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1847 Walker Colt - Continued

Spider7115
Re: http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=375368

I understand that your primary objective in researching the history of your friend's Colt Walker is establishing its connection to "Company D" of the Texas Rangers.

However, if your ultimate goal is to maximize the value of the revolver, you absolutely must get it certified as a genuine Walker Colt. As previously stated, the Walker has been extensively faked over the years by master craftsmen and your friend's gun will always be suspect without authentication by a recognized expert. Merely getting the history of Company D, even if you can connect the serial number to a particular Ranger, will be insufficient until you can establish beyond any reasonable doubt that your friend's revolver is in fact a genuine Colt Walker. It will take much more than the opinion of you or your friend to override the scrutiny of those who can and will pay big bucks for such a rare firearm.

I wish you the best of luck in your quest and I sincerely hope you will keep us updated as to your findings. If possible, I know we would all enjoy seeing pictures of the gun in question.
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Comments

7 comments

Date Votes
  • rhmc24
    Spider is absolutely on target. If you are able to prove that serial number was issued to a particular person, it won't mean a lot without proving it was THAT authenticated gun.
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  • Marv
    Thank you Spider7115 for re-opening the thread. The gun has been authenticated in the past. Unfortunately, due my friend's medical problems the information on who verified it's authenticity and the documentation has been lost. It will have to be done again before the sale but I am sure it will, once again, pass the authentication process.

    As an aside, and as told to me by the owner about 20 years ago, that when he first came into possession of the gun, he called a friend of his who was a noted collector and discussed the Colt. After their conversation the person he called let it slip amongst his circle of friends that my buddy had found a Walker Colt. The owner said it was funny and strange that news of the gun had generated so much interest. His phone rang for weeks with people from all over the country wanting to know about the Colt. He allowed two people he recognized as experts to come and examine the gun. Both verified it to be the real deal. He told me their names and I was familiar with one of them but not the other. Unfortunately, 20 years later, I can't remember either name myself.

    Because of the grips, I feel safe assuming it was one of D company guns that was issued to the 8th Military Department in Texas after the Mexican War, and then on to the Texas Rangers that were Federalized to help suppress the Indians. The last person to respond in the other thread recommended the Texas Ranger museum and provided contact info for them. I will give them a call today and see what they have. If anyone else can provide research suggestions I would be happy to hear them.

    Pictures would have been nice and if I would have thought of it at the time I would have taken my camera. Getting access to the gun is complicated for a number of reasons but I will take and post pictures the next time I can arrange to examine it.
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  • givette
    "His phone rang for weeks with people from all over the country wanting to know about the Colt."

    That, in itself, may prove fruitful. Post to the sites recommended on the original string, and someone will remember. Yes sir, someone will remember. They are that rare. Do a websearch for "1847 Colt Walker"..and post to those sites as well. Don't forget Christie's, or Sotheby's art galleries, as the Walker is noteworthy enough to have been under the scrutiny of the "uber high-end" auction houses/evaluators that wouldn't normally deal in firearms unless potentially high value is realized.

    Remember: If the original appraiser can be found, he (she?) will want to have the item in hand prior to releasing any additional accreditation.

    Also, If gun SerNo 12345, etc. can be traced to Co."D", the cart is still before the horse. Authenticate the firearm as genuine first, then find out who had it. Best, Joe



    Good luck! Joe
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  • footlong
    Guys- How much did the #210 Walker Colt sell for at Julias last year?

    thanks
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  • Spider7115
    quote:Originally posted by footlong
    Guys- How much did the #210 Walker Colt sell for at Julias last year?

    thanks


    A world record-setting $920,000 but it's gorgeous! [:0]

    2008-10-14__13-09-00Image1.GIF
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  • Marv
    It was reported to have brought $800,000 plus a 17% buyers premium. $936,000 and I don't know about the taxes.
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  • Spider7115
    http://antiquesandthearts.com/Antiques/AuctionWatch/2008-10-14__13-09-00.html

    Julia Sells Rare Colt Walker For Record $920,000

    Fairfield, Maine:On October 6 and 7, an assemblage of rare antique guns brought extraordinary results at James D. Julia Inc's firearms auction. A Colt Walker pistol, made for use in the Mexican War, and considered to be one of the finest examples in existence, sold for a spectacular $920,000.

    This was the most expensive single firearm ever sold at auction in North America (and believed to be the most expensive ever sold in the world). Julia's held the past two world records for Colts with previous sales of $480,000 and $432,000.

    The Walker carried a presale estimate of $500,000 to $1 million.

    A Colt cased fluted Army example sold for $454,000. In all, nine items realized above $100,000, 32 sold above $50,000, 119 sold for more than $20,000, and 278 sold for more than $10,000.

    The average sale value of approximately $11,400 is the highest average ever achieved by an auction house for firearms. A complete report on the sale will appear in a future issue.
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