- Object Name
- Maker
- Place Made
- Title
Stagecoach Holdup cylinder scene proof plate
- Date
circa 1914
- Materials
Copper; box with blue velvet lining
- Dimensions
6 1/2 in x 3 in x 2 1/2 in (16.5 cm x 7.5 cm x 6.5 cm)
- Object ID
87.118.162
-
- Institution
Autry Museum of the American West
-
- Category
Art and Artifacts
- Remarks
Proof plate, depicting the Stagecoach Holdup scene, made from original roll die engraved by Waterman Lilly Ormsby, no serial number, made by Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company in Hartford, Connecticut, circa 1914.
The cylinders of early Colt revolvers were often roll-engraved with elaborate scenes. The scene depicted on this copper proof plate is called the "Stagecoach Holdup." It shows bandits attempting to rob a stagecoach but they are thwarted by passengers armed with Colt revolvers. The scene appears on several models, including the Model 1848 and 1849 Pocket, the Model 1855 Sidehammer Pocket, the Model 1865 Pocket Navy, and some Model 1862 Police Revolvers. The proof plate was made using the original roll die, the only such die still in existence. It was given to a Colt company executive in the early twentieth century to use as a paperweight.
- Subject
The Colt Revolver in the American West (Greg Martin Colt Gallery)
The Genius of Samuel Colt (Greg Martin Colt Gallery)
- Pictured
- Publication
Everything you always wanted to know about the stagecoach holdup scene by Dr. Arthur Tobias.
Colt the revolver of the American West / Jeffrey Richardson. page 75