2020 September Premier, Volume I

BOTH SIDES
PICTURED
The John Fox Collection
LOT 64
Factory Vine Scroll Engraved and Gold and Silver Plated Colt Pocket Navy
Percussion Revolver with Carved Grip - Serial no. 5564IE, 36 cal., 4 1/2 inch octagon
bbl., silver/gold finish, carved antique ivory grips. This revolver was likely manufactured
and engraved around 1865 and has the “IE” marking by the main serial number locations
used by the factory on revolvers designated for engraving and special grips. The exact
year is not clear due to conflicting information on the production dates of this model which is
now believed to have been manufactured in 1865-1872. It features the classic “vine scroll” patterns found on the late
Colt percussion revolvers on the barrel, loading lever, frame, and grip straps. The hammer has the wolf head design
and “COLTS PATENT” hand engraved on the left side of the frame like many Gustave Young engraved revolvers. The
engraving patterns and marking very closely match the engraved Pocket Navy shown on page 152 of “The Book of
Colt Engraving” by Wilson. The revolver is finished with silver on the barrel and grip straps, gold on the loading lever,
cylinder, and hammer; and case colors on the frame. The grip has Justice seated and an eagle with arrows by her side carved on the left side. The barrel has a dovetailed blade front sight and
“ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW YORK U.S. AMERICA,” and the left side of the trigger guard has “36 CAL.” There is a “S” marking behind the trigger guard bow on the front strap, and there is a
“4” in the hammer well.
CONDITION: Fine with 80% original silver plating on the barrel with aged patina, traces original gold on the cylinder, 75% plus bright original gold on the hammer and loading lever, traces
of original silver on the grip straps, aged patina on the exposed brass, smooth gray patina on most of the frame and cylinder, dings concentrated on the cylinder and recoil shield, generally
crisp markings aside from the cylinder scene, and crisp engraving. The grip is fine and has age cracks, attractive aged tones and natural grain, and mild wear. Mechanically fine. This is a very
attractive classic Colt with classic vine scroll engraving and a distinctive carved grip.
Estimate: 7000 - 11000
BOTH SIDES
PICTURED
84
LOT 65
Very Rare
Factory
Engraved and Gold and Silver
Plated Colt Model 1862 Police Percussion Revolver with Carved Grip -
Serial no. 21545, 36 cal., 4 1/2 inch round bbl., silver/gold finish, antique ivory grips. This
revolver was manufactured in 1863 per Colt and was factory engraved and gold and silver plated.
The engraving is very similar to some of the Gustave Young engraved Colts in “The Book of Colt
Engraving” by Wilson, including the Model 1860 Army on page 82. “P” is marked near the main
serial numbers which is associated with factory plated Colts. Plating is particularly rare on percussion Colt revolvers. This
revolver would have been an excellent presentation piece for a military officer, important public figure, or wealthy gentleman. The Model 1862 Police
is arguably the most modern and attractive of Colt’s percussion revolvers. The engraving consists of mainly classic scroll patterns along with floral, shell,
and fan motifs and textured backgrounds. The barrel, loading lever, cylinder, and hammer are gold plated over silver. The frame and grip frame are silver
plated. The grip is checkered and carved with a woman, likely representing Liberty, and has the serial number marked in the rear mortise. It is marked
with the New York address on top of the barrel, “S” on the bottom of the barrel, “PAT. SEPT 10th 1850” in one of the cylinder flutes, “COLTS/PATENT” on
the left side of the frame, and all matching serial numbers.
CONDITION: Good with around 20% original plating remaining overall including 60% plus original silver on the grips straps and 50% original gold on the loading lever, mostly gray patina on the balance, patches of pitting, strike
marks on the top of the barrel, and general mild wear. The grip is very good with crisp checkering and carving, a crack at the heel on the left, attractive natural tones, and mild wear. The action and loading lever latch need work. All
factory engraved Colt percussion revolvers are comparably rare and desirable collectors items. Those with special plated finishes such as gold and silver are even more so. Combine both of those with a matching numbered carved
and checkered grip and you have a significantly rare and valuable Colt.
Estimate: 8000 - 12000