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LOT 1206
Historic Civil War Era Cased Factory Engraved Deluxe Colt Model 1862 Police
Percussion Revolver Inscribed “Charles A. Sheffield” - Serial no. 21519, 36 cal., 4 1/2 inch
round bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, deluxe factory walnut grips. This stunning revolver
was manufactured in 1863 during the midst of the American Civil War and may have been
presented by Elizabeth Colt to one of her relatives. It features stunning factory engraving in
the patterns popularized by Master Engraver Gustave Young, including foliate scrollwork
with beaded backgrounds and the wolf’s head motif on the hammer. The factory “E” marking
designating engraving is marked above or below the matching serial numbers on the barrel,
frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The matching partial serial number “1519” is marked
on the arbor and wedge. The barrel has a brass cone front sight and the one-line New York
address. The “COLTS/PATENT” marking is on the left side of the frame, and the patent marking
is also in one cylinder flute. The left side of the trigger guard has “S” and “36 CAL”. The back
strap is inscribed “Charles A. Sheffield.” The rosewood presentation case has a blank lid
escutcheon, Eley Bros. cap tin, powder flask, bullet mold, and several bullets.
Charles A. Sheffield has been attributed as Charles Amos Sheffield (b. 1829) of Old
Saybrook, Connecticut, and is said to be a cousin of Samuel Colt. This is based in part on
a stocked Model 1851 revolver inscribed to F. W. H. Sheffield (Frederick William Hotchkiss
Sheffield) as well as their sister Amelia (Amelia Hotchkiss Sheffield) being presented a
copy of “Armsmear” that was inscribed “With the devoted love of her friend and cousin,
Elizabeth H. Colt, Armsmear Christmas 1866”. The exact relation is unclear, but both
the Sheffields and Mrs. Colt were descended from the Hart family on their mothers’
sides of their family. Amelia and Mrs. Colt were members of the Connecticut Society
of Colonial Dames of America and listed among their shared ancestors Gov. John
Leverett and Rev. William Hubbard. Charles, Frederick, and Amelia’s father was
Captain Amos Sheffield (1789-1868), a veteran of the War of 1812 and merchant
in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. The 1860 Census lists Charles as living with his
parents and sister and as also working as a merchant. The 1870 Census lists him
as the head of the house with his wife Louisa and sister Amelia and indicates
he owned real estate valued at $14,000 and has a personal estate valued at
$20,000 and was working as a retail merchant. Amelia owned $6,000 worth of
real estate and also had a personal estate valued at $20,000. Charles appears to
have sold the family home and business around 1870, and the latter part of his
life is unknown. Frederick was a banker and wagon manufacturer. He lived in
Utica, New York, then Dubuque, Iowa, and then returned
to Utica. Amelia also moved to Utica and was
living with Frederick and his wife in the early
20th century.
CONDITION: Very fine with 85% plus
original blue finish remaining on the
barrel, 40% original blue on the cylinder,
85% plus of the vibrant original case
colors, 70% plus original silver plating
with some fading from handling and
attractive aged patina, crisp engraving
and markings, distinct historical
inscription, flattened safety pins,
cylinder drag lines, and generally
minor wear from handling and
storage. The grip is excellent and
has attractive figure, nearly all of the
original varnish finish, a few minor dings,
and minor handling wear. Mechanically
functions. The case is fine and has a repaired/
refinished lid, some separation, and faded lining.
The accessories are very fine with minor age and storage
related wear, including fading of the a small dent on the flask
and retain most of the original finishes. Overall, this is a very attractive cased set with a stunning
factory engraved Colt Model 1862 Police revolver inscribed to Charles A. Sheffield.
Provenance: Charles A. Sheffield; Private Collection.
Estimate: 22,500 - 35,000
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