Cal. 31. 4" oct bbl. According to information provided by Colt historian, R.L. Wilson, the 1-line inscription in italic rather than script is the scarcest type of inscription by the Colt factory. This gun, SN 170095, was made late in 1860 as hostilities were beginning in the upcoming Civil War. The backstrap of this gun is inscribed "Presented to G.W. Dart by Col. Saml. Colt" The bottom of the case is inked "Wm Sloane 593 Broadway NY". According to an Arms Gazette article published in Oct. 1979 on this particular gun, along with other accompanying documents, Dart, a CT native, was thought to be an agent selling for Colt in New York City before the Civil War who returned to the state to enlist in 1862 as a member of the 24th Conn. volunteer infantry. He was commissioned Lt. and quartermaster and was "cashiered" out of service Sept. 30, 1863. "It is interesting to see Dart listed as quartermaster in light of his possible business experience should we assume again that he played a part in the Sloane business" (from Arms Gazette article mentioned above). The 24th Conn. left NY and sailed for New Orleans and served in the Louisiana Department of the Gulf from January to September 30, 1863, his muster out date. There is a military document stating that Giles W. Dart "was in arrest awaiting the sentence of a general court martial" in February 9, 1863 in Baton Rouge, LA. His court martial concerned the unauthorized selling of commissary goods. Dart was found guilty and was cashiered from the Army's service. Cased Col. Colt "personal" presentation pistols are quite rare especially with this early type of inscription and this is a nice example that has seen some use but is still in very presentable fine condition. Arms Gazette article and photographic reproduction of Dart from CT State Library collection included. Copies of article available on request. CONDITION: This gun overall is in very good to fine condition. The bbl retains 20-30% original bright blue finish. The right side of the bbl lug has numerous small dings. The cyl is overall brown retaining all of its original stagecoach hold-up scene. Safety pins are intact. Loading arm retains strong areas of case color though mostly muted. Frame shows areas of old cleaning with light scratching with traces of case color. The Colt's patent marking on left side of frame is lightly struck with the "CO" in Colt only partially visible. Stocks retain 95% of their original varnish though there are numerous small dents in buttstrap and stocks where gun was used as tack hammer. Original mahogany case is sound and solid with one large crack extending most of surface on top of case with old glue repair. Interior of the case is very good and appears all original with wear as expected to components moving and distressing velvet. The eagle pistol flask has several small dents and old patina retaining traces of its original varnish. The brass mold is stamped "COLTS PATENT" and has numerous small dings and dents to surface. The "japanned" cap tin has a green paper label which is dark, soiled and hard to read but has "COLTS PATENT" and Ely maker's mark. Several balls and key to case are found in other compartment. Scarce, most difficult to find original early personal Colt presentation
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