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Inscribed Colt Model 1877 Lightning Double Action Revolver.. ...
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Sold on Dec 12, 2022 for:
$3,250.00
Bid Source: Live: Phone bidder
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Description
Pinkerton Agency.
Inscribed Colt Model 1877 Lightning Double Action
Revolver.Serial no. 61460, 2 1/2-inch barrel marked on top COLTS PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A., .38 caliber. Nickel-plated finish with spurless hammer. Left side of frame with patent dates. Left side of barrel with faint etched barrel. Long checkered pin present. Checkered hard rubber Rampant Colt grips. Backstrap inscribed: PINKERTON AGY. Manufactured in 1887. Together with handwritten and notarized letter stating George Roberson used this Colt revolver [by serial number] while working for the Pinkerton Detective Agency. He was employed from 1887 to 1897. Letter also states "The Pinkerton Agency sold my grandfather this revolver when he retired. After his retirement he worked for the First National Bank of Denver, Colo. My grandfather died Jan. 16, 1912, Mrs. Rose Anderson / formerly Rose Roberson."
The Pinkerton Agency, still in business today, is a private detective agency established in the 1850s in the U.S. by Allan Pinkerton and a Chicago attorney named Edward Rucker as the North-Western Police Agency, later it became Pinkerton & Co. and ultimately, the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. Interesting note about the firm over the years; Abraham Lincoln hired Pinkerton agents to conduct espionage against the Confederacy and act as his security during the Civil War. It is known that Pinkerton agents were hired to track Outlaws, such as Jesse James and the Wild Bunch. In March of 1874, two Pinkerton Detectives and a deputy sheriff confronted the Younger brothers resulting in a Younger brother and a Pinkerton agent being killed.
Condition: Very good to fine, retaining approximately 60-70% finish with losses and flaking to mostly to cylinder, backstrap and barrel. Checkering lightly worn on grips, but still present. Mechanically sound, bore ok. Letter soiled and ink running a bit. Nelson A. Faerber Collection.
Auction Info
2022 December 12 Arms & Armor, Civil War & Militaria Signature® Auction #6261 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
December, 2022
12th
Monday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 3
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 492
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