1097

Rare, Deluxe Cased, Silver/Gold Thuer Conversion, L.D. Nimschke Factory Engraved Colt Model 1861 Na

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:60,000.00 USD Estimated At:120,000.00 - 160,000.00 USD
Rare, Deluxe Cased, Silver/Gold Thuer Conversion, L.D. Nimschke Factory Engraved Colt  Model 1861 Na
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This rare, Thuer Conversion, Colt M1861 Navy Revolver is pictured on page 579 of "THE BOOK OF COLT FIREARMS" by R.L. Wilson. The revolver was formerly part of the famous Henry M. Stewart collection and Wilson states that it was obtained from the son of the President of Peru in 1944 by the legendary collector and dealer Robert Abels. The revolver has cast, silver, Schuyler, Hartley and Graham, "Tiffany" grips decorated with Civil War battle motifs on the sides and a spread eagle on the butt. The revolver has a gilt over silver plated finish and is factory engraved with Germanic scroll work on a punch-dot background by master engraver L.D. Nimschke. The deluxe engraving includes a fully engraved loading lever and scroll-work that extends to the Thuer conversion ring and rear portion of the cylinder. The naval scene on the front portion of the cylinder is hand engraved and the cylinder has an engraved border around the serial number and patent markings and the edge of the front face. The sides of the hammer are embellished with a wolf's head motif. The revolver has a deluxe, French-fitted, rosewood case with silver plated brass mounts. The case interior has a red velvet lining with green trim. Included in the case are: (1) a scroll engraved percussion cylinder serial numbered to the revolver, (2) a Thuer cartridge loading tool, (3) a combination nipple wrench/screw-driver, (4) silver plated, double cavity bullet mold marked "COLT'S/PATENT on the sprue cutter and "36B" on the right side of the block, (5) a 250-cap tin of percussion caps with green "Eley BROs" label, (6) a silver-plated American Flask & Cap Co. powder flask embossed with crossed revolvers, stars, eagle and shield, cannon and military trophies, (7) a tin box with orange label for 50 Thuer cartridges and (8) two packets of Hazards Combustible Cartridges for Colt's Revolving Belt Pistols.
The top of the revolver barrel is roll-stamped: "- COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" in one line. "COLTS/PATENT" is stamped on the left side of the frame in a scroll-work panel. The left side of the trigger guard is stamped "2" on the front bow and "36CAL" on the rear. The letter "E" is stamped next to the serial number on the barrel, frame and trigger guard indicating that the revolver was designated for engraving and special finish at the factory. The full serial number "14518" is located on the barrel, frame and trigger guard. The partial serial number "518" is stamped on the conversion cylinder and "4518" is stamped on the spare, percussion, cylinder. All of the serial numbers match.
An appraisal that accompanies the revolver states that this casing is of the most deluxe ever viewed by the appraiser. The appraisal further states that the combination of Thuer Conversion cylinder, Tiffany grips, deluxe engraving and casing made this revolver the ultimate Colt at date of manufacture and that the cost would have exceeded that of a gold inlaid percussion revolver.
BBL: 7-1/2 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 36
Finish: gold over silver plated
Grips: silver
Serial Number: 14518E
Condition: Very fine. There are traces of the delicate gilt finish on protected areas of the barrel and frame. The engraving and markings on the barrel show some light handling wear with traces of age discoloration. The engraving on the frame, cylinder and hammer is crisp. The Tiffany grips are in very fine condition. The case exterior is fine with minor handling wear and one hair-line crack in the lid. The case lining is in very good condition with some minor compression marks and oil stains and a small tear from contact with the revolver hammer. The accessories are in fine condition and the silver-plated powder flask is excellent. This is a magnificent example of one of the most deluxe Colt cased revolvers. The revolver is extremely well documented; it would be the center-piece of any Colt revolver collection.