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In 1892, he was re-elected to Congress and in while in Congress introduced the legislation that created the Gettysburg National Military Park. One of his final significant acts was attending the famous 50th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg where he reportedly said the whole battlefield was a monument to him. He died the next year and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
The revolver was manufactured in 1867, the same year Sickles’s wife died, and features scroll
engraving without punched backgrounds as became common on the late percussion era Colts. The
back strap is inscribed “To David E. Sickles/From Colt’s Pt F A Mfg Co.” The checkered grip features a
“DES” monogram on the left. The barrel has a brass post front sight and the two-line New York address. The
cylinder has the stagecoach roll-scene and the arbor pin retaining screw. Matching serial numbers are on the
barrel, cylinder, and butt. The case contains a brass mold, cap tin, small powder flask, a piece of wood labeled “BARK
FROM THE TREE WHERE GEN. SICKLES SHOT KEYES IN WASHINGTON BY W.H.WOMANS,” a small pin with a portrait on it,
portraits of Sickles, and an Excelsior Brigade pass from 1861. Comparably few presentation Colt Model 1855 “Root” revolvers
are known. This revolver is featured on page 94 of “Colts from the William M. Locke Collection” and page 123 of “The William M. Locke Collection.”
CONDITION: Fine with 50% original blue finish remaining, smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, distinct engraving and inscription, some faint oxidation and pitting, and general minor overall wear. The cylinder is refinished with 30% blue finish remaining. The grip is also fine and has distinct checkering and carving, minor age cracks in the butt, and light handling and storage wear. Mechanically fine. The case and accessories are also fine and have minor age and storage related wear. The flask retains much of the dark original finish.
Provenance: The William M. Locke Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 20,000 - 30,000
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