A Rare Look at American History in Hamilton's War Pistols
The Rock Island Auction Company is making history this year with quite possibly their most American lot of firearms ever, the War Pistols of Alexander Hamilton.
To us know, Hamilton is a household name. But before he was a founding father, he was one of the first people to live the American dream. His life was a rags to riches story, with the riches being a steadfast dedication to the American sense of liberty, and ultimately, becoming a symbol of the United States of America.
The Rock Island video linked above provides a beautiful background to these pieces, notably their creation during the French and Indian War as well as their possible use during the Battle of Yorktown, where Hamilton breaks the back of the British forces.
There is no comparison, possibly ever to these pistols when it comes to contemporary auction. The closest thing RIA mentions is the sale of George Washington’s Pistol some 20 years ago, and as iconic as Washington still is, his pistol is now institutionalized, where as this set of pistols is up for grabs to anyone with deep enough pockets.
Source: Rock Island Auction Company
The pistols were presented to Hamilton by his father-in-law General Philip Schuyler during the Revolutionary War, and were passed down through the family until sold in 1942.
“These pistols represent Hamilton’s physical ability to wage war on the enemy. They are his physical ability to achieve Revolution and start the Republic,” states RIAC President Kevin Hogan. “However, they also transcend arms specific collecting. They are an American institution in and of themselves, and an intimate way to be a part of the past.”
Surviving items from the Revolutionary War Era are rare, and those with concrete ties to significant individuals are a true prize for collectors of historic objects. Hamilton’s pistols are one of several items of note in the sale, including a pair of revolvers given to Tsar Alexander II, the Colt revolver of Old West gunslinger and lawman Bat Masterson, and the original document of Ulysses S. Grant’s appointment to major general, signed by Abraham Lincoln.
Most of you reading are probably like me, and could never dream of owning this set of fine pistols, especially with the anticipation that they break records. Never the less, you can watch the auction live and learn more about them by visiting RockIslandAuction.com. These piece of American History will be up for auction May 14, 2021