Guns International #: 103051479

Category - Colt Revolvers - Antique Percussion - Civil War Revolvers

Category
Colt Revolvers - Antique Percussion
Civil War Revolvers

Rare & Important Early 1860 Colt Fluted Army .44 Percussion Revolver SN 107 Civil War Presentation Pistol Engraved Legend One-Piece Ivory Grips

Description:
Very Rare & Important Early Production Presentation Grade Model 1860 Colt Fluted Army Percussion Civil War Revolver with Engraved Barrel Legend, One-Piece Ivory Grips, Flap Holster, & Collector History, .44 Cal, mfg. 1860. This unique early production Colt Army revolver was specially made for presentation or gift and assuredly saw service during the American Civil War, probably in the South. In March of 2010 James D. Julia sold serial number 104 (lot 2207) which is 100% identical in every regard to this gun, number 107, excepting that 104 is additionally inscribed on the backstrap to Confederate officer T. K. Jackson prior to his resignation from the US Army in April 1861. Fortunately author and historian R. L. Wilson wrote a detailed analysis of 104 which we can use to compare and describe the unique features of 107. Wilson thought so highly of 104 that he featured it on page 155 in “The Colt Engraving Book - Volume One”.  Of 104 Wilson states: “…the presence of the hand-engraved ‘Saml Colt’ barrel legend, the finely engraved knurled hammer spur, the ivory grips, and special plated finishes, show that this was a hand-built specimen, for someone well connected to, and considered of definite importance, to the Colt factory”. Serial number “107” is stamped on the frame, barrel, triggerguard, backstrap, loading lever plunger, and wedge. The cylinder is a period “camp fire” swap from another early fluted Army and is marked with serial number “2399”. The top of the 8" barrel features the extremely rare hand-engraved marking in olde English lettering “Saml Colt”. Wilson stresses the importance of this marking and credits 104 as “one of the first Model 1860 Army revolvers to have any hand-engraving on it”. Another curiosity of this gun is that it was inspected by ordnance inspector John Taylor who inspected military Colt Army revolvers from late 1861 through 1862. His mark “JT” is stamped on the butt with “T” stamped on the top and side of the barrel, on the triggerguard below the serial number, on top of the backstrap, and actually into the bottom of the ivory grip! Due to the nature of the inscription on 104 which pre-dates Jackson's service in the Confederate army Wilson concluded that 104 could not have been shipped any later than April 15th 1861, and was likely as early as late 1860, which makes the presence of John Taylor's markings even more puzzling. Regarding the unique ivory grips found on both 104 and 107 Wilson states: “The grips…are extremely rare, seldom observed on early serial number examples of this model…further, the grips are of solid ivory, i.e., they were made out of one piece. Solid ivory means the customary wood spacer between ivory blanks was not employed. The craftsman had to carve the ivory from a single piece, not an easy feat, due to the ease with which ivory can crack, chip, or warp. One-piece ivory grips are so seldom observed that the author would suggest that the total number of percussion Colt stocks of this material was of an extremely low percentage from the total manufactured". The grips fit flawlessly and have a beautiful smooth, mellowed creamy yellow color with a long worn over chip down the left side of the backstrap, natural grain checking on the butt, and a small worn chip at the lower front left corner. As previously noted John Taylor's inspection mark “T” is struck into the bottom of the left side. Owner's initials “M L W” are period scratched into the right butt with and “X” on the left side and three distinct kill notches on the lower left edge. The Colt factory ledgers failed to locate any information for both 104 and 107, to which Wilson surmised “The writer feels that the information is not listed because the revolver was specially made…and consequently was given personal attention by Colt officials. Items which were attended to via special handling would not neccessarily find entry in the shipping books, since those records normally covered firearms shipped in the normal course of business”. Overall the metal has a smooth gray/brown patina with sharp edges and about 35% original silver finish remaining on the triggerguard. There appears to have been some reworking and filing done to the area around the loading plunger and the loading lever catch is a replacement. Original silver blade front sight, screws, trigger, and finely hand knurled hammer. The action is smooth and crisp and functions perfectly with a strong mainspring. Cylinder locks up on time but will slip off the bolt if turned by hand. Nipples are all clean originals. Bore shows good sharp rifling throughout with moderate blackpowder frosting and some superfine pitting at the muzzle. The included brown leather flap holster features an embossed flower design on the front with tooled boarders and a plugged bottom. The belt loop is stamped “45 / 105”. The leather is supple and a considerable portion of the seam has come unstitched. Also included is a letter from the owner of this gun dated March 1959 to the author of an article on fluted Armys published in The Gun Report telling him about 107 along with the author's response. He mentions the three kill notches and initials scratched on the butt, cylinder numbered “2399”, describes the original holster in detail, and notes that he had owned the pistol since the 1930's. A very important early production Model 1860 Army that was undoubtedly special made for a prominent individual at the outbreak of the Civil War. *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. No international sales. 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 antique arm shipped to New Jersey or Ohio 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: .44
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: 1860 Army
Serial Number: 107
Barrel Length: 8
Manufacture Date: 1860
Engraving: Barrel legend
Extras: Magazine, letters, & holster