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Documented Civil War Colt 1849 .31 Cal Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:2,600.00 - 3,800.00 USD
Documented Civil War Colt 1849 .31 Cal Revolver
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You are bidding on a Early Documented Civil War Colt 1849 .31 Caliber Percussion Revolver. The revolver features a 4" octagon barrel, walnut grips, six shot cylinder, Factory Letter, and blue'd finish. This wonderfully un-fooled with and uncleaned Colt is one of the few of this model whose shipping records still exist at the Colt factory in Hartford, Connecticut! Research by Colt and documented by their own historical letter reveals that this particular revolver was listed in the Colt records as: “.31 caliber, 4” barrel, blue finish, wood stocks, ‘6 shot,’ and shipped with 24 other like revolvers October 6, 1862 to Cooper and Pond, New York, New York.” Research into Cooper and Pond might yield interesting information. This shipment was sent by Colt only nine months before the horrific New York City Draft Riots. It is now a little known fact that a huge portion of the city was destroyed. Wikipedia has this to say: “The New York City draft riots (July 13–16, 1863), known at the time as Draft Week, were violent disturbances in Lower Manhattan, widely regarded as the culmination of working-class discontent with new laws passed by Congress that year to draft men to fight in the ongoing American Civil War. The riots remain the largest civil and racially charged insurrection in American history, aside from the Civil War itself. U.S. President Abraham Lincoln diverted several regiments of militia and volunteer troops after the Battle of Gettysburg to control the city. The rioters were overwhelmingly working-class men, mostly Irish or of Irish descent, who feared free black people competing for work and resented that wealthier men, who could afford to pay a $300 (equivalent to $9,157 in 2017) commutation fee to hire a substitute, were spared from the draft. Initially intended to express anger at the draft, the protests turned into a race riot, with white rioters, predominantly Irish immigrants, attacking black people throughout the city. The official death toll was listed at either 119 or 120 individuals. Conditions in the city were such that Major General John E. Wool, commander of the Department of the East, said on July 16 that "Martial law ought to be proclaimed, but I have not a sufficient force to enforce it."The military did not reach the city until the second day of rioting, by which time the mobs had ransacked or destroyed numerous public buildings, two Protestant churches, the homes of various abolitionists or sympathizers, many black homes, and the Colored Orphan Asylum at 44th Street and Fifth Avenue, which was burned to the ground.[The area's demographics changed as a result of the riot. Many black residents left Manhattan permanently (many moving to Brooklyn). By 1865, the black population fell below 11,000 for the first time since 1820.” There is every possibility that this Colt was there at the time- either with the rioters or with a citizen trying to protect his home, business and person. Wonderful condition overall with all matching numbers, lovely even uncleaned patina metal that has taken on an attractive naturally aged color over the last 156 years. Mellow brass trigger guard and grip straps with traces of unpolished silver remaining. All excellent and sharp barrel markings as well as frame patent marking and even the screw heads are excellent with most appearing unturned, exc. machanics. A truly exceptional piece of New York City and Civil War History. The Colt Historical Research Letter alone cost $200 and take months to obtain because very few Model 1849 Colt records exist. This fine Colt would stand alone simply for overall condition, appeal and originality. This revolver was shipped October 6, 1862. Antique firearm. NO FFL transfer or NICS background check required. The serial number is 217077.