Monday, April 15, 2013

An Exhibition Pistol



Last day from the Colt Collection at the Connecticut State Library.

This elaborate Colt pistol from the mid-19th century bears the mother-of-pearl bust of President Abraham Lincoln.  The sign says the oak wood for the handle was made from the Charter Oak tree, but so many things around Hartford claim that they were from the Charter Oak tree that it would take a whole forest.

This pistol was probably used by Colt salesmen to show potential customers the kind of embellishments that Colt could make for their weapons.

18 comments:

Unknown said...

beautiful weapon...

Tanya Breese said...

what a collectors piece!

Kate said...

I suppose I should say that it is a handsome gun, which it is, but your firearm sequence just make me nervous, Jack.

Lowell said...

Well, shoot! I like it!

Taken For Granted said...

Firearms are an important part of American history. These examples are the best of their era. I'm sorry to hear that this is the end of your great series. Look forward to your next offerings.

Birdman said...

You've saved the best for last.

Dave-CostaRicaDailyPhoto.com said...

About a year or two ago the Arizona Legislature passed a resolution naming the Colt 45 the official state gun of Arizona. Some people pointed out that it was not made in Arizona, but did not stop our Legislature. I guess it is a sign of moderation that they named only one state gun, rather than a state pistol, state rifled, state shotgun, state assault weapon, state ammo clip, etc.

Sharon said...

That is a very nice likeness of Lincoln.

Malyss said...

I'd never imagined that guns could be so beautiful, did not even imagine me writing this .. but they are , indeed!

RedPat said...

The carving is beautiful.

Sylvia K said...

Like Malyss, I never thought of a gun as being beautiful, but have to admit that this one is!! Amazing! Great shot! I have to admit that I've really enjoyed your series, Jack!! Have a good week!

Virginia said...

Beauty's only skin deep.
V

LONDONLULU said...

Despite my mixed feelings on guns, this is a nice piece of craftsmanship.

William Kendall said...

Very fine work on the Colt.

I take it the Charter Oak has taken on a life of its own?

Bob Crowe said...

Umm. A pistol with President Lincoln on the handle seems creepy to me.

Clueless in Boston said...

Very interesting piece of history.

Suzanne said...

Right now guns are pretty creepy to me. Just saying, as a resident of CT and knowing the history of the manufacturers here.

Randy said...

Nice design.