3037 HISTORIC PRESENTATION MODEL 1851 COLT NAVY

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 1,500.00 USD
Estimated at 3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
REVOLVER, FROM COL. FRANZ SIGEL TO PAUL GMEHLIN, ST. LOUIS ARSENAL MAY 3, 1861. Cal 36. S# 80624. This revolver is pictured in John Hamilton's "Colt's History and Heroes". The revolver is also the subject of 9 page March 1991 Gun Report article written by Robert Sands. This revolver has the most interesting history which should be read. Revolver was presented by Colonel Franz Siegel just three days prior to his accepting Brigadier General commission. Paul Gmehlin, like Sigel was German immigrant who served in the 20th regiment New York Volunteer infantry, first as bugler, later commissioned as lieutenant. He served the entire length of the 20th New York's service from May 6, 1861 till unit was mustered out, June 1, 1863. Of the 1200 men who marched off to war in 1861, only 694 returned, nine officers died including seven killed at Antietam alone. Revolver is a standard configuration Colt model 1851 Navy revolver, manufactured late 1857 for the US army with small inspection marks on most parts, cartouche visible in outline only, small oval German silver escutcheons are fitted into grips for a lanyard, very professionally done during the war at time of presentation most likely. Fine script engraved inscription on backstrap in two lines "Presented to Paul Gmehlin by / Col Franz Sigel at the Arsenal St. Louis May 3, 1861". John DuMont owned this gun originally and it was part of the "exhibition of presentation percussion colt firearms" at the Wadsworth antonym 1961-1962. DuMont noted: "most of Sigel's career is common knowledge, but who was "the elusive Paul Gmehlin". Robert Sands solved the mystery in the most interesting Gun Report article that accompanies this lot and follow up comments July 1991, Gun Report - Readers Forum. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: large file of research, copy of 1991 Gun Report article. CONDITION: very good overall, barrel retains 30-40% original factory blue, traces of case colors on loading assembly, hammer, and frame. Cylinder has complete rolled cylinder scene with traces of blue in protected areas. Revolver is complete and original, matching with exception of the barrel housing which is not serial numbered but has "37" stamped higher on lug not visible until plunger is removed. Sands in his article points this out stating it appears to be an Ordnance Department replacement part number. Both wedge and loading assembly have last four digits of serial number "0624". Mechanically fine, crisp bright bore. PROVENANCE: from the Lifelong Collection of Robert "Mike" Bricker. (01-25010/JS). ANTIQUE. $3,000-4,000.