Page 118 - 89-FLIPBOOK3

LOT 3121
Desirable Colt
“Fluck” Variation Dragoon
Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 1915, 44 cal., 7
1/2 inch part octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. This revolver was
manufactured in 1848 and is a desirable early first Model Dragoon with characteristics of the 2nd Contract Dragoons and so called “Fluck” Dragoons. The revolver was either manufactured just prior to
the 2nd Contract Dragoons or contemporaneously. The revolver lacks the inspector initials of the 2nd contract Dragoons but may have been included to fill out the contract. Research by Dick Salzer, David Basnet, G. Maxwell Longfield, and others has changed our understanding of the “Fluck” model and shown
that they were not replacements for broken Walkers or made from recycled or repaired Walker components as John J. Fluck had theorized in 1956. In “Debunking the Fluck Myth: Colt Legends Die Hard” by Salzer for the American Society of Arms Collectors in 2019, the author notes that these revolvers are actually the
first Dragoons sold to the government, and “The obvious conclusion is that Colt, for reasons of completeness perhaps, chose to number the guns made for the second government contract in a closed, out-of-sequence series, beginning with 2001 and continuing to 3000.” He also notes that the tiny serial number numerals were stamped with the same dies as the civilian Walker revolvers, the Whitneyville Dragoons, and on the early “pre-First Model Dragoons” until the dies are
presumed to have worn out around serial number 2650. This example falls just before the usual 2001 to 3000 serial number range listed for this variation. The revolver has the distinctive First Model style oval cylinder stops and brass square-back trigger guard. The top of the barrel has a nickel-silver blade front sight and is marked “~ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY.~” reading from the breech to the muzzle. “COLT’S/PATENT/U.S.” is marked on the left of the frame. The cylinder has the Indian
and Texas Rangers battle scene and “MODEL U.S.M.R./COLT’S PATENT.” Matching serial numbers are marked on the barrel, wedge, arbor pin, frame, cylinder, trigger guard, and back strap,
and the loading lever and bottom of the barrel ahead of the loading lever are marked “35.”
CONDITION: Very good with mostly silver-gray patina on the crisp metal surfaces throughout along with some mild pitting, a factory casting flaw visible on the left side of the frame above
the trigger, mostly distinct markings (including the majority of the clearly legible cylinder scene), patches of original silver plating behind the hammer and around the trigger guard with
attractive aged patina, and golden aged patina on the balance of the brass grip straps. The grip is also very good and has moderate lower edge wear including some small chips at the toe, minor scratches and dings, and handling wear. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
LOT 3122
LOT 3123
Civil War Era Colt Model 1849 Percussion Pocket Revolver with Lap Desk Case - Serial no. 188710, 31 cal., 4 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/ silver finish, walnut grips. The revolver was manufactured in 1861 and has a brass post front sight, the one-line New York address, “COLTS/ PATENT” marked frame, standard stagecoach scene on the five-shot cylinder, and matching serial numbers. It comes cased in the lower compartment of an antique lap desk. CONDITION: Fine with 85% plus original silver plating, 30% original case colors, mostly smooth brown patina on the cylinder along with a distinct scene and traces of blue finish, and 60% original blue finish on the barrel. The grip is also fine and has handling wear, hammering marks on the butt, mild edge wear, and some dings and scratches. Mechanically fine. The case is good and has a detached catch for the upper compartment, tape reinforcement, and general mild wear from age and storage. Estimate: 1,500 - 2,250
116
Fine Civil War U.S. Contract Colt Model 1860 Army Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 90764, 44 cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. This classic Colt Model 1860 Army was manufactured in 1863 during the middle of the Civil War. The ‘60 Army was the primary sidearm of the Union Army during the war. This example features a German silver blade front sight, the one-line New York address, “COLTS/PATENT” on the left side of the frame, the standard Naval Battle of Campeche roll scene on the cylinder, matching visible serial numbers, a “WHR” cartouche on the left side of the grip, and single letter inspection marks on various components. CONDITION: Fine with 40% original case colors on the hammer and frame, 97% of the vibrant original case colors remaining on the loading lever arm, mix of dark brown patina and 40% fading original blue on the barrel and back strap, smooth light brown and gray patina on the cylinder which has a distinct scene and complete safety pins, and overall wear appropriate from age and storage rather than use. The grip is also fine and has mild scratches and dings, lower edge wear, some hammering marks on the butt, and a crisp cartouche. Mechanically fine. Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000