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Due to this extensive use in the mid-19th century and beyond as well
as problems inherent in the design, relatively few Walkers survive, but
they remain the pinnacle of collecting for serious antique American
firearms collectors, especially Colt collectors and U.S. military handgun
collectors. Given the demand and the small number extant, these
incredibly historic revolvers are among the most difficult to obtain of all
antique American firearms.
They are certainly the most iconic firearms of the Mexican-American War
which led to the United States greatly expanding our western territories
and stretching our country from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the opening of
the California Gold Rush, and increasing sectional tensions between the
North and the South that ultimately led to secession and the Civil War.
Some of the Walkers remained in service between the Mexican-American
War and Civil War on the southwestern frontier, and those still functioning
after hard years of service continued to be used during the “War Between
the States” primarily in Confederate hands and particularly in the
Southwest with men like Terry’s Texas Rangers.
This revolver is listed among the identified Walker’s in Col. Whittington’s
book “The Colt Whitneyville-Walker Pistol” on page 80 and was displayed
as part of the famous Parade of Walkers in 2003. It caught collector’s
attention with its period added notch rear sight and higher than
average condition for a Walker. It is one of an estimated 220 revolvers
manufactured with “D COMPANY” marking. It has a low brass blade front
sight, “ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY” reading from the breech
towards the muzzle, “US/1847” on the right side of the barrel above the
wedge screw, “D COMPANY No 81” on the left side of the barrel and frame,
“81” on the front of the frame between the pins, “D COM-Y No 81” on the
cylinder, “D COMY No 81” on the trigger guard, faint marking including “81”
on the butt, small “B” stamped towards the center of the back strap, blank
wedge, and walnut grip.
CONDITION: Very good with primarily light gray patina, patches of darker
patina, light pitting, abrasive marks, mild scratches and dings, and general
moderate overall wear. The period added rear sight on the rear of the
barrel shows dark discoloration, similar to the area around the loading
lever retention screw. The loading lever assembly and retention spring
are professionally made replacements. The back strap and trigger guard
markings have been partially obliterated during the period of usage. The
cylinder scene is absent although the number is visible. The well-worn
grip is good and has loss at the corners. Mechanically fine. This is a solid
representative example of the most important and desirable of all Colt
firearms. Few authentic U.S. Colt Walker Model Revolvers
are known to collectors!
Estimate: 120,000 - 180,000
Listed by serial number in
The Colt Whitneyville-Walker
Pistol by Whittington, III
167