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LOT 176
Colt First Model Dragoon Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 3672, 44 cal., 7 1/2 inch part round bbl., blue/casehardened/ silver finish, walnut grips. The First Model Dragoon is an important descendant of the famous Colt Walker revolver which debuted just one year earlier and was meant for use by the U.S. Mounted Riflemen and U.S. Dragoons. The Dragoon revolvers saw use on the western frontier in the antebellum era and on the battlefields of the Civil War in both Union and Confederate hands. This revolver was manufactured in 1848 and has the distinctive first model cylinder with oval cylinder stops like the Walker along with a squareback trigger guard as well as the subtler First Model hammer and mainspring. The upper barrel flat is marked “ADDRESS SAMl COLT NEW-YORK CITY” reading from the breech towards the muzzle. The left side of the frame is marked “COLT’S/PATENT/ U.S”. “67” is visible on the loading lever. The cylinder, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap have the matching serial number “3672.” The arbor pin has “672,” and the replaced wedge is marked “711.” The revolver is finished in the commercial fashion with silver plating on the grip frame and has no visible government inspection markings. CONDITION: Good with 40% original silver plating remaining on the grip straps with dark aged patina overall, a mix of gray and brown patina on the balance, moderate scattered pitting overall, and general moderate overall wear. The slightly undersized, refinished grip is also good and has mild lower edge wear, a chip at the toe on the right side, and mild scrapes and dings. Mechanically fine. Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
been fitted with 6 inch barrels (so around 3,450-4,350) as discussed on page 23 of “Colt’s Pocket ‘49 Including the Baby Dragoon & Wells Fargo” by Jordan and Watt. This revolver was manufactured in 1848 and has a 6 inch octagon barrel with a post front sight and “{ADDRESS SAML COLT/NEW-YORK CITY}” marked on top and without provisions for a loading lever, round cylinder stops on the cylinder, Texas Ranger roll-scene, single safety pin, arbor pin with cupped tip and no grease grooves, small “COLT/ PATENT” marking on the left side of the frame, squareback trigger guard with “T” on the right side, smooth walnut grip, and matching serial number on the cylinder, wedge, arbor pin, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. CONDITION: Very good with a smooth blend of gray and brown patina on the iron, half of the original silver plating remaining and display age darkened patina, golden patina on the exposed brass, mild ding and scratches, and general moderate wear. The grip is fine and has mild lower edge wear, handling wear, a series of small dings on the butt, and minor scratches. The cylinder does not always advance properly when the hammer is cocked; otherwise, the revolver is mechanically fine. Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 178
Early Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver with Holster - Serial no. 4170, 36 cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. This early Colt Model 1851 Navy was manufactured in 1851 as a third model with the small round trigger guard and also features a brass post front sight, “-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-” on top of the barrel, the small “COLTS/PATENT” marking on the frame, the standard Naval Battle of Campeche roll scene on the cylinder, and matching visible serial numbers on the loading lever, barrel, cylinder, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The revolver is accompanied by a reproduction dark leather holster with faint spurious “R.T. FRAZIER/PUEBLO” maker’s mark and a stitched five-pointed star. CONDITION: Very good with 80% plus original silver plating remaining on the grip frame, 25% of the fading original blue finish on the barrel, mostly silvered out original case colors, smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, crisp markings and cylinder scene, and some minor pitting and holster wear. The grip is fine and has mild lower edge wear, scattered dings and scratches, and some hammer marks. Mechanically fine. The holster is also fine and has mild age and storage related wear including some white residue and crackling. Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
LOT 179
“Avenging Angel” Colt Model 1862 Police Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 36098, 36 cal., 2 1/8 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. This interesting Colt revolver was manufactured in 1867 and subsequently modified by cutting the barrel back to just 2 1/8 inches, fitting a dovetailed blade front sight, removing the loading lever, and filling the loading lever slot similar to the conversion revolvers. Percussion Colt’s modified into snub-nosed revolvers are often referred to as “Avenging Angels,” and revolvers of this type are known to have been used by some of the Mormons, including bodyguard Porter Rockwell. It is also easy to imagine this revolver being shortened for some government secret agent work, or carried by a gambler. There are period references to “cutoff” Colt Police revolvers (see for example the Los Angeles Herald on October 28, 1874). Unlike most Colts with similar modifications, this revolver remains in fairly high condition. The barrel has the New York address and a dovetailed blade front sight. The other markings are standard, including matching visible serial numbers. CONDITION: Very good as period modified with 20% original case colors, traces of original blue finish, aged patina on the brass, smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, some minor pitting, and general mild wear. The grip is also fine and has moderate wear, including chips at the toe and heel on the right. Mechanically fine. Estimate: 1,500 - 2,500
LOT 180
Colt Model 1861 Navy Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 29034, 36 cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened/ silver finish, walnut grips. This revolver was manufactured in 1866 and has the standard markings and features, including matching visible serial numbers. CONDITION: Fine with 40% original blue on the barrel, 60% plus of the vivid original case colors, 30% of the original silver plating, smooth gray patina on most of the balance of the iron, faint oxidation and pitting, attractive aged patina on brass, and general mild overall wear. The action is seized up. The grip is very fine and has most of the finish remaining, minor edge wear, and the typical light dings and scratches. Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 177
Colt Model 1848 Baby Dragoon Percussion Revolver with Desirable 6 Inch Barrel - Serial no. 5417, 31 cal., 6 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. The Model 1848 Baby Dragoon was the first pocket model manufactured by Colt at the Hartford factory and is in essence a scaled down Colt Dragoon revolver and came out just in time for the California Gold Rush. Around 15,000 Baby Dragoon revolvers were manufactured in 1847-1850 before production shifted fully over to the newer Model 1849 Pocket which went on to be Colt’s most popular percussion revolver. Depending on the sources used, 23-29% of the rammerless Baby Dragoons are estimated to have
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