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LOT 60
Attractive Exhibition Quality Samuel J. Hoggson Engraved and Silver Plated
Plant’s Manufacturing Co. Front Loading Third Model “Army” Revolver with Ivory
Grips - Serial no. 1495, 42 cup-primed cal., 5 1/8 inch solid rib bbl., silver finish, antique
ivory grips. Manufactured in the mid-1860s, right around the time of the Civil War, these
Plant’s front loading “Army” revolvers were just one of many attempts by a variety of
different companies to circumvent Rollin White’s bored through cylinder patents which
were held by Smith & Wesson. Only around 8,000 of these revolvers were manufactured,
spread across three variations. This particular revolver shows exhibition quality level
of engraving executed by Samuel J. Hoggson. Hoggson is probably best known for his
masterful engraving for the New Haven Arms Company on their iconic Henry rifles, and
this revolver certainly shows many of his typical patterns. One of these distinctive patterns
is found on the forward sides of the frame, where this revolver is engraved with a large
flower bloom of exactly the same pattern seen on the forward panels of the frame on
many engraved Henrys. The oval panel scene on the left of the frame features a church
or castle and the surrounding landscape. An almost identical scene is engraved on an
extremely early, serial number 1, Dodge/Briggs patent Winchester lever action rifle, which
was the predecessor of the Winchester Model 1866. The rifle was presented to W.C. Dodge
himself, and can be seen on p. 55 of “The Winchester Book” by Madis, on p. 30 of “The
Book of Winchester Engraving” by Wilson, and p. 39 of “Winchester Engraving” by Wilson.
The presentation date of that rifle was 1865, indicating that this revolver was probably
engraved around the same time. It is very clear that the engraving on this revolver, as well
as on the previously mentioned rifle, was executed by Hoggson, with this revolver being a
“missing link” of sorts, between the flower bloom on the forward frame panels of Henrys
and the panel scene on one of the earliest Winchester lever actions. The remainder of the
engraving features about 50% coverage, beautifully executed grape vine and leafy scroll
which surrounds the small oval landscape scene on the left of the frame, continues down
the back strap, and includes flourishes of more traditional scroll on the sides of the barrel.
This example is marked with the one-line Plant’s address on top of the barrel rib and the
one-line Merwin & Bray agent’s marking on the left barrel flat. The serial number is marked
on the butt. It is fitted with a pair of smooth antique ivory grips.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 75% plus of the original silver plating with some scattered
specks of light flaking, some light edge/high spot wear, and crisp engraving overall. The
grips are fine with an attractively aged tone and a few hairline age cracks and handling
marks. Mechanically fine. A very fine example of Samuel J. Hoggson’s masterful engraving,
which provides a link between his patterns engraved on Henry rifles and those found on
some of the earliest production Winchester lever actions!
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
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