3308

Historic U.S. Navy Documented, Inscribed and Deluxe Factory Panel Scene Engraved Colt Model 1862 Pol

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:4,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 20,000.00 USD
Historic U.S. Navy Documented, Inscribed and Deluxe Factory Panel Scene Engraved Colt Model 1862 Pol
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Estimate: $10000 - 20000
This is an example of a Deluxe Factory negraved Colt Model 1862 Police Revolver that was manufactured in 1865. The back strap is inscribed "W.W.W. WOOD/JUNE 25th 1865 U.S. NAVY" in Old English letters. William Willis Wiley Wood (1818-82) was a Navy engineer and one of the pioneers of the steam navy. This revolver was originally part of a double cased set which included a Model 1861 Navy revolver, serial number "17520" with similar engraving and inscription in a brass bound mahogany case. The Model 1861 Navy revolver and case are in the U.S. Naval Academy Museum in Annapolis, Maryland. This revolver is illustrated and described in detail on page 153 of "THE BOOK OF COLT ENGRAVING" by R.L. Wilson (the description incorrectly lists the serial number as "29085" rather than "29805"). The revolver is engraved with deluxe Colt Late Percussion Vine Style Scrollwork and fitted with a one-piece ivory grip. The delicate vine style engraving has an extra degree of coverage and includes the Figure of Justice in an oval panel on the left side of the barrel lug and an eagle with outstretched wings in an oval panel on the right side. Wilson's description of the revolver states that the engraved panels are a great rarity on Colt revolvers. The end of the loading lever is finely checkered and the sides are engraved with vine style scrollwork. The rebated portion of the five-shot cylinder and the top of each chamber are covered with vine style engraving. The hammer has bordered knurling on the spur and vine style engraving on the sides and top in addition to a hound's head motif on either side. The revolver barrel and cylinder are blue, the loading lever, frame and hammer are color casehardened and the brass trigger guard and back strap are silver-plated. The top of the barrel is roll-engraved "ADDRESS COL SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA" in a panel formed by engraved scrollwork. An engraved banner surrounds the two-line "COLT"S/PATENT" marking on the left side of the frame. "31 CAL" is roll-stamped on the left rear trigger guard bow and a small "k" inspection or assembly mark is stamped on the left front bow. "PAT.SEPT 10TH 1850" is roll-stamped in one cylinder flute. The serial number "29805" is located on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard and back strap. All of the visible serial numbers match. The barrel and frame numbers are surrounded by scrollwork panels and the trigger guard and back strap serial numbers are located in engraved banners. This historic and well documented revolver was formerly part of the Norm Flayderman Collection.
BBL: 4 1/2 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 36 percussion
Finish: blue/case-hardened
Grips: ivory
Serial Number: 29805
Condition: Fine. The revolver retains 25% of the original blue and 50% silver-plated finish. The protected areas of the barrel retain the high polish blue finish and the contact points on the upper portion of the barrel have a mottled silver-gray patina. There is some light pitting and discoloration on both sides of the barrel near the muzzle. The cylinder has aged to a silver-gray patina; there is minimal flash pitting on the percussion nipples and all of the cylinder safety pins are intact. The protected areas of the loading lever retain the color casehardened finish and the contact points have a silver patina. 40% of the case colors are present on the frame and hammer. The back strap and grip strap have most of the silver plated finish while the sides and bottom of the trigger guard show handling wear. The ivory grip is excellent; the ivory has a very attractive age patina and has only one minor hairline age crack in the right grip heel. The delicate and impeccably engraved vine scroll work is crisp and the scenes on the sides of barrel lug are sharp. All of the factory markings and serial numbers are sharp. This is a fine example of a historic, inscribed Colt Model 1862 Police Revolver with exquisite factory Hartford vine style scroll engraving.