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LOT 1198
Stunning, Rare and Well-Documented Gustave Young Deluxe Factory
Engraved Serial Number 29 Colt Model 1855 First Model Percussion
Revolving Rifle Featured in “Colt Engraving” by R. L. Wilson - Serial no. 29,
36 cal., 21 inch part octagon bbl., blue finish, deluxe walnut stock. Only 1,000 of
these First Model rifles were manufactured c. 1856-1859 per “The Book of Colt
Firearms” by Wilson and Sutherland, and only 125 had 21 inch barrels, making
any First Model 1855 rare in any condition or configuration. This stunning
example, No. 29, has the distinction of being the earliest known, and likely the
first factory engraved Colt Revolving Rifle, of which there are only a handful
known to exist. Engraving done by the hand of Colt’s great master, Gustave
Young. Young’s masterful, ultra-deluxe, execution on this rifle is truly spectacular,
exhibition or presentation work, encountered on only the highest products of
excellence coming out of Hartford at the time and were reserved for special
presentation to Kings, noblemen, statesman and influential military leaders
around the globe. These rifles are historically significant as the first long guns
manufactured at Colt’s Hartford factory, and this beautiful rifle is serial number 29
and is featured on pages 96 and 97 of “Colt Engraving” by R. L. Wilson, described
as the “Earliest known production series Sidehammer longarm engraved, serial
number 29, of the First Model Sporting Rifle. Profusely embellished by Gustave
Young. 21” barrel, blue and case hardened finish. Note rare COLTS/PATENT
inscription on left side of the frame. Top of barrel inscribed in old English; note
ultra-rare, checkered rammer lever; deluxe hand engraved cylinder scene;
checkered buttstock of select walnut. The rifle is reported to have found its
way to India, and came out of the private armory of the world famous hoard of
exceptional firearms from the Nizam of Hyderabad. David Winks of Holland &
Holland, London, spotted the rarity and desirability of this rifle, and brought it
to the attention of the author.” During his ownership, the Nizam was considered
the wealthiest man in the world. Serial number 39 is in the Hermitage Museum
in St. Petersburg, Russia, and was one of several pieces presented by Colt to Czar
Alexander II and his family in 1858 demonstrating how significant Samuel Colt
himself considered this model. The intricate interlacing scroll engraving covers
the octagonal breech section of the barrel, the sides of the loading lever arm, the
vast majority of the frame, the hammer, and the heel extension of the buttplate
with floral accents, disgorging canine masks, and a chevron with seven dots on
the hammer which is said to represent the number of days Gustave Young spent
on the engraving.
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