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Arms, Armor & Militaria
|
- Sale 1293
Live
| Cincinnati
Oct 24 | 10:00 AM EDT
Live
| Cincinnati
Sale 1293
| Cincinnati
| Cincinnati
Estimate$1,500 – $2,500
.36 caliber. 7.5" octagonal barrel. SN: 59694 (mfg. ca.1856). Blued and color casehardened finish, iron backstrap and triggerguard, one-piece oil finished walnut grip. Single action percussion revolver with six-shot smooth round cylinder. Barrel with one line address that reads: - ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY -. Lower left side of frame with COLT'S / PATENT marking over US. Butt with U.S.N. stamp as well as J.L.H. inspection, the mark of US Navy Commander James L. Henderson who inspected the gun upon its arrival at the US Navy Yard at Norfolk. Butt with scratched initials I R. Matching serial numbers throughout, with no number visible in the backstrap cut out of the grip. Standard roll engraved naval engagement scene on cylinder. Rear sight in nose of hammer and brass post front sight.
The US Navy acquired some 2,600 Colt Navy model revolvers in two primary batches, the first order from 1857 being for 2,000 guns and a later order for 600. This revolver is from that original order for 2,000 gun that fall in the serial number range of 55500 to 62000 and is one of the 615 delivered to the Norfolk Navy Yard on November 9, 1857. Of those 2,600 at least 1,000 were later altered to .38CF by Colt in the post-Civil War period. That makes an original percussion example like this one a very difficult gun to find.
Good. Bore fair, dark, dirty, heavily pitted with visible rifling. Metal with a moderate amount of surface oxidation and a mottled grayish appearance. Metal cleaned long ago with some edges softened and the serial number on the barrel left quite weak. Cylinder scene is soft but remains mostly visible with the the safety pins all worn away. Mechanically functional action needs some adjustment as the revolver does not always time and index properly. Grips well worn, with chips missing at the leading edges, and the backstrap somewhat proud of the wood which suggests an old sanding. Otherwise with nicks and dings.
The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.
The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.
Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.
To request further details about this lot, please email [email protected]
Tim Carey
Associate Vice President, Head of Department, Arms, Armor and Militaria
Ms. Emma Fulmer
ATF Manager, Senior Coordinator, Arms, Armor & Militaria
