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LOT 3159
Cased Engraved Nickel and
Gold Plated Colt New Line .32
Spur Trigger Revolver with Ivory
Grips - Serial no. 2853, 32 RF cal., 2 1/4 inch round
bbl., nickel/gold finish, antique ivory grips. Manufactured
in 1873, this is an exceptional example of a New York
engraved and plated Colt New Line .32 revolver. These
revolvers were introduced by Colt in 1873 alongside their
Single Action Army revolver and were intended to be a pocket-sized companion for the
full-sized belt revolver. This example shows very attractive factory floral scroll engraving
with a punchdot background, which encompasses about three-quarters of the surfaces,
as well as rows of diamonds on top of the frame to either side of the sighting groove. The top
of the barrel is marked with the two-line address flanked by Maltese crosses, and the left of the frame is
marked “32CAL”. The matching serial number is marked on the left of the grip frame, bottom of the barrel,
and rear face of the cylinder. It is fitted with a blade front sight, frame-top groove rear sight, and a pair of
very attractive, smooth, antique ivory grips. Includes an attractive, leather wrapped case with the lid lining
marked for a retailer with a partial London address visible.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 98% of the original nickel and 95% of the restored gold plating with a few
scattered specks of very light flaking, some scattered light handling marks, and crisp engraving overall. The
grips are fine with a few short, hairline age cracks and an attractively aged tone. Mechanically excellent. The
case is fine, with some mild wear on the exterior and the lining inside the lid having some tears. This is an
exceptional example of a factory engraved Colt New Line revolver that certainly wouldn’t have seemed out
of place at any of the large expositions of the period!
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
LOT 3158
Attractive Engraved Colt Etched Panel New
Line .41 Spur Trigger Revolver with Inscribed Ivory Grips - Serial no.
6502, 41 CF cal., 2 1/4 inch round bbl., nickel/gold finish, antique ivory grips.
Manufactured in 1876, this is a very attractive, high condition example of an
engraved Colt New Line .41 revolver with the desirable etched panel on the barrel. Many
embellished New Line revolvers were featured prominently in Colt’s eye-catching “wheel” display at the 1876 Centennial
Exposition in Philadelphia, and though this revolver is not listed on the list of known “wheel” revolvers that was provided
to H.D. Folsom, it certainly would not have looked out of place. There are no factory records
available for this revolver. Being manufactured the same year and having British proofs, it
is possible that this revolver was one that was ordered by a British client after they viewed the display at the exposition
and wanted a flashy pocket revolver for themselves. This example has extensive factory floral scroll engraving on the
sides of the frame and back strap, flourishes on the gold plated cylinder, as well as some other border and starburst
patterns throughout. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard two-line address and the model/caliber
marking is in an acid etched panel on the left. The matching serial number is marked on the left of the grip frame,
bottom of the barrel, and matching last three-digits are on the rear face of the cylinder. It is fitted with standard sights and a
pair of attractive, smooth ivory grips, with the left panel having the initials “EB” delicately inscribed. The identity of “EB” is unknown at
this time.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 97% of the nickel finish and 90% plus of the period replated gold with some scattered light specks of flaking and crisp engraving
overall. The grips are very fine with a few faint, hairline cracks and a couple very light edge chips. Mechanically excellent. A very attractive Colt New Line revolver!
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500