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LOT 3272
Exceptional Civil War Era
Civilian Colt Model 1860 Army
Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 145938,
44 cal., 8 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. This
exceptional U.S. contract Colt Model 1860 Army revolver was manufactured in 1863, 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. Considering the Colt Model 1860 Army revolver was in such high demand
as issued for the war effort, with many seeing hard use, it is extremely uncommon to come across a surviving specimen that remains in an exceptional state
of condition like this example offered, which appears to have seen minimal use. This standard type example has the three-screw frame, with the notch in the
heel of the butt. It has single letter inspection stamps on a few components, and full and partial matching serial numbers marked on the barrel, frame, trigger
guard, butt, wedge, cylinder, and cylinder arbor pin, with some factory error overstamped digits in the serial numbers on the frame and trigger guard.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 75% plus original blue finish on the barrel, 40% plus on the cylinder and backstrap, 70% vivid original case colors, strong traces of original
silver plated finish concentrated around the edges of the trigger guard with attractive bright golden aged patina on the exposed brass, some patches of minor surface freckling and
handling marks, and absolutely sharp cylinder scene, markings and edges in the metal overall. Grip is fine, with much of the original varnish, tight fitment, dings and handling marks,
and distinct edges. Mechanically excellent. An attractive example of a civilian Model 1860 Army revolver that would make a fine addition to any Colt collection.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
LOT 3271
Very Fine Civilian Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver with Attractive Ivory
Grip - Serial no. 198406, 36 cal., 7 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, ivory
grips. This attractive Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver was manufactured in 1866, and is wearing an attractive ivory grip. The Colt
“Revolving Belt Pistol of Naval Caliber” was designed between 1847-1850 and was initially called the Ranger Model, with 215,348 reportedly manufactured
between 1850-1873, per “Flayderman’s Guide” (9th Edition, 5B-050 through 5B-061). The revolver has the late Fourth Model features, which include large
oval trigger guard, capping channel in the recoil shield cut-out and thick loading lever latch. It has a brass cone front sight, the one-line New York address
on the top of the barrel, “COLTS/PATENT” on the left side of the frame, “36 CAL” on the left side of the trigger guard, and the standard Naval Battle of
Campeche cylinder scene. Matching visible full serial numbers marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and butt, with matching “8406” on the cylinder.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 80% bright original high polish blue finish on the barrel, 40% plus vivid original case colors on the frame, loading lever, and hammer, cylinder
exhibits a smooth gray patina, traces of original silver plated finish concentrated in protected areas with attractive golden aged patina on the brass, and crisp markings and
cylinder scene. Grip is also very fine, with an attractive appearance, a small chip at the lower left front corner, and distinct edges. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The John Fox Collection; The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,500
LOT 3273
Excellent Two Chamber Bullet Mold for the Colt Model 1860 Army Percussion Revolver - Blued steel
construction, with “COLT’S/PATENT” on the sprue cutter and “44H” on the right block. Two chambers, with the round ball
chamber near the hinge and a pointed conical bullet with heel and grease groove.
CONDITION: Excellent, 90% original blue finish, showing a few areas of brown patina, minor spotting, and some light
dings and scratches.
Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection.
Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250
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