Now here's a conversation piece! This "Gambler's Tool Kit" appears to be an innocuous portable gaming table complete with a set of original ivory dice and bone-and-ebony dominoes. However, one pull of a string reveals a hidden compartment complete with everything a serious 19th Century gambler could ever need; including a Colt 1849 Pocket Revolver, Sheffield Bowie knife, and glass flask.
Every item in this set is original; including the box itself; which is a nicely patined Cherry writing desk. The gaming table inside is purple velvet and nicely made. Compartments at the bottom of the game board hold an original set of ivory dice in great condition, a set of ebony and bone dominoes, an empty tin of Winchester pistol caps, and a small shot glass. Underneath the velvet gaming table is additional compartments that hold a Sheffield Bowie knife with Stag grips in excellent condition. A glass drinking flask with a pewter lid and leather cover is also nestled in the bottom of the kit.
A small, original, brass powder flask accompanies the kits Piece De Resistance- an original Colt 1849 Pocket Revolver; a gambler's best friend. The revolver is in good shape and all original. The action functions perfectly and the cylinder locks up well with minimal wobble. The bore is good with nice rifling and some scattered pitting. The grips are in wonderful shape with no cracks or chips and most of their original varnish. All the serial numbers match and traces of the original silver plating can be seen on the backstrap and trigger guard. The cylinder is in good shape with some of the original scene remaining and minimal pitting in the chambers. The Colt address on the top of the barrel appears to have been intentionally removed long ago-further adding to the mystique of the set.
An original 1901 campaign pamphlet entitled "Albert F. Mogel For Sheriff" accompanies the revolver. Perhaps the revolver and knife were meant to be used to secure votes for Mr. Mogel? We'll let this set's next owner make this determination for himself.
While this set may have been used by its original owner to "influence" fellow gamblers and voters alike, we'll be the first to admit that it may have just as easily been assembled by an "Old West" enthusiast sometime during the 1930's or 1940's as a "fantasy piece"; as these types of kits were very popular during that era of Spaghetti Westerns and Penny Dreadfuls. There's no way to tell for certain. We can however, vouch for the authenticity of the individual items themselves as they are all original to the 19th Century (save for the political pamphlet which is dated 1901). Regardless of when the piece was assembled, it is undoubtedly one of the coolest cased sets around and is a "must-own" for any Colt Collector, or Old West Enthusiast.
