Page 255 - 4095-BOOK1

253
According to "The Book
of Colt Firearms" by R.L.
Wilson, the total production
of Colt Whitneyville
Hartford Dragoon revolvers
was approximately 240,
and are the rarest of all
standard models of
Colt Dragoon
revolvers.
LOT 267
Both Rare and Historic Colt Whitneyville Hartford Dragoon Percussion Revolver Presentation Inscribed: “Hon: Ed.
A. Hannegan from his friend, Jno E. Addison” - Serial no. 1331, 44 cal., 7 1/2 inch part octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/silver
finish, walnut grips. This is an extremely rare Colt variation known variously as the Whitneyville Hartford Dragoon, the Transition Dragoon,
or Transition Walker. Wilson and Sutherland in “The Book of Colt Firearms” indicate they were manufactured in 1847 when Colt opened the Hartford
factory. “This is the rarest of all standard models of Colt Dragoon pistols. From a total production of about 240, with the improved Walker type features
and with the distinction of being the first arms Colt manufactured in Hartford, this weapon is an especially prized collector’s item.” These early Dragoons
have serial numbers that continue on from the Colt Walker Model 1847 revolvers and continued to use the tiny serial number stamps as well as parts from
Walker production such as the distinctive grips and grip frames. This example features a straight-back frame and modified Walker grip with straight cut at
the frame and rounded profile at the grip straps. The top barrel flat is marked with the one-line “ADDRESS. SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY” address reading from the
breech towards the muzzle, and the barrel has a nickel-silver blade front sight. The left side of the frame has the “COLT’S/PATENT/U.S.” marking. Matching serial numbers are visible on the cylinder,
barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The last two digits of the serial number “31” are stamped on the bottom of the cylinder arbor pin and wedge. The repaired, replacement loading lever is
re-marked “578” and also has a faint prior marking. “20” stamped on the bottom of the barrel. The back strap is inscribed “Hon: Ed. A. Hannegan from his friend, Jno E. Addison.”
Edward Allen Hannegan (1807-1859) of Covington, Indiana, was a lawyer and Democratic-Republican and Democratic politician who served in the Indiana House of
Representatives in 1832-1833 and 1841-1842 and as a U.S. Representative for Indiana’s 7th Congressional District in 1833 to 1837 as well as a U.S. Senator from Indiana in 1843
to 1849. He was a noted drunk and during this period was involved in two altercations with Ezekiel McDonald of Attica, Indiana. In the first altercation, Hannegan reportedly
intervened to prevent McDonald from being killed, and, in the second instance, Hannegan was attacked from behind by McDonald. Perhaps this revolver was presented to
him for his personal defense after the attack which made news across the country. The presenter appears to be John E. Addison (1827-1912), a farmer from Ripley Township
in Indiana.
The Indiana Magazine of History notes: “In 1849 Hannegan was defeated by Governor James Whitcomb for the United States senate. On the 29th day of March, 1849,
Hannegan was appointed by President Polk as minister to the court of Prussia and the queen of Prussia became so infatuated with this eloquent Hoosier representative
that His Majesty the Kaiser grew jealous and when on a state occasion Hannegan broke all rules of courts and etiquette and kissed the hand of the queen, the Kaiser
requested that Hannegan be recalled, he having served about two years. Newspapers reprinted a letter from an anonymous American in Berlin who stated Hannegan
was repeatedly drunk and “his debauchery with women so gross and continuous that the servants in the hotel are scandalized.” After returning to the U.S., he again ran
for office but was defeated. He was tried for the murder of Captain John R. Duncan, his brother-in-law. On the night of May 6, 1852, when Duncan confronted him over
his alcoholism, Hannegan plunged a cane dagger into his throat. Duncan did not die until the following day and said Hannegan should not be blamed. Nonetheless, he
was charged with manslaughter but was not convicted. He returned to his law career and moved to St. Louis in 1857 but was reportedly never the same. In addition to
his continued alcoholism, he became addicted to morphine. After being ridiculed for being intoxicated while giving a major speech at a large political rally in support of
Stephan A. Douglass, he returned to his room and overdosed on morphine.
CONDITION: Good with 90% plus original silver plating remaining on the grip straps, attractively aged patina on the brass and silver, distinct inscription, mottled gray and
brown patina and pitting on the steel, and moderate overall wear, including a small divot on the butt. The grip is very good and has mild lower edge wear, scratches and
dings, and minor chips at the toe. Mechanically functions. This is an extremely rare revolver. The Whitneyville Hartford Dragoons are already the rarest of all the standard
models of Colt percussion models, and the fascinating historical inscription takes this one over the top!
Provenance: Edward A. Hannegan, Senator, Representative, and U.S. Minister to Prussia.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
Edward
Allen
Hannegan