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Inscribed Historic U.S. Colt Model 1851 Percussion Revolver with Extensive Documentation. . ... (Total: 2 )
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Sold on Jun 9, 2025 for:
$10,000.00
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Description
"Elisha G. Marshall led a Brigade in the Crater Battle"
Inscribed Historic U.S. Colt Model 1851 Percussion Revolver with
Extensive Documentation.Serial no. 42175 [all matching, 2175 on wedge], 7 1/2-inch octagonal barrel, .36 caliber. Top of the barrel reads -ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY-. Originally blued finish with case-hardened frame, hammer and loading lever [showing faint traces to loading lever]. COLTS / PATENT / US to left side of frame. Walnut grips with cartouche marks on each side. Properly numbered within the martially marked navies range. Backstrap is inscribed in script E.G. MARSHALL / COL. 13TH. N.Y. Gun is accompanied by an excellent, nearly six-page article authored by Tom LoPiano, Jr., originally published in 1979. An original copy of the Arms Gazette magazine containing the article is included with the lot. Article shows multiple angles of the gun including the backstrap inscription. Gun is also pictured on page 44 of the December 1980 Man At Arms magazine, photocopy of cover and page of the article included. Please note: Gun was manufactured in 1855 and he most likely used it in the Mohave Indian Wars in 1859, at the Battle of the Colorado River, with Capt. Lewis Armistead.
Colonel Elisha G. Marshall [1829-1883] was a distinguished Union officer who graduated from West Point in 1850. He served in early military campaigns in the West before rising to command the 13th New York Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. Marshall saw action in the Mohave Indian Wars, fighting alongside Capt. Lewis Armistead at the Battle of the Colorado River, a brutal campaign against Mohave resistance during America's westward expansion. His experiences on the frontier helped forge the leadership he would later display during the Civil War, including at the Battle of the Crater. Marshall fought in major campaigns including Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg. Marshall was shot in the neck & upper shoulder at Fredericksburg but not captured. He was captured at the Battle of the Crater, where he led a Brigade in the attack, after the explosion created a large gap in the confederate lines. He remained a prisoner until April 1865. Some highlights from his notable career worth mentioning: He was U.S. Army Brevetted 4 times, at Malvern Hill Brevet Major, at Fredericksburg Brevet Lieut. Col., at the Battle of the Crater Brevet Colonel and Brevet Brig. General for faithful service during the War. He was brevetted Brig. General & Major General in the Volunteer Service. Twice wounded at Fredericksburg, December 12, 1862 and at Petersburg by shrapnel, April of 1864. Post War, in 1865, he commanded a brigade that guarded the Lincoln conspirators before they were hung. Post-war, he was Commandant at Fort Union, New Mexico, in 1866 and 1867.
An extensive binder accompanies the sale, containing both original documents and high-quality photocopies related to E.G. Marshall, comprehensively assembled from every available source. Highlights include the following: 1) 2 CDV's; the first CDV inscribed in pencil on the front CAPT. MARHSALL is included in the sale. Back reads E. GAY MARSHALL PRESENTS HIS / COMPLIMENTS & HOPE YOU GET / HOME SAFE. [card appears trimmed]. According to description of CDV included, "Carte was once removed from the mails of content of a "dead letter". These images were displayed at the Dead Letter Office in hopes that the subjects would be recognized and claimed." The second CDV showing Elisha half-length is inscribed in pencil and appears to detail various ranks and regiments, image by Masterson & Woods, NY [canceled stamp present]. 2) Correspondence of previous owners and ownership of this fine revolver, typed and handwritten. 3) Photocopies of Military service records of Colonel and Brevet, Brig. Gen. Elisha G. Marshall. 4) Photocopy of his obituary, dated August 4, 1883. 5) National Archives research data and Muster Rolls 6) Numerous photocopies of other military correspondence including; Casualty Sheets from Fredericksburg where he was "Dangerously Wounded", Medical Certificates, Certificates for Leave of Absence and Special Orders. 7) Pamphlet book titled; Trust In God And Fear Nothing, Gen. Lewis A. Armistead, CSA by Wayne E. Motts.
Condition: Gun is very good as presented. Retains a thinning 10-15% blue now turned dark gray overall. Some traces on case-hardening present. Mottled patina to barrel and pitting present to loading lever. Nice mellow patina to brass. Grips very good with normal age wear. Markings crisp. Marred screws. Action good, bore ok.
Auction Info
2025 June 9 Arms & Armor, Civil War & Militaria Signature® Auction #6320 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2025
9th
Monday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 5
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 1,429
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