Page 170 - 4094-BOOK3

LOT 3252
Scarce U.S. Colt Second
Model Dragoon Percussion
Revolver - Serial no. 8833, 44
cal., 7 1/2 inch part round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips.
Manufactured in 1850, this is a desirable U.S. inspected Colt Second Model Dragoon
revolver. Only an estimated 2,700 Second Model Dragoons revolvers were manufactured around 1850 and
1851 compared to 7,000 of the First Model Dragoons and 10,500 Third Model Dragoons. A large percentage of these revolvers were
manufactured for the U.S. Army. The revolver has the distinctive combination of squareback trigger guard and rectangular cylinder stops, which are
second model features. The part round barrel is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and is stamped with the one-line “-ADDRESS SAML COLT
NEW-YORK CITY-” address, the left side of the frame is stamped “COLT’S/PATENT/U.S.” and the cylinder is roll-engraved with the Ranger and Indian
fight scene and “MODEL U.S.M.R./8866/COLT’S PATENT”. Matching serial numbers visible on the loading lever, barrel, frame, trigger guard, butt, cylinder,
cylinder pin, and correctly handwritten in black ink inside the back channel of the grip, with non-matching number “0696” on the period replacement wedge. Single letter inspector
marks are visible on the loading lever, frame, cylinder, hammer and trigger guard.
CONDITION: Very good, exhibiting a mix of smooth gray and brown patina with some noticeable areas of scattered light to moderate pitting, mostly clear markings in the metal, and bright
golden appearance on the brass. Cylinder scene is fine, mostly intact. Grip is also very good as re-oiled with general wear, and scattered dents and scratches. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,000
LOT 3251
Cased Factory Engraved
Colt Model 1862 Police
Percussion Revolver with
Zouave Carved Antique Ivory Grip - Serial no. 23759, 36
cal., 6 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish,
carved antique ivory grips. Manufactured in 1863. Samuel
Colt’s New Model Revolving Police Pistol came out just in
time for the American Civil War and would have been an
excellent sidearm for a police officer in one of the new
police departments popping up in cities across the country or
as a private sidearm for a volunteer serving in the Union Army. The ‘62 Police offered
more firepower in a package the same size as the very popular Model 1849 Pocket.
They also have the round barrel and improved toothed loading lever of the Model
1860 Army revolver and very attractive fluted and stepped cylinders. They are
considered by many to be the most attractive of all of Colt’s percussion revolvers.
This distinctive example has the standard markings, including matching serial
numbers on the barrel, frame, and grip straps. The cylinder is a mismatched number
replacement. It has the “E” designation for factory engraving by the lower serial
numbers and stunning entwining floral scroll engraving with beaded backgrounds on the barrel, frame, hammer, and grip straps. An eagle head is among the engraving above the wedge on the left, and the hammer has a wolf’s
head motif. The engraving also extends to the full length of the loading lever arm which features spiraling foliate bands along with scrollwork on the flats. The left side of the grip is engraved in raised relief with a Zouave wearing
a fez with a tassel. Zouave uniforms and drills in America were popularized by Elmer E. Ellsworth and drew inspiration from the Zouave units from French North African that gained international recognition for their performance
in the Crimean War and wore distinctive Arab influenced uniforms. Many Zouave units were formed early in the Civil War, including Colonel Ellsworth’s own Fire Zouaves (11th New York Infantry). The case contains a cap tin, two
cartridge packs marked for “Colt’s New Model Revolving Police Pistol,” some balls and bullets, spare nipples, a blued Colt ball/bullet mold, L-shaped combination tool, a key, and an eagle pattern pocket flask.
CONDITION: Very good with crisp engraving, 25% original blue finish in the protected areas of the barrel, refinished replacement cylinder, 20% original case colors, traces of silver plating, smooth gray and brown patina on the
balance of the iron, attractively aged patina on the brass, and mild overall wear. The grip is fine and has distinct carving, attractive patina and natural grain, minor age cracks, and slight shrinkage. Mechanically fine. The relined case
and the accessories are very good with some storage wear. Overall, a very attractive case set.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
168