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LOT 1206
Rare Colt Thuer Conversion Model 1862 Police Revolver - Serial
no. 42424, 38 CF cal., 4 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish, varnished
walnut grips. Less than a total of 5,000 Thuer conversions were executed by Colt c. 1869-1872 across
several models per “Metallic Cartridge Conversions” by Adler. A Thuer conversion Colt Model 1862 Police is rarely
encountered. The Thuer conversions were the first Colt metallic cartridge revolvers and are thus very desirable. The Thuer
conversions were made in an attempt to circumvent Rollin White’s patent of the bored through cylinder, and uses a specially
modified cylinder with a removable breech plate that includes a firing pin and a slight milled spot on the right side by the
top of recoil shield cut-out. The tapered metallic cased centerfire Thuer cartridges are loaded from the front of the revolver
just like a paper cartridge. A percussion cylinder can be re-installed on the revolver readily which would allow for use with
either traditional cap and ball loads or metallic cartridges. Features a cone front sight, 6-shot conversion cylinder, and integral
notch rear sight in the hammer. The breech plate is marked “PAT.SEP./15.1868” and “E” (designating the ejection position). The cylinder has the stagecoach holdup
scene. “36 CAL” on the trigger guard. Matching full or partial serial numbers visible on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, butt, and cylinder.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 50% plus bright original high polish blue finish, 40% vivid original case colors, 30% original silver finish with bright golden patina on the
exposed brass, smooth brown and gray patina on the balance of the iron, some light oxidation, and crisp markings and cylinder scene. Grip is also fine, retains much
of the original glossy piano varnish finish with some flaking, handling marks, and distinct edges. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 7,500 - 11,000
LOT 1207
19th Century Period Documents Relating to Colt Patent Firearms
Manufacturing Co., the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Co., and Schuyler, Hartley
& Graham, Including Letters from Samuel Colt and Mrs. Colt - This lot contains
the following: A July 5, 1858, a letter of introduction from Samuel Colt for Mr.
Hamersley (William James Hamersley, mayor of Hartford 1853-1854 and 1862-1863,
publisher, editor, and bookseller) to Thomas N. Dale Esq. of Paris. A letter from Mrs.
Colt to Messrs. Hamersley & Co. on March 27th, 1868, indicating “there are no copies
of ‘Armsear’ for sale, and it was printed only for private distribution.” An invoice for
the Colt Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Co. from William James Hamersley for
stationary supplies dated July 2, 1866. An April 17, 1879, Schuyler, Hartley & Graham
letter to Sharps Rifles Co. regarding rifles 159867, 158082, 158081, 160090, 159722,
155119, 159791, 156833, 159751, and 159827 being returned to Schuyler, Hartley
& Graham. A September 22, 1875, letter from Schuyler, Hartley & Graham to the
Sharps Rifle Co. ordering two rifles, related equipment, and bullets. A June 30, 1884,
letter from Hartley & Graham to Colt Patent Fire Arms Co. ordering revolvers, parts,
and tools. Hartley & Graham invoice for Mrs. Rosa Koenig of Newark, New Jersey,
dated November 17th, 1886. August 10, 1889, Hartley & Graham letter to Colt Patent
Firearms Co. asking them to mail William Wurfflein of Philadelphia an extractor for
a .38 caliber Colt Lightning rifle. Hartley & Graham envelope addressed to Merts
& Riddle of Ravenna, Ohio. Letter from William B. Franklin (Union general and vice
president at Colt) on letterhead from the Exposition Universelle in Paris on June
29, 1889, regarding tax payments. Letter on Colts Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing
Co. letterhead dated March 31, 1870, from William B. Franklin to Col. Silas Crispin
regarding pay due a general.
CONDITION: Fine with mild age and storage related wear. Overall, a very interesting
array of documents.
Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,500 199