Page 163 - 4094-BOOK3

During the First Italian War of Independence, King Charles Albert selected
Sanfront to lead three squads from the Royal Carabinieri which protected the
king on the battlefield. During the Battle of Pastrengo on April 30, 1848, he
came to the king’s aid when he came under fire and led the famous “Charge of
Pastrengo” against the Austrians. The charge led the king to safety and brought
him victory. He was awarded a silver medal for valor as well as the colors of
the Carabinieri. The Major Alessandro Negri di Sanfront Barracks of the
Regiment of Cuirassiers, a Carabinieri regiment, is named in his
honor, and the regiment remains the guard of honor of the
Italian president. Sanfront was promoted to colonel
that November and became the commander of the
Cavalleggeri Guide and Cavalleggeri of Lombardy.
After the Italians suffered significant defeats, the
king abdicated and Victory Emmanuel became
king of Sardinia in 1849.
Sanfront became an honorary aide-de-camp
to King Victor Emmanuel II on April 10, 1853,
and was promoted to major general in 1859
during the Second Italian War for Independence
and then lieutenant general in 1862 and retired
on September 1, 1865. He was honored with various
awards. In addition to his military career, Sanfront
held various political appointments, including as mayor
of Ponzone, Tronzano Vercellese, and Chiavari, and was
appointed as a senator of the Kingdom of Italy on November
16, 1876. All senators were appointed by the king. He held the
office until his death on February 25, 1884.
CONDITION: Excellent with crisp engraving and markings,
90% plus bright original high polish blue finish, 97% plus
original vibrant case colors, thin original gilt finish mainly
along the back strap and minimal aged patina on the
silver, and fairly minor overall wear mainly from age. The
grip is also excellent and has stunning figure, glossy
piano varnish finish, a few light handling marks, and
minor dings. Mechanically excellent. The presentation
case and accessories are generally very fine with crisp
inscriptions on the lid, minor age and storage related
wear, a broken spring and spots of oxidation visible on
the otherwise fine flask, separated divider for the left
compartment, and light aged patina on the silver.
B) Colt London Model 1851 Navy Revolver -
Serial no. 21901, 36 cal., 7 1/2 inch octagon bbl.,
blue/casehardened/silver/gilt finish, highly figured
varnished walnut grips. As described in “A.”
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine with crisp engraving
and markings, 70% plus bright original blue finish with
loss from flaking mainly along the barrel and smooth
brown patina, 95% plus vibrant original case colors,
thin original gilt finish remaining primarily along
the back strap, lightly aged patina on the silver, and
minimal wear overall from age and storage. The grip
is excellent and has stunning figure, glossy original
varnish, and minor handling and storage marks.
Mechanically excellent. This is an extraordinarily rare
pair of Colt London Model 1851 Navy revolvers with
a beautiful deluxe presentation case inscribed from
the first king of independent Italy Victor Emmanuel
II to the heroic General Alessandro
Negri di Sanfront.
Provenance: Presented by King Victor
Emmanuel II of Italy to General Alessandro
Negri di Sanfront.
Estimate: 200,000 - 350,000
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