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LOT 57
Very Scarce Colt Pre- First Model “Fluck/Walker Replacement “ Dragoon
Percussion Revolver - Serial no. 2043, 44 cal., 7 1/2 inch part octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in 1848
within the reported 2001 to 3000 serial number range for the “Walker Replacement Dragoons” identified
by researcher John J. Fluck in 1956. He estimated 300 were made to replace the Walker revolvers that had failed and indicated they
were made for the U.S. military using original Walker parts and reworked parts. More recent research by Dick Salzer, David Basnet, G. Maxwell Longfield, and others has changed our understanding of this model and shown that they were not replacements for broken Walkers or made from
recycled or repaired Walker components as Fluck had theorized but were instead actually the first Dragoon revolvers sold to the U.S. government. In
“Debunking the Fluck Myth: Colt Legends Die Hard” by Salzer for the American Society of Arms Collectors in Bulletin #95 from Spring 2007 the author states, “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. That left him with a gap in his civilian production between 1340 and 2000 which he subsequently filled with later
production guns.” 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. These are among the rarest of the roughly 19,000 Colt Dragoon revolvers. The revolver has the distinctive First Model style oval
cylinder stops and brass square back trigger guard. The top of the barrel flat is marked “ADDRESS SAMl COLT, NEW-YORK CITY” reading from the breech to the muzzle. “COLT’S/PATENT/U.S.” marked on the
left center of the frame. The cylinder has the standard roll engraved Indian and Rangers battle scene and “MODEL U.S.M.R./COLT’S PATENT” (obliterated). There is a small “P” inspection mark stamped on top
of the back strap, on the left front of the frame and on the left flat of the barrel. The matching serial number is marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard (the last digit “3” was never stamped), cylinder,
wedge, arbor pin and butt. The replacement loading lever is unnumbered. Blade front and hammer notch rear sights. The frame was casehardened, the grip frame silver plated, and the remaining metal
surfaces were blue finished . Fitted with a smooth one-piece well made replacement walnut grip with a restamped partial oval script “WAT” (William A. Thornton) inspection cartouche stamped on the left panel and faint remnants of a cartouche on the right panel. Initials “SLH” inscribed ahead of an illegible inscription on the butt.
CONDITION: Good with scattered light to moderate pitting on the iron surfaces, gray and brown patina on the barrel, and strong dark blue casehardening visible on the frame and hammer. Brass displays bright as lightly cleaned, with period inscription on the butt as mentioned above. Grip is very good (see above) with some light handling marks and dents, a small chip in the corner touching the trigger guard of the left grip panel, a few small cracks on the bottom of each grip panel, and mostly defined edges. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 9,500 - 14,000
LOT 58
Desirable Early Production U.S. Contract William A. Thornton Inspected Colt’s Patent Dragoon Revolver Powder Flask - This is a rare example of a powder flask as furnished with the First Model Colt Dragoon revolvers until 1855 when this type with the plunger charger was discontinued in favor of the sloping charger with thumb cutoff. Measures approximately 7 1/2 inches long (excluding spout) with a brown lacquer finish and
double face design. The design is a military motif with flags, spears and artillery pieces above crossed long guns and crossed handguns. At the base is “COLTS PATENT” in a banner. Triangular carrying rings are positioned on the sides near the base.
The plunger is marked “35/GRS” and
the ball compartment gate is stamped
“COLTS/PATENT”. A “W” is visible on
the top that originally would have been
the desirable inspection initials “W.A.T” of
William A. Thornton. Another example of this
type of flask is pictured and described on pages 162-
163 of the book, “Colt Percussion Accoutrements” First Edition by Robin J. Rapley. CONDITION: Very good, exhibiting an attractive golden aged patina with numerous scattered light dents and light period wear and handling marks. This desirable “W.A.T” inspected Colt flask is a must have to accompany a U.S. Dragoon revolver!
LOT 59
Desirable Pre-Civil War U.S. Contract William A. Thornton Inspected
Colt’s Patent .44 Caliber First Model Dragoon Revolver Bullet Mold - This rare example is the first of the Dragoon molds, of the type furnished with
the second government contract of 1847-1848 for the First Model Dragoon revolvers. The right block is marked “COLTS/PATENT” (at an angle) above the desirable initials “W.A.T” of U.S. inspector William A. Thornton. Made of brass with a casehardened iron sprue-cutter, this early Dragoon mold has a round ball and a conical without a grease groove as seen in the next variations. Another example of this type of bullet mold is pictured and described on pages 221, 223, 228 and 229 of the book, “Colt Percussion Accoutrements” First Edition by Robin J. Rapley.
CONDITION: Good with attractive golden aged patina on the brass with numerous scattered period dings, sharp markings, and smooth brown patina on the iron sprue-cutter. This desirable “W.A.T” inspected Colt .44 bullet mold is a must have to accompany a U.S. First Model Dragoon revolver!
Estimate: 1,500 - 2,500
LOT 60
U.S. Cavalry Style Double Saddle Pommel Holsters - U.S. military style leather double pommel holsters. Both sides tightly fit
a Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver and measure at approximately 12
1/2 inches each on
the inside. CONDITION:
Very good with
torn retainer at
the top, some cracking and age related wear in
the leather, and
dark aged patina
on the brass
ends. A highly attractive double saddle holster that would make for a fine period accoutrement to accompany a pair of Colt Model 1851 Navy revolvers! Estimate:
1,600 - 2,500
74 Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000