Historic Colt Single Action Army Artillery Revolver Issued To 1st U.S.V. Cavalry ''Rough Riders'' Trooper George Thompson with Uniform Ensemble

Catalog Auction info

Auction #121 - Two-Day Sale, March 23 & 24 (#121) 03/23/2019 9:00 AM EDT Closed
Starts Ending 03/23/2019 9:00 AM EDT

Auction Info

Lot #400Historic Colt Single Action Army Artillery Revolver Issued To 1st U.S.V. Cavalry ''Rough Riders'' Trooper George Thompson with Uniform Ensemble

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Lot closed - unsold

Estimate: $15,000 - $20,000

Auction #121 - Two-Day Sale, March 23 & 24 (#121) 03/23/2019 9:00 AM EDT Closed
Starts Ending 03/23/2019 9:00 AM EDT

Auction Info

Description

Description:

serial #10139, 45 Colt, 5 1/2'' barrel with a mostly bright very good plus bore showing a few spots of moderate oxidation and strong rifling throughout. This revolver is accompanied with an extensive research and authentication packet. Trooper George Thompson, originally from Fairmont, Minnesota, enrolled in the unit rather late it seems on June, 24, 1898 (about the same time the first troops of the unit were engaged in battle in Cuba) at Sante Fe, New Mexico. He was 29 years of age and described as being 5' 5 3/8'' in height and of light complexion with light brown hair. His original occupation was a cook and he was assigned to Troop I on July 8. The Rough Riders originally trained in San Antonio, Texas under the leadership of Colonel Leonard Wood and Theodore Roosevelt and were so well-trained and supplied that they were one of the few volunteer regiments permitted to participate in action in Cuba during the Spanish-American War. The first units travelled to Tampa at the end of May and sailed for Santiago de Cuba on June 13, eventually seeing action and glory during the Battles of Las Guasimas, San Juan Hill and the Siege of Santiago. The great irony in all of this is that Troop I was left stranded in Tampa awaiting orders and Trooper Thompson came down with a bout of dysentery and was left in a Jersey City hospital on August 28, ultimately being discharged from service on September 29. The revolver itself remains in about very good condition having mostly toned to a mottled gunmetal-gray patina with spots of scattered old light pitting and some strong remnants of blue in the protected areas of the triggerguard. All of the markings are still remarkably clear with early script-style single line Colt address, a later ''45 COLT.'' designation on the left side barrel, patent dates and ''US'' on the left side frame. The smooth walnut grip is ink-numbered ''9454'' and is no doubt an original Colt grip but shows no evidence of cartouches and otherwise remains in very good plus condition showing a slight warp at the right toe, minor dings and handling marks. The action still functions well mechanically with solid timing and lockup exhibiting just a bit of play. The revolver is composed of a variety of mismatched parts as is typical for artillery models and the included authentication document from John Kopec details the various parts of the gun. The frame was made in 1874 and, after a period of storage, was refurbished for service in the Spanish American War. Mr. Kopec writes that the revolver was likely refurbished again in the early 1900s when the ''45 COLT'' designation was applied, some parts mixed and a later-style hammer installed. The numbered parts are nevertheless all from early revolvers, the triggerguard (336) and backstrap (1294) from first year military revolvers, the barrel (9200) from a second year-production military revolver and the cylinder number only partially legible (78) but likely from a four-digit revolver post-1875. Mr. Kopec also notes some minor irregularities including the frame probably being non-professionally refinished at some point, replaced modern mainspring, omission of Colt inspection stamp in the hammer slot and unknown double punch marks on the underside of the barrel. These discrepancies are hardly worth noting and he goes on to write that there is no evidence of fakery or deception. Also included with this revolver are an original Model 1898 uniform coat and campaign hat. The coat appears to have seen little if any use with no evidence of rank insignia being attached at the collars or shoulders. It appears to be a typical early variant with slanting yellow-faced chest pockets, false embroidered brass USV letters attached at the collars and the rare detachable belt still intact. There are spots of light staining scattered about, most noticeable along the front right side, there is no evidence of moth damage and all of the stitches and buttons are intact. The brass Federal Eagle buttons are a mix of manufacturers including Scovill, Horstmann, Waterbury and Steele & John. The coat is otherwise unmarked. The fur felt campaign hat remains in very good plus to near excellent condition showing some scattered light staining and some minor shallow moth damage. The edge of the brim is embroidered with three lines of stitching, there are vent holes on either side and the silk ribbon is intact. The hat is appropriately adorned with a brass ''1'' over crossed cavalry swords. The faux leather sweatband is intact showing some cracking and light staining and clearly marked ''THE WARD-STILSON CO. / NEW LONDON OHIO''. The size sticker is no longer intact but it appears to be a size 7 or 7 1/8. Included with this ensemble are a number of documents illustrating known uniform pieces, a copy of the Springfield Research Service information, John Kopec and Carter Mountain Consulting Agency authentication and appraisal letters. This grouping would make for a truly exceptional centerpiece to any U.S. martial collection. (139131-1) {ANTIQUE}

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Auction #121 - Two-Day Sale, March 23 & 24 (#121) 03/23/2019 9:00 AM EDT Closed Starts Ending 03/23/2019 9:00 AM EDT

Lot #400Historic Colt Single Action Army Artillery Revolver Issued To 1st U.S.V. Cavalry ''Rough Riders'' Trooper George Thompson with Uniform Ensemble

Auction #121 - Two-Day Sale, March 23 & 24 (#121) 03/23/2019 9:00 AM EDT Closed Starts Ending 03/23/2019 9:00 AM EDT

Auction #121 - Two-Day Sale, March 23 & 24 (#121) 03/23/2019 9:00 AM EDT Closed
Starts Ending 03/23/2019 9:00 AM EDT

Auction #121 - Two-Day Sale, March 23 & 24 (#121) 03/23/2019 9:00 AM EDT Closed
Starts Ending 03/23/2019 9:00 AM EDT