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LOT 1137
Rare Documented Cased Factory Engraved and Gold Plated Colt New Line .30 Revolver with Pearl Grips from Colt’s “Wheel” Display at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia - Serial no. 7968, 30 RF cal., 2 1/4 inch round bbl., nickel/gold finish, pearl grips. This revolver was manufactured in 1875, the year before the World’s Fair was held in the United States for the first time in celebration of the centennial of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the Unite States. This specific revolver is documented as having been part of Colt’s famous “wheel” display at the exposition. The fair presented a tremendous advertising opportunity for American arms companies like Colt and Winchester, both of which displayed elaborate exhibition arms and took in orders, including for high end deluxe arms. Colt’s famous display was perhaps the factory’s most spectacular display in its history, and Colt’s smaller pocket revolvers were highly represented. This revolver is listed by serial number on the Oct. 15, 1877, ledger listing revolvers received by Henry Folsom & Co. from and returned to Colt that were previously part of Colt’s display at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. The display was built in Hartford specifically for the exposition and received a lot of attention both at the World’s Fair itself and into the 21st century as collectors eagerly seek out the historic Colts that made up Colt’s most famous display. The display is shown in multiple publications about Colt firearms, including Wilson’s books (for example, see page 172 of “Colt: An American Legend.” The “wheel” revolvers were later loaned to the Henry Folsom Co. of St. Louis and were returned to Colt in October 1877. Some remain in the Colt Collection at the Museum of Connecticut History. The engraving was probably executed by L.D. Nimschke and consists of punch-dot backed intertwining vine scroll and floral engraving along with a circular star shaped design on the side plate. Very similar engraving patterns on New Line revolvers can be seen on p. 362-365 of “The Colt Engraving Book: Volume I” by Wilson, and are attributed as by Nimschke. It is fitted the standard blade and groove sights, and a pair of smooth pearl grips. The barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. CO./ HARTFORD, CT. U. S. A.” The bottom of the grip frame is marked “30 CAL” Matching serial numbers are on the bottom of the barrel, rear of the cylinder , butt, and inside each grip panel in pencil. Includes a hardwood case, cleaning rod, 51 cartridges, and a plain modern box labeled to match the gun. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 90% plus of the original nickel finish and 50% of the original gold finish on the cylinder with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina and crisp engraving. The grips are excellent with only the slightest handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with some scattered mild handling/storage wear and marks. A fantastic piece of Colt craftsmanship with great company advertising history! Provenance: The Don and Carol Wilkerson Collection. Estimate: 15,000 - 25,000