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As pictured & described in
The Wm. M. Locke
Collection by Sellers
81
This revolver is also attributed by the consignor
as having been part of Colt’s famous “wheel”
display which debuted at the 1876 Centennial
Exposition in Philadelphia. The revolver shows
all the telltale signs of having been a part of
the “wheel” display, and is one serial number
away from another New Line .41 revolver
documented as being a part of it. The fair
presented a tremendous advertising opportunity
for American arms companies like Colt and
Winchester, both of which displayed elaborate
exhibition arms and took in orders, including
for high end deluxe arms. Colt’s famous display
was perhaps the factory’s most spectacular
display in its history, and Colt’s new smaller
pocket revolvers were highly represented. This
revolver is one number away (5026, as this
revolver was incorrectly listed by Sellers) from a
revolver listed on the Oct. 15, 1877, ledger listing
revolvers received by Henry Folsom & Co. from
and returned to Colt that were previously part of
Colt’s display at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial
Exposition. Also listed on the Folsom & Co.
ledger are New Line .41 revolvers serial number
5020, 5021, and 5022, making it highly likely
this revolver was also among them. A revolver
further down the ledger is listed with a nickel
and gold finish and ivory grips, and may have
the serial number 5025, though that portion
of the ledger is faint. It is very possible that
this revolver was originally part of the display
and later had its grips changed for the above
discussed presentation. The display was built
in Hartford specifically for the exposition and
received a lot of attention both at the World’s
Fair itself and into the 21st century as collectors
eagerly seek out the historic Colts that made up
Colt’s most famous display. The display is shown
in multiple publications about Colt firearms,
including Wilson’s books (for example, see page
172 of “Colt: An American Legend.”) Some of the
“wheel” revolvers were later loaned to the Henry
Folsom Co. of St. Louis and were returned to Colt
in October 1877, and some remain in the Colt
Collection at the Museum of Connecticut History.
The consignor also notes that this revolver was
present at a large fair in St. Louis in 1877.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 90% plus of the
original nickel finish and 30% of the original gold
plating on the cylinder, primarily in the flutes,
with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina
and crisp engraving overall. The grips are also
very fine with a few very light chips at the edges,
a crisp inscription, and otherwise light handling
marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is good
with moderate wear overall.
Provenance: The William M. Locke Collection;
The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection;
Dr. Chespa Carrara Collection.
Estimate: 50,000 - 70,000