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LOT 141
Factory Exhibition Quality Engraved Colt New Line .38 Spur Trigger Revolver with
Pearl Grips - Serial no. 6870, 38 CF cal., 2 1/4 inch round bbl., nickel/gold finish, pearl grips. This revolver was manufactured
in 1877, just a year after the World’s Fair was held in Philadelphia in celebration of the centennial of the Declaration of
Independence and the founding of the United States. The Fair presented a tremendous advertising opportunity for American
arms companies like Colt and Winchester. Both displayed elaborate exhibition arms and took in orders, including for high end
deluxe arms. Colt’s famous display was perhaps the factory’s most spectacular display in its history, and Colt’s smaller pocket revolvers were highly represented given they were just
the type of firearms suited to those living in and visiting the bustling late 19th century cities. Though this revolver didn’t feature on the wheel at the fair, it certainly shows a similar
level of embellishment to those that did. The engraving on this example was probably executed by Cuno Helfricht and consists of primarily punch-dot backed intertwining vine scroll
and floral engraving. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard two-line address. The left of the frame is marked “38CAL” and “C”. Matching serial numbers are on the bottom of
the barrel, rear of the cylinder (“870”), and left side of the grip frame, which is also marked “E”. It is fitted the standard blade and groove sights, and a pair of smooth pearl grips.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 70% of the original nickel finish with some scattered patches of minor flaking and light pitting, and 50% of the original gold on the cylinder showing a dark, aged
patina. The engraving remains crisp overall. The grips are excellent with only the slightest handling marks. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
LOT 140
Excellent Cased Colt New
Line .22 Etched Panel Spur
Trigger Revolver with Rare Checkered Pearl
Grips - Serial no. 40722, 22 RF cal., 2 1/4 inch slab
sided bbl., nickel finish, checkered pearl grips.
Manufactured in 1876, the top of the barrel marked
with the standard two-line Colt address, patent
marking on the bottom, and the left of the barrel with the desirable etched
panel marked “COLT NEW 22”. The left of the frame has the caliber marking and
the serial number is marked on the butt. It is fitted with a pair of attractive,
checkered pearl grips that are lightly inscribed on the top of each panel “K.E.Y.”
and “1888”. Includes a leather wrapped hard case that is marked “ESTELLE F.
GIBBONS/DECEMBER 2, 1881”, a cleaning rod, and a full cartridge block.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 98% plus of the original nickel finish with some
scattered light handling marks and
the etched panel remaining sharp
and crisp. The attractive grips are also
excellent with a few hairline age cracks/
chips, and the checkering mostly crisp.
Mechanically excellent. The case is
fine with moderate handling/
storage wear.
Provenance: The
George S. Lewis Jr. Collection;
Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 7,000 - 10,000
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