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LOT 3099
Attractive Factory Engraved and Nickel and Gold Plated Colt New Line 32 Revolver
with Pearl Grips and “Samuel F. Engs” Presentation Inscribed Case - Serial no. 8978,
32 RF cal., 2 1/4 inch round bbl., nickel/gold finish, pearl grips. This gorgeous revolver was
manufactured in 1875 in the same range as the 1876 Centennial Exposition revolvers used
in Colt’s famous “wheel” display and decorated in the same manner with extensive scroll
and floral engraving, beaded backgrounds, a gold plated cylinder, nickel plated barrel and
frame, nitre blued small parts, smooth pearl grips, standard markings, and matching serial
numbers on the barrel, cylinder, and butt and hand marked inside the grips. The rosewood
presentation case has “Saml F. Engs” inscribed on the lid escutcheon, a fitted interior,
cartridge block with spent casings, key, and cleaning rod. The revolver was likely owned by
Samuel Franklin Engs (1818-1888) of New York City. In 1875, he became president of the
family’s liquor business P. W. Engs & Sons following the death of his father Philip. Given the
revolver dates to the same year Samuel F. Engs took over the family business, this revolver
may have been a gift in recognition of his elevated status in the business and family, perhaps
from his brother George who also worked in the firm. The company remained open until
prohibition and were one of the oldest liquor firms in the entire country by that time.
CONDITION: Extremely fine with crisp engraving and markings, 95% plus original nickel finish,
95% replated gold on the cylinder with slight loss likely from contact with the case, traces of
original gold on the cylinder pin and hammer and otherwise strong original nitre blue finish,
minor patches of oxidation mainly on the butt and front strap, and generally minimal light
handling and storage wear. The grips are very fine and have beautiful iridescence and faint
handling wear. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with minor age and storage wear
such as some fading and staining on the lining. Overall, an incredibly high condition and
beautiful Colt New Line revolver.
Provenance: Samuel F. Engs; The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
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