When Theodore Roosevelt said, “Speak softly and carry a big stick,” he may have had his 1902 semi-automatic pistol in mind. Colt presented him with the gun, engraved in gold with ‘T.R.,’ when he was President. Rock Island will offer the pistol, along with Roosevelt’s personal correspondence related to it, at its Illinois auction on Dec. 2-4, when it’s expected to sell for $150,000-$225,000.
UPDATE: T.R.’S Colt pistol sold near the high estimate, for $207,000.
Another rare item at the sale is a ‘B’ Company marked U.S. Walker Model 1847 Colt Revolver. This was the gun that marked the beginning of the relationship between Colt and the U.S. Military. 1100 were produced, many of which were used in the Mexican war. Some 240 survive. The example that Rock Island will be offering is one of the finest, which is reflected in its $300,000-$500,000 estimate.
Read more at Rock Island.
