Exquisite Colt Collection
Exquisite Colt Collection
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Description
A Fine and Rare Texas or Holster Model No. 5 Paterson Revolver, with 7 1/2-Inch Barrel and Varnished
Lot # 1 (Sale Order: 1 of 508)
Condition: Fine. 20 to 25% blue on barrel, 35% blue on frame and backstrap, traces blue on cylinder, fine cylinder roll scene, balance brown and gray with scattered light pitting. German silver front sight with minor nicks. One nipple broken, the remains still in threaded channel. Minor chip on sighting notch of hammer. Grips with 70 to 75% varnish, light wear, and minor chip each side at juncture with frame below and adjacent to curved inset.
Illustrations: Page 351, R.L. Wilson, The Peacemakers Arms and Adventure in the American West.
Estimate: 100000 - 150000
Rare and Important Colt Whitneyville Walker Model 1847 Percussion Revolver, Military Issue, A Compan
Lot # 2 (Sale Order: 2 of 508)
Condition: Excellent for this model of Colt revolver. Markings generally sharp. Metal showing gray-brown patina overall with scattered pitting, dents and nicks, of varying depth. Some filing on rear of face of barrel lug, to adjust tightness at juncture with frame. Cylinder retaining sharp number markings and approximately 35% thinning scene. Half the cylinder cartouche characters visible of the "Model U.S.M.R." and "Colt's Patent " motifs. Grips with wear and minor chipping at front of each side of butt. Grips with traces of inspector cartouches on both right and left sides. Old replacement T-spring on bottom of barrel to secure loading lever. Action very good.
Notes: Inspector markings on grips rarely observed in the military issue Walker revolvers.
Provenance: W. Buhl Ford, III (no. 9 in the Ford Collection, a great grandson of automaker Henry Ford)Herb Glass (sold revolver to W. Buhl Ford)
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Estimate: 200000 - 300000
Scarce Colt First Model Dragoon Revolver, from the Second U.S. Ordnance Contract, a.k.a. "The Fluck
Lot # 3 (Sale Order: 3 of 508)
Condition: Very good. Gray and brown patina, wear, scattered nicks and pitting, more pronounced on face of recoil shield, on cylinder pin, on top of projection of frame at juncture with barrel lug, on recoil shield adjacent to hammer, and on hammer. Approximately 20% cylinder scene, worn. Mellow patina to brass gripstraps. No number or inspector cartouches visible on worn grips, with chipping on front of butt. Small repair on bottom of barrel lug at juncture with left side of frame. Old replacement brass front sight blade.
Notes: Though for years identified as a "Fluck" Dragoon, research has indicated that the group of First Model Dragoon revolvers previously so identified are actually from 1,000 of the U.S. government contract (the "second") following purchase of 1,000 Whitneyville-Walker revolvers. See American Rifleman magazine, September 1956
Estimate: 10000 - 15000
Fine and Rare Early Vine Style Engraved Colt First Model Dragoon Revolver with U.S. Stamping, Made f
Lot # 4 (Sale Order: 4 of 508)
Condition: 97% silver-plating on brass gripstraps. 80% faded blue on barrel. Gray patina, pitting on frame and cylinder, latter with scattered denting and 50% cylinder scene, including traces of Ormsby engraved signature. Double stamping of "Colt's/Patent" frame marking and double stamping of three of numbers on cylinder. Screw reinforcement to mainspring visible on front of triggerguard strap. Old wax applied over varnish to grips, with some wear, nicks and minor chip on front of leflt side of butt. No serial number on wedge.
Notes: Compare with illustrations in R.L. Wilson, The Colt Engraving Book, volume I, pages 25-27, indicating chapter II presence of Paterson style vine engraving on a few early First Model Dragoon revolvers, as well as early Baby Dragoons.
Illustrations: Page 351, R.L. Wilson, The Peacemakers Arms and Adventure in the Am
Estimate: 15000 - 25000
U.S. Martially Marked Colt Second Model Dragoon Revolver
Lot # 5 (Sale Order: 5 of 508)
Condition: Very good. Gray and brown patina, with scattered pitting more evident on round barrel and cylinder, with scattered dents. Cylinder scene sharp with 80% present. Cylinder safety pins mashed. Grips with light nicks, minor chips at butt and light wear.
Illustrations: Page 351, R.L. Wilson, The Peacemakers Arms and Adventure in the American West.
Estimate: 10000 - 15000
Colt Powder Flask for the Dragoon Model Revolver
Lot # 6 (Sale Order: 6 of 508)
Condition: Very good. Scattered light dents, patina, wear.
Estimate: 1500 - 2500
Scarce U.S. Martially Marked Colt Third Model Dragoon Revolver, with Four Screw Frame, Folding Leaf
Lot # 7 (Sale Order: 7 of 508)
Condition: Very good. Gray and brown patina, with scattered pitting. Most markings sharp. Traces of cylinder scene. Five of cylinder safety pins present, some partially damaged, on breech. Slight bend and scattered nicks on triggerguard strap. Walnut grips with wear, nicks. Shoulder stock with smooth patina, scattered nicks, scratches and stains.
Illustrations: Revolver without attachable stock, page 351, R.L. Wilson, The Peacemakers Arms and Adventure in the American West.
Estimate: 15000 - 25000
Rare and Historic Engraved Colt Baby Dragoon Pocket Revolver, with Ivory Grips, the Backstrap Inscri
Lot # 8 (Sale Order: 8 of 508)
Condition: Very good. Gray patina, scattered pitting, 70% silver to triggerguard strap, scattered dents 50% to backstrap. Mellow patina to ivory grips, minor cracks, primarily at butt. Old repair to cylinder pin at wedge slot.
Notes: Compare with serial no. 8155/., illustrated, p. 29, R.L. Wilson, Colt Engraving. Cylinder pin with cupped tip for loading, thin triggerguard strap shoulders, straight mainspring, round cylinder stop slots, and no sign that the cylinder had factory roll scene applied.
Illustrations: In color, p. 148, R.L. Wilson, The Peacemakers Arms and Adventure in the American West.
Narrative: James Lawrence Corley is profiled in Heitman's, Historical Register and Dictionary of the United States Army 1789-1903, pp. 94 and 327. Born in South Carolina, Corley was appointed to the U.S. Military Academy from that state, and graduated July 1, 1846, 40th in his class of 59. His first appointment was as Bvt. 2nd Lt., 6th Infantry (July 1850), his second as 2nd Lt., on May 6, 1851. His third appointment was as 1st Lt., March 3, 1855. Corley's fourth appointment was as Regimental Quartermaster, June 17 to November 27, 1855. His fifth appointment was as Regimental Adjutant, November 27, 1855 to April 29, 1861. On May 4, 1861, Corley resigned from the U.
Estimate: 10000 - 15000
Colt Powder Flask for the Pocket Model Revolvers
Lot # 9 (Sale Order: 9 of 508)
Condition: Very good. Scattered light dents, patina, wear. Pitting to steel spring.
Estimate: 300 - 500
Deluxe Engraved Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver, with 6-Inch Barrel and Ivory Grips
Lot # 10 (Sale Order: 10 of 508)
Condition: Fine. 60% blue on barrel, 20% on cylinder, with 95% roll scene, tracking lines, light denting on face, and light wear to safety pins. Case-hardened mottling to gray-blue and gray. Scattered patina and pitting. 95% silver on gripstraps, with minor tranish. Mellow patina to grips, slight stain at juncture with left side of frame, and minor shrinkage.
Notes: Compare with Model 1849 Pocket revolver, serial no. 67506/., illus. on page 87 of R.L Wilson, The Colt Engraving Book, volume I.
Estimate: 8000 - 12000
Rare Engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver, the Ivory Grips Relief Carved with Bust of Helmeted Rom
Lot # 11 (Sale Order: 11 of 508)
Condition: Very good to fine. 80% blue on barrel, traces blue on cylinder, with 85% cylinder scene, light tracking lines. Scattered minor pitting, nicks, wear. 35% case-hardening on loading lever, fading to brown. 85% case-hardening on frame. Hammer fading to brown, with pitting and patina. 40% silver on gripstraps. Grips mellow with surface cracks on butt, small chip from front of right panel at butt. Crack through Centurion helmet and flowing hair. Bright bore with light pitting.
Notes: A review of R.L. Wilson, The Colt Engraving Book, reveals only one image of the Model 1851 Colt Navy with a similar style of Roman Centurion bust carved ivory grips (page 134, serial number 92286, believed a presentation to William H. Vanderbilt).
Provenance: William M. Locke
Illustrations: Page 100, F. Sellers, The William M. Locke Collection, as well as revolver at top of page 6. P. 666, The Gun Collector, issue 39, The William M. Locke Collection, part I. P. 74, John G. Hamilton, Colt's History and Heroes. In color, p. 148, R.L. Wilson, The Peacemakers Arms and Adventu
Estimate: 20000 - 35000
Rare Colt Model 1855 Sidehammer Saddle Ring Carbine, with Low Serial Number 6 and 15-inch Barrel
Lot # 12 (Sale Order: 12 of 508)
Condition: Very good. Gray patina, with moderate patina and pitting. Traces of tinned finish on steel parts. Stock varnished, with dents and nicks, and with old wax.
Notes: Page 183 of R.L. Wilson, The Book of Colt Firearms, estimates the total of .56 caliber Model 1855 Carbines as only a "few specimens known made in 15[-inch] length." The majority were built in 18- and 21-inches. Estimates were based on research in the factory ledger book records. The hand-built nature of this Carbine is evident in such features as the extensive serial number stampings, as well as the specially factory-inserted piece within the loading lever plunger slot. Further, the Carbine's finish is tinned, rather than the customary blue and case-hardening.
Illustrations: Compare with three Model 1855 Carbines from the Colonel Samuel and Mrs. Elizabeth Colt Collection, serial nos. 7, 832 and 326, the latter two in .56 caliber with five-shot fluted cylind
Estimate: 8000 - 12000
Rare Cased and Presentation Factory Engraved Colt Model 1855 Sidehammer Revolver, with Rare Inscribe
Lot # 13 (Sale Order: 13 of 508)
Condition: Very good to fine. 98% silver finish, light spots blistering, patina and wear. Tarnish to silver. Cylinder reroll and refinish. Mellow color to ivory, minor staining and two tiny cracks. Case and accessories very good, with light wear, nicks, patina.
Notes: Model 6 in the 1855 Sidehammer series. Presentation and revolver cited on page 27, John G. Hamilton, Colt's History and Heroes.
Provenance: William M. Locke
Illustrations: Page 122, F. Sellers, The William M. Locke Collection. P. 148, R.L. Wilson, The Peacemakers Arms and Adventure in the American West. P. 321, R.L. Wilson, The Colt Engraving Book, volume I.
Estimate: 15000 - 25000
Engraved and Silver- and Gold-Plated Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver with Unusual Coverage, the Checke
Lot # 14 (Sale Order: 14 of 508)
Condition: Very good to excellent. 90-95% silver on barrel and gripstraps, 85% on loading lever, 50% on frame, 70% mottled and worn gold on cylinder, 85% on hammer. Some blistering of finish. Tracking lines on cylinder and nicks on back end, with safety pins mashed. Wear and scattered patina and few spots pitting, nicks, more pronounced on cylinder. 40% scene remaining. Denting to barrel at muzzle. Minor chips and light staining to grips, with some shrinkage.
Notes: Standard coverage of the Army Colt was with scroll and border embellishments also including the loading lever and hammer, and with more profuse coverage on the recoil shield and gripstraps.
Provenance: Ted Hutcheson
Illustrations: In color, p. 148, R.L. Wilson, The Peacemakers Arms and Adventure in the American West. In color, p. 249, Antique Arms Annual, 1971.
Estimate: 17000 - 22000
Rare L.D. Nimschke Engraved and Presentation-Inscribed Colt Model 1861 Navy Revolver, the Checkered
Lot # 15 (Sale Order: 15 of 508)
Condition: Very good to fine. 95% silver, with tarnish and scattered mottled patina. Traces gold, steel turned gray and brown. Scattered light pitting, more pronounced on face and breech of cylinder, tracking lines between stop slots, the safety pins mashed. Ivory grips fine with mellow patina, sharp carving and checkering. Front left panel of butt with two tiny chips. Minor crack at left rear panel of butt.
Provenance: Robert Q. Sutherland
Illustrations: In color, p. 148, R.L. Wilson, The Peacemakers Arms and Adventure in the American West.P. 170B, R.L. Wilson, The Book of Colt Firearms.
Estimate: 18000 - 25000
Colt Model 1862 Police Revolver with 61/2-Inch Barrel, and Relief Carved Goddess of Liberty Ivory Gr
Lot # 16 (Sale Order: 16 of 508)
Condition: Fine to excellent. 85% blue on barrel, 70% on cylinder with tracking lines, pitting on breech, with safety pins worn but intact. 80% case-hardening on frame, fading. Traces color on loading lever, turning gray, and on hammer, turning brown. 95% silver, tarnished, on gripstraps. Ivory grips with mellow patina, minor cracks at butt.
Illustrations: In color, p. 148, R.L. Wilson, The Peacemakers Arms and Adventure in the American West.
Estimate: 8000 - 10000
Engraved Colt Model 1865 Pocket Navy Revolver with Ivory Grips
Lot # 17 (Sale Order: 17 of 508)
Condition: Fine, as refinished. Rerolled cylinder scene. Bright bore with moderate pitting. 85% silver-plating on gripstraps. Grips fine, minor staining and small dent on right panel at butt.
Estimate: 4000 - 6000
Engraved Colt No. 1 First Model Derringer Pistol with British Proofmarks
Lot # 18 (Sale Order: 18 of 508)
Condition: Very good to fine. 30% blue on barrel. Gray patina to frame.
Illustrations: In color, p. 354, R.L. Wilson, The Peacemakers Arms and Adventure in the American West.
Estimate: 3000 - 5000
Engraved Colt No. 2, Second Model Derringer, with Checkered Ivory Grips
Lot # 19 (Sale Order: 19 of 508)
Condition: Very good, old renickel. 60% finish, with scratches, light pitting and wear. Grips worn and with light cracks.
Illustrations: In color, p. 354, R.L. Wilson, The Peacemakers Arms and Adventure in the American West.
Estimate: 2500 - 3500
Fine and Richly Engraved Colt No. 3 Thuer Model Derringer, with Checkered Ivory Grips
Lot # 20 (Sale Order: 20 of 508)
Condition: Fine to excellent. 95% blue with light surface patina. 60% silver. 85% color on hammer, fading. Mellow patina to grips, with minor cracks. Bright bore with minor pitting.
Illustrations: In color, p. 354, R.L. Wilson, The Peacemakers Arms and Adventure in the American West.
Estimate: 8000 - 10000
Fine Engraved Colt Open Top Pocket Model Revolver, with British Proofmarks and Ivory Grips
Lot # 21 (Sale Order: 21 of 508)
Condition: Excellent. 98% nickel. Light nicks, primarily on butt. Ivory grips mellow, with slight shrinkage.
Illustrations: In color, p. 354, R.L. Wilson, The Peacemakers Arms and Adventure in the American West.
Estimate: 2500 - 3500
Engraved Colt New Line .22 Pocket Revolver, with Ivory Grips
Lot # 22 (Sale Order: 22 of 508)
Condition: Fine. 85% nickel, spots patina and pitting, primarily on cylinder and hammer. Some peeling on frame at juncture with cylinder. Mellow ivory, with light shrinkage, oil stains and minor cracks.
Illustrations: In color, p. 354, R.L. Wilson, The Peacemakers Arms and Adventure in the American West.
Estimate: 1200 - 1800
Rare English Cased Colt Cloverleaf House Pistol, Nickel-Plated and with Varnished Select Walnut Grip
Lot # 23 (Sale Order: 23 of 508)
Condition: Excellent. 95% nickel, light fading and minor wear, spots pitting at muzzle of barrel and front of cylinder. Grips with 97% varnish, and nicks on right side. Case fine, with light wear, partial relining.
Estimate: 4000 - 6000
Factory Engraved Colt Cloverleaf House Revolver, with Ivory Grips
Lot # 24 (Sale Order: 24 of 508)
Condition: Very good. Blue turned brown on barrel, 25% remaining on cylinder, with tracking marks. Mellow patina to brass. Ivory grips mellow, with minor crack and staining from oil.
Estimate: 3500 - 6000
Engraved and Gold- and Nickel-Plated Colt New House Model Revolver, with Ivory Grips
Lot # 25 (Sale Order: 25 of 508)
Condition: Fine to excellent. 95% finish, nicks, light wear. Gray and blue patina to hammer and trigger, with wear. Grips with mellow patina. Mechanism needs adjustment.
Notes: Engraved in the special factory scroll as detailed in chapter 9, R.L. Wilson, The Colt Engraving Book, volume I.
Illustrations: In color, p. 354, R.L. Wilson, The Peacemakers Arms and Adventure in the American West.
Estimate: 3000 - 5000