Page 216 - 4095-BOOK2

214
LOT 1200
Excellent Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 65446, 31 cal., 6 inch
octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. This incredibly high condition Model 1849 Pocket was
manufactured in 1853. This model was the most popular of all 19th century Colt handguns and typically saw use leaving
exceptional examples, especially from this early in production, difficult to acquire. These revolvers were used around the country but
are especially associated with the West and in particular the ‘49ers in the gold fields of California. They appear tucked in the belt’s of
many men in period photographs, including as private purchase sidearms during the Civil War. This revolver has a brass cone front
sight, the two-line “{ADDRESS SAML COLT/NEW-YORK CITY}” barrel address, a “3” on the left side of the barrel lug and by the serial
number on the five-shot cylinder which has the iconic stagecoach hold-up scene, small “COLTS/PATENT” marking on the left side of the frame, a “Q” on the left side of
the trigger guard, matching visible serial numbers (cylinder, loading lever, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap), and the classic percussion era finishes of blued barrel and cylinder, casehardened
frame as well as hammer and loading lever, silver plated brass grip straps, and varnished walnut grip.
CONDITION: Excellent with 97% original blue finish, 90% plus original casehardened finish, and 98% of the original silver plating. The blue remains mostly bright and has minimal handling and storage
wear including a few very minor spots of oxidation and some digs by the wedge and left side of the barrel lug. The case colors remain mostly dark aside from a silvering patch on the right side of the
frame. The silver displays attractive age darkened patina. The cylinder scene and markings are crisp. The grip is also excellent and retains essentially all of its original high gloss varnish finish and displays
attractive grain and minimal handling marks. Mechanically excellent. This Colt Model 1849 Pocket revolver is certainly one of the finest extant and is an excellent benchmark example for an early
production Colt Model 1849 Pocket revolver.
Provenance: The Andrew Singer Collection.
Estimate: 7,000 - 11,000
LOT 1201
Desirable Framed 1849 Dated
Handwritten Letter from Samuel
Colt to Edward Cook - Written in late
December of 1849, this is a rare and
desirable example of a handwritten
letter from the legendary Samuel Colt
to Edward Cook Esq. regarding some
“law business”. Surviving examples
of letters handwritten and signed
by the iconic firearms manufacturer
are extremely scarce, particularly
letters completely written by himself.
Interestingly, this particular letter
lists Colt’s location as “NY University”,
meaning the University Building at Washington Square, which Samuel rented a room in for a short time. The
content of the letter is as follows, “Dear Sir, Permit me to make your aquaintn with my brother James B. Colt
who will hand you this. He is that brother of whom I wrote you long time since regarding some law business.
He will explain better than I am capable of. Any service that you can be to him will be fully reciprocated
by him I confer or favour on. Your very obedient Svt S. Colt. NY University Dec. 29,1849 Edward Cook Esq.
My best respects & complements of the season to you & all under your roof. S.C.” The letter itself measures
approximately 10 x 8 inches and is written by hand in black ink on Whatman Turkey Mill embossed paper.
The letter is very attractively framed with an artistic representation of Samuel Colt in winter clothing and
furs. Both are matted with grey suede and red card stock and frame finished to appear like antiqued silver.
CONDITION: Fine, the letter itself is remarkably well preserved for a paper product from 1849, with a couple
minor tears/absent pieces along the right edge, some faint staining and a couple creases, and distinct text.
The frame is very fine with some scattered light handling/storage evidence. A fantastic piece of ephemera to
enhance the display of your Colt collection!
Provenance: The James L. Mitchell Collection; The Bob Berryman Collection; A Private Collection.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000