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LOT 88
Excellent
Presentation Cased Factory
Engraved and Inscribed Massachusetts Arms Co. Wesson
& Leavitt Belt Model Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 28, 31
cal., 4 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened/bright finish, walnut grips.
Only around 1,000 of the Wesson & Leavitt Belt Model revolvers were manufactured
by the Massachusetts Arms Co. in 1850 and 1851 before production was halted due
to a patent infringement suit won by Colt. The design was in part by Edwin Wesson, older brother
of Daniel B. Wesson of later Smith & Wesson fame. The younger Wesson and Horace Smith were among the
incorporators of the Massachusetts Arms Co. This model is nearly identical to its Dragoon sister, but smaller in
size and weight. These revolvers are rarely encountered in such high condition. The condition alone certainly
makes this example worthy of the finest collections. In addition to the standard markings, this revolver has higher
quality engraving and a trigger guard inscribed with the name “Bartlett” in a ribbon. The floral scroll engraving on punch
dot background decorates the frame, trigger guard, and hammer. The cylinder is acid etched with a non-standard pattern. The number “28” is stamped on the
top strap lug. The back strap is brass. The revolver wears a plain nicely figured one-piece walnut grip with flared butt. The attractive and original partitioned
case is built out of tiger striped maple and is lined in burgundy velvet. The case contains a fantastic Massachusetts Arms Co. eagle powder flask, case key,
container made from horn, brass “MASS. ARMS CO./CHICOPEE FALLS” marked ball and conical bullet mold, “L” shaped combination tool, and brass rammer.
The correct and proper powder flask is double sided; featuring an eagle on one side and the Massachusetts Arms Co. marking on the other side. The collar
and spout have a gilt finish, and the body has a lacquer finish. Also included in the case is an engineer’s straight edge etched with the name “Ralph W. Bartlett”
and leather sheath. Purportedly a Ralph W. Bartlett served the Confederacy during the Civil War in Company K, Texas 9th Infantry and the 6th Tennessee Infantry. The National Park Service’s Civil War soldiers and sailors database lists a R. Bartlett with the Texas 9th Regiment and Waul’s Texas Legion. The Texas 9th Regiment was formed in late 1861 and fought in several battles including at Shiloh, Perryville, Stones River, Chickamauga, Allatoona, and Nashville. Waul’s Texas Legion is remembered for repelling General Ulysses S. Grants largest assault on Vicksburg on May 22, 1863. After a second failed assault, Grant turned to starving the Confederate forces. Without supplies for nearly 50 days, the defenders of Vicksburg surrendered.
CONDITION: Very fine.The barrel retains 98% original blue finish. The brass back strap has an attractive darkened age patina. The bright polished, acid etched cylinder remains bright. The remaining surfaces retain 95% vivid restored case colors on the professionally repaired topstrap. The engraving and etching are crisp. The grip is also excellent with limited handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is extremely fine with handling/storage marks on the exterior and typical high spot wear on the slightly faded lining. The bullet mold is fine with a bent leg. The powder flask is excellent. The straight edge is excellent. These revolvers are rarely found in such high condition, let alone housed in a highly attractive tiger striped maple case.
Estimate: 15,000 - 25,000
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