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LOT 1217
Excellent Presentation Cased Factory Engraved and Inscribed Massachusetts Arms
Co. Wesson & Leavitt Belt Model Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 28, 31 cal., 4 inch
round bbl., blue/casehardened/bright finish, walnut grips. Only around 1,000 of the Wesson
& Leavitt Belt Model revolvers were manufactured by the Massachusetts Arms Co. in 1850
and 1851 before production was halted due to a patent infringement suit won by Colt.
The design was in part by Edwin Wesson, older brother of Daniel B. Wesson of later Smith
& Wesson fame. The younger Wesson and Horace Smith were among the incorporators of
the Massachusetts Arms Co. This model is nearly identical to its Dragoon sister, but smaller
in size and weight. These revolvers are rarely encountered in such high condition. The
condition alone certainly makes this example worthy of the finest collections. In addition
to the standard markings, this revolver has higher quality engraving and a trigger guard
inscribed with the name “Bartlett” in a ribbon. The floral scroll engraving on punch dot
background decorates the frame, trigger guard, and hammer. The cylinder is acid etched
with a non-standard pattern. The number “28” is stamped on the top strap lug. The back
strap is brass. The revolver wears a plain nicely figured one-piece walnut grip with flared
butt. The attractive and original partitioned case is built out of tiger striped maple and
is lined in burgundy velvet. The case contains a fantastic Massachusetts Arms Co. eagle
powder flask, case key, container made from horn, brass “MASS. ARMS CO./CHICOPEE
FALLS” marked ball and conical bullet mold, “L” shaped combination tool, and brass
rammer. The correct and proper powder flask is double sided; featuring an eagle on one
side and the Massachusetts Arms Co. marking on the other side. The collar and spout have
a gilt finish, and the body has a lacquer finish. Also included in the case is an engineer’s
straight edge etched with the name “Ralph W. Bartlett” and leather sheath. Purportedly
a Ralph W. Bartlett served the Confederacy during the Civil War in Company K, Texas 9th
Infantry and the 6th Tennessee Infantry. The National Park Service’s Civil War soldiers and
sailors database lists a R. Bartlett with the Texas 9th Regiment and Waul’s Texas Legion.
The Texas 9th Regiment was formed in late 1861 and fought in several battles including at
Shiloh, Perryville, Stones River, Chickamauga, Allatoona, and Nashville. Waul’s Texas Legion
is remembered for repelling General Ulysses S. Grants largest assault on Vicksburg on May
22, 1863. After a second failed assault, Grant turned to starving the Confederate forces.
Without supplies for nearly 50 days, the defenders of Vicksburg surrendered.
CONDITION: Very fine. The barrel retains 98% original blue finish. The brass back strap has
an attractive darkened age patina. The bright polished, acid etched cylinder remains bright.
The remaining surfaces retain 95% vivid restored case colors on the professionally repaired
topstrap. The engraving and etching are crisp. The grip is excellent with limited handling
marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is extremely fine with handling/storage marks on
the exterior and typical high spot wear on the slightly faded lining. The bullet mold is fine
with a bent leg. The powder flask is excellent. The straight edge is excellent. These revolvers
are rarely found in such high condition, let alone housed in a highly
attractive tiger striped maple case.
Estimate: 15,000 - 25,000
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