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LOT 1212
Exceptional Indian Wars U.S. Marked Colt Model 1860 Army Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 24881, 44 cal., 8 inch round bbl., blue/ casehardened finish, walnut grips. This revolver and others like it with “US” markings on the trigger guards and mixed numbers are believed to be Civil War contract Model 1860 Army
revolvers that were refurbished by the government for use by the U.S. Army, especially the cavalry, out in the
West during the Sioux Wars, Yavapai Wars, Texas-Indian Wars, and other conflicts before they were replaced by converted
Model 1860 Army, Single Action Army, and Schofield revolvers. They are believed to have been in part issued to the famous “Buffalo
Soldiers.” Some were likely used to arm Indian scouts and other Native American allies as well in the West. The added “US” markings on the trigger guards may have been added since the “US” markings on the frames are sometimes worn away and as a clear way to distinguish privately purchased arms from government property, especially since former government owned weaponry was also being sold as surplus. It has the usual markings and features of a U.S. contract Model 1860 Army aside
from the added marking and mixed numbers on all the components. This example has the three-screw frame and back strap cut for use with a shoulder stock (not included). The frame serial number dates to 1861. The early production barrel is serial numbered “21”.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 70% arsenal refurbished blue finish on the barrel, 40% of the blue finish on the cylinder, hammer and backstrap with smooth brown
patina on the balance, some patches of surface oxidation and a few patches of light pitting visible underneath the finish, and 70% attractive vivid case colors on the frame with smooth gray patina on the balance and loading lever. The cylinder scene is defined. The brass exhibits a bright golden patina. The grip is also fine with defined edges, scattered light scratches and handling marks, and some dings concentrated mostly on the bottom right flat. Mechanically excellent. These arsenal refurbished Colt Model 1860 revolvers saw hard use in the West, making an exceptional condition example such as this one which was quite possibly issued to a “Buffalo Soldier” of the 9th or 10th Cavalry a desirable piece for the U.S. Military collector! Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 1214
U.S. Martially Inspected
Shoulder Stock for a Colt Dragoon Revolver - This desirable Colt Dragoon
shoulder stock is serial numbered for Third Model revolvers “16901” and “16902” on the lower tang and heel of the buttplate and has an oval script “WAT” (William A. Thornton) inspection cartouche stamped on the right side of the wrist and a “CGC” (C.G. Chandler) cartouche on the left. It fits the Third Model Dragoon revolvers with the proper frame and grip frame cuts and the extended mounting screws.
CONDITION: Fine overall with dark brown patina, moderate oxi
and general moderate overall wear including dings and scrape
desirable accessory to accompany a U.S. Colt Third Model Drag
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 1215
Rare and Desirable Set
of U.S. Cavalry Type Pommel
Holsters for Colt Dragoon Revolvers - This set
of period leather military pommel holsters would have been used to carry a pair of Colt Dragoon percussion “horse pistol” revolvers. Colt Dragoon revolvers were issued in pairs to the U.S. Army’s Mounted Rifles (U.S.M.R.), or “Dragoon” troops, and a set of saddle holsters such as these went with each pair, with surviving holster sets far less common than the revolvers today. When mounted to a saddle, the holsters laid on the sides of the pommel at the front where they were easily accessible. Both sides have large leather flaps with internal straps. The holsters are unmarked, which was common for cavalry holsters of the time, with various patterns in use. Other early martial handguns from the same time frame were tested for fitment, including Colt 1851 Navy and Colt 1860 Army revolvers (too loose) and a Model 1842 pistol (too tight), but only a larger Dragoon revolver fits like a glove, making this a rare surviving set. CONDITION: Very fine overall, with supple leather, a few areas of light age related cracking, two added small repair strips at the joint area, and some light handling marks. This rare set of U.S. Cavalry type pommel holsters is a must have accessory to accompany a pair of Colt Dragoon revolvers!
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 1213
Fine Colt London Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 39638, 36 cal., 7 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. Manufactured at Colt’s London factory in 1855. Colt’s Model 1851 Navy revolver proved to be very popular in the U.K. initially following the Great Exhibition in London in 1851. Features the large oval steel trigger guard, steel back strap, wide cylinder nipple cut- outs, bordered knurling on the hammer spur, and round head frame and trigger guard screws that are typical of Colt London Navy revolvers. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped “-ADDRESS COL. COLT LONDON-” and London “Crown/GP” and “Crown/V” proof and inspection marks are stamped on the left side of the barrel lug and alternating between each nipple on the cylinder. All matching visible serial numbers, with an unnumbered wedge. CONDITION: Fine, retains 60% plus original blue finish concentrated on the barrel, a distinct cylinder scene, and 30% of the original case colors with scattered light handling marks, and smooth brown patina and freckling on the balance. Grip is very fine with most of the original varnish finish, scattered light scratches and handling marks, with defined edges. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
180
dation, distinct cartouches,
s on the wood. A very
oon cut for a shoulder stock!