In a local newspaper article today a story told of a Rifle which had recently surfaced in Lincoln County TN, adjoining to the SW of county I live in. Seems it had been in possession of current family since 1939 but had remained Unseen except for a few immediate family members of owners. It has now been seen by the newspaper reporter & a photographer & a a few pictures were run of it. It is stated to be an 1855 Colt Side hammer revolving rifle. It has a hang tag dated 1939 stating "Belonged to Abe Lincoln, Colt 1855 revolving rifle 60 cal, 31" bll, 5 shot fluted cylinder" Signed by Bill Smoot, Collector. (Elizabethtown KY)
Also accompanying the rifle is a newspaper article from an old Louisville Post (KY) date unreadable. The article stated a Mr W T Duncan has many valuable historical articles including an old 58 shot .56 caliber Cole's rifle made in 1864 & presented by President Lincoln to an ancestor of Mr Duncan, a Mr Blakey, who seconded the nomination of Lincoln at Chicago.
This was Mr George D Blakey, a member of congress from KY. Mr Duncan was Mr Blakey's Grandson.Another article from the Louisville Post shows Mr Duncan transferring the rifle to MR Smoot which took place in 1939. The current owner's Father & Grandfather were " amateur" gun collectors who acquired the rifle from Mr Smoot.
Absolutely no info was given for the owner who is now older & has lived here in Lincoln county for more than a dozen years. Owner was originally from KY but his family moved further south when he was just a kid. He stated it Could be for sale to the right buyer. If anyone is "Seriously" interested PM me & I can give you a contact phone number out of Florida for further info. I have no idea of the connection between owner & this Florida number, but he wants to remain very secretive about who he is, thinks someone might even Kill Him for this gun.
