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LOT 193
Historic Factory Engraved Colt Model
1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver Inscribed to “Sac Newman” of
St. Louis, Missouri - Serial no. 115194, 31 cal., 5 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish,
walnut grips. This attractive Colt ‘49 Pocket was manufactured in 1856 and features factory floral-scroll engraving with punched
backgrounds on the barrel, loading lever, frame, and grip frame along with some shell accents, “Saml Colt” inscribed on the barrel, “COLTS/ PATENT” inscribed on the frame, and “Sac Newman/St. Louis. Mo.” inscribed on the back strap. The serial numbers all match, and there are
factory “dot” markings by the lower serial numbers. The included information from the consignor includes a notation that the revolver was
“a gift from Colt to Newman” and identify him as Socrates Newman (1826-1893), a prominent businessman and local politician in St. Louis. In
the 1850s, he was a Democrat as was Samuel Colt. His father was Captain Jonas Newman who
was active in the Mississippi River trade, and his mother, Susanne LeBeaume, was from one of the
wealthy old French families. He was the City Registrar in 1852-1854 and then became a clerk for the circuit court. He then partnered with George C. Graham in an iron foundry business. Graham & Newman made, among many other things, the large water mains in St. Louis in the mid-19th century. They also operated a gas-works in Hannibal, Missouri, most famous as the hometown of Mark Twain. He sold his interests following Graham’s death in 1864. In 1869, he and W.H. Pritchartt formed a fire insurance business. In 1876, he became the receiver of the St. Louis Gas Light Company and thereafter manager and
president of the company and then retired in 1889. Aside from both being active in businesses involving iron and both being Democrats, there are no known connections between Samuel Colt and Newman.
CONDITION: Fine with 85% plus original silver plating on the grip frame, crisp inscription and engraving, plum brown town on the barrel and cylinder, dark brown patina on the balance, and mild overall wear including some pitting. The highly figured grip is also fine and has light scratches, minor lower edge wear, a patch of absent varnish on the right, and glossy original varnish on the balance. Mechanically fine. Overall, a very attractive antebellum era Colt ‘49 Pocket connected
to the border state of Missouri. Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 194
Historic Civil War Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver Inscribed to
Colonel James McQuade of the 14th New York Infantry - Serial no. 201205, 31 cal., 4 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. Manufactured
in 1862, this Colt Model 1849 Pocket revolver is presentation inscribed to colonel James McQuade,
commanding officer of the 14th New York Infantry Regiment. The 14th New York was raised in May 1861, with much of the regiment
signing two year enlistments. The 14th was attached to the Army of the Potomac in Griffin’s brigade and saw heavy fighting during the Seven Days Battles, including Beaver Dam Creek, Gaines Mill, and Malvern Hill. The regiment suffered greatly at Gaines Mill, suffering 83% of the 270 total casualties there. The regiment was held in reserve at Antietam and was lightly involved in the assault on Marye’s Heights at the Battle of Fredericksburg. In May of 1863 those of the regiment that signed two year enlistments were discharged and the remainder of the regiment was
combined with the 44th New York, just in time for their heavy fight on Little Round Top at the Battle of Gettysburg. The top barrel flat is marked with the standard two-line address, “COLTS/PATENT” on the left of the frame, and matching serial numbers on the barrel, frame, triggerguard, and butt. The butt is presentation inscribed
“Col. Jas. McQuade/14th N.Y.V.” It is fitted with brass cone front and hammer notch rear sights, and a one-piece smooth walnut grip.
CONDITION: Very good, the blue finish having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina, 50% of the original case colors on the loading lever, and 60% of the
silver plating on the trigger guard and back strap with a few scattered patches of light pitting. The grip is very fine with a few scattered minor chips and light
handling marks, and retaining most of the varnish. Mechanically excellent. 164 Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
Colonel James McQuade