3121

Rare and Historic Inscribed Col. Colt Presentation Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver to Frederick Perry

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:9,000.00 USD Estimated At:18,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
Rare and Historic Inscribed Col. Colt Presentation Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver to Frederick Perry
Buyer's Premium is 20.5% by credit card, reduced to 18% if payment is made by cash, check or wire transfer. Contact Rock Island Auction Company to complete your registration with the auction house.
Estimate: $18000 - 25000
This is an example of a first-year production Colt Model 1860 Army revolver that was manufactured early in 1861. The back strap is engraved with the inscription: "Hon F.P. Stanton/with Compliments of Col. Colt" in two lines. After further research we have determined that this revolver was presented to Frederick Perry Stanton (1814-1894). Mr. Stanton was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Tennessee's 10th Congressional district, he was elected as a Democrat to the 29th Congress and four succeeding Congresses, during which time he served as Chairman of the Committee on Naval Affairs and Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary. He served as Governor of the Kansas Territory from 1858 to 1861 during the heart of the "border war" better known as "bleeding Kansas". This proxy war happening in Kansas caught the attention of the whole nation for at the heart of the conflict was the question of whether Kansas would enter the union as a free state or a slave state. Stanton was the serving Governor during John Brown's famous raid on the Harpers Ferry Armory in 1859 and still would have been in office when the first shot were fired on Fort Sumter in April of 1861 which is extremely close to the time this pistol would have been presented. In his later years he settled in Florida and died there in 1894. Colt revolvers personally presented and inscribed by Samuel Colt are among the most desirable Colt firearms. Samuel Colt presented between 100 and 200 inscribed Colt Model 1860 Army revolvers prior to his death in 1862; some of these were cased, unengraved pieces like this revolver. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-". "COLTS/PATENT" is roll-stamped on the left side of the frame. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene and "COLTS PATENT No.". The full serial number, "4782" is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, wedge, frame, trigger guard, backstrap, cylinder arbor pin and on the side of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. The initials "C.W." are deeply cut into the left side of the grip and what appears to be the initials "J.(backwards)T." are cut in the right side. There are some illegible markings on the grip heels. The significance of these markings is unknown but they are contemporary to the revolver and typical of the soldier initials found on Civil War firearms. Included with the revolver is research provided by the consignor.
BBL: 8 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 44 percussion
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 4782
Condition: Very good plus. The revolver is completely original and has a dark untouched patina. The barrel has a few minor scratches and some light flash pitting on the lug. The cylinder has 85% of the naval scene intact and has moderate-heavy flash pitting on the front and rear face and the percussion nipples. The cylinder pins are battered. The sides of the hammer show moderate-heavy flash pitting. The markings on the barrel and frame are sharp. The engraving on the back strap is clear and fully legible. The trigger guard retains 75% of the original silver plating. The grip retains 80% of more of the high polish piano finish varnish and is fine. The action is crisp and functions well. This is a solid example of a rare and very desirable Samuel Colt presentation Model 1860 Army revolver to a hugely significant Governor of the time period!