4071 HISTORIC COLT 1851 NAVY REVOLVER, INSCRIBED TO

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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2025 Nov 02 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 1,000.00 USD
Estimated at 2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
CAPTAIN W.F. DRANNAN, CHIEF OF SCOUTS. Cal. 36. S# 117473. According to the book included with this revolver, William F. Drannan was born on January 30, 1832 on the Atlantic ocean when his parents were immigrating from France. The family settled near Nashville, TN where both parents died when he was 4 years old and his sister 7 months old. He was raised on a plantation near Andrew Jackson's Hermitage by a man name Drake. He was raised with African American children and did not receive an education. Running away at age 14, he allegedly met the legendary Kit Carson. At age 15 he moved west and led an adventurous life as a Frontiersman and Indian scout. Bbl. 7 1/2" octagon with New York address and replacement German silver blade sight. 6-shot rnd. cyl. with naval engagement scene roll engraving. The back strap is engraved "Capt W.F. Drannan Chief Scout" followed by an underscored "W". Original finish was blue and case colored with silver finished brass grip straps. 1-piece walnut grips. Bbl., frame, grip straps, cyl., loading lever, and wedge have matching S#s. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: a copy of the rare book "31 Years on the Plains and in the Mountains" by Captain William F. Drannan. The book, published in 1907, is a record of the life and exploits in the far west by Chief of Scouts, Captain Drannan. Also included is a copy of the April 1930 Fur Fish & Game magazine which features an article called "Kit Carson's Comrade". The article details Kit Carson's history woven around frontier figures such as Charlie Howard, Tom Toben, and Bill Drannan. Included is a full page photo of Bill Drannan labeled "Indian Scout and companion of Kit Carson". A copy of the Rampant Colt magazine Vol. 10, March 1991 includes an article by J.W. White about 2 1851 Colt revolvers owned by Captain W.F. Drannan. This historic revolver is described and pictured in this article. Other pertinent information is a copy of William F. Drannan's Texas death certificate dated April 13th, 1913, and a handwritten letter from Malcolm Clark Sr. of LaCrosse, WI that mentions this revolver as being in his collection at one time. CONDITION: metal parts have acquired a dark uncleaned patina showing dents and spotted light pitting. Brass grip straps retain faint traces of silver in protected areas with balancing having acquired a mottled patina. Cyl. retains small amounts of lightly visible scene. Grips have an age darkened appearance showing dents and handling marks. Action shows light wear. Cyl. exhibits some side play. 3 nipples are missing. Dark bore showing spots of pitting retaining intact rifling. PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Norm Greenberg Collection. (01-27600/DS). ANTIQUE. $2,000-3,000.