Guns International #: 101976301
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Guns International #: 101976301
Category - Colt Revolvers - Antique Percussion
- Civil War Revolvers
Seller's Information
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Seller: Jeremiah Johnson Trading
Company: Jeremiah Johnson Trading Member Since: 1/27/12
First Name: Greg
Last Name: Schimetschek
State:
Connecticut
Zip: 06423
Country: United States
Phone: (860) 873-1092
Active Listings: 4
Total Listings: 217
Seller Type:Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
3 days Payment Methods: Check (personal checks take 7-10 days to clear), money order, credit card (no fee), or wire
About Us: Jeremiah Johnson Trading is one of the most experienced and trusted dealers of pre-1899 antique arms with over 40 years of collecting. We specialize in Colt, Winchester, Remington, Smith & Wesson, Parker, large-bore fowling guns, Revolutionary & Civil War arms, collectible Bowie & folding knives and more! We are also avid collectors of historic race cars & memorabilia. Visit us online at jeremiahjohnsontrading or find us on Facebook and Instagram.
Inscribed Presentation 1851 Colt Navy Civil War Revolver Lt. Col. J.B. Norton Charlestown City Guard Battle First Bull Run *HISTORY*
Description: *SALE PENDING* Important & Historic Inscribed Presentation Model 1851 Colt Navy Percussion Civil War Revolver & Holster Carried by First Bull Run Veteran Lt. Col. John Bayse Norton, .36 Cal, mfg. early 1861. This is a truly fantastic identified Colt which we can safely say fought in the very first battle of the American Civil War. John Bayse Norton was born in Livermore, Maine in 1823 and moved to Charlestown, Massachusetts at the age of 16 to apprentice with his uncle. He became a member of the Charlestown City Guard which at the outbreak of War in April 1861 was organized as Company K of the 5th Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. As noted in "The Fifth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry In It's Three Tours of Duty" by Alfred S. Roe in regards to the formation of Company K - "Finally, no man of the company went without his revolver, for the 'fine' or honorary members took care that everyone was supplied". Norton was mustered in as First Lieutenant on May 1st, 1861 and appointed Captain of Company K on July 7th. With just days remaining before their three month enlistment expired the regiment was thrown into battle at Bull Run on July 21st and charged up Henry House Hill against Stonewall Jackson's Virginians during the height of the engagement. The 5th was mustered out on July 31st and Captain Norton returned to Charlestown to raise Company B for the 34th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. The company mustered in on August 12th 1862 however proper authority from the War Department could not be obtained and on August 22nd Company B was transferred to the newly organized 36th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry with Norton promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment one week later. The 36th joined General Burnside's Army of The Potomac at the Battle of Antietam and participated in the Battle of Fredericksburg in December. In the spring of 1863 the regiment was ordered to the Department of The Ohio and stationed in Kentucky before joining General Grant's siege of Vicksburg in June. Lieutenant Colonel Norton commanded the regiment through June and July and would have surely seen promotion to Colonel if not for retiring due to sickness on July 31st. Norton returned to Charlestown and became a prominent and well respected politician holding various town and state offices including two years in the House of Representatives. He died in Boston on February 6th, 1885 after a long struggle with illness attributed to that which had previously ended his military career. The revolver offered here was presented to Norton at the formation of Company K in April of 1861 and would have certainly been in his hands at Bull Run just three months later. It's condition suggests it was only used for a relatively short period of time, likely the span of Norton's service, before two cylinder chambers burst in the heat of battle thus retiring the piece from further action. It spent the next 160 years stashed away in an attic or basement resting in it's original holster until surfacing from an old Pennsylvania estate just this past winter. The metal has a dark plum/gray patina overall with the case hardened frame having turned more of a dark silver color. The edges are all very sharp. There is fine surface oxidation scattered throughout occurred from years in storage. The baskstrap and triggerguard retain 40% silver finish with the balance having turned a beautiful untouched dark mustard patina The backstrap is neatly inscribed "Lieut. J. B. Norton / Charlestown City Guard". The original grips fit perfectly and retain 95% factory varnish with little to no surface marring and just a couple tiny chips along the inside edges. Matching serial number "103370" stamped on the frame, barrel, cylinder, cylinder pin, triggerguard, backstrap, wedge, and loading lever with clear Colonel Colt New York address and patent marking. Original hammer, trigger, bead front sight, and screws; some of which still retain bright fire bluing. The wedge screw is missing. The action is very crisp and functions perfectly. All nipples are clean originals. Relatively bright bore showing modest use with clean sharp rifling front to back and fine blackpowder frosting and surface oxidation scattered throughout. The barrel is rock solid against the frame with no play whatsoever. The original leather flap holster in which Norton carried the revolver is in poor condition yet we are thankful that it has managed to survive at all. A letter of provenance from Jeremiah Johnson Trading along with printed research will be included. An epic piece of history worthy of the most advanced Civil War collection or museum. Jeremiah Johnson Trading sells antique firearms manufactured prior to 1899 and muzzleloading blackpowder reproductions only. For the purpose of these conditions the term "antique firearm" will hence include muzzleloading blackpowder reproductions. Buyers must be 21 years of age or older and have no felony convictions to purchase antique firearms. Antique firearms do not require Federal licensing and may be shipped directly to the buyer with the following exceptions. No antique firearms 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 (antique or muzzleloading blackpowder reproduction) shipped to New Jersey must ship to a licensed FFL holder. Any muzzleloading blackpowder reproduction rifle, shotgun, or handgun shipped to Illinois must ship to an FFL holder. No international sales of antique firearms which may fire conventional metallic cartridges or any reproductions regardless of ignition. Antique muzzleloaders, or 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, or credit card (no fees). Please allow 7-10 business days for clearance on personal checks. If paying by credit card please disregard 's auto-checkout and call us directly to process your order. If not satisfied with an item within 3 days of receiving it, simply return the item in the same condition as shipped for a full refund, minus return shipping costs. Cleaning, disassembly, or altering of a firearm in any way will void inspection privileges. Layaway may be allowed upon negotiation, but will void inspection privileges. Buyer pays actual shipping & insurance costs. Occasionally a post-1898 firearm from my personal collection may be sold under this account however it will be noted that any such transaction is a personal sale in no way affiliated with our business. Any such arm will be shipped to a licensed FFL or C&R holder in accordance with Federal law. All firearms are sold as collector's items and are not warranted safe for shooting. Please consult a competent gunsmith prior to shooting any firearm. Message or call with any questions about this firearm, or any of our other items at 860-873-1092 (office) or 860-345-2100 (shop). SOLD Antique: Yes Handgun Caliber: .36 Manufacturer: Colt Model: 1851 Serial Number: 103370 Manufacture Date: 1861 Extras: Inscribed w/ Research |
Guns International #: 101976301
Guns International #: 101976301