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LOT 394
Historic
Documented U.S.
Spanish-American
War New Army & Navy Model Double Action
Revolver Inscribed to Major Arthur K.A.
Liebich with Holster - Serial no. 11906, 38
Long Colt cal., 6 inch round bbl., blue finish,
hard rubber grips. Manufactured in 1894, the
top of the barrel has the standard two-line
address and patent dates ending in 1888.
The left of the barrel is marked “COLT. D.A.
38”. The left rear of the frame is marked with
the circled Rampant Colt. The assembly
number “329” is on the frame, cranes, and
cylinder latch. The back strap is inscribed
“Maj. A.K.A Liebich, 5th Regt. O.V.I.”. The
serial number is on the butt along with
the inscription “Cleveland, Ohio.” Major
Arthur Liebich was in command of the
3rd Battalion, 5th Ohio Volunteer Infantry
Regiment during the Spanish-American
War. The regiment was one of many
formed from volunteers who answered the call
during the conflict with the Spanish. The regiment was transferred to Florida in preparation for transport to Cuba but an armistice was reached before they embarked. Includes a leather military pattern holster, a hardwood
and glass display case, and a binder of information
related to Liebich’s service.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 75% of the period refinished blue finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina. The grips are also fine with some light wear an scattered light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000
rounded contour butt. The butt is marked with the serial number: “No./547” in front of the lanyard swivel and “U.S./M.C.” behind it. The top of the barrel
is marked with the two line Colt Hartford address and “AUG.5.1884 NOV.6.88. MAR.5.95” patent dates. The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT D.A. 38”, and
the circled Rampant Colt is on the left rear of the frame above the grip. The assembly number “50” is stamped on the inside of the frame, the crane and on the
cylinder catch. The revolver has no visible inspection or acceptance marks. The revolver has the high polish Colt blue finish on the barrel, cylinder and frame. The trigger and hammer top have a niter blue finish, and the sides of the hammer are polished. The ejector rod and lanyard swivel are casehardened.
CONDITION: Fine, with 60% of the original blue finish, showing a mixed gray patina on the gripstraps, thinning
to brown on the barrel and frame, bright edge wear, and scattered scratches and spotting. The left side of the frame and the right sideplate show what appear to be faint hand markings; it is unclear if this was a deliberate attempt to inscribe something into the pistol, or accidental. The grips are very fine, with a few dings on the crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 396
Historic
Documented
Factory Engraved
Colt Officer’s Model Double Action .22 Long
Rifle Revolver Inscribed to Captain Howard J. Knutson
of the 66th Field Artillery Brigade with Factory Letter -
Serial no. 5577, 22 LR cal., 6 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut
grips. Manufactured in 1930, this revolver was factory engraved and
inscribed for captain Howard J. Knutson. Knutson served as a captain
in the 66th Field Artillery Brigade, which was the most heavily involved
artillery unit in the American Expeditionary Force during World War I.
The 66th saw heavy action during the Champagne-Marne Defensive, the
Aisne-Marne Offensive, the St. Mihiel Offensive, and the Meuse-Argonne
Offensive. It is claimed that by the end of the war, the 66th had
fired 53% of all artillery rounds fired by the A.E.F. An included
letter from the U.S. Army Military History Institute details
some of this information about the 66th. The included factory
letter confirms the current configuration (grips not listed)
including the engraving and the inscription, and that it was
shipped to Howard J. Knutson on 16 July 1931. This specific
revolver is pictured and described on p. 407 of “The Book of
Colt Engraving” by Wilson in the section attributed to Wilbur
Glahn. It features beautiful flourishes of floral scroll engraving
throughout and a checkered back strap, which were almost
certainly executed by Colt factory Master Engraver, Wilbur
Glahn. The top of the barrel has the standard two-line address
and patent dates, model and caliber marking on the left, and the Rampant Colt on the left of the frame. The right of the frame is inscribed “Capt.Howard J. Knutson/66th F.A. Brigade/A.E.F.” It is fitted with blade and notch sights and a pair of checkered walnut grips with Colt medallions.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 50% of the original blue finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina and crisp engraving/markings overall. The grips are very good with a couple minor chips at the bottom of the left panel, a few scattered light handling marks, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 397
Excellent U.S. Colt Army Model 1917 Double Action
Revolver with Holster
Rig - Serial
no. 292152, 45 ACP cal., 5 1/2 inch
round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in 1919 with fixed sights, with “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” on the underside of the barrel, “eagle head/S15” inspection mark on the left side of the frame, “292152” on the frame and crane, and U.S. Army and model marking on the butt along with the number “142/127”. Includes a tan canvas web belt, “G.&K/1918/A.G.” marked brown leather holster, and a tan canvas clip carrier pouch.
CONDITION: Excellent, with 95% plus original blue finish, showing some light handling marks overall and a small amount of spotting concentrated on the gripstraps. The grips are fine, with some minor chips and scratches. The belt rig is in fine condition, with mild scuffs, staining and verdigris buildup. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
329
d
LOT 395
Very Scarce
U.S.M.C. Colt Model 1905
Double Action Revolver -
Serial no. 547, 38 Long Colt
cal., 6 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. This revolver is one
of only 926 Colt Model 1905 Double
Action Revolvers purchased by the Marine Corps between
1905 and 1909. The Model 1905 Revolver was the first handgun manufactured specifically for the Marine Corps. This revolver
was a New Model Army and Navy revolver with a modified grip frame and distinctive two-piece checkered walnut grips with a