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LOT 116
Presentation Cased Set of Factory Engraved Colt New Line Revolvers with Pearl Grips
-A) Factory
Engraved Colt New
Line .41 Caliber
Revolver - Serial no.
5005, 41 CF cal., 2
1/2 inch round bbl.,
nickel finish, pearl
grips. Manufactured
in 1876. The
revolver is factory
engraved with near
full coverage floral
scrollwork on a
shaded background
on the frame. The cylinder, barrel and top of the back strap are
engraved to match. The top strap and hammer slot are engraved
in a diamond and dot motif. A border engraving surrounds the
front sight and barrel address, and the back strap has engraved
entwining lines. The left side of the grip frame is marked “P” for
pearl and “N” for nickel. The left side of the frame is marked “41
CAL C”. The barrel and both grip panels are numbered to the
gun. Both grip panels are also marked with the caliber (“41 Cal”).
Comes with an added period presentation rosewood case which
fits both “A” and “B” revolvers. The French fitted case has German
silver furniture and blue velvet lining and also holds two boxes
of Winchester .41 Long ammunition. One box is sealed, and the
other box has 49 of the 50 cartridges.
CONDITION: Very fine. 90% untouched original nickel remains
in the frame, 70% original nickel remains on the barrel and
traces of original nickel remains on the cylinder, otherwise a
gun metal gray on the balance. The letters “X”, “V” and “A” are
hand marked on the underside of the frame. 60% original nitre
blue remains on the hammer. The engraving is crisp. The grips
are also very fine with a small crack near the top (right panel),
otherwise attractive fiery color. Mechanically excellent. The case
is fine with the exterior showing some minor handling/storage
evidence and retaining most of the varnish and the lining
showing moderate fading and typical high spot wear.
Provenance: The Dr. Robert G. Cox Collection. B) Documented Factory Engraved Colt New Line .41 Caliber Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 5014, 41 RF cal., 2 1/4 inch round bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips. The accompanying factory letter addressed to collector Dr. Robert Cox lists this revolver with nickel and gold finish, .41 RF barrel (length not listed), pearl grips and factory engraving when shipped to Worton & Cooke (address unknown) as a one gun shipment on March 19, 1886. The revolver is factory engraved with near full coverage floral scrollwork on a punch dot background. The barrel and back strap are engraved to match while the cylinder has
a simple engraved scroll pattern. The toe of the grip frame is marked “41 CAL.” The barrel is numbered to the gun. The left side of the grip frame is marked with “P” for pearl. The right grip panel appears to be numbered to the gun (number partially illegible). An accompanying June 1972 dated letter on the letterhead of R.L. Wilson is signed by George F. Havens who states that this revolver was used by his father during 35 years with the Hartford City Police Department, circa 1890-1925. Three other included letters between Wilson and Robert Cox indicate that this revolver was once part of Cox’s collection. The included period card of James R. Wasson, U.S. Army is addressed to “Gen. O.M. Watkins” and inscribed “With compliments and as a souvenir of May & June 1883” along with the signature “Jas. R. Wasson.” Consignor research related to Major Wasson is also included. A 17 year old James R. Wasson enlisted in the Union Army in January 1864 and served in the 34th Iowa Volunteer Infantry until he mustered out in August 1865. After returning to Iowa, Wasson secured an academy appointment and graduated first in his West Point class of 1871. He rubbed elbows with the upper echelons of military society and had close ties to President Grant and his son Frederick. He spent substantial time in Japan advising the Japanese government and was in Japan during the Formosa Expedition of 1874. In 1876, President Grant appointed Wasson as an Army paymaster with the rank of Major. Wasson’s promising military career came to a crashing halt in 1883 when he stole $24,000 from the Army to pay off gambling debt. He confessed to his crime, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, and was later pardoned by President Arthur. The trial was in May and June 1883. These dates coincide with the dates written on Wasson’s included card. Wasson’s connection, if any, to one or both of these revolvers remains unknown.
CONDITION: Very fine. 75% original nickel remains on the frame, 85% original nickel remains on the barrel and strong amounts of original nickel remains in the cylinder flutes, otherwise a smooth dark patina on the balance. Traces of original nitre blue remains on the hammer and trigger. The engraving is crisp overall. The grips are excellent with fiery color. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Dr. Robert G. Cox Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 8,000 - 14,000
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