1218

Historic Colt Round Barrel Without Ejector Cartridge Conversion Inscribed to Pinkerton Detective Jam

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,800.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Historic Colt Round Barrel Without Ejector Cartridge Conversion Inscribed to Pinkerton Detective Jam
Buyer's Premium is 19.5% by credit card, reduced to 17% if payment is made by cash, check or wire transfer. Contact Rock Island Auction Company to complete your registration with the auction house.

Estimate: $4500 - 7500
This is a very fine example of a historic Pinkerton detective inscribed Colt Cartridge Conversion revolver that was manufactured c. 1873-1880. The revolver has the "S" lug, solid" barrel manufactured for cartridge revolvers, late style barrel wedge without spring and is not fitted with an ejector rod or loading gate. The revolver has a nickel-plated barrel cylinder and frame, case hardened hammer and brass trigger guard and back strap. The one-piece walnut grip has a varnish finish. The barrel has brass pin front sight and is roll-stamped: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co./HARTFORD .CT. U.S.A." in two lines. The left side of the frame is stamped with the patent markings: "-PAT.JULY 25. 1871-/-PAT. JULY. 2. 1872.-" in two lines. The left shoulder of the trigger guard retains the percussion marking "36 CAL". The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Stage Robbery scene and "COLTS PATENT/NO". The full serial number, "5049" is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap. The cylinder is stamped with the partial serial number "049". All of the visible serial numbers match. The back strap is engraved: "J.P. McPARLAND" and the butt is engraved "Chicago". James P. McParland was a famous (or infamous) detective for the Pinkerton Detective Agency. McParland was a native of Ireland who settled in Chicago in 1869. Around 1871 he joined the Pinkerton Agency. McParland's specialty was labor unrest. He made his reputation in the Pennsylvania coal fields where he infiltrated the famous "Molly Maguires". McParland's infiltration and subsequent testimony led to the trial and execution of twenty members of the Molly Maguires. McParland continued his work for the Pinkerton Agency in the west and as late as 1906 he was instrumental in obtaining evidence that led to the conviction of members of leaders of the World Federation of Miners for murder in Boise, Idaho. James McParland and other detectives established the reputation Pinkerton Detective Agency as a merciless tool of the mining industry in the fight against organized labor in the 19th Century.
BBL: 3 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 38 RF
Finish: nickel
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 5049
Condition: Very fine. The revolver retains 70% of the original nickel-plated finish on the barrel, cylinder and frame. There are a number of shallow dents and scratches on the right side of the barrel lug surrounding the wedge and slight scratches and very minor flaking along the left edge of the lug, There is scattered light pitting on the left side of the frame. The cylinder retains 90% or more of the roll-engraved Stage Robbery scene. The case hardened finish on the hammer has faded to a mottled gray. The brass trigger guard and backstrap have an untouched patina with scattered age spotting. The grip is in very good overall condition with moderate handling wear; about 70% of the original varnish finish remains intact. The serial numbers, barrel and frame markings are sharp. The engraving on the back strap is crisp but shows age and is original to the revolver. This is a very historic Colt Model 1862 Pocket Navy Cartridge Conversion.