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LOT 100
Historic Presentation Engraved, Enamel Accented Pair of Merwin, Hulbert & Co. Medium Frame Double Action
Revolvers Inscribed to Two of Three Guards for the Liberty Bell During the 1885 Exposition in New Orleans with
Documentation -A) Merwin, Hulbert & Co. Medium Frame Revolver with Ivory Grips - Serial no. 1559, 38 CF cal., 5 inch solid
rib bbl., nickel finish, ivory grips. Manufactured c. 1885, this is a very historic and attractive, factory engraved and presentation inscribed pair of
Medium Frame revolvers from Merwin, Hulbert & Co. This pair of revolvers represent two of three which were presented in 1885 by the mayor
of New Orleans to three Philadelphia police officers who were tasked with guarding the Liberty Bell during a visit to the city for the World’s
Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition. Only 20 years after the Civil War, the organizers of the New Orleans Exposition requested the
Liberty Bell be sent from Philadelphia as a symbol of national unity, recalling the mutual efforts of the North and South in gaining independence
from Britain. On 18 December 1884, Philadelphia approved sending the bell and on 23 January 1885 it began the long journey south to appear at
the Exposition which was already underway. It is believed that that was the first time the Liberty Bell had left Philadelphia since it had been removed
for safety during the American Revolution. The bell was set to make many stops on the way to and from the exposition, and due to its national significance, its safety
needed to be ensured. When it had been agreed to send the bell, three Philadelphia police officers were chosen from the ranks of the “Reserve” unit, an elite group that
were chosen both for their excellence and their size. Their task would be to guard the bell throughout its journey and at the exposition. The three officers that were chosen were incredibly tall for the
time, they were sergeant E.W. Malin at 6 feet 6 inches, patrolman T.H. Newman at 6 feet 5 inches, and patrolman John Patton at 6 feet 4 inches. Each of these revolvers bears an inscription to one of these
men, one to sergeant Malin and the other to patrolman Patton. Each of the revolvers bears a nearly identical inscription, apart from the names of who they are for, one being “SERGt. E.W. MALIN” and the
other to “JOHN PATTON”. Both names are followed by “FROM MAYOR OF NEW ORLEANS 1885”. The revolvers appear mostly identical, having near full coverage factory floral engraving which has been lightly
accented is spots with colorful enamel, and a small bird engraved on the left side of the both frames. The cylinder on the revolver for sergeant Malin is gold plated and it is fitted with pearl grips, perhaps an
indication of his rank over the other two patrolmen. The level of deluxe ornamentation on these revolvers certainly shows the gratitude of the mayor of New Orleans to the city of Philadelphia, as well as the
admiration for the three policemen sent to guard the bell. The top of the barrel ribs are marked with the standard two-line address and patent dates, while the left of the frames are marked with the caliber. The
matching serial numbers on both are on the left of the grip frames, rear face of the cylinders, and rear face of the barrel lugs, while the “B” gun also has the matching number in pencil inside the right grip panel.
They are both fitted with pinned blade front sights, frame-top groove rear sights, and bird’s head grips with lanyard holes. The “A” gun is fitted with smooth ivory grips, while the “B” gun is fitted with smooth
pearl grips. Included with the two revolvers is extensive research from the consignor detailing the circumstances of the Liberty Bell traveling to New Orleans for the exposition, information about the officers, and
photos of the three officers along with the bell.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 90% plus of the untouched original nickel finish and more than half of the original enamel accents with a few patches of light pitting and some scattered light flaking. The grips are excellent
with a few very light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. B) Merwin, Hulbert & Co. Medium Frame Revolver with Pearl Grips - Serial no. 3723, 38 CF cal., 5 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., nickel/gold finish, pearl grips. See “A”.
Matching serial number on the left of the grip frame, rear face of the cylinder, rear face of the barrel lug, and hand written in pencil inside the right grip panel.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 60% of the original nickel finish, traces of the enamel accents, and 50% of the original gold with the balance having thinned to a mix of grey and brown patina and a few patches of light pitting. The
engraving remains crisp overall. The grips are excellent with only the slightest handling marks. Mechanically excellent. A historic pair of presentation engraved Merwin, Hulbert & Co. Medium Frame revolvers!
Provenance: The Brig & Louise Pemberton Collection.
Estimate: 9,500 - 14,000
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