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LOT 72
Exceptional and Desirable Colt Acid Etched Panel
New Police “Cop & Thug” Gripped Spur Trigger Revolver
with Special Order Barrel - Serial no. 14939, 38 CF cal., 4 1/4 inch round bbl.,
blue finish, hard rubber grips. Manufactured in 1882, these “Cop & Thug” gripped
New Police revolvers are admittedly among the most attractive antique Colts and
are very scarce. Less than 4,000 are believed to have been manufactured between
1882 and 1886. This example has a non-standard 4 1/4 inch barrel. Standard barrel lengths were 2 1/4,
4 1/2, 5, and 6 inches. The left side of the barrel carries the desirable acid etched panel marked “NEW
POLICE 38.” Top of the barrel has the two-line Hartford address, and the left side of the frame is marked
“38CAL.” London proofs appear on the underside of the barrel and at the rear of the cylinder flutes. The
grips have “COLT” at the top and a police officer restraining a thug’s knife armed hand while pointing a
Colt revolver at his chest at the bottom.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retaining 85% original blue finish with thinning
to brown on the balance. The acid etched panel is excellent. The grips are
excellent with overall crisp checkering and “Cop & Thug” motif. Mechanically
functions but cylinder does not lock properly.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
LOT 71
Rare L.D. Nimschke
Engraved Colt
House Model
“Cloverleaf” Spur
Trigger Revolver with Rare 1 1/2 Inch Barrel
and Factory Letter - Serial no. 2877, 41
RF cal., 1 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel finish,
walnut grips. Manufactured in 1871, this is one of approximately 7,500 manufactured
known as the “cloverleaf” variation, due to the shape of their four-shot cylinder. This
specific revolver is a very rare variation, featuring a 1 1/2 inch barrel. The included factory
letter confirms the caliber, barrel length, grip material, and cloverleaf style, as well as shipment
to Cooper, Harris, & Hodgkins in New York on 21 April 1873. Classic Nimschke engraving patterns of masterfully
executed floral scroll and wavy line borders which encompass most of the surfaces of the revolver. The left of the
barrel is marked “COLT”. The matching serial number is marked on the butt and bottom of the barrel. It is fitted with
a blade front sight and a pair of smooth walnut grips. There are a couple collection markings in yellow enamel on
the front strap and the butt.
CONDITION: Very fine as New York engraved, retains
80% plus nickel finish and scattered
patches of very light
flaking. The grips are
very good with a few
minor handling marks
and much of the crazed
original varnish. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 9,500 - 14,000
LOT 74
Very Scarce and Exceptional
Early Production Two-Digit Serial
Number “25” Factory Engraved Colt
No. 2 Derringer - Serial no. 25, 41 RF cal.,
2 1/2 inch flat topped round bbl., nickel
finish, walnut grips. One of approximately 9,000 manufactured from
1870 to 1890, with this being an early production, two-digit serial
number example. It has the standard two-line address and “2” model
marking on the top barrel flat flanked by Maltese crosses. The bottom of
the barrel has two small British proofs. There are flourishes of factory floral
scroll engraving on the sides of the frame and the back strap. The matching
two-digit serial number is marked on the butt, on the bottom of the barrel,
and in ink inside both grip panels. It is fitted with blade and hammer notch
sights and a pair of checkered walnut grips.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 90% of the original nickel finish, 75%
of the vibrant case colors on the hammer and trigger, and a few scattered
patches of light flaking. The grips are excellent with a few scattered light
handling marks and almost all of the original varnish. Mechanically needs
adjustment as the hammer does not hold at full cock.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 73
Attractive New York Engraved Colt Open Top Pocket Spur Trigger Revolver with
Highly Desirable Wexell & DeGress Grips and Scarce Factory Box - Serial no. 69731, 22 RF cal.,
2 3/8 inch round bbl., nickel/gold finish, metal grips. Manufactured in 1875, the top of the barrel is
marked with the standard Colt two-line address flanked by Maltese crosses. Both sides of the frame,
the cylinder, and the barrel have flourishes of floral scroll, rosettes, and dot/wavy line engraving. The
full serial number is marked on the butt and bottom of the barrel lug. It is fitted with a very attractive
pair of Wexell & DeGress silver grips with floral motifs on the left along with the 1874 patent marking
and a lion motif on the right. Includes a scarce factory box marked for “Colt’s Seven Shot Pistol”.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 80% plus of the period New York retailer applied nickel and gold
finishes, with some scattered light flaking/wear and crisp engraving overall. The grips retain most
of their original silver finish and crisp designs. Mechanically excellent. The box is very good with
moderate edge/corner wear.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500