Spring 2024 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
June 7th, 8th, 9th, & 10th, 2024
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RARE KPM LITHOPHANE OF SAMUEL COLT HOLDING COLT REVOLVER, CIRCA 1855
02-21658
7″ x 5.75″ oval lithophane portrait of Samuel Colt holding a revolver. KPM Royal Porcelain from Berlin was famous for lithophane plaques in mid 19th century. When backlit, vivid details of Colt appear. His eyes seem to move and follow you with intensity, KPM was famous for the realism of his plaque portraits. Verso has KPM trademark over “KPM/460/Z”. In 1855, Colt is known to have commissioned 111 examples of this lithophane bearing his portrait to be used in the windows of his mansion, Armsmear, and others for presentation as gifts. The image, the only known of Colt holding a revolver was made a from a photograph taken of Colt in Germany in 1855.
PROVENANCE: Martin Lane Historic & Western Americana Lifetime Collection.
