Rare Silver-Plated Factory Engraved Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver. Serial no. 236619/E [barrel, ...
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Auction Preview: Preview items may not have yet been properly described or vetted, and items are posted as soon as they have a description or a picture. We are continuing to add and correct information as we approach the auction posting date, so check back here often and Contact us with any comments or suggestions.
Consign your material to be auctioned alongside these items on Monday, December 8, 2025 in Dallas, TX. Consignment Deadline for this auction is Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
Track Item
Share this lot
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] 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?
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)
Bidding Begins Approx.
November
13th
Thursday
Auction Dates
December
8th
Monday
Proxy Bidding Begins Approx.
48 Days
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: N/A
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 32
Auction Type
Signature®: Heritage Live®:After Internet bidding closes, live bidding will take place through www.HA.com/Live. Your secret maximum bid placed prior to the live event will compete against the live bids. To maximize your chances of winning, enter realistic secret maximum bids on our site. Many of our proxy bidders are successful at winning lots in these auctions, and usually below their secret maximum. You can also place last minute bids directly with us by e-mailing Bid@HA.com or calling 1-866-835-3243. (Important note: Due to software and Internet latency, live bids may not register in time, so enter realistic proxy bids.)
Signature® Floor Sessions
Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session. During the live auction event, bidding in person is encouraged, and Heritage Live includes streaming audio and often video during the event.
Signature®: Heritage Live®:After Internet bidding closes, live bidding will take place through www.HA.com/Live. Your secret maximum bid placed prior to the live event will compete against the live bids. To maximize your chances of winning, enter realistic secret maximum bids on our site. Many of our proxy bidders are successful at winning lots in these auctions, and usually below their secret maximum. You can also place last minute bids directly with us by e-mailing Bid@HA.com or calling 1-866-835-3243. (Important note: Due to software and Internet latency, live bids may not register in time, so enter realistic proxy bids.)
Signature® Floor Sessions
Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session. During the live auction event, bidding in person is encouraged, and Heritage Live includes streaming audio and often video during the event.
Sales Tax information
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
Important information concerning Sales Tax and Resale Certificates. Learn More
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms