Fall 2023 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
November 3rd, 4th, 5th, & 6th, 2023
This auction will feature an outstanding collection of items spanning multiple categories including Modern, Military, Sporting, & Antique firearms & militaria! Below is just a small grouping of select highlights from the massive offering to be featured in this upcoming sale!
VERY FINE CIVIL WAR COLT FACTORY ENGRAVED MODEL 1851 NAVY REVOLVER WITH ENGRAVED “AMERICAN INDIAN WEARING WAR BONNET”
01-24185
Cal. 36
S# 98258
This is an exemplary factory engraved Colt Navy shipped to Colts New York office February 11, 1861. Factory letter confirms configuration, factory engraved with blue finish. Revolver has survived in beautiful condition retaining most of its original finish. Engraving & special finish is noted by a punch dot under each serial number dating from the early years of the Gustave Young shop. The frame and barrel housing are fully covered with Gustave Young trademark scrolls terminating in four petaled flowers with punch dot backgrounds.
There are a handful of revolvers in this serial range which have large figural terminations to the front scroll on barrel housing. In this case it is a unique Indian wearing a feathered bonnet. The late Larry Wilson features this revolver in both of his excellent Colt engraving books and this is probably the only example known. Wilson states: “the Indian head motif is a rarity”.
Revolver is in standard configuration of 4th model navies, 7.5” octagonal barrel, large trigger guard, one line Hartford address, blue and case color finish. Deluxe engraving, fire blue inset front sight with small German silver blade is another upgraded feature as is the fancy burled walnut grips with high gloss varnish. “COLTS PATENT” is engraved on the left side of frame, Ormsby Texas Naval Battle scene on cylinder, grip frame is silver plated.
UNACCOMPANIED ACCESSORIES: Colt Factory letter.
STATUS: ANTIQUE
