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THIS VARIATION IS DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK A STUDY OF THE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER BY GRAHAM, KOPEC & MOORE
LOT 1207
Historic U.S. Colt Artillery Model Single
Action Army Revolver, Holster and
Civil War Model 1850 Staff and Field Officer’s Sword - Serial no. 133051,
45 Long Colt cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. This is an exceptional example of a U.S. Colt Artillery Model Single Action Army
revolver, unique Arsenal/depot modified Rock Island Arsenal Type 1881 Holster and
Civil War regulation Model 1850 Staff and Field Officer’s
sword that belonged to Colonel Alexander Hawkins of the 10 Infantry Regiment,
Pennsylvania National Guard. Colonel Hawkins commanded the 10th Pennsylvania Infantry
during the Philippine Insurrection from May 12, 1898, until his death
from disease during the regiment’s return to the United Sates in 1899. The
revolver, holster and sword were recently discovered in
a trunk and remain in untouched condition. This late production Single Action revolver was manufactured in 1890
under one of the two final contracts for 2,000 Cavalry Model Single Action revolvers. This revolver has a David F. Clark (D.F.C.) sub-inspected barrel stamped with the partial serial number “3613” beneath the ejector housing. The frame, trigger guard and back strap are serial numbered “133051”, and the cylinder is stamped with the partial serial number “3051”. The matching serial numbers on all components except the barrel identify this revolver as a “Type II Artillery Model” (Kopec page 241) that was probably one of the 14,900 Single Action Cavalry resolvers that had the barrels shortened to
5 1/2 inches by Springfield Armory prior to the Spanish-American War. This revolver retains the original blue and color casehardened finish on the trigger guard, cylinder, back strap, frame, hammer and loading gate. The barrel was probably refinished when it was shortened and the front sight relocated. The revolver has the original grip dated “1890” on the left side above the Ordnance Inspector’s boxed script initials “SEB”. The right side of the grip is stamped with the Ordnance Sub-Inspector’s script initials “RAC” in a rectangle. Rinaldo A Carr’s small block “R.A.C.” sub-inspection mark is
stamped on the left heel of the grip, the side of the cylinder and on the bottom of the frame above the serial number. The underside of the barrel is stamped with a David F. Clark (D.F.C.) sub-inspection mark and a small “P” proofmark. A similar “P” proofmark
is stamped on the side of the cylinder. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt “Three-Line/Thee-Date” patent markings followed by the “U.S.” property mark. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the one-line Hartford “Elongated Block Letter” (Style IV) address. The ejector rod head is the early “bullseye” type used until serial number 113000. The cavalry style hammer has elongated, bordered knurling on the spur. The black leather Type 1881 holster was made for a Cavalry Model revolver with 7 1/2 inch barrel but was clearly used to carry a short barrel Artillery Model revolver. The holster has two holes about 2/3 of the way down the body from contact with the shorter Artillery Model barrel and ejector housing. The top of the belt loop has been cut off and lengthened with an additional piece of leather and fitted with
a brass hook for attachment to a Mills style cartridge belt. The holster has the two holes in the flap for use with Colt or S&W revolvers and is embossed “US” in an oval on the body. The flap is stamped with the “ROCK ISLAND/ARSENAL” marking, two sub- inspectors marks and “12”. The Model 1850 Staff & Field Officer’s sword is a regulation Civil War pattern with late war, acid etched “U.S.” and spread eagle decorations
on the blade and a Clauberg marker’s mark on the ricasso. Also included with the group are photo copies of a booklet entitled “27th Annual Banquet 15th Pa. Vol. Cavalry” dated September 7, 1899. The booklet contains numerous testimonials to Col. Hawkins as well as details of the 10th PA Vol. Infantry’s service in the Philippines along with several photos of Hawkins and his troops in the field. Hawkins was born
in Pennsylvania in 1843 and enlisted in the 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment
in August 1862. He participated in the Antietam Campaign and served with the
15th Pennsylvania as part of the Army of the Cumberland until his discharge as a Captain in January 1866. He joined the Pennsylvania National Guard in 1877 and was mustered into U.S service in May 1898 for the Spanish-American War. He died on the U.S. transport senator bound for San Francisco two days out of Yokohama, Japan, on July 18, 1899.
CONDITION: Extremely fine. The revolver is in original, untouched condition and remains in the same state in which it was found by the family. Nearly 90% of the blue and color casehardened finish remain. There are small patches of surface rust on
the ejector rod head, back strap, and bottom of the trigger guard as well as smaller scattered spots of rust on the barrel, ejector housing, frame and hammer. There is dried oil and dirt in protected areas of the revolver. The serial numbers and markings are extremely crisp. The grip is excellent with all of the oil finish and crisp markings. Mechanically fine. The holster is in fine overall condition with smooth leather surfaces and tight stitching but has two holes in the holster body and some scattered scuff marks. The embossed “U.S.” on the holster body is strong, and the arsenal markings are clear. The sword is very good. The fine blade is bright with sharp etching. The brass hilt shows moderate-heavy wear; the brass has a dark patina. The fish skin grip cover is worn, and the wire wrap is loose. The scabbard is in fair condition with heavy wear and is missing the brass drag. This is both a very fine and historic example of
a U.S. Colt Artillery Model Single Action revolver that was probably carried by Col. Alexander Hawkins during the Philippine Insurrection.
Estimate: 9,500 - 17,000