EXTREMELY RARE COFER PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA, PERCUSSION CONFEDERATE REVOLVER, FINEST EXAMPLE KNOWN, WITH AN ORIGINAL COFER HOLSTER.

SN 11. Cal. 36. One of the true rarities and among the most coveted revolvers in Confederate collecting is the brass framed percussion revolver made in Portsmouth, Virginia by Thomas W. Cofer. There are 13 known percussion specimens plus an additional three made for special percussion cartridges. These percussion models were true martial Confederate pistols being contracted by the 5th Virginia Cavalry. 82 revolvers were contracted and delivered in January and May of 1862. Several of the few 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. An excavated frame SN 10 was found near Macon, GA in 1955. SN 11 is by far the finest example known and was the prize revolver of renown Confederate collector Fred Edmunds prior to purchase by Morris Racker. For a Confederate revolver, this is a truly magnificent example with crisp markings, strong traces of orig finish and smooth,beautifully patinaed brass frame. This revolver has only been in two collections since it left the family who had it since the war. There is a large file with provenance and history on this gun and the orig Cofer holster. The orig Cofer holster originated with Serial “F” and was added in 2003. PROVENANCE: Charles Frederick, Gettysburg, PA; Fred Edmunds, 1992; Outstanding estate collection of Confederate and historical arms of Morris Racker, 2008. CONDITION: Overall very good plus, excellent for a Confederate handgun. All matching and complete. SN 1l is found on top of cyl pin, left side of loading lever, left side of plunger, bottom of bbl, front of frame, hammer on left side, trigger on left side, sideplate, grip screw, rear of cyl between cones, both frame screws on left side and other two screws in frame are stamped with “1”. Both lever screws are SNd “11”. Gun is marked on brass top strap “T.W. COFER’S / PATENT” and on top bbl flat “PORTSMOUTH VA”. Gun is overall “as found” with iron surfaces overall smooth brown/plum, light pitting and scattered small blemishes. Loading assembly has strong traces of orig finish, especially bright on plunger. Traces of blue are still seen on bbl, though mostly plum. Frame has smooth mustard patina with several small scratches and dents. Grips are sound and fit well with hand worn patina, base of each grip has about 1/8″ x 1/2″ inset where a lanyard was possibly fit light edge wear and light tacking. Single initial “F” is scratched into buttstrap. The orig Cofer holster is well worn and has a gilted Civil War eagle “I” button as finial so often seen on Confederate holsters. Holster displays gun well and fits nicely though muzzle protrudes. 51957-22 JS (100,000-150,000) – Lot 1244

| Click here to view provenance

Auction: Firearms - October 2017

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

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	1244	$103,500.00	EXTREMELY RARE COFER PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA, PERCUSSION CONFEDERATE REVOLVER, FINEST EXAMPLE KNOWN, WITH AN ORIGINAL COFER HOLSTER. SN 11. Cal. 36. One of the true rarities and among the most coveted revolvers in Confederate collecting is the brass framed percussion revolver made in Portsmouth, Virginia by Thomas W. Cofer. There are 13 known percussion specimens plus an additional three made for special percussion cartridges. These percussion models were true martial Confederate pistols being contracted by the 5th Virginia Cavalry. 82 revolvers were contracted and delivered in January and May of 1862. Several of the few 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. An excavated frame SN 10 was found near Macon, GA in 1955. SN 11 is by far the finest example known and was the prize revolver of renown Confederate collector Fred Edmunds prior to purchase by Morris Racker. For a Confederate revolver, this is a truly magnificent example with crisp markings, strong traces of orig finish and smooth,beautifully patinaed brass frame. This revolver has only been in two collections since it left the family who had it since the war. There is a large file with provenance and history on this gun and the orig Cofer holster. The orig Cofer holster originated with Serial “F” and was added in 2003. PROVENANCE: Charles Frederick, Gettysburg, PA; Fred Edmunds, 1992; Outstanding estate collection of Confederate and historical arms of Morris Racker, 2008. CONDITION: Overall very good plus, excellent for a Confederate handgun. All matching and complete. SN 1l is found on top of cyl pin, left side of loading lever, left side of plunger, bottom of bbl, front of frame, hammer on left side, trigger on left side, sideplate, grip screw, rear of cyl between cones, both frame screws on left side and other two screws in frame are stamped with “1”. Both lever screws are SNd “11”. Gun is marked on brass top strap “T.W. COFER’S / PATENT” and on top bbl flat “PORTSMOUTH VA”. Gun is overall “as found” with iron surfaces overall smooth brown/plum, light pitting and scattered small blemishes. Loading assembly has strong traces of orig finish, especially bright on plunger. Traces of blue are still seen on bbl, though mostly plum. Frame has smooth mustard patina with several small scratches and dents. Grips are sound and fit well with hand worn patina, base of each grip has about 1/8″ x 1/2″ inset where a lanyard was possibly fit light edge wear and light tacking. Single initial “F” is scratched into buttstrap. The orig Cofer holster is well worn and has a gilted Civil War eagle “I” button as finial so often seen on Confederate holsters. Holster displays gun well and fits nicely though muzzle protrudes. 51957-22 JS (100,000-150,000) – Lot 1244 \| Click here to view provenance Auction: Firearms - October 2017 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.

.red{fill:#B50938;} .white{fill:#FFFFFF;} .blue{fill:#005596;}

EXTREMELY RARE COFER PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA, PERCUSSION CONFEDERATE REVOLVER, FINEST EXAMPLE KNOWN, WITH AN ORIGINAL COFER HOLSTER.