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LOT 3222
Historic Documented Pair of Presentation U.S. Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolvers Formerly Owned by
Hugh Harbison, Bookkeeper, Secretary, and Treasurer of Colt’s Pt. F.A. Mfg. Co with R.L. Wilson Authentication
Letter. -A) Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver - Serial no. 50836, 36 cal., 7 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/nickel
finish, walnut grips. This unusual pair of deluxe finished U.S. contract Colt Model 1851 Navy revolvers dates to 1856 and are
documented as owned by Hugh Harbison, an employee of Samuel Colt’s company for 35 plus years rising from the position
of bookkeeper in 1856 to secretary and treasurer of Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company in the 1860s into the late
19th century. These revolvers remained with Harbison’s family until 1988.
The revolvers are serial numbers 50836 and 50840 and thus are fairly close to a consecutive pair. They have the standard
markings and features of the antebellum era U.S. contract Model 1851 Navy revolvers, including “U.S.” marked under the
“COLTS/PATENT” markings on the frames and government inspection markings, including “LCA” (Lucian C. Allin) and “RHKW”
(Captain Robert Henry Kirkland Whiteley) cartouches. However, they are finished in higher gloss blue finish on the barrels
and cylinders, vibrant niter bluing on the triggers and screws, bright case colors on the frames as well as the hammers and
loading levers, and nickel plating on the grip frames. “K” is stamped on the left side of the barrels, cylinders, grip frame, and
grips as well as the butt of each grip. They both have all matching visible serial numbers. For many years, the pair was held in
a double rosewood factory case which is now absent. They are accompanied by a book style case reading “THE CASED COLT
NAVY REVOLVERS/OF/HUGH HARBISON/SECRETARY/COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO./SERIAL NO. 50836 & 50840/U. S. MARKED” on
the cover and “THE/HUGH HARBISON/CASED/COLT NAVIES” on the spine. Given the revolvers feature bright nickel plating
on the grip frames, they were likely refinished by the factory in their special finishes around the 1870s, perhaps at Harbison’s
direction for himself or by the factory as presentation pieces for him, perhaps upon his retirement.
Per his obituary in the Hartford Courant on March 11, 1903, the day following his death, Hugh Harbison was born in Aghory,
Tandragee, County Armagh, Ireland, on October 26, 1833, and came to Hartford on August 26, 1849. Harbison found work
initially at Denison, Morgan & Co. and then worked for Tracy & Fales as a bookkeeper. In 1856, he was hired by Samuel Colt as
a bookkeeper. “He was made secretary and treasurer of Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company after the death of L.P.
Sergeant and was practically the manager of the works until
about twelve years ago, when he resigned, soon after the late
John H. Hall came into the control of the management of the
company. For many years he was the manager of Mrs. Colt’s
real and personal estate.” He also was the senior member of
grocery business Harbison Brothers with his younger brother
Alexander and was also involved in other Hartford businesses
as well as various civic organizations. His death was noted as originating from a fall
through a skylight at his home that resulted in breaking three ribs three years prior to his death as well as a subsequent fall
resulting in a broken leg.