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LOT 1099
Civil War Era Factory Engraved Colt Model 1860 Army Percussion Revolver with Holster and Patriotically Carved Grip - Serial no. 133874, 44 cal., 8 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, carved antique ivory grips. This revolver was manufactured in 1863 and almost certainly engraved by Gustave Young’s shop. They were Colt’s primary engraving contractors during this period. The engraving is primarily scroll engraving with floral accents and punch dot backgrounds in his classic style, as is the wolf head motif on the hammer and the shell patterns on the back strap. “E” is marked by the main serial number locations indicating the revolver was selected by the factory for engraving. The grip
is carved with a patriotic design with an eagle, flags, shield, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” on the left and is marked with the matching serial number in the rear mortise. The revolver also features a blade front sight, the New York barrel address, Naval Battle of Campeche cylinder scene, standard patent markings,
all matching serial numbers, recoil shield and back strap cut
for a shoulder stock, and “4” and “44 CAL” on the left side of the trigger guard. The trigger guard also has a brass plate fitted inside the guard that holds the trigger back. The hammer sight groove is also enlarged. The lot includes a tooled brown leather holster with no visible maker’s mark.
CONDITION: Fine with crisp engraving, traces of original case colors on the loading lever, mostly smooth gray and brown patina, aged patina on the trigger guard, mild pitting mainly on the barrel, and mostly distinct cylinder scene. The grip
is fine and has distinct carving, mild age cracks on the butt, and attractive natural tones and grain. The holster is very
good showing some age cracking and discoloration with
tight stitching overall. Due to the alteration, the hammer
does not hold at half or full cock, but the action is otherwise mechanically fine.
Estimate: 7,000 - 12,000
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