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LOT 3581
Phenomenal Exhibition Quality Engraved and Gold Inlaid
Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 145540, 36 cal., 7 1/2 inch octagon
bbl., blue/gold finish, highly figured walnut grips. Manufactured as a standard configuration
example in 1863, this Civil War era Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver received (over a hundred years later) an expertly
executed contemporary deluxe embellishment attributed to long-time Colt factory Master Engraver Steve Kamyk. Kamyk did the Presidential
Series for Colt’s Custom Shop in the 1970s, and samples of his work over his 43-year career are documented in R.L. Wilson’s “Colt: An American Legend” on
page 333 and in numerous other firearms publications. These are fantastic works of art with this example no less stunning. The front and rear barrel sections,
all of the frame, and rear of the cylinder are decorated with a distinct, highly artistic scroll vine pattern in gold. Simple scrollwork and bordering inlaid in
gold are featured on the hammer. Fine scrollwork is engraved on the brass trigger guard and back strap. All of the Colt markings have been enhanced in gold and this
includes the naval scene on the cylinder. The cylinder scene has been meticulously cut and highlighted in gold, creating a spectacular work of art. Two large panels of
checkering have been added to the sides of the loading lever. The revolver wears a highly figured deluxe walnut grip to complete this steel canvas masterpiece.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine as upgraded to the current configuration/contemporary work of deluxe firearms art, retaining 99%
plus of the high polish blue finish and gold, highly attractive bright appearance on the brass
grip straps, and very limited handing marks. Mechanically excellent. A grand work of modern
firearms artistry that is a must have for the Colt or art collector.
Estimate: 8,500 - 12,000
LOT 3580
Extremely
Rare Stainless
Steel Colt
Second Generation
Black Powder Series Model 1861 Navy
Percussion Revolver with Factory
Letter and Case - Serial no. 43171S, 36
cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., stainless finish,
walnut grips. This extremely rare revolver
was manufactured in 1982 as one of just six total stainless
steel Second Generation Black Powder Series Model 1861
Navy revolvers ever built with serial numbers 43166S-43171S,
according to page 23 of Dennis Adler’s book “Black Powder
Revolvers - Reproductions & Replicas”, making this the final one
built. According to the included letter from Mike Poulin to a
prospective buyer, this revolver came from the estate of Ralph
Kennedy, one of Colt’s design engineers who was responsible
for the re-introduction of the Black Powder Series from Colt
as well as a factory letter stating that Colt has no information
on the shipment or details of this revolver, but they go on to
confirm Mr. Kennedy was, in fact, an engineer for the company
and that he was involved in the Black Powder Series’ re-introduction. Also included is a file of information put together by the consignor
giving more information on the history of the revolver. The revolver itself features the standard barrel address, patent marking, and caliber
markings along with the naval scene and patent marking on the cylinder. The revolver has the matching serial number on the barrel, frame,
triggerguard, and cylinder with a partial number on the butt. Included is a factory hardwood presentation style case with red velvet interior.
CONDITION: Near new with only a few light handling/storage marks overall. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with some
scratches and dings.
Provenance: The Estate of Ralph Kennedy; Mike Poulin; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 16,000 - 25,000
According to "Black Powder Revolvers:
Reproductions and Replicas" by Adler, only 8
Colt Model 1861 Navy Black Powder Series
revolvers were produced in stainless steel.