Documented Historic Colt Fluted Cylinder Model 1860 Army Percussion Revolver Shipped to Governor William Dennison of Ohio with Factory Letter The factory letter indicates that this revolver was one of 200 shipped to Governor William Dennison in Columbus, Ohio, on June 14, 1861, and confirms the configuration including the "plated" grip frame. The revolver has a standard sights, the one-line Hartford barrel address, standard patent markings, all matching serial numbers (wedge blank), frame and grip frame cut for a shoulder stock, and a varnished grip. Only 4,000 fluted cylinder Army revolvers are believed to have been manufactured. Given that another 300 gun shipment of 1860 Army revolvers was also shipped to Governor Dennison the same day, a quarter or more of these rare 1860 Army variants appear to have gone to Ohio. Another one of these revolvers is in the Smithsonian and was inscribed to Col. Elmer E. Ellsworth, considered the first Union officer killed during the war, and donated by Frank E. Brownell who is believed to have been presented the revolver by Governor Dennison. William Dennison Jr. was the 24th Governor of Ohio from January 1860 to January 1862. As governor, he was famously enthusiastic about the call to arms at the onset of the Civil War. He mobilized over 100,000 troops and used them to secure Ohio's railroads and telegraph lines and also sent troops under George McClellan into western Virginia without federal permission to protect the First Wheeling Convention. The convention ultimately led to the formation of the new free state of West Virginia. Lincoln appointed him Post Master General in 1864. He also served as the head of the Republican National Convention that year. Ohio was a crucial state for the Union War effort thanks to its central location, large population, waterways, and railways. Many of the Civil War and post-war era's leading and most famous men were Ohioans including: generals Ulysses S. Grant, William T. Sherman, Philip H. Sheridan, James A. Garfield, Rutherford B. Hayes, George Armstrong Custer, and George Crook; Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, and Secretary of the Treasury and Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase. These revolvers were very likely issued to the Ohio cavalry. Manufacturer: Colt Model: 1860 Army BBL: 8 inch round Stock: Gauge: 44 percussion Finish: blue/casehardened/silver Grips: walnut Serial Number: 4273 Class: Antique Condition: Very good. The front strap/trigger guard retains 20% of silver plating in the protected areas around the bow and under the grip. The silver and brass have aged patina. There are traces of case colors on the frame, but the remaining surfaces display mottled light gray patina and some light spotting/pitting. The ill-fitting grip is very good and has strong varnish, numerous minor scratches, mild edge wear, and slight chipping at the toe. Mechanically fine. This is a great example of a very rare Colt revolver variation with documented Civil War history.

  • Condition: See Description

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We will arrange for packing and shipping at our earliest possible convenience. We will attempt to ship as soon as possible, however, due to the huge volume of absentee bidders, delays in shipping of seven days after full payment is received by us is typical. In the case of crating or any exceptional packaging, the buyer will be charged our cost from outside agents. Buyer pays all shipping and insurance charges.

by Rock Island Auction Company
May 5, 2017 9:00 AM CDT
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, IL, US 61201

Rock Island Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 20.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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 + $10,000