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RARE SAMUEL COLT PERSONAL PRESENTATION 1849

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
RARE SAMUEL COLT PERSONAL PRESENTATION 1849

REVOLVER, FACTORY CASED TO CIVIL WAR OFFICER. Cal. 31. S# 170095. Bbl. 4". Interesting presentation from Samuel Colt to Giles Dart in late 1860 as war fever was gripping the country. According to Colt historian Larry Wilson personal presentations from Samuel Colt are rare. Much more often are seen presentations from Colt factory but not Colonel Colt himself.
Backstrap finely engraved "Presented to G.W. Dart by Col. Saml. Colt" The bottom of the Colt factory case is inked "Wm Sloane 593 Broadway NY"
“The Texas Gun Collector”, July 1969 in caption states that Giles W. Dart was partner in dry goods firm with William Sloan in New York City wholesaling Colt firearms. Giles in NYC directories show him living near Sloan address as hotelier.
When the war began the 39 year old Giles Wareington Dart (1824-1907) was commissioned lieutenant in the 24th Connecticut Infantry as regimental Quartermaster. The 24th sailed for New Orleans and had service at Port Hudson earning that battle honor on their flag. The 24th CT was mustered out after the surrender of Port Hudson and were transported by steamer back home via New York City, September 15, 1863. Dart remained in New Orleans being court martialed for unauthorized sell of military goods. He joined a long list of enterprising Yankees making a profit from the war in New Orleans (Among the Cotton Thieves, Edward Bacon, 1867). He was cashiered out of army September 30, 1863, 2 weeks after his term of service expired and headed home to NYC. A 1979 Arms Gazette Article details the history on this revolver and is posted online. This is an attractive and unusual cased Samuel Colt personally presented revolver to an enterprising businessman from one of America’s best. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: large binder file of correspondence, articles, research on this revolver & GW Dart. CONDITION: fine overall, revolver retains strong areas of original finish especially blue on barrel, balance smooth plum/gray & silver/gray patinas. Cylinder has complete rolled Stagecoach holdup scene & all 5 functional safety pins. Grip frame retains much of its original silver plate in protected areas. Grips retain most of their original factory varnish would like to moderate edge ware & tacking marks on butt. Mechanics are crisp, Bright shiny rifled bore. Casing has large repaired crack in mahogany veneered lid, retains factory varnish. Interior purple baize lining has wear and soiling, accompanying 2 sided eagle flask & 2 cavity “COLTS PATENT” mold are good with no finish. Ely cap tin has dark paper label along with few loose balls and key. (01-23129/JS). ANTIQUE. $10,000-15,000.