Image of General Albert J.
Meyer holding the record-breaking Colt rifle that fetched
$30,800.
OSPREY, FLA. - Private Collections Auction has reportedly set
three world records for Civil War relic firearms at their
September 1 sale.
According to the gallery, a Colt Model 1855 First Model Revolving
Percussion Two-Band Army Rifle in .44 caliber, identified as the
personal firearm of General Albert J. Meyer, founder of the
Signal Corps, reached $30,800.
The gun hailed from the first contract of 100 pieces from Colt,
and featured a low 33 serial number. A daguerreotype of General
Meyer holding this weapon and an affidavit from Meyer's
great-grandson identifying the rifle, as well as the General's
war record and pay records, accompanied the weapon.
A Blakeslee Ten Tube "Quickloader" Calvary Cartridge Box for the
Spencer 56-60, invented by Col. Erastus Blakeslee, fetched
$7,150. The box was complete with the original belt, ten tin
tubes and the hinged six sided box and cover.
A Blakeslee Six Tube "Quickloader" Calvary Cartridge Box for the
Spencer 56-60, an extremely rare six tube variety (one tube
missing), with original shoulder strap, realized $7,425.
The gallery believes their auction to be the largest in Florida
for a private collection of Civil War antique firearms and
accoutrements. The gross was in excess of $400,000. Bidders from
as far away as Germany, California, and New York participated by
phone, and bidders from Texas, Georgia, Virginia, Missouri and
other states as well as locals were present.
