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LOT 239
Cased Pair of Factory Engraved Colt Model 1861 Navy Percussion Revolvers with Exceptional Patriotic Relief Carved Grips
-A) Colt Model 1861 Navy Revolver - Serial no. 19661, 36 cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, carved grips. This cased pair of matching engraved revolvers with spectacular raised patriotic motif relief carved grips would have made an excellent pair for presentation to a Union general and was manufactured in 1864 in the latter part of the American Civil War. The consignor indicates the pair was in the Johnnie Bassett Collection and that he purchased them from the original owners in Kansas City, Missouri, and believed they were owned by a Civil War general. The pair features the iconic “Late Percussion Vine Scroll” engraving patterns. This style has been attributed by some to Gustave Young and by Herbert Houze to Georg H. Sterzing. Regardless of the specific engraver, the talent involved is immediately clear when you lay your eyes on the revolvers. They feature flowing intaglio cut scroll patterns with beaded and flower accents, smooth backgrounds, hand inscribed “COLTS/PATENT” markings on the left side of the frames, the dog/wolf head motif on the hammers, and the standard New York barrel address and Naval Battle of Campeche cylinder scenes.
All of the visible serial numbers are matching, and “1” is marked above or below the serial numbers on the barrels, frames, trigger guards, and back straps. The left side of both grips features a raised relief carved bald eagle with partially spread wings perched on Columbia’s shield with arrows and a laurel branch in their claws and a scroll inscribed “LIBERTY” below the shield.
The pair comes in a rare factory rosewood double presentation case with two Eley Bros. cap tins, L-shaped combination tool, blued ball/bullet mold with “COLT’S/PATENT” marked sprue cutter, and a martial themed flask with sloped charger.
CONDITION: Very good with distinct engraving, traces of original finish
in the protected areas such as the bright case colors on the hammer and otherwise mostly smooth silver-gray patina on the iron, dark aged patina on the grip straps, mostly visible cylinder scene, and general mild overall wear suggesting it was actually used in the period. The grip is very fine and has exceptional carving with distinct designs and mild handling wear, a faint age crack along the right, minor edge wear, and attractive natural grain and aged patina. Mechanically fine. The case is also very fine and has mild age and storage related wear, including a broken divider and some fading and contact wear on the lining. The accessories are good with moderate wear. B) Colt Model 1861 Navy Revolver - Serial no. 18119, 36 cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, carved grips. See “A.” CONDITION: Very good with distinct engraving and markings, traces of original finish in the protected areas but otherwise smooth silver-gray patina on the iron along with some faint speckled pitting, dark aged patina on the grip straps, and light overall wear. The grip is very fine and has distinct carving, mild handling wear, a couple tiny chips, minor age lines, and attractive grain and patina. Mechanically fine.
Provenance: The Johnnie Bassett Collection; Property of a Gentleman. Estimate: 20,000 - 30,000
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