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LOT 1182
Game Scene Engraved,
Silver Plated Merwin & Bray Firearms
Co. Plant Front Loading Revolver with
Presentation Inscription, Pearl Grips and Case - Serial no.
3452, 30 Cup Primed cal., 3 1/2 inch octagon bbl., silver finish,
pearl grips. Manufactured in the mid-1860s with this example
having an extensive period engraving. The cylinder and barrel
feature nearly full coverage geometric engraving. The frame is decorated with broad
floral scrollwork, panels of geometric motifs, and a running hare surrounded by
scrollwork on the sideplate. The cylinder also has a dated presentation inscription:
“Presented to/WM. GRANT,” “[illegible] by his/ Boston Scottish Friends”, and “May
26/1865.” The revolver is fitted with a set of pearl grips. The included period
hardwood case contains an empty cartridge block.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining traces of period silver plating in the protected areas, with some scattered
patches of pitting and the exposed brass having an attractive appearance. The grips are very fine with minimal
handling marks and
highly attractive fiery
colors. The cylinder
does not lock properly
when action is cycled.
The case is very good
with handling/storage
markings and high
spot wear
on the lining.
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
LOT 1181
Hoggson Engraved, Inscribed, and
Silver Plated Plant’s Manufacturing
Co. Front Loading Third Model “Army” Revolver with Antique Ivory Grips - Serial no.
1361, 42 cup-primed cal., 6 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 very attractive engraving, almost certainly 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 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, very similar to the pattern seen on the forward panels of the frame on
many engraved Henrys. The remainder of the engraving features about 50% coverage, beautifully executed
grape vine and leafy scroll, which continues down the backstrap, surrounding the inscription panel engraved
“HENRY T. BROWN/NEW YORK.”, whose identity remains unknown. There are also 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 good, retaining traces of the original silver finish in sheltered areas, with the balance of the iron mostly a smooth
grey patina, the brass showing an attractively aged patina, and the engraving remaining crisp overall. The attractively aged grips
show hairline age cracks and a few minor edge/corner chips. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 1183
Very Attractive Engraved and Silver Plated Plant’s
Manufacturing Co. Front Loading Third Model “Army”
Revolver with Pearl Grips - Serial no. 5272, 42 cup-primed cal.,
5 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., blue/silver finish, pearl 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. Though no
government contracts for purchase of these revolvers has ever been confirmed, many of them were
privately purchased by soldiers and officers for use as a sidearm during the Civil War. This is 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. The revolver has about 50%
coverage, beautifully executed floral scroll engraving with punch dotted backgrounds, most notably on
the sides of the frame, but also extending in flourishes to the back strap, top of the frame, and sides of
the barrel. The cylinder shows acid etched floral scroll which is very similar in style to the engraving on
the other components. It is fitted with a pair of smooth pearl grips.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 90% plus of the original silver plating on the frame and faint traces of
original blue on the remaining components with the balance mostly a grey patina, some scattered light
pitting on the cylinder, a few speckled spots of light oxidation, and crisp engraving/etching overall. The
grips are fine with a couple minor chips at the top of the left panel. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500