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LOT 1294
U.S. Contract Colt First Model Dragoon Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 7914, 44
cal., 7 1/2 inch part round bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. The First
Model Dragoon is an important descendant of the famous Colt Walker revolver which debuted just one year
earlier. These revolvers were designed for mounted use by the U.S. Mounted Riflemen and 1st and 2nd U.S. Dragoons in the
antebellum era and were also popular in the American Southwest. They saw use during the American Civil War in both Union and Confederate hands. This revolver was manufactured in 1849 and has the distinctive first model cylinder with oval cylinder stops like the Walker along with a squareback trigger guard
as well as the subtler First Model hammer and mainspring. The upper barrel flat is marked “-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-” reading from muzzle the towards the breech . The left side of the frame is marked “COLT’S/PATENT/U.S.” Single letter inspection marks on various components. No cartouches visible on the grip. Matching serial numbers are located on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, butt, loading lever, wedge, cylinder and cylinder pin.
CONDITION: Very good plus, retains 30% original blue finish concentrated on the barrel with sharp markings, a few faint traces of original case colors, with smooth gray and brown patina on the balance and traces of original blue finish on the cylinder with a fine, well-defined scene with a patch of mild pitting obstructing the markings above the serial number, and half of the original silver plated finish concentrated on the backstrap and protected areas of the trigger guard. Grip is also very good with scattered scratches, crazing and some light edge wear. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 7,500 - 9,500
LOT 1295
Double Cased Set of Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolvers with Accessories -A) Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver - Serial no. 175554, 36 cal., 7 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, varnished walnut grips. The Model 1851 Navy is one of the most iconic of all 19th century firearms and was one of Colt’s most popular percussion revolvers and helped establish Colt as a household name. They were used by both sides during the Civil War as well as around
the world thanks to foreign military sales and Colt’s London factory and agency. The “A” gun was manufactured in 1864, and the “B” gun was manufactured in 1866 and evidently originally destined for the London agency given the “L” marking by the main serial numbers and the blued iron grip frame, but it never crossed the pond given the lack of London proof marks. Both revolvers have all matching visible serial numbers. “A” does not have a number on the loading lever but has the matching partial serial number properly marked on the wedge and arbor pin and in black ink in the butt inlet. It also has an “M” at the toe. The wedge for “B” is tightly fit and was not removed, but its grip is also numbered to the gun, and it also has a double stamped “0” on the barrel. They both have the New York barrel address, standard cylinder scenes, patent markings, and caliber markings, and have the usual brass cone front sights and hammer notch rear sights. The custom fitted rosewood case also contains cartridge packs, a loose Eley cartridge, a silvered Colt patent powder flask, an oiler, a Colt patent steel dual cavity bullet mold, an L-shaped combination tool, a cleaning rod, and a Hicks percussion cap tin.
CONDITION: Fine. The barrel retains 80% plus of the original, high
polish blue finish, and the cylinder retains 30% of the original blue
and has a mostly distinct roll-scene and several solid safety pins. The
frame, loading lever, and hammer retain 90% of the original, vibrant
case colors. The right side of the barrel has some dents and scratches
surrounding the wedge, and the muzzle is a bit rough. The trigger guard
and back strap have traces of silver plating in protected areas. The grip is
very good and has patches of the original varnish present and moderate lower edge wear. Mechanically fine. The custom case is refinished, the accessories are fine and have mild age and storage related wear. B) Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver with Iron Grip Frame - Serial no. 186073, 36 cal., 7 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. See “A.”
CONDITION: Very fine with 85% plus original, bright, high polish blue finish on the barrel and grip frame, 30% original blue on the cylinder, 70% original, vivid case colors on the frame as well as the loading lever and hammer, smooth gray or brown patina on the balance, mostly complete cylinder safety pins, and generally minor overall wear. The grip is also very fine and has the vast majority of the original varnish, minor chip at the toe, light handling and storage marks, and minor edge wear. Mechanically fine. A great set of Colt ‘51 Navies sure to enhance any antique arms collection.
Estimate: 10,000 - 15,000
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