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"Over half a century has passed since I cut my teeth on old .36 Navy Colt. For 40 years I have almost never been out of reach of a good sixgun."
- Elmer Keith, "Sixguns"
The revolver was manufactured in 1859 and had a long service life. Elmer Keith’s name is lightly inscribed on top
of the barrel ahead of the barrel address. The revolver has the classic Germanic scroll factory engraving inhabited by a birds head on the left side of the barrel and floral bloom accents throughout. The barrel is fitted with a dovetailed blade front sight and is marked with the one-line Hartford address. The left side of the frame has the “COLTS/PATENT” marking. The left side of the trigger guard has a “G,” and there is a “K” and a “T” on the replacement cylinder along with the standard Naval Battle of Campeche roll-scene and “COLT’S PATENT No. 66.” Matching serial numbers are found on the wedge, arbor, loading lever, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The grip has a raised relief carved steer head on the left side.
CONDITION: Good with dark gray patina on the iron, worn but distinct engraving, traces of blue finish remaining on the replacement cylinder, 20% original silver plating on the grip straps mainly in the protected areas, aged patina on the silver and exposed brass, and general moderate overall wear fitting for this revolvers epic service life. The grip is likewise fine and has worn but distinct raised relief steer head carving on the left, attractive natural patina and grain, some minor chips at the edges, shrinkage from age, and age cracks on the butt. It has a worn first notch but is otherwise mechanically fine. This fascinating revolver is a reminder that fancy revolvers weren’t just tucked away in the homes of wealthy businessmen, they were also carried and used hard by military men on both sides during the Civil War and by cattle ranchers and other pioneers in the American West. This revolver remained in use long after Reconstruction by legendary handgunner Elmer Keith as a sidearm and an memento of his friend Major R.E. Stratton. Provenance: Confederate Major R.E. Stratton of the
1st Texas Regiment; The Elmer Keith Estate Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 10,000 - 15,000
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