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RARE COLT FACTORY ENGRAVED MODEL 1860 ARMY

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:10,000.00 USD Estimated At:20,000.00 - 30,000.00 USD
RARE COLT FACTORY ENGRAVED MODEL 1860 ARMY
REVOLVER WITH ORIGINAL SLIM JIM HOLSTER INCRIBED GENERAL DIAZ AND CARVED "REPUBLICA MEXICANA" GRIPS. Cal. 44. S# 151733. This revolver is in the standard configuration with exception of fluted cylinder (S# 4830) which appears to have grown up with this pistol based on fit and surface. 8" barrel has an elaborate engraved adjustable rear sight, inset blade front sight. Pistol has one-piece carved Mexican eagle ivory grips "REPUBLICA MEXICANA". There are several other factory engraved revolvers in this serial range, only 50 serial numbers apart is 151684 engraved very similarly in the "late vine scroll" style, both with scroll on barrel lug terminating in eagle's head, though on right side on 151684, & left on 151733. That revolver is similarly cased and pictured in "The Colt Engraving Book" along with three others similarly engraved 151,000 serial range revolvers. Revolver is fitted with a swivel lanyard ring inset into butt and the most unusual addition of braised brass tip to loading lever plunger. Revolver has well-fit slim Jim holster that clearly show the cylinder flutes that has always been with gun is in beautiful condition, old faded ink inscription "Gen'l Diaz". The revolver and holster inscription appear original, it is plausible that this was once the property of General Porfirio Diaz (1830-1915). Regardless, factory engraved armies are among the rarest of Colt percussion revolvers and this is a fine pleasing example with possibly unique fluted cylinder utilized during its use. Revolver is housed in blue baize lined English oak Colt casing, with large Dixon bag flask, "COLTS PATENT" 2-cavity mold, "L" shaped combination tool, green label cap tin, empty wood block "NEW MODEL REVOLVING HOLSTER PISTOL" cartridge pack, and 2nd generation reproduction smooth sided cylinder numbered to match with scroll engraving on rebated section. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: copies of pages referenced from "The Colt Engraving Book". CONDITION: very good overall, revolver appears complete and original. All serial numbers match with the exception of cylinder as noted, grips are not numbered. Metal is sharp, smooth gray iron patina overall, bright blue can be seen under and edges of adjustable rear sight. Mechanically functional with sharp rifled bore. Accompanying casing and accessories are very good also. PROVENANCE: Collection of Horst Kreiner 1997, casing purchased from Fred Sweeney 1998. (01-23999/JS). $20,000-30,000.