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LOT 3128
Exceptional Exhibition Grade Engraved and Gold Plated Remington-
Smoot New Model No. 2 Revolver with Pearl Grips, Leather Bound Case,
and Book - Serial no. 285, 32 RF cal., 2 3/4 inch solid rib bbl., gold finish, pearl
grips. This incredible revolver is pictured and discussed on pages 338-341 of the
included copy of “A Life’s Tapestry of a Collector: The Gamble Collection” by George
F. Gamble and R.L. Wilson where it is described as “a rarely encountered engraved
Remington. The profuse engraved decoration is of a leaf and vine scroll decor with a grape cluster on each side of
the frame, on both sides of the barrel near the cylinder, and on the back strap. The degree of coverage, including detailed border motifs and the hammer, and the overall finesse - as well as the pearl grips - and the gold-plated finish, and the case, suggest that the set was prepared for exhibition purposes. The number 285 suggests early production - although the system used by Remington arms was often of batch numbers, rather than serial numbers. Documented in a handwritten letter dated February 15, 1956, stating that the Remington factory records reveal the revolver to have been gold-plated and of presentation grade, and was shipped to William H. Deagan [sic], General Manager, Merchant’s Dispatch Transportation Company [sic], December 1874. The letter bears the signature
of A. Burlingame. The letter no longer accompanies the set. The total manufactured of the Smoot series Remington revolvers is estimated at 31,000.” The book incorrectly lists this revolver as a No. 1 in .30 caliber. The Merchants Despatch Transportation Company (MDT) was originally part of the American Express Company of New York and was reorganized in 1871 and became part of Cornelius Vanderbilt’s railroad empire after the Civil War. Rather than “William H. Deagan,” the revolver was likely owned by William Geagen
of Yonkers, New York, who is listed as the company’s general agent and later general traffic manager in New York City. He retired in October 1899 due to failing health after 40 years with the company per a circular issued by Arthur Mill, vice-president and general manager of the company, published in “Railway World” and other publications in October 1899. He died from stomach cancer only a few days after his resignation.
The revolver has “E. REMINGTON & SONS. ILION. N.Y. PAT. W.S. SMOOT. OCT. 21. 1873.” marked on the upper rib, blade and notch sights, an ejector on the right, incredibly high coverage grape leaf, floral, and scroll etching and engraving cover nearly all of the surfaces aside from the bottom, niter blue screws, gold plated remaining components, matching serial numbers (cylinder has “5”), and a lovely pair of smooth pearl grips. It comes in a hazelnut colored leather bound case with fitted interior with red satin lining.
CONDITION: Excellent with 95% plus original gold remaining, fading slightly on the back strap, distinct embellishment throughout, strong original niter blue on most of the screws, and minor age and handling related wear. The grips are also excellent and have lovely iridescent colors and smooth surfaces. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine and has moderate storage wear including some tears on the lining. This is easily one of the finest of all Remington-Smoot revolvers and will add beauty and interest to any
antique arms collection.
Provenance: The George F. Gamble Collection.
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN A LIFE'S TAPESTRY OF A COLLECTOR: THE GAMBLE COLLECTION BY GAMBLE & WILSON
Estimate: 20,000 - 35,000
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