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In the included extensive research binder, Mr. Lampe stated that
“the case, as well as the ivory grips, were most certainly made
by J. C. Grubb & Co. of Philadelphia one of Colt’s ‘Allies,” their
largest dealers. Grubb was known for their French style casings
and this one is quite typical of their work including the German
silver fittings on the case.” He also notes that the set is pictured in
“The Colt Engraving Book Vol. 1” by R. L. Wilson on pages 352 and
353 (with erroneous details listed). It is also possible the work was
completed by the famous Andrew Wurfflein shop in Philadelphia.
Compare with the cased pair of presentation Smith & Wesson
Volcanic pistols in Lot 1005 of Rock Island Auction’s September 2020
Premier which were marked by Wurfflein’s shop. Regardless of their
precise origin, the grip and case inscriptions indicate this stunning revolver was presented
to Chief of Police Samuel G. Ruggles (1806-1874) of Philadelphia whose biography is well-
documented in the accompanying research compiled by Mr. Lampe. He wrote that Ruggles was
the first chief of police for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, when he was appointed in May 1857. The
police department was created by state law in 1854, and the city marshal’s office was abolished
but the sitting city marshal was allowed to finish his term. Mayor Richard Vaux, who served from
1856 to 1858, wanted to organize and properly train the Philadelphia Police Department and
selected Ruggles based on the recommendations of Captain Jacob Laudenslager who had turned
down the job. Ruggles previously served as a deputy sheriff for Philadelphia County and then as a
lieutenant for the Philadelphia Police Department for Ward 6. Under his leadership, the department
is noted as becoming efficient and effective. He remained the police chief through three different
administrations and the tumult of the American Civil War. He resigned in December of 1868 due to
ill health and died on April 21, 1874. He is buried in Hood Cemetery in Germantown, Philadelphia
County, Pennsylvania. The revolver may have been retained by his family for decades thereafter
and has been part of several well-known firearms collections. Mr. Lampe indicates it was owned
by William M. Locke, then by Locke’s close friend Herb Adder, then Al Kelly, Greg Martin, Herb
Glass Sr., back to Greg Martin, and then Mr. Lampe.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine with 90% plus original blue finish, 80% original case colors,
and crisp engraving and markings. The blue finish exhibits some slight age related flaking
mainly toward the breech end of the barrel and the cylinder. The cylinder retains a crisp roll
scene and solid safety pins. The case colors remain dark. The silver is mostly bright with areas
of light aged patina. The grip is very fine with some slight shrinkage from age, attractive
natural coloration, lightly aged gold plaques with crisp inscriptions, and minor age lines on
the right. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with minor age and storage related
wear, including slight cracks, a distinct presentation inscription, and light aged patina on the
metal. The accessories are very fine with essentially all of the original finish remaining on the
combination tool and flask, minimal aging of the brass and German silver, and faint storage
wear. Overall, this is an incredibly beautiful and historic example of Samuel Colt’s ever popular
Model 1849 Pocket.
Provenance: The William M. Locke Collection; The Herb Adder Collection; The Al Kelly
Collection; The Greg Martin Collection; The Herb Glass Sr. Collection; The Greg Martin
Collection; The Greg Lampe Collection.
Estimate: 65,000 - 110,000
As pictured & described in
The Colt Engraving Book Vol. 1 by Wilson
192