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RARE & HISTORIC PAIR OF COLT FLUTED ARMY REVOLVERS

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:12,500.00 USD Estimated At:25,000.00 - 35,000.00 USD
RARE & HISTORIC PAIR OF COLT FLUTED ARMY REVOLVERS
USED BY “JEFF DAVIS LEGION” AT GETTYSBURG AND OTHER BATTLES. Cal. 44. S# 1542/1553. Standard configuration, 8" barrels with 1 line Hartford address, German silver blade front sights. Colt Model 1860 fluted Army revolvers shipped to Natchez, Mississippi on January 17, 1861. This was part of 160 revolvers (80 pairs) shipped which originally had attachable shoulder stock for each pair, pommel holsters and flasks. Of all the known Colts shipped at beginning of Civil War to the South, Colonel Martin’s guns are the among the rarest and most historic. This pair being fine survivors, complete and original. There are less than 10 known survivors of the 160 shipped, most poor in condition. Fluted Army of Lt. Colonel William G. Conner still retains the shoulder stock and was captured at Gettysburg. This is an opportunity to buy an historic pair of documented Confederate used Colt fluted 1860 army revolvers of famous Confederate Cavalry unit. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Colt factory letters confirming shipment to William Martin on January 17, 1861 and configuration of revolvers, small binder of research on Jeff Davis Legion and Col. Martin. Pair serial number 923/959 that were shipped to Richmond and carried by Confederate naval officer John Low were sold by James Julia auctions as lot 4362 in October 2016. James Julia auctions also sold the only other pair of pistols known shipped to William T. Martin, as lot 144, March 2001, S# 1224/1244. Subject pair are much higher condition than the other Martin pair sold in 2001. CONDITION: S# 1542 good-very good overall, appears complete and matching. Matching serial number is found on barrel, frame trigger guard, backstrap, wedge, arbor, and last 3 digits inked in backstrap channel of grips. Markings all discernible including patent and serial number on opposite flutes of cylinder, 1-line Hartford address is well discerned as is “COLT’S / PATENT” on left side of frame. Iron has a mostly smooth mottled gray/brown patina. Brass trigger guard has light mustard patina and stamped small “G” on left rear, the same “G” Colt assembly or inspection mark is also found on S# 1553. Grips are well fit, hand worn patina, moderate edge wear, light tacking make soldier’s initials difficult to discern. Mechanically fine with crisp discernible rifling. S# 1553 good overall, appears all matching and complete with exception of a few restored screws and wedge. Matching serial numbers are found on barrel, frame, trigger guard, backstrap, cylinder, and arbor. Restored wedge has matching number applied also. Markings all discernible though barrel address is light in areas, 2nd line of patent on frame is weakly struck. Patent marking and serial number in adjacent flutes on cylinder are well struck and well discerned. Original Colt grips are well fit with initials “PM” scratched in butt. Iron has been cleaned with smooth plum/light brown color. Brass has a mottled light mustard patina. Mechanically fine with crisp discernible rifling. (01-18916/JS). BOTH ANTIQUE. $25,000-35,000.