^#1988 ^Lot 2049 Colt 4th Model 1851 Navy Revolver Identified to Texas Ranger Thomas J. Fore

#89169, caliber .36 with a 7.5” octagonal barrel. The metal has matching numbers with a plain wedge. All of the steel surfaces have a mixed gray patina with scattered patches of light to moderate pitting (some heavy pitting on the left of the recoil shield and adjacent cylinder). Very little of the cylinder scene remains, however the frame markings are clear and the barrel address is legible. The gun is mechanically good. The one-piece walnut grip fits well but not perfectly and likely came off another Colt. The brass gripstraps have a mottled ocher patina and the backstrap has an old stamping “T. J. FORE”. Thomas J. Fore was born on December 14, 1844 and died on December 14, 1873. He was buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Coryell County, Texas. Included is a photocopy of a Texas military archive card that shows “J. Fore” in the 3rd Corp of the 2nd Frontier District for Coryell County with an enlistment beginning January 30 of 1864. Also included is a 1991 dated handwritten letter by one of Fore’s descendants in which he relates the history of this revolver as he knew it. Included in this packet are two stories about Fore that were published in Coryell County histories, as well as two photos of his rather impressive tombstone.