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LOT 1100
Incredibly Historic, Well- Documented and Published Cased Deluxe Presentation Factory Engraved Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver with Samuel Colt Letter Presenting this Revolver to James E. Dodd
- Serial no. 58142, 31 percussion cal., 5 inch bbl., blue/casehardened finish, varnished walnut grips. This historic Samuel Colt presentation factory cased and engraved Colt Model 1849, 58142, revolver
was manufactured in 1853 and
is one of the most interesting
and intimately documented Colt firearms presented during Col. Colt’s lifetime. As discussed in on page 174 of Magnificent Colts”
by Wilson, this revolver passed through multiple generations of the original recipients family, James E. Dodd. Clearly a cherished family heirloom, the revolver, casing and its accessories remain in excellent time capsule like condition but
the most remarkable artifact that survived is the hand written letter documenting the presentation
to Dodd by Sam Colt, dated September 8, 1853.
The letter states: “Dear Sir, With this note, you will please receive, and accept one of my Revolving Pistols, as a slight manifestation of my thanks for your kindness in aiding me to purchase lands to carry out my plans for building an Armory, at same time enlarging and benefiting the city. Trusting that, in event of a necessity arising for use of this arm, it may be found a faithful friend.”
I remain Sir
Very Respy
Your Obt Servent Sam Colt
James Dodd (1787-1862) was
a wealthy resident of Hartford, farmer and community leader
with financial interests in the city’s public infrastructure as well as one of the founders of the Farmer’s and Mechanics’ Bank of Hartford. As explained in the letter, this Model 1849 was Samuel Colt’s expression of gratitude for Dodd assisting him in purchasing land for his South Meadows improvements. By 1855 Colt had built a new factory along the Connecticut River in an area known as the South Meadows.
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