Page 163 - 4092-BOOK3-FLIPBOOK

LOT 3164
Exceptional and Scarce Massachusetts Arms Co. Wesson & Leavitt Percussion Dragoon
Revolver - Serial no. 144, 40 cal., 7 1/8 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. Only
around 1,000 of these revolvers were manufactured between 1850-1851 before production was halted due to a
patent infringement suit won by Samuel Colt. The design was in part by Edwin Wesson, older brother of Daniel
B. Wesson of later Smith & Wesson fame. The younger Wesson and Horace Smith were among the incorporators of the Massachusetts Arms
Co. “MASS. ARMS CO./CHICOPEE FALLS” is marked on the top strap. “WESSON’S & LEAVITT’S PATENT” is marked on the lock. “LEAVITTS PATENT
APRIL 29. 1837” is on the back of the cylinder, and “WESSON’S PATENT AUG. 28. 1849” is on the bevel gear. “144” is marked on the recoil shield and
underside of the top strap, and “488” is on the back of the barrel lug.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine with 70% plus of the bright high polish blue finish on the barrel and back strap, 50% original blue on the cylinder, 50% original case colors, mostly smooth gray patina on the balance, a couple of patches of corrosion on the cylinder, and generally minor overall wear. The grip is very fine and has strong original finish, several light dings and scratches, and mild edge wear. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Andrew Singer Collection.
Estimate: 7,500 - 11,000
LOT 3165
Exceptional Civil War U.S. Starr Model 1863 Army Single Action Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 38673,
44 cal., 8 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Reportedly, 32,000 of these Model 1863 revolvers were manufactured
between 1863-1865, with the majority purchased on government contract. The Starr Arms Co. Model 1863 Army revolver was
one of the most widely issued revolvers of the American Civil War alongside the Colt Model 1860 Army and the Remington New Model Army. Most
show signs of significant use, but this revolver remains in exceptional condition. It has the standard Starr markings along with single letter U.S.
Ordnance sub-inspection marks and boxed script inspection cartouches stamped on either side of the grip. Matching visible serial numbers located
on the front of the frame below the loading lever, inside the hammer well, barrel, cylinder, on the left of both grip straps, and stamped on top of the
one-piece walnut grip.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus original blue finish with some areas of flaking and smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, some scattered scratches and light freckling, a patch of light pitting on top, 80% vibrant original case colors, with sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Grip is very fine with defined edges, some scattered mild dents and scratches, visible cartouches, and smooth oiled finish. Mechanically excellent. This attractive Civil War Starr Model 1863 Army revolver is one of the finer surviving examples.
Provenance: The Andrew Singer Collection.
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000
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