# 40971162

Rare and Exceptionally Well-Documented Deluxe Cased Factory Engraved, Silver and Gold Plated Thuer Conversion Colt Model 1861 Navy Revolver with Silver Tiffany Grip and Matching Engraved Percussion Cylinder

$ 134999.99

A museum-level Colt rarity, this Thuer Conversion Colt Model 1861 Navy revolver combines factory engraving, silver and gold plated finish, documented publication history, elite provenance, and a deluxe rosewood casing attributed to Schuyler, Hartley & Graham. Its Latin American presidential connection, Henry M. Stewart collection provenance, and multiple appearances in major Colt reference books make it an exceptional acquisition for advanced Colt collectors.

Rare and well-documented Thuer Conversion Colt Model 1861 Navy revolver
Extensively published in major Colt reference works:
- Pictured on page 138 of “Colt Pistols: 1836-1976” by Habel and Wilson
- Pictured on page 579 of “The Book of Colt Firearms” by R. L. Wilson
- Pictured on page 289 of “The Book of Colt Engraving Volume 1” by R. L. Wilson
- Pictured on page 157 of “Colt: An American Legend” by R. L. Wilson
R. L. Wilson documentation states:
- The revolver left the Colt factory circa 1863
- It returned to the factory for Thuer conversion in 1869
- The rosewood casing is attributed to Schuyler, Hartley & Graham
Outstanding provenance:
- Formerly part of the famous Henry M. Stewart collection
- R. L. Wilson states it was obtained in 1944 by legendary collector and dealer Robert Abels
- Reportedly obtained from the son of the president of Peru
- At that time, the Peruvian president was Manuel Carlos Prado y Ugarteche
- His son would be Manuel Ignacio Prado Garland
Important collector context:
- A similar cased 1862 Police conversion associated with Schuyler, Hartley & Graham appears on page 191 of “Colt Engraving”
- That example is inscribed “Benito/Valdeavellano”
- This comparison suggests that Latin America, through Schuyler, Hartley & Graham, may have been a significant market for deluxe Thuer conversions
Exceptional deluxe features:
- Distinctive silvered bronze Schuyler, Hartley & Graham “Tiffany” grip
- Grip is decorated with Civil War battle motifs on the sides
- Spread eagle motif on the butt
- Silver and gold plated finish
- Factory Gustave Young style Germanic scroll engraving
- Engraving features beaded backgrounds
- Disgorging canine mask engraved on the lower left side of the frame
- Additional mask at the barrel wedge retaining screw
Deluxe engraving details:
- Fully engraved loading lever arm
- Scrollwork extends onto the Thuer conversion ring
- Scrollwork continues onto the rear portion of the conversion cylinder
- Naval scene on the front portion of the Thuer cylinder is hand-engraved
- Conversion cylinder has an engraved border around:
  - Serial number
  - Patent markings
  - Leading edge
- Percussion cylinder features intertwining scroll engraving
- Sides of the hammer are embellished with a wolf’s head motif
Factory markings:
- Top of the barrel is roll-stamped in one line:
  - “- COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-”
- Left side of the frame is stamped “COLTS/PATENT” within a scrollwork panel
- Left side of the trigger guard is stamped:
  - “2” on the front bow
  - “36 CAL” on the rear
Factory engraving and special-finish designation:
- Letter “E” is stamped next to the serial number on the:
  - Barrel
  - Frame
  - Trigger guard
- This “E” indicates the revolver was factory-designated for engraving and special finish
Matching serial numbers:
- Full serial number “14518” appears on:
  - Barrel
  - Frame
  - Trigger guard
- Partial serial number “518” is stamped on the conversion cylinder
- Partial serial number “4518” is stamped on the percussion cylinder
- All serial numbers match
- Rear of the conversion cylinder is also marked “35”
- Recoil shield is marked “P”
Deluxe casing:
- French-fitted rosewood case
- Silver plated brass mounts
- Red velvet interior lining
- Green trim
- Rosewood case attributed by R. L. Wilson to Schuyler, Hartley & Graham
Included accessories:
- Thuer cartridge loading tool
- Combination nipple wrench/screwdriver
- Silver-plated bullet mold marked:
  - “COLT’S/PATENT” on the sprue cutter
  - “36 B. 1” on the right side of the block
- Eley Bros. cap tin
- Silver-plated American Flask & Cap Co. powder flask
- Powder flask embossed with crossed revolvers and a patriotic martial motif
- Tin with orange label for 50 Thuer cartridges
- Two six-round “Combustible Envelope” cartridge packs marked:
  - “FOR EITHER COLT’S OR WHITNEY’S/Revolving Belt Pistols”
Collector appeal:
- Rare Thuer Conversion Colt Model 1861 Navy revolver with deep factory and publication documentation
- Factory engraved and specially finished, with “E” markings confirming engraving designation
- Highly desirable Schuyler, Hartley & Graham “Tiffany” grip and attributed rosewood casing
- Silver and gold plated deluxe presentation-quality finish
- Matching-number components, including conversion and percussion cylinders
- Documented ties to a major collection, a legendary dealer, and reported Peruvian presidential-family provenance
- A standout investment-grade Colt for collectors focused on rarity, artistry, provenance, and historical importance

Condition

Very fine. 90% plus silver plating remains on the grip and trigger guard, and 30% silver remains on the barrel. The conversion cylinder and ring exhibit a dark gray patina. The percussion cylinder retains strong silver plating on the rear section and face with dark aged patina and has smooth gray patina on the balance. Most of the visible areas of the frame display smooth silver-gray patina, but strong original delicate gold finish remains in the crisp engraving and in the protected areas. Mechanically excellent. The case exterior is fine with minor handling wear and one hairline crack in the lid. The lightly faded case lining is also fine with some minor compression marks, oil stains, fading of the green trim, and a small tear from contact with the revolver hammer. The accessories are fine to very fine with nearly all of the dark aged silver plating remaining on the flask and bright plating on the mold. This is a magnificent example of one of the most deluxe cased Colt revolvers. It is extremely well-documented and would be a centerpiece of any Colt revolver collection.