Rare 1882 Colt Open-Top, Ivory-Handled Revolver Arrives Fashionably Late for Don Presley’s Jan. sale

ORANGE, Calif. – A late, and most welcome, consignment to Don Presley’s Jan. 1-2 auction is expected to capture the attention of collectors who favor exceptional antique firearms and edged weapons.

“This is a sensational collection,” said auctioneer Don Presley. “It came in late, but there’s no way we would have said no to these items. I think we’re going to see some heavy competition when they come up for bid.”

Among the key pieces in the consignment is a Colt 1882 open-top .44 caliber revolver with engraving on the raised ivory grips attributed to Louis D. Nimschke. Only about 20 original Colts of this type are known to exist, and this one is a very impressive example, according to Presley. It is estimated at $50,000-$75,000.

Made sometime between 1810 and 1840, an especially high quality American Eagle Head Officer’s sword comes with a hand-engraved scabbard and fancy scrolling on the guard. The blue and gold gilt on the blade is 95 percent original. “It’s the find of a lifetime in this condition,” Presley said. Estimate: $5,000-$10,000.

Another fascinating item is the early dagger with gold and silver inlay, in its original scabbard. Writing appears on the handle and blade of the 15-inch-long dagger, as well as on the scabbard. Estimate: $1,000-$2,000.

The collection joins many highlights entered in Don Presley’s annual New Year’s Auction, which includes pop-culture rarities such as Frank Sinatra’s custom-made tuxedo shirt, Marilyn Monroe’s two-piece day ensemble and Michael Jackson’s gilt-bronze clock. A stellar array of antiques and fine art to be auctioned ranges from antique ivory and jade; bronzes and porcelains to Liberace’s opulent fountains and a superb oil-on-canvas genre painting attributed to Eugene Delacroix (French, 1798-1865).

All forms of bidding will be available for the auction, including live via the Internet through LiveAuctioneers.com. For additional information, call 714-633-2437 or email info@donpresleyauction.com. Visit Don Presley Auctions online at www.donpresleyauction.com.

Colt 1882 open-top .44 caliber revolver with engraving on the raised ivory grips attributed to Louis D. Nimschke


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