Dr. R. Beverly Cole Engraved Merrimac Arms "Southerner" Pistol
circa late 1860s, serial number 1535, .41 caliber rimfire, single shot, side pivoting octagonal 2 in. barrel, brass blade front sight, stamped "SOUTHERNER" on top flat, faint makers stamp under patina on left side of barrel, brass frame with engraved scrollwork, two piece bone grips, spur trigger, engraved "Dr. R. Beverly Cole" in script to the right of trigger on the frame, and "From G.F. Harris" in script to the left of trigger on the frame, engraving on the grip strap, 4-3/4 in. overall
Provenance: Private Collection
Note: Richard Beverly Cole (1829–1901) was an American physician and a past president of the American Medical Association. He also served as dean of Toland Medical College during its merger with the University of California system, which later became the University of California, San Francisco. This firearm descended in the family of W.H. Weeks of Watsonville, California. He had offices in San Francisco and is thought to have traveled in the same social circles as Cole. Both men were known Masons.
circa late 1860s, serial number 1535, .41 caliber rimfire, single shot, side pivoting octagonal 2 in. barrel, brass blade front sight, stamped "SOUTHERNER" on top flat, faint makers stamp under patina on left side of barrel, brass frame with engraved scrollwork, two piece bone grips, spur trigger, engraved "Dr. R. Beverly Cole" in script to the right of trigger on the frame, and "From G.F. Harris" in script to the left of trigger on the frame, engraving on the grip strap, 4-3/4 in. overall
Provenance: Private Collection
Note: Richard Beverly Cole (1829–1901) was an American physician and a past president of the American Medical Association. He also served as dean of Toland Medical College during its merger with the University of California system, which later became the University of California, San Francisco. This firearm descended in the family of W.H. Weeks of Watsonville, California. He had offices in San Francisco and is thought to have traveled in the same social circles as Cole. Both men were known Masons.
