^Lot 4063 WELL DOCUMENTED COLT WALKER, B-COMPANY No. 23 WITH

UNIQUE PERIOD REPLACEMENT PATERSON STYLE BARREL. # 23.Cal 44. S# B company 23. This unique Colt Walker has a period Paterson-style replaced barrel. This revolver has long collection history and is listed in the earliest Walker documented S# lists. It also has certificate from TGCA Parade of Walkers 2003. Revolver has British proofs on each cylinder chamber meaning it must have had a British proofed barrel at some point in its life after American army issue. The original Walker barrel must have failed and this Paterson-style barrel utilized. There are no British proofs on this barrel, so it must have been modified back in the US. One early owner of this revolver opined that possibly revolver ran the blockade before the Civil War with other obsolete arms and barrel failed and replacement fabricated by Confederate armory, which is possible. Whatever made this survivor in this configuration, it is an unique, wonderful & interesting example that is better than average condition for other surviving Walkers. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: research file including 2003 Parade of Walkers bound certificate, copy of TX Gun Collectors 2003 Bulletin where revolver is pictured, copy of Gun Report vol 49, No. 3, 2003 where revolver is pictured and described. Copy of February 2001 Gun Report ad of Bob Everhart offering it for sale with excellent accurate description. 2006 auction catalog & letter of authenticity by John Gangle and description misidentifying cylinder proofs as Belgium. Copy of Quick's 1953 updated serial number list of Walkers, showing this revolver in original list as owned by John C. Harvey, West Falmouth, Mass. Copy of photos of the Walker protype revolver made by Blunt & Syms with similar style barrel. CONDITION: very good overall, matching "B company 23" serial numbers on frame, cylinder, and grip strap. "23" is observed stamped on cylinder pin and grips. No cylinder scene present but serial number is good as noted, pressure ridge is discernible. In addition to London cylinder proofs, 5 safety pins were added to original single pin when made. Frame & cylinder have smooth gray iron patina. Barrel retains much of its original dull blue finish, unmarked non-spring wedge fits well. Brass triggerguard has smooth light mustard patina, well struck serial. Grips have discernible inspector cartouches in outline on both sides, well fit, worn edges, chips on both inside toes. Mechanics are fine, fine rifled bore. PROVENANCE: John C. Harvey collection 1952-Quick's list; Herbert Greene collection; Raymond Greene; Butterfield & Butterfield Auction 1998; Bob Everhart, Gun Report February 2001; Bobby Smith collection; Little John Auction Service/Auction Productions, lot 90, Nov. 26, 2006; The Esteemed Norm Greenberg Collection. (01-27603/JS). ANTIQUE. $50,000-100,000.