2020 September Premier, Volume I

Rare, Important & Fresh Factory Engraved & Plated Colt New Line from the Iconic 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition
THIS REVOLVER IS LISTED BY
SERIAL NUMBER ON THE OCT. 15,
1877, LEDGER LISTING REVOLVERS
RECEIVED BY HENRY FOLSOM &
CO. FROM AND RETURNED TO
COLT THAT WERE PREVIOUSLY
PART OF COLT’S FAMOUS “WHEEL”
DISPLAY AT THE 1876 PHILADELPHIA
CENTENNIAL EXPOSITION
176
LOT 180
Documented Cased Factory Engraved and Gold
Plated Colt New Line .41 Revolver with Pearl
Grips from Colt’s “Wheel” Display at the 1876
Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia - Serial no.
5009, 41 RF cal., 2 1/4 inch round bbl., nickel/gold
finish, pearl grips. This revolver was manufactured
in 1876, the same year the World’s Fair was held in
the United States for the first time in celebration of
the centennial of the Declaration of Independence
and the founding of the Unite States. Fittingly, the
Centennial Exposition was held it Philadelphia.
The fair presented a tremendous advertising
opportunity for American arms companies like Colt
and Winchester. Both displayed elaborate exhibition
arms and took in orders, including for high end
deluxe arms. Colt’s famous display was perhaps
the factory’s most spectacular display in its history,
and Colt’s smaller pocket revolvers were highly
represented given they were just the type of firearms
suited to those living in and visiting the bustling late
19th century cities. This revolver is listed by serial
number on the Oct. 15, 1877, ledger listing revolvers
received by Henry Folsom & Co. from and returned
to Colt that were previously part of Colt’s famous
“wheel” display at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial
Exposition (copy of list included). The display was
built in Hartford specifically for the exposition and
received a lot of attention both at the World’s Fair
itself and into the 21st century as collectors eagerly
seek out the historic Colts that made up Colt’s most
famous display. It is shown in multiple publications
about Colt firearms, including Wilson’s books (for
example, see page 172 of “Colt: An American Legend.”
The “wheel” revolvers were later loaned to the Henry
Folsom Co. of St. Louis and were returned to Colt in
October 1877. Some remain in the Colt Collection at
the Museum of Connecticut History. The engraving
was probably executed by Cuno Helfricht and
consists of punch-dot backed intertwining vine
scroll and floral engraving along with checker board
patterns and diamond pattern accents. It has the
standard blade and groove sights. The barrel is
marked “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. CO./HARTFORD, CT.
U. S. A.” The bottom of the grip frame is marked “41
CAL.” Matching serial numbers are on the bottom
of the barrel, rear of the cylinder, and left side of
the grip frame. The latter also has a “P” marking. The
grips are pearl. The case has purple velour lining, a
cleaning rod, and cartridge block holding 25 rounds
of ammunition.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine with 85% plus
original nickel plating, 50% plus original gold
plating, bright original niter blue on most of the
screws, crisp engraving and markings, bent front
sight, minor dings and scratches, and mild overall
wear. The grips are also fine and have tiny flakes at
the junction with the frame and otherwise minor
handling wear and attractive iridescent colors.
Mechanically excellent. The otherwise fine case has
a split in the lid and moderate overall wear. This
is both a rare and highly desirable piece of Colt
history. Very few collectors get the opportunity to
own a Colt revolver featured in the famous “Wheel.”
Provenance: Colt’s display at the 1876 Centennial
Exposition in Philadelphia, Henry Folsom & Co., Colt
Patent Fire Arms Mfg. Co., and Dr. Robert G. Cox.
Estimate: 9000 - 14000
PROVENANCE: COLT’S DISPLAY AT THE 1876 CENTENNIAL EXPOSITION IN PHILADELPHIA,
HENRY FOLSOM & CO., COLT PATENT FIRE ARMS MFG. CO., AND DR. ROBERT G. COX