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CIVIL WAR CASED PRESENTATION COLT MODEL 1849

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
CIVIL WAR CASED PRESENTATION COLT MODEL 1849
POCKET MODEL REVOLVER FROM COLONEL ANSON MCCOOK, 2ND OVI, ONE OF THE FAMOUS FIGHTING MCCOOKS. Revolver is in standard configuration of Colt Model 1849 with longest 6" barrel. made in 1852, housed in Colt English mahogany casing & presented by Colonel Anson McCook to his quartermaster "Ira H. Bird" in 1864. The finely engraved presentation inset silver plaque on left grip reads: "Col. Anson G. McCook / to/ Ira H. Bird / Lieut and Quartermaster / 2nd REGT O.V.I. / June 1st 1864". The inset shield shaped plaque on top of this mahogany Colt casing has coat of arms and motto "INCONCUSSA VIRTUS" (unshaken virtue). Red baize lined casing along with pistol contains cleaning rod, bag flask, nipple wrench/screwdriver combination tool, embossed tin of ELY percussion caps, and functioning key. Anson G. McCook (1835-1913) entered service in 1861, commissioned Colonel of the 2nd Ohio infantry January 21, 1863. He was brevetted Brigadier General, and served in Congress after the Civil War. Ira H. Bird (1818-1872) entered service in 1861 and was regimental quartermaster of the 2nd OVI. He must have been well loved by his Colonel for such a fine gift in the middle of the Atlanta campaign. Since this gun is so early & cased, it's probable that it was captured and must have an interesting story to tell that McCook & Bird can no longer relate to us. The 2nd Ohio was a hard-fought unit that would muster out at Columbus GA five months after the presentation. On June 1st, the date of presentation, the 2nd Ohio was in the midst of fighting around Dallas GA, Battle of Pickett’s Mill, Battle of New Hope Church, as the unit moved with the Army of the Cumberland to Kennesaw Mountain. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Large file of research & collection history, 2 original autographs of Anson McCook, one signed as secretary of Senate. CONDITION: very good overall, gray iron patina, traces of blue, good markings including cylinder scene, all matching serial numbers with exception of original Colt wedge with "344", about 80% silver plate remains, and grips retain most of their varnish. Mechanically fine, though spring is weak, good discernible rifle bore. Casing is very good, accoutrements contained are average. PROVENANCE: John G. Hamilton collection; James D. Julia Auctions, lot 689, March 14, 2005; Lifelong Collection of Robert "Mike" Bricker. (01-25061/JS). ANTIQUE. $3,000-4,000.