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RARE CASED CIVIL WAR INSCRIBED MARTIALLY MARKED

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
RARE CASED CIVIL WAR INSCRIBED MARTIALLY MARKED
COLT 1851 NAVY REVOLVER, CAPT. BAPTIST BENKLER, 58TH OHIO. Cal. 36. S# 52547. Standard configuration M-1851 navy, 7.5" octagonal barrel, 1-line New York address. "COLTS / PATENT / U.S." stamped on left side of the frame. Grips with inspector cartouches, and small inspection initials on some parts. One of the most unusual wartime inscriptions you will find Was made with hundreds if not thousands of small punches with a hand tool. "CAPTAIN B. BENKLER, CO. G. / 58 R." fill virtually all of the surface area up the back strap. "O.V.U.A." is inscribed identically on the butt. Revolver is housed in an original walnut Colt casing with dark green lining and compartments for the revolver, angled spout "COLT PATENT" Navy flask with panoply of arms, exceptional early brass "COLT PATENT" 2-cavity mold with inspected iron sprue cutter, along with some loose original bullets & cap tin. Also in casing is reproduction cartridge packs, and a functional key. Baptist B. Benkler (1822-1883) was born in Bavaria, he was naturalized US citizen in 1860 at Summit, OH. He served in several units during the war, entering service in 24th OVI as lieutenant in 1861, mustering out as captain in the 58th Ohio January 30, 1863. Amazingly he had further service enlisting as a private in the 178th Ohio, mustering out June 29 1865 at Charlotte NC. Benkler originally mustered into service with 1st lieutenant Jacob Haring in his company. There is a virtually identically inscribed revolver to him that belongs to the Ohio Historical Society in Columbus OH, in same serial range. There must have been an artist in his company who inscribed both revolvers. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Small file of research, copies of partner pages from John Hamilton's 1963 text where pictured. CONDITION: fine overall, complete and all matching, revolver retains strong traces of original blue finish, overall smooth plum patina, fine cylinder scene, well fit oil finished grip with two very good inspector cartouches, mechanics are fine, crisp rifled bore. Casing is very good, green baize lining soiled and worn. The early rare Colt brass bullet mold is excellent and among the best you will find. The "Colt Patent" flask is good, heavily stained on reverse. PROVENANCE: John G. Hamilton collection; pictured in 1963 text "Colt’s History & Heroes"; James D. Julia Auctions, lot 1202, Oct. 5, 2004; Lifelong Collection of Robert "Mike" Bricker. (01-25067/JS). ANTIQUE. $4,000-6,000.