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ATTRACTIVE 1853 SAMUEL COLT BRITISH LETTERS OF

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 7,000.00 USD
ATTRACTIVE 1853 SAMUEL COLT BRITISH LETTERS OF
PATENT & CASED SEAL FOR IMPROVED REVOLVING CYLINDER FOR ZIG ZAG REVOLVER. Samuel Colt's 1853 patent for "IMPROVEMENTS FOR ROTATING BREECH FIRE ARMS". Samuel Colt British patent 535 was for "Zig Zag" revolver, a few very rare Root "Zig Zag" revolvers are known. One prototype Zig Zag Root revolver is part of the Colt collection at the Connecticut State Library, pictured on page 146 of Sutherland & Wilson "The Book of Colt Firearms". Beautiful pair of vellum document inscribed in fancy calligraphy from the Office of the Commissioners of Patents dated March 3, 1853, measuring 30" x 22", 24" x 17" (both archivally framed with both sides viewable on larger). Housed in original gold embossed veneered hinged wooded box is 6" x 1" wax Great Seal of England and the Realm, in fitted jappaned tin, red braided cord attached to seal which was originally tied to smaller document at base. The hinged case originally held both folded Letters of Patent with seal attached. The obverse of seal features Queen Victoria seated on a horse with motto surrounding: "VICTORIA DEI GRATIA BRITANNIARUM REGINA FIDEI" (Victoria, by the Grace of God, Queen of the Britains, Defender of the Faith), the reverse displays a seated Queen Victoria on her throne, flanked by two females on each side in low relief, directly above the towers of the castle in high relief, in a surrounding frame of roses and fauna. This document was certified and sealed and stamped with a Fifty Pound Duty on February 26, 1856. This is the only original complete British Letters of Patent with cased seal we can find ever offered on market for firearms. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: copy of drawings and details from British patent office of this patent. CONDITION: fine overall, one small hole at fold on smaller of 2 framed documents, wax seal has one large chip, warped at cord attachment. Frames 41" x 33" and 34" x 27". 11.5" x 8.5" x 2" original hinged case is fine, scuffed corners on lid. PROVENANCE: From the Collection of a Tennessee Gentleman. (02-23030/JS). NON-GUN. $5,000-7,000.