SOLD
Winning Bid Undisclosed
This item SOLD at 2010 Feb 24 @ 20:39UTC-8 : PST/AKDT
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Colt single action army revolver, U.S. Cavalry series, .45 colt caliber, 7-1/2” barrel, blue and case hardened finish, cartouche wood grips, serial number “10378”. One of two known as the Mikado Colts, which were presented by the U.S. Government to the Emperor of Japan. This exact revolver is featured and discussed in the article entitled “The Mikado U.S. Cavalry Colts” by Sam Maxwell, Arms Gazette Magazine, April 1978. A documenting letter of provenance states this single action army, along with serial number 10143, was acquired by V. B. Rasmussen while serving with the 8th Army in Japan. The letter is dated April 18, 1976, and is notarized in the state of Washington, Kings County. An authenticating letter by noted expert John A. Kopec also accompanies this single action. Mr. Kopec states that this is one of ten originally presented to the Emperor of Japan on June 23, 1874 by the United States government. This is one of the few presentations of U.S. military arms to a foreign government and is well documented by the national archives and other references on Colt firearms. Refer “A Study of the Colt Single Action Revolver” and other works on Cavalry Colts by Kopec and other authors. Kopec goes on to state that the number 10378 remains as the finest known example of a Mikado Colt. He also states that the Japanese crest or Chrysanthemum is borne on the left grip. Mr. Kopec continues that “the gun appears unfired”. He refers to the Rasmussen provenance, and refers to this Mikado revolver as a national treasure of both Japan and the United States. Other documentation and letters of provenance also included, which completely document this well-known Colt icon. Physical condition: The revolver remains in very good plus to near fine condition showing some storage type rust and erosion, dings and mars, some areas of cleaning, pitting, and rust. The barrel shows correct italic address, Ainsworth & P inspections, approx 30-45% blue, as mentioned erosion and rust mostly on the bottom of the barrel by the ejector rod housing. The ejector rod housing shows 50-60% original blue, with some erosion and pitting on the edge and mostly bright blue in the groove. The frame shows 30-50% case hardened colors on the left, some loss on the top of recoil shield and rear frame, and some areas of erosion and pinprick pitting in these areas. The cylinder is numbered 0233 and shows 30-40% blue thinning with some erosion and pitting matching to the barrel and rear of frame. The cylinder is discussed as being switched with another Mikado Colt and this number helped identify the ten numbers within the series. The right side of the frame shows 90% plus bright and vivid case hardening as does the top of the frame and protected areas. The trigger guard and backstrap show 30-40% original blue, which is wavy (or candy striped) and is correct. There is also some scattered erosion and pinprick pitting on the straps and trigger. The grips are very good plus to near fine and show a full OWA cartouche, just some minor bumps and storage marks. The right grip shows most of the Emperor’s mum. All correct early features, parts and inspections, other than the cylinder which is from the same Mikado presentation. The hammer shows 80-90% bright case hardening, and the interior shows virtually no use as mentioned by Kopec. One of the most important Cavalry Colts known to sophisticated collectors, which is accompanied by exceptional documentation, provenance, and published history. Est.: $30,000-$60,000
Auction Location:
1740 W. La Veta, Orange, California, 92868, United States
Previewing Details:
Preview at Little John's Auction Service 1740 W. La Veta Ave., Orange, CA 92868 Tuesday thru Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Special preview Tuesday February 23, 2010 5:00 pm-9:00 pm at The Phoenix Club 1340 S. Sanderson Ave., Anaheim, CA 92806.
Preview on February 24 & 25, 2010 9:00 to 11:00 am and between auction sessions each day.
California residents must pay 8.75% sales tax.
Taxes:
| Tax | Rate | Desc. |
| Tax |
8.75% |
California Sales Tax |
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
12.5% |
Additional Fees:
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