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LOT 1203
Factory Engraved Colt Dragoon Percussion
Revolver with Holster Attributed as Carried by
a Bodyguard of Emperor Maximilian of Mexico -
Serial no. 12352, 44 cal., 7 1/2 inch part octagon bbl., blue/
casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. This revolver
was manufactured in 1852 and features the early Hartford factory engraving
with more feather-like detailing to the scrolls. The serial number on the barrel, frame,
trigger guard, and back strap are all followed by a “dot” denoting factory engraving. The barrel has a
period turned ring at the muzzle, a German silver blade front sight, “{ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY}”
signed on top, an eagle panel scene lightly engraved on the left, an unusual replacement wedge staked in place,
and larger replacement loading lever screw. The cylinder has turned rings and what appears to be “44 LELU MI” as
well as “COLTS PATENT” hand marked on the side. The frame has a non-factory “COLTS/PATENT” marking inscribed
among the scroll engraving on the left side rather than the standard stamped markings. Matching serial numbers are
visible on the cylinder, loading lever, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The revolver has a nicely figured walnut
grip with a varnished finish. It comes in a custom modern case with Colt loading and cleaning directions label inside the lid, a
large martial pattern Dragoon powder flask, “WAT” inspected “COLTS/PATENT” ball/bullet mold, and a key. A period brown leather
flap holster is also included. An included statement indicates this revolver was carried by a bodyguard of Emperor Ferdinand Joseph
Maximilian (1832-1867) of Mexico who was executed in by Mexican republican forces. “This revolver, carried by the bodyguard when he escaped from Mexico, arrived in
Australia. It was traded for one week’s rations on the gold fields in Victoria. It remained in the possession of the family and [was] later found at Neales Flat, near Eudunda, S.
Aus. approx. 1955, by a local collector” and was then sold to the man writing the statement around 1970. They further state that the revolver is from a run of approximately
50 engraved Third Model Dragoons of which only approximately 12 survive. “It is thought the whole group of pistols were made as presentation pieces. The holster is original
to the gun.” Another statement states the revolver “with is original holster and bullet mould [was] found on a farm at Neales Flat, near Eudunda, South Australia. It was concealed
(from the children) under straw in a kerosene tin which the fowls were using as a nesting box.” No further documentation explaining the revolver’s provenance are included;
however, American firearms were widely used in Mexico in the period, and Colt revolvers are also known to have been used by miners in the
Victoria Gold Rush, particularly by Californian miners.
CONDITION: Good with original silver plating remaining in the protected areas, aged patina on the brass, gray and brown patina on the balance of the metal, mostly distinct engraving and
markings with the exception of the barrel and the period inscribed cylinder which are worn and have modifications on the returned muzzle, play in the barrel fit, replacement
loading lever screw and wedge, one longer nipple and one broken, and mild overall wear. The grip is fine with attractive figure, mild handling wear, and minor marks and
scratches. Mechanically fine. The holster is very good. The relined case and accessories are very good with some age and storage wear.
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
LOT 1204
Factory Engraved Colt Model 1851
Navy Percussion Revolver with Relief Carved Antique Ivory
Mexican Eagle Grip - Serial no. 142573, 36 cal., 7 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/
silver finish, antique ivory grips. Manufactured in 1863, this Civil War era Colt Model 1851 Navy
has the letter “E” by the main serial number locations. This marking was used by the factory on revolvers designated for
factory engraving, and many of the engraved revolvers from the 1860s would have been presented to military officers or government officials. This deluxe
sidearm would have certainly been worthy of any high ranking officer. Its grip featuring a relief carved Mexican eagle suggests that the previous owner had
experience at the southern border. The engraving is mainly Gustave Young’s classic scroll engraving patterns and includes floral blooms scattered throughout
and a classic wolf head motif on the hammer. The hammer also bears nine dots indicating the number of days of engraving by Young and/or his shop. The
barrel has the one-line New York address. The left side of the frame is stamped “COLTS/PATENT.” The left side of the trigger guard has a double stamped “36 CAL” and “36 CAL/8.”
Matching serial numbers appear on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, wedge, arbor pin, and loading lever.
CONDITION: Good, displaying a smooth gray patina associated with a well traveled sidearm proving that not all art hangs on the wall. The engraving is mostly crisp, and traces of the cylinder scene remain.
The brass grip straps have an attractive appearance. The slightly age shrunken grip is fine with attractive aged color and grain and crisp carving. Mechanically fine. A factory engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy
percussion revolver with a lot of personality.
Estimate: 7,000 - 9,500
Emperor Maximilan I
200