SOLD
105,000.00USDto floor+ buyer's premium
This item SOLD at 2013 Oct 15 @ 10:37UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT
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SN 32922. Cal. 45 Colt. Nickel & gold finish with 7-1/2" bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address. Left side of frame has small 2-line patent dates and caliber marking on left rear web of trigger guard. Mounted with 1-pc smooth ivory grip. Revolver appears to have been manufactured in late 1876 and was engraved by Eugene Young in his minimalist style similar to engraving on two other important gold & nickel revolvers sold by Julia's in the recent past. Bbl, frame, trigger guard & back strap are nickel finish while the cyl, hammer, trigger & front sight are gold washed. All screws are fire blued. SN is found on bottom of frame, trigger guard & buttstrap, which are all accompanied by a small "E" which indicates that this revolver was destined for factory engraving. Last four digits of matching SN are found on the cyl & bottom of bbl under ejector housing. Engraving consists of light coverage on frame, recoil shield, loading gate, bbl, ejector housing, cyl, back strap, butt strap & trigger guard. Top of back strap, back of hammer slot is engraved in an oval pattern with cross hatching and a similar pattern on each side of the hammer nose with foliate arabesque patterns on sides of shank & hammer spur. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter identifying this revolver in caliber 45 Colt, bbl length not listed, nickel with gold cyl, hammer, trigger & screws, type of stocks not listed, factory engraved & shipped to B. Kittredge & Co., Cincinnati, OH, on Dec. 18, 1878 in a 20-gun shipment. It is apparent that the gold screws mentioned are either a data entry mistake in the records or a transcription mistake when the letter was printed. Screws are all fire blued but it has a gold sight which is probably what the orig entry was supposed to be. Also accompanied by a notarized statement dated July 10, 2009 over the signature of George R. Dullnig, wherein he states that this revolver, identified by SN, "Has been in our family since a few years after the 1776-1876 Centennial celebration." In the next paragraph he states "My grandfather, Richard E. Rolle, wanted one of the beautiful guns of Colt's centennial wheel display. He purchased the gun from the Colt Manufacturing Co. for, I'm told, around thirty plus dollars which he considered a significant amount of money, although he owned a successful clothing company." He goes on that his family moved from Philadelphia to Houston, TX and left this revolver to his father, George E. Dullnig, who then bequeathed it to George R. Dullnig. Mr. Dullnig's statement above corresponds with the probably date of manufacture of this revolver which appears to have been late 1876, probably too late for the 1876 exposition but would correspond with an order generated from the 1876 expo. This revolver is nearly identically engraved to two other Single Actions previously sold by Julia's, SNs 47135 & 48206, which were both manufactured in 1878 and absolutely engraved by the same hand. They also had fully engraved hammer shanks & spurs with slightly different motifs. Information provided by the consignor of #47135 states that the combination of nickel & gold was originated by collaboration between Colt and well known Colt dealer J.P. Lower of Denver, Colorado, who was in business in the 1870s and was a major Colt sales outlet. SN 48206 was also shipped to B. Kittredge & Co. The style of engraving found on this revolver is unlike any other known master engravers at Colt, although it has stylistic similarities to some of the engraving by Oscar & Eugene Young at Smith & Wesson. Very few Eugene Young engraved Colts are known and when encountered are probably not recognized for their simple beauty. Also accompanied by a 6-page letter from renowned Colt authority & author, Ron Graham, wherein he authenticates this revolver as being absolutely real & original and states that it was "factory assembled, engraved and finished expressly to be one of Colt's exhibition firearms". He also states that these revolvers "were displayed at centennial exhibits, world fairs, state fairs, distributor marketing promotions---for many years". He states that after examining and studying many engraved Colts he speculates that this revolver was engraved in the Cuno Helfricht shop and the engraver may have been influenced by master engraver, Gustave Young, or his immediate family who were also master craftsmen. He additionally states that "During the entire first-run Single Action production, only three 'A' style, factory embellished, SA revolvers are known that have nearly full hammer coverage." He further states "As of this writing there are only two known first-run SAs having factory gold plated front sights." Additionally accompanied by a letter on Cullity & Son letterhead over the signature of Daniel Cullity. Mr. Cullity is a renowned restoration artist for all things firearm, a former master engraver at Colt and recognized authority on Colt firearms. He authenticates this revolver as being "genuine in every respect including the grips." He states "It is unfired, and it had no indications that it had ever been disassembled." He also states that it has never been refinished. He additionally states that "The elegant engraving is identical in style and execution with other Colt revolvers that are believed to have been engraved for the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibit of 1876." He further states "This pistol may have been on the 'wheel' display." We however have no proof of this gun being in the exhibition and so cannot affirm Mr. Cullity's statement, however it is the most compelling documentation for a wheel gun we have seen. This is an extraordinary Colt Single Action in astounding orig condition with engraving patterns known on only a very few, very rare Colts from that era. PROVENANCE: Richard E. Rolle & descendants. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, new & unfired retaining virtually all of its crisp, bright orig factory nickel and brilliant fire blued screws & base pin; cyl retains bright gold wash in the flutes with the outer diameter showing about 75% orig gold, partially exposing the silver underplating. Gold wash on face of trigger is a little thin; hammer & front sight retain about all of their orig gold wash; top edge of front sight has a couple of tiny nicks with a small ding on the shank of the hammer. Grip has a tiny chip in right front toe, otherwise is sound showing very light edge wear and slight dulling from handling. Simply an extraordinarily beautiful revolver that is a pleasure to behold, suitable for the highest level of collector or museum. 4-49414 JR313
Auction Location:
203 Skowhegan Rd, Fairfield, Maine, 04937, United States
Previewing Details:
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, October 11-13, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., October 14, 15 & 16, 8:00–10:00 a.m.
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
21% |
Additional Fees:
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CONDITIONS OF SALE - PLEASE READ
Please be sure to read the conditions before participating in the sale.
For years, we have worked hard to develop a reputation for honesty and fairness. We have tried to apply this same principle in preparing this particular sale. So that you might know what the limitations are for this sale, we have tried to clearly outline the conditions below, which will specifically indicate how various circumstances will be handled.
1. GUARANTEE: We have attempted to make a consistent effort in cataloging and correctly describing the property to be sold. The catalog descriptions carry a limited guarantee. Please be sure that you know that. It is a guarantee to protect you against major discrepancies that would have a major effect upon the value of the item. Under no circumstances do we guarantee against anything less than a major discrepancy that would have less than a major effect upon value. This limited guarantee covers authenticity. It also covers any major restoration or repair not described. Also we guarantee against fakes, reproductions or major fabrications. As outlined above, our guarantee is limited, however, it is almost unique in a business that operates “Caveat Emptor”. This is not a perfect system, however, and it is important to be aware of that. Our intention is to be as fair as possible in our catalog descriptions but it is virtually impossible to adequately describe an antique or collectible item that has been used and shows signs of wear. If you are a discerning, highly particular customer, expecting mint or near mint condition, it is advisable that you not ever submit absentee bids here or at any auction house without seeing the item in person, since your definition of condition might be far more particular than what any cataloger would have time or space to specify. The entire purpose of our catalog description is to give our readers a general description and idea of what the lot is and we will stand behind that description regarding a major discrepancy only. If the discrepancy is less than a major discrepancy, under no circumstances would any adjustment or refund be made. Should the need arise, the auctioneer reserves the right to make verbal corrections and provide additional information from the block at the time of the sale. Absentee bids will not be executed on items that are found to be other than described in the catalog unless we were able to contact you prior to the lot being sold and advise of this discrepancy. If we are unable to reach you or if time does not permit, we will not execute your bid. Please Note: the only thing we guarantee is what is in print in the catalog and what is announced from the block at the time of sale. Absolutely nothing discussed over the telephone or in person prior to the auction shall be construed as part of the guarantee. Since opinions can differ, particularly in the matter of condition, the auctioneer will be the sole judge in the matter of refunds. This guarantee is limited to the following time duration and limits. Please read:
A. TIME LIMIT: For live bidders it is expected that you have examined the items before you purchased them and that as you pick them up, you will re-examine them one last time. If there is a problem regarding condition, it is expected that you would notify us immediately before leaving the auction facility. If you are an absentee bidder then it is your responsibility to examine the lot immediately upon receipt. If a major discrepancy should be discovered, it is your responsibility to contact us immediately. Please note: All guarantees and options for refunds or adjustment become null and void 45 days after the auction. We pay consignors on the 45th day. Once we have paid our consignors we no longer have control for the payment and under no circumstances can we consider any refunds. If you suspect that there is a major discrepancy or problem with authenticity of your lot, it is your responsibility to contact our office before the 45 days are up and let us know that you need some extra time. We can usually make arrangements to extend the guarantee for a few days if you personally advise us. Please note: If you pay late and thus, receive your items late, it does not qualify for special privileges. The guarantee is null and void 45 days after the auction. It is your responsibility to pay for and acquire your purchases in a timely fashion. So if there is a major discrepancy, you have time to notify our office. Please remember that if you call us 46 days after the auction, there is nothing we can do about a major discrepancy except apologize to you. If you want to be considered for an adjustment or refund, it is your responsibility to notify us within 45 days after the auction.
B. LIMIT OF RESTITUTION: Under no circumstances will the auctioneer be responsible for lost profits or other financial damages. Refunds requested on the grounds of authenticity must be accompanied by at least a supporting written statement from an authority recognized by the auctioneers. Auctioneer will not be responsible for shipping costs, after auction appraisal fees, testing or any other post auction costs. If it is agreed that an item may be returned, it is the buyer’s responsibility to return it in the same condition as received.
C. TYPE OF RESTITUTION: An item that qualifies for an adjustment is limited to one of the following options:
1) Major problems, (i.e. fakes, significant alteration, major unannounced restoration, etc.) will result in a refund in sale price, adjustment in sale price or repair by the auctioneer. The auctioneer shall be the judge as to the final resolve.
2) Less than major problems or discrepancies are not part of the guarantee and no refund or adjustment will be considered for less than major problems.
2. RECEIPT OF GOODS: All goods sold will be tagged and can be claimed upon presentation of paid receipts ONLY. All items to be wrapped will be wrapped by the purchaser, unless the items are to be shipped.
3. PROTESTED BIDS: In case of a disputed bid, the Auctioneer is the sole determinant as to who is the successful bidder and at his discretion may re-offer and resell the article in dispute.
4. TAX: State of Maine sales tax is 5.5% and will be collected at time of payment unless a current sales tax certificate is on file or if shipped anywhere except Maine and Massachusetts. If purchases are shipped to a Maine address, sales tax of 5% shall be collected unless a current sales tax certificate is on file. If purchases are shipped or delivered to a Massachusetts address, sales tax of 6.25% shall be collected unless a current sales tax certificate is on file.
5. NOMINAL BIDS: The Auctioneer may reject nominal bids, small opening bids or very nominal advances made with purpose of disparaging an item. If a lot fails to open for 25% to 30% of the low estimate, the item may be passed from the block by the Auctioneer and may not be re-offered until a later sale.
6. ABSENTEE BIDS: Phone, fax or mail bids will be accepted with a 20% deposit, late bids or last minute bids can be confirmed with a Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express number, in many cases. In such case, the bookkeeper will execute such bids competitively. It is entirely possible to buy items by absentee bid for less than your top bid price. Please Note: Absentee bids are a service provided to our customers free of charge. Every effort is made to execute all absentee bids; however, you must know that this is not a perfect system neither here nor at any other auction house. In the event of an error of omission or failure to properly execute absentee bids, the auctioneer shall not be held liable.
7. TERMS: All items are to paid for in American funds at the day of the auction. Non-residents who have not established an account with us and wish to pay by check, must do so prior to the beginning of the auction by presenting a current letter of reference from their bank or by providing references which are suitable to the auctioneer. Absentee Bidders - Directly after the auction a bill will be sent to you for the items you purchased and a total amount due. This bill is due upon presentation and must be paid immediately. The auctioneer reserves the right to hold merchandise purchased by personal check until the check has cleared the bank, if the auctioneer deems such action necessary to protect his interest. For bidders located outside of the United States we only accept payment by checks drawn on U.S. banks or wire transfer.
8. INTEREST AND DEFAULT: Payment is due upon receipt. If the buyer’s invoice is not paid in full within 15 days of the auction, James D. Julia, Inc. has the right and will charge the buyer’s credit card of record on file for the total invoice amount. Interest will be charged on all balances not paid at the rate of 1-1/2% monthly (18% APR) effective 15 days from the date of purchase/auction. Should the buyer not comply with any of the Conditions of Sale, the damage recoverable from the defaulter shall include any loss arising on the resale of the lot, together with the charges and expenses in respect of both sales as well as any legal or collection fees incurred. James D. Julia, Inc. shall hold any money deposited in partial payment on account of any liability of the defaulted item.
9. RESERVES: Some items in this auction may carry a conservative reserve. Therefore, the auctioneer may bid on behalf of the owner or for the auction house. The purchaser will be the highest bidder acknowledged by the auctioneer. Please note that when a lot carries a reserve, the reserve is usually somewhere below the low estimate in the catalog. Actual reserve figures cannot be divulged, but we will tell you if an item carries a reserve should you ask.
10. WITHDRAWAL: We reserve the right to withdraw any property before sale and shall have no liability whatsoever for such withdrawal.
11. TITLE: A title passes upon the fall of the Auctioneer’s hammer. It will then be the responsibility of the buyer to make full payment prior to removing the goods from the premises. It is both the buyer’s risk and expense for removal and must be made at the conclusion of the sale unless other arrangements are made with the Julia’s Operations Manager. Please note any lots we might make arrangements for moving or storing are solely at the risk of the owner and any damage or loss occurring after the fall of the hammer becomes that of the buyer.
12. PHONE BIDS: At the discretion of the auctioneer, phone bidding may be arranged on more expensive items, (i.e. $500 or more). In order to make arrangements to bid on the telephone at the time a lot is being sold, you must contact our office in advance of the auction. We will make arrangements to call you just prior to the lot being sold so that you may bid over the telephone. There are usually a limited number of phone lines available into the room, so if you wish to bid over the telephone, it is important for you to make your arrangements early. “Cover-me Bids”: if you wish to bid by telephone, you might also want to consider a “cover-me bid” at the time you make arrangements for phone bidding. A “cover-me bid” allows your phone contact here at Julia’s to still execute a predetermined bid amount for you in the case that they cannot get through to you on the telephone. Your phone agent is the only person who will have this bid and will only use it to bid in the event that he/she cannot reach you. Assuming you are reached via telephone, they would not use your bid, but rely on your verbal instructions. “Cover-me bids” are not mandatory, you can place one at your discretion, they are simply a safety device in the event you cannot be reached by telephone in time.
13. AGENT RESPONSIBILITY: If you are registering or executing a bid for someone else under your number, please bear in mind that you are responsible for the settlement of that account with us regardless of whether the person you’re executing or registering for pays you or not.
14. BUYER’S PREMIUM: Shall be reduced to 18% of the final bid price, to be paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. This is assuming the account is paid by check, cash or any equivalent of cash. If you settle your account by credit card the buyer’s premium then shall be the standard 21% of the final bid price which will be applied to each lot sold to be paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price.
15. LEGAL DISPUTE: Any legal disputes arising from this auction shall be settled in the court system in the State of Maine.
16. UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE: The Maine Uniform Commercial Code, Title 11, Section 2-328 applies to this auction sale.
17. ACCEPTANCE OF CONDITIONS: Bidding on article(s) indicates your acceptance of all of the above terms.
18. MAINE AUCTIONEER RULES AND REGULATIONS: The Maine Auctioneer Rules and regulations are regulated by the Maine Board of Licensing of Auctioneers, 35 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333.
19. AUCTIONEER’S LICENSE NUMBERS: Auctioneer: James D. Julia ME License #AR83; NH License #2511 Mass. License #1406
NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS OR OMISSIONS.