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LOT 1159
Historic Factory Engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy
Percussion Revolver Inscribed to Lieutenant George D. Ruggles -
Serial no. 55168, 36 cal., 7 1/2 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, deluxe factory walnut grips. This classic Colt ‘51 Navy was manufactured in 1856 and features the iconic 1850s factory scroll engraving patterns associated with Master Engraver Gustave Young, then Colt’s primary engraving contractor. The engraving includes the
“COLTS/PATENT” marking on the left side of the frame rather than the usual stamped marking. The barrel has the one-line New York City address. There are “A” inspection type stamps repeated
on various components, and the factory dash mark used to designate revolvers for special finishing is by the main serial numbers on the bottom. The visible serial numbers are all matching. The grip is nicely figured walnut with a varnish finish. The back strap is inscribed “Lieut Geo. D. Ruggles./U.S. Army.”
George David Ruggles (1833-1904) of New York served in the U.S. Army for over four
decades. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point the year prior to the production of this revolver and was assigned to the 2nd U.S. Infantry on the frontier as a 2nd lieutenant and was promoted to 1st lieutenant and regimental adjutant. During the Civil War, he rose through the ranks and served as General Pope’s chief of staff and adjutant general and also served on the staffs of McClellan and Meade before becoming adjutant general of the Army of the Potomac. He received a brevet promotion to brigadier general in the U.S. Army late in the war “for
gallant and meritorious service during the operations resulting in the fall of Richmond, Virginia, and the surrender of the insurgent army under General Robert E. Lee.” He continued his military career within the Adjutant General’s Department until his retirement in 1897 as a brigadier general, including serving as adjutant general himself from 1893-1897. In retirement, he served as governor of the Soldiers’ Home in the nation’s capital and died while living in Washington, D.C. in 1904. His son Colden H. Ruggles also attended West Point and graduated in 1886 and became a brigadier general in the U.S. Army and served in the artillery and Ordnance Department, including with the American Expeditionary Force during World War I. CONDITION: Very good plus. 70% of the original silver plating remains on the grip straps with fading mostly along the backstrap where the inscription remains legible. The balance of the revolver displays crisp engraving and a smooth brown patina. There are some scattered dings and scratches and a few patches of minor oxidation. The wedge screw is a replacement. The grip is fine and has attractive figure, moderate handling and storage wear, and a few dings. Mechanically fine. This is lovely factory engraved Colt ‘51 Navy made all the more desirable by its inscription to a career military officer who served in the U.S. Army for most of the second half of the 19th century, including in notable roles during the Civil War. Estimate: 9,500 - 18,000
LOT 1160
Scarce
U.S. Marked Colt Third Model
Dragoon Percussion Revolver with Desirable Three-Leaf Rear Sight and “Four-Screw” Frame - Serial no. 16810, 44 cal., 7 1/2 inch part round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. Colt’s
Third Model Dragoon revolvers were the last of Colt’s massive “horse pistols” descended from
the famous Colt Walker. The Dragoons were used by the 1st and 2nd Dragoons and U.S. Regiment of Mounted Riflemen
in the West in the antebellum era and also so extensive use during the Civil War by both sides. This Third Model Dragoon was manufactured in 1858 and features “GGS” (G.G. Saunders) and “WAT” (Captain William Anderson Thornton) inspector cartouches on the grip as well as a shoulder stock with “WAT” and “BH” (Major Benjamin Huger or possibly Benjamin Hannis) cartouches. The barrel has a half-moon German silver blade front, dovetail mounted
three-leaf rear sight, and the one-line New York address. The cylinder has the classic roll scene depicting a running battle between the Texas Rangers and the Comanche and the “MODEL U.S.M.R.” and “COLT’S PATENT” markings. The left side of the frame has the “COLTS/PATENT/U.S.” marking.
The frame’s recoil shield is cut for a shoulder stock, and the elongated mounting screws are fitted to the sides of the frame. The butt has the corresponding slot for the stock. There are several small inspection type markings, including some additional “C” markings on multiple components (likely condemnation marks). Matching serial numbers are found on the loading lever, cylinder, barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, and rear mortise of the grip. The wedge is tight and was not removed. Only around 1,500 Dragoons were made with provisions for shoulder stocks. These revolvers were issued in pairs with one shoulder stock. CONDITION: Good with mostly brown patina, some traces of old refinished brown on the top of the repaired back strap, mostly distinct markings including the cylinder scene, some mild dings and scratches, faint pitting, and general mild overall wear. The lightly sanded and re-oiled grip is good with mild overall wear, chips at the toe, some hammering marks on the butt, and hand-worn finish. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
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