Smith and Wesson No. 1 Revolver Belonging to Pennsylvania Industrialist Robert H. Sayre with Woodrow Wilson Connection

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Auction No. 119 Featuring Fine Collectible Ar...

By Amoskeag Auction Company

Aug 25, 2018

Set Reminder 2018-08-25 09:00:00 2018-08-25 09:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Auction No. 119 Featuring Fine Collectible Arms https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/amoskeag-auction-company/auction-no-119-featuring-fine-collectible-arms-3383
Fine Antique & Modern Sporting and Military Arms and Collectibles Amoskeag Auction Company amanda@amoskeagauction.com

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• Lot Description
  serial #115694, 22 RF, 3 3/16” ribbed octagon barrel with a mostly bright, very good bore which shows strong rifling but with scattered light oxidation and some light pitting. The barrel itself shows some trace original blue but is primarily a dark and light mottled gray patina with some sparsely scattered oxidation staining and perhaps a few light handling marks near the muzzle. The cylinder is primarily a dark gray and pewter, also with oxidation staining and sparsely scattered light pinprick pitting, its patent dates fully legible. The frame retains perhaps 50-60% original silver plate, mixing with light oxidation and some verdigree, the worn areas of the frame toning to a very pleasing dull ochre patina. The hammer and trigger are a dull gray patina, each with a bit of oxidation staining. The smooth rosewood grips rate very good with much original varnish, the flaking being primarily along the sharp edges of the butt, with some impact marks along the butt proper, they are stamp-numbered to the gun and assembly numbers are matching on barrel, cylinder and frame. The sideplate fits a bit proud, barrel-to-frame fit is slightly loose but the gun does function mechanically, albeit somewhat loosely. The backstrap is engraved during the period of use “RH Sayre, Bethlehem PA”, Robert Heysham Sayre being Vice President and Chief Engineer of the Lehigh Valley Railroad as well as Vice President and General Manager of Bethlehem Iron Company, precursor to the Bethlehem Steel Corporation. Sayre’s son Francis Bowes Sayre married Woodrow Wilson’s daughter, the Sayre’s and Wilson’s both frequenting the Cornish N.H. area in Summer, “Harlakenden House” there being referred to as “The Summer White House”. It is purported by family history, that Wilson would carry this arm on his person when ajaunt locally, fishing the brooks around the upper valley. Included with the arm is a May 7, 1968-dated hand-written letter from one Harry H. Hart Sr. of Williamstown MA (an athletic training table Chef at Williamson College for 48 years, Francis B. Sayre graduating from there in 1909, seven years after Mr. Hart arrived at his post; in 1914 Sayre began work as Assistant to the President of Williams College, the two men doubtless knowing each other). The letter states that whilst working for Mrs. Francis Sayre, President Wilson’s daughter, she presented the revolver to him, the arm is mentioned in the letter by serial number as-is the inscription. It further states: “Mrs. Sayre told me that President Wilson carried this gun with him on fishing trips while visiting his daughter and son-in-law”, he then states “I testify that all of the above is true and correct” and has signed and dated it. The arm comes in what is likely a factory mahogany presentation case which rates very good, its underside penciled: “Eldridge J. Savage, Brockton Mass.”, and a copy of the book Glad Adventure by Francis B. Sayre, © 1957 F. B. Sayre, regaling his life and times and marriage to Jessie (Wilson) Sayre and second wife, Elizabeth, he actually becoming High Commissioner of the Philippines under Roosevelt. A very endearing image in the book shows a beaming Wilson and the proud Mr. Sayre, as he holds his new son and Wilson’s grandson, Francis Jr. An interesting little revolver with a propitious connection to Americas 28th President and an indisputable connection to the Sayre family. (38732-1){ANTIQUE}
• Shipping Info

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