine with nickel finish, 20″ bbl, full magazine, barleycorn front sight and 1873 marked carbine ladder rear sight. Left side of receiver has a staple & ring. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock and carbine buttplate that has trap containing an orig 3-pc brass & steel wiping rod. Left side of lower, tang under the wood is marked with a large “C” and the assembly number “1”. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Inside toe of buttplate is also marked “00”. Receiver is 3rd type with integral dust cover rail and 3rd type dust cover. Bottom of buttstock & forearm band have European style narrow sling swivels. Accompanied by a Cody Firearm’s Museum letter which identifies this carbine in Cal. 44 with nickel finish, received in warehouse March 13, 1889, no shipping date, and the notation “Sold in Paris”. Also accompanied by a letter from renowned dealer/auctioneer David Condon wherein he authenticates this carbine and states that it was made for the Winchester Exhibit at the Eiffel Tower, Paris World’s Fair Exposition of 1889, at which Winchester won a gold medal. According to Mr. Condon, there are other Winchester rifles in this serial range that are known to have been sent as part of that exhibit, one of which was sent to the Winchester warehouse on the same day as this carbine for inclusion in the shipment to Paris. Full nickel Winchesters are somewhat scarce with identified World Expo pieces extremely rare. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching. Overall retains about 95-96% crisp orig nickel with some light flaking on the bbl over the chamber area, light flaking on the receiver and lever with light spotting on the hammer. Buttplate retains about 60-70% orig nickel. Stock has a few very light nicks & scratches with a series of light scratches on left side of buttstock and overall retains about 98% crisp, orig-light walnut stain finish. Forearm also has light scratches with a scrape on each side from someone removing the bbl band. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant shiny bore. Cleaning rod is fine. 49771-1 JR58 (10,000-20,000) – Lot 2020

Click here to view provenance

*WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 703582B. Cal, 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, standard front sight with screw & semi-buckhorn rear sight. Bbl markings are the last style about mid-point on left top flat and Cal. marking on the same flat over the chamber area. Receiver is 3rd Type with integral dust cover rail & 3rd Type dust cover. Carrier is marked “44 CAL”. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate with trap. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum which identifies this rifle in 44 Cal. with oct bbl. Received in packing room May 6, 1916 and shipped Feb 27, 1917, ticket number 807767 to S. B. Hubbard, Co., Jacksonville, FL. Also accompanied by a copy of the packing room ticket as noted. Florida, at the time of this shipment, was still very sparsely populated and hunting was a way of life. The climate was often salt atmosphere and with high humidity which usually is very detrimental to firearms. That this rifle survived under those circumstances attests to the care to which it was afforded. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 99% crisp orig blue. The receiver & sideplates retain about 50-60% crisp org blue with the loss areas flaked, not worn, to a medium patina, showing only faint sharp edge wear. Lever & hammer retain bright case colors, and the buttplate about 20% flaked blue. Wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retains virtually all of its orig factory finish. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant shiny bore appears to be un-fired. 50153-4 JR217 (7,500-12,500) – Lot 2021

Click here to view provenance

FINE SPECIAL ORDER TURNBULL RESTORED WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 157400. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Beautiful standard grade rifle with special order 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, half-nickel front sight & early style, short semi-buckhorn rear sight with checkered edges. Mounted with replacement, uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate with trap. CONDITION: Rifle has undergone a complete restoration by the premier restorer Doug Turnbull in 2004. Very fine to extremely fine, appears to be unfired. Bbl & magazine tube are bright Winchester blue with a few minor, tiny nicks. Receiver, sideplates, lever, hammer & buttplate show fine bone-meal color case hardening that is now mostly muted, bright in sheltered areas. Loading gate retains virtually all of its fine fire blue. Wood is sound with a couple of small, tiny nicks & retains all of the finish. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore. 50234-2 (7,500-12,500) – Lot 2022

SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER 2ND MODEL 1873 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 85072. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade rifle with scarce special order 26″ rnd bbl, full magazine, altered front sight with copper blade & Marlin-style semi-buckhorn rear sight. Receiver is 2nd Type with attached dust cover rail & 3rd Type dust cover that may be a replacement. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock & smooth steel shotgun buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle with 26″ rnd bbl, plain trigger & shotgun butt. Received in the warehouse June 14, 1882 and shipped the next day to order number 33305. CONDITION: Fair. Orig finish remains in sheltered areas with the metal being mostly a cleaned, light grey patina with some scattered very fine pitting. Forearm has crack by the right bbl channel, otherwise wood is sound with nicks & dings and shows an old refinish. Mechanics are fine. Strong bore with good shine and moderate pitting. 50153-2 JR216 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 2023

Click here to view provenance

SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 37849. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade, 2nd Model rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, button magazine, replacement front sight & early style heart-shaped rear sight with checkered edges. Tang is mounted with an unusual reproduction sight with small eye disc. Receiver is 2nd Type with attached dust cover rail and 2nd Type dust cover with impressed, checkered thumbprint. Dust cover screw is a replacement. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate with trap. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle with oct bbl, plain trigger & half-magazine, received in warehouse Sept 23, 1879 and shipped Oct 7, 1879 to order number 17385. This rifle was manufactured at the height of the Indian Wars on the Western frontier when any repeating firearm was in great demand. Those arms of that era usually saw very hard service under extreme conditions and are rarely found today in orig configuration with any orig finish. CONDITION: Good. Traces of finish remain in the most sheltered areas being an overall smooth, plummy/brown patina on the bbl with mottled thin patina on the receiver. Lever & hammer are matching patina. Wood is sound with nicks & scratches and has the remains of an old refinish. Mechanics are fine. Strong dark bore. 50153-1 JR218 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 2024

Click here to view provenance

*EXTREMELY RARE SEMI-DELUXE WINCHESTER BIG 50 TAKE-DOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 145020. Cal. 50 Express (50-110). Blue finish with 26″ rnd bbl, half-magazine take-down with express front sight and platinum line 3-leaf express sight in the rear seat. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with standard forearm and uncheckered, capped pistol grip stock with crescent buttplate. Buttstock & forend cap have sling eyes. Left side of lower tang, under the wood, is marked with the assembly number “653” and a “0” and an “F”. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. The recess in the buttstock, under the buttplate, contains one orig “WRACO” 50-110 WHV cartridge wrapped in a strip of old muslin. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in Cal. 50 Express with rnd nickel steel bbl, 4-cartridge magazine, take-down, plain trigger, plain wood, pistol grip stock, sling eyes, “Winchester High Velocity”, received in warehouse March 25, 1909 and shipped the same day with one other Model 1886 to order number 197064. These big bore rifles were extremely popular in the Rocky Mountain region, Northwest Territories & Alaska as well India and in Africa for extremely large game. They usually are found with shotgun buttplate as it is fairly well known that the severe recoil of this Cal. was very punishing with a crescent buttplate. PROVENANCE: Mike Ginn Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Bbl & magazine tube retain 95-96% strong orig blue with slight muzzle end wear, some minor chemical spotting & a couple of small spots of rust. Receiver retains about 80% orig blue showing wear on the bottom, over the receiver ring & top rear edges, with some light flaking on the sides. Bbl extension retains strong traces orig blue with the balance a grey patina. Lever & hammer retain muted case colors, turned silver/gray on top edge of hammer and outer faces of the lever with small areas of staining & pinprick pitting. Buttplate is a grey patina. Buttstock has an longitudinal 3″ crack repaired by the top tang, otherwise wood is sound with a number of light nicks & dings and a series of scratches on the buttstock. Stocks retain most of an old restored varnish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. Cartridge is fine. 50142-16 JS205 C&R (20,000-30,000) – Lot 2025

Click here to view provenance

SPECIAL ORDER DELUXE WINCHESTER 1886 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 48222. Cal. 45-70. Fine deluxe ’86 with special order 28″ oct bbl, full magazine, Lyman “certifiable antique ivory” bead hunting front sight & 3-leaf express rear sight. Mounted with nicely figured, about 2X American walnut with H-style checkered forearm & black insert, serpentine grip buttstock with silver plated crescent buttplate. Bolt & lever are also silver plated. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number “109” & “XX”. Matching assembly # is also found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. This rifle appears to have been produced in about 1890 at a time when business was still conducted from the back of a horse or wagon and firearms were a way of life. Firearms of that era usually saw continuous daily use, usually under harsh circumstances with very little maintenance and are rarely found today with high orig finish. Deluxe rifles such as this were mostly out of reach for the average working man so it stands to reason that this rifle belonged to someone of a higher social status. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, all matching. Rifle overall retains a Turnbull quality restoration with strong, bright, Winchester-style blue on the bbl & magazine tube, orig appearing case colors on the receiver and hammer and a lightly restored finish on the wood. Forearm has a repaired sliver on the right side at the forend cap, otherwise wood is sound with nicks & dings and light oil staining around the metal. Checkering has been freshened. Mechanics are crisp. Strong bright bore, dark in the grooves. 49999-3 IVORY (7,500-10,000) – Lot 2026

DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 29227. Cal. 40-65. Beautiful deluxe rifle with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, half-nickel front sight, semi-buckhorn rear sight and Lyman combination tang sight. Mounted with about 3X burl & flame grain American walnut that has H-style checkered forearm and black insert, serpentine grip buttstock with crescent buttplate. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number “1017” and “XX”. Matching assembly number is found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Grip cap is hand-stamped with a sharp instrument “JC” and other indistinguishable characters. This rifle was manufactured about 1889 and was undoubtedly intended for a wealthy rancher, someone of substantial means or as a reward for exceptional service. Rifles of that era were daily use tools and are almost never found with high orig finish. This rifle was very likely someones prized hunting rifle. CONDITION: Fine, all matching as noted. Bbl & magazine tube retain 90-92% dull orig blue, strong and bright in sheltered areas showing light edge and muzzle end wear. Receiver retains about 25-30% smokey case colors with the balance turned silver. Lever, hammer & buttplate are grey patina. Stock has a hairline by the top tang, otherwise wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retains most of a fine old professionally restored finish. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore. Would make an impressive cowboy action shooter. 49970-3 JR64 (7,000-10,000) – Lot 2027

Click here to view provenance

WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 74525. Cal. 38-56. Standard grade rifle with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, half-nickel front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with nicely figured uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate. Left side of buttstock has hand carved initials “WA”. This rifle was manufactured in about 1893 when a rifle was a daily use tool for hunting and self-protection. These rifles were also a favorite with law enforcement as well as outlaws. They usually saw very hard service over a saddle scabbard or in a wagon box, often with little or no maintenance. Those that survive today are rarely found with high orig finish. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain 96-97% strong orig blue with only sharp edge wear and slight muzzle end wear. Receiver retains about 70% strong case colors, very bright in sheltered areas, especially top tang, turned silver on the bottom. Hammer retains bright case colors, turned silver on top edge. Lever retains faded case colors and the buttplate has turned silver. Wood is sound with a few nicks & dings with buttstock retaining 95-96% strong orig varnish, a little dull around the wrist. Forearm retains traces of orig varnish, being mostly a hand worn patina. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore. Would make an outstanding cowboy action shooter. 49970-4 JR62 (5,500-8,500) – Lot 2028

WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 LEVER ACTION RIFLE FROM THE U.S. CARTRIDGE COMPANY COLLECTION.

SN 102517. Cal. 45-70. Standard grade rifle with 26″ replacement oct bbl, magazine tube and magazine band. It has half-nickel front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate. Bottom of receiver is hand stamped “#226-U.S. C. Co. 11-12-95”. The U.S. Cartridge Company collection was, in its day, the single largest firearms collection in America. The collection remained in Lowell, MA at the factory until the early 1920’s when the company was sold to Winchester and the collection dispersed. This rifle was likely used as a test bed for ammunition which would explain the new parts replacing a worn out or blown out bbl. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 99% crisp orig blue showing no visible wear. Receiver retains about 70% fading case colors, bright in sheltered areas, turned silver on the bottom. Lever & hammer retain dark case colors as does the buttplate. Wood is sound with nicks & dings, a bruise on right side of buttstock and a series of scratches & nicks on the forearm and overall retains about 80% orig finish on the buttstock and 25% on the forearm. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore. 49970-2 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 2029

*SCARCE SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 TAKE-DOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 129387. Cal. 45-70. Standard grade rifle with 26″ special order oct to rnd bbl, half-magazine, take-down with Lyman “certifiable antique ivory” bead hunting front sight and a scarce ungraduated rifle ladder rear sight with a Lyman combination tang sight. Receiver has close-coupled double-set triggers. Mounted with nicely figured, uncheckered, slab-sawed American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate that has the unusual feature of a trap. Buttstock and forend cap have factory sling eyes. Accompanied by a Cody Fires Museum letter which identifies this rifle cal 45-70 with 1/2 oct bbl, set trigger, Lyman hunting front and rear sights, 1/2 magazine, take down, nickle steal, rod & butt, received in warehouse September 21, 1905 and shipped next day to order No. 26034. Rifles of this configuration were favorites with the American hunter well into the mid-20th Century, especially in the North Woods, Rocky Mountains, Northwest Territories and Alaska. They frequently show heavy, hard use, having been exposed to inclement weather, often with little or no maintenance. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: About fine. Bbl retains about 80% strong orig blue with a large hand print of blood pitting over top 3 flats in the bbl address area. Magazine tube retains most of its orig blue with the take-down cap & lever grey/blue patina. Bbl extension is a blue/brown patina. Receiver retains about 60% orig blue, strong in the sheltered areas, thin elsewhere; turned brown over the top and silver on the bottom. Lever & hammer retain faded case colors. Wood is sound with nicks, dings & scratches, a couple of small gouges on the wrist with the buttstock retaining about 90% orig varnish and the forearm a hand worn patina. Set triggers need adjusting, otherwise mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore. 49969-1 JR63 IVORY (3,500-5,000) – Lot 2030

Click here to view provenance

WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 86834. Cal. 45-70. Standard grade rifle with 26″ rnd bbl, full magazine, half-nickel front sight and rifle ladder rear sight. Mounted with nicely figured, uncheckered, American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate. This rifle was produced in about 1894 when the West was still wild. Rifles such as this were a standard hunting gun in a lot of homes. They were also a reliable law enforcement tool and conversely used by outlaws as well. They usually saw hard service and are rarely found today with high orig finish, especially those with color case hardening. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain 95-96% strong but slightly dulled orig blue with only muzzle end wear and a few light nicks. Receiver retains faded case colors on left side with traces of case colors in sheltered areas on the right side with the balance of the receiver a silver patina. Wood is sound with one small gouge on the right wrist and overall a few light nicks and retains about 97-98% orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp. Very bright shiny bore. 49970-5 JR61 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 2031

Click here to view provenance

*EXTREMELY RARE FACTORY ENGRAVED, JOHN ULRICH SIGNED SPECIAL ORDER DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1894 TAKEDOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 274583. Cal 30 WCF (30-30). Very rare Winchester with tapered 26″ rnd bbl, full magazine, ivory bead Jack front sight, 3-leaf express rear sight with platinum line in the 200 yard leaf & Lyman combination tang sight. Mounted with 3-4X center crotch, flame grain American walnut with “D” carved forearm & capped pistol grip stock with ossified Silvers rubber buttplate. Receiver is wonderfully engraved by John Ulrich and signed on the bottom tang. Engraving is nearly full coverage on the receiver in #4 pattern which consists of the very large vignette of a hunter shooting from behind a tree in the background and a dying bull elk and a wounded bull elk in the foreground. Right side has the smaller vignette of a grizzly bear on a rocky promontory. Both vignettes are surrounded by extremely well detailed foliate arabesque patterns with fine shaded background. Top of the left vignette has multiple borders and the right side is surrounded on 3 edges with latchhook borders. Engraving extends over the top of the receiver, onto the top tang, bottom edges of the receiver, floorplate, lever & hammer. Bbl extension and about 1″ of the bbl are engraved to match. Rear edges of the receiver, front edge of bbl extension, over chamber area of the bbl edges of floorplate and forend cap have fine gold wire inlay. Screw heads, most unusually, are all engraved. Right side of buttstock is inlaid with a 1-3/8″ x 1-1/8″ oval silver medallion, beautifully engraved with intertwined initials “GH”. Accompanied by a Cody Firearm’s Museum records office work sheet which identifies this rifle in Cal. 30 with rnd bbl, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, front and rear Lyman sights, Silvers recoil pad, takedown, “D” carved, “Target 100 Yards” & engraved $24.00. Letter also shows that there is a silver plate in side of stock engraved monogram “G.H.”, received in warehouse Nov 10, 1905 and shipped same day to order number 28944. This rifle is known to have been a gift to the 1st National Bank of Cincinnati, Ohio for inclusion in their Winchester collection where it remained and which was on display in the bank for several decades over the last quarter of the 20th Century. Pg 172 of Winchester Engraving, Wilson pictures two other Model ’94 rifles both of which are identically engraved, one of which has identical gold wire inlay. One is SN 222901 and the other is SN 308993. Engraved Winchesters in and of themselves are rare. Very highly engraved arms are even more rare. Add in the engraver’s signature & the very rare gold inlays and it becomes incredibly rare. Couple that with exceptional high condition and it is off the charts rare. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, as new. Overall, the metal retains about 99% crisp orig factory finish with only some very faint thinning on the raised rib at the front side of the receiver and some very faint sharp edge wear. Forend cap retains virtually all of its orig blue. Lever & hammer retain brilliant case colors, moderately faded on outer faces of lever. There is a chip in the right side of the grip at the cap, otherwise wood is sound with a very few, very light nicks in the varnish and overall retains about 99% crisp, orig piano varnish finish. Silver’s pad is dry, hard & crackled, but orig, showing losses at the heel & toe. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore, may have been fired but if so very little. 50141-1 JR96 IVORY (55,000-85,000) – Lot 2032

| Click here to view provenance

SCARCE WINCHESTER MODEL 1894 TAKE-DOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE WITH HEISER CASE.

SN 90238. Cal. 30 WCF (30-30). Standard grade rifle with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, half-nickel front sight with screw & 3-leaf platinum line express rear sight. Mounted with extra finish, uncheckered American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate. Accompanied by Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle as a take-down in Cal. 30 with oct bbl & plain trigger, received in warehouse Sept 12, 1900 and shipped two days later to order number 70440. Additionally accompanied by an extremely well made, folding, soft-side take-down carrying case that has heavy leather handle and 3 straps with brass buckles. The back has a sewn on reinforcing strap that is marked with the Heiser cartouche on one end. The envelope style case folds open to expose a soft chocolate brown leather interior with 2 pockets for the bbl and buttstock receiver. The outer case is constructed of light brown, heavy belting leather. CONDITION: Rifle is very fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain 97-98% crisp orig blue with some minor spotting on the bbl. Forend cap retains about 97% strong orig blue and the bbl extension about 88-90% with the loss areas flaked to a medium patina. Receiver retains about 90% orig blue with a couple of areas of flaking around the top rear edges with some fine flaking on both sides. Bottom & top of the receiver retain crisp orig blue. Lever & hammer retain brilliant case colors, moderately faded on outer faces of lever. Buttplate retains about all of its orig case colors that are moderately faded. Buttstock has a repaired crack in the toe, otherwise wood is sound with a few light scratches and retains most of its orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant shiny bore shows very little use. Case is also crisp & clean with some slight crackling on the straps which are a little dry and need treating. 50186-4 JR208 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 2033

Click here to view provenance

*RARE DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 94 SHORT RIFLE.

SN 1030681. Cal. 30 WCF (30-30). Fine special order deluxe rifle with rare 20″ oct bbl, full magazine, Sheard-style front sight & semi-buckhorn rear sight with patent date & elevation adjustment screw. Mounted with 2-3X American walnut with “H” style checkered forearm & capped pistol grip stock that has crescent buttplate. Buttstock & forend cap have sling eyes. Left side lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number “267” and another number that has been obliterated. Matching assembly number is also found on front face of buttstock & inside toe of buttplate. Special order short rifles such as this are quite rare with very few produced and of those only a few are known. This rifle was produced about 1928 and likely was someone’s prized hunting rifle for use in heavy wooded areas. An accompanying note from consignor refers to this rifle as a “Texas Special” and states that it is from the “Billy Gillman Collection as documented in an article by Tommy Rholes”. That article was unavailable to this cataloger. CONDITION: About fine, all matching. Bbl & magazine tube retain 93-95% strong orig blue with sharp edge wear and a scrape on left forward side of magazine tube. Rear sight is slightly bent. Receiver retains about 60% thin orig blue, stronger on left side with light cleaning marks and a couple of light scratches. Lever & hammer are mostly a blue/grey patina. Wood is sound with numerous small nicks & scratches. The buttstock retains about 90% orig piano finish varnish and the forearm about 65-70%, showing moderate wear on the checkering. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore. 50186-6 (6,000-8,000) – Lot 2034

Click here to view provenance

*LATE WINCHESTER MODEL 94 DELUXE TAKEDOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 947735. Cal. 32-40. Fine special order rifle with 26″ standard full oct bbl, 2/3 magazine, takedown with sourdough front sight and flat top rear sight. Mounted with about 3-X center crotch, flame grain American walnut with H-style checkered forearm and capped pistol grip stock with crescent buttplate. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number “315” and “XXX”. Matching assembly number is in top tang channel of buttstock. No numbers visible inside buttplate. It appears to have a complete factory restoration with strong Winchester blue & oil finished wood. This rifle was manufactured in about 1924 and likely was someone’s prized hunting rifle that saw hard service which necessitated the restoration. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Overall retains about 99% crisp factory finish with strong Winchester blue & oil finished wood. Lever & hammer are blued. Safety is sticky and occasionally non-functioning. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 49970-7 (4,000-8,000) – Lot 2035

*ENGRAVED PRE-64 MODEL 94 LEVER ACTION CARBINE.

SN 2039842. Cal. 30-30. Standard carbine with 20″ bbl, full magazine, hooded ramp front sight & semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with about 3-4X custom American walnut with straight stock and smooth steel semi-crescent buttplate. Carbine is very nicely engraved with the rnd vignette of a white-tail buck on the left side and a bull moose on the right side all surrounded by foliate arabesque patterns that has stippled background. Matching engraving is on the floorplate, lever, top tang & over the receiver ring. Matching patterns extend up the bbl to the forearm band. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains about 99% custom blue with a small chemical spot on left front side of receiver. Wood is sound with a couple of very minor nicks in the finish and overall retains about 99% crisp custom varnish. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant shiny bore, appears to be un-fired. 50061-226 JR206 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 2036

SCARCE BROWNING BROTHERS MARKED WINCHESTER MODEL 1894 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 114102. Cal. 30 WCF (30-30). Standard grade rifle, 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, slightly thinned, half-nickel front sight with screw & altered semi-buckhorn rear sight with homemade elevator. Top flat of bbl, in the area between the rear sight and caliber marking has the tiny stamp “BROWNING BROS. CO. OGDEN. U”. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in 30 Cal. with oct bbl, plain trigger & sporting rear sight, received in warehouse July 18, 1901 and shipped Aug 5, 1901 to order number 104942. This rifle is typical of a lot of Western used firearms that saw hard service on the frontier with limited or no maintenance. CONDITION: Fair to good. Bbl & magazine tube retain a smooth blue/brown patina with a couple of dings on the bbl and light edge wear. Receiver retains blue in sheltered areas being mostly a plummy/brown patina with striations on both sides. Buttstock has a crack in the toe with myriad nicks & dings and shows heavy wear with a cleaned, lightly sanded finish. Top tang has peen marks and an extra hole. Mechanics are fine. Strong dark bore that may clean better. 50186-5 JR209 (1,500-2,500) – Lot 2037

Click here to view provenance

SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER MODEL 1892 TAKE-DOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 141072. Cal. 32 WCF (32-20). Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, half-magazine, take-down with “certifiable antique ivory” bead combination front sight, slot blank in rear seat and Lyman combination tang sight. Mounted with very highly figured, uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock and Winchester embossed hard rubber buttplate. Bottom of stock has a filled hole, probably from an old sling swivel. Accompanied by a fine period, green felt lined, brown canvas & leather take-down case with brass lock. Also accompanied by a Cody Firearm’s Museum letter which identifies this rifle in Cal. 32 with oct bbl, plain trigger, Lyman rear & combination sights, 1/2 magazine, rubber shotgun butt and take-down received in the warehouse Oct 3, 1900 and shipped same day to Order Number 72782. Although this rifle wasn’t shipped until 1900, it appears to have been made in about 1896 and would have been someone’s small game or home protection rifle. Rifles in this Cal. were generally not highly regarded as law enforcement or big game rifles and usually were relegated to ladies or boys rifles where they most often saw hard service with relatively little or no maintenance. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Bbl retains 97-98% strong orig blue with only light sharp edge wear and a few scattered spots of surface discoloration. Forend cap retains about 70% orig blue and the bbl extension about 60% dull blue with a cleaned area. Receiver retains about 85% orig blue with sharp edge wear and some thinning on the raised front edges and bottom with light flaking on the sides. Hammer retains strong case colors, turned silver on top edge. Lever retains faded case colors in the most sheltered areas with the balance a light silver/grey patina. Wood is sound with a few light nicks and retains strong, lightly sanded dull orig finish. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore. Case is extremely fine. Lightly faded on the exterior, bright and clean inside with one small damage from the receiver. 49970-6 JR82 IVORY (3,000-5,000) – Lot 2038

Click here to view provenance

EXTREMELY RARE JOHN BROWNING PROTOTYPE RIFLE THAT RESEMBLES A WINCHESTER MODEL 1895 MUSKET.

SN 1. Cal. 30-40 KRAG. Most unusual concept by Mr. Browning, utilizing a Model 1895 musket with standard 28″ bbl, pedestal blade front sight & 1800 yard musket ladder rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with full length forestock that has grasping grooves and upper handguard with straight stock and musket buttplate with trap. Forestock has a split front band/bayonet lug with stacking swivel & middle band with sling swivel and a corresponding sling swivel on the buttstock. Receiver is in the white and is somewhat in the shape of a Model 1895 action with fixed magazine & stripper slots in the top. In place of the bolt & hammer is a 9/16″ thick x 1-1/4″ high breech block that is striker fired. The lever is solid with integral trigger. Left side of lever is marked with a “1”. The bolt, when the lever is actuated, rises in the back similar to the action of a Ross or Winchester Lee straight pull bolt before rearward travel begins. Bolt has double extractors and it has a machined follower. On closing, the bolt again rises at the back and articulates forward locking in place with a spring loaded detent with part of the lever rising to act as a block in the back. There is a small lever on the left side which appears to be the method to disassemble the action, which was not undertaken. The entire receiver, bolt, lever assembly & bbl are in the white, never having been finished. It is readily apparent that this design was never produced or further developed. There is no visible safety. CONDITION: Extremely fine. The receiver, breech block, lever assembly & bbl are a dull grey metal patina covered in old dried oil. The wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retains virtually all of its fine, orig oil finish. Mechanics are crisp. Strong bright bore, a little frosty in the grooves. 50186-7 JR211 (8,000-15,000) – Lot 2039

Click here to view provenance

*RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 1895 LEVER ACTION RIFLE IDENTIFIED TO TEXAS RANGER W. W. STERLING.

SN 420502. Cal. 30-06. Standard grade rifle with 24″ tapered rnd bbl, pedestal mounted front sight with screw & flat top rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with black insert, Schnable tip forearm & straight stock with crescent buttplate. Right side of buttstock has an oval 2-3/8″ x 1-3/8″ oval German silver plaque that is engraved in period script “To: / Gen. W.W.Sterling / TEXAS RANGERS / from: / DR. DALE BAKER”. William Warren Sterling (1891-1960) was a Texas born man. In 1901, his family moved to Beaumont and at age 17 he entered Texas A&M College. He worked on ranches in the region until 1915 when problems with Mexico erupted and he joined the Rangers and became a Scout for the 3rd U.S. Cavalry in Hidalgo & Cameron Counties. During WWI, he became a 2nd Lt. in the 9th Texas Infantry and after the war was Deputy Sheriff & Justice of the Peace in Mirando City. In 1927, he was appointed Capt. of Company D, Texas Rangers and was almost immediately sent to quell the lawlessness in the oil boom town of Borger. At about the same time, the famous sculptor Gutzon Borglum (famous for Mt. Rushmore) used Mr. Sterling as the model for his Texas Ranger statue. In 1931 he was appointed adjutant general (Commander) of the Texas Rangers and the Texas National Guard in which capacity he served until 1933 at which time he resigned and re-entered the Army. He served as a Colonel during WWII and was discharged in 1944. He later managed ranches in South Texas. Mr. Sterling authored a book Trails and Trials of a Texas Ranger in 1959. He died April 1960. Accompanied by a 3-pg letter from Winchester historian & author George Madis wherein he verifies the technical information about this rifle. Also accompanying is a collection card from the famous Charles Schriner III Collection of Mountain Home, TX (the YO Ranch) which states that he purchased this rifle from the Tom Kielman auction Dec 6, 1986. Also accompanied by letters of correspondence to and from Mr. Sterling. In addition, there is a copy of a letter from Mr. Sterling to Charles Schriner, III dated July 24, 1957 which addresses a firearm stating “it was good to hear from you, and to know that you have my old pistol. I was a pall bearer at my late comrades funeral and a few days ago I called on Mrs. Hamer in Austin. She did not know anything about the wooden handled six shooter”. Apparently, a reference to a revolver he had obtained from the very famous Ranger Frank Hamer. He also references his book which relates the history of that gun, from which he had cut away part of the trigger guard and altered it in other ways. Additionally accompanying is a volume of letters, papers & newspaper articles about Mr. Sterling. PROVENANCE: Tom Kielman Estate; Charles Schriner III Collection. CONDITION: About good. Bbl retains about 70% dull orig blue with a cleaned area of storage rust & fine pitting about mid-point on the left side. Receiver retains about 30% thin orig blue with the balance mottled silver/grey patina with some age spotting. Magazine box & lever are matching patina. Wood is sound with numerous nicks & dings, with traces of orig finish & shows a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine. Strong dark bore. 50186-11 JR215 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 2040

Click here to view provenance

*FINE DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1895 LEVER ACTION RIFLE WITH RARE CHEEKPIECE.

SN 28060. Cal. 30 US (30-40 Krag). Beautiful deluxe rifle with 28″ tapered rnd bbl, “certifiable antique ivory” bead, Lyman front sight blade in a pedestal, semi-buckhorn rear sight & Lyman No. 20 receiver sight with platinum inserts and combination aperture. Mounted with about 3X American walnut with H-style checkered, black insert, Schnable tip forearm & straight stock with Winchester embossed hard rubber buttplate. Left side of buttstock has a typical deep Winchester cheekpiece. Top tang channel of the buttstock is marked with the number “11091” which maybe an assembly number or a SN from another rifle. Left side of lower tang is unmarked. Rear face of buttstock is hand-carved with the initials “MLA”. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in Cal. 30, received in warehouse Oct 16, 1900 and shipped 2 days later to order number 74955. There is no mention of the deluxe features or special sights. Also accompanied by a 3-pg letter from Winchester author & historian George Madis, wherein he authenticates this rifle. This rifle in this Cal. was a very popular for hunting throughout the U.S. and around the world. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains 95-97% strong orig blue with some minor losses and a couple spots of very fine surface pitting. Receiver retains about 88-90% orig blue, strong in sheltered areas showing wear at the carry point and on the right side. Magazine box & lever retain 92-93% orig blue, thin on the bottom edges. Wood is sound and retains an old restored finish. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore. 50186-8 JR212 IVORY (7,500-12,500) – Lot 2041

Click here to view provenance

*VERY RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 1895 SHORT RIFLE WITH CARBINE, FOREARM AND HANDGUARD.

SN 26990. Cal. 30-40 Krag. Standard grade rifle with special order 24″ rnd bbl, Lyman ivory bead, pedestal mounted front sight and 1800 yard carbine ladder rear sight. Cal. marking is on the bbl, under the handguard and it has a “30” stamped on the receiver ring. Mounted with nicely figured, slab sawed, uncheckered American walnut with grasping groove carbine forearm, bbl band & carbine handguard. Buttstock has straight grip with Winchester embossed hard rubber buttplate. Accompanied by Cody Firearms Museum which identifies this rifle in Cal. 30 with 24″ bbl, “carbine forearm & bbl cover”, Lyman front & carbine rear sights and rubber shotgun buttplate, received in warehouse June 26, 1900 and shipped same day to order number 61748. Also accompanied by a 3-pg letter from renowned Winchester historian & author George Madis wherein he verifies most of the above information. At the time this rifle was produced, Winchester was reportedly discouraging special orders such as found here. In over 50 years of examining Winchester rifles this is the first example of a Model 1895 “RIFLE” with carbine forearm & handguard ever encountered by this cataloger. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbl retains about 99% crisp orig blue with some fine spots of surface rust on the right side. Bbl band retains 96-98% orig blue. Receiver retains about 95% glossy orig blue with some light flaking on the top left edge and scattered light flaking on top right side. Magazine box retains about 93-95% strong orig blue with the only wear from the lever. Lever retains about 93-95% orig blue and hammer virtually all of its orig case colors. Trigger plate also retains most of its orig case colors. Wood is sound with 1 or 2 small nicks and a tiny bruise in the buttstock and overall retains about 99% crisp, orig factory finish. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant shiny bore, may be unfired. 50186-9 JR214 (7,500-12,500) – Lot 2042

Click here to view provenance

*WINCHESTER MODEL 1895 TAKE-DOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE WITH HISTORY TO RENOWN ACTOR TOM SELLECK’S COLLECTION.

SN 418089. Cal. 30-06. Standard grade rifle with 24″ tapered rnd bbl, pedestal front sight with screw & flat top sporting rear sight. Rifle is take-down configuration and is mounted with nicely figured, uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with black insert, Schnable tip forearm & straight stock with crescent butt. This rifle was consigned by Mr. Selleck to the Julia Auction Company in 2005. Mr. Selleck was thinning down items surplus to his collection at that time. PROVENANCE: Tom Selleck Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, has been fired, but very little. Bbl retains 98-99% strong bright orig blue. Receiver retains 88-90% strong bright orig blue with a spot of flaking on the left side and fine flaking on the right side with a series of small chemical spots down the right side. Magazine box & lever retain about 95% strong, bright, orig blue while the buttplate is flaked to a light patina. Bbl extension retains traces of orig blue being mostly a medium brown patina. Lever & hammer retain strong bright blue. Wood is sound with usual light handling & storage marks with a small bruise on the forearm and retains most of its strong bright orig factory varnish showing some flaking on the forearm. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 50186-10 JR213 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 2043

Click here to view provenance

SCARCE WINCHESTER MODEL 1887 LEVER ACTION SHOTGUN.

SN 43950. Cal. 10 GA. Fine early shotgun with 30″ rnd steel bbl & half-magazine. Left side of receiver has the intertwined “WRACo” trademark. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with smooth side panels on the bbl & magazine tube and rnd knob pistol grip stock with checkered steel buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this shotgun in 10 GA with 30″ bbl, received in warehouse Apr 28, 1892 and shipped Oct 26, 1892. Also accompanied by a 2-pg letter from Winchester author and historian George Madis wherein he authenticates the originality of the shotgun. There were about 65,000 of these shotguns produced 1887-1901. They were one of the most reliable repeating shotguns of their day and were very popular with sportsmen and especially bank, coach & mine guards. They are often found with cut bbls or altered in other ways. Rarely are they found completely orig. These shotguns were also popular with modern day movie personalities, especially Arnold Schwarzenegger in his “TERMINATOR” movies. A Model 1887 was also used by one of the supporting actors in Tom Selleck’s movie “Monte Walsh”. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains about 96-97% strong orig blue with fine rust around the muzzle. Magazine tube retains 88-90% strong orig blue showing wear on the bottom at the carry point. Receiver retains about 90% orig case colors, bright and strong on the sides, moderately faded over the top & bottom, turning silver on top tang and bottom front edge. Lever has strong case colors on the sides, faded on outer faces. Breech block and hammer retain brilliant case colors. Stock has a gouge near the toe, otherwise wood is sound with light nicks & scratches and retains most of its orig oil finish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with scattered pitting. 50186-3 JR210 (4,500-7,500) – Lot 2044

Click here to view provenance

WINCHESTER MODEL 1887 LEVER ACTION SHOTGUN.

SN 27132. Cal 12 ga. Scarce Winchester shotgun with 30″ steel bbl, half-magazine and single silver bead front sight. Receiver is color case hardened with the Winchester “W R A Co” trademark on the left side. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut, with forearm side panels and round knob pistol grip stock that has checkered steel shotgun buttplate. There were about 64,855 shotguns of this model produced 1887-1901 in both 10 and 12 ga. They were quite popular on the American frontier with citizens of all walks of life, but especially law enforcement and bank & coach guards. They usually saw very hard service and are rarely found today with high orig finish, often with shortened bbl. This model is also very popular today, having appeared in several different movies especially those by Arnold Schwarzenegger. They are also very popular with Cowboy Action shooters. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, no disassembly was effected to check for matching numbers. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 95% of slightly dull blue finish. Receiver retains 70-75% moderately faded case colors, stronger on left side and bottom tang. Lever retains dark case colors. Wood is sound with nicks & dings and shows about 90% orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp. Very bright shiny bore. 49958-39 JR48 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 2045

WINCHESTER MODEL 1901 LEVER ACTION SHOTGUN.

SN 73732. Cal. 10 ga. Standard grade shotgun with 32″ steel full choke bbl, half-magazine and single brass bead. Mounted with after market checkered, straight grain American walnut with rnd knob pistol grip stock and added solid red Winchester pad. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were 13,500 of these sturdy shotguns produced 1901-1920. This model was only made in 10 ga. It was a slightly improved version of the earlier Model 1887 and was quite popular with law enforcement, bank & coach guards who usually cut the bbls to a manageable length. They were also popular with waterfowl and market hunters and as such usually saw hard service often in salt water conditions and are rarely found today in orig configuration with orig finish. These shotguns were also popular with the movie industry having appeared in several films with Arnold Schwarznegger and others. PROVENANCE: Paul Tudor Jones II Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. No disassembly was effected to check for matching SNs. Bbl & magazine tube retain 97-98% strong orig blue with slight muzzle end wear and couple of minor nicks. Receiver also retains about 98% orig finish with sharp edge wear. The wood has been after market checkered with a few bruises, nicks & scratches and retains about 90% strong orig varnish. Pad is added. Mechanics are crisp. Very bright shiny bore. 49941-35 JR65 (2,500-4,000) – Lot 2046

RARE DELUXE WINCHESTER HIGH WALL SINGLE SHOT TARGET RIFLE.

SN 46225. Cal. 32-40. Very rare high wall with 30″ #3 weight oct to rnd bbl with windage adjustable globe front sight, semi-buckhorn rear sight & rare Soule windage adjustable mid-range Vernier tang sight with 3″ staff. Wood is very highly figured, center crotch, flame grain 3-4X American walnut with black insert, Schnable tip “H” style checkered forearm & black insert pistol grip stock with heavy cheek piece & brass Swiss buttplate that was originally nickel finish. Receiver has sgl-set trigger. Left side & lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly No. “8888”, “XXX” & “SBC”. Matching assembly No. is also found in top tang channel of buttstock & inside toe of buttplate. The entire rifle has a heavy coating of old dried oil or wax. This rifle was produced about 1890. PROVENANCE: Pierre Renaud Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Bbl retains 96-97% strong bright orig blue with a small scrape on the bottom just forward of the forearm. Receiver retains virtually all of its orig case colors, slightly faded , brilliant elsewhere. Wood is sound with a series of small dings on the buttstock, otherwise retains most of its orig varnish with some slight staining around the wrist. Mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with light to moderate pitting. 50186-2 JR221 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 2047

Click here to view provenance

RARE DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1885 LOW WALL SINGLE SHOT TARGET RIFLE.

SN 42031. Cal. 22 LR. Rare low wall with 27-5/8″ #2 weight oct to rnd bbl, windgauge globe front sight, no rear seat & vernier tang sight with 3″ staff. Mounted with very highly figured, at least 3-X with H-style checkered, black insert, Schnable tip forearm & black insert, serpentine grip buttstock with deep cheekpiece & nickeled brass Swiss buttplate. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number “3060”, “XXX” & “SBC”. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside buttplate. Inside buttplate is also hand-scratched “BILL SMALLMAN MALONE, NY”. Bbl has the usual 2-line Winchester address on the top flat with the Cal. “22 Long”. Bbl is relined and rechambered to 22 “Long Rifle” and is marked on the bottom right flat, under the forearm “REBORED & RIF’L’D BY J.STEPHENS A & T, CO, CHIOPEE FALLS, MASS”. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum records office worksheet which identifies this rifle in Cal. 22L, 28″ #2 1/2 oct bbl, plain trigger with checkered pistol grip stock, Swiss butt with cheekpiece, no rear seat with mid-range vernier & windgauge sights received in warehouse Sept 5 1890 and shipped same day to order number 16125. Undoubtedly, this was someone’s prized target rifle which had an eroded bore necessitating the re-lining and re-boring. Although there were almost 140,000 Model 1885 rifles produced, extremely few deluxe low wall examples are known and of those few retain orig configuration or high orig finish. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, all matching, forearm is unnumbered but is absolutely matching in color, condition & wood grain. Bbl, as noted, retains about all of a restored finish, probably accomplished at the time of re-boring. Receiver, breechblock, hammer & lever retain virtually all of their orig strong case colors, moderately faded. Wood is sound with a few minor nicks & dings and retains virtually all of its brilliant orig piano varnish finish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore that needs a good cleaning. 49854-1 JR88 (5,500-8,500) – Lot 2048

Click here to view provenance

RARE ENGRAVED DELUXE MARLIN MODEL 1881 MEDIUM FRAME LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 12802. Cal. 45-70. A previous consignor stated that there are only two medium frame Model 1881’s known in caliber 45-70. Both, including this one, are listed as caliber 40-60. However, consignor states that careful measuring of the bbl on this rifle by a qualified gunsmith disclosed that this bbl is not from a heavy frame rifle, as the threads & bbl size are far too small to fit the larger frame and the bbl has not been cut and set back. This is a fine deluxe Marlin with “light” receiver that measures 1.032″ thick vs. the 1.140″ of a “heavy” receiver. It has 28″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight with screw and semi-buckhorn rear sight, missing elevator. Mounted with nicely figured, streaky, checkered, American walnut with style “B” checkering & pistol grip stock with serpentine grip cap & smooth, steel, semi-crescent buttplate. Receiver is nicely engraved by Conrad Ulrich with the vignette of a walking bull elk on left side and a grizzly bear on right side. Both vignettes are surrounded by foliate arabesque patterns that have fine pearled background. It has dbl set triggers, missing the adjustment screw. This rifle will letter with 28″ bbl, S.L. trigger, & pistol grip stock, shipped May 26, 1886. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain a smooth, even, plum-brown patina with some thinning on magazine tube. Receiver retains silvered case colors turning gray on top & bottom and on lever. Forearm has a couple of cracks near receiver and stock a crack on right side of wrist with another back of top tang, missing a small piece by the top tang and overall has usual handling & use marks with forearm showing heavy wear & buttstock moderate wear. Forearm retains a hand worn patina while buttstock retains most of an old restored finish. Mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with scattered fine pitting in grooves. 49450-21 (9,000-11,000) – Lot 2049

VERY RARE DELUXE ENGRAVED MARLIN MODEL 1881 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 10352. Cal. 40-60. A previous consignor states that this rifle was owned & used by Floyd Marriott, a vigilante in the California gold fields in the 1880’s and 1890’s. He stated that Marriott was known to not have worn a hood during his vigilante activities and was later exiled to a foreign country in his old age, similar to what was done for Granville Stewart of Montana, also a famous vigilante. Model 1881 rifles are scarce to start out with, deluxe rifles are even more scarce and an engraved deluxe with extra length heavy bbl is most scarce. This fine rifle has an additional feature of the very rare 30″ extra heavy bbl with magazine tube 2″ shorter than the bbl, from the factory. It has a modified Lyman hunting front sight, missing the ivory bead and a Winchester “1876” marked ladder rear sight. Mounted with very highly figured, early style checkered European walnut with straight stock & semi-crescent, smooth steel buttplate. Receiver is very nicely engraved, by Conrad Ulrich with the vignette of a running elk on left side, a grizzly bear on right side and a tiny elk head on the top of bolt. Vignettes are all surrounded by very well executed foliate arabesque patterns with shaded background. This rifle will letter in caliber 40-60 with 30″ oct bbl, shipped March 31, 1885. CONDITION: About fine. No orig finish remains being a light gray/brown patina over all metal surfaces with scattered spots of light surface discoloration. Engraving is sharp & clear with good, fine detail remaining. Stock has a chip out of comb with a long scratch over the forearm with other light to moderate nicks & scratches showing moderate to heavy wear. Forearm is a smooth, hand worn patina while the buttstock retains 75-80% orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, strong bright bore with some frosting in grooves. 49450-22 (8,000-10,000) – Lot 2050

EXTREMELY RARE DELUXE MARLIN MODEL 1888 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 26061. Cal. 32 WCF (32-20) Exceptionally rare Marlin rifle with 26″ oct to rnd bbl, half magazine, slightly damaged standard front sight and orig v-notch rear sight. Top flat of bbl has standard roll marking with patent date Oct. 11, 1887. Mounted with B-style checkered, very nicely figured, flame-grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate. Left side of upper tang, under the wood is marked with the matching SN which is also found on right front face of buttstock. Buttplate is unnumbered. According to Marlin Firearms, Brophy, there were a total of 4,814 Model 1880 rifles in three calibers produced in the period 1888-1892; however, only 4 were assembled after 1889. Of the grand total noted here only 23 had oct to rnd bbl. There is no indication of how many were made with deluxe checkered wood, but a reasonable assumption is that extremely few were so ordered making this one of the most rare of all Marlin rifles. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter listing the rifle in 32 cal. with special order 1/2 octagon bbl and half magazine, shipped Aug. 9, 1889. PROVENANCE: William “Pete” Harvey. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching except buttplate which is unnumbered. Bbl and magazine tube retain 94-95% strong orig blue with some scattered fine surface etching. Receiver retains about 93-95% glossy orig blue, also with some minor light surface etching. Hammer retains dark case colors and the lever faded case colors on sides, turning silver on outer faces. Buttplate is mostly a silver gray patina. Wood is sound with a few minor nicks and scratches with the buttstock retaining an exceptional restored finish. Forearm retains about 96-97% bright orig finish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 49877-1 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 2051

Click here to view provenance

RARE DELUXE ENGRAVED MARLIN MODEL 1889 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 64523. Cal. 38 WCF (38-40). Beautiful deluxe Marlin with 24″ oct bbl, 3/4 magazine, nickel silver Rocky Mountain front sight & long semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with very highly figured, center crotch, flame & shell grain B-style checkered American walnut with serpentine grip, buttstock & crescent buttplate. Receiver is color case hardened and engraved by Conrad Ulrich on modified number one-style which consists of the vignette of a standing white-tail buck in a very detailed meadow scene surrounded by fine foliate arabesque patterns with shaded background. Left side is completely bordered by wavelet or latch hook patterns. Right side is engraved to match with matching foliate arabesque patterns and borders with light foliate arabesque patterns on side of the bolt. Light patterns of matching engraving also extend over the top of the receiver, top tang & bottom of the receiver. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in Cal. 38 with 28″ half-octagon bbl, half-magazine & pistol grip stock shipped Jan 25, 1892. Rifle was apparently returned to the factory for the new bbl & magazine tube. There were only about 39,000 Model 1889 Marlins produced, 1889-1899 in 3 Calibers, both deluxe and standard grade. Few survive today in any configuration or condition. Pictured on page 172 in Marlin Firearms book by Brophy. CONDITION: Very fine plus. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 98% crisp orig blue with only very faint sharp edge wear. Receiver retains about 75% faded case colors, turned silver on the bottom. Hammer retains bright case colors. Lever & buttplate retain faded case colors, turned silver on outer faces of lever. Wood has a couple of grain checks in the left side of the buttstock, otherwise it is sound with most of a fine restored finish. Crisp mechanics, brilliant shiny bore. 50178-2 (12,500-22,500) – Lot 2052

Click here to view provenance

*RARE DELUXE ENGRAVED MARLIN MODEL 336A LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN M7005. Cal. 30-30. Fine deluxe rifle with 21″ rd bbl, 2/3 magazine, ramp mounted white bead front sight & folding rear sight. Mounted with very nicely figured flame & shell grain American walnut with A-style checkered forearm & white line capped pistol grip stock with cheekpiece & “Marlin” embossed white line black composition buttplate. Bottom of stock has the “Marlin bullseye” and the buttstock & forend cap have sling studs. Receiver is beautifully engraved in foliate & floral arabesque patterns with about full coverage on both sides. Trigger is gold-plated & the hammer has a JM gold lettered Marlin extension. Everything about this rifle appears to be correct except for the bbl length. The model was produced as either 24″ rifle or a 20″ carbine & this one’s barrel measures 21″. Wood is correct proportions for a deluxe model 336A which, according to Marlin Firearms, Brophy, was supplied by the Bishop Gunstock Company. Speculation by this cataloger is that this rifle was probably created at the factory by an employee or as a special presentation. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Overall retains 99%+ fine factory style finish to both metal & wood. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant shiny bore, appears to be new & unfired. 50178-9 (4,000-7,500) – Lot 2053

FINE TURNBULL RESTORED DELUXE BULLARD MODEL 1886 LARGE FRAME LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 154. Cal. 40-75 Bullard or 40-60 Winchester. Beautiful deluxe rifle with rare 24″ oct to rd bbl, half-magazine, replacement front sight with screw, slot blank and rear seat and early style Lyman combination tang sight with spiral kenurled bbl, missing its small articulated aperture. Mounted with beautiful center crotch, flame grain American walnut with deluxe checkered forearm & serpentine grip buttstock that has the Bullard hard rubber buttplate with the center vignette of a bull elk. The Bullard rifle was the finest, best-made lever action rifle of its day, incorporating a rack & pinion system for opening & closing the lever which made for an extremely strong & smooth operation. It also created an extra long action. The Bullard Co. produced about 10,000-12,000 arms in the period 1886-1890 in a variety of calibers & styles, both standard & deluxe versions. Unfortunately the Bullard Company was unable to survive the stiff competition from both Winchester & Marlin. They were more expensive and initially were chambered only in proprietary Bullard cartridges which were mostly unavailable on the common market. Sadly the company failed and no one picked up the patents leaving the collecting fraternity with only a few survivors. CONDITION: Rifle was restored by the famous restoration artist Doug Turnbull in Dec 1992. Very fine, appears to be unfired. Bbl, magazine tube, breechblock & dust cover retain virtually all of their fine blue. Receiver, lever & hammer retain bright case colors, brilliant around the ejection port. Wood is sound with a couple of minor grain checks & retains virtually all of its finish. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant shiny bore. 50234-3 (17,500-27,500) – Lot 2054

EXTREMELY RARE ONE OF A KIND SPENCER/BANNERMAN PUMP ACTION SPORTING RIFLE.

SN NSN. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Wonderful, light, fast acting slide action rifle with 24″ oct bbl, full magazine, half-nickel front sight & flat top rear sight. Magazine has 2-bands. Mounted with nicely figured American walnut with rd 5″ long, diamond checkered forearm that resembles the model 1896 style. Buttstock has a long, checkered Prince of Wales style grip & crescent rifle buttplate. Receiver is a down-scaled version of the Spencer pump shotgun patented by Christopher Spencer in 1882. Magazine can only be loaded with the breech open and loads from the bottom. Receiver is very nicely engraved in period script “F. Bannerman / Manufacturer / N.Y. City. U.S.A.” on the left side and “Patented, April, 1882” on the right. Both sides have light engraved foliate arabesque scrolls & a scalloped border around the rear edge with an engraved zig-zag rosette around the screw holes & around the right sideplate. Top of the receiver, top tang, bottom tang, trigger guard & bottom of the receiver are engraved to match. The 2-slide bars also have very light engraved flourishes on the front ends. It is believed that this rifle was produced in March 1893 for the Chicago World Expo. Christopher Spencer owned the Spencer Repeating Firearms Company from about 1860 until the company fell on hard times & was acquired by Francis Bannerman in 1890. Mr. Bannerman packed the company’s entire manufacturing operation & moved it to Brooklyn, N.Y. and by the fall of 1890, was producing shotguns called the Model 1890. They remained in business under the Bannerman name until 1902 when they ceased production to devote more time to the more lucrative surplus military goods business. It was during that time in the 1890s that this rifle was produced as an experimental or prototype but never went into production. This rifle is pictured on pgs 308-309 of Spencer Repeating Firearms, Marcot. In the write up about this rifle, Mr. Marcot theorizes that this rifle was an attempt to produce a competitive rifle for the Winchester model 1890. CONDITION: Very good. Bbl retains about 80-90% strong orig brown finish with scattered, fine surface etching. Magazine tube retains most of its orig blue, a little thin on the outer radius. Receiver retains most of its orig case colors, moderately faded. Slide bars are a grey metal patina as is the buttplate & trigger guard. Wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches with the buttstock showing an old restored finish. Forearm has a small repair in the bottom rear edge, otherwise is a hand-worn patina. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore. 50230-1 JR226 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 2055

RARE, HIGH QUALITY WESSON FIREARMS CO (FRANK WESSON) DOUBLE PERCUSSION SHOTGUN.

SN NSN. Cal. 12 ga. Frank Wesson, brother to Daniel and Edwin, and uncle to Edward, made military and sporting guns in Worcester, Mass, later Springfield, and is the inventor and maker of the “2-trigger” single shots, and producer of fine quality falling block target rifles. This unusual high quality shotgun was most likely made in the early 1870’s when Wesson Firearms Co. moved to Springfield, Mass. It has 28″ bbls of fine Bernard Damascus with “WESSON FIREARMS CO SPRINGFIELD MASS” engraved on rib. Patent breeches have silver blow-outs. Front action locks are mounted with tall, round bodied, serpentine hammers with tall, checkered spurs. Trigger plate has stylized pineapple finial which matches thimble. Locks and all metal parts are engraved with near full coverage of exceptionally well cut, large, open, shaded scroll with punch-dot background in the style of noted Colt engraver, Gustav Young, who was based in Hartford, CT, (30 miles downriver from Springfield). Lightly fiddle figured American walnut stock is fitted with engraved steel buttplate with short spur. There are small drop points behind lockplates, and flat top point pattern checkering is at grip and forend. Stock attaches to bbl with captive side nail which slides through and is flush fitted into engraved steel escutcheons. A single beaded pipe on bbl holds nicely figured fruitwood ramrod with brass tip and tail which has worm under cap. PROVENANCE: Paul Tudor Jones II Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbls retain most of their orig brown finish with dramatic pattern. Other metal parts retain traces of their orig case hardening color which doesn’t appear to have ever been strong. Stock retains most of what appears to be its orig finish with some oil added in over the years for maintenance, with a number of knocks and scratches. Checkering is somewhat worn and dirty, with some heavy marks on right portion of forend. Bores are excellent. Locks are crisp. An historically important American shotgun. 49941-24 MGM175 (6,000-8,000) – Lot 2056

IMPORTANT FINELY ENGRAVED REMINGTON NUMBER “2” ROLLING BLOCK SHOTGUN WITH RELIEF CARVED STOCK, OWNED BY SAMUEL REMINGTON, SON OF ELIPHALET REMINGTON.

SN NSN. Cal. 16 ga. 2-1/2″ Chamber. 32″ Bernard Damascus steel bbl is gold inlaid “E Remington & Sons Ilion New-York, U.S.A.” on full length flat rib. Bottom bbl is affixed with another rib in the manner of guns and rifles of the percussion era, mounted with two plain pipes holding ebony ramrod with bulbous German silver head and tail with removable cap. Rear portion of bbl is stamped with Belgian proofs. Slim, case hardened, no. 2 rolling block action with distinctive shaped back, and absence of pin retaining saddle, is marked “REMINGTON’S ILION. N.Y. U.S.A.” and with 1864 and 1866 patent dates on top tang. A crowned “V” proof is behind hammer. Action is finely engraved with sprays of scroll surrounding nicely detailed hunting scenes on each side. A pair of pointers pointing and honoring a pheasant flushing over rail fence, is on left side; and it appears that the same dogs are chasing after a rabbit, on right. Top of action is emblazoned with heraldic American eagle with a shield and “E Pluribus Unum” banner. A small circular stamp around a “G” bridges the joint between bbl and nicely filed transition to action. Trigger guard portrays fine rendition of side-on stag browsing on tree branch. Plain American walnut straight grip buttstock is fitted with trap steel buttplate with medium top spur. Some cleaning equipment is in recesses under cover. There is some mother-of-pearl inlay on rear of comb line. Left side of buttstock is fully relief carved. It is obvious that the carver was familiar with similar ornamentation found on elaborate German Schuetzen Target Rifles, this carving, however, distinctively American and in a most wonderful folksy manner; It depicts a Frontiersman in buckskins shooting a running stag. This carving flanks small cheekpiece, which is further embellished with full relief scrolling tendrils with punch-stippled background. In place of checkering there is some more stippled decoration surrounding foliate scroll on left, and a rectangular area on right of stippling outlining “Mohawk” in old English script. The Mohawk river valley was the site of the Remington Mansion and its possible it may have been referred to as “Mohawk”. It is known that Remington built an extraordinary mansion in this region purposefully to impress Russian royalty who were customers. Of course the Remington factory was also located in this region. Right rear of butt is decorated with the stippled monogram “SR” for Samuel Remington who was son of Eliphalet. Matching forend with engraved steel thimble, attaches to bbl with side nail through oval steel escutcheons, and is embellished with more relief carved scroll and trailing flowers, which have mother-of-pearl centers. Bore diameter: .670. Bore restrictions: .000 (cylinder), Drop at heel: 2-7/8″, drop at comb: 2-11/16″. Weight: 6 lbs. 3 oz. Samuel Remington was E.R. & S’s highly successful and influential foreign sales agent. It is most probable that this highly ornamented sporting gun was created by the Nagant brothers, Remington licensee in Liege Belgium, as a token of their esteem. PROVENANCE: Paul Tudor Jones II Collection. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine. Bbl retains nearly all of its dramatic brown finish with excellent definition to pattern. Action has only high edge wear to its lovely orig case hardening color, tangs slightly faded and silvered. Stocks retain nearly all of their orig finish with some light marks and scratches, and a couple of fairly deep scratches on cheekpiece. Carving has a fine hand worn brightness. Bore is excellent. Action is crisp. 49941-43 MGM178 (10,000-20,000) – Lot 2057

LOT OF 2 REMINGTON ROLLINGBLOCK RIFLES FROM THE REMINGTON REFERENCE COLLECTION.

SN 10. 1) Cal. 50 RF. Rare prototype or bench model military rifle with 39″ rnd bbl, square base front sight/bayonet lug and rifle ladder rear sight graduated to 900-yds with a broken left arm, missing the slide. Receiver is marked “REMINGTON & SON’S / ILION, N.Y / PATd / DEC. 8. 1863” with 1864 & 1865 patent dates below. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with full length forearm that has steel nosecap and 3 bands with slotted head ramrod in open channel in the bottom. Middle band has a sling loop with corresponding sling loop in front of trigger guard. Buttstock has a small brass plate tacked to the bottom which bears the no. “66” and has usual carbine/musket buttplate stamped “US” on the tang and with a trap containing a long bristle bore brush. Right side of receiver and top tang has the electric pencil no. “114321142” which appears to be someone’s Social Security Number. All visible parts, including receiver, breechblock, hammer, bbl, trigger guard, buttstock, forearm in several places, bbl bands & nosecap are marked with a small “10”. Rear sight is unmarked, however, there is a small “28” stamped just forward of the rear sight. No disassembly was effected to check for other matching numbers. Accompanied by a copy of the Remington Inventory of Nov 1920 which lists item #66 as “Rem. B. L. rifle, 50 R. F. cal. 39″ bbl” and further shows “Case 21. 12-4”. Remington produced an excess of 1,000,000 of these large frame Rollingblock rifles in a great variety of cal. and bbl lengths for both the US military and numerous foreign governments. They were introduced in 1868 and discontinued in 1888. 2) NSN. Cal. 7 MM Mauser. No.1 RollingBlock rifle with 30″ rnd bbl, tall barleycorn front sight & ski jump rear sight graduated to 2100-yds. Top of bbl is marked “CAL. 7 M. M.”. Top tang is marked in 3-lines with the standard Remington markings. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with full length forearm, 2 bands & slotted head ramrod. Buttstock has straight grip with carbine/musket buttplate. Front band/bayonet lug has a sling loop with corresponding sling loop in buttstock. Bottom of the buttstock, just below the sling base has a rectangular brass tag attached stamped “616”. This is the exact type of brass tag installed by Remington in their reference collection. This is the type of Rollingblock rifle sold to Mexico and a number of other foreign militaries. It is well documented that in the late 1940s, early 1950s Remington deaccessioned quite a number of firearms from their reference collection to renowned dealer/collector Herb Glass. Another interesting thing to note about this pair of guns is that in the inventory listing, #66 is the very first Rolling Block and #616 is the very last Rolling Block listed. CONDITION: 1). Very fine, all matching. Bbl retains about 95% glossy orig blue with light, fine surface rust. Receiver retains most of its orig case colors, moderately to heavily faded. Breechblock, hammer & trigger guard have mostly faded to silver. Buttplate retains about 80% dull blue. Wood is sound with a series of dings on left side of buttstock with other light handling and storage marks and retains about 85-90% orig oil finish. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore. 2) Extremely fine plus. Overall retains 99% plus crisp orig factory finish with bright blues and brilliant case colors. Stock has a couple of small gouges, otherwise wood is sound with a very few, very small mars to the surface and overall retains virtually all of its crisp orig oil finish. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant shiny bore, appears to be new and unfired indicative of a Remington reference collection gun. 49568-1 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 2058

Click here to view provenance

RARE REMINGTON ZOUAVE ROLLING BLOCK CONVERSION.

SN 102. Cal. 58 CF. SN 102. This rare rifle, one of possibly only two known, certainly few were ever made. It was made by Remington in 1867 from leftover Zouave rifles & was likely not acceptable to the military due to the heavy caliber, especially since the lighter 50-70 caliber was already in production. This rifle was one of two in the Remington Factory Museum & was de-accessioned in the 1940’s to reduce the size of the collection. It is described as having the orig Zouave bbl, 32-1/4″ long, with saber bayonet lug on right side, orig front sight & 2-leaf, 3-position rear sight with orig Zouave brass furniture consisting of a nosecap, two bands, buttplate & small patchbox. Recess under patchbox has hole for spare nipple. It has a regular rnd top rolling block action with a sling loop in front web of trigger guard. The number “102” is stamped in the stock on bottom left front side of wrist by trigger guard. The number “175” is found on left side of top tang, under the wood and the number “23” is found on left side of butt. The number “5” is found on tang screw, which is also case colored. There are tack holes on bottom of stock, reportedly from where the brass Remington museum tag was removed. Accompanied by an orig unmarked brass handle bayonet with 20-1/8″ Yaghtahan blade with a small “H” inspector mark on handguard and a “B.H.” on back of grip. It has its fine orig brass & leather scabbard. PROVENANCE: The William Smith Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbl retains about all of its glossy, bright, orig blue with some slight bayonet wear at muzzle. Receiver & trigger guard retain virtually all of their brilliant, orig case colors. Breechblock & hammer are in the white. Wood is sound with a series of small dings on forestock & light handling & storage marks on buttstock. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. Bayonet is very fine to extremely fine. Blade is bright with light surface discoloration, mostly on left side. Handle is clean. Scabbard is slightly crackled. 49953-15 (7,000-10,000) – Lot 2059

RARE SHARPS #1 CREEDMOOR LONG RANGE TARGET RIFLE.

SN C54117. Cal. 44-90 2-5/8 BN. Rare Sharps with 32″ mid-weight oct bbl, spirit level windgage front sight, no rear seat & long range vernier rear sight base with the number “54220” on left side of base. The 5-1/2″ staff is a reproduction and is not fitted with detent slot. Top flat of bbl has the 1-line Hartford address and Cal. marking that is surmounted by an “L”. Mounted with very nicely figured American walnut with checkered rnd Sharps forearm that has pewter tip, a checkered pistol grip buttstock with hard rubber grip cap & smooth steel shotgun buttplate. Accompanied by a Sharps records letter over the signature of Dr. Richard J. Labowskie, owner of the records, which shows that this rifle, noted as SN “154117”, is listed in the order book as a “Creedmoor Rifle” and was invoiced to John P. Moore’s Sons, New York City. The record shows that it was a 44 Cal. with 32″ oct bbl, single-trigger, “graduated” (assumed to be an early misnomer for vernier) and windgauge sights. The letter also states that the Creedmoor Rifle designation is actually not in the record but the price of $125 clearly indicates that it was the #1, or highest grade. This rifle was in a shipment of three Creedmoor rifles. The letter also states that John P. Moore’s Sons received 19 of the first 20 Creedmoor rifles shipped from the Sharps factory in 1874. The very first Creedmoor rifles were invoiced on March 16, 1874 and the letter states that this rifle constituted the second group. According to the book Sharps Firearms, Sellers, there were 134 of these rifles produced March 1874 – Dec 1875. These rare rifles acquitted themselves very well in long range shooting both in the U.S. and abroad, used by many winning U.S. teams. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, all matching except tang sight as noted above, including receiver, bbl, lockplate, trigger plate, buttstock & forearm. Bbl retains about 90% strong orig blue with some light surface roughness about a foot from the muzzle and showing light sharp edge wear. Receiver retains faint case colors on the left side with the balance a mottled silver/brown patina. Lever is matching patina. Lockplate retains traces of dark case colors under the hammer, otherwise is also matching patina. Wood is sound with light nicks & scratches and a small grain check near the left heel with the buttstock retaining about 85% orig varnish and the forearm about 70% orig varnish. 49705-1 (17,500-27,500) – Lot 2060

Click here to view provenance

RARE SHARPS MID-RANGE #1 SINGLE SHOT TARGET RIFLE.

SN 158362. Cal. 40-50. Sharps Bottleneck. Rare target rifle with medium weight 28″ oct bbl and equally rare 31-5/8″ Malcolm scope in target mounts in the front & rear dovetails. Top flat of the bbl has the “Old Reliable” and “Bridgeport” markings forward of the rear seat. Caliber marking is stamped over the chamber area and cartridge length “1-11/16″ on right side flat. Single trigger is checkered and top tang has a matching numbered vernier sight base with screw, missing the staff. All accessible parts are matching numbered including receiver, lockplate, trigger plate, buttstock, buttplate, bbl & forearm which has last four digits of matching number in pencil. Mounted with very highly figured, shell grain American walnut with checkered schnable tip Sharps forearm & pistol grip stock with checkered grip cap & coarse checkered Sharps steel buttplate. Left side of the stock is inlaid with an empty, rectangular, enscalloped silver plate. In a previous sale at Julias this rifle was accompanied by a Sharps factory records letter which identified this rifle as a mid-range rifle, invoiced at the Bridgeport Factory on Sept 3, 1877 to W.W. Skiddy, President of the Stamford, CT Rifle Club. It is described as being Cal. 40, 1-11/16″ with 28” bbl, style not specified and neither is the trigger or sights, weight 9-3/4 lbs. Dr. Richard J. Labowski, current owner of the Sharps records states that since there is no price entered in the order book, he speculates that it was given to the Stamford Rifle Club as a shooting contest prize. He also states that supporting this theory is the fact that an inscription plate is noted as being installed on the buttstock. According to Sharps Firearms, Sellers there were only 66 of these rare rifles produced at Bridgeport Jan. 1876 through Nov. 1879. Standard bbl length was 30″ oct with all other features as found on this rifle standard except the bbl sights which are missing. In the remarks section, Mr. Sellers states that “20 were made with 28″ barrels”. That number apparently was extracted from the total production of both Hartford & Bridgeport rifles which came to a total of 102 rifles. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine, all matching. Bbl retains virtually all of its bright blue finish. Receiver, lock plate, hammer & trigger plate retain strong, bright orig case colors. Wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retains virtually all of its finish with sharp checkering. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant, shiny bore. Scope retains about all of its bright orig blue with the eye piece showing about all of its black oxidized silver finish. Crosshairs & optics are fine. 50234-1 (15,000-20,000) – Lot 2061

EXTREMELY RARE AND DESIRABLE SHARPS MODEL 1878 BORCHARDT EXPRESS RIFLE ONE OF ONLY THIRTY-ONE MADE.

SN 16787. Cal. 45 2 7/8 straight. 30″ medium-heavy oct bbl. Blue and case colored finish. Special design express rear sight with two leafs and platinum inserts. Long bead “Irish” patent front sight with ivory bead. Highly figured checkered American walnut stocks with pistol grip, steel pistol grip cap, and Sharps hard rubber buttplate with Sharps Rifle Co. logo. Sling swivel eyes on bbl and stock. Mounting hole on forend for palm rest. Pistol grip and forend are deeply coarse checkered in a diamond pattern. Stocks are finished with a high-gloss varnish. Bbl is serial numbered “16787” under the forend with three script inspector’s mark in front of lever spring mount. Bbl is marked on left flat “Cal. 45 2 7/8”. Bbl is finely matted on top three flats with “Old Reliable” and Sharps Rifle Co. Bridgeport. Conn. on top flat. Sharps bbl address has small scroll finials engraved on either side. Front sight is also bordered on either side by scroll engraved finials. This rifle is accompanied by a letter from Dr. R.L. Moore stating that he could not find this rifle in the records and another letter from Angus Barker of the Monarch Tool Co., Stevensville, Montana concerning this rare rifle. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl retains 90% of the original matte blue finish with only a couple of slight dents and handling marks and very slight high point and muzzle wear. Bbl matting is fine. Sights are fine. Bore is excellent with clean chamber and very strong rifling. Receiver retains 20-30% case color finish under some stain overall. Lever is a smooth gray-brown patina with traces of case color in protected areas. Trigger and safety are a plum-brown patina. Some screws are slightly marred. Large screws at rear of receiver retain a considerable amount of bright blue. Breech block is also an even silver-gray patina. Stocks are fine with almost all original varnish remaining. There are numerous handling marks and dents overall and one filled repair to the comb of buttstock. Buttplate is fine with sharp checkering and a very sharp Sharps Rifle Co. logo. Pistol grip cap is blue-brown patina. Forend has sharp checkering with a few small handling marks. A opportunity to obtain one of the rarest and most collectible of all Sharps model 1878 Borchardt rifles. 49766-1 TEP (10,000-12,000) – Lot 2062

Click here to view provenance

SCARCE STEVENS IDEAL “SCHUETZEN JUNIOR” MODEL 52 SINGLE SHOT TARGET RIFLE.

SN 10097. Cal. 32-40. Fine target rifle with 30″ about #4 weight oct to rnd bbl, windgauge globe front sight & no provision for a rear sight. Top tang has an extra hole and is mounted with a Winchester Model ’73 thin base vernier tang sight with 3″ staff. Receiver has dbl-set triggers and top flat of the bbl has the Stevens 2-line address with Cal. marking on top left flat. Mounted with very nicely figured American walnut with checkered, semi-Schnable tip forearm and serpentine grip buttstock with cheekpiece and heavy Schuetzen buttplate with medium ball-tip prongs. Receiver is beautifully etch-engraved with the vignette of a bird dog on the left side and a leaping stag on the right side, all surrounded by intertwined foliate arabesque patterns. Matching patterns extend over the top 3 flats and top rear of the receiver. It also has full loop finger lever. SN was observed in the usual place on the lower tang, bottom of the bbl with last 3 digits of matching number on rear face of forearm, in white chalk or grease pencil on rear face of buttstock & inside the buttplate. Stevens Target rifles were extremely popular around the turn of the 20th Century, winning many awards & trophies for their owners. They rarely are found today in completely orig configuration as most of the shooters of that day altered their rifles to suit their shooting style and requirements. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, all matching. Bbl retains 97-98% fine rust blue that may be an old restoration. Receiver retains about 50% faded case colors, stronger in sheltered areas, bright on sides of the lever, faded on outer faces. Buttplate retains about 80% strong orig case colors. Breech block and hammer retain most of their orig blue. Stock has a fine hairline on left side at the buttplate, otherwise the wood is sound with the buttstock retaining about 98% bright orig varnish with a couple of small bruises in the checkering on the wrist. Forearm retains about 70% orig varnish showing moderate wear on the checkering. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 50246-1 JR204 (5,500-8,500) – Lot 2063

Revised: 3/11/2016

Please Note: There are five more original cartridges that are missing their lead bullet. They are 45-70 Gallery Practice, 44 Russian Gallery Practice, 38 Gallery, 32-44 Gallery/Target and 32 Gallery.

RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 1897 DOUBLE-W CARTRIDGE BOARD.

SN 1147. This most famous of all Winchester Cartridge Boards, and the last one produced in the 19th Century shows 182 metallic cartridges plus 15 bullets, 20 shot shells and 9 primer and cap tins. The board is dark green color of dense cardboard with the center vignette the famous A. B. Frost scene showing two hunters and a bear they have apparently just dispatched. Their Winchester rifles are leaning on a log upon which one of the hunters is sitting. The left vignette is of a flying mallard drake and the right side is a bull moose head. Top center has the bright red Winchester Repeating Arms Co logo with various other advertisements and the address across the bottom. The exposed image is about 48-3/4″ x 31-1/4″ and mounted in its orig oak frame with gold gesso inner frame that measures 56″ w x 38-3/4″ h. Back of the board has its orig heavy paper covering that is completely intact showing no reattached cartridges. Center of the backing has the overlabel marked “PRESENTED WITH COMPLIMENTS / OF THE / WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / PLEASE HANG IN A PROMINENT PLACE” and has the SN stenciled below. While this model of cartridge board is a little more common than some of the early ones, it is still considered to be the most beautiful and most sought after of all the Winchester cartridge boards. Few survive today with bright orig artwork and orig color. CONDITION: The backing board is lightly covered with smoke or dust and has only a few small nicks & scratches in the finish. The lettering and central vignette are all bright and crisp. One cartridge, the 45 Sharps 2-4/10″ is missing its bullet, otherwise cartridges appear to be intact. Outer frame is also in extremely fine condition with only a few minor nicks & scratches. 50178-7 JR246 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 2064

Click here to view provenance

COLT MODEL 1883 U.S. NAVY GATLING GUN ON TRIPOD.

SN 403/37. Cal. 45-70. Fine Gatling with full shrouded 24″ 10-bbl cluster with SN and caliber on the right trunnion. Trunnions are 1-1/2″ dia. and the cascabel about 2-1/4″ dia. The front raised area of the shroud, just over the trunnions and in front of the articulated feed base is engraved “U.S. NAVY / NO. 37 / 1884” with the inspector initials “H.W.L.”. Rear part of the housing is mounted with a 3-3/4″ dia. rnd plate that has an elevation spirit level in the center and is engraved “GATLING GUN / PATENTED”. To the rear of the housing is engraved “MANUFD BY / COLTS PAT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD CONN.”. The articulated feed base is for the Accles Drum Feed. This gun has an adjustable rear sight on each side of the rear cover with a fixed front sight on each side. The crank handle is on the right side. The rear cover has an integral housing containing a horizontal spirit level. Mounted in an orig cast brass yoke with a steel arc that is attached to brackets on the bottom of the shroud and passes through the yoke, which controls the elevation and depression of the bbls. The yoke is on a pintle which fits in a bronze socket which sits atop 3 square wooden legs. Left trunnion is engraved and shows that the gun weights 205 lbs. Accompanied by 1 Accles Feed Drum. Drum is made entirely of brass and was designed to hold 104 rounds. There is no indication in available research material how many of these Gatling guns were purchased by the Navy, but it is believed they are substantially more rare than those purchased by the Army. Accompanied by a copy of a page from a log book of the USS Miantonomoh dated 12 May 1885, titled “Fore Noon Watch”. Below the 11/15 entry shows “Colts Battery Gun, Caliber 45, Serial number 403 & 37 mounted on triangular base”. The Miantonomoh of the 1885 was the second double turret Monitor warship to carry that name. The first Miantonomoh was built during the Civil War and commissioned in 1865, but in 1874 she was taken to Chester, PA ostensibly to be rebuilt. Instead, the Navy used the funds to build another ship under the same name that had heavier armor and with more speed and the orig was broken up and scrapped in 1875. CONDITION: Very fine. The brass overall shows a medium to dark mustard patina with only a few light nicks & scratches. The engraving shows light to moderate wear, probably from being polished during its service with the Navy. Tripod is fine, legs appear to be reproductions. The magazine is very fine with no apparent serious damage just a few light bumps & bruises. Mechanics are fine. Strong bright bores. NOTE: The two spare magazines pictured with this Gatling gun are being sold as the following separate lot. 49634-1 (150,000-250,000) – Lot 2065

Click here to view provenance

LOT OF TWO RARE ACCELS FEED DRUMS FOR GATLING GUNS EQUIPPED WITH THE ACCELS FEED CHUTE.

SN NSN. Cal. 45-70. Lot of two identical all brass Accels feed drums designed for the model 1883 and in use on other Gatling guns until completely replaced by the Bruce feed in 1898. Although these drums were effective feed mechanisms they were not well suited to military application. Unless they were scrupulously maintained and protected from any dents they would not feed properly. One protective transit box for the Accles feed drum is included. CONDITION: Very fine, all orig. Overall retain a medium brass patina. Mechanics are fine. Box is sound. 49634-2 JR234 (8,000-15,000) – Lot 2066

*THUNDER VALLEY ENGRAVING REPRODUCTION GATLING’S BATTERY GUN MODEL 1878.

SN 011 008 F. Cal. 45-70. Wonderful reproduction 10 barrel Gatling with 32″ bbl cluster mounted in orig type brass housing with steel frame. Trunnions are 1-1/4″ and the cascable is 2″. The articulated magazine base is for a Broadwell drum. Mounted in an iron yoke on iron furniture, all of which is mounted on an extraordinary reproduction oak carriage with correct concave, iron bound wheels that have ash spokes and an oak rim with 1/2″ thick steel outer rim. Accompanying in brackets under the trail is the iron tipped oak tiller. Top of the rear housing is fitted with a 3-1/2″ rnd plate bearing the manufacturers name & address, the date 3 June 2009, Model 1878, Caliber 45-70 Gov., made by Valley Engraving LLC and Neal E Smith Jr. Accompanied by 2 reproduction Broadwell drums, engraved on the top plate, “BROADWELL DRUM / CAPACITY 216 ROUNDS / CALIBER 45-70 GOV DATE OF MANUFACTURE 29 DEC. 2008” along with a line of Cyrillic writing. Both drums have brass and iron carrying handle on top. Few reproduction Gatling guns reach this level of sophistication or attention to detail. CONDITION: Appears to be new and unfired, retaining virtually all of its fine orig finish to both metal and wood. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore. 50197-1 JR (40,000-60,000) – Lot 2067

*THUNDER VALLEY MACHINE COMPANY REPRODUCTION MODEL 1875 GATLING GUN ON CARRIAGE.

SN 012379. Cal 45-70. Fine reproduction Gatling gun with 29-1/2″ ten-bbl cluster, mounted in a brass housing with a steel frame. The articulated cover is for gravity feed stick magazines. Gun is mounted in a cast brass yoke on a brass base which is attached to a brass bound wood carriage. The trail and most fittings are all brass. Gun has traversing mechanism with elevation screw with brass wheel. Carriage has a magazine box mounted to the axle on each side of the gun which have slots for 18 stick magazines in each box. Accompanied by 21 reproduction tinned steel and brass magazines. Carriage is on orig type concave wheels with 1/2″ thick steel rims. All the wood on the carriage is painted apple green. Magazine boxes are brass bound and are also painted the same green. Also accompanied by a 27″ long x 14″ wide x 11-1/2″ deep iron bound, hinged lid wood box that is painted olive drab. Top rear of the gun’s brass housing has a reproduction 3-3/4″ rnd brass plaque with the same markings as an orig Colt gun. Lower left side of the brass housing is cast with the lettering “Thunder Valley Mach / Clinton Ohio”. The feed cover latch is of more simple design than an orig with a simple button head spring loaded latch instead of a hook latch like the orig. This is a fine reproduction and a good representative piece for re-enactments or display. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Mechanics are fine and everything seems to function when operated by hand, but we cannot guarantee live firing. Carriage and wheels are all tight and serviceable. Bright shiny bores. 49479-6 (45,000-65,000) – Lot 2068

Click here to view provenance

SCARCE AINSWORTH INSPECTED COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 12826. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue and color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line script letter address with Serifs. Left side of frame has 2-line patent dates and a small “U.S.”. Mounted with an oil finished 1-pc walnut grip that has a legible “OWA” (Orville W. Ainsworth) inspector cartouche on the left side. Various parts have other small inspector initials. Backstrap channel of grip has last four digits of matching SN. Ejector housing is first type with bullseye ejector rod head and base pin is orig type with dimpled ends. Ejector rod housing is beveled as in later production while the toe of the buttstrap remains sharp, cyl also has sharp front edge with small bevels in the flute and has large stop notches with short approaches. This revolver appears to have been part of a lot of about 2000 revolvers shipped to the State of Virginia Militia which were almost immediately sold to a civilian dealer in New York, Hermann Bouker while still in new unissued condition. Mr. Bouker sold large quantities of them on the open market, some of which he had nickle plated and others he apparently sold back to Colt where the majority of them were nickle plated and had varnish grips added. Accompanied by a 2-pg letter from renowned Colt authority, author, historian and collector, John Kopec wherein he corroborates most of the above information and states that in his opinion this is one of the “surplus” Virginia revolvers which were sold to the public. Mr. Kopec also states that this may be one of the finest Ainsworth inspected Colts in existence. He states that in his opinion, this revolver is “in the upper 2% of existing Ainsworth Cavalry revolvers in collections today”. PROVENANCE: The Collection of Joel Hankinson. CONDITION: Fine, all matching including bbl, cyl and grip. Bbl retains about 85% dull orig blue with strong feathers on each side of the front sight. Frame retains 15-20% bright case colors in sheltered areas with the balance a light brown patina. Hammer retains dark case colors. Cyl shows strong blue in the flutes with a plummy brown patina on the outer diameter and has strong bright blue in most of the chambers. Trigger guard retains about 50% orig blue with the trigger bow and frontstrap a blue/brown patina. Backstrap and buttstrap retain blue in sheltered areas, being mostly a blue/brown patina. Grip has a series of small chips on the right edge and a series of small gouges near the left toe otherwise is sound with a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine. Brilliant shiny bore. 50054-1 JR35 (40,000-50,000) – Lot 2069

Click here to view provenance

FINE COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 114028. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight & 1-line block letter address. Left side of frame is marked with 3-line patent dates and “U.S”. Mounted with oil finish, 1-pc walnut grip that has the oval “FH” (Capt. Frank Heath) inspector cartouche under the date 1884 on the left side and the “DFC” (David F. Clark) sub-inspector cartouche on the right side with last 4 digits of matching SN in backstrap channel. Top left side of the grip is marked with the number “272” and bottom edges are each marked with the number “8”. The “DFC” initials are also found on the frame adjacent to the SN, bottom of bbl & cyl. Trigger guard & buttstrap are marked with the mystery “G” initial. Ejector housing is 2nd Type with bullseye ejector rod head and base pin is without dimpled ends. This revolver was part of the 9th contract for 2,000 revolvers produced August 1884 to January 1885 and was produced in 1884. Undoubtedly it would have been issued to a front line Cavalry unit of fighting Indians on the American frontier. Most often those revolvers saw very hard service under adverse circumstances and are rarely found with any orig finish, let alone high orig finish. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Bbl retains about 70% glossy orig blue with the loss areas light grey patina. Frame retains about 80% strong case colors, bright in sheltered areas, faded on top strap with some age spotting. Hammer retains most of its orig case colors, moderately faded, turning silver on top edge. Cyl retains 70-75% blue, strong & bright in the flutes, thinning on the outer diameter with one area of very fine pitting. Trigger guard & front strap retain about 85% orig blue with some fine aging on the frontstrap and trigger bow. Backstrap & buttstrap retain about 60% orig blue with scattered light rust & freckling. Grip has chipped right toe with some fine nicks and a couple of bruises and overall retains most of its orig oil finish. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore with some scattered roughness. 50140-2 JS202 (25,000-35,000) – Lot 2070

RARE AND VERY FINE, EARLY AINSWORTH INSPECTED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 3581. This rare, completely matching example of 1874 manufactured Colt SAA has matching SN 3581 found on every part normally SNd and on ejector housing which is rarely seen. This gun is in fine “as found” condition and new to market. Gun retains much of its orig finish with crisp action and bright crisp bore. Ainsworth “A” inspector marks are found on backstrap, under bbl, with proof firing “P”, left buttstock, cylinder and trigger guard. This gun is in the serial range with noted documented guns issued to Company K 4th US Cavalry in 1874. According to John Kopec and Sterling Fenn’s text Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers, published in 1994, only 29 numbered ejector rods with SNs are recorded in their updated survey. In 1992, with the publication of Kopec’s original A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolvers, only 10 examples were known and this specimen is listed in both surveys. You will have a hard time finding a more honest and untouched early Ainsworth Single Action. CONDITION: Fine overall, complete, orig and all matching. Bbl and ejector housing retain about 20-30% orig bright blue finish, especially in protected areas. Bbl address, SN and inspector marks are crisp as is SN on ejector housing. Frame exhibits strong traces of finish in protected areas, with balance a matching plum/brown. Cylinder has small traces of blue in safety stops with overall plum/brown patina. Trigger guard and backstrap have traces of orig blue finish with balance a mottled brown/grey. Screws all appear orig with base-pin screw still retaining fire blue. Stocks are sound and well fit with hand worn patina, Ainsworth cartouche on left stock is weak and only discernible in outline. Other markings on gun are crisp and well discerned. 49780-1 JS (15,000-20,000) – Lot 2071

Click here to view provenance

RARE DUAL INSPECTED COLT CALVARY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 17108. Cal. 45 Colt. Blued and color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line script letter address with serifs. Bottom of bbl is marked with a tiny “J” (Johnson) inspector initial along with the last 4 digits of matching SN under ejector housing. Ejector housing is 1st Type with bullseye ejector rod head. Left side of frame has the small 2-line patent dates and a tiny U.S. Mounted with 1-pc walnut grip that has last 3 digits of matching SN visible in backstrap channel. Left side of grip has a legible “APC” (A.P. Casey) sub-inspector cartouche. Top of backstrap has a tiny “J” sub-inspector initials, with the trigger guard and cyl having tiny “C”(Casey) sub-inspector initials. This revolver was part of a lot of 2,560 Calvary revolvers produced Dec 1874 – March 1875 and the dual inspected revolvers are the most scarce. This revolver was probably a 7th Calvary replacement for battle losses at the Custer fight of The Little Big Horn, and as such most likely would have been with the 7th Calvary later at the Battle of Wounded Knee in 1890. Few of these Calvary revolvers survive today in orig configuration as most were recalled in the 1890’s and early 20th Century to be altered to artillery configuration. CONDITION: Fine, all matching including bbl, cyl & grip. Cyl SN may, or many not, have been re-stamped – the fonts are very close but slightly different on the “7” & “8” on the cylinder from the numbers on the frame, trigger guard and buttstrap. Bbl retains 25-35% orig blue, mostly around & under ejector housing, around the front sight and at the frame with the balance a smooth grey patina. Frame retains 15-20% faded case colors in the most sheltered areas with the balance a smooth grey patina. Hammer retains strong case colors on the sides and rear edge, faded on top edge. Cyl retains traces of blue in the flutes with the outer diameter a grey/brown patina. Trigger guard & backstrap retain traces of blue, being mostly a plummy/brown patina. Grip is sound showing moderate to heavy edge wear with nicks & dings and retains a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 50121-1 JR80 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 2072

PRIME ‘LOT 5’CUSTER RANGE AINSWORTH INSPECTED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 5109. Cal. 45. This revolver, SN 5109, is accompanied by a letter of authentication by Colt Single Action expert John A. Kopec. Mr. Kopec states that the serial number of this revolver, “5109”, places it in ‘Lot Five’ of the Ainsworth-inspected Single Action Cavalry revolvers. The 600 ‘Lot Five’ revolvers are considered to be the pistols primarily issued to Custer’s 7th Cavalry and carried at the Battle of Little Bighorn in June 1876. This revolver falls within a group of identified 7th Cavalry revolvers that include serial numbers 5100 (Custer Battle pickup), 5133, 5147 (Troop L, 7th Cavalry), 5153 and 5180 and falls only 19 SNs apart from revolver SN 5128 which is documented to have been captured by Spotted Crow at the Battle of the Little Big Horn. This revolver conforms to other martial early Colt single actions with 7-1/2″ bbl with Hartford single line address. Left side of frame marked with 2-line patents and “US”. Grips fit gun well and appear orig to gun, though they have been “custom checkered” during period of use with no discernible cartouche remaining or SN. This is an honest complete survivor of the U.S. military, made 2 years prior to the Little Big Horn. PROVENANCE: The Dr. Robert G. Cox Estate Collection. CONDITION: Revolver appears orig and complete with exception of replaced ejector tube, base pin and base pin screw. Kopec mentions in his letter that the firing pin has been modified also. Matching SN 5109 are found on bbl, frame, trigger guard, cyl and backstrap. Ainsworth “A” sub inspector marks are still easily seen on cyl, backstrap and trigger guard. Metal overall is gray/brown with staining and pitting. Replaced ejector housing is cleaned and ejector housing screw does not bind. Bbl address and SNs are all well struck and easily discerned, though a couple of numbers worn on cyl and bbl. Stocks appear to have been silver painted, now hand worn showing paint in crevices of cross hatch carving and some crevices. Mechanically gun is sound and functional with fairly crisp discernible rifling in bore. 50018-157 JS (5,000-8,000) – Lot 2073

Click here to view provenance

ANTIQUE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH MARTIAL FRAME.

SN 82212. Cal. 45 Colt. Usual configuration with 7-3/8″ bbl that appears to have been slightly reduced in length. Full front sight and 1-line block letter address. Left side of frame is marked with 3-line patent dates and left front web of trigger guard is marked “45 CAL”. Mounted with 1-pc walnut grip that has last 4 digits of matching SN in backstrap channel. Left side of grip is inlaid with a small bone 5-pointed Texas star and the right side is inlaid with a bone diamond upon which is carved the brand lazy “A 7”. Ejector housing is 3rd Type with half-moon ejector rod head and base pin is orig type with dimpled ends. Frame is apparently a recycled, condemned military inspected frame with “DFC” (David F. Clark) sub-inspector initials by the SN. Rear face of the cyl has a small “J” (possibly Johnson) sub-inspector initial. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in Cal. 45 Colt, bbl length and type of stocks not listed, with blue finish & shipped to Schoverling, Daly & Gales, NY, NY on Dec 4, 1882 in a 12-gun shipment. Schoverling, Daly & Gales were major Colt distributors for the Western market. It is very likely that this revolver was shipped to Texas or at least onto the Western frontier where it saw hard service, although apparently was well cared for. PROVENANCE: The Brad Shepard Collection. CONDITION: About fine, all matching including bbl, cyl & grip. Bbl & trigger guard retain traces of orig blue in the most sheltered areas, strong and bright under the ejector housing. Balance of the revolver is a smooth plummy/brown patina with some fine pitting on each side of the muzzle. Cyl is matching patina with one small area of fine pitting. Grip has a chipped left heel, otherwise is sound and shows heavy wear and retains about 25% orig finish. Hammer will not catch in safety or half-cock notches, otherwise mechanics are fine. Strong, bright bore with some light pitting. 50061-2 JR201 (6,000-10,000) – Lot 2074

Click here to view provenance

MAGNIFICENT FACTORY ENGRAVED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER ETCHED BARREL FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER WITH PEARL GRIPS SHIPPED TO CHARLES HUMMEL & SON, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS IN 1885 ACCOMPANIED BY THE HOLSTER AND BELT THAT WERE PURCHASED NEW WITH THE REVOLVER.

SN 115349. Cal. 44 WCF. 4 3/4″ bbl. Full nickel finish. Nickel hammer. Nickel trigger. Blue screws. 2-pc mother of pearl grips. Master engraved in the American Style and attributed to the hand of Cuno Helfricht. Engraving is full coverage on both frame and barrel with slightly less coverage on trigger guard, backstrap and ejector rod housing. Bbl engraving shows American Scroll on both sides with a border around bbl address and a splay in front of address. Unique to this revolver is the engraving around front sight which is seldom seen on a Colt single action army revolver. Frame engraving is full coverage with border and checker board on either side of hammer. Recoil shield displays a scallop pattern with a wonderfully executed cross-hatch and punch dot border. Loading gate reflects same design. Top strap is also full coverage except in sight groove. The gullets in front of cylinder exhibit punch dot and walking line work on both sides and bordered scroll work on both sides in front of cylinder. Backstrap exhibits a wonderfully executed scallop design behind the hammer with punch dot and walking line work down the backstrap and on butt. Presentation panel on backstrap is blank. Trigger guard shows border work and scroll on forward end above SN and interrupted scroll on outer side of trigger guard bow. Ejector rod housing has scroll work on either end with star pattern in middle with punch dot and walking line work in the gullet next to barrel. Cylinder exhibits scroll work between each flute with a scalloped border around rear edge of cylinder with punch dot and walking line accent. Bbl shows 2-line bbl address with index mark toward frame. Etched panel “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” on left side of bbl. Frame has 3-line patent on forward left side. On right rear flat of frame under trigger guard there is a “C” over a “u” stamp. Assembly no. 654 is stamped on inner surface of loading gate and on forward part of frame under the trigger guard. Matching SN is stamped on frame, trigger guard, and backstrap. A small “G” inspector mark is under the SN on trigger and backstrap. “44.CF” is stamped on left forward part of trigger guard bow. Ejector rod housing is unmarked. Pearl grips are unmarked grips and fit perfectly. Revolver is accompanied by a early Slim-Jim style Texas holster and cartridge belt which according to family legend was purchased new with this revolver. 7-1/2″ bbl holster has “short barrel bend” showing that a 4-3/4″ SA has been in it for years. Cartridge loops hold special mesquite cartridges used to maintain shape of loops. Revolver is cased in a walnut display case that was made by Peter Werner of Blue Hill, ME to preserve this special Colt. Case contains an orig Winchester Repeating Arms Company unopened box of 44 cal. cartridges with a green label on top and an image of a model 73 carbine on the side. Case is French fit with maroon felt lining. This revolver was shipped to Charles Hummel & Son in San Antonio, Texas in 1885 on special order, probably for a display piece in his store on Commerce St. in San Antonio. Charles Hummel & Son was the largest Colt dealer west of the Mississippi at the time. In 1885 the railroad had just reached San Antonio, the town was booming, and crawling with Texas Rangers, Law Men, Cattle Men, and other local characters. The orig owner was in Texas from New York to check on some business interests, and purchased this revolver, belt and holster as a souvenir of his visit to Texas. Ralph Hyde of New York,the grandson of the orig owner, contacted the Colt Collectors Association in the early part of the 21st century wishing to sell the revolver to someone who would appreciate its historic significance. The revolver was purchased by Rampant Colt Editor Kurt House who then sold it to the late Bill Spicer of Rosebud, Texas. When Mr. Spicer encountered some health issues, he reluctantly but confidently sold it to the present consignor. Also accompanying this revolver is a Colt factory letter confirming cal., bbl length, finish, grips, factory engraving and shipment to Charles Hummel & Son, San Antonio, Texas on October 29, 1885. Also included is a picture of Mr. Hyde as a young boy, circa 1920, sitting on a pinto pony in front of family “cottage” on Long Island, NY. Mr. Hyde stated that he was allowed to wear his grandfather’s gun on very special occasions. The billet of gun belt has been restitched in order to fit a young boy. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains 80-85% orig nickel finish that has slightly dulled with age blending into a very pleasing uncleaned chocolate brown patina toward muzzle. Muzzle has slight wear on either side. Bbl address is sharp. Front sight retains 80% nickel and is full-sized. Etched panel is excellent with all letters clearly legible. Bore is bright with sharp rifling and slight staining toward muzzle. Ejector rod housing retains 40-50% orig nickel finish with balance turning a pleasing uncleaned chocolate brown patina. Ejector rod head retains nearly all orig nickel finish. Frame retains 80-90% of orig nickel finish with most of wear on loading gate which has also blended to a pleasing uncleaned chocolate brown patina. Patent mark on frame is sharp. Hammer retains 50-60% orig nickel finish blending to a chocolate brown patina on hammer spur. Trigger retains nearly all orig nickel finish. Frame screws, trigger guard screws, backstrap screws, cylinder pin retaining screw and ejector rod screw all retain most of orig fire blue finish. Screws are unmarred with the exception of a very slight mars on hammer screw and butt screw. Cylinder base pin is unmarred and retains nearly all of orig fire blue. Trigger guard retains 80% orig nickel finish with most of loss inside trigger guard bow and on forestrap. Cal. marking is sharp. Backstrap retains 10% orig nickel finish in protected areas with balance a pleasing uncleaned chocolate brown patina. Cylinder retains 80-85% orig nickel finish with 1 section on either of one flute and in flute showing a even uncleaned chocolate brown patina. Pearl grips are excellent with vivid rainbow hues throughout on both sides with only 1 tiny chip at toe of right grip and a very miniscule chip at top of left grip. Action functions perfectly. A rare opportunity to purchase a wonderful engraved Colt Single Action Army revolver shipped to Texas in 1885 with a provenance trail to the consignor who is only the fourth owner of this magnificent revolver. 50074-1 TEP (100,000-125,000) – Lot 2075

| Click here to view provenance

EXTREMELY RARE AND HISTORIC DOCUMENTED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY CARRIED IN THE JOHNSON CO, WYOMING RANGE WAR BY TX GUNFIGHTER J.K. BARLING.

SN 139904. Cal. 45 Colt. Usual configuration with 5-1/2″ bbl, altered front sight & 1-line Hartford address with Cal. marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3 patent dates and Rampant Colt in a broken circle. Mounted with period “Eagle” grips numbered to another gun. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in Cal. 45 Colt with 5-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed and shipped to R. Stanhope, Paris, Texas on April 11, 1891 in a 2-gun shipment. Volume 11, Lamar County, Texas Genealogy (no date given) lists a Stanhope Gun Shop as having existed in Paris, where Jerry and brother Robert Barling resided in 1891. This revolver is listed by serial number on “Major Wolcott’s List” of Texans who were captured by the Army at the TA Ranch, about 10 miles outside of Buffalo, WY in Johnson County. A number of gunslingers had been hired out of Texas by a group of powerful Wyoming cattlemen who created a “Death List” of small ranchers, cowboys and others they considered a hindrance to large scale ranching interests. These cattlemen belonged to the “Cheyenne Club” and included the political, social and economic elite of Wyoming. The hired guns known locally as either “The Invaders” or “Wolcott’s Regulators”, consisted of 50 men including the 23 Texans and assorted other locals and range detectives. Those on the “Death List” were to be either shot or hanged and contracted to pay the Texans $5 a day plus a bonus of $50 for every rustler killed. The Invaders traveled by special train to Cheyenne then north to Johnson County for outfitting and off-loading in Casper. Once de-trained, they traveled by horseback to the KC Ranch where they surrounded the bunkhouse occupied by 4 men, including Nate Champion, who was on the list to be killed. Two of the other men were captured when they left the house for water and Nick Ray was shot while standing in the front door and later died. Champion held off The Invaders for several hours, wounding three, until they set fire to the cabin forcing him to evacuate where he was killed by 28 bullet wounds. The Invaders then retired to the TA Ranch on Crazy Woman Creek where they were besieged by over 200 members of a posse of local ranchers and residents. They were pinned down for two days until the Invader’s friends got President Benjamin Harrison to declare a state of insurrection in Johnson County and have the Army put a stop to the fighting. As part of the surrender, all arms and equipment were surrendered to the Army. Major Wolcott, as unofficial leader of the Invaders, made a list of these arms and provided it to the government. The Invaders were loaded on a train and sent to Ft. Russell in Cheyenne for trial. There had been 2 witnesses to the killing of Champion and Ray who would testify at the trial, but those 2 unfortunates were assassinated prior to the trial. Therefore, with no witnesses, the charges were dismissed. A famous published photograph of the Invaders taken May 4, 1892 at Fort D.A. Russell (now Francis E. Warren Air Force Base), pictures Jerry Barling(s) as number 29, his brother Bob, number 37. Jerry Kannady Barling, who was recorded as owning this Colt revolver, was born in Sebastian Co, AR in 1862. Beginning in 1883, he was employed as a U.S.Deputy Marshall for Judge Isaac Parker often called the “Hanging Judge”, from Fort Smith, AR. He was commissioned in the Western District at Fort Smith, Arkansas on April 17, 1888, serving under Marshal Jacob Yoes. Jerry was killed in Fort Reno, Indian Territory, after a night of heavy drinking at his third brother Frank’s saloon…probably the first or second week he returned from Wyoming. His body was shipped backed to Fort Smith for burial in a family plot in Oak Cemetery on the road out to what is now Barling. His brother Robert Gibson Barling (1865-1923) was also a member of The Invaders. Frank, was also involved in law enforcement but not the Johnson Co Wars. The incident described herein began with the murder of Champion and Ray on April 8, 1892 and was over by April 13th, 1992 with the capture of The Invaders. Now some 120+ years after the Range War in Johnson County, only 2 or 3 documented firearms from that incident have ever come to light with examples selling at auction in excess of $50,000. PROVENANCE: Accompanied by an affidavit from James Barling Great Nephew of Jerry Kannady Barling, dated 5 Feb.,2016 which details Barling family history along with a volume of reprinted archival material. CONDITION: About good. No orig finish remains being an overall cleaned metal finish with scattered moderate pitting. Some deeper pitting, thought to be from blood, exists. Ejector housing and ejector rod are reportedly replacements with other internal repairs. The hammer will not hold in safety or half-cock notches, otherwise mechanics are fine. Strong dark bore with good rifling. Eagle grips have crack through right panel and are well-worn. Accompanied by early unmarked hand-made 2-pc smooth bone grips which are worn and slightly undersized. 49869-1 JR114 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 2076

Click here to view provenance

*EXCEPTIONALLY RARE COLT BISLEY SHERIFF’S MODEL SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER.

SN 259273. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue and color case hardened with 4″ bbl, full front sight and 2-line address, marked on left side “(BISLEY MODEL”) 45 COLT”. Left side of frame has 2-line, 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt in a broken circle. Mounted with 2-pc Rampant Colt hard rubber grips with last two digits of matching SN inside each grip. Accompanied by several items of provenance from Dr. Cox which documents the purchase of this revolver from a gentleman named Ernest Head from St. Angelo, Texas in 1975. In this letter, Mr. Head states that this revolver has been in his family since 1913. He further states that his father worked for the Robertson Paint Company in St. Angelo and purchased the revolver from a painter. A Colt factory letter, dated June 1975, states that after 3 hours of research no shipping record or other info could be found. It appears that this revolver was produced in about 1904 although on page 266 of The Book of Colt Firearms, Wilson, there is a photograph of another 4″ Sheriff’s Model Bisley, SN 259336 which is only 73 numbers later than this revolver and the shipping date is indicated as October 1911. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran, there were 8500 Bisley Model revolvers chambered for the 45 Colt out of the approximately 44,350 produced, 1894-1912 of which, according to Mr. Wilson “Less than a dozen Sheriff’s Models were made”. PROVENANCE: The Dr. Robert G. Cox Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, matching as noted. Bbl retains about 80% glossy orig blue with holster wear on both sides. Frame retains most of its orig case colors, bright in sheltered areas, stronger on right side, faded elsewhere. Hammer retains bright case colors on left side and back edge, faded on right side and top edge. Trigger retains about 90% fire blue, a little thin on the front. Cyl retains 85-90% orig blue, strong and bright in the flutes with some light etching and a little thinner on the outer diameter. Trigger guard and backstrap retain about 60-70% glossy orig blue, thin and turning plum on the front and backstraps with a series of scratches on heel of buttstrap. Grips are sound showing moderate wear. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. A chance to own a great Single Action rarity which has been out of circulation for 40 years! 50018-217 JR40 C&R (12,500-17,500) – Lot 2077

| Click here to view provenance

VERY RARE COLT SHERIFF’S MODEL SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER W/3″ BARREL.

SN 154062. Cal. 45 Colt. Usual configuration with rare 3″ bbl, full front sight and 2-line address with cal. marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line, 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with 2-pc Rampant Colt/eagle hard rubber grips that have what appears to be a brand scratched inside each grip. Although grips are unnumbered, they fit extremely well and appear to be correct for this revolver. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran, there were about 1000 Sheriff’s Model revolvers produced 1882-1911, of which only 600 had black powder frames such as found here and only a total 58 had a 3″ bbl. This revolver was produced 1894 at a time when the West was still wild and the carrying of a firearm as a daily use tool was expected. Accompanied by a Colt Factory Letter dated August 1967 and addressed to L. C. Jackson of Jackson Arms, Dallas, Texas which identifies this revolver in Cal. 45 with 3″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed, and being sold to Dunlay & Geisler on Sept 20, 1894 in a shipment of two. PROVENANCE: L.C. Jackson; The Dr. Robert G. Cox Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Traces of blue and case colors remain in the most sheltered areas, being an overall smooth, plummy blue/brown patina. Cyl is matching patina, although a little more dull. Period replacement grips are sound and show heavy wear and have turned a dark chocolate. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with fine pitting. Special Note: Consecutive SN to 154062, a SAA Flat-Top Target, offered as the next lot. 50018-162 JR41 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 2078

Click here to view provenance

RARE COLT FLAT TOP TARGET SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 154061. Cal. 44. Russian-S&W. All blue finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, target front sight with German silver blade, 1-line Hartford address and Cal. marking on left side. There is a tiny “44” on bottom of bbl at the frame. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates with Rampant Colt in a circle and fixed rear sight in the top flat. Mounted with replacement Rampant Colt hard rubber grips. Cyl has last 3 digits “311” on the rear face. Cyl will chamber a 44 Colt cartridge as well as the 44 Russian cartridge. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter dated August 1967 and addressed to L. C. Jackson of Jackson Arms, Dallas, Texas which identifies this revolver in Cal. 44 Russian-S&W with 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed, flattop target, shipped to Montgomery Ward & Co., Chicago, Illinois on March 12, 1894 in a 2-gun shipment. Also accompanied by a Jackson Arms invoice dated December 13,’67 to Dr. Cox of Palestine, Texas which lists 9 revolvers including this one. This revolver is somewhat unusual in that it is without British proofs as were a substantial number of the production of these target model revolvers. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran, there were about 914 of the approximately 357,800 Single Action revolvers produced in flattop configuration of which only 51 were chambered in 44 Russian, which makes this an extremely rare Colt. PROVENANCE: Jackson Arms; The Dr. Robert G. Cox Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine, numbered as noted above. Bbl retains about 65% strong orig blue, bright under and around the ejector housing, thin on the left side and around the muzzle. Frame retains 50-60% thin orig blue worn to grey metal patina on the recoil shield and loading gate, hammer retains bright fire blue on the rear edge, being mostly a blue/grey patina elsewhere. Trigger guard & backstrap retain traces of blue in sheltered areas, being mostly a silver/brown patina. Cyl retains strong blue in the flutes, thin on the outer diameter. Grips have turned a pleasing chocolate color. Hammer is not solid in safety notch, otherwise mechanics are fine. Strong bright bore with scattered spots of pitting. Special Note: Consecutive SN to 154062, SAA Sheriff’s Model, being offered as the previous lot. 50018-159 (7,500-12,500) – Lot 2079

Click here to view provenance

SCARCE ETCHED PANEL COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 77061. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Nickel finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address with crisp “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” etched panel on the left side and a tiny “44” on the bottom. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and left front web of trigger guard is marked “44 CF”. Ejector housing is third type with half-moon ejector rod head and base pin is orig type with dimpled ends. Mounted with a 1-pc varnished walnut grip that has last four digits of matching SN in backstrap channel. Screws and base pin are fire blued. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in Cal 44-40 with bbl length and type of stocks not listed, nickel finish shipped to Hartley & Graham, NY, NY May 1, 1882 in a 100-gun shipment. This revolver was produced at a time when the West was extremely wild and the Colt Single Action Army revolver was king, along with the Winchester rifle they are the guns that won the West. Firearms of that era were a daily use tool and were usually exposed to harsh circumstances and inclement weather often with little or no maintenance and are rarely found today with high orig finish. CONDITION: Very fine, matching as noted. Bbl & ejector housing retain about 98% bright orig nickel with crisp etched panel. Frame retains about 70% bright orig nickel with loss areas on front of the frame from firing not from wear. Hammer retains about 90% strong orig nickel and the cyl about 85% strong orig nickel. Trigger guard & front strap retain about 95% orig nickel and the buttstrap/backstrap about 75% orig nickel with the loss area a dark patina. Screws & base pin retain most of their fire blue. Grip is sound showing light edge wear with a few nicks & dings and retains most of its orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, strong bright bore with scattered pitting. 49964-1 JR37 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 2080

Click here to view provenance

FINE NIMSCHKE ENGRAVED COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 88179. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Nickle finish with 7-1/2″ bbl. Full front sight & 1-line block letter address with “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” etched panel on left side. Bottom of bbl has a tiny 44 just forward of the base pin. Ejector housing is third type with half-moon ejector rod head. Left side of frame is marked 3-line patent dates & left front web of trigger guard “44 CF”. Mounted with smooth 2-pc pearl grips. Revolver is very nicely engraved by L.D. Nimschke with about 60-70% coverage foliate arabesque patterns that have fine pearled background on the frame. Top strap is engraved with chip & dot patterns with foliate arabesque patterns extending up sides of the bbl & each side of the muzzle. top of the bbl is engraved with snake & dot patterns around the address, terminating in geometric patterns toward the front sight. Top gullet of ejector housing is also engraved in a snake & dot pattern. Cyl has matching foliate arabesque patterns on lands between flutes with a large zigzag & double dot pattern around rear edge. Top of backstrap is engraved in a fan pattern with light foliate patterns at the top & heel. Trigger guard & left side of base pin boss along with ejector housing boss are engraved with hunters starts. Accompanied by 2 Colt Factory letters dated 1996 & 2015 which report the identical information identifying this revolver & Cal. 44-40. Bbl length & type of stock not listed, finish “soft” & shipped to Harley (Hartley) & Graham, NY, NY on Feb 17, 1883 in a 25-gun shipment. Under remarks “The word soft which appears with the finish indicates subject revolved was shipped without final finishing for engraving outside our factory”. It is well established that Harley & Graham was one of Colt’s major customers who had direct contact with various engraving houses, especially that of L.D. Nimschke. Mr. Nimschke and his engraving house were very prolific & produced many fine works of art on such Colt revolvers. Undoubtedly this revolver was nickle finished after engraving & either Mr.Nimschke or Hartley & Graham supplied the pearl grips. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains about 99% fine, quality re-nickled finish. Grips are exceptional showing no wear with great fire & color. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore with scattered fine pitting. 50153-3 (17,000-27,000) – Lot 2081

Click here to view provenance

DELUXE COLT MODEL 1855 3RD TYPE SPORTING RIFLE.

SN 1423. Cal. 36. Deluxe half stock sporting rifle with 27″ oct to rnd bbl, iron rib on the bottom with two iron guides containing what appears to be the orig brass tipped hickory wiping rod. Front sight is a dovetailed small nickel silver Rocky Mountain shape with Colts adjustable rear sight. It has full-fluted 6-shot cylinder, tiny walnut forearm with German silver tip and German silver escutcheons for the wedge. It is fitted with a highly figured, center crotch American walnut buttstock with checkered wrist and crescent buttplate. It has usual markings on top of the receiver. Trigger guard is scroll type with large guard and finger rest. SN was observed on the frame, rear face of cylinder. Cylinder spindle and toe of buttplate. No further disassembly was effected to check for other matching numbers. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, all matching, as noted above. Bbl retains 93-95% strong orig blue with small spate of light surface rust and a coating of old dried oil. Ramrod retains about 70% black paint. Receiver retains 15-20% bright orig blue in sheltered areas with the balance a silver-brown patina with chemical streaking. Cylinder retains traces of orig blue in the flutes with the balance a silver to brown patina. Buttplate is mostly a smooth brown patina. Stock has a hairline by the top tang, otherwise the wood is sound with light to moderate handling & use marks and a ding & gouge on the forearm. Buttstock retains most of an old refinish but does not appear to have been sanded and could be carefully restored. Cylinder pin screw is battered, otherwise the screws are all fine. Crisp mechanics, bright shiny bore. 49450-4 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 2082

EXCEPTIONAL COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER ETCHED PANEL FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER WITH ONE-PIECE VARNISHED WALNUT GRIP.

SN 103069. Cal. 44 WCF. 4 3/4″ bbl. Full nickel finish. Blue screws. Nickel hammer and trigger. One-piece varnished walnut grip. This is a truly exceptional and very hard to find Colt Frontier Six Shooter that was made in 1885. Revolvers of this type were put to work almost immediately and very few exist today in this state of preservation. Bbl is etched with Colt Frontier Six Shooter logo on left side. Two-line bbl address with index mark near frame and a small “44” stamped on underside of bbl. The frame shows standard three-line patent mark on left side without a Rampant Colt. The left flat of frame, under backstrap has an “A” inspector mark and there is a “1” stamped in channel under hammer. The assembly number 865 is stamped on rear face of loading gate and on forward bottom of frame under trigger guard. The serial number is stamped on frame, backstrap, and trigger guard. The last four digits of serial number are written in ink in backstrap channel of grip. Cylinder has an “L” stamped on rear face between two chambers. “44C.F.” is stamped on forward left bow of trigger guard. All of these markings are correct for this revolver. Accompanying this revolver is a Colt factory letter confirming cal., bbl length, and finish. The type of stocks are not listed which infers that they were standard wood grip of the time. The letter shows this revolver was shipped to Folsom Bros. New York, NY on April 7, 1885 in a 5 gun shipment. CONDITION: Very fine for a revolver of this type. Bbl retains 95% of orig nickel finish that has turned somewhat dull with age. Colt Frontier Six Shooter etched panel on left side of bbl is excellent with all letters clearly visible. The two-line bbl address is sharp and crisp. The front sight retains nearly all of nickel finish and is full-sized. The bore is excellent with strong rifling. Ejector rod housing retains 20-30% of nickel finish with balance turning a pleasing uncleaned chocolate brown patina. Ejector rod screw retains some orig fire blue with a slight mar from the use of an improper sized screwdriver. Ejector rod head retains 50% orig nickel. The frame retains 90% of orig nickel finish with main loss on left side in front of cylinder. Right side in front of cylinder also shows flaking. These areas have turned a chocolate brown patina and appear to have never been heavily cleaned. Patent marks of left side of frame are sharp. Hammer and trigger retain 95% of nickel finish with some slight abrasion on left side of hammer. Frame screws, trigger guard screws and backstrap screws are unmarred and retain nearly all of orig fire blue finish. Base pin is unmarred and retains a considerable amount of fire blue finish. Cylinder retains 90% orig nickel finish with one area of loss in one flute. Some light flaking on high points of flutes. A slight drag mark is evident at rear of cylinder. Front face of cylinder has flaked nickel turned chocolate brown patina. Trigger guard retains 50-60% of orig nickel finish with most of loss on right side behind trigger and on lower portion of forestrap, again turning to a chocolate brown patina. Cal mark on trigger guard bow is crisp and sharp. Backstrap retains 90% orig nickel finish with most of loss at heel. 1-pc walnut grip retains nearly all of orig high gloss varnish finish with high point wear and slight handling marks. Right side of grip butt is lightly battered with a few small dents. Action is fine. An opportunity to obtain a very difficult to find, and wonderfully preserved example of a workingman’s Colt Single Action Army revolver with a short bbl, etched panel, and varnished walnut grip. 49766-5 TEP (15,000-18,000) – Lot 2083

Click here to view provenance

FACTORY ENGRAVED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 146148. Cal. 41 Colt. Silver finish with 5-1/2″ bbl, altered front sight with small copper insert, 1-line block letter address and Cal. marking on the left side. Bottom of bbl is marked with a tiny “41” under the base pin. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Revolver is engraved by Cuno Helfricht in about C coverage foliate arabesque patterns with fine pearled background. Left recoil shield and loading gate are engraved in half flower blossom patterns and the top strap in snake & dot patterns. Base pin and ejector housing bosses are engraved in foliate sprays. Matching pattern engraving extends to both sides of the bbl with wave & dot patterns around the address. Ejector housing is engraved in snake & dot patterns on the outer radius and with top gullet. Top of backstrap is engraved in an elaborate fan pattern with geometric patterns down the backstrap, on the buttstrap & trigger guard. Cyl is engraved, typically, in Mr. Helfricht alternating patterns on lands between flutes with snake & dot pattern at the rear edge. Mounted with fine 2-pc, smooth pearl grips that are probably not orig to this revolver. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in Cal. 41 with 5-1/2″ bbl, silver finish, pearl grips & factory engraved, sold to J.P. Lovell Arms Co., Boston, Mass and shipped to A. L. Chester Co., address not available on June 15, 1892 in a 1-gun shipment. Also accompanied by a copy of the collection card from the renowned Lew Yearout Collection of Great Falls, MT. One entry on the card shows that he purchased this revolver on March 26, 1966 from Mr. Jerry Marsh of Kalispell, MT. Back of the card states that this revolver is pictured in the Colt Engraving Book, Wilson, however a search of all 3 of Mr. Wilson’s books on Colt engraving disclosed no such entry. Revolvers of this era, especially those in use on the Western frontier saw very hard service frequently with little or no maintenance and are rarely found today with high orig finish. It seems likely that his revolver may have been the property of a law enforcement officer, wealthy rancher or an outlaw. PROVENANCE: Lewis & Layton Yearout Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Overall retains traces of orig silver, strong under the ejector housing with traces in the more sheltered areas elsewhere. The balance is a smooth grey patina. Cyl is matching grey patina showing moderate to heavy holster wear. Grips have a couple of age lines, otherwise are sound with great fire and fine color. Hammer is not solid in safety notch, otherwise mechanics are fine. Strong bright bore with scattered pitting. 50190-1 JR200 (7,000-9,000) – Lot 2084

Click here to view provenance

*COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 299795. Cal. 32 WCF (32-20). Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, 1-line block letter address with cal marking on left side. Frame has 2-line, 3-patent dates with Rampant Colt in a broken circle. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips with last four digits of matching SN inside each grip. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal 32-20 with 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed and shipped to Sears, Roebuck & Co. Chicago, IL, on Oct 1, 1907, in a 5 gun shipment. This revolver was probably purchased by someone to match the cal of their Winchester model 1892 or 1873 rifle. At that time America was still an outdoors nation where carrying a gun on a daily basis was commonplace. Firearms of that era are rarely found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: The William Smith Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching including grips. Bbl retains 93-95% glossy bright orig blue with loss areas flaked to a medium patina and with light muzzle end wear. Ejector rod housing retains about 80% strong orig blue with flaking. Frame & hammer retain virtually all of their bright orig factory case colors, brilliant in sheltered areas, slightly faded elsewhere. Front & back straps are flaked to about 40% blue with balance medium patina. Trigger guard retains most of its orig blue. Grips are fine showing very slight diamond point wear. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 49953-9 C&R (10,000-15,000) – Lot 2085

Click here to view provenance

EARLY COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER MADE FOR THE ENGLISH MARKET.

SN 21698. Cal. 450 Boxer. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight & 1-line script address with serifs. Bottom of bbl, under ejector housing, has last 4 digits of matching SN. Ejector housing is first type with bullseye ejector rod head. Base pin is orig type with dimpled ends. Left side of frame is marked with the early 2-line patent dates & left shoulder of trigger guard “45 CAL / B”. Right side of frame, most unusually, is marked with 2 crown-V British view proofs. The cyl has a proof in 1 flute. The bbl was not proofed. Mounted with varnished 1-pc walnut grip that has matching SN in backstrap channel. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran, there were only 729 out of the more then 350,000 single action Army revolvers produced 1873-1941 chambered for this Cal. Given that this Cal. was not overly popular in the U.S., it can be stated with some certainty that the majority of the revolvers so chambered were shipped to England. Few have returned to the U.S. PROVENANCE: Accompanied by a Colt factory letter stating Cal.45 Eley, Blue Finish, “Long Barrel”, Shipped to Colt’s London Agency June 8,1876 in a 25 gun shipment. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, all matching including bbl, cyl & grip. Bbl retains 20-25% orig blue, strong & bright under the ejector housing with a band at the bbl root & traces around the front sight. Ejector housing retains thin blue in the top gullet with strong blue in the bottom gullet and a blue/grey patina on the outer radius. Frame retains 70-75% orig case colors, bright in the more sheltered areas, faded elsewhere. Screws show no abuse & retain most of their orig fire blue. Hammer retains brilliant case colors on the right side & rear edge, lightly faded on left side & turned dark on top edge. Cyl retains strong blue in the flutes showing a blue/grey patina on the outer diameter & retains most of its orig blue in the chambers. Trigger guard & backstrap retain about all of their orig blue, a little thin on the trigger bow & center of backstrap with wear at the heel & toe. Grip is sound showing moderate edge wear with a deep scratch on the left side & a few scattered bruises on the right side with other light nicks & scratches & retains about 90% strong orig varnish. Mechanics are fine. Brilliant shiny bore shows very little use, just lots of handling. 50138-3 JR128 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2086

Click here to view provenance

COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 106036. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl; full front sight and 1-line block letter address with “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” etched panel on left side. Bottom of bbl is stamped with a tiny “44” and tiny British proofs forward of the base pin. It also has last four digits of matching SN under ejector housing. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and it is mounted with varnished 1-pc walnut grip with last four digits of matching SN in back strap channel. Right front side of grip is stamped “WG”. Cylinder also has last four digits of matching SN on outer diameter along with tiny British proofs. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter identifying this revolver in caliber 44-40, bbl length & type of stocks not listed, blue finish and shipped to Colt’s London Agency on Feb. 25, 1884 in a 24-gun shipment. Handguns of this Cal. are not usually a British sidearm. It most likely was purchased by big a game hunter as a companion piece to his 1873 Winchester rifles in the same Cal. he used on hunting trips to Africa & India. Those arms usually saw hard service & are rarely found with orig high finish. Few have been returned to the U.S. PROVENANCE: Tommy Rholes Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine, all matching including bbl, cyl & grip. Bbl retains about 30% orig blue in sheltered areas, mostly under and around ejector housing; etched panel is completely visible & balance of bbl is a gray metal patina; frame retains 50-60% fading case colors, strong in sheltered areas with the balance turning silver; hammer retains about 90% faded case colors; trigger guard retains 70-75% thinning orig blue with front strap mostly gray patina; back strap has strong blue at the top being mostly a gray/brown patina; cyl retains strong blue in the flutes with the outer diameter a silver/blue/brown patina. Grip shows moderate edge wear with a couple of small chips in left heel and overall retains about 85% orig varnish. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with moderate pitting 50138-2 JR (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2087

Click here to view provenance

*SCARCE COLT BISLEY MODEL FLAT TOP TARGET SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER.

SN 186002. Cal. 44 Russian. All blue finish with 7-1/2″ bbl. Square-base target front sight with German silver blade and fixed rear sight in the top strap. Top of bbl has 1-line Hartford address and left side is marked “(BISLEY MODEL) 44 RUSSIAN CTG.” Left side of frame is marked with 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt in a broken circle. Mounted with scarce 2-pc diamond and fleur-de-lis checkered walnut grips that have spurious matching numbers in pencil with the orig number “5344” still visible. Trigger is full checkered with standard Bisley hammer. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in Cal. 44 Russian with 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed, shipped to James S. Conlin, address unavailable on March 21, 1900 in a 1 gun shipment. Mr. Conlin was an extremely well known target shooter of the late 19th and early 20th Century who apparently owned a shooting gallery on Broadway in New York City. His fame was such that the Stevens Arms Company named a single-shot target pistol after him, the Stevens-Conlin No. 28. This Colt revolver is somewhat more scarce for not having British proofs which are found on the majority of Bisley target model revolvers. According to COLT PEACEMAKER ENCYCLOPEDIA, Cochran, there were only 976 target model guns out of the 44,350 Bisley revolvers produced and of that small number only 62 were chambered for 44 Russian. The target model Bisley was only produced 1894-1912. Few of those fine revolvers survive today especially an unaltered configuration and with orig finish. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching except grips as noted above. Overall retains 80-85% glossy orig blue with the loss areas flaked to a medium patina. Frontstrap and trigger guard are a plummy patina and backstrap is a blue/brown patina. Cyl retains about 75% blue with the balance flaked to a medium patina. Screws retain virtually all of their bright fire blue. Grips are sound and show moderate wear with one flat spot on the left side. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with very fine pitting. 50101-1 JR33 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2088

Click here to view provenance

*FIRST GENERATION COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 346923. Cal. 45 Colt. Nickel finish with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight & 2-line address with Cal. marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt without circle. SN is found on the frame and right sides of the front and backstraps under the grip. Rear face of cyl is marked with last 2 digits of matching SN. Mounted with Colt Silver Medallion factory 2-pc, smooth ivory grips. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in Cal. 45 Colt with 4-3/4″ bbl, nickel finish, ivory grips and sold to Costephens Hardware Co., shipped to Simmons Hardware Co, St. Louis, MO on Sept 24, 1925, factory order #10422/1 in a 1-gun shipment. Many of the sidearms of this era saw very hard use especially in the Western part of the United States and are rarely found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Brad Shepard Collection. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine, all matching including cyl, grips are unnumbered. Overall retains 97-98% strong orig nickel with only very light holster wear on left side of muzzle and tip of ejector tube. Grips have a few age lines, otherwise are sound with a wonderful, mellow ivory patina. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 50061-27 JR196 C&R; IVORY (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2089

Click here to view provenance

*CONSECUTIVE NUMBERED PAIR OF KEN HURST ENGRAVED AND GOLD INLAID COLT 2ND GENERATION SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVERS.

SN 42818SA. These 1966 produced revolvers are identical in configuration, both are in Cal. 45 Colt, blue & color cased hardened with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight, 1-line block letter address with model & cal marking on left side. Left side of frames have 2-line 3-patent dates and rampant Colt without circle. Both are mounted with smooth 1-pc ivory grip, each with last 2 digits of matching number to their respective revolver. Revolvers are nearly identically engraved with full coverage extraordinary engraving by master engraver Ken Hurst. Revolvers are signed “K. HURST” on bottom front of each frame & left side of the front & backstraps under the grip. Front strap of each revolver is also stamped “RY”. As noted, revolvers are virtually identically engraved with the exception that No. 42818SA has a gold inlaid howling wolf on left recoil shield with a gold inlaid wolf track on loading gate. No. 42819SA has a gold inlaid buffalo head on the left recoil shield & a gold inlaid buffalo track on loading gate. The remainder of the full coverage engraving consists of outstanding, intertwined foliate arabesque patterns that have fine pearled background. Engraving extends completely over the frames, bbls, backstraps, buttstraps & trigger guards ejector housings & cyls. Front sights are engraved in feather patterns on each side. Backstraps each have an eagle’s head in the center with an American shield at the top. The entirety of the frames, sides of the hammers, trigger guards, backstraps, buttstraps, ejector housings & both ends of the bbls are inlaid with gold wire. The ejector housings have extra wide tapered inlays. Grips are made in the orig manner of 2-slabs of “certifiable pre-ban elephant ivory” attached to a wooden spacer block. This is an incredible set of Colts that will be impossible to duplicate today. Ken Hurst was a master engraver for Colt well into the 1980’s when he left to form his own engraving school & team of engravers in Virginia. Mr. Hurst has engraved extraordinary examples of just about any kind of firearm imaginable. He has continued to engrave for Colt, Winchester, Ruger & private commissions. Represented her is some Mr. Hurst’s finest work. PROVENANCE: The Brad Shepherd Collection. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, both revolvers all matching including grips. Overall they retain virtually all of their fine custom finish with bright Colt-style blues with beautifully muted case colors. Color case hardening is covered with lacquer. Grips are crisp & new with light ivory patina. Overall both revolvers appear to be crisp & new and unfired, possibly unturned. 50061-46, 50061-47, JR125 IVORY (10,000-20,000) – Lot 2090

Click here to view provenance

*RARE ONE OF A KIND COPY OF THE FAMOUS SEARS COW BOY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER BY RENOWNED COLT MASTER ENGRAVER DENNIS KIES.

SN S46039A. Cal. 45 Colt. Royal blue finish with 5-1/2″ bbl, full front sight & 1-line block letter address with Cal. marking on left side. The 3rd Generation black powder frame has 3-line patent dates on left side. It is mounted with an incredible 1-pc “certifiable pre-ban elephant ivory” grip that has spectacular raised carved seated Goddess Liberty with gold accents on the right side and standing Goddess Liberty with gold accents on the left side. Revolver is engraved in about D-plus coverage spectacular foliate & floral arabesque patterns with fine pearled background. The frame, cyl, bbl & top of backstrap are inlaid with 24 karat gold wire and screw heads are all engraved. Front of the frame, just under the base pin, is marked with the engravers name “D. KIES”. The engraving patterns very closely, but not exactly, follow those found on the orig 1897 Single Action Army revolver used by the Sears Roebuck Company as an advertisement, which is now referred to as the “Cow Boy Special”. The orig revolver was recently sold by the Julia Auction Company for $747,500. The grip on this revolver was prepared and fitted by James Aliamo, the former Superintendent of the Colt Custom Gun Shop who took the commission for this revolver. The carving was accomplished by Mr. Dennis Holland of Lubbock, TX, a master carver and scrimshaw artist. Accompanied by a 6-pg letter on Nutmeg Sports letterhead over the signature of Mr. Aliamo, dated March 20, 2008, which details the work leading up to and being accomplished on this revolver by the 2 artists involved, Mr. Kies and Mr. Holland. Mr. Aliamo, through his company, Nutmeg Sports, ordered the revolver from the Colt Custom Shop. He had it especially polished to accommodate the royal blue finish after which he fitted the grip in his own shop and sent it to Mr. Holland for carving and the revolver to Mr. Kies for engraving. Also accompanied by an incredible burl walnut, beveled case that is 15″ long x 10-1/4″ wide x 3-1/2″ deep at the front and 5-5/8″ deep at the back. Case has a fluted front with mortised brass lock and a 5″ x 3″ brass plate in the lid with a short history and specifications of this revolver. Interior is burgundy velvet lined and fitted in the bottom for the revolver, right side up. Inside the lid is another matching brass plate detailing information about the engraver. Also accompanying is a 2014 U.S.A. Shooting calendar which includes a picture of the orig Sears Colt on the September page. PROVENANCE: Mr. Terry Lester Collection; The Brad Shepherd Collection. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, no disassembly was effected to check for matching numbers. Revolver appears to be new & unfired and unturned. Grips are also equally new as is the case. 50061-67 JR121 IVORY (15,000-25,000) – Lot 2091

Click here to view provenance

*FANTASTIC ALVIN WHITE ENGRAVED & GOLD INLAID COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH STEERHEAD IVORY GRIPS FROM THE JOHN DUMONT COLLECTION.

SN 357723. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 5-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address with late first generation marking on the side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and rampant Colt without circle. Left side of front strap, under the grip is inlaid with Mr. White’s gold cartouche marked “A.A. WHITE / ENG.” Revolver is wonderfully engraved by Mr. White with about 70% coverage on the frame consisting of extremely fine foliate arabesque patterns with shaded background. Left recoil shield has a very large raised gold rampant Colt with a raised gold buffalo skull on the loading gate. Top of back strap has an incredible raised gold spread winged American eagle clutching arrows & olive branches in its talons and the back strap is inlaid with a raised, gold longhorn steer head with platinum horns & fantastic detail. Top of bbl, just behind front sight has flat gold inlay of crossed cavalry sabers. Sides of frame, back strap, butt strap, trigger plate, bbl, ejector rod housing & trigger guard are inlaid with flat gold wire as part of the foliate arabesque engraving patterns. Muzzle & breech ends of the bbl are inlaid with a narrow gold band, as is the ejector rod housing. Sides of hammer are also engraved to match. In addition, the screw heads on the frame are nicely engraved and the ends of the transverse pin are checkered. Cylinder has full coverage matching foliate arabesque patterns with foliate patterns in the flutes. The flutes & lands between the flutes are inlaid with fine continuous gold wire and the back edge of cylinder also is inlaid with a fine gold band. SN was observed on bottom of frame and on right side of the front & back straps under “certified pre-ban elephant ivory” 2-pc grip. Cyl is unmarked. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter identifying this revolver in caliber 45 Colt with 5-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed, charged to “Arms Selling Expense” and shipped to Mr. John S. du Mont, Greenfield, Mass. on Sept. 27, 1950 in a 1-gun shipment. Alvin White was one of Colt’s premier master post-war engravers as well as engraving on his own under his own shop name. He produced some of the finest engraved Colts of the modern era that are in some of the greatest collections in the world today. Mr. John du Mont was one of the deans of the firearms collecting fraternity for many years until his death late in the 20th century. Mr. du Mont amassed a very large collection of a great variety of firearms of very high quality and great value. Accompanied by a reconfigured black leather covered distributors case lined in purple satin with gold braided cord outline and a gold stain ribbon diagonally across inside of lid. PROVENANCE: John S. du Mont Collection; David Crocker Estate collection. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching except cyl & grips which are unnumbered. Overall retains virtually all of its wonderful post engraving custom finish probably by Colt. Blue is crisp & bright with strong case colors. Gold animals are executed in extreme fine detail and are a fine example of Mr. White’s talent at its zenith. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, probably unfired. Case is extremely fine. 50222-1 JR228 IVORY (20,000-30,000) – Lot 2092

Click here to view provenance

*RARE ALVIN WHITE ENGRAVED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 345974. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color cased hardened, 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight, 1-line block letter address & Cal. marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt without a circle. SN was observed on bottom of the frame and right sides of the front & back straps, under the grip. Last 2 digits of matching SN are on rear face of cyl. Left side of frontstrap, under the grip has Mr. White’s gold inlaid cartouche “AA WHITE / ENG.”. Mounted with smooth 2-pc pearl grips. Revolver is beautifully engraved by Mr. White with D-plus coverage, fine foliate & floral arabesque patterns that have fine shaded background. Left recoil shield is relief engraved with the figure of General George Armstrong Custer inlaid with silver hat and face, wearing a uniform with the shoulder straps of a Major General. Top of the backstrap has the relief engraved characterization of what appears to be Sitting Bull, a principal Indian player at The Little Big Horn. Top front of the bbl is engraved with crossed sabers surmounted by a “7”, the hat badge of the 7th Cavalry regiment. Cyl has 2 gold lines around the rear edge with 2 more at the bbl root and 2 additional bands at the muzzle. Backstrap is engraved in script “John S. du Mont”. John du Mont was a prolific author of firearm & Custer books and is considered “the Dean of Gun Collectors” and one of the early pioneers of gun collecting who amassed a marvelous collection of Colts and Custer memorabilia. Reportedly created for Mr. du Mont in the mid-1960’s. This is one of the finer examples of Mr. White’s work. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in Cal. 45 with 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed & shipped to Simmons Hardware Co., St. Louis, Mo on Oct 9, 1923 in 1-gun shipment. PROVENANCE: The Brad Shepherd Collection. CONDITION: Appears to be new and unfired since custom finishing showing virtually all of its fine custom finish with bright blues and muted case colors. Grips are sound showing good fire. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore. 50061-26 (12,000-18,000) – Lot 2093

Click here to view provenance

*ENGRAVED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER REFERRED TO AS A “BAR-B-QUE GUN”.

SN 277973. Cal. 32 WCF (32-20). Gold over nickel finish with 4-3/4″ bbl, slightly altered front sight & 2-line address with Cal. marking on the left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt. Mounted with outstanding 2-pc pearl grips that have a raised carved ox head on left side with red stone eyes in gold bezels, gold horns and a gold ring in its nose. Bottom side of the left grip is inlaid with a one dollar U.S. gold coin and the top of the grip with a gold Mexican coin. Top of the right grip has a matching gold coin. Revolver is engraved in very deep foliate arabesque patterns with about 80% coverage over the frame, bbl & grip frame. Cyl is engraved to match over the entire outer diameter with un-engraved counter-point panels in and around the flutes. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in Cal. 32-20, with 4-3/4″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed, and shipped to Simmons Hardware Co., St. Louis, MO on May 14, 1906 in a 15-gun shipment. Also accompanied by a copy of an email from Luis Rojas of “The Engraver’s Cafe – The World’s Largest Hand Engraving Community” wherein he states that this revolver was engraved by his uncle Primitivo Rojas. CONDITION: Fine. Overall retains about 60% orig gold-wash with the exposed areas grey metal patina. Cyl is matching patina with strong gold in the flutes and rear face. Mechanics are fine. Strong bright bore with light frosty pitting. Left grip is chipped near the frame, otherwise grips are sound with good fire. A fine looking engraved Colt SAA! 49967-1 C&R (7,500-8,500) – Lot 2094

Click here to view provenance

INCREDIBLE ALVIN WHITE ENGRAVED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER COMMEMORATING WILD BILL HICKOK.

SN 59088. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, thinned front sight and 1-line block letter address. Left side of the black powder frame has 3-line patent dates and left front web of trigger guard is marked “45 CAL”. Ejector head is half-moon style and the base pin is early style with dimpled ends. Revolver is incredibly engraved by Master Engraver Alvin White with D-plus coverage fine foliate & floral arabesque patterns with very fine shaded background. Screws are all also engraved. Left recoil shield has the raised gold inlay of the bust of an Indian warrior with long hair, a necklace & two feathers. Top of the backstrap is inlaid with the raised gold bust of William Butler (Wild Bill) Hickok. Backstrap is engraved in script “C. M. Williams”. Left side of front strap, under the grip is inlaid with Mr. White’s gold cartouche marked “AA WHITE / ENG.”. Mounted with a 1-pc “certifiable pre-ban elephant ivory” grip that is constructed in the orig old-fashioned manner of two slabs of ivory attached to a central ivory spacer block. Right side has a very detailed, deep relief carved figure of a “Can-Can” girl. Backstrap channel of the grip is engraved “Grips By AA White Eng.”. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in Cal. 45 Colt, bbl length and type of stocks not listed, blue finish, shipped to Hartley & Graham, NY NY on Oct 11, 1880 in a 100 gun shipment. Available information from a previous sale indicates that the engraving on the revolver and carved grips were done by Mr. White in the mid-1950s and that at that time Mr. White had only ever carved 1 other dance hall girl. PROVENANCE: The Brad Shepherd Collection. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Extremely fine, except for the grips. No disassembly was effected to check for matching numbers. Overall, revolver retains about 99% crisp custom finish with bright blue and strong, bright case colors. Left side & top edge of hammer have turned dark with finish loss on the left side of spur. Grip is sound with some age lines and shows no wear with a fine, mellow ivory patina. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore. 50061-1 JR122 IVORY (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2095

Click here to view provenance

*EXQUISITELY ENGRAVED COLT 3RD GENERATION SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN S48099A. Cal. 45 Colt. Nickel finish with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight & 1-line address with model and Cal. marking on left side. Mounted with 1-pc ivory grip that has raised relief carved ox head with red eye on each side. Grip is constructed in the orig manner of 2 slabs of ivory attached to wooden spacer blocks. Revolver is wonderfully engraved by Master Engraver Wayne D’Angelo with about D-plus coverage. Frame has full coverage, extremely well executed foliate arabesque patterns that have fine pearled background. Top strap is engraved in feather patterns and bottom front sides of frame are engraved in diamond & dot patterns with counter-point shaded diamonds. Ejector housing boss is engraved in a hunter’s star. The loading gate slot in the recoil shield is, unusually, engraved in a matching diamond & dot pattern and rear face of loading gate is engraved in foliate pattern. The bbl is also elaborately engraved in a variety of patterns including matching diamond & dot panels with other foliate and floral patterns. There is a band of square & dot patterns at the frame and sides of front sight are engraved. Ejector housing is also elaborately engraved with foliate arabesque patterns on the outer radius and leaf & vine pattern in the top gullet. Cyl is engraved in matching patterns on lands between flutes with a feather pattern around the rear edge. Backstrap, buttstrap & trigger guard are also elaborately engraved with a very fine shell pattern at top of backstrap. Outside of loading gate has a matching shell pattern with similar shell patterns on sides of hammer shank. Hammer nose is engraved with a wolf’s head on each side. Screw heads are also engraved. SN was observed on bottom of frame and sides of front and backstrap under the grip with last 3 digits of matching SN on the bbl under the ejector housing and front face of cyl around the bushing. Accompanied by a custom built, red velvet lined, simple walnut case. Mr. D’Angelo is a self-taught Master Engraver who worked several years for Smith & Wesson with a lengthy stint at a plating company where he also was an engraver. For the past several years, he has been an independent engraver, creating such masterpieces as found here. A conversation with Mr. D’Angelo disclosed that he has a record of having engraved this revolver and that it was commissioned by Nutmeg Sports, Tolland, CT. Accompanied by a letter on Nutmeg Sports, LLC letterhead which identifies this revolver by SN and states that it was engraved by Mr. D’Angelo and is represented in his engraving record book. PROVENANCE: The Terry Lester Collection; The Brad Shepard Collection. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all matching. Appears to be new and unfired. “Certifiable pre-ban elephant ivory” grip is equally new. Case is equally fine. 50061-66 JR199 IVORY (5,000-8,000) – Lot 2096

Click here to view provenance

EXTRAORDINARY FACTORY ENGRAVED IVORY GRIPPED COLT MODEL 1877 THUNDERER.

SN 16331. Nickel finish with 3-1/2″ bbl, full front sight, 2-line Hartford address and crisp “COLT D.A. 41″ etched panel on left side. All the screws, base pin, trigger & hammer are bright fire blued. Mounted with orig, factory, smooth ivory grips. Frame is beautifully engraved in flowing foliate arabesque patterns with about 80% coverage. Top strap is engraved with leaf & vine patterns. Foliate arabesque patterns extend up both sides of bbl with a geometric pattern forward of the address on top. Back of the hammer slot on the backstrap and down the backstrap are engraved in geometric patterns. Cyl is engraved on lands between the flutes with foliate arabesque patterns. Left rear web of trigger guard is stamped “41 CAL”. Inside grip strap is engraved in script initials “J.B.H.”. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter identifying this revolver in caliber 41 with 3-1/2″ bbl, nickel finish, ivory stocks and factory engraved, shipped to Simmons Hardware Co., St. Louis, MO on October 25, 1879 in a 2-gun shipment. Model 1877 revolvers are rarely found with high orig finish as they were very popular in their day and usually saw very hard service on the American frontier with infrequent or no maintenance. History records numerous individuals on both sides of the law carrying this model of revolver including Billy the Kid and others. We wonder who “J.B.H.” may have been. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching. Overall retains virtually all of its crisp, orig nickel finish. All the screws, base pin, trigger & hammer retain most of their orig bright fire blue. There are small areas of bubbling in nickle noted at rear of top strap & there is scratching & light reductions to nickle on butt & inside grip strap near inscription as seen in photos. “Certifiable antique elephant ivory” grips are well fit with minor shrinkage, ivory patina with light scratching & scuffing to high areas. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 50194-2 JS IVORY (12,000-15,000) – Lot 2097

Click here to view provenance

COMPOSED CASED PAIR OF ENGRAVED COLT NEW LINE SPUR TRIGGER REVOLVERS.

SN 5005. Cal. 41. Fine pair of New Line pistols, both with nickel finish and 2-1/4″ rnd bbl, half-moon front sight with 2-line address. Both have 2-pc smooth pearl grips. 1) SN 5005 Cal. 41 CF. Left side of frame bottom strap has the Cal. marking and a “C” which indicates center fire and left side of grip frame is marked with the SN, a “P” and an “N” which indicates pearl grip & nickel finish. Grips are matching numbered to the pistol. Pistol is engraved from the Gustave Young shop, possibly by the Master’s hand with about full coverage on the frame of foliate arabesque patterns that have a fine shaded background. Topstrap and edge of hammer slot are engraved in diamond & dot patterns with full foliate arabesque patterns on the bbl and backstrap. Cyl is engraved to match. 2) SN 5014 Cal. 41 RF. Toe of the grip has the Cal. marking and left side of grip frame is marked with the SN and a “P” which indicates pearl grips. Inside right grip is marked with a partial matching SN. Pistol is engraved by Gustave Young with about full coverage foliate arabesque patterns with fine shaded background on the frame which extends over the top strap and down the backstrap. Bbl is beautifully engraved with intertwined foliate arabesque patterns and very fine pearled background. Cyl is engraved to match over the chambers. Accompanied by a distributor supplied, German silver bound, blue velvet lined rosewood casing with empty plaque in the lid. Interior is French fitted for the two revolvers and two boxes of 41 Cal. Long RF ammunition, one sealed and one opened. The open box has a couple of 41 Short cartridges. Only about 7000 of these scarce revolvers were produced 1874-1879. Accompanied by a packet of information and the cart de visit of James R. Wasson which is addressed to “Gen. O. M. Watkins” on the front and inscribed on the back “With compliments and as a souvenir of May & June 1883 which coincides with the date on the card.”, and signed “Jas. R. Wasson”. Wasson was at that time a Major in the Army having graduated first in his West Point class of 1871. He had been close to President Grant and family and associated with the upper crust of society. He spent substantial time in Japan advising the Japanese government. In May of 1883, Major Wasson stole $24,000 from the Army to which he subsequently confessed, was cashiered out of the Army and sentenced to prison for 18 months. His trial took place in May & June 1883. Also accompanied by a Colt factory letter for SN 5014 which lists it as a 41 RF, bbl length not listed, nickel and gold finished pearl grips, factory engraved, shipped to Worton & Cooke on March 18, 1886 in a 1-gun shipment. Also accompanied by a letter on the letterhead of R. L. Wilson, dated June 1972 over the signature of George F. Havens who states that this revolver was used by his father during 35 years with the Hartford City Police Department, ca 1890-1925. Another letter also dated June 1972 is selling this revolver to Dr. Cox. PROVENANCE: The Dr. Robert G. Cox Estate Collection. CONDITION: 1) Fine to very fine. Overall retains about 90% orig nickel on the frame & bbl with losses only around the muzzle. Cyl shows traces of orig nickel, being mostly a cleaned grey metal patina. Grips are sound with great fire and color. Trigger return spring is broken, otherwise mechanics are fine. Strong bore with fine pitting. 2) Very fine. Frame retains about 70% orig nickel and the bbl about 95%. Cyl shows nickel in the flutes being a dark patina on the outer diameter. Grips are exceptional with great fire and color. Mechanics are fine. Strong bore with moderate pitting. Case is extremely fine with a few light nicks & scratches and retains most of its orig varnish. Interior is lightly to moderately faded and soiled. Cartridge boxes are fine. 50018-110, 50018-116, JR45 (4,000-7,000) – Lot 2098

Click here to view provenance

RARE CASED ENGRAVED COLT 2ND MODEL NEW LINE SPUR TRIGGER REVOLVER.

SN 10934. Cal. 38 CF. Nickel finish with gold-washed cyl and rare 4″ rnd bbl, half-moon front sight and 2-line Hartford address. Bottom of bbl at the muzzle has the 1874 patent date and SN. Left side of bottom strap is marked “38 Cal” and “C”. Cyl has long flutes with 5-chambers and locking notches on the rear face. Right recoil shield has a thumbnail loading gate. The bird head grip is mounted with 2-pc smooth pearl grips that are matching numbered to this pistol. Left side of grip frame, under the grip is marked with the SN a “P” & an “E” which presumable indicates pearl grips and engraving. Revolver is very nicely engraved in the style of Eugene Young with flowing, intertwined foliate arabesque patterns, which have fine pearled background. Left sideplate is engraved in a beautiful flower blossom. Accompanied by an orig burgundy leather coffin-lid, burgundy velvet lined, orig Colt casing that is contour fitted in the bottom for the revolver with an all metal cleaning rod in the rear edge. Left front of the case has a form fitted cartridge block containing 50 very early Cal. 38 cartridges without head stamps. Front of the case has a simple latch in the center, missing its top receptacle and swinging latches at each end. Bottom also has beveled edges with paper covering. Only about 550,000 of these revolvers were produced 1874 to 1880 in both rim fire and center fire calibers. According to The Book of Colt Firearms, Wilson, these revolvers with 4″ bbl are the least common of the New Line, few of which were engraved and extremely few were cased. These revolvers were very popular with ladies as muff pistols or gentlemen as pocket pistols and usually saw hard service, often with little maintenance and are rarely found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Dr. Robert G. Cox Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Overall retains about 96-98% strong orig nickel on the bbl and frame. There are number of small dings on the bottom of the bbl from some clumsy oaf hammering on the cyl pin. Front sight also has a small ding. Hammer & trigger retain most of their orig fire blue and cyl almost all of its light gold-wash. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore with some light roughness. Grips are sound showing great fire and color. Case is sound showing moderate to heavy corner wear with nicks & chips in the leather and overall retains about 80% orig burgundy finish. Interior is moderately faded with two spots of chemical staining inside the lid and two spots of heavy chemical staining and lining deterioration at the muzzle and cyl areas of the revolver recess. Cleaning rod is slightly damaged but intact; cartridges are fine. 50018-241 JR38 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 2099

Click here to view provenance

RARE EARLY PRESENTATION ENGRAVED COLT NEW HOUSE MODEL SPUR TRIGGER REVOLVER W/ PEARL GRIPS.

SN 25634. Cal. 38 CF. Nickel finish with 2-1/4″ rnd bbl, half-moon front sight and 2-line address with “NEW HOUSE 38” roll marking on left side. Left rear side of frame has the Rampant Colt trademark in a circle. The square-butt grip frame is mounted with extremely rare smooth, 2-pc pearl grips and right recoil shield has a thumbnail loading gate. Revolver is beautifully engraved, probably by Gustave Young with about 70% coverage foliate arabesque pattern that has pearled background. Topstrap is engraved in snake & dot patterns with matching fine patterns down each side by the hammer slot and on each side of the bbl address with geometric patterns around the front sight. Cyl is engraved to match on lands between flutes with a snake & dot pattern continuous band around the rear edge. Backstrap is beautifully period script engraved “Presented to / Wm J. Collins / by his friends / June 18th / 1893”. There were about 4000 of these revolvers produced 1880-1886. According to The Colt Book of Firearms, Wilson, this was the highest SN for a 38 cal pistol of this type. Mr. Wilson also states that engraving for these pistols is “extremely rare”. That this revolver was presented 7 years post-production and appears to be completely factory orig indicates that it was probably a slow selling model. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal 38 with bbl length not listed, nickel finish, pearl grips, factory engraved and sold to Henry C. Hallaver at the Colt factory Jun 14, 1893 in a 1-gun shipment.A paragraph at the bottom of the page states “Two other Hallaver’s were employed at Colt’s in 1893”. Also accompanied by a 4-pg handwritten letter from Dr. Cox to R. L. Wilson wherein he orders some of Mr. Wilson’s books and is purchasing this pistol, identified by SN. Additionally accompanying is a 2-pg letter from Mr. Wilson to Dr. Cox discussing the relative rarity of engraved New Line pistols. In one paragraph of the letter, Mr. Wilson states that Colt shipping ledgers indicate that 1890 was the cutoff for production but deliveries continue sporadically into the 1900’s. Further accompanied by a copy of a letter from Dr. Cox to Mr. Wilson informing him that this pistol had arrived. PROVENANCE: The Dr. Robert G. Cox Estate Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching. Overall retains about 96-98% strong orig blue with some minor losses on face of cyl and a few scattered spots on the outer diameter of the cyl. Screws retain most of their vivid fire blue. Grips are sound showing great fire with good color. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore with one spot of pitting. 50018-93 JR39 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 2100

Click here to view provenance

EXCEPTIONAL COLT NO 1 DERRINGER.

SN 494. Cal. 41 RF. Nickel finish, all metal pistol with 2-1/4″ ovoid shaped bbl with half-moon front sight and 2-line company name & address on top flat. Hammer spur is grooved on the top tang to serve as rear sight. Pistol is lightly engraved with foliate arabesque patterns on the side and back of hammer slot with 3 checkered panels on the grip. There are about 6,500 of these little pistols produced 1867-1890. This early 3-digit example is near new retaining virtually all of its bright nickel finish, this example could not be upgraded. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Appears to be new and unfired, retaining virtually all of its orig nickel finish with a few small scuffs on the bbl. Hammer retains about all of its orig case colors. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 50140-9 (7,500-12,500) – Lot 2101

VERY RARE CASED ENGRAVED GOLD COLT NO. 3, HIGH HAMMER DERRINGER.

SN 7011. Cal 41RF. Early production third model, 3rd variation with 2-1/2″ rnd bbl, half-moon front sight & large “COLT” in slanted letters on top and British proofs on the bottom. Mounted with 2-pc smooth rosewood grips, matching numbered to this pistol. Pistol is very nicely engraved, probably by master engraver L.D. Nimschke with about 60% coverage foliate arabesque patterns that has fine pearled background. Front sides of frame are engraved with feather patterns and backstrap in geometric patterns. Hammer is early style with high spur & is color cased hardened. Bbl & frame are totally gold washed over silver with fire blued screws. Trigger appears to be silver plated. Accompanied by an orig blue velvet lined English oak casing with empty brass medallion in the lid. Inside the lid has the Colt’s Pall Mall label. Bottom is compartmented for the pistol & a steel wire cleaning rod with slotted tip. Two compartments with bone pulls are empty. Although this variation had fairly high production, about 12,000 in the period 1873-1877, very few were so elaborately engraved, exceedingly few had precious metal plating & of those only a few are known cased. These little pistols were extremely popular with gamblers, gentlemen & ladies as muff pistols. They usually saw fairly hard service and are rarely found with high orig finish. The gold finish on this pistol is of a soft nature & easily worn. This is most likely the finest example of this gold engraved Colt deringer known. CONDITION: Very fine all matching. Pistol retains about 98% strong orig gold wash with some minor staining on bottom of bbl with some slight pimpling of the finish in that area. Hammer retains brilliant case colors & the screws most of their org blue. Grips are sound with a couple of very minor nicks and retains virtually all of their orig varnish. Mechanics are fine. Strong bright bore with scattered fine pitting. Case is sound with a few light nicks & retains virtually all of its orig varnish. Interior is bright & clean with crisp label inside the lid. 50140-8 JS103 (25,000-30,000) – Lot 2102

VERY RARE FULL DAMASCENED COLT NO. 3 DERRINGER WITH UNIQUE IRON FRAME.

SN 28783. Cal 41RF. This exact unique Colt derringer with 2-3/8″ rnd bbl, half moon front sight with large “COLT” on top with dashes and tiny British proofs on the bottom is pictured on pg 142 of Colt Engraving by R.L. Wilson, 1974. Mounted with 2-pc bird head smooth rosewood grips. Pistol has nearly full coverage damascening with the exposed part of the bbl a light chocolate brown. Screw heads, hammer & trigger are all gold plated. According to Doug Eberhart, he knows of no other iron frame Colt No. 3 derringers. Accompanied by a repurposed red & green velvet lined rosewood casing that has an empty German silver oval in the lid and a square lock escutcheon. Interior is French fitted for the pistol, a steel cleaning rod with slotted tip, a tiny pewter oil bottle & has a mahogany cartridge block in the left front containing 6 cartridges. Case is not factory & has been added since published in 1974. Gold damescening is among the rarest embellishments found on London Colts. This gun once in the collection of Glenn Giehart who is known as early collector of gold damascene guns. PROVENANCE: Glenn Giehart Collection; pictured on pg 142 “Colt Engraving” by R.L. Wilson, 1974. CONDITION: Pistol is very fine. Well fit grips are matching numbered to the pistol, frame is not numbered. Overall retains about all of its fine damascene gold with thin brown on the exposed area of the bbl. Grips show light sharp edge wear with a few light nicks and retain most of their orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore, may be unfired. Case is missing a small piece of veneer from the right top edge, otherwise is sound with light nicks & scratches & retains most of its orig varnish. Interior is bright & clean with little or no soil. Accessories are fine. 50140-5 JS104 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 2103

EXTREMELY FINE NIMSCHKE ENGRAVED COLT NO. 3 DERRINGER WITH PEARL GRIPS.

SN 20716. Cal. 4l RF Short. Silver finish with 2-1/2″ rnd bbl, half-moon front sight & large “COLT” on top. Mounted with smooth, 2-pc bird head pearl grips. Pistol is engraved by L.D. Nimschke with about 60-70% coverage foliate arabesque patterns that have fine pearled background on the frame with feather patterns each side of the front frame. Sides of the bbl are engraved to match with an engraved arrow running through the Colt name which is inside a scroll. They were extremely popular with both ladies and gentlemen in the Victorian era for their small size and ease of concealment. Only a few were engraved and of those extremely few survive today, especially those by Nimschke. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains most of its orig silver finish that is lightly oxidized, with some minor pimpling on left side of bbl. Grips are extremely fine with great fire and color. Mechanics are fine. Strong bore with moderate to heavy pitting. 50140-10 (7,500-12,500) – Lot 2104

PAIR OF COLT NO. 3 THIRD VARIATION DERRINGERS IN RARE CIGAR CASE.

SN 12765/3550. Cal. 41 RF Short. Pistols are virtually identical with nickel finish, half-moon front sight and “COLT” on top of bbl. They are 3rd Type with high hammer spurs and are mounted with matching numbered 2-pc rosewood grips. The butt of each pistol is engraved with a large “S”. Accompanied by an orig burgundy leather covered cigar/cigarette style casing lined with purple satin in the lid & magenta velvet in the bottom. Recessed in the bottom for the 2 pistols. The number 3 Derringer was the highest production of the 3 models of Colt Derringers with very few known to have the cigar style case. These little pistols were very popular with gamblers, gentlemen and ladies for their ease of concealment and reasonably powerful short range cartridge. CONDITION: SN 3550 very fine. Overall retains about 98% strong orig nickel with a few minor, light handling marks. Hammer retains brilliant case colors. Left grip has a chip at the locator pin, otherwise they are sound with some roughness of the left side and overall retain most of their orig varnish. Mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with scattered pitting. SN 12765 very fine, also retains about 98% strong orig nickel with light handling marks and brilliant case colors on the hammer. Trigger & screws retain bright fire blue. Grips are sound with light high point wear and retain about all of their orig varnish. Mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with scattered pitting. Case shows heavy wear with losses around the edges and faded with finish loss to a tan/buckskin color on top. The front latch is damaged, but still present. Interior is moderately faded with a couple of small tears in the lid lining and wear in the bottom. 50140-12 (6,000-9,000) – Lot 2105

EXCEPTIONAL COLT NO. 3 DERRINGER WITH IVORY GRIPS.

SN 36537. Cal. 41 RF Short. Blue and silver finish with 2-1/2″ rnd bbl, German silver half-moon front sight & large “COLT” on top. Left side of frame is marked “41 CAL”. Mounted with 2-pc, smooth ivory grips. This was the highest production of the 3 models of the Colt Derringer, however, very few are found with high orig finish. They were extremely popular with gamblers, gentlemen and ladies for their ease of concealment and reasonably powerful short range cartridge. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Very fine-extra fine. Bbl retains about 97% glossy orig blue with some minor flaking on each side. Frame retains virtually all of its orig silver finish that is lightly oxidized. Screws retain most of their bright fire blue and the hammer bright case colors. “Certifiable antique elephant ivory” grips have a couple of age lines, otherwise are fine with a mellow ivory patina. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore with scattered pitting. 50140-11 IVORY (7,500-12,500) – Lot 2106

EXTREMELY RARE PAIR OF ENGRAVED GOLD & SILVER MOORE DERRINGERS.

SN 4194/4261. Cal. 41 RF Short. Pistols are virtually identical with gold frames and silver 2-1/2″ ovoid shaped bbls, half-moon front sight with the Moore Company name & address on top flat and 1863 patent date on the bottom. Standard production 5th variation pistols are nearly identically engraved in New York style, with about 70% coverage foliate arabesque patterns that have fine pearled background with an elaborate American eagle & shield on the top of each backstrap behind the hammer slot. Doug Eberhart in his 2011 text The Collecting of Deringers manufactured by Moore, National & Colt states “This deluxe specially engraved pair of Moore derringers…gold washed engraved frames, silver plated bbls. The 20 odd pairs of this very limited production…were made 1864-1865 and were (possibly) presented to US Military officers at the end of the Civil War.” This is an exceptional set, much better than pair sold on these floors March 10, 2013, Lot 207, SNs 2253/3343 from the Eberhart collection and pictured in book cited here. Pistols also have additional checkered panels on the backstrap and butt. SN 4194 is engraved with a pear & leaves on the top flat forward of the hammer slot and SN 4261 is engraved with a very detailed flower blossom in the same panel. Matching patterns extend over both sides of the bbl with an arrow on each side pointing toward the muzzle so the shooter will know which end the bullet comes out. The bbl extensions are engraved with a chip & dot border which are also found on top flat of bbls. This is quite possibly the finest pair of these rare Civil War era derringers. PROVENANCE: SN 4194, James Kaekel Collection; Pg 121, Deringer In America, Vol. II, 1993. CONDITION: SN 4194 very fine. Bbl retains about 98% lightly tarnished orig silver and the frame about 80% orig gold-wash. Mechanics are fine. Strong bore with scattered pitting. SN 4261 very fine. Bbl retains traces of orig silver, being mostly a grey metal patina. Frame & grip retain about 98% strong orig gold-wash. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore. 50140-6 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 2107

LOT OF THREE BOXES OF RARE .44 CALIBER CARTRIDGES.

SN NA. 1) Winchester Repeating Arms Co. green label box. Cal. .44 flat rimfire. 2) U.S. Cartridge Co. .44 Henry flat rimfire. 3) U.S. Cartridge Co. Cal. 44 Colt Central fire. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. CONDITION: 1) Fine. Box is full and appears unopened. Green label is clear with some scuffing. Orange end labels with red Winchester “W”. Very good. Sealed in plastic. 2) Very good. Box is missing approx 19 cartridges. Blue label is clear with some scuffing and water stains. Box has been opened. Sealed in plastic. 3) Good. Box is full and has been opened. Box has been resealed with scotch tape. Label is clear with some scuffs and stains. Box is unsealed. A nice lot of some rare .44 Cal. ammo. 49999-4 (1,000-2,000) – Lot 2108

IMPRESSIVE U S MARSHAL OF THE SUPREME COURT SOLID GOLD AND ENAMEL PRESENTATION BADGE BY TIFFANY & CO.

This beautiful badge weighing 81 grams of 18K gold is 3-1/4″ high and 2-1/4″ wide with an inscription reading: “J. M. Wright / in appreciation / 21 yrs. devoted service / Jan 4, 1888 – Jan 4, 1909 / from / Melville W. Fuller / John M. Marlan /James H. McKenney”. John Montgomery Wright was born in 1839 in Kentucky and served is Adjutant General of the State of Kentucky prior to his 21 years as the Marshal of the United States Supreme Court, 1888-1909. Badge was presented by Chief Justice Melville W. Fuller, Associate Justice John Marshall Harlan and Supreme Court Clerk James H. McKenney. CONDITION: Very fine. Eagle still retains fine chased details and frosting. Enamel is complete with one small 1/4″ chip at top of blue circle. Inscription and Tiffany’s maker mark are well discerned. 49642-5 (6,000-8,000) – Lot 2109

EXTRAORDINARILY RARE ENGRAVED BOOK CASED COLT MODEL 1862 POLICE PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 30747 I. Cal 36. Blue and color case hardened with 5-1/2″ rnd bbl, brass pin front sight and 1-line New-York US America address. Left side of frame is marked with a small “COLTS PATENT” and left rear web of trigger guard is marked “36 cal”. Cyl is rebated and half-fluted with 5 chambers. The silver-plated brass trigger guard & backstrap contain a full checkered, 1-pc “certifiable antique elephant ivory” grip with last 3 digits of matching SN in backstrap channel. Grip is made in the orig manner of 2 slabs of ivory attached to an ivory spacer. Revolver is beautifully engraved in late vine pattern without background, probably by Gustave Young with about full coverage on the frame and sides of the hammer. Engraving extends up the sides of the bbl with one scroll on the bbl terminating in Mr. Young’s mythical bird figure, several scrolls on the frame terminate in flower blossoms and the hammer has a wolf’s head on each side of the nose. Top of the backstrap is engraved in Mr. Young’s distinctive fan pattern with other foliate arabesque patterns down the backstrap, on the buttstrap and trigger guard. Accompanied by an extraordinarily rare, incredible book casing that measures 11-1/2″ x 6-5/8″ x 2″, covered in burgundy leather with gold embossing on both covers and the spine. The spine is embossed “COLT / ON THE CONSTITUTION / HIGHER LAW & / IRREPRESSIBLE CONFLICT” and further down is the inscription “DEDICATED / BY THE AUTHOR / TO / ——–“. Bottom of the spine has only the date “1861” visible. The covers are secured by a unique brass latch and a mortised brass lock. Interior is burgundy velvet lined and compartmented in the bottom for the revolver, a single sided “COLTS PATENT” eagle & stars flask, a blued steel bullet & ball “COLT’S PATENT” mold with sprue cutter marked on the right side “36P”, a paper wrapped tin of Ely’s caps with blue label and 2 sealed packets of orig Colt’s Cartridge Works combustible envelope cartridges. There were about 28,000 of this model Colt produced 1861-1873 of which extremely few were engraved and incredibly few are known with this extraordinarily rare casing. These revolvers were produced at a time when the west was very wild and carrying a firearm was expected. Few of these revolvers survive today with any orig finish. Book casings such as found here are only known to a very few exclusive collectors and of those extremely few remain in this fine condition. This set is suitable for the most discriminating collector or museum collection. PROVENANCE: William Meyers Collection; Eric Vaule; The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Revolver is all matching including wedge, cyl and grip. Bbl retains about 60% glossy orig blue with the balance turning plumy brown with some fine pitting on each side of the muzzle. Frame & hammer retain about 75% faded case colors, stronger on the recoil shields and in sheltered areas. Hammer retains about 80% dark case colors. Screws retain most of their orig fire blue. Cyl retains about 30-40% thin orig blue, strongest in the flutes and rebated area, 3 of the 5 safety pins are serviceable. Trigger guard retains 50-60% orig silver with the front strap a light mustard patina. Backstrap & buttstrap are a dark mustard patina. Grip has a couple of age lines on the bottom edges otherwise is sound, showing very light wear and has a fine golden ivory patina. Mechanics are fine. Brilliant shiny bore with 3 or 4 small spots of pitting. Case is very fine with only light crackling on the hinge and some light chipping on the edges. Bottom of the spine has a 3/4″ x 1″ area of faded color which is now a lighter red. The front, top & bottom edges have darkened gold finish. Inside the lid has faded to a mellow gold color with light soil. The bottom retains dark burgundy in the bottom of the compartments otherwise is also faded to matching color. Flask has a couple of small dents in the back and retains about 60% orig finish. Mold is exceptional and appears to be new and unused. Cap tin is missing part of its paper wrapping with light soil and faded label but appears to be still sealed. Cartridge packets are extremely fine. This is one of the finer book casings to come to market in recent history. 49631-31 JR6 IVORY (75,000-110,000) – Lot 2109A

RARE CASED COLT MODEL 1848 BABY DRAGOON PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 5323. Cal. 31. Blue and color case hardened with scarce 6″ oct bbl, brass pin front sight and 2-line New York City address with brackets. Left side of frame is front marked “COLTS PATENT”. Cyl is unfluted with 5-chambers and rnd stop notches with Dragoon/Indian fight scene roll marking. Cyl is marked, left hand with a tiny “COLTS PATENT” and SN cartouche. The single safety pin is crisp and serviceable. The silver plated brass trigger guard and backstrap contain a varnished 1-pc walnut grip with three digits “5-23” of matching SN in buttstrap channel. Cyl spindle is without grease grooves and has a cupped end for use as a loading tool and the right recoil shield has a capping groove cutout. Accompanied by a fluted lid, brown velvet lined Colt casing that is recessed in the bottom for the revolver, a double-sided, standing eagle, “COLTS PATENT” flask, a brass “COLTS PATENT” bullet & ball mold without sprue cutter and a lacquered tin of Eley’s caps with green label. There were about 15000 of these small pocket revolvers produced 1847-1850 in a variety of bbl lengths and configurations, about 2000 of which, at the end of production were fitted with 1849-style rammers. These small revolvers were Colt’s first attempt at a small handgun after the demise of the Paterson line. They were instantly accepted by the buying public and most often were used on the American frontier and almost never found with an orig casing or accessories. They are rarely found with any orig finish. PROVENANCE: Bobby Smith Collection; The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, all matching including wedge, cyl and grip. Bbl retains 65-75% dull orig blue with the balance flaked, not worn to a medium patina. Frame retains traces of case colors, primarily on the left side with the balance a plummy brown patina. Cyl retains about 25-30% thin orig blue with the balance a light patina and shows about 75% Dragoon/Indian fight scene roll marking. One area of the cyl has several sharp dings. Grip has slightly chipped toes with nicks and scratches showing moderate wear and retains about 60-70% varnish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. Case is sound with light nicks and scratches and retains 85-90% orig finish. Interior is lightly faded inside the lid and moderately faded in the bottom, showing slight damage from the front sight. Flask retains traces of orig color with some tiny dents on the collar. Mold shows some nicks and scratches on the sides with bright cavities. Cap tin is extremely fine. 49631-4 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 2110

RARE COLT MODEL 1848 BABY DRAGOON PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 8664. Cal. 31. Blue and color case hardened with scarce 3″ oct bbl, brass pin front sight and 2-line New York City right hand address with dashes. Left side of frame is center marked with a tiny “COLTS PATENT”. Cyl is unfluted with 5-chambers and oval stop notches with Dragoon/Indian fight scene roll marking and single safety pin. The square-back brass trigger guard and backstrap contain a varnished 1-pc walnut grip with penciled matching SN in backstrap channel. Buttstrap is hand scratched “J D B”. Accompanied by an early Paterson-style, fluted lid mahogany casing which is brown fabric lined and recessed in the bottom for the revolver, a double-sided, standing eagle “COLTS PATENT” flask, a brass bullet and ball “COLTS PATENT” mold without sprue cutter, an L-shaped nipple wrench and lacquered Eley’s cap tin with blue paper band. Bottom of the case has the handwritten name in pencil “W P A Strantham”. This revolver has the cyl spindle without grease grooves which is cupped on the end to serve as a rammer and the right recoil shield has a capping groove. There were about 15000 of these small pocket revolvers produced 1847-1850 in a variety of bbl lengths and configurations, about 2000 of which, at the end of production were fitted with 1849-style rammers. These small revolvers were Colt’s first attempt at a small handgun after the demise of the Paterson line. They were instantly accepted by the buying public and most often were used on the American frontier and almost never found with an orig casing or accessories. They are rarely found with any orig finish. The front trigger guard screw and buttstrap screw are engraved. PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. CONDITION: Fine, all matching including wedge, cyl and grip. Bbl retains about 70-75% scattered blue mixed with plummy patina. Frame retains traces of case colors being mostly a dark grey patina. Cyl retains thin blue/brown patina with some orig blue showing through and shows about 85% Dragoon/Indian fight scene roll marking and has prominent safety pin. Trigger guard and backstrap retain most of their orig silver finish. Grip is sound showing light edge wear and overall retains about 90% orig varnish. Mechanics are fine. Strong bore with some shine and fine pitting. Case has a couple of grain checks in the lid with a repaired crack in the lid behind the top front edge and a couple of grain checks in the bottom, otherwise is sound with nicks, scratches and dings and shows most of an old restored finish. Interior is possibly an old re-line from the period of use showing light fading and moderate to heavy soil with some staining from chemical around the revolver recess. Flask is very fine with the body retaining about 95-97% orig finish and the collar & spout about 80% orig gold wash. Mold shows some light battering on top and bottom edges otherwise is crisp and clean. Nipple wrench and cap tin are fine. 49631-1 JR13 (12,500-17,500) – Lot 2111

RARE PAIR COLT MODEL 1849 POCKET REVOLVERS IN FRENCH FITTED CASE.

SN 11467/114291. Cal 31. Beautiful pair of 4″ bbl 1849 pocket revolvers, complete in an orig and rarely seen French style casing. This pair of guns were made in 1856 and conform to other pocket models with 2-line New York address, 5-shot cylinders with rolled stagecoach hold-up scene. Casing is complete with 2-sided eagle flask, brass “Colt’s Patent” 2-cavity mold, pack of cartridges and lacquered cap tin. Guns are both in fine condition, retaining much of their orig finish. Cased pairs of Colt revolvers of this era are quite rare, especially in contemporary French casing. PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Both guns are all matching and complete. 114167 retains about 50% finish on bbl with traces of finish on cyl, 5 crisp safety pins and easily discerned complete rolled stagecoach hold-up scene. Back strap and trigger guard retain about 90% of their silver plate and well fit stocks retain virtually all of their orig varnish. 114291 retains about 50% thinning blue flaked overall on bbl, 30% blue on cyl, 4 crisp safety pins. Back strap and trigger guard retain about 95% orig silver and well fit grips retain almost all their orig varnish with edgewear. Mechanically both guns are fine with bright crisp bores, 114291 also retains much of the blue finish in each chamber. Casing is very good and sound, lining faded with wear and light soiling. The mold is very good to fine with denting and nicks to right top edge. Flask retains much of is orig varnish, overall dark patina. Cap tin and cartridge packet are both fine. Finial attaching compartment with pistol balls is “ESA certifiable antique elephant ivory”. 49631-30 JS IVORY (8,000-10,000) – Lot 2112

KIDDER CASED COLT MODEL 1849 POCKET PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 294315. Cal. 31. Blue and color case hardened with 4″ oct bbl, brass pin front sight and one line New-York U.S. America address. Left side of frame is marked “COLTS PATENT” and left shoulder trigger guard “31 Cal”. Cyl is unfluted with 6-chambers and has the stage-coach hold-up scene roll marking. The silver plated brass trigger guard and backstrap contain a varnished 1-pc walnut grip with last 4 digits of matching SN in backstrap channel. Accompanied by a brass bound mahogany casing that is brown velvet lined and compartmented in the bottom for the revolver and early style, double sided eagle flask, a brass bullet and ball Colts Patent mold without sprue cutter and a small tin of Eley’s caps. Top rear edge of the bottom of the case is marked “PATENT APR. 1854”. Although the Kidder company marking is not present, it definitely is a Kidder case. This revolver was produced in about 1867 at a time of the great Western expansion of Manifest Destiny when any repeating firearm was in great demand. Although this model of Colt revolver was produced in large quantities with over 330,000 having been made in the period 1850 to 1873, very few survive today with high original finish and of those, extremely few are cased. PROVENANCE: Bobby Smith Collection; The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching including wedge, cyl and grip, except rammer handle which is properly unnumbered. Bbl retains 93-95% glossy orig blue with sharp edge wear and light flaking which shows as a light patina. Rammer handle retains faded case colors on the pivot, otherwise is a silver patina. Frame and hammer retain virtually all of their bright, orig case colors, faded on top edge of hammer. Cyl retains 88-90% strong orig blue and shows about 95% stage-coach hold-up scene roll marking. Trigger guard and backstrap retain traces of orig silver, being mostly a dark mustard patina. Grip is sound showing edge wear with a few light nicks and retains 95-96% strong orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. Case is sound with a few light handling and storage nicks and scratches and retains most of an old restored finish. Interior is lightly faded and soiled, heavier in the bottom. Partitions are solid. Flask has a couple of dents and overall retains most of its orig finish on the body with the collar and spout a dark brass patina. Mold has light nicks and dings on the sides and appears to have been used very little. Cap tin is fine. 49631-10 JR9 (8,500-12,500) – Lot 2113

CASED COLT MODEL 1849 POCKET PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 129578. Cal 31. Blue & color case hardened with 4″ oct bbl, brass pin front sight & 2-line New City address with brackets. Left side of frame is marked with a tiny Colt’s patent. The silver plated brass trigger guard and backstrap contain a varnished 1-pc walnut grip with last 4 digits of matching SN in backstrap channel. Cyl is unfluted with 5 chambers & stagecoach holdup scene roll marking. All 5 safety pins are prominent & serviceable. Accompanied by a burgundy velvet lined Colt mahogany casing that is compartmented in the bottom for the revolver, a single sided eagle & stars flask, a blued steel “COLT’S PATENT” bullet & ball mold with sprue cutter & a small Ely’s cap tin. It appears that this revolver was probably manufactured late in 1856 which was at the height of the Great Western Expansion and various gold rushes and other attractions on the Western Frontier. At that time carrying a firearm was expected the those firearms were daily use tools most often exposed to harsh elements with little maintenance. They continued in service throughout the Civil War and returned to the American Frontier and literally around the world where they remained in service well into the 1870’s. PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching incuding wedge, cyl & grip. bbl retains about 80-85% glossy original blue with the loss areas flaked, not worn to a dark patina. Rammer pivot retains brilliant case colors, a little dark on the handle. Frame has naturally muted case colors which are strong on the right side, more faded on the left. Hammer retains about all of its slightly darkened case colors with fine pitting on the nose. Cyl retains strong blue in one area, being mostly a blue/brown patina & shows about 98% stagecoach holdup scene roll marking. Trigger guard and backstrap retains 95-98% strong orig silver. Grip is sound with very little wear showing a few light, scattered nicks and retains most of its original varnish. Mechanics are crisp, strong bright bore with a few spots of pitting. Case has one lose corner on the lid, otherwise is sound with a few light handling & storage nicks & scratches and retains most of its original varnish. Interior is lightly faded in the lid and moderately faded & soiled in the bottom with solid partitions. Flask is very fine retaining about 90% original finish on the body with the collar & spout a dark brass patina. Mold retains about 70% dull original blue mixed with light patina. Cap tin is fine. 49631-9 JR76 (5,000-8,000) – Lot 2114

FINE KIDDER CASED COLT MODEL 1849 POCKET PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 176111. Cal 31. Blue and color case hardened with 5″ oct bbl, brass pin front sight and 2-line New York City address with brackets. Left side of frame is marked with a small “COLTS PATENT”. Cyl is unfluted with 5 chambers and has the Stagecoach hold-up scene roll marking with 4 of the 5 safety pins serviceable. The silver-plated brass trigger guard & backstrap contain a varnished 1-pc walnut grip with last 4 digits of matching SN in backstrap channel. Accompanied by a fine brass bound mahogany casing lined in patterned blue velvet and compartmented in the bottom for the revolver, a double sided eagle & stars flask, a blued steel bullet & ball “COLT’S PATENT” mold with sprue cutter and a packet of 6 cal 31 combustible cartridges. The casing is marked on the top rear edge of the bottom “MANUFACTURED / SOLELY BY W.KIDDER.” and also “PATENT APR. 1854.”. This revolver was manufactured about 1860, just at the outset of the Civil War, a time in which any repeating firearm was in great demand. These little revolvers were highly sought after and very popular during the Civil War and thereafter on the American frontier until well into the 1870’s and even later around the world. While this model had a very high production run of over 300,000 pieces between 1850-1873, a comparable low percentage was cased. Few of those survive today and extremely few survive with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. CONDITION: Revolver is very fine to extremely fine, all matching including wedge, cyl and grip. Bbl retains about 90% glossy orig blue showing sharp edge wear and a small cleaned area on the left side with several nicks on the right side by the wedge slot. The rammer pivot retains bright case colors and rammer handle about all of its case colors mostly turned dark. Frame retains 96-98% orig case colors, lightly faded on recoil shields. Hammer retains dark case colors. Cyl is a dull blue patina and shows about 98% crisp Stagecoach hold-up scene roll marking with 4 of the safety pins serviceable. Trigger guard & backstrap retain about 15-20% orig silver turned dark. Grip is sound with slight edge wear and 1 small ding in the right bottom edge and retains virtually all of its bright orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with some fine pitting near the cyl end. Case is sound with a few light handling & storage marks and a small chip by the shield shaped lock escutcheon. Interior is lightly faded with light soil and a couple of wear spots with 1 small partition reattached. Flask is extremely fine, retaining about 98% orig finish. Mold is extremely fine with only a couple of small nicks, appears to be unused. Cartridge packet is equally new. Altogether a fine rare set. 49631-11 (6,500-9,500) – Lot 2115

VERY RARE COLT MODEL 1849 WELLS FARGO POCKET PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 105597. Cal. 31. Blue and color case hardened with 3″ oct bbl, brass pin front sight and 2-line New York City address with brackets. Frame is forward marked with a small “COLTS PATENT”. The small guard, silver platted brass trigger guard and backstrap contain a varnished 1-pc walnut grip with three digits “559-” of matching SN in backstrap channel. Numbers are heavily obscured by dark stain. Cyl is unfluted with 5-chambers and a crisp, heavily struck stagecoach holdup scene roll marking. All 5 safety pins are crisp and prominent. According to Colt’s Pocket ’49 It’s Evolution authors Jordan and Watt there were an estimated 4200 of these dainty revolvers manufactured out of the total of over 330,000 produced 1850-1873. These were the ultimate “pocket pistol” with their short bbls and no rammer which made them very handy as hideout guns. Few survive today and of those exceedingly few have high orig finish. PROVENANCE: Michael Simens; The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching including wedge, cyl and grip. Bbl retains about 95% strong orig blue with light sharp edge wear and some scattered light rust. Right side of the lug is lightly battered around the wedge slot. Frame and hammer retain virtually all of their orig bright case colors, moderately faded on top edge of hammer. Cyl retains about full coverage blue/brown patina and shows about 98% crisp stagecoach holdup scene roll marking. Trigger guard and backstrap retain most of their orig silver plate, slightly thin about the heel. Grip is sound with a few light nicks & scratches showing light edge wear and some minor oil staining at the frame and overall retains about 95% crisp orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with a few small scattered spots of pitting. 49631-21 JR26 (9,000-15,000) – Lot 2116

RARE CASED ENGRAVED COLT MODEL 1849 POCKET PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 173274. Cal. 31. Blue and color case hardened with 5″ oct bbl, scarce dovetail front sight and “Saml Colt” engraved address. Left side of frame has “COLT’S PATENT” engraved in a pillow-shape. Cyl is unfluted with 5-chambers and stagecoach holdup scene roll marking with all 5 safety pins prominent and serviceable. The brass trigger guard and backstrap contain a smooth 1-pc “certifiable antique elephant ivory” grip with last four digits of SN in backstrap channel. Revolver is engraved in Mr. Young’s deluxe patterns with full coverage, foliate arabesque patterns with pearled background on the frame that has two scrolls terminating in flower blossom. Matching patterns extend over the bbl lug and top side flats of the bbl with a scroll on the left side terminating in Mr. Young’s dog’s head and two scrolls on the right side that terminate in flower blossoms. Matching patterns are also on the rammer pivot. Matching patterns are also on the backstrap, buttstrap and trigger guard with Mr. Young’s typical fan pattern at the top and sunbursts on sides of the backstrap shoulders. Hammer is typically engraved with wolf’s head on each side of the nose, foliate arabesque patterns on the shank and fish scale patterns on the top edge & spur. Grip is constructed with two slabs of ivory attached to an ivory spacer. Accompanied by an orig fluted lid, blue velvet lined mahogany casing that has the rare contoured divider in the bottom and is compartmented for the revolver, a single-sided “COLTS PATENT” eagle & stars flask, a brass “COLTS PATENT” bullet & ball mold without sprue cutter, a packet of 5 Colt’s Cartridge Work’s combustible cartridges and a lacquered tin for Eley’s caps. There were over 330,000 of these revolvers produced in the period 1850-1873, only a few of which were engraved and extremely few were cased, especially with the early style fluted lid case. This revolver was built in 1860 just at the onset of the Civil War where it almost certainly would have seen service. These revolvers were very popular on the American frontier, then through the Civil War and later back to the American frontier and literally around the world. They are rarely found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: C. W. Slagle; The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, all matching including rammer, wedge, cyl and grip. Bbl retains 65-70% thinning orig blue with loss areas flaked, not worn to a light patina showing light edge wear. Frame retains about 50-60% dark case colors and the hammer dark case colors. Cyl retains 25-30% thin blue around the rear shoulders with the balance a light plummy patina and shows about 95% stagecoach holdup scene roll marking. Trigger guard and backstrap retain traces of silver in the most sheltered areas, being mostly a dark mustard patina. Grip has one tiny chip on the front edge and shows a beautiful golden ivory patina. Mechanics are fine; strong bore with good shine and moderate pitting. Case has a couple of grain checks and a repaired crack in the lid and a grain check in the bottom, otherwise is sound with nicks & scratches and shows and old restored finish. Interior is strong & bright inside the lid, lightly faded in the bottom with light to moderate soil and slightly loose partition. Flask has one small dent and shows about 65-70% dark orig finish. Mold is lightly to moderately battered on the outside with good cavities and a dark mustard patina. Cartridge packet is extremely fine, cap tin is fine. 49631-8 JR25 IVORY (10,000-15,000) – Lot 2117

SCARCE CASED COLT MODEL 1849 POCKET PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 322442. Cal 31. Blue and color case hardened with 6″ oct bbl, brass pin front sight and 1-line New-York US America address. Left side of frame is marked “COLTS PATENT” and left shoulder trigger guard is marked 31 cal. Cyl is unfluted with Stagecoach hold-up scene roll marking. The brass trigger guard & backstrap contain a 1-pc varnished walnut grip with the last 4 digits of matching SN in backstrap channel. Accompanied by a fine burgundy velvet lined Colt casing that has shield shaped lock escutcheon in the front and is compartmented in the bottom for the revolver, a single sided “COLTS PATENT” eagle & stars flask, a blued steel “COLT’S PATENT” bullet & ball mold with sprue cutter and marked on right side “31 PKT”, a packet of 6 combustible cartridges and a tin of Ely’s caps with blue label. This revolver was produced in about 1870 toward the end of production but still in a time when the west was very wild and carrying a firearm was a daily way of life. This model of Colt revolver, although with more than 330,000 produced 1850-1873 very few are found today with high orig finish and few of those were cased. These revolvers usually saw very hard service on the American frontier and literally around the world. PROVENANCE: Michael Simens; The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching including wedge, cyl & grip except rammer handle which is properly un-numbered. Bbl retains 97-98% glossy orig blue with only faint sharp edge wear and a couple of small spots on right side of bbl lug. Rammer, pivot & handle retain most of their strong orig case colors. Frame retains virtually all of its bright orig case colors turned a little dark on recall shields. Hammer retains bright case colors, faded on top edge with fine pitting around the hammer nose. Cyl retains 85-90% thinning orig blue and shows about 98% Stagecoach hold-up scene roll marking. Grip frame is a medium mustard patina showing silver under the grip. Grip is sound with light edge wear, a few small dings and retains 97-98% crisp orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore with fine pitting. Case has 3 or 4 small grain checks in the bottom, otherwise is completely sound with a few light handling & storage nicks & scratches and retains most of its orig varnish. Interior lining is bright and strong with light soil in the lid and moderate soil in the bottom, solid partitions. Flask retains about 85% strong orig finish. Mold is crisp and new retaining virtually all of its bright orig blue. Cartridge packet is very fine. Cap tin is good. Altogether a fine frontier era set. 49631-12 JR8 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 2118

RARE CASED ENGRAVED COLT MODEL 1849 POCKET PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 95037. Cal. 31. Blue and color case hardened with 4″ oct bbl, brass pin front sight and engraved “Saml Colt” address. Left side of frame is engraved “COLTS PATENT” in a pillow-shape. Cyl is unfluted with 5-chambers and well struck stagecoach holdup scene roll marking with all 5 safety pins prominent and serviceable. The silver plated brass trigger guard and backstrap contain a smooth, 1-pc “certifiable antique elephant ivory” grip with matching SN in backstrap channel. Grip is made of two slabs of ivory attached to an ivory spacer. Revolver is beautifully deluxe engraved by Gustave Young with full coverage fine foliate arabesque patterns that have pearled background. Two scrolls on the frame terminate in flower blossoms. Matching patterns extend over the bbl lug and top side flats with one scroll on the left side terminating in Mr. Young’s mythical birds head and another just above the wedge screw with Mr. Young’s dog’s head. Right side has another scroll that terminates in a flower blossom. Another unusual feature is a small sunburst on the bottom right of the bbl lug. Matching patterns are also on the rammer pivot, backstrap, buttstrap and trigger guard. Top of the backstrap is engraved with Mr. Young’s fine fan pattern and sides of the backstrap shoulders are engraved in sunbursts. Hammer is engraved with a wolf’s head on each side of the nose, foliate arabesque patterns on the shank and fish scale patterns on the top edge & sides of the spur. Screws & wedge are also engraved. Accompanied by a fine brown velvet lined mahogany Kidder casing that is compartmented in the bottom for the revolver, a single-sided “COLTS PATENT” eagle & stars flask, a brass “COLTS PATENT” bullet & ball mold without sprue cutter, a lacquered tin of Eley’s caps, a spare nipple and a functioning key. This revolver is pictured in color on pg 95 of The Colt Engraving Book, Volume One, Wilson with credit to the Charles Radcliffe Collection. This revolver was produced in about 1854 at a time of the great migration to the American frontier when any repeating firearm was in great demand. These little revolvers were extremely popular and usually saw very hard and continuous service and are rarely found today with high orig finish. Given that this revolver has Mr. Young’s extra finish engraving, it surely must have been for someone of great wealth or as a presentation to someone for service or great valor. Over 330,000 of this model revolver was produced 1850-1873. They remained in service well into the 1870’s until completely supplanted by cartridge firearms. PROVENANCE: Charles Radcliffe Collection; Michael Simens; The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all matching including rammer, wedge, cyl and grip. Bbl retains 97-98% glossy orig blue with only faint sharp edge wear. Rammer, pivot and handle retain about all of their strong orig case colors. Frame and hammer also retain virtually all of their naturally muted case colors. Cyl retains about 95-96% orig blue showing light front edge wear & some thinning on the shoulder and shows about 99% crisp stagecoach holdup scene roll marking. Trigger guard & backstrap retain virtually all of their orig silver plating. Grip is crisp with sharp edges and a fine ivory patina. Trigger retains most of its orig fire blue. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore. Case has a couple of grain checks in the lid, otherwise is sound with light handling & storage nicks & scratches and overall retains about all of its orig varnish. Interior is lightly faded with light soiling inside the lid and moderate to heavy soil in the bottom with intact partitions. Flask is fine and retains about 65-70% orig finish. Mold is crisp with a few minor nicks. Cap tin is also fine. 49631-7 JR24 IVORY (25,000-37,500) – Lot 2119

RARE CASED COLT 2ND MODEL 1851 NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 1438. Cal. 36. Blue and color case hardened with 7-1/2″ oct bbl, brass pin front sight and 1-line New York City address with dashes. Left side of frame is forward marked with a tiny “COLTS PATENT”. Cyl is unfluted with 6-chambers and has the Ormsby naval battle scene roll marking with all 6 safety pins crisp and serviceable. The silver plated, square-back brass trigger guard and backstrap contain a varnished 1-pc walnut grip with matching SN in backstrap channel. Accompanied by a burgundy velvet lined mahogany Colt casing which is compartmented in the bottom for the revolver, a double-sided “COLTS PATENT” trophy of arms and flags flask with angled spout, a packet of the rare Chadwick Manufacturer combustible cartridges marked “For Colt’s Navy Pistol” and a sealed, paper wrapped tin of Eley’s caps with blue label. Case has a shield shaped lock escutcheon. The 2nd Model is also the second lowest production of the Navy Model revolvers with just under 3000 produced in 1850. This is an early 2nd Model with the numbering of this series beginning about number 1250. When the Navy Model Colt was introduced in 1850, the buying public instantly purchased everything available for use primarily on the Western frontier. These early revolvers generally saw very hard service and of those that survive few are found today with any orig finish. Extremely few were cased and only a handful of the 2nd Model are known cased today. PROVENANCE: Pete Holder; The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching including rammer, wedge, cyl and grip. Bbl retains 70-75% orig blue with the balance flaked to a dark patina. There are a few scattered spots of light pitting, heavier around the forcing cone. Rammer handle retains faded case colors. Frame retains traces of case colors, being mostly a mottled light grey patina. Hammer is matching patina. Cyl is a grey patina with areas of fine pitting around the front edge and shows about 70% Ormsby naval battle scene roll marking. Trigger guard and backstrap retain nearly all of their orig silver. Grip is sound with a few light nicks and dings and retains most of its orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. Case has a couple of grain checks in the lid, otherwise is sound and shows a lightly cleaned top with light finish added. Interior is dark orig burgundy with light soil inside the lid, lightly faded and moderate soiling in the bottom. Flask retains traces of orig finish. Cartridge packet is crisp and wrapped in plastic. Cap tin is missing one small spot of paper with some added glue in that area. Label is intact. 49631-14 JR15 (17,500-27,500) – Lot 2120

RARE CASED ENGRAVED COLT LONDON MODEL 1851 NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 4358. Cal. 36. Blue and color case hardened with 7-1/2″ oct bbl, brass pin front sight and 1-line London address. Left side of frame is engraved “COLTS PATENT” in a ribbon. Cyl has the Ormsby Naval battle scene roll marking and all 6 safety pins crisp and serviceable. The blued steel large guard trigger guard and backstrap contain a very highly figured, varnished, burl walnut 1-pc grip with matching SN in backstrap channel. Revolver has the English domed head screws and is nicely engraved in light English arabesque scrolls with partially shaded background. Engraving patterns extend over the bbl lug and top three flats of bbl, with matching patterns on rammer pivot. Backstrap, buttstrap and trigger guard are also engraved in matching patterns. The buttstrap is unnumbered while, unusually, the left side of the hammer is matching numbered. Accompanied by a blue velvet lined English style mahogany casing with empty plaque in top of the lid and a Samuel Nock distributors label inside the lid. Bottom of the case is compartmented, English style for the revolver, a fine Dixon bag-shaped flask, a scarce brass “COLTS PATENT” bullet & ball mold with bright steel sprue cutter, a packet of Hazards Powder combustible cartridges, a large lacquered tin for Eley’s caps and a small pewter oil bottle. There are only about 42,000 London Model 1851 revolvers produced 1853-1856 at which time production ceased and left over parts were shipped back to Hartford and used in production there. Unusually, this revolver is not British proofed. These revolvers were extremely popular with the British military during the Crimean War and many were sold cased as found here although only an estimated less than 1,000 were engraved. Few are encountered today, especially in the U.S. PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, all matching including rammer, wedge, cyl and grip. Bbl retains 15-20% glossy orig blue with the balance flaked, not worn, to a medium patina showing only faint sharp edge wear. Rammer pivot and handle retain bright case colors. Frame retains 60-70% strong case colors, bright on the right side, flaked and faded on the left side being mostly a grey patina. Hammer retains strong dark case colors. Cyl is mostly a blue/grey patina with scattered spots of discoloration and shows about 65-70% Naval battle scene roll marking. Trigger guard and backstrap show blue in sheltered areas, being mostly a grey patina. Grip is sound showing light edge wear, a couple of small dings and retains most of its orig varnish. Mechanics are fine, brilliant shiny bore. Case has some light grain checks in the lid with a crack and some slivers missing from the bottom, otherwise is sound with refinished top and orig finish around the edges. Interior is lightly faded with moderate soiling in the bottom and damage from the front sight and hammer spur. Flask is very fine, retaining about 95-96% orig finish on the body and about 70% gold-wash on the collar. Mold is crisp with bright sprue cutter. Cartridge packet is extremely fine. Cap tin and oiler are also fine. 49631-18 JR20 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 2121

RARE CASED DELUXE GUSTAVE YOUNG ENGRAVED COLT MODEL 1851 POCKET PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 91163. Cal. 31. Blue and color case hardened with desirable 6″ oct bbl, dovetailed front sight with German silver blade and hand engraved “Saml Colt” address. Left side of frame is engraved “COLTS PATENT” in a pillow-shape. Cyl is unfluted with 5-chambers and hand enhanced stage-coach hold-up scene roll marking with 3 of the 5 safety pins serviceable. The small guard. silver plated brass trigger guard and backstrap contain a varnished 1-pc burl walnut grip with backstrap channel obscured by dark stains. This revolver has received Mr. Young’s most elaborate and deluxe treatments with full coverage entwined foliate arabesque patterns that have pearled background and great detail. One scroll on the left side terminates in an elaborate flower blossom with another flower blossom on the right side and an elaborate leaf pattern on the left recoil shield. Matching engraving extends over the bbl lug and top side flats of the bbl with a dog’s head incorporated in a scroll on each side. Matching patterns are also applied to the rammer pivot and ends of the wedge are engraved. All screw-heads are also engraved. Top of the backstrap is engraved in Mr. Young’s typical fan pattern with very delicate sunburst patterns on the shoulders and foliate arabesque patterns on the backstrap, buttstrap and trigger guard. All of the SNs on bottom of revolver are accompanied by a small punch dot which indicated to workmen to provide extra polish for engraving. Accompanied by a very rare blue velvet lined, fluted lid mahogany casing with the rare contoured divider in the bottom. The compartments contain a single-sided “COLTS PATENT” eagle & stars flask, a brass “COLTS PATENT” bullet & ball mold without sprue cutter, a packet of 6 combustible cartridges and a lacquered tin of Eley’s caps with green label. Although there were over 330,000 of these revolvers produced 1850-1873, only a small percentage were engraved and few were cased. Of those numbers, extremely few received the deluxe treatment as found here. These revolvers were manufactured at the time of the great Westward Expansion of Manifest Destiny where they saw hard and continuous service on the American frontier then throughout the Civil War remaining in service well into the 1970’s. Few are found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: Michael Simens; The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. CONDITION: Fine, all matching including rammer, wedge, cyl and grip. Bbl retains about 75% orig blue with the loss areas flaked, not worn to a medium patina and showing light edge wear. Rammer handle retains faded case colors. Frame retains traces of case colors in sheltered areas being a smooth, even grey patina. Hammer is matching patina. Cyl is a light brown patina with fine pitting on the rear shoulder. Trigger guard and backstrap retain virtually all of their orig silver plate, a little thin on the buttstrap and heel. Grip is sound showing moderate edge wear with a few light nicks & dings and retains 90-92% orig varnish. Mechanics are fine. Strong bright bore with fine pitting. Case has two or three grain checks in the bottom and a loose end in the lid, otherwise is sound with usual handling & storage nicks & scratches and retains most of its orig varnish. Interior retains strong bright color with moderate to heavy soiling in the bottom. Flask is a dark patina with a couple of small dents. Mold is fine with a couple of light nicks. Cartridge packet and cap tin are also fine. 49631-5 JR22 (12,500-17,500) – Lot 2122

RARE ROSEWOOD CASED GUSTAVE YOUNG ENGRAVED COLT MODEL 1851 NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 91858. Cal. 36. Incredible 1851 Navy, blue and color case colored with 7-1/2″ oct bbl, dovetailed front sight and 1-line Hartford address. Left side of frame is engraved “COLT’S PATENT” in a pillow-shape. Cyl is unfluted with Ormsby Naval battle scene roll marking and all 6 safety pins crisp and serviceable. The silver plated brass trigger guard & backstrap contain a smooth 1-pc “certifiable antique elephant ivory” grip that has last four digits of matching SN in backstrap channel. Grip is constructed of two slabs of ivory attached to an ivory spacer. Revolver is beautifully engraved by master engraver Gustave Young with his deluxe full coverage on the frame which consists of fine foliate arabesque patterns with pearled background. Several scrolls terminate in flower blossoms. Matching engraving extends over the bbl lug and top three flats of the bbl. The major scroll around the wedge on the left side terminates in a serpent. Rammer pivot is engraved to match and ends of the wedge are also engraved. Hammer is deluxe engraved with a wolf’s head on each side of the nose and fish scale patterns on top edge and sides of spur. Top of the backstrap is engraved with Mr. Young’s typical fan pattern with foliate arabesque patterns down the backstrap, on the buttstrap & trigger bow. Accompanied by an incredible, orig, brass bound rosewood Colt casing that has gold-washed appointments with an empty rectangular plate in the lid and matching lock escutcheon. Interior is burgundy velvet lined and compartmented in the bottom for the revolver, a double-sided trophy of arms & flask, eagle & shield with stars flask that has angled spout, a brass “COLTS PATENT” bullet & ball mold with bright steel sprue cutter, a paper wrapped tin of Eley’s caps, a packet of Colt’s Cartridge Work’s combustible cartridges and an L-shaped nipple wrench. Accompanied by a 3-pg letter from renowned author & Colt historian, R.L. Wilson which corroborates this information. This revolver was produced in about 1859, obviously for someone of considerable wealth or as a presentation to someone of great importance, or possibly a reward for an act of valor. There were approximately 215,000 Models 1851 produced 1850-1873. From their introduction until well into the 1870’s, these revolvers were extremely popular and usually saw very hard service on the American frontier and literally around the world with such notable figures Wild Bill Hickock and many others from both sides of the law. Only a small percentage were engraved and incredibly few were fitted with the ivory grip and spectacular casing. Few of those survive today. PROVENANCE: Jim Epplen Collection; The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching including rammer, wedge, cyl and grip. Bbl retains about 75% glossy orig blue with the loss areas flaked, not worn to a dark patina, showing only light sharp edge wear. Rammer pivot retains strong case colors with the handle lightly cleaned in the center. Frame retains virtually all of its orig case colors, strong and bright on the right side, moderately faded on the left. Hammer shows faded case colors with fine pitting on the hammer nose. Cyl retains about 40% thinning orig blue with the balance flaked to a medium patina and shows about 95% Naval battle scene roll marking. Trigger guard retains about 60% strong orig silver, thin on front strap and buttstrap. Backstrap retains most of its orig silver. Grip is sound with a few age lines and shows a wonderful, mellow ivory patina. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore with a few scattered spots of light pitting. Case has a couple of grain checks in the bottom with most of its oil cloth bottom covering intact, otherwise is sound and retains virtually all of its orig varnish. Brass appointments retain strong gold-wash. Interior is strong and bright with only light wear from revolver contact in the bottom. Flask retains about 97-98% bright orig finish on the body with traces of gold-wash on the collar and spout. Mold is crisp and clean with some minor dings on the sides. Cap tin is open with slight losses and faded label. Cartridge packet and nipple wrench are fine. 49631-16 JR18 IVORY (60,000-80,000) – Lot 2123

| Click here to view provenance

FINE CASED COLT “MODEL 2″ 1855 ROOT PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 22641. Cal. 28. This Colt Root model entered production in 1855 with 8 changes over course of manufacture. This being the second change or “Model 2″. Colt Roots were among Col. Colt’s favorite presentation guns. This particular gun was made just prior to the Civil War in about 1860 with round 3-1/2″ bbl and 2-line Hartford address. These earliest models had rolled cyl scenes of Indians and cabin and this one presents nicely. Pistol is cased in an orig Colt green velvet lined, mahogany case with a flask, mold and tin of caps. PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. CONDITION: Bbl retains about 50% thinning blue finish with balance plum. Bbl housing and frame retain about 90% bright blue finish with balance plum. Cyl. retains strong traces bright blue finish with balance plum/grey. Loading arm and hammer retain strong traces of case colors with balance muted to silver/gray. Grips retain most of their orig glossy varnish with small nicks, dings and light to moderate edge wear. Mechanically gun is functional with crisp bright bore. Accompanying Colt casing is sound. Outside of casing retains much orig varnish. Interior of case is soiled and worn in areas from abrasion, especially front sight. Eagle flask is very fine, retaining most of its orig finish. Two cavity iron “Colt’s Patent” mold retains most of its orig blue finish. 49631-39 JS (4,000-6,000) – Lot 2124

RARE CASED ENGRAVED COLT MODEL 6A 1855 ROOT SIDE HAMMER PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 10337. Cal. 31. All blue finish with rare 4-1/2″ stepped rnd bbl, brass pin front sight and 2-line New-York U.S.A. address. Mounted with 1-pc “certifiable antique elephant ivory” grip that has very deep relief carved Mexican eagle on the left side. Grip is matching numbered rather whimsically, probably by a bored assembler with the Roman numerals “III III VII” (337) which are the matching last three digits of the SN. Cyl is unfluted with 5-chambers and stage-coach hold-up scene roll marking. Revolver is engraved in late vine style without background and has about 60% coverage on the frame, top and bottom straps with matching patterns extending over the major diameter of the bbl on the backstrap, buttstrap and hammer. Accompanied by an English style, brass bound rosewood casing with plaque of the lid engraved “Amori Benson”. The brass fittings are gold-washed. Interior is burgundy velvet lined and compartmented in the bottom for the revolver, a single-sided “COLTS PATENT” eagle & stars flask, a blued steel bow-legged “COLT’S PATENT” bullet & ball mold with sprue cutter and a brass and steel cleaning rod. Covered compartment in the right rear is empty. There were about 2100 Model 6 and 6A revolvers produced 1855 to about 1870. Extremely few were engraved and of those only a handful were so cased. These revolvers were very popular with both ladies and gentlemen of this era and usually saw hard service and are almost never found with high orig finish. Survival rate of cased examples are exceedingly rare. A quick Google search disclosed that there was a Dr. Amori Benson who was born 1799 in Putney, VT and died 1876 in Somerville, MA and is buried in Bennington, VT. PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Fine, all matching including bbl, cyl and grip. Overall, frame and bbl retain about 60-70% orig blue with the balance flaked to a dark patina. Backstrap is mostly a grey patina and the cyl is a light grey patina showing 60-70% stage-coach hold-up scene roll marking. Bbl is loose in the frame. Grip has a couple of age lines and a large chip out of the toe, otherwise is sound with a mellow ivory patina. Hammer will not catch at full cock and is not solid at half cock, otherwise mechanics are fine. Strong bore with moderate pitting. Case is fine with most of the green paper covering on the bottom and overall retains most of its orig factory varnish and about 80% gold-wash on the brass fittings. Interior is very lightly soiled in the bottom, otherwise is bright and clean. Flask retains 85-88% strong orig finish and the mold about 95% bright orig blue. Cleaning rod is fine. 49631-47 JR21 IVORY (12,500-17,500) – Lot 2125

RARE CASED ENGRAVED COLT 1855 MODEL 7 SIDEHAMMER ROOT PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 11256. Cal. 31. All blue finish with 3-1/2″ stepped rnd bbl, brass pin front sight, and 2-line New-York U.S.A. address. Cyl is unfluted with 5-chambers and stage-coach hold-up scene roll marking with cyl pin retaining screw in the side between two chambers. It is mounted with a beautifully checkered 1-pc “certifiable antique elephant ivory” grip with last four digits of matching SN in the top of the backstrap channel. SN on the buttstrap is accompanied by the initials “IE” which indicates factory engraving and ivory grip. Revolver is engraved in late vine style without background and has about 60% coverage which extends over sides of the frame, top strap and raised area of the bbl. Rammer pivot, hammer, backstrap and buttstrap are engraved to match with light matching patterns on the bottom strap of the frame. Accompanied by an incredible German silver mounted, green baize lined rosewood casing that also has German silver hinges and a mortised German silver lock. Center of the lid has a German silver inlaid shield inscribed in period script “F. A. St. John”. Interior is compartmented for the revolver, a rare root sized eagle and stars dbl-sided flask, a blued steel, bow-legged bullet and ball “COLT’S PATENT” mold with sprue cutter, a sealed packet of 5 Colts Cartridge Works combustible cartridges, a small lacquered tin of Eley’s caps and a small metal cleaning rod. There were nearly 3,000 Models 7 & 7a produced in the 11,000-14,000 serial range, 1867-1870. Extremely few of these fine revolvers were engraved and incredibly few of those were cased. Those with ivory grips such as found here are practically unknown. PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching including cyl, bbl and grip. Overall retains about 80-85% orig blue showing a cleaned area on the left side of the bbl with fine pinprick pitting. Frame is lightly flaked with strong glossy blue in sheltered areas and sides of the frame. Rammer and hammer retain dark case colors with the rammer handle a grey patina. Cyl is a cleaned grey patina with traces of orig blue and light pitting, showing about 80% stagecoach hold-up scene roll marking. Grip has an age line in the toe, otherwise is sound showing light diamond point wear and a light ivory patina. Hammer will not catch in half-cock notch, otherwise mechanics are fine. Strong bright bore with scattered pitting. Case is sound with green velvet covered bottom. Overall shows light nicks and scratches and retains most of its orig varnish. Interior is lightly to moderately faded, with soiling and staining inside the lid, with some mothing in the bottom and one reattached partition. Flask is extremely fine with some minor staining on the collar. Mold is lightly nicked and dinged with some fine pitting on the outside and shows about 70% orig blue. Cartridge packet is extremely fine as is the cap tin. 49631-45 JR10 IVORY (17,500-27,500) – Lot 2126

Revised: 2/26/2016

Please Note: Special Important Note regarding this rare lot: Mr. Charles Pate, noted martial arms scholar, recently contacted us concerning this auction lot and the extraordinarily rare accessory shoulder stock. Mr. Pate states the shoulder stock was made in early November 1860 for use with one of the rare Colt “no-patent” Army pistols. At least two of these “no-patent” pistols were cut for shoulder stocks. But this stock, SN 4, is the only one now known to exist. Also please note, the Colt Army SN 4 is in the Gene Autry National Center Museum. Detailed information is included in the attached article, researched by Mr. Pate. Our sincere thanks to him for this information.

RARE COLT MODEL 1860 ARMY PERCUSSION REVOLVER WITH SHOULDER STOCK.

SN 136923. Cal. 44. Blue and color case hardened with 8″ rnd bbl, German silver front sight and 1-line New-York U.S. America address. Frame is 3-screw type cut for shoulder stock and is marked “COLTS PATENT” on left side of frame. Cyl is rebated with Ormsby’s Naval battle scene roll marking. The unplated brass trigger guard and blued steel backstrap contain an oil finished, 1-pc walnut grip with last 4 digits of matching SN in backstrap channel. Both sides of grip have a legible cartouche and various parts have small inspector initials. Accompanied by a Type 4 shoulder stock with unplated brass yoke and carbine style buttplate. Bottom tang also has a sling stud and ring and it appears that the stock lug housing of the yoke has had a 3/8″ extension added to the bottom. Bottom tang has the number “4” with matching numbered stock lug. It appears that this revolver was manufactured in 1863 at the height of the Civil War when any firearm was in great demand. Of the more than 200,000 revolvers of this model produced 1860-1873, the U.S. government purchased 127,156 of them during the Civil War period with another 2,200 purchased on the open market. Most of these revolvers saw extensive hard service throughout the war, it being the most popular sidearm in the Union Army, and later on the American frontier where they usually saw hard service under adverse conditions and are rarely found today with orig finish. Orig buttstocks are extremely rare with only a few produced. PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, all matching including wedge, cyl & grip. Bbl retains about 85-90% orig blue, strong and bright in sheltered areas with visible feathers by the front sight and rammer lug. Loss areas are from light wear. Rammer pivot retains dark case colors. Frame retains about 70% strong case colors, turned to silvery/brown on recoil shields. Hammer retains bright case colors on right side, fading elsewhere. Cyl is mostly a blue/brown patina with a few nicks & dings and shows about 60-70% naval battle scene roll marking. Trigger guard is a mellow brass patina. Backstrap retains 50-60% thin orig blue with the loss areas a medium patina. Grip has light battering on bottom right edge with light nicks & dings and retains most of its orig oil finish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with a few spots of bright pitting. Shoulder stock is sound with light nicks & scratches and retains most of its orig oil finish. Yoke and buttplate are fine with a few dings on the yoke and both show a medium mustard patina. 49631-22 JR78 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 2127

Click here to view provenance

SCARCE HIGH CONDITION MARTIALLY MARKED COLT MODEL 1860 ARMY PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 137243. Cal. 44. Blue and color case hardened with 8″ rnd bbl, German silver front sight and 1-line New-York U.S. America address. Frame is 3-screw type cut for shoulder stock with flat head hammer screw and marked on left side “COLTS PATENT”. Cyl is rebated and has the Ormsby Naval battle scene roll marking with 4 of the 6 safety pins are crisp and serviceable, the other 2 are missing. The unplated brass trigger guard and blued steel backstrap contain an oil finished 1-pc walnut grip with last four digits of matching SN in the backstrap channel. Left side of the grip has a crisp “JLD” (J. L. Doppman) inspector initials and right side “JT” (John Taylor) sub-inspector initials. There are various inspector initials on other parts of the revolver. The Model 1860 Colt was one of the most popular side arms during the Civil War with more than 200,000 produced 1860-1873, of which the US government purchased more than 127,000 on military contracts. They were equally popular with the Confederacy when they could be obtained. Most of these revolvers saw hard service throughout the Civil War and later on the American frontier with various Cavalry and infantry units, including the famed 7th under Custer and the 10th Cavalry, the famous all black Cavalry regiment. They remained in service well into the 1870’s until supplanted by the Model 1873 Single Action Army cartridge revolver. The military finish found on those revolvers purchased by the government differs from the civilian counterparts being slightly more dull satin with, unplated trigger guard and oil finished stocks as found here versus the higher polished blue, silver plated trigger guards and varnished stocks on the civilian version. PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all matching including wedge, cyl and grip. Bbl retains 90-92% strong, orig military blue showing thinning around the muzzle with some light flaking elsewhere and a lightly cleaned area on the right side by the wedge slot. Rammer and handle retain virtually all of their bright orig case colors. Frame and hammer retain brilliant case colors showing only faint sharp edge wear. Screws retain most of their orig blue. Cyl retains a dull blue in the rebated area being a blue/grey patina on the major diameter and shows about 98% Naval battle scene roll marking. Trigger guard has a few small nicks on the frontstrap and shows a medium mustard patina. Backstrap & buttstrap retain virtually all of their orig blue, thin on the heel. Grip is sound with only a couple of minor, tiny nicks and retains virtually all of its orig oil finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore with a few scattered spots of light pitting. This revolver is suitable for the most advanced Colt collector or museum collection being one of the finest martial Model 1860 revolvers to come to market in recent history. 49631-24 JR28 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 2128

SCARCE CASED COLT MODEL 1860 ARMY PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 154099. Cal. 44. Blue and color case hardened with 8″ rnd bbl, German silver front sight and 1-line New-York U.S. America address. Left side of frame is marked “COLTS PATENT” and left shoulder of trigger guard is marked “44 Cal.”. Frame is 3-screw type, cut for shoulder stock. Cyl is rebated and has the Ormsby Naval battle scene roll marking with 5 of the 6 safety pins prominent and serviceable. The silver plated brass trigger guard and blued steel backstrap contain a varnished 1-pc walnut grip with last four digits of matching SN in backstrap channel. Accompanied by an orig Colt mahogany casing that is burgundy velvet lined and compartmented in the bottom for the revolver, a single-sided “COLT PATENTS” trophy of arms & flags angle spout flask, a blued steel bow-legged “COLT’S PATENT” bullet & ball mold with sprue cutter marked on the right side with a “C”, a scarce soft packet of Hazards Powder Co. combustible cartridges and a tin of Eley’s caps with blue paper wrapping and green label. There were over 200,000 Model 1860 revolvers produced 1860-1873 of which the U.S. government purchased over 127,000 with the remainder sold on the civilian market. Those revolvers produced prior to the end of the Civil War, including this revolver almost certainly would have seen service during war. Virtually all of the production also saw hard service on the American frontier and around the world. Few survive today with high orig finish and extremely few are cased. PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching including wedge, cyl and grip. Bbl retains 65-70% glossy orig blue with the balance flaked, not worn to a medium/dark patina with a couple of small spots of fine pitting. Rammer handle and pivot retain most of their orig case colors, strong and bright on the pivot. Frame retains brilliant case colors on the sides, moderately faded on the recoil shields. Hammer retains strong case colors, faded on top edge with fine pitting around the nose. Cyl retains strong blue in the rebated area with the major diameter thin orig blue and shows about 95% Naval battle scene roll marking. Trigger guard is a medium mustard patina with traces of silver. Backstrap and buttstrap retain about 85% orig blue, strong and bright in sheltered area; a little thin on the backstrap. Grip is sound showing light edge wear with a few minor nicks and dings and retains most of its orig varnish. Mechanics are fine. Strong bright bore with moderate pitting. Case has a hairline crack in front right edge with a shrunken bottom left front corner, otherwise is sound with usual light handling and storage nicks and scratches and retains most of its orig varnish. Lock escutcheon is missing. Interior is lightly to moderate faded inside the lid with very light soil. Bottom is lightly faded with moderate soil and light damage from the front sight and hammer spur. Partitions are intact. Flask has one tiny dent and shows about 80% strong orig finish with most of the wear on the back side. Mold is crisp and clean with about 98% orig blue. Cap tin is missing about 1/3 of the paper wrapping on the lid edge with a tear in the label otherwise is fine. Cartridge packet is extremely fine. Altogether, a great 1860’s Colt with high orig finish. 49631-20 JR17 (25,000-40,000) – Lot 2129

RARE AND EXTREMELY FINE COLT CIVILIAN MODEL 1860 ARMY PERCUSSION REVOLVER WITH MATCHING SHOULDER STOCK INSCRIBED TO SAMUEL BOWLES FOR USE DURING HIS REMARKABLE 1865 JOURNEY TO THE WEST.

SN 151313. Cal. 44. Blue & color case hardened with 8″ rnd bbl, German silver front sight and 1-line New-York U.S. America address. Left side of frame is marked “COLTS PATENT” and left shoulder of trigger guard is marked “44 CAL”. It has usual 6-shot rebated cyl with Ormsby Naval Battle scene roll marking and all 6 crisp safety pins are present. Frame is 4-screw type cut for shoulder stock with proper long flat head hammer screw and a stock dimple in butt strap. 4- screw frames utilized in this late serial range are quite rare and few examples are known and several famous examples in this serial range including the “Eustace Barron” which is pictured in Wilson & Sutherland’s The Book of Colt Firearms. The silver plated brass trigger guard & blued steel back strap contain a varnished 1-pc walnut grip serial numbered to this revolver. SNs were observed on bbl lug, frame, trigger guard & butt strap with the last five digits of SN on wedge and last four digits on cyl & cyl spindle. The SN on frame, trigger guard & backstrap are accompanied by a small “S”, indicating that the frame was to be cut for shoulder stock. Pistol back strap and stock frontstrap are engraved in Colt factory style script “SAML BOWLS / SPRINGFIELD MASS”. Accompanied by matching orig Colt 1860 Army stock with brass yoke & buttplate bearing the SN “151313” on the yoke and “128032” on buttplate followed by small “S”. Last three digits of SN, “313”, are inked under the buttstock lower tang. Though the SN on buttplate is not matching; this seems to be a factory trend. Note that on these same floors lot 2132, October 2011, a similar stock SN 150722 on yoke and 128033 on butt which was accompanied by reference from noted Colt authority, collector & dealer, the late Alan S. Kelley wherein Colt stocks with mismatched numbers, “This discrepancy common on shoulder stocks of the period.”. Stock has a beautiful bright varnish finish with a lanyard stud & ring in bottom tang. It would be difficult to upgrade this particular example as it retains most all of its bright orig finish and appears unfired plus it has stellar collection history. Samuel Bowles was an editor publisher in Springfield, Massachusetts printing influential newspapers and journals throughout his lifetime. There are several books written on his life containing many of his numerous articles and journal entries. There is a 500 pg volume Across The Continent published in 1865 transcribed from his journals and letters of a summer journey he made starting in Atchison, Kansas in May 1865 transversing the West with specific study of the Mormons, including meetings with Brigham Young and other church elders, views on polygamy, interviews with Mormon wives, etc. This trip Mr. Bowles party was led by Schuyler Colfax, Speaker of the House of Representatives, was initially set to visit the mining regions of Colorado, Nevada, and California, though it seems most of the time was in study of the Mormon culture, people, topography of Salt Lake area, etc. This amazing book, which an orig 1st edition accompanies this lot, was annotated and edited from Bowles’ letters, diaries and journals that reads quite-like an adventure that could make a good plot for a movie today. Bowles’ party had access to the best railroads, and coach service, so crossing America was much easier now after the Civil War no wonder so many soldiers went West. Though every comfort would be afforded, this group of travelers, with important politicians and other journalists, Bowles does mention “There are rifles and revolvers for Indians and game…with the news that (Overland Stage) had been attacked by the Indians..halfway to Fort Kearney. It is the first raid of red-skins this season…” This particular Colt, based on SN, was made in late 1864, just in time for this journey. I see little doubt that this weapon was purchased with this trip in mind, though based on its near new condition it probably wouldn’t have left its box. PROVENANCE: Samuel Bowles, 1865; Family of a Boston Judge; Robert Tompkins, Sheffield, Mass, 1951; Herb Glass Sr., Bullville, NY; Gerald Fox; Herbert Green, 1955; Al Kelly; The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching including wedge, cyl, grips & shoulder stock with noted known discrepancy on Colt buttplates. Bbl retains about 99% strong glossy orig factory blue with light muzzle edge wear and a few scattered scratches and two about 1″ thin scuffs, one on right side of bbl just rear of latch and the other on left side of bbl just forward of wedge. Rammer & handle retain most of their orig case colors with balance, especially forward on arm, silver/gray. Frame & hammer retain brilliant case colors on sides with recoil shields turning dark. Cyl retains 97-98% strong bright blue overall with thinning in rebated area. Virtually all of the rolled Ormsby Naval battle scene is crisp and discernible. Chambers are crisp & clean with thin orig blue. Trigger guard retains about 80% of silver plating with reductions being on grip strap where held, which is mixed silver and a light brass patina. Back strap & butt strap retain about 98% glossy orig blue. Grip is sound and well fit, retaining virtually all orig varnish except where in contact with yoke, which has indented an area on each side of grip about 1″ wide where there is no finish and slight reduction of surface. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with lots of orig blue. Stock yoke retains 95% plus orig silver plating with one large reduction on right yoke where it abuts gun and several other small freckles of missing finish. Buttplate retains about 80% orig silver finish with reductions at bottom. Stock has a few scattered very light blemishes and retains virtually all of its brilliant orig varnish, a superb specimen. 49631-23 JS (40,000-50,000) – Lot 2130

Click here to view provenance

EXTREMELY RARE CASED COLT MODEL 1860 FLUTED ARMY PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 946. Cal. 44. Blue and color case hardened with rare 7-1/2″ rnd bbl, German silver front sight and 1-line Hartford address. Frame is marked with a small “COLTS PATENT” and is 4-screw type cut for shoulder stock with flat head hammer screw. Cyl is full fluted with 6-chambers and has the SN in one flute and patent markings in the adjacent flute. The silver plated brass trigger guard and steel backstrap contain a varnished 1-pc Army size walnut grip. No disassembly was effected to check for matching number in the grip. Only about 4000 of the total production of about 200,000 Model 1860’s were manufactured with fluted cylinders, almost all under SN 8000. Many of these first year revolvers were sold on contracts to Southern dealers and consequently were used by the Confederacy during the Civil War and are considered secondary Confederate arms. Accompanied by an extremely rare orig mahogany Colt casing for the 7-1/2″ Model 1860. Case is burgundy velvet lined and compartmented in the bottom for the revolver, a single-sided “COLTS PATENT” trophy of arms & flags flask with angle spout, a blued steel, bow-legged “COLT’S PATENT” bullet & ball mold with sprue cutter marked with a “D” on the right side, a packet of Colt’s Cartridge Work’s combustible cartridges and a paper sealed tin of Eley’s caps with blue paper wrap and green label. That these revolvers are extremely rare is without question. The 7-1/2″ bbl version is even more rare and cased examples are virtually unknown. Add to that rarity the strong orig finish makes this an incredibly rare set. PROVENANCE: Robert Howard Collection; The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching including wedge and cyl, grip was not checked. Bbl retains about 70-75% glossy orig blue with the loss areas flaked, not worn to a medium patina. Rammer pivot retains bright case colors with the handle mostly faded to silver. Frame and hammer retain virtually all of their brilliant case colors, lightly faded on top edge of hammer. Cyl, which appears to be unfired, retains about 75% glossy orig blue with the loss areas flaked to a light patina, showing only sharp edge wear. All 6 safety pins are crisp and serviceable. Trigger guard and backstrap retain virtually all of their orig silver finish, slightly pimpled on heel of backstrap and buttstrap. Grip is crisp with only a couple of minor nicks and retains all of its bright orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant, shiny, unfired bore. Case has a grain check in the bottom, otherwise is sound with usual nicks and scratches and retains virtually all of its orig varnish. Interior is moderately faded with light soil inside the lid lining and moderate soiling and staining in the bottom. Partitions are solid with moderate damage to the lining from the front sight, hammer spur and heel of the grip. Flask has a couple of small dents and overall retains about 90% strong orig finish. Mold is crisp and appears to be unused, retaining 96-98% orig blue. Cap tin is missing a couple of small spots of paper, otherwise wrapping is intact with lightly faded top label. Cartridge packet is half opened but full and wrapped in plastic and appears to be fine. 49631-34 JR16 (65,000-95,000) – Lot 2131

EXTREMELY RARE CASED ENGRAVED COLT MODEL 1861 NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 28098. Cal. 36. Blue and color case hardened with 7-1/2″ rnd bbl, German silver front sight and 1-line New-York U.S. America address. Left side of frame is engraved “COLTS PATENT” and left rear web of trigger guard is marked “36 Cal”. Cyl is unfluted with Ormsby Naval battle scene roll marking. The silver plated brass trigger guard and backstrap contain a fine burl walnut varnished 1-pc walnut grip that has last four digits of matching SN in backstrap channel. Revolver is very nicely engraved, probably by Gustave Young, in late vine style without background having about full coverage on the frame with two scrolls terminating in flower blossoms. Matching patterns extend over the bbl lug and around the address with a flower blossom above the wedge slot on the right side. Hammer is also deluxe engraved with a wolf’s head on each side of the nose, foliate arabesque patterns on the shank and fish scale patterns on the top edge and spur. Top of the backstrap is engraved with Mr. Young’s typical fan pattern with foliate arabesque patterns down the backstrap, on the buttstrap and trigger guard. All of the SNs on bottom of revolver are accompanied by a small “E” which signal to the factory workman to apply extra polish for engraving. Accompanied by an orig burgundy velvet lined, mahogany Colt casing that is compartmented in the bottom for the revolver, a single-sided “COLTS PATENT” trophy of arms & flags flask with angle spout, a blued steel “COLT’S PATENT” bullet & ball mold with sprue cutter marked on the right side “36B”, a packet of Colt’s Cartridge Work’s combustible cartridges and a lacquered tin of Eley’s caps with green label. Only a little more than 38,000 of these fine revolvers were produced 1861-1873. The majority having been produced during the Civil War years saw hard service throughout the war and the entire production generally saw hard frontier service thereafter. This was considered Colt’s most beautiful percussion revolver and few remain today with high orig finish and extremely few are cased. PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. CONDITION: Very fine plus, all matching including wedge, cyl and grip. Bbl retains about 95% orig blue, turned a little plum over the top with glossy bright blue elsewhere and light sharp edge wear. Frame and hammer retain virtually all of their orig, naturally muted case colors, turned a little dark on the hammer. Cyl retains about 75-80% blue/brown patina and shows about 95% Naval battle scene roll marking with light, scattered pinprick pitting. Trigger guard and backstrap retain silver in sheltered areas, being mostly a yellow brass patina. Grip is sound with a few small dings on the bottom edges and retains most of its slightly dulled orig finish. Mechanics are crisp. Very bright, shiny bore with a few scattered spots of pitting. Case is sound with usual handling & storage nicks &scratches and retains about 90% orig varnish. Interior is moderately faded with light to moderate soil inside the lid and moderate to heavy soil in the bottom with solid partitions. Flask retains 88-90% orig finish on the body with most of the losses on the back side. Collar and spout are a brass patina. Mold retains about 80% dull blue with crisp cavities. Cartridge packet and cap tin are fine. Altogether, a rare fine set. 49631-52 JR19 (40,000-60,000) – Lot 2132

RARE CASED COLT MODEL 1861 NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 12686. Cal. 36. Blue and color case hardened with 7-1/2″ rnd bbl, German silver front sight and 1-line New-York, U.S. America address. Left side of frame is marked “COLTS PATENT” and left rear web of trigger guard is marked 36 cal with an “8” stamped over the 6 which indicates that this revolver at one time may have been a conversion and retained its orig percussion cyl. Cyl is unfluted with Ormsby naval battle scene roll marking. The silver plated trigger guard and backstrap contain a varnished 1-pc walnut grip with the last four digits of matching SN in backstrap channel. Accompanied by an orig mahogany Colt casing that is burgundy velvet lined and compartmented in the bottom for the revolver, a single sided “COLTS PATENT” trophy of arms and flags, single sided flask with angled spout, a scarce brass “COLTS PATENT” bullet and ball mold with bright steel sprue cutter, a packet of six Colts cartridge works combustible cartridges and an Eley’s cap tin. This revolver is civilian style but made in about 1863 at the height of the Civil War when any firearm was in great demand. The Union government purchased about 2000 of these revolvers during the war with the balance sold commercially, the vast majority of which saw service during the Civil War and later on the American frontier. Extremely few were cased and few survive today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching including wedge, cyl and grip. Bbl retains 95-96% glossy orig blue with a few nicks and dings on the bbl lug which have had a light touch up in that area and has a few scattered spots of light surface rust with fine pitting on bottom of lug. Rammer handle and pivot retain dark case colors. Frame retains about all of its strong case colors on the sides, turned a little dark on the recoil shields. Hammer shows bright case colors, faded on top edge. Cyl is a blue/brown patina with a couple of small spots of pitting and shows 65-70% naval battle scene roll marking. Trigger guard and backstrap retain about 65-70% orig silver showing wear on the backstrap and a little thin on the front strap. Grip shows light edge wear with a nick on the left side and overall retains most of its orig varnish. Mechanics are fine. Brilliant shiny bore, muzzle has been lightly dressed. Case has a repaired crack in the lid with another fine crack with four or five cracks in the bottom. Edges of the case retain most of their orig varnish with the top showing a restored finish. Interior is lightly to moderately faded with moderate soil in the bottom and light damage from the front sight and heel of the grip. Partitions are solid. Flask retains about 60% orig finish with a couple of small dents. Mold is very fine with bright cavities. Cartridge packet is crisp, cap tin is fine. 49631-51 JR12 (15,000-20,000) – Lot 2133

SCARCE AND FINE CASED 5-1/2″ COLT MODEL 1862 POCKET NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 13065. Cal. 36. Blue & color case hardened with 5-1/2″ oct bbl, brass pin front sight and 1-line New-York U.S. America address. Left side of frame is marked “COLTS PATENT” and left shoulder of trigger guard is stamped “36 CAL”. The silver plated brass trigger guard & back strap contain a fine varnished 1-pc walnut grip with SN in butt strap channel. Cylinder is usual 5-shots with rebated diameter and has the stagecoach holdup scene roll marking. Accompanied by an orig Colt mahogany casing with blue velvet lining compartmented in bottom for the revolver; a single sided eagle & stars pocket sized flask; a blued steel 2-cavity “COLTS PATENT” mold marked on right side “36P”; and a packet of 5 Colt cartridges. This particular gun was made in 1862 at the height of Civil War fervor and few guns of this model survived in such fine condition. PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. CONDITION: Very fine overall, all matching. Bbl retains about 98% glossy bright factory blue with only faint sharp edge wear and losses around muzzle, a few light nicks and scratches around wedge slot. Loading assembly retains most of its orig case colors, though muted and balance is a silver/gray. Frame & hammer retain virtually all of their orig case colors, though some areas have darkened. Cyl retains about 40% orig blue and crisp rolled stagecoach hold-up scene marking, a light cyl drag line is present. Chambers of cyl and the bore retain much of their orig factory blue. Trigger guard & back strap retain strong traces of orig thinly applied silver plating. Grip is sound, well fit & crisp with only a couple of minor light nicks in finish and retains virtually all of its bright orig factory varnish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Casing is sound with a longitudinal crack in the lid with typical handling & storage marks. Interior is bright blue with wear, soiling. At least 2 partitions have been repaired and reglued. Flask retains most of its finish on obverse, the reverse is worn and has a moderate dent. Cartridge packet is very good overall and accompanying pack of Hicks percussion cap tin is very good, but of later vintage. 49631-36 JS (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2134

EXCELLENT 4-1/2″ COLT MODEL 1862 POCKET NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 2617. This is a fine example of the Model 1862 Pocket Model made first year of production in 1861. This gun conforms to other models in this series with blue & color case hardened with 4-1/2″ oct bbl, brass pin front sight and 1-line New York U.S. America address. Left side of frame is marked “COLTS PATENT” and left shoulder of trigger guard is stamped “36 CAL”. The silver plated brass trigger guard & back strap contain a fine varnished 1-pc walnut grip. Smooth cylinder is usual 5-shots with rebated diameter and has the stagecoach holdup scene roll marking with only 2 safety pins retained, others are smashed flat. There were approximately 19,000 of these fine revolvers produced 1861 to 1873. This particular gun was made at the beginning of the Civil War and it is amazing but this specimen escaped hard war service and survived in such fine condition, retaining much of its orig finish and aesthetics. PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Grips appear orig and fit perfectly. Bbl address, SNs, patent and caliber marks are crisp and well struck. Bbl retains about 90% orig factory blue finish with some thinning and wear at edges with small dents and nicks around wedge slot. Frame, hammer, and loading assembly retain much of their bright case color with balance silver/grey. Cylinder retains strong traces of orig blue in protected areas. Virtually all of its stagecoach holdup scene roll marking is visible with slight pitting to top edges. Trigger guard and backstrap retain strong traces of orig silver plating with remainder yellow patina. Grip is sound, well-fit, crisp with only minor blemishes in finish and retains about 95% of its bright orig factory varnish with edge wear. Mechanics are crisp, well defined rifling in shiny bore. 49631-44 JS (5,000-8,000) – Lot 2135

RARE CASED PAIR COLT MODEL 1862 POCKET NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVERS WITH SIX-INCH BARRELS.

SN 11486/18130. Cal .36. This fine pair of Colt pocket Navy revolvers made in 1862 at height of the Civil War and are found in a very rare casing. The guns conform to other Model 1862’s with one line New York addresses on 6 1/2″ OCT. BBLS, 5-shot rebated cylinders with stagecoach hold-up scene, Colt’s patent on left side of each frame and “36 CAL” on rear left of trigger guard. Guns are cased in a walnut green velvet lined compartmented case for each gun and still retains an eagle and stars powder flask, a 2-cavity “Colt’s Patent” bullet mold and an “L” shaped combination screwdriver/nipple wrench. This is a rare combination, seldom seen. PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. CONDITION: Pistols are in similar condition, but not matching condition. 11486 retains about 20% blue on bbl, traces on cyl with well discerned cyl scene, all matching with traces of silver on trigger guard and back strap. Stocks are well fit and retain about 90% of a newer varnish finish. 18130 retains about 70% blue finish on bbl, strong traces on cyl and rebated area, cyl scene is well defined and mostly discernible. Muted case colors are visible on loading assembly, frame and hammer, though mostly silver/gray. Well fit grips retain about 60% of their thinning orig varnish. Both guns are mechanically fine with crisp bright bores. Casing is sound and solid with wear and light soiling. Flask retains about 70% finish on obverse, less on reverse with mustard colored patina. Mold retains traces of thinning finish overall a mottled gray. Combination tool retains about half of its orig fire blue. 49631-28 JS (10,000-15,000) – Lot 2136

FINE CASED PAIR HARTFORD-LONDON COLT MODEL 1862 POLICE REVOLVERS.

SN 21655/17431. Cal. 36. Rarely are found double Colt casings, especially for such a scarce model sold in the London market. This pair of Colt’s conform to other Model 1862’s with 5-1/2″ rnd bbls, 5 shot rebated cyl with patent dates in one flute, 1-line New York address and London proofs on each bbl housing and each cyl chamber. Both guns are in similar fine matching condition, retaining most of their orig finish. The accompanying orig oak Colt London casing is fitted with “Colt’s Patent” flask and mold. These particular guns were made in 1863 and few similar sets are known. PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. CONDITION: Very fine overall, matching and complete. The higher serial numbered of the two guns is slightly better, especially in cyl finish and stock varnish. Both guns retain about 95% inky blue finish on bbls. Both guns retain about half their finish on cyl, both with 5 crisp safety pins. Both guns retain much of their orig muted case colors on loading assemblies, frames and hammers. There is no cal marking on rear trigger bow of 21655, though found stamped as normally found on 17451. Grips are sound and well fit on both guns, higher serial number gun retains virtually all its orig varnish with edge wear. 17451 has a clearer varnish with similar edge wear. Wedge on 17451 is matching, but appears cleaned and does not fit tightly. Mechanically guns are fine with crisp bright bores and some orig finish retained in each chamber of cyl. Bullet mold retains half its orig finish with numerous small dings and dents. “L” shaped combination screwdriver/nipple wrench is very good, retaining traces of orig finish. Accompanying “Colt’s Pocket Flask” made by James Dixon has adjustable spout and large dent on reverse, overall retaining some thinning finish and patina. Accompanying pewter oiler is unmarked and very fine. Iron knobbed cleaning rod accompanying is also very fine. Oak casing is very good overall with uninscribed brass plaque on lid. Lining is average, faded, lightly soiled and worn. Lid is slightly warped retaining most of its orig finish with numerous small blemishes, especially to brass plaque. 49631-26 JS (12,000-20,000) – Lot 2137

SCARCE AND EXTREMELY FINE CASED COLT MODEL 1862 POLICE PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 27899. Cal. 36. Blue & color case hardened with desirable 6-1/2″ rnd bbl, brass pin front sight and 1-line New-York U.S. America address. Left side of frame is marked with a small “Colts Patent” and left shoulder of trigger guard has cal marking. Cyl is half-fluted with five chambers with all five safety pins crisp and serviceable. The silver plated trigger guard & backstrap contain a 1-pc varnished walnut grip with last four digits of matching SN in backstrap channel. Accompanied by an orig, dark blue velvet lined mahogany casing that is compartmented in the bottom for a double sided eagle & stars flask, a blued two cavity “Colt’s Patent” bullet mold with sprue cutter marked on right side “36P”, “L” shaped combination tool, two packets of five combustible cartridges and a lacquered tin of Eley’s caps. There were about 25,000 of these revolvers produced during the Civil War and this gun was produced in 1864. This was a time when any firearm was in great demand for use in the Civil War. That this revolver remains in such high orig condition with an orig case attests to the probability that it was the property of an officer or official where it saw little or no use. PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine overall, all matching and complete. Bbl retains about 85% glossy orig blue with balance plum, pin prick pitting on the right side along with small nicks and dents around wedge slot. Loading assembly pivot retains muted case colors, silver/gray on the handle. Frame retains much of its muted case colors with balance silver/gray. Cyl retains 65-70% glossy orig blue, mostly in the flutes and rebated area, thinning on the outside radii. Hammer retains traces of case colors with balance matching dark patina. Trigger guard & backstrap retain no silver plating if ever plated with a smooth mustard colored patina. Grip is sound and well fit with minor blemishes, retaining 90% plus orig varnish with edge wear. Mechanics are crisp; bright shiny bore, traces of blue finish found in each chamber. Case is sound with usual light nicks & scratches and retains most of its orig varnish. Flask retains about 90% orig finish. Mold retains about 90% orig thinning blue finish with scattered areas of pitting, sprue cutter retains only traces of bright blue with balanced a mottled gray. Colt “L” shaped combination tool retains strong traces of orig blue. Cap tin & cartridge packets are fine. 49631-41 JS (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2138

RARE ASSEMBLED CASED SET OF COLT MODEL 1862 POLICE PERCUSSION REVOLVERS.

SN 8130/29266. Cal. 36. Pistols are virtually identical, blue and color case hardened with 6-1/2″ rnd bbls, brass pin front sights and 1-line New-York U.S. America address. Left side of frames are marked “COLTS PATENT” and left shoulders of trigger guards are marked “36 Cal”. The silver plated brass trigger guards and backstraps contain 1-pc varnished walnut grips, matching numbered to their respective revolvers. Cyls are half fluted with 5-chambers and rebated area. Revolvers are accompanied by a burgundy velvet lined mahogany Colt-style casing that is compartmented in the bottom for the revolvers, a reproduction double-sided eagle & stars flask, a blued steel “COLT’S PATENT” bullet & ball mold with sprue cutter marked on the right side “36P”, two paper wrapped tins of Eley’s caps with blue labels and a Dixon pewter oil bottle. About 28,000 of these fine revolvers were produced in the period 1861-1873. The earlier revolvers, made prior to 1865 were almost certainly used during the Civil War. They were an extremely popular revolver for their sleek appearance and larger caliber which was a more effective man stopper. After the war, they remained popular on the American frontier usually seeing hard service under adverse conditions and are rarely found today with high orig finish. Double casings such as found here are extremely rare. PROVENANCE: C.W. Slagle; The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. CONDITION: Revolvers are virtually identical, all matching including wedge, cyl and grip. 1) SN 8130 very fine. Bbl retains about 60-65% glossy orig blue with the balance flaked, not worn, to a smooth dark patina. Rammer pivot and handle retain brilliant case colors. Frame and hammer retain virtually all of their orig bright case colors, lightly faded on the recoil shields and moderately faded on the top edge of hammer. Screws retain about all of their orig bue. Cyl retains about 70-75% strong orig blue, flaked over the chamber areas. Trigger guard and backstrap retain most of their strong orig silver, thin on the heel with some bubbling on the backstrap. Grip is sound showing very light edge wear and retains virtually all of its crisp orig varnish. Mechanics are fine, brilliant shiny bore. 2) SN 29266 very fine. Bbl retains 96-97% glossy orig blue with some light edge wear and a few fine handling marks. Rammer pivot and handle retain about all of their orig case colors, bright on the pivot turning a little dark on the handle. Frame retains 60-65% fading case colors, stronger on the left side. Hammer shows faded case colors turned dark on the top edge with some fine pitting around the nose. Cyl retains about 70-75% orig blue, turning a little plum, bright in the flutes. Screws retain most of their orig blue. Trigger guard and backstrap are a medium to dark mustard patina. Grip is sound showing light edge wear with a few nicks & dings and retains most of its orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, very bright shiny bore. Case has a repaired crack in the lid, otherwise is sound, missing the inscription plate in the lid and shows an old refinish on the lid. Interior is moderately to heavily faded with faint soil inside the lid and light soil in the bottom, partitions are solid. Flask appears new. Mold has light pitting on the sprue cutter and shows most of a restored finish. Cap tins are missing small areas of their paper wrappings with lightly soiled and stained labels. Pewter oil bottle is fine. 49631-27 JR27 (17,500-25,000) – Lot 2139

RARE CASED ENGRAVED COLT MODEL 1862 POLICE PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 23642. Cal. 36. Rare silver and gold finish with 5-1/2″ rnd bbl, pin front sight and New-York U.S. America address. Left side of frame is marked “COLTS PATENT”. Cyl is half fluted and rebated with all 5 safety pins prominent and serviceable. The silver plated brass trigger guard and backstrap contain a rare 1-pc “certified antique African elephant ivory” grip with deep relief, raised carved eagle & chicks on a nest on the left side and is matching numbered to this revolver. Cyl, trigger and hammer are gold-washed with the remainder of the revolver silver finished with blued screws. Revolver has full coverage, foliate arabesque engraving with very fine pearled background. Engraving patterns extend over sides of the bbl and around the muzzle with a long arrow between the address and front sight. Hammer is deluxe engraved with a wolf’s head on each side of the nose, foliate arabesque patterns on the shank and fish scale patterns on the top edge and spur. The top of the backstrap is engraved with Mr. Young’s typical fan pattern with heavy foliate arabesque patterns on the backstrap, buttstrap and trigger guard. Cyl, unusually has matching engraving patterns over each chamber. Accompanied by an outstanding orig Colt rosewood casing with empty plaque in the lid. Interior is burgundy velvet lined and compartmented in the bottom for the revolver, a silver plated “COLTS PATENT” eagle & stars single-sided flask, a scarce silver plated steel “COLT’S PATENT” bullet & ball mold with sprue cutter marked on the right side “36P”, a silver plated L-shaped nipple wrench, a sealed paper wrapped tin of Eley’s caps with green label, a sealed packet of 5 combustible cartridges marked “New Model Revolving Police Pistol”, a spare hammer spring and a functioning key. There were approximately 28,000 of these revolvers produced 1861-1873, the vast majority of which were not engraved. Of the few known engraved specimens, most were elaborately engraved such as found here and exceedingly few of these have special plating. According to The Book of Colt Firearms, Wilson, rosewood casings for this model are also exceedingly rare. This revolver was produced in 1863 at the height of the Civil War which lends credibility to the proposition that it was created as a presentation to someone of high office or for valor on the battlefield. PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all matching including wedge, cyl & grip. Overall retains most of its orig silver plating with about 70% dull gold on the cyl, about 80% on the hammer and 60% on the trigger; the two upper backstrap screws are slightly battered, as are two of the trigger guard screws from someone using an improper tool. Grip is outstanding with sharp edges and a wonderful mellow ivory patina. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore with one small spot of pitting. Case is sound with some fine grain checks in the lid and retains most of its orig varnish; lining inside the lid is heavily faded but unsoiled; bottom is moderately faded with light soil; flask retains about 60-65% thin orig silver and the mold about 98% orig silver, unused; other accessories & equipment are fine. This lot is accompanied by an “ESA Certification of Antique Ivory” dated September 30, 2014. 49631-42 IVORY (20,000-35,000) – Lot 2140

Click here to view provenance

RARE FIRST YEAR OF PRODUCTION CASED ENGRAVED COLT POCKET NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 5291. Cal. 36. Blue and color case hardened with 6-1/2″ oct bbl, brass front pin sight and 1-line New-York U.S. America address. Left side of frame is marked “COLTS PATENT” and left rear web of trigger guard is marked “36 Cal”. Cyl is rebated with 5-chambers and has the stagecoach hold-up scene roll marking. The silver plated brass trigger guard and backstrap contain a Colt 1-pc “certifiable antique elephant ivory” grip that is made of two slabs of ivory attached to two wood spacers in the original manner. Revolver is beautifully engraved, probably by Gustave Young in late vine style without background. Frame has full coverage, foliate arabesque patterns which extend over the bbl lug onto the top 3 flats of the bbl and rammer pivot. Hammer is deluxe engraved with a wolf’s head on each side of hammer nose with fish scale patterns on the top edge and side of the spur. Top of the backstrap is engraved in Mr. Young’s typical fan pattern with foliate arabesque patterns down the backstrap, on the buttstrap and trigger guard. All of the SNs on the bottom of the revolver are accompanied by a small “E” which signifies that this revolver was to receive special polish for engraving. Accompanied by a rare Colt mahogany casing that is velvet lined with rare contour partitioning in the bottom. Case is compartmented for the revolver, a single sided “COLTS PATENT” eagle and stars flask, a blued steel bullet and ball “COLT’S PATENT” mold with sprue cutter marked on the right side “36P”, a lacquered Eley’s cap tin, a spare hammer spring and a functioning key. This revolver was produced in 1861 just at the outset of the Civil War and was most likely a gift to a soldier departing to fight. That it survived at all is remarkable, but that it has survived with its orig style casing and accessories is even more incredible. Most of the revolvers of that era saw extensive service throughout the Civil War and later on the American frontier and are very rarely found today with high orig finish, especially with their orig type accessories. Only about 17,000-18,000 of these scarce revolvers were produced 1861 to 1873. They remained in service well into the 1870’s until fully supplanted by cartridge firearms. They were a very popular sidearm with frontier citizens of all walks of life. PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Collection of Steve Ardia. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, all matching including wedge and cyl. Rammer and grip are properly unnumbered. Bbl retains about 70% thin plummy blue orig finish with sharp edge wear, a couple of cleaned spots and a few scattered spots of light pitting. Rammer pivot retains dark faded case colors. Frame and hammer show faded case colors. Cyl retains traces of blue in the rebated area and shows about 70-75% stagecoach hold-up scene roll marking with four of the five safety pins mostly serviceable. Rear shoulder of the cyl is lightly pitted in a couple of areas between nipple recesses. Trigger guard and backstrap retain most of their strong orig silver plating. Grip has a chipped heel and toe with light age lines. Hammer screw is a replacement. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with a few small scattered spots of fine pitting. Case has a couple of cracks in the bottom, otherwise is sound with storage and handling nicks and scratches and retains most of its orig varnish. Interior, which was probably originally brown, is faded to a light creamy tan with light soil in the bottom. Partitions are all intact. Flask retains about 80% thin orig finish and the mold about 65-70% orig blue with some light, fine pitting. Cap tin is fine. 49631-35 JR11 IVORY (15,000-25,000) – Lot 2142

EXTREMELY RARE FRENCH ROYALTY CASED COLT PATERSON NO 3 BELT MODEL WITH MATCHING NUMBERED 12″ BARREL OWNED BY PRINCE FERNINAND-PHILIPPE, SON OF KING LOUIS-PHILIPPE I, HEIR TO FRENCH THRONE AND THE DUKE OF ORLEANS.

SN 549. Cal. 34. Blue & color case hardened with 4″ & 12″ oct bbls that have German silver blade front sights and are marked with the address “Patent Arms Mg Co Paterson N-J Colt’s Pt.” with small bow tie at each end. Bbl lugs are flat on the sides where they meet the frame. Cyls are unfluted with rnd shoulders and have the Centaur scene roll marking. Mounted with 1-pc, nicely figured walnut grip that has the number “695” on the bottom left edge. SN was observed on the rear face of each bbl, wedge, rear face of both cyls, right side of frontstrap under the grip & inside backstrap. Additionally, on the cyl rotating ring no additional disassembly was effected to check for other matching numbers. Accompanied by a fine orig Colt mahogany casing with fluted lid and an empty escalloped, rectangular German silver plate in the lid. Interior is burgundy velvet lined and recessed in the bottom for the revolver and an orig brass & copper charger. It is fitted with steal wire brackets to hold the accompanying brass capper and combination loading tool/screwdriver/nipple pick with steel pins to retain the single ball bullet mold that has 3 turned walnut handles with brass ferrules and to retain the spare bbl at the front of the case. The charger has the number “20” on each end of the copper tube and on both the brass bullet & powder rings. The center brass band is roll marked with the same address as is found on the bbls. The capper has the number “255” inside the lid and on the body. Also accompanying in the case is an orig Paterson brass cleaning jag with turned walnut handle that is 13-1/2″ overall length. The spare cyl is retained in the right rear corner on a wooden dowel. Only about 800 of these #3 Belt Model Paterson revolvers were produced in the period 1838-1840 and, to date, only 7 sets are known with the matching numbered 12″ bbl. This exact gun is illustrated and described on pg 15 of “The Colt Engraving Book Volume One”, R. L. Wilson. “From the private collection of Ferdinand-Philippe, The Duke of Orleans, heir to the French throne and son of King Louis-Philippe. Cased Paterson No. 3 Belt Model; serial number 549. 4-inch barrel, with extra 12-inch barrel, and extra cylinder, with full accessories. Varnished select walnut grips. One of only three known cased No. 3 Belt Models with extra barrels in private hands and one of only five known examples”. Prince Ferdinand-Philippe, Duke of Orleans was the son of Louis Philippe the Duke of Orleans and the future King Louis Philippe I of France. Prince Ferdinand-Philippe was born Sept 1810 in Sicily while his parents were in exile. He returned to France in 1817 where he gained an education under tutors. He was a good student and took courses at the Ecole Polytechnique. In 1819, he joined the military and in 1824, King Charles X made him a Colonel and the title of Royal Highness. In 1830, at the French Revolution, his father became King of France and Prince Ferdinand-Philippe became the Duke of Orleans, Prince of Orleans and also became Prince Royal, the heir apparent to the throne. In March 1832, he was granted the annual income of $1,000,000 Francs. From 1831 to 1840 Ferdinand-Philippe led his military command fighting in Belgium where he proved himself a courageous and able commander. In 1835, he went to Algeria to fight the Arabs where he was wounded. He remained in Algeria until 1836 before returning to Paris and then back to Algeria in 1839 and again in 1840 participating in a number of battles. With his brilliant military career, his popularity and prestige greatly increased. Ferdinand-Philippe was a descendant of King Louis XIII who began what would become an extraordinary collection of firearms collection that soon numbered into the hundreds. Ferdinand-Philippe himself was a passionate collector, painter, draftsman and collector of porcelains. It was undoubtedly during or around his military activities in Algeria that he acquired, probably was presented by Col. Colt, this magnificent set. Ferdinand-Philippe died in a carriage accident in July 1842 before assuming the throne. Accompanied by a 10-pg letter from renowned author and Colt historian R. L. Wilson describing this pistol and with some history of the Duke of Orleans and the rarity of this set. He also lists all of the other known sets with 12″ bbls. In the 1990’s the Duke of Orleans one of the last Royal family collections of France was dispersed. The Duke’s firearms collection was gifted to the country of France. Non-French arms and other family effects were sold at auction by Millon & Associes. A copy of “Millon & Associes Armes” auction catalog from June 8, 1999 selling the contents of Chauteaux de Randan including Paterson SN 549 and a 50mm bronze 1837 dated medal of the Duke Ferdinand-Philippe, “Duc de Orlean’s” elegant profile with his betrothed. According to R. L. Wilson’s research, this medal was given to the Duke by the city f Paris. PROVENANCE: Prince Ferdinand-Philippe; Lot 107 June 8, 1999 Millon & Associes Armes, Paris; Page 15 Wilson “The Colt Engraving Book Vol.”; Dr. Joseph Murphy; private collection, 2009. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, matching as noted above. 4″ bbl retains 95-96% glossy orig factory blue with some minor flaking on right side of muzzle. Frame & hammer retain most of their orig case colors, strong and bright on right side; moderately faded on the left. Front strap & backstrap are mostly silver patina with strong case colors on the buttstrap. Grip is sound with a few minor nicks and retains most of its orig varnish. Mechanics are tight. Strong bright bore with some minor roughness at the breech end. Cyl in the revolver retains about 98% glossy orig blue and about 99% Centaur scene roll marking. 12″ bbl retains about 90% glossy orig blue with most of the losses from flaking on left side of bbl lug and left side flat. Brilliant shiny bore, probably unfired. Spare cyl may have been fired and shows about 90% strong orig blue with sharp edge wear and some dulling and overall shows about 98-99% Centaur scene roll marking. Case is sound, missing its lock escutcheon with light nicks & scratches, and overall retains most of its orig varnish. Interior is moderately faded with light soil. Charger, matching as noted, retains about 60-70% bright copper polish on the two halves of the body and 30-40% gold-wash on the powder spout end and traces on the bullet end. Capper is a medium mustard patina. Mold retains about 75% orig blue with solid handles. Combination tool retains traces of orig blue being mostly a blue-grey patina. Altogether, an incredible orig and well documented and extraordinarily rare set which was once owned by royalty. 50140-15 JS123 (600,000-750,000) – Lot 2143

Click here to view provenance

EXTREMELY RARE CASED COLT NO. 5 HOLSTER MODEL TEXAS PATERSON PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 892. Cal 41. This exact cased gun is pictured on full page with description in The Paterson Colt Book, R. L. Wilson, pg-153. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ oct bbl, tiny German silver front sight & usual left-hand Patent Arms address with a snake at each end. Mounted with very highly figured, burl walnut 1-pc grip constructed from 2-pcs of walnut with flared butt. Cyl is unfluted with round stop notches, 5-chambers & has the stagecoach holdup scene roll marking. Accompanied by an orig burgundy velvet lined, fluted lid mahogany casing with empty German silver plaque in the lid that is recessed in the bottom for the revolver, a spare matching numbered cyl, an orig charger with matching No. “44” on each half, an orig Paterson capper matching numbered “68”, a single cavity blued steel ball bullet mold with sprue cutter, 3-turned walnut handles that have brass ferrules, an orig loading tool/screwdriver/nipple pick, a steel cleaning rod with walnut handle & brass ferrule and a functioning key. Matching SN’s were observed on rear face of bbl lug, wedge, cyl spindle collar, cyl rotating ring, trigger, hammer, backstrap, buttstrap, grip & both cylinders. There are only about 1,000 of these largest of the Paterson revolvers produced 1838-1840 and although many were cased, few are known today with their orig casing & accessories. These revolvers gained fame from their use by Col. Jack Hays of the Texas Rangers where they were employed in innumerable fights with indians and outlaws of every persuasion, mostly in west and south Texas. The Paterson design was Colt’s first foray into the firearms market which was ultimately successful and led to the dynasty still in business today. Having seen such hard service on the American frontier well into the 1850’s until fully supplanted by the increasingly improved succeeding models of Colt revolvers, few Paterson revolvers survive today and incredibly few with orig casing & orig finish. This is one of the finest “Texas” Paterson extant suitable for the most discerning collector or museum collection. PROVENANCE: Page 153 “The Paterson Colt Book”, R. L. Wilson. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching as noted. Bbl retains about 93-95% glossy orig blue showing only sharp edge wear with a few light surface nicks & scratches. Rear face of lug has a few dings and a small break beside the left frame pin hole. Frame shows orig blue in the more sheltered areas, being mostly a light silver patina. Hammer retains 50-60% faded case colors. One cyl retains about 80% orig blue & shows about 98% stagecoach holdup scene roll marking. The other cyl retains a light plummy patina with blue in sheltered areas & shows about 98% stagecoach holdup scene roll marking. Backstrap retains traces of faded blue being mostly a gray metal patina. Grip is sound & well fit showing most of a fine old added varnish finish highlighting areas of orig factory varnish. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore. Case is sound with light handling of storage, nicks and scratches with some crackling to the finish & overall retains about 95% orig varnish. Interior is lightly faded inside the lid with chemical staining from contact with the cyls & light soil from the charger. Bottom is lightly to moderately faded showing heavy wear under the cyl & at the muzzle with damage from the front sight. Charger retains about most of its gold wash on the powder spout end & about 60% on the ball end with the main body showing traces of bright copper polish, being mostly a dark copper patina. Both ends are completely functional. Charger is fine with a few nicks and scratches showing light high point wear & retains a medium mustard patina. Mold retains about 75% thin orig blue with solid handles. The large handles are reduced in diameter on the inside faces to facilitate closing completely, otherwise handles are solid with a hand worn patina & dark brass patina on the ferrules. Loading tool retains 40-50% thin org blue and is completely intact. Cleaning rod shows traces of orig brown with handle having worn edges and a dark brass patina on the ferrule. All together an incredible and complete orig set and one of the finest in private hands. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own the best of the most rare. 50140-1 JS102 (300,000-600,000) – Lot 2144

| Click here to view provenance

RARE PATERSON NO. 2 POCKET MODEL PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 83. Cal. 34. All blue finish with 3-1/2″ oct bbl, pin front sight & usual “Patent Arms — Paterson NJ Colt’s Pt.” Address with an attached loading lever. Cyl has rnd shoulders with oval stop notches & the centaur scene roll marking. Also cyl has a ratchet for rotation. Mounted with a 1-pc varnished walnut grip with matching SN in the buttstrap channel. SN was observed to be on the rear face of the bbl lug, rear face of cyl, trigger, frame plate, hammer & right sides of the front & backstraps under the grip. Wedge is also matching numbered. Wedge screw is missing half of its head. According to The Book of Colt Firearms, Wilson there were about 800 of these little pistols produced 1837-1840 without rammers. Rammers were added 1840-1841. After the Patent Arms Company was taken over by John Ehlers, Mr. Ehlers was one of the earliest investors in Samuel Colt’s first firearms business venture, the Patent Arms Co., & became the largest stockholder. By 1840 Mr. Ehlers had become treasurer of the company and by his maneuvering combined with poor sales & the looming bankruptcy of the company gained possession of the remaining stock of completed arms when the company failed in 1842. He was able to purchase the bulk of the company for $6,000 and continued assembling Paterson revolvers & carbines from remaining stock. By 1846 the company had failed which probably made little difference as they were out of product to sell anyway. The bbl marking on this revolver is the standard marking for this model with the “M’g Co” removed from the roll die. This is a very rare pistol, few of which survive today with any orig finish. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching as noted above (no additional disassembly was effected to check for additional matching numbers). Bbl retains about 60% thinning orig blue, stronger in sheltered areas. Rammer pivot retains strong case colors, turned silver on the rammer & handle. Frame has a small flaw in the right side over a screw hole. Frame retains about 40% thinning orig blue, glossy & bright in sheltered areas, more so on the left side. Hammer retains about 70% strong case colors, dark on top edge & faded on right side. Cyl retains 50-60% thin blue patina with one small area of pitting & shows about 70% centaur scene roll marking. Front strap retains thin blue/grey patina having been lightly cleaned. Backstrap has also been cleaned & shows strong blue near the top & around the shoulders. Grip is sound showing light edge wear with a few small nicks & retains most of its orig varnish. Mechanics are fine. Strong bright bore with fine pitting. 50225-1 JR227 (45,000-75,000) – Lot 2145

Revised: 3/15/2016

Please Note: One collector feels the bulbous brass plunger tip is an old restoration.

Please Note: Photos for Lot 2146 & 2147 are reversed in the printed catalog only. (online they are correct)

EXTRAORDINARILY RARE PATENT ARMS POWDER FLASK FOR THE 1839 PATERSON REVOLVING CARBINE.

Extremely well made bulbous copper body flask with brass collar and acorn shaped tip on the plunger spout. Both the tip and collar have machined grooves. Edge of the top is knurled to aid in unscrewing for filling. The plunger body inside the flask is numbered “42”. One side of the body of the flask has an applied oval brass plaque that is 2-1/2″ x 2-3/8″ that has the raised repoussed vignette of 2 bird dogs on point in a very detailed field scene with a hunter in the background, surmounted by “PATENT ARMS MANUFACTURING COMPANY” in an arc around the top edge over “PATENT / NEW YORK”. This plaque has a raised rib around the outer edge. Edges of the flask are mounted with 4 small round carrying rings. This flask, unlike other know Paterson flasks, is not marked “PATENT” on the collar. An identical flask is pictured on pg 50 of The Book of Colt Firearms, Wilson with the caption that the embossed brass plate was attached to identify the pieces for Paterson Colt Arms. The caption also quotes: “Pliny Lawson of the Patent Arms factory is known to have advised Colt that: the flask with carbines has our hunting design on it – you must call it a seen (sic) in Florida one man with a rotary & two black hounds …”. The caption further states that although the flask was intended for the carbine, it is known that it was sold with correct spout for the #2 Model Paterson rifle. These flasks are extraordinarily rare and almost never encountered. CONDITION: Very fine. Body of the flask retains a dark coppery color with seams that appear to be filled with black material. The attached plate shows moderate wear with a couple small dents. Back of the flask has 1 large and 2 small dents. Collar, plunger & tip are a fine brass color, as is the attached plate. Altogether, an extraordinarily rare flask. 50260-1 JR243 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 2146

Revised: 2/26/2016

Please Note: Photos for Lot 2146 & 2147 are reversed in the printed catalog only. (online they are correct)

RARE PATENT ARMS MODEL 1839 HORN AND BRASS SHOTGUN FLASK.

SN 11. Rare Paterson flask, 8-1/2″ overall length with opaque greenish cow horn body with has flat sides with brass overlaid rim, brass collar & brass self-measuring, spring loaded cylindrical measure marked on one end “PATENT ARMS MAN’G CO. N.Y.” Collar and top are matching numbered. Sides of the collar and brass fitted rim have 4 brass studs with rings in which a green braided cotton cord is fitted. Collar has 3 cracks around the bottom edge extending upward. The top unscrews for loading. Given the rather delicate nature of the horn body and the fact that horn is very attractive to insects it is a miracle that any have survived these 175+ years. CONDITION: Very good to fine. All complete and orig with the aforementioned cracks in the collar and one small crack in the body. Otherwise, the brass rim around the body is undented and the brass overall retains a dark mustard patina. The spring loaded charger function perfectly. 50260-2 JR244 (7,500-12,500) – Lot 2147

RARE PATENT ARMS LARGE SIZE CAPPER FOR MODEL 1839 RIFLES AND CARBINES.

SN 40. All brass capper, 2-3/16″ diameter with the RAMPANT COLT and a Paterson ring lever carbine on the lid over crossed Paterson pistols. Capper is 2nd Type with swinging latch on the back. Both lid & body are numbered “40” and it is complete with lanyard ring. Few of these cappers survive today as they were also used for other firearms and being of small size were easily misplaced. CONDITION: Very fine. Complete and functional with a couple small nicks on the lid showing very light wear. Overall retains a medium mustard patina. 50260-3 JR245 (10,000-15,000) – Lot 2148

EXTRAORDINARILY RARE CASED CONSECUTIVE NUMBERED PAIR OF EXHIBITION QUALITY COLT MODEL 1860 ARMY PERCUSSION REVOLVERS FROM THE GENERAL JOSEPH R. HAWLEY ESTATE.

SN 151388/151389. Cal. 44. Incredible pair of ’60 Army revolvers that are consecutively numbered and nearly identical with blue & color case hardened finish, each having 8″ rnd bbl, German silver front sight, 1-line New-York U.S. America address and mounted with smooth 1-pc ebony grip. Frames are 3-screw type cut for shoulder stock. Cyls are rebated with Ormsby Naval battle scene roll marking. Revolvers are engraved, probably by Master Engraver Gustave Young in late vine style with about full coverage foliate arabesque patterns on the frames with some scrolls terminating in flower blossoms. Left side of frame on SN 151388 has “COLTS PATENT” engraved n a pillow shape while SN 151389 has the small stamped “COLTS PATENT”. Engraving extends over the sides of the bbls and terminates forward of the address. Several scrolls terminate in flower blossoms with a scroll on the left bbl lug of number 151389 terminating in Mr. Young’s dogs head and the right side in his mythical birds head. Backstraps, buttstraps & trigger guards are engraved to match with shoulders of backstrap engraved in quarter flower blossoms. Tops of the backstraps are engraved in Mr. Young’s typical fan pattern. Ends of the wedges are also engraved and the hammers are deluxe engraved with wolf heads on each side of hammer noses, foliate arabesque patterns on the shanks, & fish scales on top edge and sides of spur. Accompanied by their orig, most elaborate and spectacular silver mounted, solid rosewood double casing versus the usual veneered style. The casing was made by William Milton and his casings were recognized as the very finest. Case has silver reinforced corners with a silver English style lifting ring in the center of the lid, a mortised lock with scalloped escutcheon & sliding latches at each front corner. The interior is purple velvet lined and compartmented in the bottom for the revolvers, a spectacular “COLTS PATENT” trophy of arms & flags angle spout flask, a bow-legged, blued steel “COLT’S PATENT” bullet & ball mold with sprue cutter marked on the right side “44H”, a packet of Colt’s Cartridge Works combustible cartridges, 2 L-shaped nipple wrenches, 2 lacquered tins for Eley’s caps, 2 spare hammer springs, a spare trigger & a spare trigger return/lockbolt spring, a set of 11 spare screws and a centenary of American independence, a pressed oak medallion with the bust of General Joseph R. Hawley who was the President of the U.S. International Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876. These wooden medallions were created at the Expo and sold as part of a set of 6 in a fitted case. These revolvers are in the same 151,000 serial range as the more elaborately engraved General Grant “Liberty” and “Union” Model 1860, SN 151713 and another nearly identically engraved ’60 Army with ebony grip that belonged to Lt. Huntington Frothingham Wolcott, a Civil War veteran, SN 151385. Joseph Roswell Hawley (Oct 1826-March 1905) was the 42nd Governor of the State of Connecticut, a Republican politician, Civil War general, journalist & newspaper editor. In 1857, he was a leading organizer of the Connecticut Republican Party and became the editor of the party newspaper. In April 1861, Hawley helped recruit and organize and infantry company, the 1st Connecticut Infantry, and was elected Captain. That unit saw combat at the first Battle of Bull Run in July. His term of service was only 3 months and after mustering out assisted Col. Alfred Terry in raising the 7th Connecticut Infantry, a 3 year regiment and was named Lt. Col. Hawley’s unit participated in the major battles of Port Royal, Ft. Pulaski, Siege of Charleston Harbor, Battle Oulstee, Bermuda Hundred Campaign, Siege of Petersburg & the Battle of Wilmington along with several other minor battles & skirmishes. He rose through the ranks, being promoted to Brig. General in Sept 1864. He remained Chief of Staff for the Department of Virginia until October 1865, having risen to the rank of Brevet Major General and was mustered out of the Army Jan. 1866. He served as Gov. of Connecticut April 1866 – April 1867 and had Oliver Winchester as his Lt. Governor. After leaving office he purchased the Hartford Courant newspaper and combined it with the Press newspaper. He served 2 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and 4 terms as a U.S. Senator. From 1873-1876 he served as President of the United States Centennial Commission which planned and ran the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. He was a trustee of Hamilton College from whence he received a law degree in 1875 and later in 1888 another law degree from Yale. Two weeks after stepping down from his office in the Senate, he died in Washington, DC. These revolvers are pictured in the Texas Gun Collector July 1969 and in color in books by R. L. Wilson Colt An American Legend and Colt Heritage, both on pg 103. Part of the caption reads: “According to tradition, the set had been borrowed from Colonel Colt for an exhibition, and was never returned to the factory”. It is believed General Hawley was presented these pistols by the Centennial Committee for his effort as President for the Centennial Commission. They are truly extraordinary Colts and are some of the most elaborate known today. PROVENANCE: Jonathan M. Peck Collection; Jay Altmayer Collection; Larry Scherrin Collection; Warren Anderson Collection; Paul Tudor Jones II Collection. CONDITION: Pistols are nearly identical with SN 151388 retaining about 99% glossy, special polish bright blue and brilliant case colors. Grip frame retains about 60% orig silver and grip is crisp & new. Cyl has a long thin scratch over 1 chamber. SN 151389 is also crisp and new but shows some flaking on the bbl and thinning of the finish on the major diameter of the cyl. Otherwise, retains brilliant case colors with crisp grip. Grip frame retains about 60% orig silver. Both guns appear to have never been fired or used and as such, are in extraordinary orig finish. It should be noted that the rebated part of the cylinder on 151388 had some teeny prickling or pitting and was partially polished at the time the guns were finished at the factory. SN 151389 is missing the wedge screw, which has been missing for as long as anyone can remember. Case has a couple of grain checks in the lid, otherwise is sound with light handling & storage nicks & scratches and retains most of its bright orig varnish. Silver furniture is also fine. Interior is lightly faded inside the lid with a couple of stains from contact with revolver cylinders. Bottom is heavily faded with damage from front sights & hammer spurs. Mold & flask are superb and like new. Nipple wrenches & spare parts are also crisp & clean. Cartridge packet has old cellophane tape over a broken toe edge. Cap tins are fine. Wood medallion is crisp & clean. 49941-2 (250,000-350,000) – Lot 2149

| Click here to view provenance

IMPORTANT PAIR OF PRESENTATION ENGRAVED GOLD AND SILVER COLT MODEL 1861 NAVYS PRESENTED TO “GEO. A. WILLIAMS CAPTAIN U.S. INFANTRY….1864”.

SN 16678/16684. 16678/16684. Cal. 36. Revolvers are virtually identical with silver & gold finish, 7-1/2″ rnd bbl, orig front sight and 1-line New-York U.S. America address. Frames are marked “COLTS PATENT” and they’re both mounted with 1-pc ivory grip with extraordinary, raised carved American eagle & shield on left side. All of the SNs on bottom of the revolvers are accompanied by a small “E”. Revolvers are nearly identically engraved in Gustave Young-style with about full coverage foliate arabesque patterns on the frames with some of the scrolls terminating in flower blossoms. Engraving extends over the bbl lugs and terminates forward of the address on toe. Backstraps and trigger guard are similarly engraved. Cylinders are gold-washed, unfluted with Ormsby Naval battle scene roll marking. All safety pins are intact. Accompanied by an original rosewood casing that has a brass plaque in the lid that is engraved “Presented to / Geo. A. Williams ‘ Captain 1st U.S. Infantry / as a token of respect from / B. W. Warner / Memphis, Tenn. May. 1864”. Case has reinforced corners with a mortised brass lock that has rnd escutcheon. Interior is 2-tone burgundy & green velvet lined, French fitted in the bottom for the revolvers, a blued steel 2-cavity “COLT’S PATENT” Cal. 31 bullet & ball mold with sprue cutter, a silver-plated, double-sided eagle & stars, trophy of flags & arms angle spout flask, an L-shaped nipple wrench and a very early lacquered tin of caps with “W. & C. Eley” tan label. Interior of case also has 3 covered compartments with ivory pulls. Case is configured in the French style, which is quite rare on Colt revolvers. This cased set was part of the renown Frederick E. Hines Estate Collection (1868-1920) Dorchester, Mass. Mr. Hines’ great collection of cased guns were sold in two auctions by Walpole Galleries in New York on May 9, 1924 (this was session II). They are lot 109 and were on of the few lots illustrated in the catalog (see pg 24). George Augustus Williams was a lifetime American officer. He graduated from West Point July 1, 1852. He was soon sent to Texas 2nd Lt. He stayed at various Texas posts, La Pena, Rodeo, Ft. Lancaster, Ft. Duncan, Ft. McIntosh, Ft. Clark, Camp Cooper, and finally to Fort Cobb in Indian Territory 1859-1860. He then moved back to teach at west point September 4, 1860 but has short tenure as Civil War began and he was promoted to Captain in the 1st US Infantry. He was in charge of Heavy Artillery in early operations near Sedalia, Missouri (November 61-Febraury 62) and was involved in the capture of Island #10 and capture of New Madrid, Missouri, March & April of 1862. Later actions at the siege and battle of Corinth, Miss. earned him Brevet Major’s commission for gallant & meritorious service. Again during the Vicksburg campaign, he was in charge of Heavy Artillery and “Williams Battery” of Henry Parrotts was named for him and opposed famous Confederate fortification “Battery Robinette”. Williams was disabled in March 1863 and was made Provost Marshall of Memphis, where he was to receive this spectacular pair of Colts. The presentation “B. W. Warner” is listed on Capt. Williams “Semi-Monthly Report of Citizen Prisoners Within the District of Memphis”. No charge is listed for his incarceration – but others include: Rebel Spy, Shooting at Soldier, Concealing Escaped Prisoner, Aiding in Prisoner Escape, Guerrilla, Bribery, Disloyal Language, etc…Were these pistols a “bribe” that got Warner in Prison? Or did they get him out? PROVENANCE: These are illustrated in the book “Colt Firearms from 1836” by J.E. Serven. Also in Serven’s other book, “Percussion Colt Pistols”. Also mentioned in John Hamilton’s monograph “History and Heroes”. Frederick E. Hines; McMurdo Silver; F. Theodore Dexter; Leonard A. Busby; William M. Lock (See pg 148 of Locke Book); Paul Tudor Jones II Collection. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Revolvers are of a virtually identical condition with both retaining virtually all of a fine silver & gold finish which has turned dark. Cylinders show dark gold wash with number “16684” showing about 95% naval battle scene roll marking and number “16678” about 65-70% roll marking. “Certifiable antique elephant ivory” grips each have a crack on the right side with an age line in number “16684”. Neither grip shows wear to the eagle carving and both retain a fine, mellow ivory patina. Mechanics are fine, brilliant shiny bores. Retaining blue in most cyl chambers. Case is sound with crackled finish and light nicks & scratches. Interior is lightly faded with light soiling ans staining. Flask retains its superb orig silver finish which over the years has tarnished on the display side, the underside, protected by the case, is beautiful and bright. 49941-7 JS IVORY (50,000-100,000) – Lot 2150

Click here to view provenance

VERY RARE COLT WALKER PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN C COMPANY 26. Cal. 44. Usual configuration with 9″ oct to rnd bbl, altered German silver front sight with added fixed V-notch, tiny rear sight at the breech end of the top flat which is also marked “ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY”. The brass square-back trigger guard & steel backstrap contain a varnished 1-pc walnut grip with number “26” in the bottom front web of the front strap channel. Cyl also is unfluted with oval stop notches and a distinctive pressure ridge. Cyl has the Dragoon/Indian fight scene roll marking with “MODEL U.S.M.R. / COLT’S PATENT” cartouches surrounding an open area that ordinarily would contain the SN, which has been obliterated with light rust. The partial SN “C – OMPAN – 26” is partially visible on the buttstrap. The number “26” is also found on rear face of bbl lug, front of the frame between frame pins, bottom of cyl spindle & right side of front strap, under the grip. SN markings on left side of bbl lug, left side of frame & the “U.S. / 1847” marking on right side of bbl lug were obliterated during the refinishing process. At the same time, varnish was added to the grip. Accompanied by a volume of information, mostly by renowned author and Colt historian R. L. Wilson, wherein he makes the case that this revolver had been stolen from the military and the markings were purposely removed. He cites two other such revolvers: 1) “C Co. 40” and 2): “D Co. 13” whose markings apparently were purposely removed. It is the contention of this cataloger that the markings of this revolver were obliterated simply as part of a refinishing process. No trace of the frame or bbl lug markings can be noted, even under magnification, however, the buttstrap marking, although thin and partially obscured, is still legible. Therefore, the logical conclusion is that no attempt was made to obliterate all the markings, especially to attempt to “hide” the U.S. markings since the “MODEL U.S.M.R.” marking is still mostly legible on the cyl. The cyl does not appear to have been refinished. It is now fairly well documented that the cylinders of Walker revolvers were never blued but remained “in the white”. C Company of the Army sent to Mexico during the Mexican-American War was led by Capt. Samuel Walker. Capt. Walker’s C Company was to receive the 1st shipment of 220 Walker revolvers, but Capt. Walkers arrival in Mexico was delayed The C Company revolvers were issued to A Company under Col. John Hays. Capt. Walker’s Company were subsequently issued other Walker revolvers which they used throughout the Mexican War. Upon embarking from Mexico to return to the U.S., the majority of arms issued to the troops were recovered with a few having been stolen and others battle losses. All the arms collected at that time were transported to the San Antonio Arsenal, including 500 new, un-issued Walker revolvers. Shortly thereafter, these arms were issued to Mounted Dragoons and Texas Rangers where they saw extreme hard service with few surviving today. In a letter by R. L. Wilson, he states that as of 2008 there have been a total of 192 Walker revolvers discovered and recorded, about 17% of the 1,100 revolvers produced. This revolver is listed in The 1955 Revision of Colt-Walkers Pistol Owners, W.F.S. Quick, as having been owned at the time by F.P. Mills of Old Deerfield, MA of 1955. The Walker revolver along with the Texas Paterson are two of the most rare and sought after of all collectible Colts. Although this revolver has had some refinish it is still a real Walker and would add to any Colt collection. PROVENANCE: F.P. Mills Collection; Bobby Smith Collection. CONDITION: Very good, numbered as noted above. Bbl retains about 60-70% restored blue, faded to silver over the top with light pitting. Frame retains a dark restored blue with some fine pitting around the hammer screw on right side and scattered very light pitting on the left side. Cyl remains in its orig white finish with the distinctive pressure ridge and shows 35-40% Dragoon/Indian fight scene roll marking. Trigger guard retains traces of silver, mostly under the grip and backstrap is a mottled grey patina with fine pitting. Grip is sound with no trace of cartouches and shows about 60-70% added varnish finish. Wedge, trigger & several screws appear to be replacements. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with good shine and scattered pitting. 50142-2 JS115 (75,000-125,000) – Lot 2151

| Click here to view provenance

EXTREMELY RARE COLT WHITNEYVILLE-HARTFORD TRANSITIONAL-WALKER DRAGOON REVOLVER.

SN 1151. At the time of the Texas Gun Collectors Association 50th anniversary “Parade of Walkers”, 2003, this example was one of the few Colt Whitneyville-Hartford Dragoons displayed and recognized with a certificate which accompanies, signed by well known Colt experts; Bobby Smith, Bobby Vance, Paul Sorrell and Michael Siemens. This new Dragoon which utilized the same tiny SNs used on civilian Walkers, SN 1001-1100 and continued to SN 1340. Known documented examples are 1104, 1136, 1151, 1195, 1214, 1215, 1216, 1226, 1269, 1293 and 1325. These transitional guns made just after civilian Walkers, late 1847-1848 would feature design improvements over the Walker Model, which to this day remains the largest and heaviest handgun ever produced by Colt. The Whitneyville Hartford Dragoon included many parts identical to Walker parts, making it a unique hybrid of old and new. This led to its later designation as the “Transition Walker.” Indeed at least 1 of these Transitional-Walkers SN 1104 utilized Walker cyl still retaining its tiny Walker assembly number 551 (Julia Lot# 2004, Spring 2009) showing actual Walker parts were still used. Only 240 were produced before Colt moved on to his next design, the First Model Dragoon. Only 29 of the approximately 240 transitional Walkers made are known; percentage wise, actually rarer than military or civilian Walkers. With the exception of SN 1104 sold on these floors in 2009, there have been no other Whitneyville-Hartford Dragoons sold in auction in past 20 years we could find. The second government contract Dragoons which are SN 2001-3000 show up more frequently, quite often in poor condition showing hard use, same can be said for these earlier guns which were in high demand among Frontiersmen. As an important link between the Colt Walker and later revolvers, and the first model to come from Colt’s own factory in Hartford, the Whitneyville Hartford Dragoon would go on to become one of the most revered and treasured firearms of all time. Of the 29 Whitneyville-Hartford’s known most utilized Dragoon style frame and grips with a straight line interface, this is a rare opportunity to purchase the earliest of the Walker Transitions with Walker profile other than loading assembly. PROVENANCE: Norm Truesdell Collection; Displayed spring 2003 at the Texas Gun Collectors Association 50th Anniversary Parade of Walkers, Houston, Texas. CONDITION: Fair to good overall. Gun appears mostly original and complete from its time of use with exception of a few screws and possibly bbl latch. Bbl address and patent markings are not discernible but matching SNs 1151 are found on bbl, frame, trigger guard and backstrap. Metal is cleaned and gray overall with moderate to heavy pitting. Traces of silver plating are found on brass trigger guard. Trigger guard on SN 1151 is Walker style with short trigger and square back trigger bow with long angled shoulders. Rear edge of the frame is radiused for the corresponding Walker style grip which retains about 20% bright original factory varnish. Back strap is iron of Walker design, fitted with a 1-pc Walker grip with their heavily beveled bottom edges. Butt strap channel under the grip is chipped so assembly number not visible which should have probably matched the “10” found on the left side of front strap under grip. Small assembly number “14” found on bottom of bbl near well. Loading arm would have probably had a matching corresponding number on its flat when made. There is a well braised contemporary to gun’s use on the frontier dovetailed repair utilizing lever arm with later Dragoon style latch. Mechanically gun functions well with well discerned rifling in pitted bore. 50176-1 JS (40,000-60,000) – Lot 2152

Click here to view provenance

SCARCE MARTIALLY MARKED 2ND MODEL DRAGOON PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 9832. Cal 44. Blue and color case hardened with 7-1/2″ oct to rnd bbl, German silver front sight & 1-line New York City right hand address with dashes. Rammer has a vertical latch. Left side of frame is marked “COLT’S PATENT” over a tiny “U.S.”. Cyl is unfluted with Dragoon/Indian fight scene roll marking and “MODEL U.S.M.R. / COLT’S PATENT” cartouches surrounding the SN. All 6 safety pins are crisp. The brass trigger guard & backstrap contain an oil finished 1-pc walnut grip with matching SN in backstrap channel and a sharp “JH” inspectors cartouche on the left side and a legible “WAT” (William A. Thornton) sub-inspector cartouche on the right. Various parts of the revolver have other small inspector initials. The 2nd Model Dragoon was the lowest production of the 3 Dragoon models with only 2,700 produced in the period 1850-1851. The majority of these revolvers were issued to mounted infantry or Dragoons fighting Indians on the American frontier to replace the Walker revolvers from the Mexican War. Then later, they were issued in the Civil War where they again saw hard service and continue to serve back on the American frontier after the war. Few survive today and of those extremely few retain any orig finish. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all matching including rammer, wedge, cyl & grip. Bbl retains about 95% orig blue, slightly thinned with some age discoloration spots on the lug and a couple of light spots on the rnd part of the bbl with some light scratches on the right side wedge slot. Rammer pivot retains virtually all of its bright case colors, turned dark on the handle. Frame retains about 93-95% orig, naturally muted case colors, thin on the recoil shields. Hammer retains strong case colors on the sides and rear edge, fading on top edge. Cyl retains about 94-95% strong orig blue and shows about 99% Dragoon/Indian fight scene roll marking with completely legible Ormsby signature. Trigger guard & backstrap are a medium mustard patina. Grip is sound showing light sharp edge wear with a few minor nicks & retains a light hand-worn patina. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with a few scattered spots of pitting. 50142-5 JR116 (50,000-70,000) – Lot 2153

SCARCE COLT 2ND MODEL DRAGOON PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 9874. Cal. 44. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ oct to rnd bbl, German silver front sight & 1-line New York City right hand address with dashes. Rammer has a vertical latch. Left side of frame is marked “COLT’S PATENT” over a tiny “U.S.”. Cyl is unfluted with Dragoon/Indian fight scene roll marking and “MODEL U.S.M.R. / COLT’S PATENT” cartouches surrounding the SN. All 6 safety pins are crisp. The brass trigger guard & backstrap contain an oil finished 1-pc walnut grip with number “10644” in backstrap channel and an indecipherable inspectors cartouche on the left side with a faint “WAT” (William A. Thornton) sub-inspector cartouche on the right. Various parts of the revolver have other small inspector initials. The 2nd Model Dragoon was the lowest production of the 3 Dragoon models with only 2,700 produced in the period 1850-1851. The majority of these revolvers were issued to mounted infantry or Dragoons fighting Indians on the American frontier to replace the Walker revolvers from the Mexican War. Then later, they were issued in the Civil War where they again saw hard service and continue to serve back on the American frontier after the war. Few survive today and of those extremely few retain any orig finish. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching except grip as noted. Bbl retains about 90% strong orig blue with scattered light age spots and a few small nicks with sharp edge wear. Rammer pivot retains most of its orig case colors, fading to grey and rammer handle has dark case colors. Frame retains most of its orig case colors, also fading to grey. Hammer retains about 60% faded case colors on the sides, stronger on the back edge. Cyl is mostly a blue grey patina showing about 95% strong Dragoon/Indian fight roll marking scene with a few spots of light surface pitting. Cartouches surrounding SN are fine. Trigger guard & backstrap are a medium mustard patina. Grip has a chip in the bottom right edge and a set of scratched initials on the top right side and overall retains a hand-worn patina. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore with some very minor roughness toward the muzzle. 50142-6 JR117 (25,000-35,000) – Lot 2154

EXTREMELY FINE MARTIAL FIRST MODEL COLT DRAGOON REVOLVER.

SN 6275. Typical configuration with 7-1/2″ bbl, German silver front sight and 1-line New York City address with serifs. Left side of frame has small “COLT’S PATENT” over a tiny “U.S.”. The square-back brass trigger guard & backstrap contain varnished 1-pc walnut grips with inspector cartouches on either side and last 3 numbers of SN in lower gripstrap channel. Cylinder is usual type with oval stop-notches and Dragoon/Indian fight scene roll marking. It has panels “U.S. DRAGOONS / COLT’S PATENT” above & below the SN. There were about 7,000 of the 1st Model Dragoons produced in the period 1848-1850 of which only a small percentage were ordered by the government, this example purchase for use by US cavalry in 1849. The balance of the production was made for commercial sales and frequently included many inspected contract overrun parts. Regardless these revolvers almost universally saw hard frontier and Civil War service and remained in service well into the 1870s and are rarely found today completely orig with any orig finish. This is a wonderful 1st Model dragoon which appears all orig, authentic and complete with high condition. CONDITION: Very fine- excellent overall, Matching SN (or last 3 digits of SN)found on bbl, loading arm, arbor, cyl, frame, trigger guard, backstrap and grips. Wedge is crisp and sharp with matching patina and finish but is not numbered. Bbl retains about 70% bright original factory blue finish. Wedge retains strong traces of case color where protected. Cylinder is crisp with traces of blue in stops, and thin traces on surface, mostly light gray/plum overall, rolled Indian-Dragoon Fight Scene is about 90% visible with weakest area being where “US” is not discernible and first few letters in “DRAGOONS” above SN as seen in photos.Frame, loading arm and hammer show traces of case colors though overall gray shades with light pin-prick pitting on frame. Markings in metal are all crisp including, sub-inspectors initials, address, patent and SNs. Grips are well fit with hand worn patina, cartouches are discernible in outline only, 1/4″ worn chip on left front toe. Mechanically gun is fine with crisp bright bore. 50154-1 JS (12,000-15,000) – Lot 2155

FINE COLT 2ND MODEL DRAGOON PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 9398. Cal. 44. Usual configuration with 7-1/2″ oct to rnd bbl, German silver front sight and 1-line New York City address. Left side of frame is marked “COLT’S PATENT” and the square back brass trigger guard and backstrap contain an oil finished 1-pc walnut grip with matching SN in backstrap channel. Left side of grip has a legible inspector cartouche and right side has the oval “WAT” (William A. Thornton) sub-inspector cartouche. Cyl is unfluted with Dragoon/Indian fight scene roll marking and “MODEL U.S.M.R. / COLT’S PATENT” cartouches surrounding the SN. Rammer latch is vertical style. The 2nd Model Dragoon was the lowest production of the 3 models of Dragoons with only 2,700 manufactured 1850-1851, of which the U.S. government purchased approximately 2,000. These revolvers usually saw very hard service with most being issued to mounted infantry and Dragoons fighting Indians on the American Frontier and are rarely found today with any orig finish. CONDITION: Very good, all matching except wedge which has the number 904, obviously a period of use replacement. No orig finish remains, being an overall smooth gray metal patina. Cyl is matching patina and shows about 65-70% Dragoon/Indian fight scene roll marking with mostly legible cartouches and 1 serviceable safety pin. The unplated trigger guard and backstrap are a medium mustard patina. Grip has a chip in left side at the frame, otherwise is sound, showing moderate wear and a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine, very bright shiny bore. 50154-2 JR132 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2156

FINE MARTIAL COLT THIRD MODEL DRAGOON PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 11217. Usual configuration with 7 1/2″; octagon to rd bbl, German silver front sight and 1-line New York City address. Left side of the frame has a small “COLTS PATENT” over “US”. 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 with last 4 digits of matching SN in backstrap channel. 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 an early 1st model made in 1851. This is a particular nice complete, original and authentic example with all matching serial numbers, crisp action, sharp edges, crisp markings and strong traces of bright original finish with an easily discernible cylinder scene and bright crisp inspector cartouches. CONDITION: Very fine overall. Barrel & Cylinder are overall plum/gray patina with bright factory blue finish in protected area of well and cyl stops. Frame, hammer and loading assembly also have traces of muted case color with balance silver/gray with staining. Brass trigger guard and backstrap are smooth light mustard patina with scattered small stains and scratches. grips are well fit ith tiny chip ear to front toes, handworn patina, Inspector cartouches are both easily discerned as seen in photos, “WAT” (William Anderson Thornton) “JCB” (Joseph C. Bragg) Mechanically revolver has crisp action, shiny bright rifling in bore with traces of blue in several chambers. 50154-3 JS (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2157

ENGRAVED GOLD AND SILVER IVORY GRIPPED COLT MODEL 1860 ARMY REVOLVER WON AS SHOOTING PRIZE BY CALIFORNIA NATIONAL GUARDSMAN ALONG WITH SHOOTING MEDALS.

SN 197438. Cal 44. This fabulous “as found” cased Colt Army percussion revolver was only the second prize in the Centennial Shooting Competition of the California National Guard at San Bruno, California, Oct. 24, 1876. First prize was a gold watch and chain. You would think that such a special Colt with fabulous carved ivory grips, with Mexican eagle and snake, factory engraved with gold and silver wash would have been a more valuable prize, but this is 1876 and cartridge Colt single actions are now king. This fancy 3-4 year old percussion revolver was now obsolete. This gun was provided by the well known arms and sporting store of A.J. Plate of San Francisco. This must have been one of his trophy display guns as it would have been among the most expensive manufactured by Colt in its day. Gold and silver plated Colts are among the rarest to survive in fine condition, and this is a wonderful survivor, retaining most of its gold plate on loading lever. Unloading lever, hammer and rebated portion of cyl, silver plating is retained on all other metal surfaces of the gun. The gun is cased in a beautiful Colt mahogany case compartmented with its .44 caliber silver plated 2-cavity mold and would originally have had a silver plated flask which is now missing, but in it’s stead are displayed 5 medals, 2 of which are silver 1864 (Ellis Guard) & 1866 (Tittel Zouaves) dated shooting medals with (California state seals.) Another medal has brass, silver and gold bars for 10,15 & 20 years faithful service. What a wonderful identified grouping with provenance; the original owner and recipient of this gun as a prize was California Militiaman John William Sturke. His son William Sturke loaned this gun and medals to the California State Park Commission and they were on display at Sutter’s Fort State Historical Park from 1942 to 1957 when they were returned to the family. Factory engraving is excellent and well done with arabesque and punch dot design typical of early 1870’s and the first single action Armies. This gun was originally manufactured in 1872. There are few gold plated Colt percussion revolvers that retain such excellent condition and there are few that have ever been offered with such aesthetics and provenance. PROVENANCE: John William Sturke 1876. William Sturke, Sutters Fort State Historical Park 1942-1957. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Gun is excellent overall, all matching, orig and authentic in every regard retaining over 90% orig silver plate and 95% gold wash on loading arm, rebated section of cyl and hammer with only minor freckling. Gun has possibly only been fired one time as 5 of 6 nipples retain most of their orig gold color and only one cone has been darkened. The bore and cyl chambers are quite crisp, though with scattered areas of staining and light pitting. “ESA certifiable antique elephant ivory grips” exhibit fine age patina, sharp edges and little wear. Screws all retain most of their orig fire blue finish. Mold retains about half its orig silver plate marked “Colt’s Patent” and “44H”. Accompanying tin of percussion caps is excellent. The 1866 dated medal has top bar broken, but still present as sewn to top stud with ribbon. Top bar is lose but complete on long service medal. There is a gold and enamel patriotic pin of unknown origin to this cataloger. There is an additional 1876 dated 3-piece brass shooting medal that is uninscribed. The mahogany casing is very good overall with attached newspaper article telling of William Sturke’s first place medal won with a score of 40 out of a possible 50 at shots of 200 yards and 500 yards for small bore rifle. Also attached to lining is the display card from Sutters Fort Historical Park when on display. Casing is very good overall with light fading from years of display. The polished bone key hold finial has a chipped edge as can be seen in photos. Case is missing top portion of lock which is no longer embedded in lid. 49962-1 JS IVORY (30,000-50,000) – Lot 2158

| Click here to view provenance

RARE ONE OF TWO MANUFACTURED AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY “THE AMERICAN EAGLE” SILVER AND GOLD INLAID COLT MODEL 1860 ARMY PERCUSSION REVOLVER DESIGNED BY TIFFANY.

SN 202294. Cal. 44. Spectacular gold & silver Model 1860 Army percussion revolver, #1 of only two made by the American Historical Society Cir. 1994. It has 8″ rnd bbl, sculpted front sight in the shape of a feather with heavy gold overlay. Top of the bbl is inlaid in gold “THE AMERICAN EAGLE . DESIGNED BY TIFFANY & CO.” The entire bbl lug and about 5″ of each side of the bbl have heavy gold overlay masterfully engraved in the shape of an eagle’s wing with matching heavy gold feathers on the rammer handle. Bbl has a heavy gold engraved ring around the muzzle. Sides of frame are inlaid in silver depicting an eagle’s talon holding an olive branch, with one gold olive on the left side and an eagle’s talon clutching 3 arrows on the right side. Cyl has an incredible heavy silver overlay of 6 eagles heads with gold beaks and a heavy band around the front edge with alternating gold feathers & smooth silver. One chamber is overlaid with a heavy gold cartouche bearing the inscription “COLT’S PATENT”. Recoil shields have heavy gold overlay feather patterns with bands of feather patterns by the hammer slot which flow down the rear edge and across bottom edges of the frame. Toward the front the gold feathers are alternated with graduated, smooth silver partitions. Bottom left front of the frame is inlaid with a gold “1”. Bottom front of the frame, adjacent to the SN is engraved with the engravers name “A. BOURBON”. This extraordinary work of art was designed by Tiffany & Co. and manufactured in the early 1990’s. It was originally intended that only 10 of these superb works of art would be created however only 2 were executed. This one bearing number “1”. The work was created by Andrew Bourbon, a renowned engraver of jewelry and firearms. Bourbon was born in Providence, Rhode Island in 1949 and later worked for a considerable period of time with the renowned firearms engraver, A. A. White. He developed the skill of his art while in the tutelage of A.A. White. This is an extraordinary and almost unique work of art; it being one of only two in existence. Top of the backstrap is engraved with the American Historical Society double-eagle logo and the backstrap is engraved “United States Historical Society”. Buttcap is sculpted steel with feather patterns and inlaid gold patterns on the toe. It is mounted with 1-pc pearl grip that it has inlaid U.S. $5 dollar gold piece on the left side and a large gold Colt medallion on the right side. Trigger guard & backstrap are gold plated. SNs on bottom of bbl lug and bottom front of frame are inlaid in gold. The gold & silver embellishments along with the concealed frame screws are by Andrew Bourbon. An example of this revolver is illustrated on pg 306 of The Colt Engraving Book Volume One, R. L. Wilson. Also, this exact gun is illustrated in “Steel Canvas” by R. L. Wilson on both the frontice page and page 23. Also, the only other example of “The American Eagle” resides in the renown collection of Robert M. Lee. His gun (SN 20315) is illustrated and replete with a very detailed write up of the engraver and the gun on pages 466, 467, 468 and 469 of the Art of the Gun, Magnificent Colts. PROVENANCE: Paul Tudor Jones II Collection. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, crisp and new. The only flaw found by the cataloger was a loss of a teeny fleck of bluing on the left side of the forward portion of the barrel. It is otherwise in superb condition. 49941-10 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 2159

RARE SPECIAL ORDER DELUXE COLT MODEL 1861 NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER WITH CARVED BURL GRIPS.

SN 28208. Cal. 36. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2 rnd bbl, German silver front sight and 1-line New-York U.S. America address. Most unusually, the trigger guard & backstrap are steel and are color case hardened. Mounted with an extraordinary, carved, 1-pc walnut grip. Grip is beautifully carved with foliate arabesque patterns at the top & bottom on each side with the center section an intricate basket weave pattern. Back strap channel of the grip is marked with the full matching serial number. Frame is most unusually, without “COLTS PATENT” marking on the left side. Cylinder is unfluted with the Ormsby Naval battle scene roll marking and has all 6 safety pins prominent & serviceable. Bbl address & cylinder roll marking are very light strikes as is often found on the ’61 Navy. At one time, this revolver was accompanied by a 1-pg letter from Colt Historian, researcher and author, R.L. Wilson, where in he verifies most of the above information. Mr. Wilson states that the grip on this revolver is carved similarly to the grip found on a cased Colt pocket navy about which Mr. Wilson had also written a letter attributing the carved grip to Charles J. Helfricht, father of Colt master engraver Cuno A. Helfricht. In the letter which formerly accompanied this revolver Mr. Wilson attributed the carved grip to Colt craftsman J. Grosch. Regardless of the attribution these carved grips are extraordinarily rare and only found on equally rare revolvers. Consignor states that this revolver was discovered in a small estate sale in Connecticut several years ago. Consignor further states that when this revolver was purchased from that estate sale it was accompanied by an elaborately engraved Colt Single Action Sheriff’s Model revolver with ebony grip. An additional rare feature on this revolver are the very fine checkered ramrod handle & hammer spur. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine, all matching including wedge, cylinder & grip. Bbl retains about 90% glossy factory blue, thin on each side, turning a little plum with spots of surface discoloration; left side of bbl lug has 3 scratches and right side has nicks & dings around the wedge slot; frame & hammer retain bright case colors, slightly more faded on the recoil shields and top edge of hammer; trigger guard retains bright case colors in sheltered areas, moderately faded on the trigger bow and turned gray on the front strap; back strap retains strong case colors at the top and bright colors on the butt strap, lightly to moderately faded in center of back strap; cyl retains about 70-80% thin blue and shows about 90% thin Ormsby Naval battle scene roll marking; grip is sound showing light to moderate edge wear with a few light scratches in the finish and overall retains about 95% strong orig varnish. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore with scattered fine pitting. 50139-1 JR195 (25,000-35,000) – Lot 2160

FABULOUS CASED COLT MODEL 1851 NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 51942. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ oct bbl, brass pin front sight and 1-line block letter New York City address with dashes. Left side of frame has a tiny “COLTS PATENT”. Cylinder has Ormsby naval battle scene roll marking. The silver plated, small guard brass trigger guard & backstrap contain a varnished 1-pc walnut grip. This particular gun, casing and accessories was made in 1856 and is in outstanding condition. The ’51 Navy was one of, if not the most popular side arm on the frontier and later throughout the entire Civil War. You can’t find a much better cased Colt Navy Percussion revolver better than this one. This gun retains virtually all of its orig bright blue on bbl and cyl, beautiful muted case colors, complete silver plate and varnish on grips. The accompanying powder flask with panoply of arms with stars and crossed pistols is also in near new condition retaining virtually of its orig bright finish with scarce “crooked neck” charger. CONDITION: Extraordinarily fine. Bbl retains 97-98% orig bright blue finish with small scratches and nicks around wedge slot. Cyl retains 97-98% bright blue finish with a crisp complete well discerned rolled naval battle scene. Only one orig safety pin remains as others are smashed flat. Frame, loading arm, and hammer retain virtually all of their muted case colors with a silver-gray background with minor scuffs and scratches. Trigger guard and backstrap retain virtually all their orig silver plate with brass exposed slightly at rear toe with edge wear. Stocks retain virtually all their orig bright varnish with a couple small nicks in edges. Mechanically revolver functions properly. With a bright brilliant shiny bore. Mahogany casing is sound, solid, and well fit. Lining is light stained, soiled, and worn where revolver and accessories make contact. Powder flask retains 97-98% of its orig varnish and spring retains 90% of its fire blue. L-shaped gun tool retains 90% of a thin blue. Bullet mold retains about 50% flaking blue finish with numerous small dings and dents on two sides. Cap tin is also fine with good green label with minor reductions. Accompanying key is functional. 49642-2 (30,000-50,000) – Lot 2161

FINE GUSTAVE YOUNG ENGRAVED CASED COLT MODEL 1851 PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 132993. Cal. 36. Blue and color case hardened with 7-1/2″ oct bbl, dovetailed Rocky Mountain style front sight with blued steel blade & 1-line New-York U.S. America address. Left side of frame is marked “COLTS PATENT” and the silver plated large guard, brass trigger guard & backstrap contain a 1-pc varnished burl walnut 1-pc grip with last 4 digits of SN faintly in backstrap channel. Cyl is unfluted with Ormsby Naval battle scene roll marking and all 6 safety pins mostly serviceable. All SNs on the bottom are accompanied by a small “E” which was a signal to factory workmen to provide extra polish for engraving. Revolver is beautifully engraved by Gustave Young in his deluxe foliate arabesque patterns consisting of fine pearled background having nearly full coverage on the frame. Two scrolls on the left side and 1 on the right side terminate in flower blossoms. Matching patterns extend over the bbl lug and top side flats with one large flower blossom on the left side and a stylized dogs head in the bottom center of the left side. Right side of the bbl lug also has a single flower blossom and another scroll terminates in Mr. Young’s stylized birds head. Matching engraving patterns are also found on the rammer pivot, backstrap, buttstrap & trigger bow. Top of the backstrap is engraved in Mr. Young’s light fan pattern with 1/4 blossoms on sides of the backstrap shoulders. Ends of the wedge are also engraved. Accompanied by a purple velvet lined Colt mahogany casing that is compartmented in the bottom for the revolver, a correct navy sized flask with angled spout with 2-sided Eagle and Panoply of Arms, a blued steel, unmarked Colt-style bullet & ball mold with sprue cutter, an L-shaped nipple wrench, a partial packet of Colt’s Cartridge Works combustible cartridges and an unlacquered tin with green label for Eley’s caps. Also accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in Cal. 36 with 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish with wood grip shipped to Cooper & Pond, NY, NY on Nov 18, 1862 in a 6 gun shipment. Given that this pistol was shipped late in 1862, at the height of the Civil War, it can easily be assumed that this was probably intended as a presentation or gift to a military person, probably an officer leaving for the war. While there were many such revolvers engraved during that time frame, most saw hard service throughout the war and later on the American frontier and few survive today with orig finish, especially with their orig case and accouterments. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching including rammer, wedge, cyl & grip. Bbl retains about 95% glossy orig blue with sharp edge wear & some thinning on left side. Rammer pivot retains bright case colors, the handle faded to silver. Frame retains about 90% strong case colors showing wear around the bottom and rear edges, thinning on the recoil shields. Hammer retains about 60-70% bright case colors turned silver on the back edge. Cyl retains about 60-70% thin orig blue and shows about 80% Naval battle scene roll marking, apparently a light strike. Grip frame retains traces of silver, being mostly a dark mustard patina. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore. Case has a grain check in the lid and 3 more in the bottom, otherwise is solid and shows and old restored finish. Interior is lightly faded inside the lid with light soil. Bottom is lightly to moderately faded in areas with wear from contact with the revolver and light damage from the front sight. One partition is partially loose. Flask is very good with about half of its original varnish. Mold is very fine, showing about 85% orig blue. Cartridge packet is open with 3 cartridges remaining. Cap tin is soiled but fine. 50142-4 JS112 (30,000-40,000) – Lot 2162

Click here to view provenance

EXTREMELY RARE HISTORIC & IMPORTANT COL. COLT PRESENTATION CASED ENGRAVED MODEL 1851 NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER, PRESENTED TO U.S. NAVY PURSER L.D. SLAMM.

SN 8786. Cal 36. This particular gun is among the earliest personal presentations of Col. Colts. R.L. Wilson on pgs 60-61 Colt Engraving Book, Vol. I “Cased, engraved and presentation-inscribed to Purser Levi D. Slamm, U.S.N., from a grateful Samuel Colt. Model 1851 Navy Number 8786/. is one of the most historic of presentations from the inventor. Slamm assisted Colt with the first model of the revolver, while on board ship, c. 1830-31. Inscribed on the backstrap and rosewood case plaque, as pictured. The inscription on the case lid plaque done in Gustave Young script, whereas the backstrap inscription was done in a style used by the shop which was responsible for the donut scroll.” Fine engraved model ’51 Navy, blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ oct bbl, brass pin front sight and 1-line New York City address. The silver plated brass trigger guard & backstrap contain a very nicely figured, varnished 1-pc walnut grip with matching SN in backstrap channel. Cyl is unfluted with Ormsby Naval battle scene roll marking & all 6 safety pins crisp & serviceable. Revolver is very nicely engraved in early large donut style with full coverage on the frame. Left front of frame is engraved “COLTS PATENT” and a short ribbon. Screw heads and tips are also all engraved. Engraving extends over the bbl lug & top side flats and down onto the rammer pivot. Backstrap & buttstrap are engraved to match with a fan pattern at the top similar to engraving by Gustave Young but probably by his predecessor at Colt. Trigger guard is engraved in the rare pattern of a shield, also with large scrolls. Backstrap is very nicely engraved in same hand with inscription “PURSER SLAMM / U.S.N./FROM Sam Colt”. Hammer is also engraved with the early style wolf’s head on each side of the nose & fish scale patterns on top edge & sides of spur. All the SNs on the bottom are accompanied by a small punched dot which would have signified to the factory workmen that this revolver was to receive extra attention to finish for engraving. Accompanied by its orig burgundy velvet lined Colt, rosewood casing with brass plaque in the lid that appears to have been engraved from the hand of Gustave Young, “L.D. Slamm Esqre / Purser U.S.N. / Compliments of / Col Colt”. Interior is compartmented for the revolver, a double-sided “COLTS PATENT” trophy of arms & flags, Navy size flask with angled spout, a brass “COLTS PATENT” bullet & ball mold with sprue cutter, an L-shaped nipple wrench, a full sealed packet & an open empty packet of Colt’s Cartridge Works combustible cartridges and a lacquered tin for Eley’s caps. Additionally accompanied by a 3-pg typewritten letter signed by L.D. Slamm’s grandson Hugh Morsell Mitchell of Jamestown, N.Y. dated November 12, 1932, with its original envelope addressed to Mr. Charles P. Day of New York City, an early American arms collector. Mr. Mitchell states in the body of the letter that he is the grandson of Purser Slamm and that Mr. Slamm had been a close friend of Samuel Colt. Apparently young Sam Colt served under Purser Slamm as a Cabin Boy on the Brig Corvo 1830-1831 from Boston to Calcutta and back. It was during this voyage that the 16-year-old Sam Colt carved the famous wooden pattern that was to become the genesis for the Colt dynasty. Apparently Mr. Colt never forgot Mr. Slamm and remained in contact with him long after Mr. Colt had become successful and Mr. Slamm had received his commission in the U.S. Navy in 1846. This revolver was manufactured in 1851 and likely presented to Purser Slamm shortly thereafter. Levi D. Slamm was born in 1812 the son of a Revolutionary War Veteran and lineage to “Light Horse” Harry Lee. In 1846 he was appointed purser in the U.S. Navy. He died in October 1862 the result of an accident while boarding a ship in Montevideo. Also accompanied by an 8-pg letter from well-known author and Colt historian R.L. Wilson wherein he documents much of the above information. Additionally accompanied by copy of the Summer 1996 issue of The Rampant Colt (the magazine of the Colt Collector’s Assoc.) which contains a 2-pg article by Greg Martin regarding this revolver with photographs of the revolver. There are a number of examples of early engraved Colts and even a few of those with Colt presentations, many of which are extremely important. However, that having been said, few rise to the importance of this presentation. Undoubtedly Samuel Colt, as a 16-year-old on a world class adventure, was probably befriended and mentored by Mr. Slamm on that voyage to India. Samuel Colt reportedly never forgot those who befriended him or helped him along the way. Such is epitomized by this presentation as it is unlikely an ordinary purser, a somewhat minor personality in the U.S. Navy, would have otherwise come to Colt’s attention such as his typical presentations that would benefit him financially to generals, presidents & royalty. Pg 60, Wilson “One of the most important historically of all presentations from Samuel Colt.” PROVENANCE: L.D. Slamm 1852; Hugh Morsell Mitchell, grandson; Charles P. Day, NYC 1932; James R. Lowensteine, Chicago 1941; Pg 50 “Colts History & Heroes”, by John Hamilton 1963; Pages 60-61 & front end paper Wilson “The Colt Engraving Book, Vol. I”; Lot 959 July 24, 1996, Butterfield & Butterfield, SF. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, all matching including rammer, wedge, cyl and grip. Bbl retains about 70% glossy orig blue with loss areas lightly cleaned. Rammer, pivot & handle are cleaned to bright metal. Frame & hammer are also cleaned bright metal patina. Cyl is also cleaned to bright metal with one area of very fine pitting, probably from laying in the case and cyl shows about 85-90% Ormsby Naval Battle scene roll marking with completely legible Ormsby signature. Trigger guard and backstrap retain virtually all of their orig silver finish with only slight sharp edge wear. Grip shows very little wear with a few light nicks & scratches and retains about 99% crisp orig varnish. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore with a very few small spots of pitting. Case has a grain check in the lid and a couple of others in the bottom with a gouge in the lid and a few light nicks & scratches and retains most of its orig varnish. Bottom retains about 85% orig oilcloth covering. Interior is moderately faded inside the lid with chemical staining from contact with the cyl. Bottom is less faded with moderate soil and damage from the front sight & hammer spur. Flask has had its spout soldered at the angle joint and shows traces of orig finish, being a dark patina. Mold has bent arms with light battering over 3 sides and cleaned sprue cutter with crisp cavities. Nipple wrench & cap tin are fine. Sealed cartridge packet is crisp and the open packet is fine. A rare set worthy of any collection or museum. 50140-4 JS105 (75,000-125,000) – Lot 2163

Click here to view provenance

RARE ENGRAVED COLT MODEL 1851 NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 98258. Cal 36. Fourth model, blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ oct bbl, scarce dovetailed front sight with German silver blade & 1-line Hartford address. Left side of frame is engraved “COLTS PATENT” in a pillow shape. Cyl is unfluted with Ormsby Naval Battle scene roll marking. The silver-plated large brass trigger guard & backstrap contain a very nicely figured varnished burl walnut 1-pc walnut grip that has last 4 digits of matching SN in backstrap channel. Revolver is very nicely engraved by Gustave Young with full coverage foliate arabesque patterns on the frame with a couple of scrolls terminating as flower blossoms. Deluxe engraving patterns extend over the bbl lug & top side flats of the bbl with a couple of scrolls terminating in flower blossoms & another with a most unusual Indian’s head wearing a feather bonnet. Matching scrolls are also on the rammer pivot. Hammer is engraved with a wolf’s head on each side of the nose, fish scales on the top edge & sides of hammer spur and matching foliate arabesque patterns on the shank. Top of the backstrap is engraved in Mr. Young’s typical fan pattern with 1/4 blossoms on sides of the shoulders and foliate arabesque patterns on the backstrap, buttstrap & trigger guard. All of the SNs on bottom of the revolver are accompanied by a small punched dot which would signify to the factory workmen to add extra polish for engraving. Accompanied by a rare Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in Cal 36 with 7-/12″ bbl, blue finish, wood stocks, factory engraved & shipped to the Colt New York office on February 11, 1861 in a 10-gun shipment. Given the time frame of this shipment it seems likely that this may have been a Civil War unit order or possibly for presentation to Civil War personnel by citizens of New York. Regardless this revolver was shipped to a major hub of Civil War supply activity and almost certainly would have seen service throughout the Civil War. Such arms are rarely found with high orig finish. Pg 139 of The Colt Engraving Book, Volume 1, and pg 87 of Colt Engraving, both by Wilson, pictures the left side of the bbl lug of this revolver, illustrating the Indian head motif. Although it is not identified by SN in the publication, there are identifying marks that certify that it is the same revolver. The pg 87 caption credits this revolver to the S.P. Stevens Collection. PROVENANCE: S.P. Stevens Collection. CONDITION: Fine, all matching including rammer, wedge, cyl & grip. Bbl retains about 70% glossy orig blue with the loss areas flaked, not worn to a medium/dark patina. Rammer & handle are cleaned to bright metal. Frame is grey metal patina & the hammer retains about 70% strong case colors, moderately faded on left side. Cyl retains about 20% orig blue with the balance a grey patina & shows about 80-85% Ormsby Naval battle scene roll marking. Trigger guard & backstrap retain most of their orig silver plating showing edge wear on the buttstrap & heel and some thinning on backstrap. Grip is sound showing light edge wear with a few light nicks & scratches and retains about 98% crisp orig varnish. Mechanics are fine. Strong bore with moderate pitting. 50142-9 JR106 (25,000-35,000) – Lot 2164

Click here to view provenance

RARE AND UNIQUE COLT M-1851 NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER WITH EXPERIMENTAL ATTACHED SHOULDER STOCK.

SN 78919. Cal. 36. This gun is a 3-screw frame Colt Navy SN 78919 with matching SN on stock. Nathan Swayze, in his text 51 Colt Navies does not show this rare variant but does state that early 4-screw serial range for stocked guns ended at about 79000 where this gun falls. This gun utilizes a formed iron yoke that fits slot and hole cut in back of backstrap which were custom made on this gun. This particular Navy is in excellent overall condition showing little if any use, being made of mostly US inspected overrun parts. Frame is also marked with “US” below Colts patent on left side of frame. This unique Hartford Colt with matching experimental stock has not been offered by any other auction company previously to collectors and would make a fine addition to the finest Colt collections. CONDITION: Very fine overall. Gun appears all matching including stock, though cylinder has no SN but is military proofed like most every other part of gun. The wedge appears orig and Colt though it only has last two numbers of SN stamped in smaller die that are more consistent in size to SN on German silver buttplate. Bbl retains about 70% bright blue finish. Cylinder retains crisp, fine cylinder scene with strong traces of orig thin finish scattered over much of it’s finish. Safety pins are crisp. Frame and hammer retain about 60% case colors, with balance silver/grey. Backstrap and trigger guard have a smooth mustard colored patina, apparently never plated. Pistol stocks and removable stock both exhibit most of their orig matching varnish finish with scattered, small dings, dents and scratches. Crescent shaped German silver butt plate is well fit with a silver/grey patina. Mechanically gun is sound with crisp, shiny bore. 50139-2 JS (25,000-35,000) – Lot 2165

RARE INSCRIBED COL. COLT PRESENTATION MODEL 1851 NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER WITH CANTEEN STOCK.

SN 79482. Cal 36. Fourth model ’51 Navy with 7-1/2″ oct bbl, dovetailed front sight with German silver blade and 1-line Hartford address. Frame is 4-screw type cut for shoulder stock with flat head hammer screw and extended stock screws. Cylinder is unfluted with Ormsby Naval Battle Scene roll marking. The silver plated steel large guard, trigger guard and backstrap contain a 1-pc varnished walnut grip that has last 3 digits of matching SN in backstrap channel. Backstrap is very nicely engraved in period script “F.W.H.S.” Bottom of frame, just in front of trigger guard, is mounted with a factory lanyard loop. Accompanied by a very rare matching numbered canteen shoulder stock with brass & steel furniture. Buttplate also has matching number. Top of the yoke is period script engraved “F.W.H. Sheffield / with Compliments of / Col Colt”. Buttstock is very nicely figured, slab-sawed American walnut with straight grip and silver-plated brass carbine buttplate. Bottom of stock and bottom tang have sling loops. A quick Google search disclosed that F.W.H. Sheffield was one of the founders of the Merchant’s National Bank of Dubuque, IA. At the Founders meeting he was elected president and apparently remained so until September 1873 when there was a run on the bank & it was forced to close its doors. Mr. Sheffield is reported to have been a native of Saybrook, CT, having arrived in Dubuque in 1856 or 1857. Nothing more was disclosed until the 1883 census of Utica, NY lists him as being in a wagon making partnership in Utica. Nothing further was learned. This revolver appears to have been manufactured in 1857 which coincides with Mr. Sheffield’s departure from Connecticut. Given that Mr. Sheffield was in the banking business it stands to reason that he may have been connected to Samuel Colt through his banking connections. Undoubtedly additional research will disclose the actual connection. PROVENANCE: Paul Tudor Jones II Collection. CONDITION: Very fine plus, all matching including rammer, wedge, cyl, grip and shoulder stock. Bbl retains 60-70% dull original blue turning a little plummy in areas with sharp edge wear. Rammer pivot retains bright case colors, turning dark on the handle. Frame retains about all of its original bright case colors, especially on the sides, turned silver on left recoil shield and a little dark on right recoil shield. Hammer retains dark case colors. Cyl retains traces of original blue, being mostly a light, smooth brown patina and shows about 95% Ormsby Navy Battle Scene roll marking. Trigger guard retains traces of original silver, being mostly a smooth gray/brown patina. Backstrap and buttstrap retain virtually all of their original silver with a few spots of minor pimpling. Grip is sound showing light edge wear with nicks and scratches and damage at the top from the stock yoke and retains about 70-75% original varnish. Mechanics are fine, brilliant shiny bore. Stock has a slightly opened seam at the toe from shrinkage, otherwise is sound with a few light nicks and retains 96-98% strong original varnish. Yoke retains traces of original silver being mostly a dark mustard patina. Buttplate retains about 65% thinning original silver. All together an exceptional and beautiful stocked ’51 Navy with rare “Col Colt” presentation. 49941-26 JR73 (15,000-25,000) – Lot 2166

CASED COLT LONDON MODEL 1851 PERCUSSION REVOLVER WITH CALCUTTA AGENT MARKING.

SN 5266. Cal. 36. This is a standard London made Navy revolver assembled at Pall Mall in 1852. Gun retains no finish but is sound with good markings and functionality with the engraved agent marking on backstrap of “CHARLES NEPHEW & CO CALCUTTA”. Charles Nephew was a well known Colt agent in India, but early Colts engraved with his name are quite scarce. The accompanying mahogany Colt casing is fitted with 2-cavity “Colt’s Patent” bullet mold, a Barlow bag flask and an orig British tin cap container with paper label. PROVENANCE: The Spiropoulos Estate Collection. CONDITION: Gun is good overall. Matching SN 5266 is found on bbl, frame, trigger guard, backstrap and cylinder. Loading arm is numbered 64 and wedge is numbered 767; though color on wedge and loading arm match the overall grey color of gun. Address, SNs and agent marking are all discernible. Cylinder has no safety pins and about 20% of the rolled naval battle scene is visible. Stocks are well fit with about 70% of their varnished finish intact. Gun functions with a clean crisp bore. Trigger guard and backstrap retain about 10% of their orig silver plating. Trigger bow is bent as can be seen in photos. Accompanying casing has empty rectangular brass plate applied in lid which has longitudinal crack. Lining and interior of case are worn, soiled and faded with old cloth repair to section of case adjacent to backstrap. Interior is worn through at areas of front sight and hammer. 49891-3 JS (3,000-4,000) – Lot 2167

MARTIALLY MARKED COLT 3RD MODEL 1851 ARMY NAVY PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 80225. Cal. 36. Usual configuration with 7-1/2″ oct bbl, pin front sight & 1-line Hartford address. Left side of frame is marked with tiny “COLTS PATENT” over a tiny “U.S.”. The unplated brass small guard trigger guard and backstrap contain a 1-pc walnut grip with last 4 digits of matching SN in the backstrap channel. Cyl is unfluted with Ormsby Naval battle scene roll marking and 5 of the 6 safety pins serviceable. Various parts have small inspector initials including bottom left edge of grip, backstrap, trigger guard, cyl & bbl. This is one of about 20,000 revolvers of this model purchased by the Army. This revolver appears to have been manufactured in about 1857 and undoubtedly saw hard service on the American frontier and then throughout the Civil War. Such revolvers are scarce today and rarely found with high orig finish. CONDITION: Fine, all matching including rammer, wedge, cyl & grip. Bbl and rammer are a smooth grey metal patina. Frame retains traces of case colors, stronger on left side with the balance a smooth grey metal patina. Cyl and hammer are matching patina and cyl shows about 65-70% Naval battle scene roll marking. The unplated grip frame is a medium mustard patina. Grip has a couple of nicks on the left side, otherwise is sound and shows about 15-20% orig finish with the balance a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine. Strong bore with moderate pitting. Wedge spring is orig, but rivet is broken Spring is present. 50190-2 JR194 (2,000-4,000) – Lot 2168

NICKEL PLATED COLT M1860 ARMY PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 192759. Cal. 44. Nickle finish with 8″ rd bbl, full front sight & 1-line New-York U.S. America address. Left side of frame is marked “COLTS PATTERN” & left shoulder trigger guard is marked “44 cal”. Nickle plated brass trigger guard & iron backstrap contain a varnished 1-pc walnut grip with last 4 digits of matching SN in backstrap channel. Cyl is rebated with 6 chambers & has Ormsby Naval Battle Scene roll marking. Four of the 6 safety pins are strong and serviceable. This revolver was manufactured in about 1871 during which time about any big bore revolver was in great demand for the great westward expansion. Firearms of that era usually saw very hard service and are rarely found with original finish today. It was probably during this period of use that necessitated being refinished. CONDITION: Fine, all matching except wedge which was probably replaced at the time it was refinished. Overall retains about 95% strong, bright nickle with minor losses around the muzzle & forcing cone areas & face of cyl. Backstrap shows moderate losses also. Cyl is matching condition with strong nickle and shows 96-97% Naval Battle Scene roll marking. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with a few scattered spots of pitting. 49642-3 (4,000-7,000) – Lot 2169

EXTRAORDINARY CASED COLT LONDON MODEL 1862 POLICE PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 35232L. Cal. 36. Blue & color case hardened with 5-1/2″ rnd bbl, brass pin front sight and New-York U.S. America address. Left side of frame is marked “COLTS PATENT” and the blued steel trigger guard & back strap contain a varnished 1-pc walnut grip. Cyl is full fluted with five chambers and left side of bbl & flutes of cyl are stamped with British proofs. The SN on bottom of bbl lug, frame, trigger guard & butt strap are accompanied by a small “L” which indicates that this revolver, although made in Hartford, was destined for the English market. Given the pristine new unfired condition of this revolver, no disassembly was effected to check for other matching numbers. Accompanied by its orig English oak casing with an empty brass medallion in the lid. Case is green baize lined with a “Directions for Loading Colt’s Pistols” label inside the lid. Bottom is compartmented for the revolver, a small Dixon’s bag flask, a blued steel 2-cavity bullet & ball “COLTS PATENT” mold with sprue cutter marked “36P” on right side, an L-shaped nipple wrench, a Dixon-style pewter oil bottle, an empty lacquered tin for Eley’s caps and a blued steel, formed wire cleaning rod in its slot in bottom rear. Right rear covered corner compartment has a “certified antique ivory” pull. Colt ’62 Police revolvers are not uncommon with approx. 28,000 of them produced in period 1861-1873 and cased versions are occasionally encountered but pristine new unfired examples such as this one are almost unknown. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Extraordinarily fine. Overall retains about 99%+ crisp orig factory finish with only a faint cyl line, a few small nicks by the wedge slot and slight thinning on the left end of the wedge, otherwise all finishes are brilliant, complete and original. Grip is sound with one small scratch and a tiny bruise on left side, otherwise there are no discernible flaws. Case is completely sound with light storage & handling marks and overall retains virtually all of its orig factory varnish. Interior is crisp & clean with very slight fading to the baize and yellowing of the label. Flask is equally pristine & new, with some light flaking on the mold handles. Wrench, oil bottle & cleaning rod are equally new. Cap tin is undoubtedly a replacement, probably having been removed for return transportation to the U.S. A truly exceptional and never to be encountered again ’62 Police revolver. 49642-1 IVORY (25,000-40,000) – Lot 2170

EXTRAORDINARY EXHIBITION QUALITY ENGRAVED AND CASED COLT MODEL 1849 POCKET PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 105815. Cal. 31. Blue & color case hardened with 6″ oct bbl, brass pin front sight and engraved “Saml Colt” address. Left side of frame has hand engraved “COLTS PATENT” in a pillow shape. The small guard silver plated brass trigger guard & back strap contain an outstanding 1-pc “certifiable antique ivory” grip with SN in pencil in back strap channel. Grip is made in the orig manner with two slabs of ivory attached to a center ivory spacer. SNs on the bbl lug, frame, trigger guard & buttstrap are accompanied by a small punch mark and on the frame & trigger guard with a number “6”. The punch marks were a signal to the factory workmen to apply extra polish for engraving. Revolver is engraved, probably from the hand of Gustave Young himself with full coverage foliate arabesque patterns that have pearled background on the frame with two scrolls terminating in flower blossoms. His deluxe engraving extends over the bbl lug and top side flats of bbl with a wonderful flower blossom and a mythical bird’s head incorporated into the patterns on left side. Right side has similar foliate patterns with one scroll terminating in a flower blossom. The rammer pivot is engraved to match. Top of back strap is engraved in Mr. Young’s trademark fan pattern with foliate arabesque patterns on the back strap, butt strap & trigger bow. All screw heads and ends of wedge are also engraved. Cyl is unfluted with 5 chambers and stagecoach holdup scene roll marking, with all 5 safety pins crisp & serviceable. Stagecoach holdup scene appears to have been hand enhanced by Mr. Young during engraving process as the markings are very deep & sharp. Accompanied by the fine orig American style, brass bound mahogany casing with brass reinforced corners and an empty name plate in the lid. Bottom corners are also brass reinforced. Front of case has a shield shaped brass lock escutcheon. Interior is purple velvet lined and compartmented in the bottom for the revolver, a single-sided “COLTS PATENT” eagle & stars flask, a very unusual “COLTS PATENT” 2-cavity steel mold that is in the white, a sealed packet of Colt’s Cartridge Works combustible cartridges, a lacquered tin of Eley Bros. caps and an L-shaped nipple wrench. This presentation quality revolver was undoubtedly owned by someone of importance, great wealth or of high rank and saw little if any use. It may have been fired, but if so, very little. This cased revolver is known to have been in the private collection of Norm Flayderman for over 50 years. PROVENANCE: Norm Flayderman Collection; James D. Julia Auctions October 2010. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all matching including rammer, wedge, cyl & grip. Bbl retains 96-97% glossy orig blue with one small wear spot on right flat at the muzzle & faint sharp edge wear. Rammer retains strong case colors on the pivot with the handle turned silver. Frame & hammer retain virtually all of their strong orig factory case colors. Cyl retains 40-50% glossy orig blue with the balance flaked to a gray patina and retains virtually all of its fine hand-enhanced stagecoach holdup scene roll marking. Grip frame retains virtually all of its strong orig silver plating. Grip is sound with sharp edges and retains a wonderful golden ivory patina. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Case has a couple of cracks in the bottom and some minor pry marks along front edge, otherwise is completely sound and retains virtually all of its orig factory varnish with light handling & storage marks. Interior is lightly to moderately faded & soiled, primarily from lead oxide from bullets with light damage from front sight & hammer spur. Flask is crisp & near new with one small dent. Mold is in the white and appears to have never been blued, possibly cleaned to its present state. Cap tin & nipple wrench are fine. Altogether a wonderful high quality, high condition cased set suitable to the most discerning collector. 50140-14 JS111 IVORY (45,000-65,000) – Lot 2171

RARE COLT FACTORY PRESENTATION CASED ENGRAVED MODEL 1849 POCKET PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 109089. Cal. 31. Blue and color case hardened with 6″ oct bbl, brass pin front sight & “Saml Colt” address. Left side of frame is engraved “COLTS PATENT” in a pillow shape. Cyl is unfluted with 5 chambers and has the stagecoach holdup scene roll marking. The small guard, silver plated brass trigger guard & backstrap contain a fabulous 1-pc “certifiable antique ivory” grip that has deep relief carved European soldier with epaulets, a star medal and wearing a Germanic-style helmet with large eagle on top. Revolver is engraved by Gustave Young with deluxe full coverage foliate arabesque patterns that have a fine pearled background. Several scrolls terminate in flower blossoms. Engraving extends onto the bbl lug and top side flats of the bbl with one scroll on the left side terminating in a dogs head and another on the right side in a flower blossom. Matching patterns are also on the rammer pivot. Top of the backstrap is engraved with Mr. Young’s light fan pattern with foliate arabesque patterns on the backstrap, buttstrap & trigger guard. Center of the backstrap is engraved, probably by Mr. Young “D.L. Stone / from Colt’s P. F. A. Mfg. Co.”. All screw heads & screw tips are engraved. Accompanied by a fine purple velvet lined rosewood casing with empty plaque in the lid and a rosewood lock escutcheon. Interior is compartmented for the revolver, a single-sided “COLTS PATENT” eagle & stars flask, a brass “COLT’S PATENT” bullet & ball mold with bright steel sprue cutter, a lacquered tin of Eley’s caps & an L-shaped nipple wrench. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching except grip which is unnumbered. Bbl retains 75-80% glossy orig blue with the balance flaked, not worn to a medium patina. Rammer handle & pivot retain most of their orig case colors, turned a little dark. Frame & hammer also retain most of their orig case colors also turned a little dark. Trigger guard & backstrap retain 85-90% strong orig orig silver plating. Cyl is a grey metal patina and shows about 90% stagecoach holdup scene roll marking. Grip has a long repaired crack on the right rear edge with some chips along the right front edge and several age lines in the bottom edges and overall retains a wonderful mellow ivory patina. Trigger return/lockbolt spring is broken, otherwise mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore with scattered pitting. Case has a crack along the top rear edge with a couple of grain checks in the top and another or two in the bottom. Otherwise, case is sound with light nicks & scratches and retains most of its orig varnish. Interior is lightly faded & soiled with light damage from the front sight & hammer spur. Flask retains about 95% orig finish and the mold most of its orig finish with some small dings on the left arm, bright metal sprue cutter. Other accessories are fine. 50142-3 JR110 IVORY (20,000-30,000) – Lot 2172

EXTREMELY RARE DOUBLE PANEL SCENE FACTORY EXHIBITION ENGRAVED COLT MODEL 1849 POCKET PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 31113. Cal. 31. Blue & color case hardened with 6″ oct bbl & brass pin front sight. Top flat of bbl has an unusual engraved address of “SAML COLT” with no additional flourishes. Left side of frame has engraved “COLT’S PATENT” in a ribbon. The small guard silver plated trigger guard & back strap contain a deluxe burl walnut varnished 1-pc grip with matching SN in back-strap channel. First 4 digits of SN are visible with the last digit obscured by oil & wear. Serial numbers on bbl lug, frame & trigger guard are accompanied by a small punch dot indicating that this revolver was to receive extra polish for engraving. Cyl is unfluted with 5 chambers and stagecoach holdup scene roll marking. Revolver is beautifully factory engraved with full coverage & rare transitional vine style foliate arabesque patterns without background & donut style scrolls. Exhibition engraving patterns extend over bbl lug & top side flats of bbl and on rammer pivot. Left side of bbl lug is engraved with an early style spread-winged American eagle clutching arrows in its right talons and an olive branch in the other. Eagle has rays emanating from the background. Right side of bbl lug is engraved with a classic recumbent lion also with rays emanating from the background. Top of back strap, heel, butt strap & trigger bow are engraved with matching foliate arabesque patterns. R.L. Wilson in The Colt Engraving Book Volume I, pg 47 “Likely a display revolver, due to the eagle and lion motifs (representing the United States and Great Britain) and extra quality decoration”. Hammer is engraved with a small foliate arabesque pattern on the sides with a wolf’s head on each side of the hammer nose, fish scales on top edge & sides of spur. Hammer spur has hand checkered panel. In the period 1850 to about 1873 there were in excess of 300,000 Model 1849 revolvers produced with only a small portion of those factory engraved. Extremely few were panel scene engraved and are almost unknown. It is extremely unusual to find such an early made Pocket model with exhibition double panel scene engraving. This revolver is completely authentic in all respects and one of the most rare of all the Pocket models. Similar examples of other exhibition engraved 1849s from this time period (1851-53) are illustrated on pgs 46-55 in same text. PROVENANCE: Martin Lane Collection; Dr. Paul McCombs Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine, all matching including wedge, cyl & grip. Bbl retains 50-60% thin orig blue with the balance a blue/brown patina, showing only sharp edge wear. Frame retains traces of case colors in the most sheltered areas being an overall gray/brown patina. Cylinder is matching mottled gray/brown patina and retains about all of the stagecoach holdup roll marking scene with all five safety pins intact. Grip is sound showing moderate wear with a few light nicks & scratches and retains most of its orig factory varnish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with a few small scattered spots of light pitting. 50139-3 JR197 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 2173

EXTREMELY FINE AND UNIQUE FACTORY ENGRAVED DONUT SCROLL COLT MODEL 1849 PERCUSSION REVOLVER WITH “EAGLE & PEACE” PANEL SCENE.

SN 33610. This beautiful cased pocket model was made about 1852 and exhibits factory engraving identical to other examples noted pre-1853 with “donut scroll” engraving on bbl housing, frame, backstrap, trigger guard and hammer. Most unusual and unique feature of this revolver which has never been seen on another example is the 2″ spread wing eagle grasping pistol in either talon above a ribbon held in eagles beak emblazoned “PEACE”. There are few other “donut scroll” engraved Colts with panel scenes but nothing like this very special example. It is of note that another pocket model just 12 SNs different 33598 was presented to Anson Chase by Col. Colt with closely identical engraving but no panel scene for his testimony for Colt in Massachusetts Arms Company trial in 1851. R. L. Wilson in his Colt Engraving Book, vol 1, page 48 states: “The author regards this set as one of the most historic and important of presentations made by Samuel Colt; it honors the man who made the first of the Colt revolvers….”. The Anson Chase gun is cased in identical red velvet lined mahogany case with same compartments, exhibiting same 2-cavity brass mold and “L” shaped combination nipple wrench/screwdriver. A similar pack of cartridges, cap tin, double eagle flask, and about 10 loose bullets fill compartments.Our historic gun here clearly shows eagle holding what appear to be Wesson & Leavitt dragoon revolvers with side hammers, the same patent infringement revolvers being made by Mass Arms at time law-suit which was won by Colt that ended their production. I love the wit Col Colt is showing with heraldic American eagle taking his competitor’s guns away and proclaiming “PEACE”. Could this have been a presentation he might give to an attorney or principal of the Massachusetts Arms Company who had once been a friend and letting him know, we now have PEACE that I have won, but your well made revolvers will have to use hand turned cylinders and never truly compete with me again. CONDITION: very fine to extremely fine overall. Markings including SNs, and engraved maker and patent marks are crisp as in engraving overall. Bbl & Cyl retain 30-40% bright original blue, balance a blue/plum patina. The frame & hammer retain about 80% bright and muted case colors as does the loading arm pivot, balance silver/gray; top of loading load has darkened colors. Matching SNs found externally on all parts including bbl, loading arm, frame, cyl, trigger guard, backstrap. Backstrap & trigger guard retain 95% of their original silver plate with most of loss at butt. The “select walnut” grips are well fit showing bright burl colors retaining 90% plus original factory varnish with moderate edge wear. Revolver is mechanically sound, retaining all 5 crisp safety pins on cyl. Cyl also has traces of blue in chambers. Bore is crisp and bright. Mahogany Colt casing retains traces of thinning original factory varnish, sound and solid, missing keyhole escutcheon. Interior red velvet is light faded with soiling and stains where cyl, hammer and muzzle abut. Brass 2-cavity mold “COLT’S PATENT” is excellent, smooth with yellow brass patina. Double sided eagle flask retains 80-90% mottled light gold colored varnish and is very fine overall. L-shaped tool has 30-40% blue with pitting, cap tin and packet of Colt cartridges are also very good to fine, The loose balls, extra nipple are fine also. 50154-4 JS (20,000-30,000) – Lot 2174

CASED COLT MODEL 1849 POCKET MODEL PERCUSSION REVOLVER WITH SCARCE IRON TRIGGER GUARD.

SN 151776. Cal. 31. Of the numerous variations of the Colt Model 1849 percussion revolver this is a fairly standard 5″ oct bbl gun with 5-shot cylinder and 2-line New York address made in 1859 with a rarely seen small iron trigger guard instead of brass which occurs in only two serial ranges as noted by Jordan & Watt in their text Colt’s Pocket ’49. Colt casing includes a 2-cavity “Colt’s Patent” bullet mold. Small 2-sided eagle and stars flask and a functioning key. PROVENANCE: The Spiropoulos Estate Collection. CONDITION: Gun is good to very good overall, all matching. Metal overall is dark grey with scattered areas of pitting. Cylinder scene is only partially visible. Serial numbers, address and stamped patent markings all crisp and discernible. Grips are well fit, retaining most of their orig varnished finish. Action is tight and functioning. Bore exhibits well discerned rifling with pitting. Accompanying casing is re-lined with red velvet. Mold is in matching condition to gun. The small eagle flask retains about 90% of it’s orig varnish. Tin of percussion caps are of later vintage. 49891-2 JS (3,000-4,000) – Lot 2175

RARE CASED ENGRAVED MODEL 2 COLT 1855 SIDE HAMMER PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 26484. Cal 28. Blue finish with 3-1/2″ oct bbl, brass pin front sight & type 2 Hartford address without pointing hand motif. Cyl is 5 chambers, unfluted with cabin/Indian fight scene roll marking. Mounted with 1-pc smooth “certifiable antique elephant ivory” grip that is matching numbered to this revolver. Revolver is beautifully engraved by Gustave Young with about 60% coverage, fine foliate arabesque patterns that has pearled background. Hammer shank & sides of hammer are engraved to match. Engraving patterns extend over the top strap onto the bbl and rammer pivot with matching patterns on backstrap, buttstrap & bottom of frame. Tip of cyl pin is broken. Accompanied by a burgundy velvet lined Colt rosewood casing that has escalloped plaque in the lid that is engraved “Amos Stellenwerf”. Case is German silver mounted with corner reinforcements & matching lock escutcheon. Interior is compartmented for the revolver, a Root sized, double-sided Eagle & Stars flask, a bowlegged blued steel “COLT’S PATENT” bullet & ball mold with sprue cutter, an L-shaped nipple wrench, a lacquered tin for Eley’s caps and a small pewter Dixon oiler. Accompanied by a packet of information regarding Amos Ryder Stellenwerf (1812-1894). Early in life Mr. Stellenwerf was a grocer before moving to Islip ,N.Y. in September 1849. He was the proprietor of Lake House on Long Island, N.Y. which apparently was a summer boarding house for visitors to the south shore of Long Island. It seemingly was an extremely popular vacation place, even advertised in the Long Island Railroad Co. brochures at $12-14 per week. Mr. Stellenwerf apparently managed the operation until his death. Engraved Root revolvers are quite rare, cased ones even more rare with rosewood casings the most rare. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Fine, all matching. Overall retains about 60% orig finish with the loss areas flaked to a light patina. Cyl retains about 20-25% orig blue with the balance a grey metal patina and shows about 75% cabin Indian fight scene with strong “COLT’S PATENT” cartouche. Bottom sideplate screw is broken & missing. Grip has a small chip in the toe and one small age line and shows a golden ivory patina. Mechanics are fine. Strong bright bore with heavy spots of pitting about mid-point. Case is missing 1 small corner reinforcement and a strip of veneer on the right bottom edge and another on the left bottom edge. Lid shows an open seam, otherwise case is sound with light nicks & scratches and retains most of its orig varnish. Bottom retains about 75-80% purple velvet cloth covering. Interior is lightly faded inside the lid with stains from contact with the cyl & muzzle. Bottom is lightly faded also with stains from contact with the cyl & muzzle of the revolver. Partitions are solid. Flask has a few small dents and shows about 20-25% orig finish on the body with good gold on the collar and spout. Mold retains about 65-70% orig blue with light pitting on one handle and some battering on the body. Other accessories are fine. 50142-11 JS107 IVORY (15,000-25,000) – Lot 2176

Click here to view provenance

INCREDIBLY RARE SAMUEL COLT PRESENTATION CASE FOR A MODEL 1855 ROOT REVOLVER PRESENTED TO ELISHA KING ROOT.

Spectacular rosewood case of unusual design and configuration. Case measures 10-1/8″ long x 6″ wide and 3″ deep, silver bound with a large escalloped plaque in the lid, which undoubtedly was engraved by Gustave Young with very fine flourishes of foliate arabesque patterns and a full chip & dot border. The inscription is quite large in script: “Presented to / E. K. Root / by Col. Saml Colt / Prest Colts Pt F. A. Mfg. Co / May 16th 1857”. Corners of the case are bound with 3 silver straps & it has an engraved escalloped lock escutcheon. Interior is extremely unusual with an inside glass lid framed in rosewood, secured with sliding silver latches; lock & hinges are also silver. Interior, inside the lid & bottom have been relined in cream colored chamois leather. This case was part of a set presented to Mr. Root upon his resignation & retirement as the Superintendent of the Colt plant, a position he had held from 1849. Prior to coming to work for Colt, Mr. Root had been the Superintendent of the Collins Axe Factory, in which position he had reorganized and made the company into a leading producer of cutting tools. At the time Mr. Root moved to Colt, he became the highest salaried person in the State of Connecticut. Elisha Root was without peer in the design & implementation of manufacturing machinery with some of the machines he designed for Colt still being used today. Mr. Root is credited with the design of the Model 1855 revolver & revolving rifle, along with assisting in the design of innumerable other firearms and machinery. Samuel Colt and the Board of Directors of the company regarded Mr. Root so highly that when he tendered his resignation for health reasons, the Board of Directors ordered “that in testimonial (of his valuable and faithful services) and in testimonial thereof (he be presented) a full and complete set of all the different kinds of arms manufactured by the company made and finished in the best style be presented to him”. Currently there are only a few sets of these firearms known with the remainder yet to be discovered. Elisha Root was so well respected and held in such high regard by Mr. Colt that upon Samuel Colt’s death in 1862, Mr. Root was selected as one of his 8 pallbearers and then became the President of Colt, a position he held until his death in 1865. During those years as president, Colt reportedly produced as many firearms as had previously been produced by the company in total. Mr. Root’s genius as a designer and superintendent obviously extended to relationships with his working personnel in the plant. Reportedly, when this case first came to light, its interior had been reconfigured and a subsequent owner restored it to conform to the interior of other known E. K. Root presentation cases. Unfortunately, the whereabouts of the orig revolver is unknown. Accompanied by a 40-pg letter from renowned author & Colt historian R. L. Wilson. CONDITION: Very fine, as noted. Left bottom edge of the case end is missing a corner reinforcement and a sliver of veneer, with some other chips of veneer missing on the right end. Otherwise, case is sound with nicks, dings & scratches and retains about 90% orig varnish. Interior is also fine. 50142-15 JS108 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 2177

Click here to view provenance

COLT MODEL 1862 POLICE PERCUSSION REVOLVER.

SN 25819. Cal. 36. Blue & color case hardened with 6-1/2″ rnd bbl, brass pin front sight and 1-line New York U.S. America address. Left side of frame shows a lightly struck “COLTS PATENT” and left shoulder of trigger guard is marked “36 Cal”. Cyl is half fluted & rebated with 5 chambers and has all five safety pins prominent & serviceable. The silver plated brass trigger guard & backstrap contain a varnished 1-pc walnut grip with last four digits of SN in backstrap channel. Only about 28,000 of these revolvers were produced during the period 1861-1873. They were made in three bbl lengths with about 6,500 of that number converted to cartridge configuration. This was a very popular revolver during the Civil War and later on the frontier for its attractive dimensions and sleek look but still with a reasonably powerful cartridge. They remained in service well into the late 1870s/ early 1880s, until completely supplanted by cartridge arms. Few are found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: Hamilton Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching including wedge, cyl & grip. Bbl retains about 65% glossy orig blue with a few scattered spots of surface discoloration with pinprick pitting; frame retains virtually all of its bright, orig case colors; cyl retains 60-65% orig blue, strong in the flutes & rebated area; hammer retains bright case colors, faded to silver on top edge; trigger guard & backstrap retain most of their orig silver slightly thinned on front strap. Grip is sound with very light wear on sharp edges and retains about 98% bright orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with a few minor spots of pitting. 49450-3 (4,500-7,500) – Lot 2178

RARE NIMSCHKE ENGRAVED COLT MODEL 1862 POCKET NAVY CONVERSION REVOLVER WITH RARE MEXICAN EAGLE TIFFANY GRIP.

SN 1972. Cal. 38RF. This exact gun once in the collection of Robert Q. Sutherland & pictured in his book states “Purchased with an interesting history which attests to original ownership by several Mexican military officers & revolutionaries, including Diaz, Villa, & Zapata. Nickel and silver finish with 5-1/2” rnd bbl, brass pin front sight, & 1-line New-York U.S. America address. Right side of lug has an attached ejector housing with bullseye/half-moon ejector rod head. The old rammer slot is plugged. Left side of frame is marked “COLTS PATENT”. Mounted with a fine, nicely detailed silver plated cast brass Tiffany grip with rare Mexican eagle on the backstrap and raised foliate arabesque patterns with acanthus leaves around the bottom edge. Bottom edge of the buttcap is beaded with 4 flower blossoms. Buttcap insert is typical Tiffany sunburst. Inside the cap is numbered “88”. Under the buttcap, on the grip has two small punch dots with corresponding dots on bottom edge of grip frontstrap. Revolver is very nicely engraved by L. D. Nimschke with about full coverage on the frame, recoil shield & loading gate. Left recoil shield is engraved with Mr. Nimschke’s typical flower blossom with radiant rays on the loading gate. Edge of the conversion plate is engraved in chain & dot patterns and shoulders of the trigger guard are engraved in diamond & dot patterns with matching pattern on bottom front of frame. Foliate arabesque patterns extend over the bbl and each side of the muzzle with a long oval pattern on the ejector housing with foliate sprays at each end. Cyl has engraved wavy borders at the front & rear edges of the major diameter and chip & dot border around the rear edge. Cyl has 5 chambers with stagecoach hold up scene roll marking and the last 3 digits “087” of a SN. Very rarely are orig & authentic Tiffany gripped revolvers seen in market. PROVENANCE: Robert Q. Sutherland Collection; Pictured on pgs 229, 576-577 “The Book of Colt Firearms” by Sutherland & Wilson, 1971; Lot 913 July 23, 1996 Butterfield & Butterfield, SF. CONDITION: Fine, matching except wedge which is unnumbered & cyl as noted. Ejector housing door & cyl pin both numbered “1915”. There are small assembly letters also found on face of cyl & rear of bbl housing. A very similar 62 conversion with Tiffany grips, SN 1029, is found on pg 327 “A Study of Colt Conversions and Other Percussion Revolvers”, Bruce McDowell 1997. Bbl retains about 80% orig nickel showing wear on each side of the muzzle and some fine pimpling on bottom edges. Frame retains virtually all of its orig nickel and the hammer about 70% nickel. Cyl retains traces of nickel, being mostly a cleaned metal patina and shows about 75% stagecoach holdup scene roll marking. Trigger guard & front strap retain about 70% nickel. The loading gate spring is broken or missing. The Tiffany grip shows light to moderate high point wear and retains about 60-70% orig silver. Buttcap with its orig nut retains about all of its orig silver. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore with a few scattered spots of pitting. 50140-3 JS109 (25,000-35,000) – Lot 2179

RARE COLT MODEL 1861 NAVY THUER CONVERSION REVOLVER.

SN 33217. Cal. 36 Thuer. Blue and color case hardened with 7-1/2″ rnd bbl. German silver front sight and 1-line New-York U.S. America address. Left side of bbl has tiny British proofs. Left side of frame is marked “COLTS PATENT” and left shoulder of trigger guard is marked “36 cal”. The silver plated trigger guard and backstrap contain a varnished 1-piece walnut grip with last four digits of matching SN in backstrap channel. Cyl is orig Thuer manufacture, however is not British proofed. Cyl & conversion ring have assembly #57 and the cyl has 4 digits of SN 6635. The loading slot in the bbl lug has not been extended, however the rammer nose has been threaded for a Thuer loading tool. Bottom of the bbl lug is marked in very tiny letters & numbers “J.R / 18571”. No indication of the meaning of this stamping. While the Thuer patents were not the genesis of the center fire cartridge they were an extremely important step in the evolution of Colt’s center fire cartridge revolvers. These revolvers were readily accepted by the buying public and although they had a short production span they usually saw hard service and are rarely found today in high orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Collection of Joel Hankinson. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching except wedge which is properly un-numbered. Cyl is also not matching numbered. One publication notes that Thuer cylinders were sold for conversion outside the factory. Bbl retains 40-50 % glossy orig blue with the balance flaked, not worn to a medium patina. The rammer handle retains most of its bright case colors. Frame & hammer retain virtually all of their brilliant orig case colors and the screws, thin blue. Trigger guard retains about 75-80% orig silver and the backstrap, traces of orig silver. Grip is sound, showing sharp edge wear with a few nicks & dings and overall retains 92-93% strong orig varnish. Cyl & Thuer conversion ring are a light brown patina. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 50054-2 JR2 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2180

RARE & FINE MARTIAL COLT DRAGOON MOLD & POWDER FLASK.

SN NSN. Cal. 44. Rare Colt dragoon flask retaining most of its orig varnish, inspected “WAT” William A. Thornton as is the 2-cavity brass dragoon mold. CONDITION: Flask is fine overall with several shallow dents as can be seen in photos. Flask retains much of its varnished finish with numerous small scratches. Top of flask has “COLT’S PATENT” marked cap compartment lid & spring loaded powder measure is functional. Charging tube on dragoons is typically stamped with various grain amounts of powder measured, this example is only marked 35 grains on charger top like a Walker. Mold has sub-inspector initials on the “COLT’S PATENT” iron sprue cutter & 1 brass handle, numerous tacking marks on sides. Sprue cutter has good markings with pitting. 50142-7 JS (5,000-7,000) – Lot 2181

Click here to view provenance

RARE PAIR OF NEW YORK MAKER MARKED DRAGOON POMMEL HOLSTERS.

SN NSN. Nice solid black leather holsters for large pair of pistols circa 1850. Flap covers have tabs with brass finial attachments & inner flap with 5-tin tubes for individual cartridges. Marked on top “STORMS / NY / MAKER”. CONDITION: Very good overall retaining much orig finish with crazing, craquelure, chipping & scuffing, 1 finial tab broken otherwise complete. There is new sewing reattaching with leather reinforcement to pommel strap for strong display if wanted on saddle. 50142-8 JS (4,000-6,000) – Lot 2182

COLT CUSTOM PERCUSSION DRAGOON & NAVY REVOLVER FACTORY ENGRAVED BY ALVIN WHITE WITH GOLD INLAY & IVORY GRIPS.

SN 24858/24688. Cal. 44. This unique pair of Colt factory engraved 3rd model Dragoon & model 1851 Navy percussion revolvers are accompanied by factory letter stating “Class ‘B’ scroll engraving, gold inlaid bbl band at the muzzle & a flush gold inlaid Rampant Colt on the bbl lug. The engraving was executed by Master Engraver A.A. White”. Guns were shipped to Sacramento in 1983. Colt custom casing is red velvet lined with reproduction Dragoon flask, Navy flask with angled spout, cap tins, two engraved L-shaped gun tools, 44 Cal. brass 2-cavity mold, 36 Cal. brass 2-cavity mold with Colt patent sprue cover. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Both guns & accessories like new with only minor blemishes. Both guns retain virtually all of their bright factory blue encased colors. “Certifiable pre-ban ivory grips” are well fit with bright ivory color & structure. 50142-12 JS IVORY (4,000-6,000) – Lot 2183

Click here to view provenance

CASED PAIR OF L.H. SMITH MINIATURE TEXAS PATERSON PIN-FIRE REVOLVERS.

SN 96/97. Cal about .12. Rare pair of miniature revolvers. They are basically identical with 2-1/2″ oct bbl, brass pin front sight & address “L.H. SMITH – FLA USA”—-. Cyl has 5 chambers & is configured for the tiny pin fire blank cartridges but can be loaded with a small round ball. Frames are silver plated and they’re mounted with 1-pc walnut grip. Triggers are fixed and screws are blued. Accompanied by a fluted lid mahogany case that has an empty silver plaque in the lid. Case is purple velvet lined and recessed in the bottom for the revolvers, a tiny single ball mold that has 3 turned walnut handles with brass ferrules, marked on the right side “12C”, a brass miniature charger with matching SN numbers on the bottom, a brass cleaning rod with turned walnut handle & brass ferrule and two brass cans with tiny Eley Bros labels, one containing cloth patches & the other lead balls. Mr. Smith his well known for his precise scale model firearms. PROVENANCE: Paul Tudor Jones II Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching. Overall retains virtually all of their original finish. Case is equally new. 49941-5 JR77 (4,000-6,000) – Lot 2184

SPECIAL ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL LOT.

This lot consists of twelve past Julia auction firearm catalogs, together with their prices realized list. These catalogs serve as a valuable reference source. We regularly sell our past auction catalogs to collectors and dealers alike for that purpose. Please also note: The entire proceeds of this lot (to include the buyer’s premium), shall be donated to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital. St. Jude’s is one of the finest hospitals in North America today for the research and care of children afflicted with cancer. We hope that you will consider competing on this lot, we consider it to be an extremely worthwhile cause and we have dedicated ourselves to include similar lots in every single one of our auctions, the proceeds of which will be donated to St. Jude’s. Thank you for your participation. CONDITION: Very good. 50209-2 CAS (300-400) – Lot 2185

RARE AND FINE CIVIL WAR MODEL 1861 PARROTT RIFLE CANNON MADE FOR STATE OF NEW YORK AND BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN USED BY NEW YORK LIGHT ARTILLERY AT THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG IN THE WHEATFIELD.

SN 63. This particular cannon presents beautifully on correct carriage utilizing orig irons, only the wood has been restored. Model 1861 Parrott’s have a 2.9″ bore & shot 10-pounder rifle projectiles & was 1 of 2 basic light field guns most used in the Civil War. This particular cannon was made for the state of New York with bold “SNY” surcharge between trunnions on top of bbl. Right trunnion is inspected “RPP” (Robert P. Parrott) above “WPF” (West Point Foundry). The left trunnion is stamped with a large “1861”. Muzzle face is marked with registry number “No 63” & “2.9”. Back of breech above cascabel “PATENTED / 1861”, the weight of “905” pounds is stamped below cascabel. It’s well known that Parrotts were used by several New York batteries.at least 1 unit was issued 3″ ammunition which could not be fired causing delays on the first day of Gettysburg battle which eventually called for the end of 2.9″ rifles & Parrotts being standardized to 3″ starting in 1864. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall. Black painted bbl & carriage irons. Other carriage components are OD painted. Bbl exhibits iron patina, under paint where exposed. Markings are very sharp & discernible as can be seen in photos other indiscernible mark just above the bore diameter stamped at bottom of muzzle face where there is pitting. Bore & vent are clear exhibiting well defined rifling with pitting & rust. Carriage is sound & solid & very fine overall, looks ready to go to war with the fine set of reproduction implements attached including sponges, worm, water bucket & hand spikes. 50130-1 JS (40,000-65,000) – Lot 2186

Click here to view provenance

VERY RARE EXTRAORDINARY AND HISTORICAL CAPTURED CIVIL WAR BATTLE FLAG OF THE 45TH PENNSYLVANIA.

Exceedingly rare outside of museum collections are regulation American battle standards, much less such historical flags with applied battle honors that was thought lost and has just recently been consigned by direct family descent of last caretaker. The 45th Pennsylvania was a magnificent fighting unit who lost 3 battle flags during the war. This was their last flag issued & it saw the battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, Battle of the Crater, Weldon Railroad & Poplar Springs Church where the unit was decimated & much of the unit was captured. The 45th served the entire war from October 1861 to finally being mustered out July 1865 with casualties totaling about 500. General U.S. Grant planned simultaneous attacks on both of Lee’s flanks at Petersburg in Sept., 1864. Lee’s left was attacked by the Army of the James under Butler. Lee’s right was attacked by Gen. Gouverneur Warren of the 5th Corps with a goal of cutting the Boydton Plank Road supply line. Units of the 9th Corp were attached, including a brigade containing the 51st NY, the 58th MA, and the 45th PA, all posted on the extreme Union left. CS General Henry Heth formed a frontal infantry attack to counter the Union move. Cavalry General Wade Hampton supported the attack by taking on the Federal left flank. He sent Gen W.H.F. “Rooney” Lee’s brigade completely around the Union line, and Lee personally led the dismounted 9th and 10th VA cavalries which attacked the exposed rear and flank of the enemy. The result was decisive. The three Union regiment noted above, which include the 45th PA, were nearly annihilated by Lee’s Virginians. Hampton recorded it like this: As the enemy moved up to reinforce, he exposed his flank to me. I at once ordered Gen. Lee to attack, which he did with the 9th and 10th Va. Regiments in the handsomest style, leading his men in person. These regiments went in, in the line of battle, dismounted and reserved their fire until very near the enemy. Delivering it regularly, they charged, routing the enemy completely, capturing about nine hundred prisoners and ten standards. From the Union perspective, the fighting that Sept. 30 was a disaster (though fighting the next several days stabilized and advanced the Union line). Known as the Battle of Poplar Springs Church or Pebbles Farm, Division commander Gen. R. B. Potter claimed in a report a month later that the 51 NY and the 45th PA destroyed their colors before capture. This was just wishful thinking. A complete version of events is available in the History of the Forty-Fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry: According to Sergeant J. D. Straight of company I, who was with the colors and ought to know, General Potter was evidently misinformed about the colors of the Forty-fifth being destroyed. Sergeant Straight says in substance that after our line of battle had been attacked in flank and rear and had been thrown into confusion, and he, as one of the color guard, and Sergeant Joe Reigle, the color bearer, who although partially disabled by a flesh wound, was still carrying the flag, became separated from their comrades and began making their way through the brush and timber, as they supposed, into our own lines, they were suddenly confronted at close quarters by a line of dismounted Rebel cavalry. There was no time or opportunity to destroy the flag or do anything else but surrender when summoned to do so or be shot down… the boys evidently did everything within reason to save the flag. In this connection Sergeant Straight says further that the flag captured that day was the colors of the Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers, the one we received after our reenlistment and which Sergeant Reigle carried from the time we left Annapolis in April, 1864, until the battle of Cold Harbor where Reigle was wounded and Straight himself took the flag and carried it until Reigle, having recovered from the effects of his wound, resumed his duties as color bearer on the 19th of June; Reigle carrying the flag from that time until it was captured. It is not known which soldiers of the 9th and 10th VA actually captured the flag, but Gen. W. H. F. Rooney Lee kept it as a trophy. In the post war years Lee settled at Ravensworth Plantation in Fairfax County, Virginia. Putting him near the hub of DC politics, Lee became a Congressman representing that part of Northern Virginia. Within Lee’s district in Alexandria was (and still is) Episcopal High School and Seminary. Today it is one of the oldest high schools in the US, with many Washington elites sending their children to this full time boarding school. The school was well represented in the Confederacy, and the names of 61 alumni killed in Confederate service are engraved in marble in the school’s chapel. Alexandria, as everyone knows, was quickly occupied by Union troops in 1861 and Elmer Elsworth’s death was the first of the conflict. Episcopal High School and the Seminary were also occupied and ravaged by Union troops. In the 1880’s, the school petitioned Congress for reparations of some sort. Congressman Rooney Lee introduced such a bill to repay the school for damages. From Lee’s biography: the bill came up for consideration upon a favorable report; the Democrats generally favored it, but the General [Lee], fearing that the Republicans would oppose it, quietly and with dignity walked to the center of their side, and made his speech in behalf of his bill directly to them. They listened attentively and with profound respect. Finally there came an interruption from behind him: “…Was this school continued during the Rebellion?” “Yes, as far as possible. Most of the professors remained there,” said the General. “For whom did those professors pray? Did they pray for the Unionists or the Confederates?” The General’s reply was instant, “I do not know; I never heard them pray, but they were saintly men, and I assume they prayed for all sinners, and left the good Lord to say who were the sinners.” The whole House applauded…and his bill was passed. William Henry Fitzhugh “Rooney” Lee gave the flag to the principal of Episcopal high school, Launcelot M. Blackford, in 1889. The above bill passed in Congress in 1889. It is speculated that the flag was a gift or gesture of victory over the Republicans. The regulation flag staff top has inscription “W.H.F. Lee to L.M. Blackford 1889” “MAY YOU EVER INSPIRE OUR SOUTHERN BOYS TO GREATNESS”. What a wonderful sentiment from the son of Gen. Robert E. Lee who spent his life in education after the war as President of Washington College to L.M. Blackford a lifelong educator who served under Lee in the Army of Northern Virginia. L. M. Blackford who was principal for 40 years, gave the flag to Patrick Henry Callaway who in turn taught at the school for 72 years (taught from 1916 to 1988) and died in 1995 at age 100. The flag was said to be still on its staff in the Blackford years. Shredded and deteriorating, Mr. Callaway removed it from the staff and kept it in a box until his death. CONDITION: Flag is very good as professionally conserved & framed. A conservation report is available to interested parties. Flag staff is very good with mixed chocolate patina with verdigris. Inscription quite discernible. 50132-1 JS (40,000-60,000) – Lot 2187

Click here to view provenance

EXTRAORDINARY 13 STAR CONFEDERATE FIRST NATIONAL BATTLE FLAG OF JEFF THOMPSON’S MISSOURI LEGION CAPTURED AT ISLAND NO. 10, NEAR NEW MADRID, MISSOURI APRIL 1862.

This fine & rare early 13-star Confederate 1st national flag was captured April 1, 1862 by Capt. Edward Sylla, 10th Illinois Infantry. There is a 5-pg letter explaining the gift of this flag in 1960 from the great grandson of Capt. Sylla’s brother who was also a veteran but in the 36th Illinois who, like his brother, only served a few months in campaigns on the Mississippi River in southern Missouri. The flag has been archivally framed by Fonda Thompsen, Textile Conservation, Inc. in 1993 & is accompanied by her report. Thirteen star 1st nationals are quite rare as only 11 states seceded but early war sentiments also brought in Missouri & Kentucky which unfortunately for the Confederates were overrun early & occupied by Union troops. There is a detailed report on this flag by well-known flag expert & scholar Gregg Biggs along with orig letter transmitting flag, battlefield map & other framed items of provenance including an April 10, 1862 newspaper telling of Union victory with illustration. CONDITION: Flag measures 49″ on hoist, 104″ on fly with canton of thirteen 3″ stars forming a 23″ diameter circle. Canton is constructed of a wool-cotton blend, stars, red & white bars are cotton, the fly end is hemmed & the leading edge is missing as it was no doubt cut from its staff when captured. The flag is hand sewn throughout & is intact as constructed. There are minor tears & 1 large repaired tear in bottom red bar which does not affect aesthetics. Color is good. 50151-1 JS (20,000-30,000) – Lot 2188

Click here to view provenance

RARE AND HISTORIC CONFEDERATE LT COLONEL’S COAT OF WILLIAM HULSEY, COMMANDER OF 42ND GEORGIA AND LATER MAYOR OF ATLANTA, GEORGIA.

William H. Hulsey was a distinguished soldier and builder of Atlanta, Georgia, born in Dekalb County in 1838, came to nearby Atlanta to receive his scholastic education. This completed, he was admitted to the bar just barely out of his teens. In April 1861 he entered Confederate service as a Lieutenant in the 6th Georgia Infantry. His skill and valor as an officer resulted in his rapid advance in rank, in speedy succession he was made Major of the 42nd and later LT Colonel of the 42nd Georgia. This is the coat he would have worn after commanding his unit at the battles of Missionary Ridge and through Atlanta where he was wounded. As Major of the 42nd Hulsey fought at the battles of Cumberland Gap and Tazewell, Tennessee. From December 1862 to July of 1863 his command was under General John Pemberton during the Vicksburg Campaign, where he was captured after the surrender of Vicksburg. After confederate service William Hulsey became a Judge and later legislator. Judge Hulsey was elected Mayor at age 32 by an overwhelming majority in 1869. His administration was characterized by exceptional enterprise and fidelity and he is noted as to founding the Atlanta Public School system. He was indeed one of the forerunners of Greater Atlanta. As a criminal Attorney, Hulsey ranked among the most eloquent and successful that Georgia has produced. Judge Hulsey was a prominent Atlanta attorney until his death May 17th 1909. In respect to former Mayor and Confederate Colonel, city hall and city court closed early in respect to his memory. Judge Hulsey’s grave simply reads “WILLIAM HENRY HULSEY LIEUT COLONEL 42ND GEORGIA REGIMENT OCTOBER 17TH, 1838 – MAY 17TH 1909”. Judge Hulsey along with most prominent Atlantans is buried in Oakland cemetery. Accompanying LT Colonel Hulsey’s uniform coat is his signed oath of allegiance dated May 16th 1865, his original LT Colonel’s appointment signed by Confederate Secretary of War, James Seddon, docketed on bottom left corner “HOOD” (LT General John Bell Hood) who was commanding the Army of Tennessee. Also accompanying is a fine Georgia State Commission signed by Georgia Confederate Governor Joseph E. Brown and Adjutant General Henry Wayne as Major March 20, 1862. These three documents are quite rare especially for high ranking officer’s. Also accompanying is one of Hulsey’s last pay vouchers for $150.00 paid February 2nd, 1865. It is also interesting that he possesses a pay voucher for the Regimental Adjutants pay of September 1864 along with a signed promissory note from same Adjutant to Hulsey. There is also a military pass signed by order of General Wright to Hulsey for travel September 1864. Also accompanying is a fine cabinet card photograph of Hulsey and a printed bio, showing his birth and death, the thirteen battles he was involved in and other biographical information. Hulsey’s coat is a classic double breasted cadet gray wool frock made with thin blue cording around collar, lined in polished blue cotton cloth retaining all of its original 22 General Staff buttons (14 front, 4 tail, 2 each cuff), collar insignia is directly sewn pair of bullion 1″ stars Lieutenant Colonel on each side of collar. This is a fine complete unaltered coat that has been on display until recently at the Atlanta History Center from direct descent of family. This is the finest high ranking historic Confederate Uniform we have ever had the opportunity to auction. CONDITION: Coat is very good to fine overall, with scattered areas of mothing, especially on tails and back of neck near collar as can be seen in photos.. Lining has numerous small tears and reductions as can be seen in photos as well as light fading and soiling. Patterned sleeve lining made of of light weight cotton is solid and complete. Cording on back of collar is loose and lost much of its blue outer colored thread. Buttons all appear original and have typical “EXTRA QUALITY” back marks. Also laid in the acid free storage box that coat is retained is a small leather powder bag and powder horn that is complete though strap is loose and has very fragile deteriorating surface but was supposed to have been Hulsey’s. Accompanying documents are very good overall, though several have bled through adhesive marks on tops and corners. 49404-1 JS (40,000-60,000) – Lot 2189

Click here to view provenance

EXCEPTIONAL COLLECTION OF FIFTEEN CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA, “SLAVE HIRE” TAGS 1803-1850.

Charleston, South Carolina, was the only city in the antebellum South to issue these tags or badges which had to be worn by any slave that was “hired out”. Each year a slave owner who hired out a slave had to pay a tax and the slave had to wear a brass “Salve Tag” proving the tax had been paid. The greater the skill and training required, the greater the tax. Charleston slave tags are known from 1800 up to the Civil War. We have offered several great groupings of slave tags in past auctions and now offer the largest and finest collection to ever come to auction representing most every form, all in excellent condition with no repairs and all complete. All of these badges were excavated around various sites around Charleston. 1) 1803 round “PORTER”. This is an example of the earliest style, being the largest, measuring 2-7/8″ dia. This style is only noted from 1801-1807, with few examples ever coming to market. All tags made these years are maker marked “C PRINCE” (Charles Prince, Charleston silversmith) in cartouche on reverse. 2) 1815 diamond-shaped “SERVANT”. 2″, maker marked “LAFAR”. John Joseph LaFar was a Charleston silversmith and city marshal having contract to make these badges after Charles Prince. 3) 1817 domed diamond-shaped “SERVANT”. 1-15/16″, maker marked “LAFAR” on reverse. Each year tags were changed so that inspectors could differentiate from an earlier tag with minor differences in shape or configuration making sure tax was paid on a slave working in the city. This domed highly convex (about 3/16″) configuration is not often seen. 4) 1818 square “MECHANIC”. 2″, maker marked “LAFAR” on reverse. 5) 1820 square “SERVANT”. 2″, maker marked “LAFAR” on reverse. 6) 1824 Square “SERVANT”. 2″, maker marked “LAFAR” below serial number “No. 1215”. 7) 1832 diamond-shaped “FISHER”. 2″. The occupation of “Fisher” is quite rare and this is a fine example from 1832 were the date is marked in a scalloped cartouche, the only year this “bow tie” design was used. 8) 1833 diamond-shaped “SERVANT”. 2″. 9) 1834 diamond-shaped “SERVANT”. 2″. Note that the only difference between the 1833-1834 “SERVANT” is the placement of the serial number and its die size which is now larger and stamped below instead of above the occupation. 10) 1836 diamond shaped “SERVANT”. 2″. This variant has a dotted border around “SERVANT”. 11) 1838 diamond Shaped “SERVANT”. 1-3/4″. This example is made by same maker as the 1836 badge with the dotted border around the occupation. Note that the size of badge has gotten smaller in one year. 12) 1842 Diamond shaped “SERVANT”. 1-3/4″. This example by same maker as the 1836 and 1838 tags above, date and serial number stamps however are reversed for inspectors to differentiate without close scrutiny. 13) 1844 Diamond shaped “FRUITERER”. 1-3/4″. “Fruiterer” is a very rare occupation, stamping is actually “FRUITERER&”. A Fruiterer was a specialized vegetable or fruit picker. (14) 1847 square “PORTER”. 1-5/8″. 15) 1850 diamond-shaped “SERVANT”. 1-9/16″. CONDITION: Good to fine overall. All badges have well discerned markings including; “CHARLESTON” arched cartouches, serial numbers, dates, occupations and makers marks. Badges have varying surfaces from quite smooth to lightly pitted, most have original patinas though (3) 1817 “SERVANT” has been cleaned with a red copper color with light verdigris in recesses. (10) Still retains “as excavated” light green/brown surface, other tags are all cleaned and have toned various shades of olive, chocolate and brown patinas. 50129-1 JS (60,000-90,000) – Lot 2190

FINE & RARE KEEN WALKER CONFEDERATE BRASS FRAME TILT BREECH CARBINE.

SN NSN. Cal. 54. This is a beautiful “as found” example of a rare Confederate carbine. The Keen, Walker & Co. carbine long known as the Confederate ‘Perry’ or ‘Tilting Breech’ carbine was the subject of much speculation as to where it was manufactured in early texts, scholarly research identifies it definitively as the product of Keen, Walker & Co. in Danville, Virginia. John Murphy & Howard Madaus in their comprehensive 2002 text Confederate Carbines & Musketoons devote a chapter on this manufacturer. They note a receipt for 101 breech loading carbines delivered May 19, 1862 to the Confederate Ordnance Department. The frame is of brass and unmarked except for Roman numeral “XXV” internally on both the iron & brass frame tangs, & upper channel of the buttstock. The 22-1/2″ bbl is rifled and unmarked except for an inspection proof ‘P’ on the right side near the breech. This specimen has the initials ‘WHB’ carved on the right side of stock. I have noted a high percentage of this pattern with initials in wood, maybe 6 or 8 of the 10 or so I have seen. It might be possible to identify these guns by initials if unit they were issued to is also possibly re-searchable. This is a fine example that appears in near “attic”, untouched condition. It would be difficult to find a more aesthetically pleasing specimen of this scarce Confederate carbine. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall and among the best of this pattern. Gun appears 100% orig & complete with hints of orig case colors on lever & breech. There is thin orig fire blue on floor plate. The bbl shows traces of plum color in protected areas overall mottled gray with staining & pitting. Stock is sound with slight gap at frame with hand worn patina & areas of raised grain. The action is crisp with good tight seal from breech to bbl; most examples encountered saw hard use with loose actions & poor seals. Bore exhibits well-defined rifling though pitted. 50133-1 JS (20,000-30,000) – Lot 2191

Click here to view provenance

RARE AND UNIQUE PRESENTATION SHOTGUN FROM “JOHN B. FLOYD, SECRETARY OF WAR” TO ROBERT E. LEE’S DOCTOR IN 1860.

SN NSN. John B. Floyd was well known Virginia statesman and past Governor of Virginia, when he was chosen to be President James Buchanan’s Secretary of War. Floyd would resign from his cabinet post just before Abraham Lincoln became President to become a Major General in the Provisional Army of Virgina and later a Brigadier General in the Confederate States Army. There are several presentation arms from Samuel Colt during his years as Secretary of War. On these same floors John B. Floyd presentation model 1855 revolving Colt rifle was sold in March 2008, Lot 1154. This is, however, the only known presentation gun from Floyd. This gun was presented to prominent Virginia Physician Alexander Y.P. Garnett in his last year in office as Secretary of War. Garnett remained in Richmond, Va, throughout the Civil War and was attending physician to the families of Robert E. Lee and Confederate Generals Joseph E. Johnston, Wade Hampton, William Preston and John C. Breckenridge. When Richmond fell, Dr. Garnett accompanied Jefferson Davis as a member of his personal staff. Dr. Garnett continued his medical practice after the Civil War and was elected President of the American Medical Association in 1886. Dbl bbl shotgun is in beautiful condition, retaining much of its original finish with impeccable presentation on Sheffield plate patchbox “HON. J.B. FLOYD / SECRETARY OF WAR / 1860 / to / AYP GARNETT”. This gun was originally in the collection of the well known Virginia collector Bill Turner along with 2 John B. Floyd presentation Colt revolvers. Accompanying this gun are detailed biographical sketches of Floyd and Garnett. PROVENANCE: Ex-Bill Turner collection. Ex-collections of Civil War Preservations. CONDITION: Fine to very fine overall, bbls retain smooth plum color, locks show hints of case color otherwise smooth. Smooth dark gray/silver patina. Gun appears all original and complete with exception of left hammer screw which appears to be a well made restoration. Well fit stock retains most of its original varnished finish, Sheffield plate silver is virtually all intact with scattered small scratches and other scattered tiny blemishes. Original ramrod retains most of its silver plating on brass tips. Mechanically gun is sound, with clean smooth bores. 50120-1 JS (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2192

Click here to view provenance

SOUTH CAROLINA CONFEDERATE ARCHIVE OF CAPT. THOMAS KINCAID ANDERSON.

SN 184564. Cal. 36. This grouping descended in the family of a very prominent founding family of Fairfield County, SC. Typical large southern land owning families in the 18th century, had many family members involved in the militia starting with Cherokee Indian wars of the 1760s, Revolutionary War, War of 1812 where William Kincaid raised his own volunteer company. Several family members attended the Citadel including 2 of Thomas’ older brothers & a younger brother John who was killed near Atlanta August 31, 1864. Thomas was near his home when Sherman burned Columbia and was said to have buried the family silver & jewelry prior to Sherman’s “bummers” ransacking their stately home “House on the Rock” where this archive originated. There is large 100 page history of family accompanying. The U.S.C. Carolina Library has over 2500 family documents in the “Kincaid-Anderson” family papers which should be researched. This grouping includes 1) extremely rare “KRAFT, GOLDSCHMIDT & KRAFT” staff officer’s sword made in Columbia, SC; 2) South Carolina buff leather sword belt with 2-pc interlocking sword belt plate with South Carolina State seal; 3) Confederate brown leather holster with Colt Navy revolver which was made in 1865; 4) Confederate tin canteen with orig canvas sling. All these items have same “as found” appearance with heavy patina. This grouping was just recently obtained & is fresh to market. CONDITION: 1) Very good “as found” with 32″ single fullered blade. Blade etch is only partially discernible with old sharpening, “COLUMBIA” can still be ascertained on one ricasso & patriotic motif of crossed cannons is still partially visible. Blade overall is gray with staining & pitting & the old sharpening obscures most of the etch. Original scabbard body is sound & solid with iron patina. Hilt & brass scabbard mounts have dark grungy mustard/chocolate patina. Grip retains 95% of its orig leather though dry, cracked & scuffed. Orig thin brass wire is intact with dark patina. 2) White buff belt is sound & solid with soiling & staining & 2 reductions on top left side, about 1 x 1/2″. Buckle is fine retaining traces of gold plating with die-tamped SC state seal slightly bent. Tongue & wreath have matching “H” surrounded by 4-dot assembly mark, belt loops measure 51mm & is 89mm overall & identical assembly marked plate is not found in Mullinax, Kerksis, or Topper. Often sword belts were sold with swords but this belt predates the KG&K sword. Buckle has chocolate patina with plated highlights showing through. 3) Colt Navy appears all matching with dark iron patina with strong traces of bright blue in protected areas. Brass trigger guard & backstrap have strong traces of orig silver plate with overall mustard colored patina. Grips retain most of their orig varnished finish. Capt. Anderson’s initials are neatly scratched on buttstrap “TA”. Revolver has very tight action, a little wobbly between bbl & frame. There are 7 notches cut in right grip. Holster accompanying this gun is typical plantation made flap holster with odd brass finial, holster is sound & supple retaining good color with scuffing & cracking with losses & several cracks at muzzle end. Holster was resewn during its time of service for continued use. How did Capt. Anderson end up with this revolver that was made in 1865? There were Union occupation troops for several years after the war & there was continued violence among Southern conservative organizations in “unredeemed” South Carolina til 1877 when occupation troops were finally removed ending reconstruction. Anderson’s obituary & tombstone state his name as Capt. Thomas Anderson. Further research might reveal more of his story. His obituary does state he was director of the State Penitentiary which was not far from the family home in Columbia. 4) Classic Confederate tin canteen measuring 6-1/8″ in diameter, 2″ wide with soldered tin spout, 3 tin loops with canvas sling missing its attachment but otherwise very good & “as found” with patina, rust & several dents & scratches, coarse cotton sling is about 50″ long & 1″ wide with soiling & staining. Ends attached with an old straight pin. Also accompanying this lot is an 18″ cylindrical tin document or map case with friction fit lid with Capt. Anderson’s son’s initials “EKA” scratched in the lid. 50194-5 JS (35,000-45,000) – Lot 2193

Click here to view provenance

Revised: 3/9/2016

Please Note: This gun is mentioned on page 45 of “Confederate Revolvers” by Bill Gary but is not pictured.

EXTREMELY FINE AUGUSTA MACHINE WORKS REVOLVER.

SN 7. There is very little information on this particular manufacturer other than the Confederate government factory was located in Augusta, GA. Revolvers are known with 6 and 12 stop cyls and somewhat follow the course of the Rigdon & Ansley also made in Augusta. The 6 stop revolver as offered here with safety pins and the 12 stop without. There are less than 20 Augusta Machine Works revolvers known in any configuration and this is an exceptional survivor. Full oct bbl measures 7-9/16″. This gun appears in “as found” condition being authentic, complete and orig. Brass post front sight is very good and crisp. As with most Augusta Machine pistols there are very few marks, some guns being marked only two or three times however, this gun is marked on at least seven parts with its assembly or SN “7.” These Augusta made pistols were extremely well constructed and have unique “pinched” grips at the frame, which this gun clearly exhibits along with other Augusta features that can be noted in William Gary’s “Confederate Revolvers”. This is a very fine example of a rare Confederate handgun that there are probably no more than 10 guns of this configuration and this gun is no doubt among the finest, if not the finest example known. PROVENANCE: Mentioned by SN on pg. 8, “Confederate Handguns” by Albaugh, Benet, Simmons, 1957; William Bond, Vernon, Texas, 1975; Pictured pgs. 46-49, “Confederate Revolvers” by Bill Gary, 1987; Conestoga Auctions, Lot #564, July 5, 1994; Don & Kathlee Bryan Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine overall. Bbl retains about 10% bright blue in protected areas with balance silver/gray. Bbl is smooth with sharp angles with several tiny dings and dents around wedge slot right side. Cyl is smooth with light plum/gray. Frame retains virtually all of sky blue apparent case color with several small reductions on left side that are mottled gray. Grips are sound and well fit with distinct Augusta profile with light tacking marks on right side, having hand worn patina. SN 7 appears on bbl, loading arm, wedge, frame, cyl, backstrap, and back of hammer, which is typically the only external SN by this manufacturer. Gun is mechanically excellent with crisp bright bore. The accompanying holster fits the revolver well with unusual pewter button closure and is in matching fine condition. 50122-10 JS (40,000-60,000) – Lot 2194

Click here to view provenance

Revised: 2/26/2016

Please Note: The catalog states Mr. Bryan displayed this rig with the Columbus Firearms revolver in the previous lot. It should have stated in the NEXT lot.

EXTREMELY RARE AND FINE LOUIS HAIMAN, COLUMBUS GEORGIA PISTOL BELT AND HOLSTER.

This extremely fine and possibly unique belt and holster are in excellent condition. Don Bryan displayed this rig with the Columbus Firearms revolver offered in the previous lot. Mr. Bryan purchased these separately and this was the only Confederate accouterment in his collection. He purchased this from the late prominent Confederate collector and dealer Richard E. (Sonny) Neville, Jr. Sonny Neville had the reputation for only owning the finest Confederate objects and this was one of his prizes. The buckle that is very similar to an example in the Virginia Historical Society (pg. 18, plate 22, Confederate Belt Buckles and Plates, by Steve Mullinax, 1991). Holster fits Confederate Navy size pistol like the Columbus revolver quite well. Holster is military flap style with both a leather closure and finial that is not often seen. PROVENANCE: RE Neville Jr.; Don & Kathlee Bryan Collection. CONDITION: Buckle displays a dark chocolate brown patina with filed finishing marks typical of Confederate made sand cast belt plates. Patent leather belt is folded over and sewn along inner seam like finer belts today; sound with scuffing and a well conserved cut repair in back, holster is in matching similar condition with scuffing, missing about 1/2 of its original black finish. Seam of holster has possibly been re-sewn. 50122-14 JS (15,000-25,000) – Lot 2195

Revised: 3/9/2016

Please Note: Further information: This fabulous gun is exactly as described and illustrated. However in the description we note there is only 1 of 3 known complete examples to exist. We reference a loose barrel SN 94. Indeed SN 94 which has a unique octagonal barrel as Bill Gary states in his text “as joined to Colt frame, has Columbus Firearms Manuf. Co/Columbus, GA on top of barrel”. It is also noted that trigger guard is also SN 94 showing that there are 4 examples (of course this one has Colt parts not all Columbus parts) but it is a complete gun and is believed to have been made by Columbus Works utilizing the Colt parts.

COLUMBUS FIREARMS MANUFACTURING COMPANY CONFEDERATE REVOLVER.

SN 23. Cal. 36. This is the rarest of all marked Confederate revolvers; only 3 specimens have survived and this example is no doubt the finest. Other examples known are SN 46 which is from the Richard Steuart Collection owned by the Virginia Historical Society. SN 34 once in the Don Bryan Collection was sold privately and replaced with SN 23 offered here. This example is published in several texts, to include Confederate Handguns, by William Albaugh, 1963. It is of note that there are numerous fake Columbus Firearms revolvers, several in published references, however, the most scholarly research has shown the only 3 original guns are SNs 23, 34, and 46. This gun is marked on left side of cyl “COLUMBUS FIREARMS / MANUF. CO / COLUMBUS GA / 23”. This identical marking occurs on SN 34 other than the SN; SN 46 is unmarked. The bbl on this revolver is marked “COLUMBUS GA” just like SN 34; SN 46 also contains “COLUMBUS FIREARMS / MANUF. CO” above city and state. A loose bbl SN 94 is also marked like SN 46 making it the only other part of a Columbus revolver known. Based on this limited census, it would be logical that this manufacturer quit marking the cyls and combined the markings to the bbl later in manufacture. Though it can be guessed based on period Confederate records that there may have been as many as 1000 revolvers envisioned to be made, today there are only 3 known and 1 loose bbl. It is extremely unlikely that production even remotely approached that height as a new example has not surfaced in over 50 years, though numerous fakes have been made and offered. It is known that when Federal General Winslow captured Columbus GA., he destroyed “Haiman’s Pistol Factory”. William Albaugh in Confederate Handguns notes several newspaper accounts telling of the pistol manufactory but only one newspaper account mentions examination of a revolver, May 3rd, 1863, from the Augusta Daily Chronicle & Sentinel (taken from the Columbus Times). “HAIMANS REPEATER. We have had shown us a beautiful repeating pistol, the first out by the Columbus Firearms Mfg. Co. We take the liberty of naming it Haiman’s Repeater…. It is handsomely mounted with polished brass & the barrel & other parts are beautifully blued. The revolving machinery works quick & exact & quite easy…it is the same pattern as Colts celebrated repeater the company have (sic) a large number of various parts of the (sic) pistol shaped out which will be finished and put together so soon as the new buildings which are now being erected just above the Saber manufactory are ready to receive the workman, which will be within a short time.” There is a large file of paperwork, correspondence and research concerning Louis Haiman and his Columbus Firearms Manufacturing Co., much of which can be seen on the provenance link on the Julia website listing this specific gun. If you wanted to start a collection of every major Confederate military manufacturer of revolvers, you have to buy this one. PROVENANCE: Harry Brooks, Dallas, TX.; Pictured in The Texas Gun Collector, Issue 36, July 1953; Jackson Arms; William A. Bond, Vernon, TX. December 1959; Conestoga Auctions, Lot #566, July 5, 1994; Don & Kathlee Bryan Collection. CONDITION: Fine overall. All is matching, complete, and original. Matching SN 23 is found on bbl, frame, trigger guard, backstrap and cyl, other parts are not numbered, but every part appears to be original including screws, there is a very old braised repair to tip of arbor that is not easily discerned and of course internal. Bbl retains about 20% bright blue finish with balance plum/gray. Cyl is overall plum/gray with scattered small blemishes. All 6 safety pins are discernible; 2 nipples are fractured. Frame and hammer show some finish in protected areas with balance dark gray/silver. Grips are sound and well fit with hand worn patina and small chip to left inside toe. Mechanically gun is sluggish with crisp distinct rifling in bore. 50122-11 JS (150,000-200,000) – Lot 2196

Click here to view provenance

EXTREMELY RARE COFER PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA, PERCUSSION CONFEDERATE REVOLVER.

SN 1. One of the true rarities and among the most coveted revolvers in Confederate collecting is the brass framed revolver made in Portsmouth, Virginia by Thomas W. Cofer. There are 13 known percussion specimens plus an additional three made for special percussion cartridges. Several of extant examples are heavily restored. Existing percussion Cofers are either uniquely numbered or lettered; existing authentic examples are 1, 11, 13, 59, F, L, M, N, T, V and three examples with no number or letter; 5 of 13 examples are in museums and one is unknown since 1934. SN 1 is the first numbered percussion Cofer and is a fine, original, and complete example with great collector history and provenance. PROVENANCE: Harry Brooks Collection, Dallas, Texas; Jackson Arms, Dallas Texas; “Texas Gun Collector” No. 36, July 1953; William Bond, Vernon, Texas, 1959; Mentioned pg. 148 “Confederate Handguns”, Albaugh, Benet, Simmons, 1963; Conestoga Auctions Lot #565, July 5, 1994; Pictured on pgs 94-95 “Arming the Glorious Cause” by Whisker, Hartzler & Yantz 1998; Don & Kathlee Bryan Collection. CONDITION: Overall Good to very good. All matching and complete. SN 1 is found on top of cyl pin, right side of loading lever, bottom of bbl, front of frame, inside left grip and face of cyl. Gun is marked on brass top strap “T.W. COFER’S / PATENT” and on top bbl flat “PORTSMOUTH VA”. Gun is overall apparently “as found” with iron surfaces overall mottled brown/gray with staining, light pitting and scattered small blemishes. Frame has olive/brass patina with numerous small dings and nicks especially on left side plate. Grips are sound and fit well with hand worn patina, edge wear and tacking. Left grip has 8 deliberate grooves cut into its back near frame. The accompanying leather holster fits gun well and displays well, is in fine condition though most likely of later manufacture. 50122-2 JS (100,000-150,000) – Lot 2197

Click here to view provenance

LEMAT SN 8, GENERAL P.G.T. BEAUREGARD’S PERSONAL REVOLVER AND FINEST KNOWN.

SN 8. This is the finest identified Confederate handgun extant that belonged to one of the most important Confederate personalities, that of General Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard, who was LeMat’s cousin by marriage. P.G.T. Beauregard was a prominent military officer prior to war who championed these pistols to be manufactured for the U.S. Army. When the war began and he sided with his beloved Confederacy and he became the first Confederate General officer on March 1, 1861; he became full General in the Confederate Army on July 21, 1861. The only other Confederate field officers with this rank were Robert E. Lee, Albert Sidney Johnston and Joseph E. Johnston. Beauregard would order the first shots of the Civil War upon Fort Sumter, April 12, 1861. Beauregard had a stellar and historic military career, which is easily researched. Probably his best biographer was L.S.U. Professor T. Harry Williams, who wrote Napoleon in Gray, 1955. Beauregard owned 25% of the LeMat manufacturing company and gave several of the revolvers as gifts. The most famous of these was given to Stonewall Jackson in 1862 based on newspaper accounts, though its current whereabouts or SN are unknown. In The Confederate LeMat Revolver by Doug Adams, on pg. 37 referring to this pistol offered: “Serial number eight deserves special mention. It is one of the finest surviving First Models known. It was also Beauregard’s original pistol, which, in his haste to return to Charleston, South Carolina, he left it at the home of Thomas Henderson in 1862. Family correspondence indicates that rather than retrieve the pistol, he simply made it a gift to his long-time friend.” This extraordinary pistol is accompanied by the finest known LeMat holster. PROVENANCE: General P.G.T. Beauregard; Thomas Henderson, Savannah Volunteer Guards, 1862; Thomas Hunter Henderson; Lindsey P. Henderson Jr.; Pictured on pg. 360 of “Civil War Guns” by William Edwards, 1962; Displayed at the National NRA Centennial Show and won an NRA Silver Medal for being one of the 10 best guns at the show, 1976; John Sexton, Stone Mountain Relics, May 2, 1988; R.E. Neville, January 1993; Don & Kathlee Bryan Collection, December 1993; Pictured on pgs 110-111 “Arming the Glorious Cause” by Whisker, Hartzler & Yantz 1998; Pictured on pg. 39, “The Confederate LeMat Revolver”, by Doug Adams, 2005. CONDITION: Gun is extremely fine, retaining over 95% of its original bright blue finish with slight reductions on top of bbl with scattered staining and some scattered areas of pitting. Externally, SNs can be found on bbl, loading assembly, cyl and frame. Grips are well fit showing raised grain and sharp diamond point detail. Rifled bore and cyl chambers retain much of their original blue finish. Gun is possibly un-fired as the bores are so crisp and bright. Shotgun cyl that is typically stated in the literature to be finished bright is overall mottled plum/silver with large portions of sky blue color in protected areas, showing at least on early shotgun barrels, they were blued. The accompanying holster is also extremely fine and the best LeMat holster to surface, overall supple with light craquelure, sewn edge has several chips with reinforced glove leather lining which is dry and cracking at folds. The 9 LeMat cartridges are finely made facsimiles for display. 50122-16 JS (200,000-300,000) – Lot 2198

| Click here to view provenance

FINE AND RARE 1ST MODEL LEMAT REVOLVER CARRIED BY CONFEDERATE GENERAL JOHN LAWSON LEWIS IN ITS ORIGINAL HOLSTER.

SN 88. With the exception of the PGT Beauregard revolver, also offered in this collection, there is no finer 1st model LeMat revolver identified to a Confederate officer. This gun has long collection history and provenance and is a beautiful “as found” extremely rare and extremely fine example, retaining much of its original finish and its original LeMat holster, once with General Lewis’s name discernible on inner flap. There are several pieces of correspondence concerning the cleaning of the original holster that exposed the inscription that is no longer discernible (Gary Smith to William Albaugh). General John Lawson Lewis was a well-known New Orleans military commander dating to 1842. In 1845 he was the Sheriff of New Orleans. In 1854 Lewis was elected Mayor of New Orleans. While serving in these political offices he maintained his position as the Commanding General of the Louisiana State Militia. In 1861 with the rumblings of the coming war, Major General John Lewis was in charge of the first Louisiana Division. From February 1980, Arms Gazette article “The recommendation that ‘The Guard D Orleans be armed with 400 rifles and sabre bayonets, and for officers improved revolvers, such as Colonel Le Mat’s grape-shot revolver, was made by the Louisiana Inspector General in November of 1860.” If we are to assume that Colonel Le Mat was every bit as much of a businessman as the famous Colonel Colt, but perhaps on a somewhat smaller scale, isn’t it likely that he would attempt to present the first models of his revolvers to influential officers? In light of the above recommendation it seems only logical that General Lewis acting as Commander of the Louisiana Militia would have received the revolver directly from the inventor, Jean Alexander Le Mat.” It is also quite possible Beauregard could have presented this gun to Lewis personally, regardless of how General Lewis acquired his “Grape-Shot” revolver. Over the years it was maintained in beautiful condition. General Lewis would live until 1886 and from his obituary published in the New Orleans Daily Picayune: “When the Civil War broke out, Gen. Lewis, although far beyond the military age, offered his sword to his State, and joining the Confederate forces in the Trans-Mississippi Department, served on the staff of the Commanding General, behaving with great gallantry. At the battle of Mansfield he was wounded in the head by a bullet, and the injury thus suffered gave him trouble for the balance of his life. He was specially thanked for his splendid conduct on the field by the Governor of Louisiana, Hon. Henry W. Allen. He leaves three sons, Alfred, John and Thomas. The second of these lost an arm in the battle of Mansfield.” These early LeMats were coveted by the Confederate hierarchy. In addition to Beauregard’s identified LeMat and General John L. Lewis’s being offered here, General JEB Stuart owned SN 115 that is now in the Museum of the Confederacy. Stonewall Jackson was presented a 1st model from Beauregard October 18, 1862, but its current whereabouts is unknown. There is a very large archive of provenance and history including 2 original 1861 dated documents from “Camp Lewis” named after Major General John L. Lewis. File also contains original correspondence from early collectors such as William Albaugh, John Graham, John Malloy, Val Forgett, Jr. and others. PROVENANCE: Estate sale, Augusta Georgia, 1968; Jack Malloy Collection; John Graham Collection, 1969; Ron Bridges Collection; William Hozie Collection; William Albaugh, 1975; Jan Reifenberg Collection; Pictured and described pgs. 18-21, Arms Gazette, February 1980; Don & Kathlee Bryan Collection. CONDITION: Very fine overall, all matching and complete. SN 88 is found on every part normally numbered including bbl, shotgun bbl, loading arm, plunger, cyl, hammer, and frame. Grips have a beautiful burl color and grain. When removed, each grip was SNd 88 as well as on the screw that retains them. Each grip is also stamped in a cartouche “BAGUET.” Bbl retains only hints of original blue but is overall smooth and plum/gray. Shotgun bbl is overall smooth plum. Cyl shows tiny traces of blue in protected recesses with an overall plum/gray. Frame, hammer and plunger retain about 50% muted dull case colors with the balance a smooth blue/gray on right side and left side including side plate of silver/gray. Grips are fine with light shrinkage, several bruises on right side and light diamond edge wear. Mechanics are excellent and crisp; the shiny pistol bore still retains remnants of original blue finish, shotgun bore is smooth with patina still showing original tool marks. The accompanying original holster is sound and solid though scuffs and cracks are found near toe and a lard crack at fold in flap has been reinforced with a glued section of gauze, sewn closure and belt loop are both intact and functional. Also accompanying this lot is an original LeMat cartridge of which there are very few known, Overall length is about 15/16″ which includes the waxed paper which contains 48 cal conical ball and powder. 50122-15 JS (75,000-125,000) – Lot 2199

Click here to view provenance

EXCEPTIONAL AND RARE CONFEDERATE DANCE ARMY REVOLVER.

SN NSN. Of the approximately 100 Dance pistols that survive, about 85 are of 44 Cal. Of these 85 guns, this gun falls in the top 2 or 3 examples for condition. This gun is totally unmarked but was always listed in early collections as SN 1 as Harry Brooks though he could see a tiny number “1” stamped on the left side of trigger guard. This is the only non- serialized Dance Army known and it is a magnificent example retaining most of its original thinning finish with great aesthetics and exemplary collector history and provenance. This gun by NRA standards grades fine; by Confederate standards this gun is extremely fine with crisp edges and bright bore. Dance revolvers saw hard Confederate use, mostly in the Western and Trans-Mississippi theaters of the war. Any Texas Confederate soldier would be proud to carry a Texas made revolver of the highest quality such as this gun. This revolver is 100% orig and authentic in every regard and is much above average of most encountered specimens. All screws, cones, sight and internal parts appear orig, even the wedge screw that is often lost or restored is orig. This is the finest Dance revolver we have ever offered and it would be difficult to find a Dance Army revolver with finer and more complete provenance, or a Dance Army of higher condition. PROVENANCE: Harry Brooks Collection, Dallas, Texas; Pictured Texas Gun Collector, No. 36, July 1953; Jackson Arms, Dallas, Texas; William Bond, Vernon, Texas, December 1959; Conestoga Auctions, Lot #568, July 5, 1994; Don & Kathlee Bryan Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine overall. Gun retains a fairly even light plum patina where the blue has “turned” over the years. Edges of bbl housing are crisp with very light edge wear. Frame is smooth with distinct casting striations not seen on the later guns. Cyl lacks the distinctive incised line near face of cyl which also is not found on SN 2 Dance Army, but does occur by SN 10, making Harry Brooks assessment that this is the first Dance Army possibly correct! Brass has smooth mustard patina. Grips fit well, show good grain with hand worn patina. Revolver does show light holster wear at muzzle. This gun has stayed in such fine condition probably due to the fact that the original mainspring was broken (no collector has wanted to repair this, however, it is an easy repair for a qualified antique arms restorer and would make the pistol fully functional as other internal parts are crisp). Bore is bright with crisp rifling. The accompanying Confederate era flap holster is sound, solid though a bit dry, and appears to fit the revolver reasonably well. The muzzle of the bbl does not fully reach the muzzle of the holster. The holster is still great for display. 50122-18 JS (75,000-125,000) – Lot 2200

Click here to view provenance

EXTREMELY RARE DANCE NAVY REVOLVER.

SN 91. There were about 350 Dance revolvers made in Anderson, Texas, during the Civil War. Of the 103 SNs known, 88 are Army’s and 14 are Navy’s. There are 2 variations of the Navy type, the earliest with recoil shields; there are 5 examples currently known. Of those standard models without recoil shields made like the Army’s there are 8 examples. SN 91 was the most recent addition to this list, being added in 2002. Other SNs of authentic navies without recoil shields known are 56, 63, 83, 93, 111, 135 and 146. Dance revolvers saw hard use and few survived with any original finish, such as this example. There are numerous fake Dance Navy revolvers, some date back over 50 years. This is a wonderful example with great matching color and aesthetics that you will very likely be unable to upgrade. PROVENANCE: Al White Estate; Pine Ridge, AR; Don & Kathlee Bryan Collection, 2002. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall. Matching SNs found on bbl, loading arm, cyl, frame, trigger guard, backstrap, hammer and grips. Loading lever catch and wedge are un-numbered replacements. Arbor has a crudely braised repair just rear of wedge slot. No doubt the reason for high condition of this revolver was the broken arbor that was not repaired until 20th century (this repair should be re-done by a qualified antique arms restorer and this repair could be made indiscernible, only about 3/8″ of arbor is visible externally on these revolvers). Metal overall retains traces of blue and case colors in protected areas, overall metal is matching mottled gray/plum with scattered staining and pin prick pitting. There is light muzzle wear and German and the silver blade sight has been slightly trimmed. Cyl retains all 6 safety pins. SNs are all crisp and discernible with exception of light stamp on left side of bbl housing, however, bbl housing is deeply stamped again on bottom. Grips are also stamped twice, internally on each ear abutting frame. Grips are sound and well fit retaining traces of original varnish. Mechanically cyl binds and will not rotate due to old arbor repair. Bore exhibits crisp fine, well-discerned rifling. Even though this revolver has a repaired arbor and un-numbered catch and wedge, it is still finest example you will find ever to come to market. The accompanying Confederate Navy holster fits this revolver well, is overall very good to fine condition retaining much of its brown leather color, retains original finial and strangely enough is made from re-claimed leather possibly from a boot as has been seen used in other Confederate made holsters, about 1/2 stitching is loose in bottom of belt loop though still sturdy. 50122-8 JS (100,000-150,000) – Lot 2201

Click here to view provenance

EXTREMELY FINE DANCE NAVY REVOLVER INSCRIBED TO TEXAS CONFEDERATE CAVALRYMAN CHARLES HILL, COMPANY H, 35TH TEXAS CAVALRY.

SN 51. This is the finest Dance Navy revolver extant. Gun is in remarkable condition, retaining much of its original finish, all original and authentic with the inscription on butt “Ch HILL / Co H / BROWNS”. Charles Hill was a Corporal in Company H Brown’s regiment Texas Cavalry. At least 23 of Dance Brothers factory workers in Columbia, TX., were members of Brown’s regiment, 35th Texas Cavalry. James Henry Dance was one of the unit’s officers. There is no other Dance revolver in any configuration known with such an impeccable provenance as to identify it by inscription to a Confederate soldier who carried it and possibly even aided in its manufacture. This particular revolver is photographed and described in detail in Bill Gary’s 1987 text Confederate Revolvers, pgs. 66-68. This gun is also photographed and described in Dance & Brothers; Texas Gunmakers of the Confederacy by Gary Wiggins, 1986, pgs. 50-51. There are only 5 known Dance Navy’s with recoil shields; SNs 21, 48, 49, 50 and this example is the highest known SN. There is a large file of history and provenance accompanying this lot, including copies of correspondence between Bill Albaugh and Richard Steuart from 1956-1962 concerning the discovery of this revolver. PROVENANCE: E.M. Hubbard, Weimar, TX; Bob Owens Collection; Donald Tharpe Collection; Don & Kathlee Bryan Collection, 1968. CONDITION: Fine to excellent overall with sharp crisp edges and markings, hints of original finish in protected areas, but overall iron is silver/gray on frame and plum/gray on other parts, brass backstrap and trigger guard have smooth mustard color patina. Grips are sound, well fit with nice red-hued grain, hand worn patina, traces of original factory varnish and soldier applied inscription, quite discernible on grips and buttstrap as can be seen in photos. Matching SNs are found on bbl, cyl, frame, arbor, loading arm, catch, hammer, trigger guard and backstrap. Grips were not removed to check for numbers, though they are no doubt original to the gun. Mechanically sound, though cyl is sluggish. Bore is crisp with well-defined rifling. Accompanying holster fits gun well, has unusual small ball button attached as finial for closure, crudely twisted sewn as can be seen in photos with integral belt loop simply cut from back flat of leather. Holster is overall sound and solid with craquelure and several scuffs and cuts, seam is partially re-sewn. 50122-9 JS (100,000-150,000) – Lot 2202

Click here to view provenance

EXTRAORDINARILY RARE AND UNIQUE “SISTERDALE TEXAS” DRAGOON ARMY REVOLVER.

SN NSN. This fabulous and unique massive 44 cal. dragoon revolver has a most partially external complex mechanism for turning cyl as can be seen in photos. This gun is in wonderful condition with spectacular provenance and history, dating to its manufacture in 1862; long retained in the family of the Confederate soldier who not only carried it but who helped make it. Pistol was retained in family until 1974 and has been in the collections of only 2 preeminent Confederate Texas collectors until this offering. This massive gun measures over 14″ overall with 7-3/4″ bbl weighing 4lbs. Bill Gary in his 1987 text Confederate Revolvers dedicates an entire chapter to this unique survivor of which six were noted to have been made. Pictured in Lone Star and Double Eagle, Civil War letters of a German-Texas Family, by Minetta Goyne, 1982, pg. 67. A passage dated August 10, 1862, Camp Clark states, “Assembled to produce six-shooters for the army on or near the Ernst Kapp farm, not only the Coreth brothers, but at times also Adolph Munzenberger, August Schimmelpfennig, Hermann Kammerling, and a somewhat nebulous character variously called “Wilhelm der Schmidt” or “Schmidt Willem” all were involved in the project. All were under the direction of Alfred Kapp, who had special qualifications resulting from a tour of the eastern United States in 1856-57, during the course of which he had worked at the Colt factory in Hartford. Together these men produced a number of pistols (six, it is thought) that experts describe as combining certain features of the Colt, the Remington, the Smith and Wesson, and the Rogers and Spencer. Only one is known to exist today.” The engineering excellence among this group of German-Americans in Sisterdale was amazing. This particular pistol is among the very finest of any made in the South, with fabulous aesthetics and the overall unique mechanism and horn grips. PROVENANCE: Joseph Coreth, New Braunfels, TX.; RC Coreth, about 1950; WW Creel, Wimberley, TX, March 4, 1952; Pictured on the cover of The Texas Gun Collector, Issue 20, March 1952; Loaned by Joe Coreth to Sophienburg Museum, New Braunfels, TX, 1957; Ottalia Coreth, 1974; Charles Schreiner III, Kerrville, TX; Displayed in a presentation entitled “Arms Made in Texas” at the 108th NRA Annual Meeting, San Antonio, TX, May 18, 1979; Pictured in The Texas Gun Trade, by Chris Hirsch, 2004; Don & Kathlee Bryan Collection. CONDITION: Fine overall retaining traces of finish, though most metal has turned a mottled plum. Mechanically, the gun functions quite well considering its complex exterior arm for pushing the cyl forward, with a spring loaded catch built into top strap that holds cyl in place. Horn grips fit fairly well with light shrinkage with good color, patina and some insect damage as can be seen in photos. Gun appears totally original and complete with exception of repaired narrow hand that moves cyl, and loading lever catch. Accompanying holster fits this gun well and is overall sound, solid and supple. Retaining original leather tab closure with silver-plated brass horseshoe shaped buckle. The accompanying 44 cal. brass bullet mold is well made copy of a Colt Dragoon type but with thinner iron sprue cutter, stamped with unknown initials “NW”. 50122-7 JS (150,000-250,000) – Lot 2203

Click here to view provenance

EXTRAORDINARILY RARE L.E. TUCKER LANCASTER TEXAS CONFEDERATE NAVY REVOLVER.

SN 79. This remarkable pistol is in wonderful matching original and complete condition, being 1 of only 2 known examples and SN 79 being offered here is vastly superior to SN 52 which is part of the Carl Metzger Collection on display at Texas A&M University. This example is very fine retaining much of its original finish. Gun measures 13-1/4″ overall with 7-5/8″ half oct to rnd bbl with brass blade front sight, silver inset makers mark “L.E. TUCKER & SONS.” There are also inset silver designs on either side of bbl housing and a lightly engraved border around perimeter of the capping slot on the right side of the recoil shield. Bbl is also etched with indiscernible name and date “1864” and “Weatherford / Parker / Co.” Weatherford, Parker County, Texas is just west of Dallas not far from the pistol factory established by Tucker & Sherrard in Lancaster. Bill Gary in his text Confederate Revolvers dedicates an entire chapter to this pistol that he believed Tucker made in Marshall, Texas, prior to his move to Lancaster in 1862. This is no doubt the rarest, most desirable of any maker marked Texas Confederate revolver. There is a large file of original provenance and correspondence detailing history of this revolver and Laban E. Tucker including a framed photograph of Tucker. PROVENANCE: Hugh Dial Tucker (Grandson of maker); Harry Brooks, Dallas, Texas, 1950; Pictured in “Confederate Handguns, A Collectors Detailed Study Of Southern Pistols”, by William Albaugh, this being an early detailed study of Confederate revolvers as it appeared in the journal of The American Ordnance Association, 1951; Pictured on cover of The Texas Gun Collector, Issue No. 8, March 1951; Jackson Arms, Dallas, Texas; William Bond Collection, December 1959; Displayed at Amon Carter Museum of Western Art, Fort Worth, Texas, 1963-1964; Pictured on pg. 203 “Confederate Handguns”, by Albaugh, Benet, Simmons, 1963; Conestoga Auction Lot #586, July 5, 1994; Donald Tharpe Collection; Don & Kathlee Bryan Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine overall. All matching and complete, SN 79 is found on bbl, frame, loading arm and cyl. Retains strong traces of bright finish scattered over length of bbl, loading arm, frame and cyl. Brass trigger guard and backstrap have an olive/brass patina overall. Grips fit well and retain 90%+ of original varnish with moderate edge wear. Mechanically gun is sound, functioning with well-defined rifling and crisp bore. Accompanying holster fits the gun well, is sound and solid, has a new tab sewn over remnants of old, otherwise very good. Accompanying 2-cavity iron bullet mold is very similar to ones manufactured in England, however, this example has a long straight tail on sprue cutter unlike English molds and could have been the one described in the original bill of sale by Hugh Dial Tucker, but he stated it was a Colt brass mold. The framed photograph measuring 11-1/2″ x 14″ overall is inscribed on back “LABAN E TUCKER FOUNDER OF TUCKER & SHERRARD GUN FACTORY OF LANCASTER, TEXAS” 50122-6 JS (150,000-250,000) – Lot 2204

Click here to view provenance

UNIQUE “G ERICHSON, HOUSTON, TEXAS” DANCE DRAGOON REVOLVER.

SN JB. This is the only documented and accepted Dance Army with recoil shields, though we know there were 8 Dance Navy’s with recoil shields. This gun is quite famous and fake copies of it have been known for many years. Bill Gary in his text Confederate Revolvers, 1987, properly describes and pictures this unique rarity on pgs. 68-71. . . “As for the .44-caliber revolvers, there is one known specimen that meets all the criteria for guns made at the Dance factory. All measurements are correct and the rifling in the bore is correct. The gun has a full octagonal barrel and barrel housing lug; the trigger guard is square-back, semi-rectangular in shape and cast of heavy gauge brass identical to standard Dance examples. It does not have a serial number, but it is stamped with J B where serial numbers would ordinarily be found.”. . “The top of the barrel is stamped G. Erichson, Houston, Texas. Gustav Erichson was a gun dealer in Houston during the Civil War and is known to have stamped his name on derringers and some rifles. Since the Dance factory at Columbus was only 35 miles from Houston, it is very probable that Erichson could have purchased this revolver from Dance and then stamped his own name on it.”. . “The Otto and Alec Erichson listed as workers assigned to the Dance factory were sons of Gustav Erichson. Two workers were assigned to the factory with the initials “J.B.” They were Joseph Bray and J. Black, both members of Brown’s Regiment. Either man could have stamped his initials on the revolver in place of a serial number.” Though Dance Army revolvers with recoil shields are extremely rare they no doubt made very few and this is only known documented example in this cataloger’s opinion. PROVENANCE: Norm Flayderman catalog #104, November 1980, item # 2052A: Bob Owens Collection; Pictured and described in William Gary’s “Confederate Revolvers,” pgs. 68-71, 1987; Donald Tharpe Collection; Pictured in Texas Gun Trade, by Steve Hirsch, pg. 48, 2004; Don & Kathlee Bryan Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall. Gun appears 100% original and complete, including the distinct Dance screws with pointed ends that don’t interchange well with other guns. There are only a few other Dance Army revolvers known with oct bbls. A well known example is SN 172 found on the cover of the book “Dance & Brothers, Texas Gunmakers of the Confederacy.” JB is stamped only on butt and arbor. The only deviations that JB installed on this more deluxe Dance were buckhorn dovetailed sights identical to that found on SN 51 Dance Navy, possibly dating this gun to about the same time of manufacture. The accompanying holster fits the gun well with restored finial and several crack and glued repairs, cracking, flaking, belt loop is sound and intact. 50122-3 JS (60,000-80,000) – Lot 2205

Click here to view provenance

EXTREMELY RARE, FINEST OF FOUR KNOWN CONFEDERATE TUCKER & SHERRARD DRAGOON REVOLVERS.

SN 52. Tucker & Sherrard and their government contracts for revolvers with the Confederate state of Texas in 1862 are well known. There are only 4 “Low Hammer” examples that have documented Civil War service; other varieties, which are also quite rare, were assembled right after the Civil War. SNs known for these “Low Hammer” guns are 54, 56, 81, and 52 being offered here. SN 81 was sold on these floors October, 2010, and had documented history of being captured by a Maine soldier who served in the Trans-Mississippi. Bill Gary has written several articles concerning these revolvers and their war-time usage and notes most recently in the spring 2012 Texas Gun Collector, pgs. 34-35, that updates the chapter from his 1987 book. He notes that Joseph H. Sherrard joined the 6th Texas Cavalry, company L (Lancaster Guards) in Dallas county in 1861 but was released from the Army in May 1862 at the same time that Texas had made its contract for the revolvers. It seems most likely that Sherrard would have been selling on the open market the few finished guns he had. The Lancaster, Texas, Tucker & Sherrard factory site was excavated between 2000-2004 and the hammers excavated of the low spur type were predominant. Charles F. Lee in 3 articles from Texas Gun Collector, pgs. 77-79, 2000; pgs. 33-35, 2004, and pgs. 37-39, Spring 2012, all but proves the likelihood these “Low Hammer” guns were made prior to September 1863 when State of Texas cancelled its military contract and possibly complained that the “Low Hammers” were not the “exact form and style” to the Colt Dragoon revolver as required by government inspectors along with square back trigger guards and shorter cyl. Regardless, this is a very well made gun that has the feel and action of the best Colt Dragoon. This particular example is far and above the best of the 4 known, all showing use, but this example shows fine care retaining much original finish. PROVENANCE: Chet Baranowski Collection; Pictured and described, pg. 95, Confederate Revolvers, by Bill Gary, 1987; Mike Clark, Houston, Texas; Don & Kathlee Bryan Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to excellent overall. Gun appears 100% original, authentic, complete and matching. SN 52 is found on bbl, loading arm, wedge, arbor, cyl, frame, trigger guard and backstrap. Bbl retains about 50% bright blue, especially on housing and bottom of bbl with balance mottled bright gray. Cyl retains thin traces of blue with balance a bright gray. Cyl retains 5 of 6 crisp safety pins, 6th pin is still discernible. Traces of blue remain in each chamber of the cyl. Frame, hammer and loading assembly are overall silver/gray with muted case colors still visible on lever, plunger, right side of frame, recoil shield and protected areas of hammer. All screws appear fine and original including unique long-headed backstrap screws which protrude past ears. Grips are well fit with hand worn patina, retaining about 50% of their original factory varnish. There are very small chips on the inside toes of each grip. Mechanics are excellent and bore is bright with crisp rifling. The accompanying holster fits gun, and that is difficult for a holster with this long low spur of this gun; but accommodates it well. Holster is sound and supple with a sewn repair inside top flap with newer piece of leather re-enforcement, toe of holster has glued crack repair about 3″ with inserted leather patch, repaired area quite dry and brittle, otherwise sound. 50122-17 JS (100,000-125,000) – Lot 2206

Click here to view provenance

EXCEPTIONAL LEECH & RIGDON CONFEDERATE REVOLVER.

SN 802. This is an extraordinary revolver, quite possibly the finest example known retaining most of its original finish; 100% orig and authentic throughout. This revolver was made under contract from the Confederate States government in Greensboro, GA. in 1863. By NRA standards this revolver would grade fine+ if it were only Colt Navy, but there are few Confederate copies of the Colt Navy’s that have survived even close to this example condition-wise. This example shows little use, still retaining blue finish on face of cyl and inside cyl chambers which is almost never seen on Confederate revolvers. This gun shows honest wartime use with light holster wear at muzzle face. The accompanying holster is also in very fine condition with excellent tooling on flap and at tip. PROVENANCE: Fred Edmunds Collection, 1982; Don & Kathlee Bryan Collection. CONDITION: All matching, original, complete and authentic. Bbl is marked as well as you will ever see with typical die breaks “LEECH & RIGDON CSA”. Both sides of front web of trigger bow and right bottom butt of grip are stamped with large cryptic “N”. Bbl retains about 30-40% bright blue with some thinning and balance mostly plum on housing and mixed plum/gray toward muzzle. Brass conical front post sight exhibits dark mustard patina. Loading lever, frame and hammer are smooth silver/gray with hints of muted case colors. Cyl shows about 20% thin dull blue, mostly around rear third and a few traces of bright blue in stops and face. Chambers are smooth retaining traces of strong blue. All 6 safety pins are intact. Brass backstrap and trigger guard exhibit smooth, light mustard colored patinas. Revolver overall shows fine tool marks in finishing not normally discernible except in high condition Leech revolvers. There are also small casting flaws visible on most major parts. There is a tiny chip (actually casting flaw) on right tip of ear of hammer. Well-fit grips retain about 90% original varnish with edge wear and scattered small blemishes. On left inside toe there is an imperceptible chip repair that does not affect the aesthetics as can be seen in photos. Mechanically, revolver functions properly, with a bright crisp well defined bore. Holster is sound and supple, with severe scuffs at edges, retaining most of its original finish with craquelure most apparent on tab and folded area of flap; 3″ belt loop is warped from wear but still well sewn and solid. 50122-12 JS (30,000-40,000) – Lot 2207

RARE “AUGUSTA GA CSA” MARKED RIDGON & ANSLEY REVOLVER.

SN 1689. There are 18 known early model Rigdon & Ansley’s with the “AUGUSTA, GA CSA” address. This is the highest SN noted with this marking. This is a really fine all matching example. Sometime in late November or early December of 1862, the firm of Leech & Rigdon, then located in Columbus, Mississippi, contracted with the Confederate Government to manufacture 1500 percussion revolvers of the Colt patent design. With Union troops threatening the Columbus area, Leech & Rigdon moved its operation (its third move) to Greensboro, Georgia, where they began turning out revolvers in March of 1863. Approximately 1000 revolvers were produced at Greensboro, before it was again necessary to move because of Yankee pressure in the area. The Leech & Rigdon partnership was dissolved in December of 1863, and Rigdon took all the gun-making machinery with him, moved to Augusta, Georgia (the fourth and last move) forming a new partnership with Jesse Ansley. Rigdon & Ansley assumed the responsibility of completing the original Leech & Rigdon contract, by manufacturing the remaining 500 revolvers of that model, then going on with a new contract to furnish 1500 Rigdon & Ansley revolvers. While the Rigdon & Ansley revolvers were practically identical in design to the Leech & Rigdons, there were some changes made which were considered improvements at the time. The most obvious change was the addition of six (6) more cylinder stops in the Rigdon & Ansley, and the omission of the locking pins on the rear shoulders of the cylinder. This was thought to be a safety improvement in that it allowed the cylinder to be locked in place with the hammer resting between the percussion nipples. An additional change was the milling-out of a groove in the recoil shield, which has now come to be called a “cap release groove,” which allowed spent percussion caps an easier exit from the frame, so that they were expelled via the groove at the right top side of the recoil shields as the cylinder rotated to the right in the firing and re-cocking procedure, after each round was fired. The final change from the Leech & Rigdon, was the employment of a ‘Colt-type’ loading lever latching assembly, rather than the Leech & Rigdon’s ball-type catch. This example has fine lines and aesthetics and is possibly the finest example of the “AUGUSTA GA CSA” marked Rigdon and Ansley. PROVENANCE: Fred Slaton Collection; R.E. Neville; Don & Kathlee Bryan Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine overall. Markings including SNs that are all discernible and mostly crisp with exception of lightly stamped “AUGUSTA” where first 2 letters are weak but discernible. Note the “double stamp” on a rebound strike in the “AUGUSTA GA” stamp that is noted on all original examples examined. SN 1689 is found on bbl, loading arm, bbl catch, wedge, arbor, cyl, frame, trigger guard, backstrap and penciled on backstrap channel of grips. Cryptic “W” is found stamped on left rear of trigger guard web. Bbl retains about 10% bright blue finish especially in protected areas with the balance being mostly mottled plum color. Bbl housing has several dings and nicks around the wedge slot and several light dents on top of bbl housing around markings as can be seen in photos. Front sight has tool marks and though appearing original is slightly more elongated than the typical Leech post; regardless, this silver plated brass post sight appears contemporary to its time of use in the Confederacy. Cyl has overall dark gray/plum color with pin-prick pitting and an almost undetectable repair to a crack in one chamber. Frame, hammer and loading arm have hints of case colors with balance a mottled silver/gray overall with some areas of dark gray/plum. Left side of the frame has tool marks and there is small crack in frame adjacent internally. Brass backstrap and trigger guard have light to dark mustard patina and an indiscernible set of initials are scratched on buttstrap. Grips fit very well with a hand worn patina; “WH” (Wescon Hudgins) inspector’s cartouche is lightly struck on the butt of the wooden grips but discernible with a few small scratches and dents. Mechanically the gun cocks but cyl only turns and locks intermittently. Bore exhibits crisp rifling. Accompanying Confederate flap holster is overall very good to fine condition retaining most of its original finish with crazing and cracking mostly on flap area. Leather tab closure is professional restoration as is sewn edge. Holster fits revolver well. 50122-13 JS (30,000-40,000) – Lot 2208

EXTREMELY FINE AND RARE LATE PRODUCTION RIGDON & ANSLEY REVOLVER WITH LARGE SERIAL NUMBERS.

SN 2231. This Confederate revolver made in Augusta, GA is among the last few hundred made with large style serial numbers. Top of bbl flat is properly marked and inspected “CSA”. This gun represents the final refinements to Confederate navy revolvers originally made by Leech & Rigdon and finally by Rigdon & Ansley with 12 stops, Navy style latch and cap release groove. The earliest range of these large SN guns begins about SN 1900. This gun, if not the finest example known of this variety, no doubt is among them. This gun retains original finish and beautiful aesthetics. For surviving Confederate revolvers this gun is among the very best and is accompanied by a fine Confederate brass 2-cavity bullet mold and holster. PROVENANCE: Jackson Arms catalog #16, July 1960; Collection of Harry Brooks; Pictured pg 15 of Texas Gun Collectors #36, July 1953; Conrad Smith Collection 1969; Don & Kathlee Bryan Collection. CONDITION: All matching, complete and original, very fine overall. Bbl retains about 30% thinning bright blue finish especially in protected areas with the balance a mottled plum with crisp edges and few small dings on right side of wedge slot and light holster wear at muzzle. Cyl shows hints of thin original blue with balance plum/gray. Frame, hammer and loading lever show typical finishing marks and small casting imperfections in recoil shields associated with these very late Confederate revolvers, with hints of case colors in protected areas with overall matching mottled plum/gray. Grips fit well, retaining about 90% original varnish with edge wear. Tacking marks found on butt and light touchup un-affecting aesthetics as can be seen in photos. Revolver is mechanically sound with crisp bright bore. Accompanying this gun is a contemporary brown leather holster that fits the gun well. It retains much of its original finish with cracking, crazing and 2 repaired holes around where cyl fits, belt loop is also a restoration but displays well. The accompanying bullet mold is a Confederate copy of Colt and is very good to fine overall including iron sprue cutter. The brass mold retains similar finishing marks and casting flaws much like this revolver. 50122-19 JS (40,000-60,000) – Lot 2209

EXCEPTIONAL INSCRIBED SPILLER & BURR REVOLVER OF CONFEDERATE SURGEON THOMAS HILL 3RD REGIMENT NORTH CAROLINA ARTILLERY.

SN 239. Spiller & Burr Revolvers were made in Atlanta and then Macon, Georgia with a total production of less than 1,500 guns. This particular brass framed copy of a Whitney revolver is the most difficult of the major Confederate manufacturers to find complete and orig. It is also difficult to find these guns with the firm marking on bbl and cylinders that are SNd. This gun exhibits both these features and also has the inscription: “Dr THOS. HILL” on the brass butt strap. Dr. Thomas Hill was a Confederate surgeon commissioned June 10, 1862 to the 40th NC State Troops which was the 3rd North Carolina Light Artillery. Dr. Hill is shown on rosters as surgeon assigned to several different North Carolina and Virginia hospitals until his discharge at Salisbury, NC, May 3, 1865. This particular gun, based on SN, was very likely in the 3rd lot of Spiller & Burrs manufactured in August, 1863 at Atlanta, GA. Dr. Hill is known at that time to have been stationed in Raleigh, North Carolina at the Confederate General Hospital No. 8. There are various thoughts as to why so few Spillers have SNd cylinders and firm names on bbl. Regardless of reasons this is among the best examples with these features and most likely the only gun with these features and a period inscription to a Confederate officer. This particular gun is fitted with a high quality set of burled walnut grips with fine color and grain, rarely seen on any Confederate handgun. PROVENANCE: Family of Donald Williams, Greensboro, NC. linear relatives on Dr. Hill’s mother’s side of the family; Pete Pederson, Castle Rock, Colorado, 1996; Steve and Linda Evans; Steve Mullinax Collection; Pictured on pg 122 “Arming the Glorious Cause” by Whisker, Hartzler & Yantz; Don & Kathlee Bryan Collection, 1998. CONDITION: Fine to very fine overall. Bbl and cyl are mottled gray/plum overall with hints of thin original blue in protected areas with fairly sharp edges; well struck discernible SNs. Brass has smooth mustard color patina. Loading arm and hammer show hints of case color though overall silver/gray with scattered staining and light pitting. Matching SN 239 is found on bbl, loading lever, cyl, frame, and penciled on each grip half. Cyl pin is numbered “17” with matching color to rest of gun. SN 17 could very well have been used in an early open frame first model that failed with some of the parts reused in a later gun. Mechanically, the cyl advances sporadically though hammer holds cock and half-cock with good spring tension. Bore is smooth with discernible rifling. The accompanying holster is very good to fine overall, fits gun well, with contemporarily added loop for closure as finial is long missing, 2″ closure loop has broken thread on right side otherwise holster appears original with interesting original chain stitch over bottom half of edge seam, top half sewing appears restored. 50122-1 JS (40,000-60,000) – Lot 2210

Click here to view provenance

EXTREMELY RARE 1ST MODEL 1ST TYPE GRISWOLD & GUNNISON REVOLVER, PROBABLE NEW ORLEANS PRODUCTION.

SN 90. This revolver is one of only 4 known examples of the earliest production of Confederate revolvers during the Civil War. These earliest brass frame revolvers were possibly made in New Orleans prior to machinery being shipped to Griswoldville, GA, or at least parts manufactured in New Orleans that were assembled in Griswoldville. Near the war’s beginning, Samuel Griswold made pole arms for the State of Georgia and started the manufacture of revolvers based on Samuel Colt’s popular model 1851 Navy revolver. Colt-style revolvers utilizing his “patented ratcheted, rotating and locking cylinder” could only have been made legally with Colt’s approval and with payment of royalties, which was not necessary in the Confederate States which did not recognize Union law. Function and design closely emulate the Colt, though the frame is brass and the barrel round, more like that of Colt Dragoon revolvers. Brass was utilized in frames due to the lack of steel and the ease among the skilled slaves and free workmen for working this metal. Lack of steel also caused an innovation in iron being twisted when red hot to give it strength and temper. Twist lines are easily seen in the cylinder of this gun. These earliest Griswold & Gunnison revolvers are all numbered under serial number 100. The few examples that are known to me are serial numbers 8, 30, 64 and 90. These early first models have smaller oval trigger guards than later models. This is really the only visible difference that is easily seen externally; however, under closer scrutiny, there are other differences internally that were changed to strengthen later standard production pistols. These were subtle changes in adding cast pins to attach the barrel housing to the frame instead of using separate iron pins as were used on this revolver. The cylinder arbors also have a stronger form of attachment to the standard production models; one large wedge was fit into a groove of the arbor base that tied into frame. These early examples lack this stabilization. These design changes were necessitated after the first guns exhibited frame weakness and proved to be unserviceable after some use. This example, that apparently has not seen a lot of use, has a solid undamaged brass frame. There are cracks on the left side of the frame on both SN 8 and 30 pistols, showing this inherent design problem but not in this fine example.. . It has always been known among Confederate handguns researchers and authors that it was very possible that the earliest Griswold revolvers were possibly the product of A. N. Gunnison (Arvin Nye Gunnison) of New Orleans and not Samuel Griswold. Wiley Sword in his excellent text Firepower from Abroad published by Mowbray in 1986 states on pages 109-110: “While considerable information has been published about Samuel Griswold of Griswoldville, Georgia, there has been a corresponding lack of data about his partner, A. W. Gunnison. As it now appears, Gunnison was involved in manufacturing the Colt-type Navy revolver in New Orleans prior to the city’s capture in late April 1862. Since a portion of his machinery was moved to Griswoldville, this undoubtedly was the basis for the conversion of the cotton gin/pike manufacturing facility of Griswold’s into a revolver factory.” A letter from A. N. Gunnison to the Confederate Secretary of War written from Macon, Georgia, May 14, 1862, also printed in Sword’s book, stated: “I was involved in the manufacture of Colt’s Navy revolver in New Orleans at the time of capture by the enemy, from which place I have escaped with portions of my machinery to re-establish the same work at Griswoldville….”. . William Gary in his excellent text, Confederate Revolvers, shows two revolvers serial numbered 16 and 45 he believed to be made by Gunnison in New Orleans. I know of at least two other guns of the same configuration with different serial numbers (5 and 55), but always the same non-Griswold numeral die styles. In my opinion, these somewhat clunky-looking brass frames with second model features of half-octagonal barrel housing and typical large trigger guards associated with standard production guns are suspect as to actually being Civil War-produced guns-that is my shared opinion. Gary notes in his book on page 11, “While he (Gunnison) undoubtedly got most of his machinery out, he did not get his serial number dies and had to make new ones before starting production at Griswoldville.” Mr. Gary was incorrect in this observation as serial numbers noted on known first model-first types 8, 30, 64 and 90 utilized the same dies that occur on other standard production Griswolds (for both serial numbers and cryptics), making previously published “Gunnison revolvers” unlikely in my opinion and making a strong case that the serial number 90 revolver offered here was indeed made in New Orleans early in 1862. This is one of the great rarities of Confederate revolver collecting and this is one of the 2 finest examples of only four extant. PROVENANCE: Bob Owens Collection, Cypress, Texas; Don & Kathlee Bryan Collection. CONDITION: Overall very good to fine. All matching; SN 90 is found on right side of bbl, frame, hammer and cyl, and left side of trigger guard, stamped inside grip opposite the backstrap channel, and on loading lever. There is a cryptic backwards “&” found on bottom of bbl near the latch, loading lever adjacent to SN, back of cyl, the right side of trigger guard and backstrap and right rear of frame. Wedge is spring type and appears original to gun though unmarked (a relatively identical numbered wedge of this type was excavated in the ruins of Griswold Revolver Factory). Revolver retains traces of original finish in protected area as well. Iron is overall a mottled plum/gray. Cyl shows distinct twist at deeper angle than I have noted in standard production 1st model and 2nd model Griswold’s; this shows earliest experiments in twisting iron bar for production of cyl’s. Brass frame, trigger guard and backstrap exhibit a dark olive/yellow patina. Grips are sound and fit well exhibiting about 60% of their original factory varnish. Note standard production Griswolds had oiled grips, only 1st model-1st types were varnished. Gun indexes sloppily with a very heavy mainspring pull with crisp well-defined bore. The accompanying military flap holster fits the gun nicely. Even with light restoration and re-finish, it displays well with this extremely rare revolver. 50122-5 JS (50,000-70,000) – Lot 2211

Click here to view provenance

EXTREMELY FINE CONFEDERATE GRISWOLD 2ND MODEL REVOLVER.

SN 2569. The most popular brass frame Griswold Revolver was made by Samuel Griswold from converted cotton gin factory near Macon, Georgia. Confederate soldiers lucky enough to be issued a Confederate made “Colt” often wrote of their pride in ownership of such high Southern quality. Rare are these revolvers in high condition. This is a standard 2nd model Griswold revolver having half octagonal bbl housing being among the finest “as found” 100% original, matching and authentic examples in the middle of their serial range. This gun overall is in very good condition by NRA standards but extremely fine and among the best for Confederate revolvers. Brass has a rich beautiful dark patina with dark matching colors on iron with bright original blue. This gun is SN’d 2569 on right side of bbl housing, frame, and cylinder. Secondary number “19” found stamped on wedge, hammer, loading arm, bottom of trigger guard, and stamped on right grip on butt. A cryptic “B” is found on bottom of bbl, back of frame, right side of trigger guard, right side of backstrap, and back of cyl. A Roman numeral “XVII” is found on backstrap and trigger guard. This extremely fine Griswold revolver retaining much of its orig finish ranks it in the top 2-3% of all surviving Confederate brass framed revolvers as to originality and finish. I know of no better example. PROVENANCE: Bob Owens Collection; Don & Kathlee Bryan Collection. CONDITION: Overall fine, well fit and matching. Of the numerous Griswold revolvers that I have examined over many years, I have not seen a more honest, unadulterated example. Metal overall has dark untouched patina with strong areas of blue scattered along length of bbl with balance turned a mottled plum with scattered areas of staining and pitting. Brass frame, trigger guard and backstrap are mostly smooth with dark mustard colored patina with some protected areas darker as can be seen in photos. Cyl retains all 6 safety pins, 3 nipples have damaged faces. Ratcheting is still crisp and cryptic visible. Grips are very well fit with hand worn patina with light minor dings and dents. All markings are crisp and clearly struck including the cryptic mark, though only partially seen when stamped on curved areas on cyl and bbl. The accompanying Confederate military flap holster fits gun well with brass covered iron furniture pull often seen on Confederate accouterments. Holster is sound and solid with most of its original finish though crazed and cracking overall. Sewn edge of holster has been professionally restored. Mechanically, the gun is sound. Crisp, bright rifling with light areas of pitting in the bore. 50122-4 JS (30,000-50,000) – Lot 2212

Click here to view provenance

RARE ORIGINAL CYLINDER FROM GRISWOLD & GUNNISON 2ND MODEL REVOLVER, SN 2909.

SN 2909. We don’t know how this cyl got separated from its gun, but Turner Kirkland cataloged Griswold revolver SN 2909 in January, 1968, as missing the cyl. Whoever bought the revolver; the cylinder can now be yours. There are other Griswold revolvers missing cyls or that have replaced cyls. PROVENANCE: Don & Kathlee Bryan Collection. CONDITION: Overall brown/blue with pitting, missing 1 cone, safety pins worn, cryptic not discernible, several dents on face of cyl. 50122-21 JS (1,500-2,500) – Lot 2213

ORIGINAL LOADING LEVER FOR LEECH & RIGDON CONFEDERATE REVOLVER, SN 612.

SN 612. Often iron framed Confederate revolvers are missing their loading assemblies especially Leech & Rigdon. This is a perfect SNd loading arm with correct spring loaded catch that would be a proper restoration for any Greensboro, GA., made revolver that has broken or missing rod. PROVENANCE: Don & Kathlee Bryan Collection. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Remnants of case colors, balance gray with staining and light pitting. 50122-20 JS (1,500-2,500) – Lot 2214

HISTORICAL PRESENTATION COLT REVOLVER USED BY MAJOR AND LATER GENERAL SCHUYLER HAMILTON AT THE BATTLE OF FIRST BULL RUN WHERE HE WAS PERSONALLY THANKED BY PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN FOR SAVING THE LIVES OF CONFEDERATE PRISONERS OF WAR.

SN 162812. This fine cased Colt Pocket model revolver was made in 1860 at the beginning of Civil War fervor and given by Edmund Lincoln Baylies to Schuyler Hamilton who was the grandson of Alexander Hamilton, West Point graduate and Mexican War hero. He was aide-de-camp to General Winfield Scott prior to the Civil War and was General Scott’s military secretary and aide-de-camp early 1861. Hamilton was writing confidential letters for General Scott prior to the Battle of Bull Run to President Lincoln and no doubt would have been by Scott’s side at meetings with the President. At the battle of 1st Bull Run, July 21, 1861, Scott met with Lincoln discussing the rout of US troops, no doubt Schuyler Hamilton by his side. Schuyler Hamilton, a Major at this time and life long military officer would not stand for outraged Union troops threatening to murder Confederate prisoners marched through the Capitol streets. As the inscription states this was the pistol used when he confronted Union soldiers who wished to take revenge on helpless prisoners at the 1st major battle of the Civil War. The presentation states that this gun was originally given to Hamilton in April of 1861 by Edmund Lincoln Baylies, who was a 32 year old Harvard graduate working in New York city where Hamilton was also a most prominent and well known inhabitant. Baylies was by heredity a member of The Order of Cincinnati, as was Hamilton, who of course his grandfather Alexander Hamilton was a founding member. Though we cannot be certain without further research of the exact occasion of this presentation but, we do know that then Major General Schuyler Hamilton presented this gun to the son of Edmund Lincoln Baylies, whose father had died at only 40 years old in 1869. Hamilton must have been close to the Baylies family. We do know Margarita “Peggy” Schuyler Van Rensselaer was Elizabeth’s Schuyler Hamilton’s sister who was Schuyler Hamilton’s grandmother and of course married to Alexander Hamilton; so we have direct family connection to the final recipient of this gun Edmund Lincoln Baylies Jr. when he married Louisa Van Rensselaer in 1887. What a spectacular presentation which is finely jeweler engraved in 17 lines of the affixed beveled 5-1/4″ x 3-1/8″ brass plaque “EDMUND LINCOLN BAYLIES TO SCHUYLER HAMILTON APRIL 1861”, “MAJOR GEN. SCHUYLER HAMILTON TO THE SON OF EDMUND LINCOLN BAYLIES”, “THIS PISTOL WAS USED IN SAVING THE LIVES OF CERTAIN REBEL PRISONERS OF WAR, TAKEN AT BULL RUN, WHEN SOME OF OUR INFURIATED SOLDIERS PROPOSED TO MURDER IN THE STREETS OF WASHINGTON. FOR THIS SERVICE PRESIDENT LINCOLN PRESENTED TO COL. HAMILTON, AS SENIOR OFFICER, THE THANKS OF THE NATION, IN THE PRESENCE OF GEN. SCOTT AND SEVERAL OF HIS CABINET, ADDING, HE REGRETTED HE COULD GIVE NO MORE PUBIC MANIFESTATION OF HIS APPROVAL BUT SO DOING WOULD ‘LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG THE SAME AS IF THE PRISONERS HAD BEEN ACTUALLY MURDERED SO FAR AS OUT FOREIGN RELATIONS ARE CONCERNED’.” From The Biographical Dictionary of America, vol. 05, 1906: “HAMILTON, Schuyler, soldier, was born in New York city, July 25, 1832; son of John Church and Maria Eliza (Van den Heuvel) Hamilton; grandson of Gen. Alexander and Elizabeth (Schuyler) Hamilton; and great-grandson of Gen. Philip Schuyler. He was graduated at the U.S. military academy in 1841 ; entered the service as 2d lieutenant in the 1st infantry; was on the plains, and at West Point as assistant instructor of tactics ; service in the Mexican war, where he was brevetted 1st lieutenant for gallantry at Monterey, Sept. 21-23, 1846. and where from the effects of a ball in his abdomen, he was left on the field for dead, but revived and fought the battle; and was brevetted captain for gallantry at Mil Flores, Aug. 13, 1847, where he was severely wounded by being run through with a lance, which passed entirely through his body and left lung, in a hand to hand combat with a Mexican lancer. He was promoted first lieutenant in March, 1848; was acting aide to Gen. Winfield Scott, 1847-54, and resigned from the army May 31, 1855, at San Francisco, Cal. “When the Civil War broke out he marched as a private in the 7th regiment, N.Y.S.M., went with that organization to the defense of Washington and offered to pledge himself for canteens and haversacks furnished the regiment, and paid for their transportation. He afterward served on the staff of Gen. B. F. Butler; was appointed military secretary with the rank of lieutenant-colonel, U.S.A., on the staff of Gen. Winfield Scott, serving from May 9, 1861, until be retired Nov. 1, 1861 ; and in that capacity he was instrumental in preventing the murder of certain Confederate prisoners of war captured on the battle-field of Bull Run, July 21, 1861. He was thanked for this service by the President in the presence of General Scott and members of the cabinet, but no publicity could prudently be given to the service at the time. He was appointed additional aide-decamp to General Scott with the rank of colonel and served from Aug. 7 to Nov. 12. 1861, when the aide-de-camp were disbanded. He was then made assistant chief of staff to Gen. H. W. Halleck with rank of colonel, accompanied that officer from New York to St. Louis, and was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers, Nov. 12, 1861. He was with Grant’s army operating in western Kentucky and Tennessee and suggested to General Pope the canal to cut off the enemy’s position at Island No. 10, and in the assault on that island and New Madrid he commanded a division. He was promoted major- general of volunteers, Sept. 17, 1862, for “meritorious services” at New Madrid and Island No. 10, and had accepted his promotion in good faith, thus vacating his commission of brigadier-general of volunteers, which had been confirmed by the senate, when he was seized with swamp fever and incapacitated from active service. He soon after received a letter from General Halleck demanding his resignation, under the rule that no officer unable to take the field should be named to the senate for confirmation, and after consult-” The accompanying 1840-1850 vintage cross belt plate depicting George Washington which has always accompanied this pistol is a variant of the “WASHINGTON GRAYS” a popular New York militia unit that also descended in the Schuyler/Van Rensselaer/Baylies family. This plate is in excellent condition, measuring about 4″ x 3″ polished German silver with gilted solder filled arabesque frame with applied silver plated bust of George Washington in profile. This is a very well made plate, in excellent condition with 3 soldered brass hooks on verso. This is a unique example and no identical examples found in Kerksis, Campbell & Howell, or O’Donnell. PROVENANCE: Edmund Lincoln Baylies, 1829-1869; Schuyler Hamilton, April 1861; Edmund Lincoln Baylies Jr., 1857-1934; Harold R. Beacham, Boston, MA, 1905-1955; CONDITION: Fine to excellent overall, bbl and cyl retain about 50% bright finish with remainder flaked not worn with balance mottled gray/plum. Cyl retains crisp rolled stagecoach holdup scene with areas of staining and pitting. Frame and hammer retain 80-90% bright and muted case colors with balance silver/gray. Loading arm retains darkened case colors on protected areas with balance silver/gray with pin prick pitting. Markings are all crisp and well discerned including matching SNs on bbl, loading arm, frame, trigger guard, backstrap and cyl. Grips are well fit retaining virtually all their bright factory varnish with light edge wear and scattered tiny blemishes. Gun mechanically functions fine with crisp bright bore and cyl retains bluing in the individual chambers. Mahogany casing retains original Colt varnish with warped lid with broken lock. Bottom of case has pencil marking to the collection of Harold R. Beacham, Boston, Massachusetts, who was the last caretaker before consigned by his children to this sale. Interior of case has fading and wear to velvet lining and partitions which contain revolver and implements. 2-cavity Colt patent bullet mold retains about 40% bright blue finish with balance blue/gray having scattered tacking marks on sides. Accompanying double eagle flask with stars retains about 90% of its original dull varnish finish. 3 original Colt cartridge packs have good discernible labels with several balls and broken cartridges retained. Japanned cap container has green paper label that is loose. “Washington Grays” buckle is very fine overall, missing a small retaining wire on verso which is easily replaced. 50163-1 JS (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2215

Click here to view provenance

RARE FACTORY ENGRAVED COLT M-1851 PERCUSSION NAVY REVOLVER INSCRIBED TO CAPTAIN JULIUS HAYDEN, LATER BRIGADIER GENERAL.

SN 63812. Cal. 36. This is a fine “as found” Colt Navy orig manufactured in 1856 utilizing some parts that originally were manufactured under the U.S. Military contract, note “U.S.” under “COLT’S PATENT” on left side of frame & small inspector’s initials found on several parts. This exact gun is written about on pg 85 of Nathan L. Swayze’s text “’51 Colt Navies” & he states that small punch marks found below or above SNs denote rejection however, regulations state such guns be marked with a condemnation “C”. Swayze states “Just because this gun was condemned by the Ordnance Department of the U.S. Army, would Colt throw it away? – Never! Back it went to have the blue stripped off, then to the engraver, not only to engrave the gun but probably to also engrave the presentation wording, back to the blueing department where a finer degree of blue was applied. Using an example such as this is in no way implying that Colt – to keep from wasting a gun – would “pretty it up” and present it as a gift, even though it might be dangerous to fire. Colt certainly was not a fool, and the chances are that some of his ’51 Navies were rejected because of some minor defect, which in no way affected the operation, safety or the firing of the gun.” Regardless, this is a factory engraved and inscribed Colt Navy carried by Julius Hayden who saw continuous service in the U.S. Army as an officer from 1850 to 1870. The backstrap is inscribed “Captn. J. Hayden. U.S.A.”- with the U.S.A standing for United States Army which is typical designation for regular Army soldiers. Captain Hayden was orig commissioned in the 2nd U.S. Infantry seeing service in the west until the Civil War when he was commissioned into the Field and Staff of the 10th U.S. Infantry in the Army of the Potomac. Captain Hayden advanced through the ranks and by the time of the Battle of Gettysburg, he was Inspector General of the 3rd Corp. He is cited in several references as personally leading the 3rd AC to the Gettysburg battlefield as he was acquainted with the terrain. Lt. Col. Hayden was cited by Major General French of the 3rd Army Corps for distinguished and conspicuous ability. Hayden was indeed brevetted Brigadier General for gallant and meritorious service during the Civil War. There are over 100 pgs of copied records of Bvt. Brig-General Julius Hayden outlining his war service beginning with his graduation from West Point in 1839, Mexican War where he was wounded, first promotion in 1850 to Captain, Civil War service, command of Fort Larned, Kansas until his retirement in 1870. This is a rarely offered inscribed and engraved Colt to a regular U.S. Army officer in fine unaltered matching condition. CONDITION: Gun appears all-orig with matching SNs. Full-coverage engraving of bbl, frame, backstrap, and trigger guard even include screws with exception of hammer screw and wedge screw which appear to be contemporary replacements with matching patina. Metal overall is gray/plum with fairly sharp edges with edge wear. Cyl shows traces of naval battle scene with an old repaired chamber which is barely detectable without close scrutiny. Backstrap and trigger guard retain about 50% of their orig silver plating and hold a fine varnished 1-pc burl grip. Mechanically, revolver functions well with well discerned rifling in bore. This gun no doubt was carried by Hayden throughout the Civil War. 50149-1 JS (13,500-19,500) – Lot 2216

Click here to view provenance

IDENTIFIED COLT NAVY REVOLVER AND SPENCER CARBINE OF WILLIAM H. LOVERING, 1ST RHODE ISLAND CAVALRY AND 1ST NEW HAMPSHIRE CAVALRY.

SN 93632/37413. Fine model 1860 Spencer carbine SN 37413 is in much better condition than normally seen, being “as found” with traces of original finish, very good markings and bright inspectors cartouches, carbine shows actual saddle wear. Colt model 1851 Navy revolver with 1-line Hartford address is in beautiful condition, all matching retaining much of its original finish and fine maker marked military flap holster and maker marked pistol cartridge box. This grouping descended and is consigned by the great great grandson of William H. Lovering. Consignors middle name is still Lovering and he still lives in New Hampshire where this material has always been in his family. William H. Lovering enlisted as Private on Christmas day 1861, into the “New Hampshire Brigade” of the 1st RI Cavalry. 1st RI was consolidated late in the war and January of 1864 Private Lovering’s company “M” became company “M” 1st NH Cavalry. Lovering served the entire war being captured once near Middleburg, VA and later paroled. He was promoted to Corporal and then Sergeant during occupation in the south in July of 1865. Lovering died in 1891 at the National Soldiers Home. Rarely do fresh fine carbines and side arms identified from the same soldier in Civil War come to market. CONDITION: Carbine is very good to fine overall with strong traces of case color on breech and lever in protected areas. Other metal overall is plum/gray with good discernible makers mark on top of bbl flat “SPENCER REPEATING / RIFLE CO. BOSTON MASS. / PAT’D MARCH 6 1860”. Stocks are well fit with scattered nicks and dings with hand worn patina, 2 crisp inspector cartouches. Mechanically gun functions well with crisp well defined bore. Colt Navy is fine overall, made in 1860 all matching, complete and original. Bbl retains about 60% original bright blue though thinning in areas with balance a mottled plum/blue color. Frame retains strong traces of case colors with balance silver/gray. Loading assembly and hammer also retain faded case colors with balance silver/gray. Backstrap and trigger guard retain about 95% of their bright silver plate. Screw heads are sharp retaining traces of fire blue. Grips which are well fit retain over 95% of their bright factory varnish with edge wear and scattered small blemishes. Cylinder has traces of original finish with 95% cylinder scene visible with light pitting at forward edge and around nipples, all 6 safety pins are crisp and present. Mechanically gun functions well with bright shiny bore. Accompanying holster is very good retaining most of its original dyed finish, plug has been long gone and rawhide knot tied at bottom, tab has contemporary war time repair with brass rivets replacing the original sewing. Holster is marked under flap “MADE BY / J. I. PITTMAN / N-Y”. Pistol cartridge box is sound and solid with most of its original finish with some cracking and crazing and scuffing at edges, marked by maker on flap “J. DAVY & CO / NEWARK N.J.” 50106-1 JS (6,000-10,000) – Lot 2217

Click here to view provenance

Revised: 3/9/2016

Please Note: Condition states shotgun selector tip missing; this is incorrect as an extremely fine restoration to this small component has been completed with matching fire blue that this cataloger would have never noticed.

EXCEPTIONAL AND RARE PRE-CIVIL WAR EARLY PRODUCTION LEMAT REVOLVER.

SN 16. Cal .42/16ga, 7-1/2″ bbl. The LeMat story is among the most intriguing of American & Confederate gun manufacture. P. G. T. Beauregard, an American Officer from New Orleans and later Confederate General, was the original driving force on the manufacture of these guns from his friend & relative, Col. Alexander LeMat. Two trial guns were made by John Krider of Philadelphia that are known and so marked. Krider No. 1 LeMat is in the Liege Belgium Museum and has Auguste Francotte’s mark on the stock as does this gun. Francotte modeled his guns from Krider prototypes supplied by LeMat. There are only six known, and the gun presented here is no doubt the finest specimen. Prior to Confederate production of the LeMat revolvers in France, later in England, and prior to the Civil War, in May of 1859 then Maj. Beauregard placed an ad which ran in several New Orleans newspapers attempting to market these guns in which Beauregard was a partner in the company. This gun no doubt was one such gun contracted by Francotte for this market. Alain Serpette, in his book collaborated with Val Forgett, lists this model as USA 1859 model in his French language 1995 text on LeMats. There is one known specimen very similar to this which was presented as a Christmas present to a Maine soldier in 1863. This gun presented to Capt. John Conley of the 16th Maine was quite possibly taken from captured New Orleans and sent north as a present by a relative or another Maine soldier stationed in the Gulf. Regardless of history of this gun, it is in beautiful condition, retaining most all of its orig finish. Every major part is marked with various proofs, most with Francotte’s mark either an “AF” or an “AF” below a crown. On bottom of bbl above shotgun bbl there are two identical maker marks “A. FRANCOTTE / A. LIEGE”. Serial number or assembly number “16” is found on shotgun bbl & back of cyl. A roman numeral “VI” is found inside left stock. Internally, on trigger guard and back of frame are the initials “GC”. There is a Liege black powder proof externally on cyl. There is an unknown stamp inside trigger guard between stocks “NR / 309”. No further disassembly was attempted to find other assembly or serial numbers. This is a truly beautiful and impressive firearm. PROVENANCE: Julia Lot #2408, March 2012; Paul Tudor Jones II Collection. CONDITION: Gun retains 90-95% of its orig bright blue finish on bbls and frame & 50% bright blue finish on cyl with remainder being mostly plum. Hammer is finished bright, retains most of its orig shine with areas of staining. Hammer is missing selector tip for shotgun bbl. Brass backstrap & trigger guard retain about 20% of their orig silver plating with the balance a mustard yellow patina. Mechanically, gun functions well. Action is crisp and bore exhibits bright, well-defined rifling. 49941-44 JS32 (50,000-75,000) – Lot 2218

VERY FINE CONFEDERATE LEMAT SECOND MODEL REVOLVER.

SN 1329. This is a very fine orig example of the standard production Confederate contracted LeMat grape-shot revolver retaining much original finish. Standard production Paris guns, often called 2nd Models, feature improvements made by LeMat that worked the best after lots of service in the field by Confederates in the field reporting problems in the early Civil War years, including Colt style ratchet system to turn cyl. The revolver has the distinctive LeMat 9-shot cyl. 42 caliber rifled bbl with smooth bore ‘grape-shot’ 18 ga bbl for firing buckshot. The top bbl flat is marked “Col. LeMat Bte s.g.d.g. Paris” which is the typical address on LeMat standard production guns. In Wiley Sword’s text Firepower From Abroad he notes that probably only the first 1450 LeMats made it to the Confederacy in time for the Gettysburg Campaign. If that is the case this would have been one of the last shipments to make it through blockade for the major 1863 and 1864 Campaigns of the Civil War. LeMat revolvers were prized by their Confederate owners (and Yankee capturers too). Many notable Confederate Generals and Officers were known to have carried these unique weapons as noted by General Beauregard’s and General Lewis’s sold also in this sale. In Charles Frazier’s 1997 National Book Awards winning Cold Mountain the book’s hero Inman proudly owned a pair of LeMat revolvers showing how well known this particular revolver is among modern culture. this is very fine example, all matching with fine aesthetics and a beautiful Confederate grape-shot revolver. CONDITION: Very Fine overall, original bright blue finish is retained on about 30% of gun, especially good on cylinder and loading arm, and most protected areas, balance of surface is mottled plum/gray with some staining, scratches and other minor cosmetic blemishes. Gun appears 100% original with minor exception of professionally restored right ear of hammer (11x3mm). All screws appear original and mostly unturned. Matching SN 1329 was found on bbl, shotgun bbl, loading arm, plunger, cleaning rod, cylinder, frame, trigger, each grip and grip screw. Mechanically revolver functions well, crisp action, bright well discerned shotgun and rifled bores. 50161-1 JS (25,000-35,000) – Lot 2219

SCARCE HIGH CONDITION LEMAT 2ND MODEL GRAPESHOT REVOLVER.

SN 2473. Cal. 10.57 & 16 ga. Scarce Paris 2nd Model LeMat grape shot revolver with 6-5/8″ oct revolver bbl & 7″ 16 ga. smoothbore bbl/cylinder arbor. Cylinder is 9-shots for the 10.57/42 caliber rifled bbl that rotates around the smoothbore arbor. Top flat of bbl is marked in block letters “SYSTme LEMAT Bte s.c.d.g. PARIS” which is Le Mat’s last bbl marking used during Civil War production. Hammer is the usual Le Mat style with long, checkered, paddle shaped spur and an articulated nose with v-notches for the rear sight. The actuating lever for the articulated nose is most unusual with the lever extending back over hammer nose with a small checkered pad on each side. This lever for shotgun cylinder is unique and appears to be a factory made replacement for the more fragile device that often failed breaking off the small hammer ears. Another feat of Confederate ingenuity. Trigger guard is the usual oval shaped steel without finger rest spur. Grip frame has an integral butt cap with integral lanyard hole containing a large welded ring and is mounted with 2-pc checkered walnut grips pencil numbered to this revolver on bottom edges. The frame locking pin is of the sliding type with reeded edge on the cap and the rammer is mounted to left side of the bbl lug with a large oval headed screw and a spring clip near the muzzle attached to the left lower flat with a screw. Front sight is the typical Le Mat narrow dovetailed style. SN was observed on right forward side of frame, right side flat of bbl and on cylinder. Last two digits of SN were observed on the smoothbore bbl, rammer & rammer handle, removable smoothbore rammer, rammer screw and on the frame pin. Grip screw is also numbered to this revolver. While no production records exist as to the actual numbers of Le Mat revolvers produced in Paris for the Confederate military, according to Le Mat The Man, the Gun, Forgett & Serpette, about 1,500 Paris Le Mats were produced and it can be assumed that the majority of them were intended for, if not in fact, delivered to the Confederacy. It is well documented that Le Mat revolvers & carbines were used by the Confederacy during the Civil War. Page 70 of the referenced publication pictures Paris Le Mat #2475, only two numbers from this one, with a caption which states “It was manufactured on the Confederate Contract.” CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine, all matching as noted above. Overall retains about 92-93% strong orig blue with only light edge wear and a few scattered spots of light surface rust. Hammer retains dark case colors. Trigger guard retains blue in sheltered areas being mostly a silver/gray patina. Back strap retains strong blue with light surface rust. Front strap is mostly a blue/gray patina. Grips are sound showing light wear and retain most of their orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, strong rifled bore with moderate pitting, strong bright smooth bore. 49838-1 JR82 (30,000-50,000) – Lot 2220

EXTREMELY FINE LEECH & RIGDON CONFEDERATE REVOLVER.

SN 693. This is an extremely fine Confederate revolver. 100% orig and authentic throughout retaining strong traces of original finish with great provenance and collection history. Leech & Rigdon has a colorful history starting their manufacturing operations in Memphis, Tennessee, being chased by advancing Union troops moving first to Columbus, Mississippi, and then to Greensboro, Georgia, where this particular gun was made. Leech & Rigdon had a contract with the Confederate Government for the manufacture of 1500 revolvers (on the Colt’s patent) so, at Greensboro, they continued to manufacture pistols in fulfillment of that contract. “Records from the Augusta Arsenal indicate that from September of 1863 to March of 1864, some 903 revolvers were received from Leech & Rigdon, 814 of which were issued. SN 693, was no doubt, one of the 814 issued”. A small file of provenance and detailed letter with other details from well known collector of Confederate arms and past curator of the Confederate States Armory & Museum, Fred Edmunds accompanies this lot. PROVENANCE: Sold to William Albaugh from Mac Mason, May 1948; Listed and pictured in William Albaugh’s book Confederate Bass-Framed Colt and Whitney 1955; Pictured in Albaugh’s 1963 text, Confederate Handguns on pg 13. Pictured on pg 15, issue 36, in The Texas Gun Collector, credited to collection of Harry Brooks; Damon Mills, 1991; Ray Davenport; Fred Edmunds, 2003. CONDITION: Gun overall is fine and truly excellent for a surviving Confederate revolver sharp crisp edges retaining strong traces blue finish in protected areas in well under bbl, with remainder of iron a matching brown/gray. Matching SNs are found on bbl, frame, trigger guard, backstrap, cylinder, loading assembly, loading lever catch, cylinder pin, and wedge. Frame has a manufacturing brazed sliver at its base which has only been noted in this particular example as seen in photos. Iron frames on Leech & Rigdon often show casting flaws and as Fred Edmund’s noted, this unique repair in manufacture was “…not a distraction, but rather a proud badge of Confederate ingenuity in their manufacturing processes”. A cryptic of 4 punch marks in square is found on bottom trigger guard. “LEECH & RIGDON CSA” markings are as crisp as they are found with the normal broken dies as can be seen in photographs. Brass is smooth with mustard colored patina. Grips are sound, solid and well fit. Gun is mechanically excellent with crisp well defined rifling in bore. 50029-1 JS (20,000-30,000) – Lot 2221

Click here to view provenance

FINE RIGDON & ANSLEY CONFEDERATE REVOLVER.

SN 1793. All SNs on this revolver are stamped with the correct small number dies. It is also to be noted that the number “1” is a broken die which became broken at pistol #1237, continuing to be used through the small-die run to R&A pistol #1900, or thereabouts. This gun has cryptic “W” stamped on the front left side of trigger guard above the trigger bow. All parts are serial numbered #1793, that are normally serial numbered including bbl housing, latch, wedge, frame, arbor, cylinder, backstrap, trigger guard and loading arm. The grips are also serial numbered in pencil internally in channel. Grips also have a script “WH” cartouche for Confederate Inspector Wescom Hudgins. Rigdon & Ansley #1793, with its “CSA” barrel marking is in fine condition with crisp sharp edges, still retaining discernible tool marks and crisp action. Sometime in late November or early December of 1862, the firm of Leech & Rigdon, then located in Columbus, Mississippi, contracted with the Confederate Government to manufacture percussion revolvers of the Colt patent design, though contract was not signed for 1500 guns until firm settled in Greensboro, GA. With Union troops threatening the Columbus area, Leech & Rigdon moved its operation (its third move) to Greensboro, Georgia, where they began turning out revolvers in March of 1863. Approximately 1000 revolvers were produced at Greensboro, before it was again necessary to move because of Yankee pressure in the area. The Leech & Rigdon partnership split up in January of 1864, and Rigdon took all the gun-making machinery with him, moved to Augusta, Georgia (the fourth and last move) forming a new partnership with Jesse Ansley. Rigdon & Ansley assumed the responsibility of completing the original Leech & Rigdon contract, by manufacturing the remaining 500 revolvers of that model, then going on with a new contract to furnish 1500 Rigdon & Ansley revolvers. While the Rigdon & Ansley revolvers were practically identical in design to the Leech & Rigdons, there were some changes made which were considered improvements at the time. The most obvious change was the addition of six (6) more cylinder stops in the Rigdon & Ansley, and the omission of the locking pins on the rear shoulders of the cylinder. This was thought to be a safety improvement in that it allowed the cylinder to be locked in place with the hammer resting between the percussion nipples. An additional change was the milling-out of a groove in the recoil shield, which now came to be called a “cap release groove”, which allowed spent percussion caps an easier exit from the frame, so that they were expelled via the groove at the right top side of the recoil shields as the cylinder rotated to the right in the firing and re-cocking procedure, after each round was fired. This “cap release groove” is found on R&A #1793, along with the employment of a “Colt-type” loading lever latching assembly, rather than Leech & Rigdon ball and pin type catches. This is a very fine authentic and matching complete example of a well marked and inspected 1864 Augusta, Georgia, manufactured revolver. PROVENANCE: Jack Malloy, 1978; Norm Flayderman, 1979; Offered in Flayderman catalog #103; Fred Bennett; Fred Edmunds, 1985. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall, and excellent for surviving Confederate Revolver. Gun is matching and complete, every screw appears original. Metal overall has matching gray patina with scattered areas of staining and light pitting. Markings are all crisp and well discerned. There are several small dents in bottom of butt of both brass and wood partially obscuring cartouche as can be seen in photos. Brass trigger guard and backstrap have smooth yellow/mustard patina. Grips are sound and well fit with thin traces of original varnish over about 50% of their surface. “W H” cartouche is discernible as can be seen in photos. Mechanically gun functions well with crisp discernible rifling in bore. 50029-2 JS (20,000-30,000) – Lot 2222

Click here to view provenance

VERY RARE CONFEDERATE C.H. RIGDON AUGUSTA GEORGIA REVOLVER.

SN 2154. This is a very rare marking combination gun with only 3 specimens noted (SN 2180 and 2182 are the other examples). SN 2182 was sold as Lot #3364 on these floors in October, 2015. These Confederate contract revolvers instead of having just the normal “CSA” surcharge on one bbl flat, are marked on the three top flats of the part oct bbl housing “CH RIGDON”, “CSA” and “AUGUSTA GA” and as noted only 2 other examples are known. All major components of this gun appear original and matching SN “2154” appears on the loading arm, latch, bbl housing, frame, trigger guard, backstrap, cyl and penciled in backstrap channel of grips. PROVENANCE: Norm Flayderman Collection, 1988; Burney Crooke Collection; Gene Mathis Collection, 2006. CONDITION: Overall good to very good, with old cleaning by noted antique firearms restorer Jay Huber. Jay cleaned this gun for Norm Flayderman when in his collection. Metal surfaces are gray and smooth. SNs are still strong and easy to read however, bbl markings are only partially discernible however, as can be seen in photos. The wedge and arbor without grease grooves are not serialized and are replaced possibly at time of use as surfaces match gun. Grips are well fit with hand worn patina. Mechanically pistol functions well with crisp discernible rifling in bore. 50155-1 JS42 (30,000-40,000) – Lot 2223

FINE CONFEDERATE SPILLER & BURR REVOLVER.

SN 421. Spiller & Burrs were made in Atlanta and then Macon, Georgia with a total production of less than 1,500 guns. This particular brass framed copy of a Whitney revolver is the most difficult of the major Confederate manufacturers to find complete and orig. This gun has SNs on all major parts including cylinder which are not often marked on this particular maker. Gun appears 100% original and authentic in every regard. This gun has excellent collection history and provenance and is listed by SN in the 1955 publication by William Albaugh The Confederate Brass-Framed Colt & Whitney and also listed in the 1963 text also by Albaugh Confederate Handguns based on most recent scholarly research. This gun, based on SN’ed steel cyl and “W” inspector on butt, was most likely made in Atlanta after the CS government took over the private operations in March. PROVENANCE: Clifford Young; Cecil Anderson, 1970; Fred Edmunds, 1989. CONDITION: Gun is very good to fine overall, gun appears all orig and matching with matching SNs found on bbl, loading arm, arbor (partial), frame, backstrap, trigger guard and cylinder. SNs are also found penciled inside each grip with large stamped “W” inspector on bottom of right. Bbl retains traces of thin blue finish especially in protected areas with overall gray/plum patina overall. Brass frame and trigger guard have a light yellow/mustard patina with scattered scratches and small dents. Integral backstrap has 2 cryptic “E” stamped upside down on left inside front. Grips are sound and well fit, retaining traces of varnish with scattered dings and dents especially on butt. Grips have hand worn patina with edge wear. 50029-4 JS (20,000-30,000) – Lot 2224

Click here to view provenance

FINE CONFEDERATE GRISWOLD REVOLVER.

SN 2491. This is a standard second model Griswold revolver being among the best condition examples known. Second models have distinct half octagonal bbl housings, bbl length 7-1/2″. This gun overall is in 100% orig and authentic condition showing tiny traces of finish in protected areas. All six safety pins are discernible. Ratcheting on back of cyl is crisp and the cryptic “II” on back of cyl is unusually well defined, the same cryptic “II” is also found on the bottom of bbl just behind latch and on trigger guard on left side, backstrap on right side and right side of frame. The cryptics on barrel and cyl are most often obscured from hard use. This gun is marked with SN 2491 on right side of bbl housing, frame, and cylinder. Secondary number “1” found stamped on trigger guard, backstrap, wedge and loading arm. A Roman numeral “VII” is found on left side of backstrap and trigger guard. This is a fine honest Griswold revolver pictured as item 12 on pg 91 of the fabulous series published by Time-Life on the Civil War showing truly great rarities only in highest conditions. The Fighting Men of The Civil War by William C. Davis, 1989. PROVENANCE: Crozier’s Gun Shop, Homer, New York, from Reilly family; Charles W. Thayer, Parksburg, PA, 1969; Russ Pritchard, 1980; Donald Tharpe; Fred Edmunds, 1994. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall. This is a very nice, complete all matching, authentic and original gun. All markings including SNs, Roman numerals and cryptics are well struck as seen. Ears on hammer have been blunted and shortened though unaffecting overall aesthetics. Metal is overall gray with traces of thin finish, mostly plum with scattered dings, dents, scratches and light pitting. Brass has yellow/mustard patina with similar blemishes found on iron. Grips are sound, solid and well fit with hand worn patina and small scattered blemishes and edge wear. 50029-3 JS (20,000-30,000) – Lot 2225

Click here to view provenance

FINE AND EXTREMELY RARE CONFEDERATE “C.L.DRAGOONS” COLT DRAGOON REVOLVER.

SN 18511. The only Colts that were actually sold to a Confederate unit were a group of 3rd model Dragoons and a few Navies which were sold to John J. Crocheron a wealthy businessman from Elm Bluff, Alabama in early 1861; therefore the name “CROCHERON LIGHT DRAGOONS”. These guns are engraved on the bbls “C.L.DRAGOONS”. This particular Dragoon is made very close to the end of the Dragoon serial range, late 1860 with the rare 8″ bbl. There is an excellent article by Walter Anderson published in the January 1991 Gun Report which gives a detailed history of this unit, which became a part of the 3rd Alabama Calvary which most of its command was utilized to protect commanding generals as escorts. The C L Dragoons were the personal escorts of Gen. Braxton Bragg early in 1862 en route to his command in Corinth, Mississippi just prior to the Battle of Shiloh; where this unit saw action and Capt. Robert W. Smith as commander was cited for “personal gallantry and intelligent execution of orders, frequently under the heaviest fire”. This unit continued as escorts and couriers for Bragg in the battles of Perryville, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, and Chattanooga. When Gen. Joseph Johnston replaced Bragg as Commander of the Army of Tennessee, this unit continued as his personal escort. Late in 1864 when Confederate President Jefferson Davis impatient with Johnston’s actions he placed Gen. John Bell Hood in charge of the Army, again the “C. L. Dragoons” remained as Hood’s personal escort. Only about a dozen of these rare typically very hard used Confederate Colt’s are known and this is among the finest survivors. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall, retaining traces of blue finish in protected areas with balance plum/gray. There are numerous small dents on right side of wedge slot on bbl housing. Cyl has matching color, fairly smooth with pin prick pitting, crisp SN but rolled “Indian-Dragoon Fight” cyl scene is only partially discernible, mostly in outline. Matching SNs are found on bbl, loading arm, wedge, frame, trigger guard, backstrap, arbor and cyl. Well fit grips retaining about 30% original factory varnish were not removed to check for SN, though they no doubt appear original to this revolver. Markings are very good and easily discerned including bbl address, “C.L. DRAGOONS” on left flat of bbl housing, patent marking on frame and SNs. Gun appears completely original and authentic with minor exception of hammer screw which is a restoration. Mechanically gun functions well with strong spring, crisp well defined rifling in bore. 50155-2 JS (30,000-40,000) – Lot 2226

Revised: 3/9/2016

Please Note: Serial Number is 3361.

CONFEDERATE KERR REVOLVER.

SN 3361. Cal. 44. The London Armory Co. produced about 11,000 large 54 bore revolvers from 1859-1866. The largest part of that production were purchased by the Confederacy. The majority of guns with credible Confederate association have the stamp “JS/anchor” on grips just behind trigger guard. Serial numbers range from 1019-9975 with this marking. Excellent new information can be found on English Confederate imports in the monumental text just published in 2014 by Russ Pritchard and C.A. Huey The English Connection. This “as found” example just brought in from a local Maine estate, as the earliest style markings with “London Armoury” on lock, matching SN found externally on frame and cyl. CONDITION: Gun is good overall. Complete and all matching other than latch. Front sight has contemporary upgrade to blade with small inset horn post. Metal brown overall, markings all discernible. Stocks are well fit with discernible JS/anchor marking. Large sliver about 1″ – 3/8″ missing on right side with a nail repair. 49969-2 JS (2,000-4,000) – Lot 2227

CONFEDERATE STATES ARMORY STAFF OFFICER’S SWORD.

This is no doubt the singularly most popular of all Confederate officer’s swords. This pattern with cast letters “CSA” forming the hilt was made by the Confederate States Armory in Kenansville, NC. This efficient & large sword manufacturing operation was run by Louis Froelich. The 2009 text by John McAden & Chris Fonvielle Louis Froelich: Arms-Maker to the Confederacy shows identical examples & explains the evolution of the Wilmington Sword Factory to one of the largest Confederate manufacturers of edged weapons and accoutrements, the “Confederate States Armory”. This particular example has particularly long 32-1/2″ blade with unstopped fuller. Scabbard is typical of this manufacturer with peened brass throat & brass ring mounts on lap seamed braised scabbard. Scabbard throat has assembly “XVIII” cut into top. Hilt has Roman numeral “I” cut into hilt; though assembly numbers are not matching, sword fits scabbard perfectly. CONDITION: Very good overall. Blade is cleaned with staining & light pitting. Protective washer replaced, tang re-peened by professional conservator. Scabbard is sound with moderate to heavy pitting below lower ring mount with about 1″ resin repair abutting correct iron drag on reverse. Grip & wire wrap appear orig though softer than usual with wear & small reductions at high areas. Brass hilt, pommel, ferrule & scabbard mounts have light mustard colored patina. 50194-4 JS (15,000-18,000) – Lot 2228

VERY RARE AND FINE BOYLE & GAMBLE, RICHMOND VA ENGINEER’S SWORD.

This very fine NCO style sword has been identified in different references as Conning, but most like it is a product of Boyle, Gamble & MacFee, Richmond VA as it so closely matches in hilt, pommel, grip & blade styles to several of their scarce patterns. The scabbard, which is made from lapped construction with brazed seam, has unique tall brass throat collar which is thought by some to be a product of Louis Froelich or Boyle & Gamble. Regardless who made this fine Confederate sword, we feel based on overall quality & characteristics, it is indeed a Richmond product. Since only a few are known, and there were so few Confederate Engineers, this traditional collector’s legend makes sense. This is probably the finest specimen of this pattern known, being all orig with complete, fine scabbard, full leather grip, retaining discernible etching on blade. This sword would be difficult to ever upgrade for the Confederate sword collector. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall. Quillion & branch of guard both bent down, “as found”. 31-1/2″ blade has distinct double edged point which has been on this sword for a very long time, not typically seen. Blade is overall gray with areas of staining & pitting. Etched geometric and vine patterns mostly discernible. Leather grip and wire wrap are complete & orig with wear & scuffing to high areas. Scabbard body retains what appears to be orig black paint though chipping & worn through at high areas. Brass hilt, pommel & scabbard mounts have old polish and varnish typical of burnishing antiques in the early days of collecting. Varnish has darkened leaving a brass patina. 50009-2 JS (12,000-15,000) – Lot 2229

RARE COLLEGE HILL, NASHVILLE, TN FOOT OFFICER’S SWORD WITH “CS” ENGRAVED SCABBARD.

This College Hill, Nashville, TN manufacture foot officer’s sword is the only standard Confederate Army officer’s pattern made with a shark skin grip. There are a handful of this pattern known and when discernible there is a “CSA” etched on the blade. This example, though etching is visible in areas, the CSA is not. This sword however has been mounted in a reutilized militia scabbard and has been emblazoned with a large “C.S.” between scabbard mounts. Very similar in style to the scabbard seen on early E.J. Johnston, Macon, GA foot officer’s swords. This is a unique Confederate example that will display beautifully. CONDITION: Very good overall. 30″ blade shows classic “pen-knife” style ricasso and fuller ring noted on College Hill products. Etched panels on blade have been polished out with exception of 8″ or 9″ of floral decoration towards blade’s point. Blade is gray overall with areas of old sharpening, tool marks & pitting. Sword in scabbard displays quite nicely. Well fit. Engraved scabbard has earlier designs of hunter star and patriotic American eagle with various geometric & floral design. Between these designs and middle mounts are 5/8″ pointilist style letters “C.S.” Shark skin is typical of other swords of this pattern, being complete though open at seam, is complete with twisted wire wrap. Varying degrees of mustard colored patina, darker where unhandled. 50009-1 JS (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2230

EXTREMELY RARE ANCIENT & HONORABLE ARTILLERY COMPANY OF BOSTON OFFICER’S SWORD, CIRCA 1800.

We only know of one other example of this exquisite sword and that is in the AHAC museum at Faneuil Hall which was original built in 1742. The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts is the oldest chartered military organization in the western hemisphere. Its charter was granted in March 1638, and signed by then Massachusetts Bay Colony Governor John Winthrop. This organization which is approaching its 400th anniversary has a rich military history, including 4 Presidents who have served as members (James Monroe, Chester Arthur, Calvin Coolidge, John F. Kennedy). This organization has also had 7 Medal of Honor winners from the Civil War through Viet Nam. At time of manufacture of this sword there were few officers in this unit and this sword could have been easily been carried before and during the War of 1812. Sword closely mimics that of earlier American Revolutionary War patterns with slotted guard swords carried by officers. Pommel of sword is decorated with 6 pointed star surrounded by “Ancient & Honorable Artillery Company”, backstrap has a similar 6 pointed hunters star and other engraved decoration, top mount of scabbard has wreath encompassing “Incorporated 1638”. PROVENANCE: Interview with curator and consignor’s inspection of both swords together at museum. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Very good to fine overall. Matching brass scabbard mounts, hilt, backstrap and pommel retain much of their gold finish with remainder polished brass patina. 31″ double fullered blade still retains light decorations including panoply of arms on blued background though most blue has faded with scattered areas of staining and pitting. Carved, fluted, “certifiable antique elephant ivory” grip is fine overall, well fit with slight shrinkage against backstrap and pommel. 49359-1 JS IVORY (7,000-8,000) – Lot 2231

Click here to view provenance

UNIQUE & EXTREMELY FINE SPECIAL ORDER AMES MODEL 1833 DRAGOON OFFICER’S SWORD.

This sword is fresh & new to market & nothing like it has ever been seen. Regulation quill-back blade, which measures almost 34″, has 19″ frosty bright etched patriotic panels with central panel “UNITED STATES DRAGOONS”. Etched eagles on either side of blade below arcs of 13 stars with ribbons one reading “E PLURIBUS UNUM” & the other “LIBERTY”. The unique scabbard has long thin brass veneered scalloped plates inset at both sword mounts & drag. The hilt & scabbard are both government inspected by Henry Knox Craig, “HKC” with sub-inspector mark of William Smith, “WS”. According to the definitive 2001 text Civil War Cavalry & Artillery Sabers, A Study of United States Cavalry & Artillery Sabers, 1833-1865 by John Thillman “It is not known how many dragoon officers’ sabers were made by Ames & shipped to regular officers at their stations throughout the country”. Surviving examples of the dragoon officers’ saber are so few that it is difficult to examine a representative number and draw empirical conclusions. These swords are scarce; low production coupled with service losses in two wars and on the frontier explain their appeal. The examples best speak for themselves.” Dragoon officers sabers typically have shark skin wrapped grips in lieu of leather found on enlisted sabers & this unique example. Non-commissioned officers were issued enlisted swords & no doubt several who were promoted found their 2nd lieutenant’s pay grade possibly insufficient to pay the $20 Ames was charging for officers saber in 1835. Most likely this sword was returned to Ames to have the regulation officer’s blade added along with the unique brass veneered embellishment & wood lining to protect etching as found on other officer’s sabers & not on enlisted sabers. There are probably not 10 regulation dragoon officers sabers known as no more then 34 officers were in the 1st United States Dragoons when contract for this pattern sword was originated in 1834. The sword most likely was originally made in 1837 as the date of the inspector Maj. Henry Knox Craig ended that year when sub-inspector William Smith was first noted. If this sword could only tell us its history, what would it be? CONDITION: Fine to very fine overall. Blade retains much of its orig frost & luster with several nicks in cutting edge & old sharpening at tip. Scabbard is sound & solid retaining thinning orig red lacquer to iron body. Brass veneered mounts retain traces of gold-colored wash in protected areas at rings & have a mottled light mustard/reddish patina. Brass hilt has similar patina with traces of thin gold-colored wash in protected areas. Grip retains most all of its orig leather with brown polish with scuffs & small reductions at high areas. Finely twisted orig wire wrap is intact. Scabbard internally is missing 1 internal wood shim other then its base, the other is intact. 50194-3 JS (15,000-25,000) – Lot 2232

Click here to view provenance

HIGH GRADE CIVIL WAR PRESENTATION CAVALRY OFFICER’S SABER & LAP DESK OF CAPT. JOSEPH AUDOUN OF THE EAGLE ARTILLERY OF BALTIMORE.

Judge Joseph H. Audoun was an uncompromising Union man. While the Confederates were in Maryland, he raised a volunteer battery of artillery later known as Battery B, Audoun’s Battery or the Eagle Artillery. Capt. Audoun, a lifelong Marylander, abolitionist, attorney & judge was born about 1825 & died August 24, 1884 & is buried at Greenmount Cemetery. This beautiful presentation sword has silver scabbard & grip with plated blade with patriotic etched panels which include crossed American flags with motto “STAND BY THE UNION”. Presentation engraved on scabbard between sword mounts “PRESENTED TO / CAPT. JOSEPH H. AUDOUN / BY THE UNION RELIEF ASSOCIATION / BALTIMORE / AUGUST 25, 1863”. Hilt & scabbard mounts have relief & chased arabesque & floral design. Accompanying sword is the Captain’s ornate brass bound lap desk. Included in this group is a file including copies of obituary & other family documents. CONDITION: Sword is very fine overall retaining most of its silver plate to blade, scabbard & grip. Brass hilt & scabbard mounts retain much of their gold plating with balance polished bright. Sword appears to have been unmounted as there are tool marks on top of pommel where tang has been repeened, it has been plated over this work however. This was not recently done, plating to blades is most often seen on war trophies & relics for military decoration of the Victorian era such as those offered by Bannerman. Since the judge died in 1884 & his son continued in his legal practice, it could be quite likely that he had sword burnished & re-plated possibly as display in their office on Lexington Street, Baltimore. Regardless, sword presents beautifully with fine detail in chasing, etch & engraving. Lap desk measures 17-3/4″ x 10-1/2″ x 6-3/4″ of burled wood, brass mounted & inlay. Desk has a hidden drawer on left side with a release internally. Desk retains a brass bound inkwell & functional key. A 10″ straight narrow piece of brass trim on lid is missing & another 10″ strip is loose. Desk is overall good to very good retaining much of its added varnish with scattered dings, dents, scratches, minor blemishes, brass has all been cleaned with light mustard patina under varnish. 50194-6 JS (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2233

Click here to view provenance

RARE TIFFANY PRESENTATION CIVIL WAR STAFF OFFICER’S SWORD OF CAPT. EDWARD PATRICK, 141ST NY.

This unusual & “as found” staff officer’s sword is signed on both blade & scabbard by “TIFFANY & CO”. The blade is of best imported German steel marked “WARRANTED TO CUT WROUGHT IRON”. Blade is 32″ long with 2 narrow fullers & 4/10″ thick spine at ricasso. Blade is marked by maker “P.D.L.” in oval cartouche, Peter D. Luneschloss was a well-known & revered Soligen cutler. Tiffany was known to import the finest steel as Tiffany, even in 1860, was known for best quality if their name appeared. The design of hilt & pommel are also unique to Tiffany. The grip is silver as is its wire wrap. Hilt & richly engraved scabbard mounts were also upgrades with a fine American eagle & US engraved on throat. Inscription on verso of throat reads “Capt. E.L. Patrick from Company I”. Edward L. Patrick raised a company of volunteers, September 11, 1862 at Elmira, NY which became Company I, 141st Regiment of New York Volunteers. He was commissioned Captain November 3, 1862 which would be the approximate date of this presentation. He was later commissioned Major, March 1863 & then Lt. Col. in June 1863. The 141st NY was attached to the 12th/20th Army Corps & saw heavy action throughout the Atlanta campaign. The unit took the brunt of the casualties at the Battle of Resaca, GA having 91 killed & wounded. Col. Patrick missed the Atlanta campaign however, being dismissed from service November 19,1863 for violation of “failing to appear before a military commission for improperly enlisting a minor & accepting a substitute for the same, without proper authority.” All Col. Patrick did was to send an underage enlistee home to his parents & substituted another man in the youth’s place. He was not authorized to do so. A clear case of “no good deed goes unpunished”. The 141st at time of dismissal was in the Lookout Mountain Valley area near Bridgeport, Alabama where they would camp for the winter before starting Sherman’s campaign through Georgia. Typical government bureaucratic snafu as Col. Patrick was exonerated & given his dishonorable discharge after being taken from service & reinstated to honorable discharge by President Lincoln himself. A large file of documents & research accompany this sword detailing Patrick’s life & war history. CONDITION: Very good to fine “as found” with dark grungy patina to brass mounts & hilt, spiral silver grip & wire are darkly patinaed. Hilt shows strong traces of gold plate in protected areas. Leather scabbard body is sound & solid though heavily crazed with chipping to polished surface & is missing its final 6″ & drag. Blade is gray overall with discernible etched patterns worn with staining & pitting. 50194-9 JS (6,000-8,000) – Lot 2234

Click here to view provenance

EXCEPTIONAL & UNIQUE MASSIVE “MEMPHIS NOVELTY WORKS” CONFEDERATE “FLOATING CS” CLIP POINT BOWIE KNIFE.

Pictured on page 119 of Confederate Bowie Knives by Melton, Phillips and Sexton, 2012. overall 20.75″, 15 5/8″ clip point blade, 4″ clip, .25″ thick at ricasso, maximum width 1.75″. Brass Guard is unique design emulating “Floating CS” sabers also made by Thomas Leech & Co., Memphis Novelty Works. The guard is 3″ x5″ with integrally cast 3/4″ “CS”. This spectacular rarity was John Ashworth’s absolute favorite of his finest collection of Southern Bowies and would be highlight of any Confederate collection. PROVENANCE: Estate Collection of John Ashworth. CONDITION: Fine to excellent overall. blade is gray with scattered staining and one large flaw in cutting edge. Manufacturing tool marks still present on much of surface. Grip wrap is complete and original with some cracking of leather under heavy twisted brass wire showing unique Leech cord wrap. Brass hilt and pommel exhibit mottle dark brown mustard patina. Still retaining heavy leather protective washer. 50185-3 JS (30,000-40,000) – Lot 2235

FINE AND RARE “NOVELTY WORKS” MARKED THOMAS LEECH, MEMPHIS CONFEDERATE SIDE KNIFE.

Pictured on page 118 of Confederate Bowie Knives by Melton, Phillips and Sexton, 2012. overall 22-11/16″, 17-1/16″ double edge fullered blade, .27″ thick at ricasso, maximum width 1-13/16″. This is the very knife that William Albaugh first identified to the Memphis manufacturer, “Thomas Leech & Co, Memphis Novelty Works”. Fred Slaton bought this knife from Albaugh and featured it with other products of this maker in 1980 Gun Report article. All of the Leech knives sport this S-shaped crossguard of cast brass. The upper quillon has two filed flutes, and the lower quillon has one flute. While all the Leech knives share similar traits, each is unique in small ways. This one has the larger staff sword pommel and oilcloth grip wrapped with twisted iron wire. The long double-edged blade has a central fuller and should not be confused with the company’s short sword blades that have no fuller. The die used to make the “NOVELTY WORKS” mark is the same as that used for the Leech enlisted man’s cavalry sabers. We know of no other complete example with this marking, though excavated crossguard exists. This is a wonderful “as found” example of among the rarest of Confederate side knives that has great provenance and collector history. PROVENANCE: William Albaugh collection; Fred Slaton collection; Estate Collection of John Ashworth. CONDITION: Fine overall, gray blade with iron patina, brass has dark mustard patina, grip overall sound, complete tight twisted copper wire, oil-cloth grip wrap worn through at high area showing unique Leech utilized cord, original protective washer. 50185-1 JS (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2236

EXTREMELY FINE CLIP POINT THOMAS LEECH, MEMPHIS NOVELTY WORKS BOWIE WITH SCABBARD.

This spectacular Thomas Leech clip point Bowie is 20″ overall, 15″ clip point blade, .26″ thick at ricasso, 1-7/8″ wide. This exact knife is pictured on pg. 116 of Melton, Phillips & Sexton, Confederate Bowie Knives. “This clip-point Bowie is the rarest style of Novelty Works knives. This one is in fine original condition with heavy twisted iron wire over brown leather. The scabbard is a period replacement.” This is no doubt the finest example of a very small number known with beautiful aesthetics overall. PROVENANCE: Norm Flayderman collection; Pictured pg. 212, “The Bowie Knife”, 2004; Estate Collection of John Ashworth. CONDITION: Fine to excellent overall, blade retains old sharpening marks and original surface, grip is fine and complete with some scuffing, tight fine twisted iron wire, brass has light yellow brass patina. Scabbard is well fit, sound and matching condition complete with original belt loop. 50185-2 JS (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2237

VERY FINE AND RARE THOMAS LEECH & CO, MEMPHIS NOVELTY WORKS SIDE KNIFE.

This exact knife is shown on pg. 119 of Confederate Bowie Knives by Melton, Phillips & Sexton, and is among the finest examples known of the most typical Bowie knife made by Thomas Leech & CO, Memphis. 23-3/8″ overall, 18-3/8″ single fullered double edged blade, .31″ thick at ricasso, 1-7/8″ wide. This classic example utilized oiled cloth grip, iron wire and iron mounts on sheath. This is thought to be a later example as brass was becoming a difficult commodity in the South as was grip leather. The iron mounts are thought to have been made from old roof sheeting. This is a very fine aesthetically pleasing complete and original “as found” example of this rarely offered Confederate Bowie. PROVENANCE: Estate Collection of John Ashworth. CONDITION: Very fine overall, blade retains much of its original finishing marks though cleaned and bright gray overall with staining and pitting, still retaining original protective washer. Grip retains 90%+ oiled cloth grip, though worn at some high areas exposing the unique Leech cord. Single strand iron wrap is tight with iron patina. Sheath is sound, solid and supple retaining most of its original finish though scuffed, several bends, tooled lines still discernible on both sides, sewing tight and complete. Iron mounts are complete, retaining small brass tip and cast brass frog button, mounts have iron patina being mostly smooth with areas of rust and pitting. Brass pommel, crossguard and frog button have mottled patina with shades of mustard, reds and chocolate with some verdigris. 50185-5 JS (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2238

RARE “MEMPHIS” MARKED THOMAS LEECH & CO, MEMPHIS NOVELTY WORKS SIDE KNIFE.

22-3/4″ overall, 17-3/4″ single fullered double edged blade, 1-11/16″ wide, .30″ thick at ricasso. This knife is very similar to unmarked example shown on pg. 121, Confederate Bowie Knives by Melton, Phillips & Sexton. Knife exhibits 5″ brass crossguard with “S” shape. This example is stamped “MEMPHIS” on top of crossguard utilizing same dies as Leech used on their enlisted cavalry sabers, this is the only complete example with this marking we are aware. “This side knife has the smaller foot officer’s pommel. This pommel, like that on all Leech knives, has no hole underneath where a knucklebow would have entered. Thus, while they were cast from the same molds as those for swords, they were never punched for a sword guard. This well-made pattern comes with a variety of blades, grips and scabbard mounts. In most cases, as with this knife, a protective leather washer was placed around the blade to cushion against the metal of the scabbard throat which this example retains. While some collectors refer to these as short swords, the blades are lighter than similar short sword blades, and we consider all of this form to be side knives. The grip has a wood core covered with cord, all wrapped with oiled cloth and single strand iron wire. this is the same grip technique utilized on most swords by Leech.” PROVENANCE: Estate Collection of John Ashworth. CONDITION: Very good overall, blade is gray, cleaned, showing moderate pitting. Sheath which is brass mounted is identical to construction to example shown of same type on pg. 121, “Confederate Bowie Knives”, and may be unique to this form. Grip is worn has high spots exposing cord, retaining strong traces of its original black surface, iron wire is still tight. Crossguard is loose as protective washer is torn. Crossguard and pommel are cleaned with several dents and bends, especially noted on short lip of pommel, brass patina is a mixed dark to light color, lighter where cleaned. The “MEMPHIS” marking is clear with exception of “M” which was very lightly struck. Leather sheath body is sound and solid retaining much of its original surface though cracked, crazed and chipped. Throat is missing frog button, drag is missing its tip and 2 of its copper retaining pins. Both mounts are dented and dinged, especially heavily on drag. 50185-4 JS (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2239

VERY RARE THOMAS LEECH & CO, CONFEDERATE NAVAL KNIFE.

This rare Confederate Naval knife is pictured on pg. 125, Confederate Bowie Knives by Melton, Phillips & Sexton, and is the only example known. 20-1/8″ overall, 15-1/8″ double edged blade with central spine, .24″ thick at ricasso, 1-11/16″ wide. It is of note that scabbard mounts seen on known Naval cutlasses by Cook & Bros., Dufilho, Thomas Griswold & Co., and the Selma Armory are pretty much identical in form and length; most likely denoting Confederate Naval contract specifications. Throat on this example is identical to these also. There are many examples of cutlasses in this configuration, but this unique weapon can be called nothing other than a “Naval Bowie Knife”. Cutlass blades are narrower, lighter and typically over 20″ with “S” shaped crossguards. This unique example has a 4″ lozenge shape crossguard and has beautiful aesthetics. PROVENANCE: Estate Collection of John Ashworth. CONDITION: Fine overall, blade shows original tool marks, gray overall with staining and pitting. Sheath is sound retaining much of its original finish, tight stitching, typical friction fit throat, missing drag. Brass hilt, and throat exhibit medium mustard colored patina. 50185-7 JS (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2240

RARE UNIQUE CONFEDERATE BRASS HILTED D-GUARD.

This rare Confederate D-guard short sword is very similar in design to the very rare New Orleans made Cook & Brothers marked hangers. 25″ overall, 20-3/4″ blade, .30″ thick at ricasso, 1-1/8″ wide. There is at least one other example known with ribbed grip and heavy cast D-guard knucklebow. There are other brass ribbed guard knives known with deep South histories, thought by some collectors to have been made in New Orleans or even Memphis. Regardless this unique example retains scabbard and over-the-shoulder sling and was believed to be a possible Memphis product by Mr. Ashworth. PROVENANCE: Estate Collection of John Ashworth. CONDITION: Blade is gray with old sharpening, pitting and staining. Tip is rounded. Scabbard appears to be possibly a re-utilized bayonet scabbard though it fits knife well with contemporarily added cotton sling which has been torn at top, overall about 50″ long, 1-3/4″ wide, very similar to material seen on other Confederate accouterments such as slings for canteens, rifles or cartridge boxes. Guard has old pounding on top and is now slightly bent. Hilt, guard and scabbard mounts have mottled brass patina in varying shades of mustard, red copper and chocolate. 50185-6 JS (8,000-12,000) – Lot 2241

EXTREMELY FINE CLASSIC CONFEDERATE BOWIE KNIFE.

Of the numerous Confederate Bowie knives made in 1861 and 1862, this is among the very finest examples you will ever see by unknown maker with great cutlery skill. Several similar high quality brass mounted knives with sabre ground blades are known to have been made in North Carolina by Moravian craftsmen (Confederate Bowie Knives, by Melton, Philips & Sexton 2012). This particular example is 17-1/2″ overall, in tin mounted leather scabbard. Blade which appears made from a file almost 12″ long, .31″ thick at ricasso with 4-1/2″ clip point with additional 2-1/2″ of beveling. Turned shaped wooden handle has brass pommel, ferrule and 4″ turned down cross guard. You will not find a better condition or finer Confederate Bowie knife. PROVENANCE: Robert Berryman collection; Lot #3951 Butterfield’s 3-23 1992; Paul Tudor Jones II Collection. CONDITION: Excellent, blade is bright gray showing original tool marks with light sharpening and several tiny nicks in cutting edge, scattered areas of staining and pin prick pitting. Brass has dark mustard and brass patina. Polished wood handle retains over 90% of its original varnished finish with edge wear. Accompanying original scabbard retains tin throat and tip with about half of their original black paint with large portions of original bright metal surface with balance dark gray patina. Remnants of pasted paper sticker have faded indiscernible ink inscription, leather body retains most of its original black tared coating with 1/2″ cut that does not affect aesthetics as can be seen in photos. 49941-28 JS (6,000-8,000) – Lot 2242

Click here to view provenance

RARE HICKS RIFLEMAN’S KNIFE IDENTIFIED TO CIVIL WAR PRIVATE JAMES BURCH, 10TH VRC.

Hicks riflemen knives are among the rarest & the earliest American martial military Bowie knives. A.G. Hicks, Cleveland, OH was contracted for these knives in the early 1840s & his mark appears as a 2-line stamp in the wood “A.G. HICKS MAKER / CLEVELAND, O”. His knives saw hard & continued use & a handful are known with Civil War ID’s. This example was found recently in western New York accompanied by a wonderful tag as seen in photograph. James Burch, originally in the 51st New York Infantry (Shepard Rifles), was in Co. “H”, 10th Veteran Reserve Corps (VRC). Lt. John H. Bassler, who signed the note returning the knife, was originally in the 149th PA was “severely wounded at Gettysburg July 1, 1863 lying within the Confederate lines, and was practically a prisoner until the retreat of the enemy, and was not carried off the field until the evening of July 5.” After his convalescence he was placed in command of Co. “H”, 10th VRC, September 28, 1864. CONDITION: Good to very good overall “as found”. Blade exhibits old sharpening with staining & pitting. Grip is missing flat brass cap which was originally retained by 2 screws. Brass has reddish/mustard patina. Grip has hairline crack & partially discernible makers mark stamped in wood. Org scabbard is dry with cracking & crazing, reduction at tip. Orig inked note is easily discernible with folds & soiling. 50194-8 JS (6,000-8,000) – Lot 2243

Click here to view provenance

SPECTACULAR EARLY AMERICAN BOWIE “THE GUARDS of NATCHITOCHES”.

This knife is in like new condition measuring over 13″ overall with an 8″ clip point blade with etched panels on either side “THE GUARDS OF NATCHITOCHES” “THEY YIELD TO NONE”. There is a small paper label on original sheath stating Bowie knife was presented by Horace Conx.x.x. 1839, last name is difficult to decipher. Grip is highly polished fruit wood with German silver mounts, 2-5/8″ cross guard with acorn finials with matching German Silver mounts to sh