Guns International #: 102228028

Category - Colt Revolvers - Antique - Civil War Revolvers

Category
Colt Revolvers - Antique
Civil War Revolvers

Extraordinary Factory Engraved 1851 Colt Navy Revolver 1861 Civil War US Army Shipped Officer Presentation Cuirassier Carved Ivory Grips *RARE*

Description:
Jeremiah Johnson Trading is one of the most experienced and trusted dealers of antique arms with over 40 years of collecting. - Extraordinary Historic Factory Engraved Civil War Presentation Model 1851 Colt Navy Percussion Revolver with Relief Carved Cuirassier Ivory Grips Shipped to Major of Ordnance William A. Thornton, United States Army, c/o Col. Daniel D. Tompkins Asst. Quartermaster General, .36 Cal, mfg. 1860 (as stock) ordered & shipped April 1861. Easily the finest Civil War revolver we have ever offered and a real show stopper that was absolutely carried into battle by a high ranking officer. History aside it is a magnificent 100% original factory embellished revolver in wonderful condition yet what makes it particularly rare and of greater historical significance is that fact it was shipped among a special order of 10 factory engraved pistols to the United States Army right at the outbreak of the Civil War in April 1861. The only time you should see W. A. Thornton or D. D. Tompkins' names on a factory letter are for government purchases of martial arms typically in large quantities of 500 or more. An order for 10 factory engraved commercial revolvers in April of '61 suggests only a couple intriguing explanations. Likely the pistols were either ordered by the government for presentation to specific high ranking officers or Samuel Colt sent the guns as gifts. We know Colt presented at least 60 revolvers to military officers in 1861 several of which were actually shipped to W. A. Thornton including a cased pair inscribed to Thornton himself. It has also been suggested that graduating West Point officers would buy their service revolvers through the government at discounted prices which I'm sure did happen however I don't think that is the case here since this was a very costly gun and the presence of a plaque mounted on the grips implies it was presented to someone. William A. Thornton graduated West Point in 1825 and inspected contract arms from 1858-1861 ("WAT" cartouche found on martial arms of this period). He climbed the ranks to Major of Ordnance and commander of New York's Watervliet Arsenal by 1861 and was promoted to Colonel, then Brvt. Brig. General in 1863. Daniel D. Tompkins graduated West Point in 1820 and served as Colonel of the Quartermaster's Department in New York from 1861-1863. According to "The Book of Colt Firearms" by R. L. Wilson "Engraved specimens were produced as stock items in the Model 1851 series. Serial numbers of these arms usually run in series, showing the engraving to have been customarily done in batches". This explains why the gun was manufactured in 1860 according to serial number but was ordered and shipped in 1861. The engraving is likely the work of Herman Bodenstein, the apprentice of Gustave Young who served as Colt's main engraver during this period while Young was away in Germany. The engraving is in the classic style of Young's patterns featuring tight flowing scrolls with the iconic wolf's head motif on the hammer and five punch dots indicating 50 hours of work. The metal has a smooth silvery/gray patina overall with sharp edges and crisp engraving throughout. The brass gripstraps retain 80% factory silver plating and approximately 50% of the naval battle cylinder scene is visible. Matching serial number "93243" is stamped on the frame, barrel, cylinder, triggerguard, backstrap, loading lever, wedge, and cylinder pin with correct punch dots struck below to denote factory engraving. Additionally the serial number is written in period factory style pencil inside the grips. The factory letter states the gun was shipped with "wood" grips which would make sense considering it was a "stock" engraved gun as previously mentioned and it is understood that the ivory grips were either supplied by Colt or fitted upon delivery to Tompkins in New York City by one of the big retailers there who contracted for Colt. The one-piece ivory grips feature a high relief carved bust of a romantic Cuirassier cavalryman on the left side with evidence of a plaque having been mounted on the right side which was lost long ago. The quality is of the highest standard and the grips have a lovely yellowed color with typical age checking on the butt and a stable old crack on the right side. A small notch cut into the upper left panel may indicate a "kill" by it's owner. Clear original Colt barrel address, serial numbers, and inscribed "COLTS PATENT" marking. All screws are original and sharp without marring. Rare factory German Silver blade front sight mounted atop a dovetailed iron base. The action is tight, super crisp, and functions flawlessly. All nipples are perfect originals. Clean bore with bright, sharp rifling front to back and only light blackpowder frosting. A documented highly embellished deluxe Colt revolver shipped to a Civil War commanding officer is an extreme rarity and a highlight among even the most advanced collection. Provenance: From the esteemed John Fox collection. *NOTE* Due to ivory restrictions this pistol will not be sold or shipped to residents of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, or Washington. Please expect 2 weeks additional shipping time for secure Registered Mail. Jeremiah Johnson Trading sells antique arms manufactured prior to 1899 and muzzleloading blackpowder reproductions only. For the purpose of these conditions the term "antique arms" will also include muzzleloading blackpowder reproductions. Buyers must be 21 years of age or older and have no felony convictions to purchase antique arms. Antique arms do not require Federal licensing and may be shipped directly to the buyer with the following exceptions. No antique arms will be shipped to Washington D. C. or any of the five boroughs of New York City (or residents thereof). Some restrictions may apply to antique firearms shipped to California and will be noted in the item description if applicable. Any handgun shipped to New Jersey must ship to a licensed FFL holder, no exceptions. Any muzzleloading blackpowder reproduction rifle, shotgun, or handgun shipped to Illinois must ship to an FFL holder. Items containing antique ivory will not be sold or shipped to residents of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, or Washington. Antique muzzleloaders and antiques which fire obsolete cartridges may be shipped internationally however it is the responsibility of the buyer to know and abide by their local laws and provide proof that the antique arm is legal to receive and own. Payment can be made by money order, banker's check, personal check, credit card (no additional fees), or bank wire. Please allow 7-10 business days for clearance on personal checks. If paying by credit card please call us directly to process your order. Items are professionally packed and shipped USPS Priority Mail with insurance coverage for the sale price and signature required for delivery. Items valued over $5,000.00 are shipped Registered Mail. Buyer pays actual shipping costs with no added charge for packing materials or handling. We describe items accurately and thoroughly. If an item has been misrepresented or significant defect overlooked you may return it for a full refund (minus return shipping costs) within 3 days of having received it. This timeframe begins once the package is delivered by the carrier. Buyer's remorse or concerns over issues noted in the description and/or pictures is not a valid excuse for return. Returned items must be received in the same condition as originally shipped - cleaning, disassembly, alteration, or damage of any kind will void inspection privileges. Occasionally a post-1898 firearm from my personal collection may be sold under this account and any such transaction is a personal sale in no way affiliated with Jeremiah Johnson Trading. Any such arm will be shipped to a licensed FFL or C&R holder in accordance with Federal law. All antique arms are sold as collector's items and are not warranted safe for shooting. Please consult a competent gunsmith prior to shooting any firearm.
 

SOLD

Antique: Yes
Handgun Caliber: .36
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: 1851 Navy
Serial Number: 93243
Finish: Blue/Silver
Sights: Factory German Silver Blade
Manufacture Date: 1860 as stock-ordere
Engraving: Yes
Extras: Factory Letter