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LOT 241
Desirable Civil War Era Presentation Cased Factory Engraved Colt Model 1862 Police Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 3436, 36 cal., 6 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/ casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. Colt’s “New Model Revolving Police Pistol” was one of his last before his death and is by many accounts one of the most attractive Colt percussion revolver models. This is especially the case with examples with beautiful factory engraving like this revolver. The engraving compliments the already attractive profile of the revolver. This model was offered more firepower than his ever popular Colt Model 1849 Pocket while remaining the same size. This stunning revolver was manufactured in 1861 and features classic scroll and floral engraving with finely beaded backgrounds, a dog head at the wedge screw, and “COLT’S/PATENT” engraved in a panel on the left instead of the standard stamped marking. The hammer has the wolf head motif and a series of five dots ahead of the knurling which is often said to represent the number of days required to complete the engraving. It also features a cone front sight, the New York barrel address, “36 CAL” and “L” on the left side of the trigger guard, and matching serial numbers (grip not dismounted). The factory dot marking for special finishing/engraving is marked either above or below each of the lower serial numbers. The revolver comes in a fitted case with a few balls, a key, a blued “36 P” marked Colt bullet/ball mold, cap tin, cartridge pack, and an eagle pattern pocket flask. CONDITION: Fine. The engraving remains crisp. The barrel retains 70% plus bright original high polish blue finish and has smooth gray patina on the balance which is mainly in the engraved section at the breech. The cylinder retains 30% of the original blue, mostly in the protected areas, but mostly display attractive smooth gray/brown patina. 80% plus of the original cases colors remain, and the colors are particularly vivid on the loading lever arm. The frame retains 60% of the original, age darkened silver plating, and there is a patch of exposed brass with natural aged patina mainly on the heel section of the back strap. The grip is also fine and has some mild dings and scrapes, mild lower edge wear, and the vast majority of the original finish. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine aside from a crack across the lid and has mild age and storage related wear. The accessories are very fine and have minor wear mainly from age, and the flask and mold retain considerable original finish. Overall this is a very attractive cased factory engraved Colt Model 1862 Police from early in the Civil War and would have made an excellent presentation piece for a Union officer. Provenance: The Norm Vegely Collection. Estimate: 16,000 - 25,000
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