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The factory “.” marking denoting factory engraving is marked by the lower serial numbers, including on the 4 inch barrel. The set has all-matching serial numbers aside from the wedge of the 4 inch barrel which is marked “063” instead of “016.” Given the wedge is engraved with a matching design, it was switched out either before the revolver was sent to be engraved or in the engraver’s shop. The part is clearly original to the set. The revolver comes in stunning rosewood presentation case with “HBB” inscribed on the lid escutcheon in highly ornate letters. The case contains an early “COLT’S/PATENT” pocket flask with eagle and revolver design on both sides, an early brass “COLT’S/PATENT” ball and bullet mold without a sprue cutter, a blued L-shaped combination screwdriver and nipple wrench, a cap tin with lime green “100/COLT’S PISTOL/CAPS/MADE BY/ELEY BROS./LONDON” label, several balls/bullets, and a key.
Henry Bruce Beach (1817-1907):
A full binder of information plus additional files are included on the life of Henry Bruce Beach. He came from a wealthy, old Connecticut family and became a prominent Hartford industrialist. Like Samuel Colt, as a young man, he went to
sea. He later worked for Beach & Co. a dye and chemical company run by his
father George. In the 1840s, he was a member of the Connecticut Light Guards.
He also served as foreman for the Sack and Bucket Company of the volunteer
fire department in Hartford. In 1842, he became an agent for Hanks & Woodruff, then operating the Hartford Iron Foundry. In 1844, he purchased the interest of
his father-in-law Truman Hanks who had founded the firm. In 1853, the firm was then renamed the Woodruff & Beach Iron Works. Original documents from the company in 1853 and 1860 included with the set list Samuel Woodruff as the company president, T.S. Root as the secretary, and Beach as the treasurer. The company grew to become one of the largest manufacturers of steam engines, boilers, heavy machinery, and precision iron and brass castings in the country, supplying steam engines and boilers for several U.S. military sloops during the Civil War. They employed up to 600 men. They also supplied the steam engines for Colt’s factory starting in the late 1840s and probably the brass and iron castings as well. Henry Beach became good friends with Samuel Colt, and both served on several local boards together. For example, both men served on Hartford’s 4th of July celebration “Committee on Invited Guests” along side Mayor Flower and two other men in 1851.
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