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Lot 4148ANTIQUE

A Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver with period rig and unusual American bowie knife

17 November 2008, 10:00 PST
San Francisco

US$6,000 - US$8,000

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A Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver with period rig and unusual American bowie knife

Comprising: 1) Colt Model 1851 Navy, serial no. 87267 for 1858, .36 caliber. 7 1/2 inch barrel with Hartford address and German silver fore-sight. Standard civilian model with varnished walnut grips. 2) Cut-down brown leather holster with Atchison, Kansas maker's stamp. Brown leather belt, lined and with decorative stitching and retaining the silver buckle with S-shaped catch, the side panels embossed with grape vines and birds. Also retaining the detached silver adjustment buckle. 3) Unusual and possibly unique American bowie knife finely forged of one piece with 10 inch spear point blade above a rectangular crossguard and heavy tang pierced with two holes and evidently intended as an unscaled grip, the upper end retaining original decoratively knotted and tasseled woven brown fabric festoon. With original brown leather scabbard, the front side with loop for tie-down. With letter of provenance stating use by a member of the ----- family of southern Illinois.
Condition: 1) Very good. Grey metal showing scattered light pitting, the barrel lug with traces of blue finish around wedge. Loading lever replaced. Cylinder retains of scene. Grips showing light wear at butt, minor marks and traces of varnish. 2) Holster and belt very scuffed, the belt broken and showing minor losses. 3) Blade showing some patches of light pitting but generally showing bright metal and very sharp. Hilt showing dark patina and some minor pitting. Scabbard with minor scuffing.
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