LOT #40142 |
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Rare Silver-Plated Factory Engraved Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver.. ...
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Sold on Dec 8, 2025 for:
$13,750.00
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Description
.....Owned by "Shang" Stanton, a Noted Gambler and Grifter.
Rare Silver-Plated Factory Engraved Colt Model 1849 Pocket
Percussion Revolver.Serial no. 236619/E [barrel, framed, triggerguard and butt, 36619 on cylinder], .31 caliber, 4-inch octagonal barrel. Top of barrel reads ADDRESS COL SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA. Gun is silver-plated. Originally blued finish with case-hardened frame. Carved portrait grip depicting Giuseppe Garibaldi [according to Herb Houze correspondance] who also states they were more than likely done by Christian Deyhle, originally from Germany [grips numbered 236619 inside on flat]. The gun is profusely engraved and based on the workmanship, it appears to be by George Sterzing. Gun is accompanied by an associated case [contemporary] with period accessories, a bullet mold and powder flask. Gun was manufactured in 1863. It is interesting to note; Giuseppe Garibaldi was an Italian general and revolutionary celebrated for unifying Italy, he was known as the "hero of two worlds," he also lived in New York in the 1850s and was admired in the U.S. for his ideals of freedom and democracy.
The revolver is steeped in history, not only from the time of its manufacture but also through the years of use and the eventual long ownership by the Kiefer family. Most notably, it was the firearm used in the 1872 shooting of "Slim Jim" Shumway, the first recorded shooting in Moorhead, Minnesota by known gambler and drifter, "Shang Stanton" which set the stage for the Kiefer family to eventually own the piece. The current consignor has dedicated years to researching and answering the questions that naturally arise from such a storied artifact. Many of these inquiries are addressed in an accompanying article, which delves into the mysteries that continue to captivate collectors and historians alike. One question that was important to the Kiefer family was; What happened in the nine years before Shang acquired the Colt? The search for answers led to further speculation: Who possessed the gun prior to Shang? What role does the image of Giuseppe Garibaldi play in the narrative? Do the three marks carved into the back of the grip signify individuals killed before the Moorhead incident? And finally, how did Shang obtain the revolver, was it stolen, won in a card game, or perhaps gifted to him by another gambler or outlaw?
Please note: This lot is accompanied by a copy of the article [research] written by the consignor that details its history and background. The original article remains the intellectual property of the author; copyright is retained by the consignor and reproduction without permission is prohibited.
Condition: Very good to fine for its age. Gun retains a significant amount of the plating with a great toned patina. A few areas show some bubbling to plating. A nice mellow brass patina present to frontstrap and backstrap. Engraving is crisp with some pitting. Some scuffs and handling marks as expected, grips have aged gracefully and retain a good color, some shrinkage as expected. Action is good, bore is ok. Case is modern made but shows well, bullet mold [dings, mars and patina present] and powder flask with age wear and patina present.
Auction Info
2025 December 8 Arms & Armor, Civil War & Militaria Signature® Auction #6325 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
December, 2025
8th
Monday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 4
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 1,659
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% of the successful bid per lot.
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