2155

US HISTORICAL SOCIETY SECOND MODEL FACTORY ENGRAVED DRAGOON REVOLVER.

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:1,000.00 - 2,000.00 USD
US HISTORICAL SOCIETY SECOND MODEL FACTORY ENGRAVED DRAGOON REVOLVER.
PLEASE NOTE (10/4/13): Gun has an additional R.L. Wilson letter that is not listed in the provenance. SN 4234. This is a beautiful and pristine Commemorative of a Second Model Colt Dragoon that was put on display at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London. The Second Model Dragoon is of greater rarity than either the First or Third Models. And to find an engraved one is almost an impossibility. This gun exhibits panel scene of "double eagles" (US Historical Society official logo) on left side of frame and the wonderful scroll engraving typical of early Colt revolvers. This gun is marked on the top bbl flat "US HISTORICAL SOCIETY RICHMOND VA" and on left side of bbl "THE ROYAL ARMORIES-H.M. TOWER OF LONDON". These guns were orig sold by subscription for $2250 in 1989. In a unique historical joint project, The Royal Armouries H.M. Tower of London authorized United States Historical Society in 1989 to produce and issue "The Royal Armouries Colonel Samuel Colt Dragoon" as a limited edition commemorative. Because of the scarce vine style engraving, the U.S. Historical Society requested the use of Michael’s revolver. In another letter from Mr. R.L. Wilson, Chairman at that time of the Antique Arms Committee, he states, "This is to express the thanks of the U.S. Historical Society, and myself, for the loan of your Second Model Dragoon, with its fine early vine style factory engraving, NO. 9646. The engraving of the Society prototype revolver has been completed by Alvin White- the results were superb!” No one can dispute that this is truly a remarkable revolver with an undeniable history, comparable in stature to only two other Engraved Second Model Dragoons that were owned by English Royalty. PROVENANCE: Michael Leff Estate Collection CONDITION: Gun is like new retaining virtually all of its orig finish with bright case colors, silver plating, and brilliant bright blue. Gun is mechanically perfect with shiny crisp bore. 4-49712