Lot 99

Factory Engraved Colt New Line .22 Spur Trigger Revolver

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Factory Engraved Colt New Line .22 Spur Trigger Revolver

Estimate: $5,500 - $8,000

Starting Bid: $4,750

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Well-Documented First Year Production, Three-Digit Serial Number, Factory Engraved Colt New Line .22 Spur Trigger Revolver with Ivory Grips and Case Manufactured in 1873, the first year of production, this is an exceptional example of a factory engraving Colt New Line .22 revolver. This revolver is pictured in its case on p. 406 of "The Colt Engraving Book Vol. I" by Wilson with the description of it indicating that this is an interesting variation of factory engraving pattern, illustrating the fact that the factory engravers changed their typical patterns from time to time to keep things fresh. In that book the revolver is pictured within the case included with it now, which also shows the presentation note that still remains in the case. The note is handwritten and states "Mrs L.H. Sweet/Compliments of/F.W. Green", whose identities remain unknown, though both names appear in period newspapers from multiple locations. Whoever Sweet and Green may have been, this was undoubtedly a very fine gift. The revolver shows fairly typical factory floral scroll engraving on beaded backgrounds on the frame, while the chambers of the cylinder and the sides of the barrel have distinct geometric designs that are seen less often. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address flanked by Maltese crosses. The matching serial number is on the butt, rear face of the cylinder, and bottom of the barrel. It has standard features and is fitted with a pair of attractive, unnumbered, smooth ivory grips. Includes a leatherette wrapped case with a cartridge block inside containing a full compliment of cartridges, a cleaning rod, and the above mentioned note.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: New Line

BBL: 2 1/4 inch slab sided

Gauge: 22 Long

Finish: nickel

Grips: ivory

Serial Number291

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection
  • Condition: Exceptionally fine, retains 90% of the original nickel plating with a few scattered patches of minor wear/flaking showing either a grey patina or attractively aged brass, and the engraving remains crisp throughout. The slightly undersized grips are also very fine with a short age line on the left and a few light handling marks. Mechanically functions. The case is fine with moderate handling wear.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000