2020 September Premier, Volume I

142
LOT 139
Colt Model 1860 Army Richards
Cartridge Conversion Revolver - Serial
no. 199531, 44 Colt CF cal., 8 inch round bbl., blue/
casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. This is one of
approximately 9,000 Richards conversions manufactured
in 1871-1878 based on designs by Charles B. Richards;
Richards was also one of the designers of the Colt Single Action Army, and
some of these revolvers were manufactured alongside the Single Action Army
and are believed to have seen significant use in the Old West. The revolver’s
serial number dates to 1873 and it has the standard markings and features
associated with this variation, including matching visible serial numbers and
“1321” on the loading gate.
CONDITION: Very good plus, retains 40% original blue finish on the barrel, strong traces on
protected areas of cylinder, and faint traces of both the original case colors and silver plating
with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina. The grip is good with numerous minor dings
and scratches throughout, moderate wear, and retaining patches of the original varnish.
Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2500 - 3750
LOT 140
Fine Civil War New Jersey
Contact Whitney Navy Percussion Revolver
with Holster - Serial no. 13281, 36 cal., 7 5/8 inch octagon bbl., blue finish,
walnut grips. This Whitney Navy Model Revolver falls into the Second Model,
3rd Type serial number range (13000-15000) and has a Colt style horizontal
wedge shaped loading lever latch. It is marked “NJ” on the left side of the barrel at the
breech and on the lower left side of the frame indicating
it was purchased by the State of New Jersey to arm its
troops during the Civil War. New Jersey purchased 794
Whitney revolvers in 1863-1864, and some of them
are known to have been issued to the 3rd New Jersey
Cavalry Regiment. “Y” is marked by the matching serial
numbers on the loading lever, barrel, and cylinder, and
“HU” is marked by the matching serial numbers on the
frame, trigger guard, and right grip (left grip just has the
number). All of the serial numbers match. “R.R.” is marked on the right side of the front strap. The
barrel has a post front sight and is marked “E. WHITNEY/N. HAVEN.” The top strap is grooved to
serve as the rear sight. The cylinder has the eagle, lion, shield, and navy scene and a “3” between
two of the nipples. Includes a left side black leather military style flap holster. Also includes a
consignor write-up on the revolver and information about the 3rd N.J. Cavalry.
CONDITION: Fine with 40% original blue finish, smooth brown patina on the balance, light
oxidation, some tool marks, general marks and scratches, and generally distinct markings.
The grips are also fine and have minor edge wear, faint scratches, and smooth oiled finish.
Mechanically fine. The holster is good and has crackling and flaking, partially detached strap
(reinforced with tape), and otherwise solid stitching. Definitely an attractive New Jersey contract
Whitney revolver with a correct period holster.
Estimate: 2500 - 3500
BOTH SIDES PICTURED
LOT 141
Desirable and Rare Colt Model 1860
Army Thuer Cartridge Conversion Revolver - Serial no.
178484, 44 cal., 8 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened/silver finish,
walnut grips. This is a rare original example of a Colt Thuer Conversion
Model 1860 Army revolver that was manufactured circa 1868-71. The top
of the barrel is roll-stamped: “-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S.
AMERICA-” in one line. “COLTS/PATENT” is stamped on the left side of the frame. The cylinder is
roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene and “COLTS PATENT”. The rear of the cylinder has
been correctly shortened to accommodate the Thuer conversion ring, and the ring has a correct
script “E” on the side, which denotes the eject position. All visible numbers are matching. Both
the rear of the cylinder and rear of the conversion ring are stamped with the assembly number
“20”. (Internally the Thuer Ring retains most of the blue and is built like a watch, as an original should be!) The left
side of the brass trigger guard is stamped with “44 Cal.” The conversion ring has the distinctive knurled turning
knob, rebounding firing pin, and ejection mechanism. The Thuer conversion was the first Colt revolver to utilize a
metallic cartridge and is a historically significant variation of revolver that is missing from most of the
antique Colt collections.
CONDITION: Very good, retains traces of the original blue finish and silver plating in sheltered areas, and faint
traces of original case colors on the loading lever with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina and an attractive
antique patina on the brass. The wood is fine with some scattered minor dings and scratches and retaining much
of the original varnish. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 4500 - 7000
LOT 142
Colt Model 1861 Navy Richards-
Mason Conversion Revolver - Serial
no. 2713, 38 CF cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/
casehardened/silver finish, walnut grips. Colt Model 1861 Navy
Richards-Mason conversions were manufactured/converted
in the mid to late 1870s as cartridge revolvers using a mix of
percussion revolver parts on hand and newly fabricated components.
The U.S. Navy used many of these. The revolver has a blade front sight, the “-ADDRESS
COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-” barrel address, standard naval cylinder
scene, the distinctive breech plate without a rear sight, a “476” marked loading gate,
centerfire firing pin on the hammer which has a small notch for a rear sight, “COLT/
PATENT” on the left side of the frame along with the added 1871 and 1872 patent dates, “36 CAL” on the left side of the trigger
guard, and matching visible serial numbers apart from the cylinder which is marked “1133”. The serial numbers on the frame and
trigger guard appear to be stamped over another number.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 30% factory refurbished blue finish primarily on the ejector and sheltered areas of the barrel lug, 40%
of the case colors, with the balance a brown-grey patina and mostly clear markings. The refinished grip is very good with some
moderate wear primarily around the edges, a moderate scuff in the left side, and light dings and scratches scattered throughout.
Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2000 - 3000