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LOT 1177
Attractive Documented Cased Factory
Engraved and Gold and Silver Plated Colt
Model 1861 Navy Percussion Revolver
with Raised Relief Mexican Eagle Carved
Grip - Serial no. 14512, 36 cal., 7 1/2 inch
round bbl., silver finish, antique ivory grips.
This beautiful classic Colt Model 1861 Navy
percussion revolver was manufactured
in 1863 and features stunning factory
engraving. Very similar patterns can be
seen on Georg Sterzing attributed factory
engraved revolvers in “Colt Factory Engravers of the 19th Century” by Houze. Note for example the
use of floral blooms amid the scrolls. The engraving is classic Germanic scrollwork with punched
backgrounds accented by lined borders, floral and shell accents, and a few wavy line designs. The
standard factory markings are also present, including “COLTS/PATENT” double stamped on the
left side and matching visible serial numbers with the “E” designation denoting factory engraving.
The revolver also features scarce factory silver and gold plating and a one-piece grip with a raised
relief carved rendition of the eagle and rattlesnake motif from the Mexican coat of arms on the left
side. The revolver comes in a fitted case with an Eley Bros. cap tin, silver plated martial themed flask, a cartridge pack, an L-shaped
combination tool, a deluxe blued Colt patent mold, and a few projectiles. A letter to Dave Kinsey from George Madis is also included
in which he indicates the “Old A.D. ‘Buckhorn’ Hodge, of Dallas, Tx. got the gun from Mrs. Hyde (and me) at her house - this was, I
guess, in 1971 or 1972. He only had it a short time, maybe less than a week...This was a ‘Gem’ in Elton Hyde’s collection...” A copy of
Hyde’s receipt from Weston’s Mexican Art Shop on May 4, 1953, is also included.
CONDITION: Very fine with 70% original silver plating remaining, thin original gold remaining on the cylinder along with 75% plus
of the original silver plated backing, strong original gold on the hammer, areas of age darkened patina on the silver, attractive aged
patina on the exposed brass on the grip frame, and mostly smooth brown patina on the balance of the cylinder. The engraving
remains crisp, and most of the markings are distinct. The grip is very fine and has crisp raised relief carving, attractive natural aged
tones, minimal age cracks, and minor handling and storage marks. Mechanically fine. The case and accessories are also very fine. The
keyhole escutcheon is absent. Overall, this is a very attractive Civil War era Colt Model 1861 Navy revolver with interesting Mexican
theme raised relief carved grip certain to add artistry and value to any collection of antique Colts.
Provenance: Norm Vegely, Private Collection.
Estimate: 27,500 - 37,500
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