EXCEPTIONAL PAIR OF PRESENTATION COLT FACTORY ENGRAVED & SILVER PLATED MODEL 1849 REVOLVERS “JAMES R MORRIS, APRIL 1860”

EXCEPTIONAL PAIR OF PRESENTATION COLT FACTORY ENGRAVED & SILVER PLATED MODEL 1849 REVOLVERS “JAMES R MORRIS, APRIL 1860”

01-25661
Cal. 31
S# 101925/101935.

James R. Morris (1819-1899) was an Ohio congressman, judge, postmaster, newspaper editor, and attorney. These are an intriguing pair of pistols that were originally made & factory engraved in 1855, but the presentation is April 1860. Revolvers appear 100% original & authentic as silver plated and ivory gripped. It is possible if not likely that these pistols were plated at time of inscription. In April 1860 Morris was preparing for his campaign for US House of Representatives, which he won and served in Congress 1861-1863 during first 2 years of Civil War. The engraving is by Gustav Young shop during his heyday as chief Colt engraver in mid-1850s. Characteristic to his style are engraved barrel address “Sam’l Colt” and “COLTS PATENT” on frame in arc. The terminations of engraved scrolls into different hound heads on left side of barrel housing and frame & scrolls terminating into petaled flowers on right. The hammer faces are engraved as wolf’s head on 101925 and eagle head on 101935. No doubt this beautiful pair of 6” pockets were originally cased, but have been well cared for since, retaining most of their original silver finish.

PROVENANCE: Mike Slarve Lifetime collection

STATUS: ANTIQUE