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LOT 1203
Fine Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 31719, 36 cal., 7 1/2 inch octagon
bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in 1853, as a third model with
the small round trigger guard. 215,348 were reportedly manufactured between 1850-1873, per
production figures on pages 13-14 of “Blue Book Pocket Guide for Colt Dates of Manufacture” (2008)
by R.L. Wilson. This model was the most significant for Colt’s success internationally, and many of these revolvers saw widespread use on the
American frontier during the early years of westward expansion. It has a post front sight, integral notch rear sight in the hammer, “-ADDRESS SAML
COLT NEW-YORK CITY-” on top of the barrel, small “COLTS/PATENT” marking on the left of the frame, standard Naval Battle of Campeche roll scene on the cylinder, and
all matching visible serial numbers on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, loading lever, wedge, cylinder, and cylinder arbor pin.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 70% original bright blue finish on the barrel, strong patterns of case colors showing vivid in protected areas, 90% silver plated finish on the brass, with smooth
gray and brown patina on the balance, and sharp markings and cylinder scene. Grip is very fine, with most of the original glossy varnish finish, a few minor handling marks, and crisp
edges. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 1202
Cased Factory Engraved Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver with Ivory Grip - Serial no. 113522, 31 cal.,
4 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, ivory grips. This revolver was manufactured in 1856, while Gustave
Young’s shop was Colt’s main contractor for engraving. It features the classic Gustave Young type fine floral scroll
engraving with beaded backgrounds and animal mask and foliate accents popularized by Young and other German
trained engravers working for Colt in the 1850s and 1860s. The “COLTS/PATENT” marking is inscribed in an arch among
the scrollwork on the left rather than the usual stamped marking, and the presentation style “Saml Colt” inscription is
on top of the barrel in place of the standard barrel address. Matching visible full serial numbers marked on the barrel,
frame, cylinder, trigger guard, and butt, with matching “3522” on the loading lever. The factory apostrophe style marking
designating the revolver for engraving and/or special finishing is marked above or below the main serial numbers. The
back strap has a blank inscription section. Wearing an attractive period ivory grip. Includes a hardwood case with felt
lined fitted interior containing a double sided eagle powder flask, blued two cavity bullet mold marked “31 PKt” on the
side and “COLT’s/PATENT” on the sprue cutter, Eley’s cap tin, lead balls, and a key.
CONDITION: Very good, retains 30% original blue finish concentrated on the front half of the barrel with smooth brown
and gray patina on the balance, 60% original silver plating on the trigger guard and back strap with golden aged patina
on the exposed brass, scattered patches of mild oxidation/pitting, and crisp engraving and cylinder scene. Grip is very
fine, with highly attractive natural grain, tight fitment, and distinct edges. Mechanically excellent. Case is very good as
refinished/relined, with a few cracks, some age related wear to the lining, and one absent screw on the latch plate. Flask
is very fine, with much of the lacquer. Bullet mold is very good, with strong traces of blue.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 1205
Fine Civil War U.S. Colt Model 1860 Army Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 32722, 44 cal., 8 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. This U.S. Colt
Model 1860 Army revolver was manufactured in 1862, and is a classic Civil War production example. Approximately 200,500 were manufactured c. 1860-1873, and a reported
127,156 were delivered on Union contracts during the Civil War, per “Flayderman’s Guide” (9th Edition, 5B-092, 5B-093). The Colt Model 1860 Army was the primary revolver used
by the Union during the American Civil War, with many used thereafter out west. Features the four-screw frame, with the notch in the heel of the butt of the backstrap. It has single
letter inspection stamps on various components including a “T” on the bottom left surface of the grip, a bordered script inspection cartouche stamped on the left of the grip, and
full and partial matching visible serial numbers on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, butt, and cylinder.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 30% original blue finish concentrated mostly on the bottom of the barrel and in protected areas, 50% plus vivid original case colors strongest on the
right of the frame with smooth gray patina on the balance, mild pitting on the left side, attractive bright golden aged patina on the trigger guard, and sharp cylinder scene and
markings in the metal overall. Grip is also fine, with tight fitment, some light handling marks and nicks, defined edges and cartouche. Cylinder slightly out of time, otherwise
mechanically functions.
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
LOT 1204
Factory Engraved Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver
Inscribed “Camilla H. McKeen” with Ivory Grip - Serial no. 140253,
31 cal., 4 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, antique ivory grips.
This revolver was manufactured in 1858 and features the classic “Gustave Young” style
scroll engraving with beaded backgrounds and animal mask and foliate accents popularized by Gustave
Young and other German trained engravers working for Colt in the 1850s and 1860s. There is an eagle mask
above the loading lever screw on the left and another by the hammer screw on the left. The “COLTS/PATENT” marking
is inscribed among the scrollwork on the left rather than the usual stamped marking, and the presentation style
“Saml Colt” inscription is on the barrel in place of the standard barrel address. The revolver has the standard sights and
matching visible serial numbers. The factory apostrophe style marking designating the revolver for engraving and/or special finishing is marked above or below the main serial numbers. The back
strap is neatly inscribed with “Camilla H McKeen”. It is notably rare to find a woman’s name inscribed on an antique Colt. Unfortunately, the lady’s identity has not been recorded. She may be Camilla
Hammond McKean (nee Moore) (b. 1809) of Baltimore, Maryland, who married William Swan McKean. Their daughter was Camilla Hammond McKean (1830-1889).
CONDITION: Fine with 60% original silver plating on the trigger guard and back strap, aged patina on the
brass, 40% original blue on the barrel, dark brown patina on the balance, mild oxidation/pitting,
and distinct engraving and markings. Aside from a crack on the left, the grip is also very good and
has attractively aged patina, natural grain, and minor wear. The cylinder does not rotate; otherwise,
mechanically functions.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000