Image Lot Price Description















1314
$34,500.00

EXTRAORDINARY AND HISTORIC PAIR OF PRESENTATION COLT MODEL 1860 ARMY PERCUSSION REVOLVERS WITH MATCHING NUMBERED SHOULDER STOCK WITH MINNESOTA DAKOTAS WAR HISTORY.

SN 88559 & 88769. Cal. 44. Front straps are inscribed in period script “Presented by S.A. Buell / to J.R. Jones”. Both Buell and Jones were officers in Minnesota during the Sioux uprising in August, 1862 and involved in fierce fighting that left hundreds dead and lead to the largest mass hangings in American history. Blue & color case hardened with 8″ rnd bbls, German silver front sights and 1-line New-York U.S. America addresses. Frames are 3-screw style, cut for shoulder stock with flat head hammer screws and a stock dimple in the butt straps. They have usual rebated 6-shot cylinders with Ormsby Naval battle scenes. They are mounted with 1-pc walnut grips, each numbered to their individual revolvers, with partially legible cartouches on each side. Various parts have tiny inspector initials. They are accompanied by an orig 3rd type shoulder stock with silver finished brass yoke and buttplate with matching SN 88559 to one revolver. Bottom tang is fitted with a swivel stud & ring. While the Model 1860 Army cut for shoulder stock is not uncommon, those found with matching numbered shoulder stock are extraordinarily rare, especially presentation. Salmon A. Buell was a prominent citizen in New Ulm, MN, which had 900 settlers and was a tempting target for mounting Indian hostilities. In August 1862, the Santee Sioux in MN under Chief Little Crow, angered by the failure of the Federal government to live up to the promise of annuities and quality rations, went on the offensive. Little Crow’s warriors had killed approx 800 settlers and soldiers, took many prisoners, and caused extensive damage throughout the Mn River Valley. Ft Ridgley became a refuge for settlers. From August 19-23, 1862, New Ulm, neighboring towns, and the Fort were besieged. Gov. Ramsey commissioned territorial Judge, Chas E. Flandrau, to organize volunteers and defenses. Colonel Flandrau appointed S.A. Buell Captain, serving as Provost Marshall, Chief of Staff and General Manager of the MN Citizen Soldiers. Regulars and militia from nearby towns (incl 2 COs of the 5th MN Vol Inf at Ft Ridgley) reinforced New Ulm and a further slaughter of settlers and soldiers was averted. Buell who continued to serve in the defense of the Southern territory under was granted a commission on Dec. 17, 1862 as a Major in the MN 1st Cav. which was organized for frontier duty against Indians. 1st Cav. saw action with Sibley’s Expedition against Indians in Dakota Territory June 16-Sept. 14. Battle of Big Mound, July 24. Dead Buffalo Lake July, 26. Stony Lake July, 28. Missouri River July 28-30. Buell remained on duty at Ft Snelling, MN, mustering out Dec. 30, 1863. U.S. Army Ordnance Sgt John R. Jones’ leadership and actions were key in the defense of Fort Ridgley, continually bringing his artillery pieces to bear with great skill under withering fire. As a result of his heroics and leadership, Jones enlisted and was commissioned Capt and placed in charge of the MN 3rd Lt Art in Feb.1863. Capt. Jones went on to play a significant role in quelling the Sioux with his superb tactics with Gen.Sibley’s Expedition against hostile Indians in Dakota Terr. June 16-Sept.12, 1863. Actions at Big Hills, D. T., July 24. Dead Buffalo Lake July 26. Stony Lake July, 28. Missouri River July 29-30. He mustered out on Feb.27, 1866 at Ft Snelling. These two Officers fought closely during the summer of 1863 in 3 major actions against the Sioux. Undoubtedly their paths crossed many times in battle and the significance of the inscription on the Colts must certainly be related to events during the Sioux Uprising. Further research may disclose specific events which reveal the nature and significance of the presentation. Regardless, this is a fine and very interesting pair of historic revolvers. PROVENANCE: Collection of Brooks Smith. CONDITION: Revolvers are nearly identical in condition which is very fine, all matching including wedges, cyls & grips. Bbls retain most of their orig blue turning slightly plum on #88769 with some light left side muzzle edge wear. Frames retain most of their strong orig case colors, moderately faded & turning silver on recoil shields, stronger & bright in sheltered areas and stronger overall on #88559. Both revolvers retain 40-50% silver plating on trigger guards & front straps with back strap of #88559 strong & bright while back strap of #88769 is thinned to a blue/gray patina with strong bright blue at top and on butt strap. Grips are sound with a chipped left toe on #88769 with both showing usual nicks, dings & scratches and retain most of an added varnish finish (probably added at time of presentation). Cylinders retain fairly crisp Ormsby Naval battle scenes and thin plum finish with traces of bright blue in sheltered areas. Mechanics are fine with both bores being bright & shiny with crisp rifling and a few minor scattered spots of pitting. Stock is sound with the yoke & buttplate retaining about 95% thinning orig silver plate. Wood is very good to fine & retains some raised grain and has matching inked SN internally. 4-48095 JS (25,000-35,000) – Lot 1314


Auction: Firearms - March 2015
Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.