The deluxe rosewood brass cornered presentation case features the crest of the House of Savoy on the central lid escutcheon and “DONO DI S. M. IL RE V. E. AL GENERALE DI SANFRONT” inscribed below indicating presentation of this extraordinary cased set by King Victor Emanuel II of Italy (1820-1878) to General Alessandro Negri di Sanfront (1804-1884). These historic revolvers date to 1855 within Colt’s London factory Model 1851 Navy serial number range and are notably within the same serial number range as serial number 21900 and 21904 which featured Napoleon III's cipher and are identified as presented to Napoleon on behalf of Samuel Colt. This pair has very similar engraving suggesting Colt had his London factory prepare a group of special presentation grade revolvers starting around 21900 in 1855. Some of the highly engraved revolvers from the London factory are known to have remained at the factory for multiple years. Napoleon III was notably an ally of the Italian king, and Colt had his eyes on opening another factory in Continental Europe. These revolvers were only recently rediscovered and remain in extraordinarily high condition. They feature the “-ADDRESS. COL. COLT. LONDON-” barrel marking, London proof and view markings on the left side of the barrel lug and cylinder, the more rounded English screw heads, and the distinctive English scroll engraving at the highest level executed by Colt’s English engravers. The engraving consists of highly detailed and delicate interlacing scroll engraving with finely textured backgrounds and foliate accents on the muzzle and breech sections of the barrels, along the bottom and flats of the loading levers, essentially all of the frames, the sides of the hammers, and on the trigger guard and back strap. Even the edges of the wedges are engraved. The left sides of the frames have “Colts Patent.” engraved in script within banners rather than the usual stamped marking. The cylinders have the classic Naval Battle of Campeche roll-scene. The barrels and cylinders feature high polish blue finish. The loading levers, frames, and hammers are color casehardened. The grip straps display silver-gilt finish. All of the visible serial numbers are matching, and the factory “dot” marking is marked above or below the serial numbers on the barrels, frames, trigger guards, and back straps denoting factory engraving. The revolvers are mounted with highly figured deluxe walnut grips with piano varnish finish. The brass cornered deluxe presentation case’s interior is lined in dark blue and is fitted to the revolvers and the following included accessories: two W. & C. Eley Cap tins specifically marked for “COLT’S PT./Belt and Pocket/PISTOLS,” a G. & J. W. Hawksley bag shaped powder flask with silver fittings, oiler, two silver plated ball/bullet Colt molds, pair of blued L-shaped combination nipple wrenches and screwdrivers, and two lidded compartments, one containing spare springs, nipples, and other components. The set is also accompanied by a postcard of Sanfort and a calling card reading “Generale Conte di Sanfront/Senatore”. King Victor Emmanuel II ranks among the most significant figures in modern Italian history as the first king of the united and independent Italian state. He was Duke of Savoy and King of Sardinia from 1849 to March 1861 when he became King of Italy. He became king following his victory in the Second Italian War of Independence in Northern Italy with the aid of France while the famous general Giuseppe Garibaldi secured the south. The two men met in Teano, and Garibaldi famously hailed Victor Emmanuel as King of Italy, securing the unity sought by Italian nationalists since the Congress of Vienna in 1815. As king, he further expanded the Italian state by securing Veneto in the Third Italian War of Independence in cooperation with the Prussians fighting Austria in the Austro-Prussian War. After the withdrawal of France from Rome during the Franco-Prussian War, the Italians captured the city and then established it as the country’s capital in 1871. He remained king until his death on January 9, 1878. One of the king’s allies was a decorated officer who had served under his father: General Alessandro Negri di Sanfront. Sanfront was born into the noble family which was connected to the House of Savoy. His father was an aide-de-camp to Charles Albert of Savoy, King of Sardinia. Sanfront attended the Royal Military Academy in Turin and joined the infantry and then cavalry. During the First Italian War of Independence, King Charles Albert selected Sanfront to lead three squads from the Royal Carabinieri which protected the king on the battlefield. During the Battle of Pastrengo on April 30, 1848, he came to the king’s aid when he came under fire and led the famous “Charge of Pastrengo” against the Austrians. The charge led the king to safety and brought him victory. He was awarded a silver medal for valor as well as the colors of the Carabinieri. The Major Alessandro Negri di Sanfront Barracks of the Regiment of Cuirassiers, a Carabinieri regiment, is named in his honor, and the regiment remains the guard of honor of the Italian president. Sanfront was promoted to colonel that November and became the commander of the Cavalleggeri Guide and Cavalleggeri of Lombardy. After the Italians suffered significant defeats, the king abdicated and Victory Emmanuel became king of Sardinia in 1849. Sanfront became an honorary aide-de-camp to King Victor Emmanuel II on April 10, 1853, and was promoted to major general in 1859 during the Second Italian War for Independence and then lieutenant general in 1862 and retired on September 1, 1865. He was honored with various awards. In addition to his military career, Sanfront held various political appointments, including as mayor of Ponzone, Tronzano Vercellese, and Chiavari, and was appointed as a senator of the Kingdom of Italy on November 16, 1876. All senators were appointed by the king. He held the office until his death on February 25, 1884.

Excellent with crisp engraving and markings, 90% plus bright original high polish blue finish, 97% plus original vibrant case colors, thin original gilt finish mainly along the back strap and minimal aged patina on the silver, and fairly minor overall wear mainly from age. The grip is also excellent and has stunning figure, glossy piano varnish finish, a few light handling marks, and minor dings. Mechanically excellent. The presentation case and accessories are generally very fine with crisp inscriptions on the lid, minor age and storage related wear, a broken spring and spots of oxidation visible on the otherwise fine flask, separated divider for the left compartment, and light aged patina on the silver.

As described in "A." Provenance: Presented by King Victor Emmanuel II of Italy to General Alessandro Negri di Sanfront

Exceptionally fine with crisp engraving and markings, 70% plus bright original blue finish with loss from flaking mainly along the barrel and smooth brown patina, 95% plus vibrant original case colors, thin original gilt finish remaining primarily along the back strap, lightly aged patina on the silver, and minimal wear overall from age and storage. The grip is excellent and has stunning figure, glossy original varnish, and minor handling and storage marks. Mechanically excellent. This is an extraordinarily rare pair of Colt London Model 1851 Navy revolvers with a beautiful deluxe presentation case inscribed from the first king of independent Italy Victor Emmanuel II to the heroic General Alessandro Negri di Sanfront.