1459

Historical Civil War Colt 1862 Police Model Percussion Revolver with Inscription, Medal and Box of S

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,700.00 USD Estimated At:3,500.00 - 5,500.00 USD
Historical Civil War Colt 1862 Police Model Percussion Revolver with Inscription, Medal and Box of S
Manufactured in 1863, this revolver is inscribed on the back strap "Lt. Col John Clark / 3rd Regt. P.R.V.C.". Lt. Colonel John Clark was a member of the 3rd Pennsylvania Regiment Reserves Infantry (32nd Volunteers) and fought during the Civil War. The Regiment was organized at Philadelphia and moved to Easton, Pa. on May 20, 1861. Accompanying the revolver is photo copies of the history of the 3rd Pennsylvania Reserve which lists Captain John Clark as Commander of Company E, and his promotion to Lt. Colonel on July 10, 1862, later commanding the 3rd Regiment. The documents tell of the service history of unit and Clark and Clark's later service as railroad constructor, having been ordered to take charge of the Acquia and Fredericksburg railroad. Lt. Colonel Clark never again rejoined the regiment and mustered out, with the regiment, on June 17, 1864. Also included are copies of the original documents electing Lt. Colonel Clark to the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, elected September 6, 1865. The medal, in a case, and an original box of 5 combustible envelope cartridges also accompany the revolver. Consignor has provided xrays of the box, however only four of the cartridges are positively identified. The top of the barrel has the one line New York address, "COLTS / PATENT" on the left side of the frame, "36 CAL" on the left trigger guard shoulder and the one line 1850 patent date on a cylinder flute. All visible serial numbers match, the wedge is very tight and writer was unable to check the number. Fitted with smooth varnished one piece walnut grips.
BBL: 4 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 36 percussion
Finish: blue/casehardened/silver
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 19961


Very fine. The barrel and cylinder retain approximately 40% original finish (mostly in protected areas of the cylinder), mixed with a smooth brown patina. The loading lever and frame retain 60% of the vivid original case colors. The trigger guard and backstrap retain approximately 95% original silver with some darkening with age around the trigger guard bow and scattered flaking. The exposed brass has an aged patina. The grips are excellent despite a small chip on each toe, otherwise there is a small pressure dent on the right side, some lower edge wear and approximately 95% original finish remaining. The markings are crisp and clear. The action is fine. The box of cartridges has not been opened and is very good having been sealed in cellophane. The medal is fine with some fraying along the top edge. A nice example of a Colt 1862 Police Model revolver with inscription and documentation on its one time owner, Civil War Lt. Colonel John Clark.