137

Colt Rough Rider Single Action Army Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:15,000.00 USD Estimated At:15,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
Colt Rough Rider Single Action Army Revolver
Auction Location:

16600 Aston Street
Irvine, CA 92606
Colt Rough Rider Single Action Army Revolver, attributed to Albert P. Wright, 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry and Regimental Color Sgt. at San Juan Hill, frame #138236, .45 Colt cal., originally blue and case colored, now with old very light nickel plating, with one-piece walnut grip. This revolver was originally shipped to the Government Inspector at the Colt Factory on Feb. 18, 1891, as verified by factory letter. In a separate letter from noted author, historian and collector John Kopec, who has personally examined this firearm, states that this serial number falls between two other known Rough Rider revolvers numbered #138229 and #138271. He further states that before its issue to the Rough Riders, it was refurbished by the Springfield Armory, where shortly afterwards 500 of these such revolvers were requested to be shipped to Port Tampa City, FL. Although almost all of Troop C was left in Port Tampa City, Sgt. Wright was personally appointed to be the color bearer by then-Col. Leonard Wood due to his considerable height. Wright, like many of the enlisted members of the Rough Riders, was a cowboy from Arizona, and in his case, Yuma. Included with this historically significant revolver is a copy of a photograph of Sgt. Wright at Oyster Bay, Long Island, after the battle with the troop's colors, and Wright in uniform, looking much more like a cowboy than a trooper. His 6'6'' bearing was considered exceptionally tall for the day and Collier's Magazine photographed him, Theodore Roosevelt, and many other scenes that day. In this photograph Color Sgt. Wright stands with the stained and torn national colors, which had been constructed by the Women's Relief Corps of Phoenix and was presented to the Arizona Squadron of Volunteers at Prescott, and then carried throughout the Rough Rider's actions in Cuba. A later photograph of Albert Wright, ca. 1908, is included, which has accompanied this revolver over the past 100+ years. It is of further interest to note that Albert P. Wright became one of Theodore Roosevelt's life-long friends after their service together. In a New York Times article, dated Sept. 22, 1898, they quote a speech by Roosevelt upon his return to Oyster Bay, where he introduces Sgt. Wright, who was on the podium, and he in effect states that Wright was ''as solid as a rock in battle''. Later letters from Roosevelt to Wright place Wright in Manila, Philippine Islands, in late Sept. 1902, which corresponds to the provenance we received with the revolver, stating that Sylvia K. Hawkins, who served in the Quartermaster's Corps at this time in the Philippines, received the revolver and the photograph from Sgt. Wright. Mrs. Hawkins was born in 1872 and died in 1973. Upon her centennial birthday, she presented this revolver to a family member where it remained for over 40 years. Condition is fine with old nickel finish added, with moderate general toning, flaking to topstrap and portions of cylinder. No additional polishing was accomplished at time of refinishing. All markings are clear and grips with fractional shrinkage. Good functioning action, and bore is about fine. Revolver remains in as found condition with no internal cleaning or modification. A rare and historically interesting Colt Artillery revolver. Est.: $15,000-$25,000. (Antique)