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Declaration of Independence and the founding of the Unite States. This specific revolver shows all the telltale signs of having been a part of Colt’s famous “wheel” display at the exposition, and is one serial number away from another New Line .30 revolver documented as being a part of it. 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 one number away (10234)
from a revolver listed 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. Also listed on the Folsom & Co. ledger are New Line .30 revolvers serial number 10237 and 10239. 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.” Some of the “wheel” revolvers were later loaned to the Henry Folsom Co.
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 with an escutcheon on the lid inscribed “E.S. Pease/Oct. 20. 1884.”, cleaning rod, key, and cartridge block full of .30 RF cartridges. The included factory letter states that no records of shipment could be located, as is the case with other Colt 1876 Centennial Exposition revolvers, and that an inventory listing for the revolver was located which lists the revolver with factory engraving, combination nickel/gold finish, and pearl grips.
CONDITION: Extremely fine, retains 95% plus of the original nickel finish and 30% of the attractively aged gold finish
on the cylinder with balance having thinned to an age- darkened silver/grey patina and crisp engraving overall. The pearl grips are excellent with only the slightest handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with
a few scattered light handling/storage marks. This is a highly desirable piece of American and Colt history. Very few collectors get the opportunity to own a Colt revolver featured in the famous “Wheel”, displayed at the 1876 Centennial Exposition.
Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection.
Estimate: 15,000 - 25,000
LOT 232
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. 10235, 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
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 pinwheel 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