Premier Firearms Auction #85

May 13, 2022 to May 15, 2022

This auction has ended.

Premier Firearms Auction #85

May 13, 2022 to May 15, 2022

This auction has ended.

Page 1 of 3

Showing 1-50 of 107 results

Lot 42

Antique Colt Black Powder Single Action Army Revolver

The Colt Single Action Army was one of the most popular handguns in late 19th century and is easily the most iconic and most thoroughly associated with the American West. This example was manufactured in 1886, and it certainly has the classic look of an authentic cowboy gun. The barrel has the correct two-line Hartford marking on top. The left side of the frame has the three-line patent dates marking. The caliber designation "45 CAL" is stamped on the left side of the trigger guard. Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard and back strap.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45 LC

Price Realized:

Scarce and Desirable Fluted Cylinder Colt Model 1860 Army Percussion Revolver with Holster

Lot 141

Fluted Cylinder Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver

This early Colt Model 1860 Army was manufactured in 1861 and has the highly desirable early full fluted cylinder. While over 200,000 Army Model revolvers were manufactured, only around 4,000 were manufactured with fluted cylinders, making this variation especially desirable. Some of these distinctive Colts were even shipped to the South before and at the very beginning of the Civil War. Of the small amount of these fluted cylinder revolvers made, most of them were no doubt heavily used during the war, making surviving examples particularly scarce. This example features the one-line New York barrel address, "COLTS/PATENT" frame marking, frame cut for a shoulder stock, a cylinder flute with the 1850 patent date marking, and matching serial numbers on the frame, barrel, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, wedge (renumbered), and cylinder arbor pin. It comes with a brown leather flap holster attributed by the consignor as a Confederate product. It has no visible markings.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Exceptional U.S. Martially Inspected Colt Second Model Dragoon Percussion Revolver

Lot 145

U.S. Martially Inspected Colt Second Model Dragoon Revolver

Only an estimated 2,700 Second Model Dragoon revolvers were manufactured from 1850 to 1851 compared to 7,000 of the First Model Dragoons and 10,500 Third Model Dragoons. They are thus by far the rarest of the primary Colt Dragoon revolvers. The combination of rectangular cylinder stops and square-back brass trigger guard clearly identify the revolver as a Second Model Dragoon. The barrel has a German silver blade front sight and is marked "-ADDRESS SAMl COLT, NEW-YORK CITY" on the top flat. The loading lever has a vertical catch. "COLT'S/PATENT/U.S." stamped on the left of the frame. The cylinder has the Texas Ranger and Indian fight scene along with the "MODEL U.S.M.R./COLT'S PATENT" marking. Small single letter inspection marks are present on various components. Matching full and partial serial numbers are marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, loading lever, wedge, cylinder, and arbor pin. Each side of the grip has a script letter cartouche with "JCB" (Joseph C. Bragg) on the left and "WAT" (William A. Thornton) on the right. The U.S. contract Colt Dragoon revolvers were used primarily by the First and Second Dragoon Regiments and the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Scarce U.S. Martially Inspected Colt First Model Dragoon Percussion Revolver

Lot 146

U.S. Martially Marked Colt First Dragoon Percussion Revolver

Only an estimated 7,000 Colt First Model Dragoon revolvers were manufactured between 1848-1850. The First Model Dragoon is an important descendant of the famous Colt Walker revolver, which debuted just one year earlier, and was meant for use by the U.S. Mounted Riflemen and U.S. Dragoons. These revolvers saw use on the western frontier in the antebellum era and on the battlefields of the Civil War in both Union and Confederate hands. This specific revolver was manufactured in 1848, the first year of production. It has the distinctive First Model oval cylinder stops and brass square back trigger guard. "ADDRESS SAMl COLT NEW-YORK CITY" marked on the top barrel flat. "COLT'S/PATENT/U.S." marked on the left of the frame. Standard "MODEL U.S.M.R./COLT'S PATENT" marked cylinder with the Texas Ranger and Indian fight scene. Matching full or partial serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard, butt, cylinder, and cylinder pin. The matching serial number "4019" is marked on the barrel lug and cylinder with the "0" punched over top of a "6" which may have been a factory error, and "619" is marked loading lever. "644" faintly marked on the replacement wedge. "K" and "B" single letter inspection initials visible on top of the barrel, on the trigger guard, back strap, and top of the left grip panel. Two faint outlines of oval script inspection cartouches are visible on both sides of the one piece walnut grip. Dragoons are important to collectors of antique American revolvers in general, and collectors of Colts in particular as one of Samuel Colt's large "holster pistols" descended from the famous Colt Walker.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Fine Upper Canada Marked Colt London Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver

Lot 147

Upper Canada Colt London Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver

This Model 1851 Navy percussion revolver was manufactured in the Colt London factory in 1855. It has the "-ADDRESS. COL. COLT. LONDON-" barrel address, London proof marks on the barrel and cylinder, "COLTS/PATENT" on the left side of the frame, matching serial numbers, standard cylinder scene, varnished walnut grip, and rounded head screws. Upside down "U.C/G/42" letters on the left side of the grip which indicates this revolver was issued to the Upper Canada Militia, Troop G, man number 42. Troop C, man number 42's revolver is also in this sale.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 36

Price Realized:

Lot 148

Colt Model 1848 Baby Dragoon Percussion Revolver

The Model 1848 Baby Dragoon was the first pocket model manufactured by Colt at the Hartford factory and is largely based on the full-size Colt Dragoon revolvers. Around 15,000 Baby Dragoon revolvers were manufactured in 1847-1850 before production shifted fully over to the newer Model 1849 Pocket which went on to be Colt's most popular percussion revolver. This revolver was manufactured in 1849 and falls into the correct pre-11600 range for the Texas Ranger and Indian battle scene found on the cylinder. The barrel has a small post front sight, "-ADDRESS SAML COLT/NEW YORK CITY-" on top, and correctly no loading cutout or provision for a loading lever. The frame has the small "COLTS/PATENT" marking on the left side. It also has distinctive round cylinder stops and square-back trigger guard. The serial numbers match throughout including in the grip's back strap inlet.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 31 percussion

Price Realized:

Fine Colt Model 1855 Revolving Full Stock .44 Caliber Percussion Sporting Rifle

Lot 149

Colt Model 1855 Revolving Full Stock Rifle

Manufactured from 1856 to 1864. Per R.L. Wilson in "The Book of Colt Firearms," Colt only manufactured 300 Model 1855 sporting rifles with 27 inch barrels chambered in .44 caliber (page 182). This rifle is made even rarer by having a full length stock. R.L. Wilson pointed out the rarity of a full stock Model 1855 when he wrote: "Half Stock types outnumber Full Stocks by a significant proportion" (page 188). These full length Model 1855 are becoming more difficult to find no matter the condition, and this example is in fine condition. The top strap has the two-block, two-line patent/Hartford address marking: "COLT'S PT./1856" and "ADDRESS COL. COLT/HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, rear cylinder face, arbor pin, and buttplate. The rifle is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight and a three leaf rear sight graduated from 100 to 600 yards and correctly lacks provision for a bayonet. There are two barrel bands, a sling swivel attached to the underside of the buttstock and rear barrel band, cleaning rod, 6-shot fluted cylinder, buttstock with crescent buttplate and full length forearm with brass end cap.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Lot 151

Colt Richards-Mason Model 1861 Navy Revolver

These revolvers were manufactured around the mid-1870s as cartridge revolvers using percussion parts on hand and newly fabricated cartridge revolver components. They are generally numbered in the 100-3300 range like this revolver. The barrel has a blade front sight, an ejector fitted on the right, a re-contoured and filled lug, and "-ADDRESS COL SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" marked on top. The left side of the frame is marked with the two-line "-PAT. JULY.25.1871.-/-PAT.JULY. 2. 1872-" patent markings, and the left side of the trigger guard is stamped with "38 CAL." The full serial number is located on the bottom of the barrel lug, the frame, trigger guard, and back strap, and a "1" is also marked by the serial number on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The cylinder has the partial serial number "466." The loading gate is marked "3420." The hammer has a firing pin for rimfire ammunition pinned to the left side.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 RF

Price Realized:

Lot 152

Colt Richards Conversion Model 1860 Army Revolver

Total production of Model 1860 Army Richards conversion revolvers is estimated at approximately 9,000 in 1871-1878. They were thus manufactured both before and alongside the famous Colt Single Action Army and are an important evolutionary piece between Colt's percussion and cartridge revolvers. It has a German silver blade front sight, hammer notch rear sight, New York barrel address, standard patent markings and cylinder scene, "44 CAL" on the left side of the trigger guard, "1947" on the loading gate, and matching visible serial numbers. Some numbers along with "W" are hand scratched on the butt.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Colt CF

Price Realized:

Historic Early Production Presentation Cased Consecutively Serialized Pair of Rare Factory Engraved Squareback Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolvers, Serial Numbers 2872 and 2873, the Presentation Case Inscribed to Dr. William George Thomas by His Friends in Edgecombe, North Carolina, in 1852 -A) Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver

Lot Contains 2 Items

Lot 153

Presentation Cased Colt 1851 Navy Revolvers of Dr. W. G. Thomas

This cased set contains one of the earliest known pairs of engraved Colt revolvers. Only a very limited number of Colt revolvers were engraved as pairs overall, fewer still were embellished as pairs in the early 1850s, and most engraved pairs were not consecutive. Thus, this likely both the first matching cased pair of factory engraved Model 1851 Navy revolvers and the first consecutive cased pair of factory engraved '51 Navies. Most of the known early Colt percussion revolver pairs were the larger dragoon revolvers which is logical given dragoons and other mounted troops routinely carried a pair of handguns. These include a pair of Whitneyville-Hartford Dragoons in 1847 inscribed by Moore & Baker for presentation to Colonel George Washington Morgan discussed on page 20 of "Colt Engraving" by R.L. Wilson, the James Janeway Van Syckel presentation Second Model Dragoons from 1850 on page 30, and the Third Model Dragoons on page 35 from 1851. The presentation inscription for this pair is on a silver plaque on the case lid and reads: "To/Dr. Wm. Geo. Thomas/from his friends in/Edgecombe, N.C./1852." Dr. William George Thomas (1818-1890) of Louisburg, North Carolina, was a medical doctor, completing his medical studies at the University of Pennsylvania in 1840. He married in Tarborough (now spelled Tarboro), Edgecombe County, North Carolina, in 1843. He appears to have been given a second degree from the university in 1852 as well based on newspaper articles listing him as one of 161 men receiving the degree of doctor of medicine from the University of Pennsylvania that year, and the University of Pennsylvania's list for Medical Department matriculants from 1806-1852 lists him as attending in 1839 and 1840 and from Franklin, North Carolina, and then again in 1852 and from Louisburg, North Carolina. "Cyclopedia of Eminent and Representative Men of the Carolinas of the Nineteenth Century" from 1892 and "American Medical Biographies" by Dr. Kelly and Dr. Burrage in 1920 note that Dr. Thomas was born in Louisburg, North Carolina, and went to the local schools before studying medicine under Dr. Wiley Perry and then the University of Pennsylvania. They list him as graduating in 1840 and then working in Tarborough until 1850 when he moved to Wilmington and also note that he was one of the founders, vice-presidents, and presidents of the State Medical Society and studied climactic diseases and was a leading physician in obstetrics and diseases of women. He is noted as using quinine to treat malarial fever. He published a lengthy paper on the 1862 yellow fever epidemic which is also discussed in an included copy of a letter from his grandson Dr. Pride Jones Thomas in 1905. He remained in the service of his patients after another local doctor died from the disease and continued on until he too fell too ill to help, something reminiscent of many doctors and medical staff today. Even while still weakened by the disease, he went recruiting for help back in Tarborough. He grew weak from the disease while there again, and it is said to have afflicted him for years before regaining his health. His son Dr. George Gillett Thomas became a surgeon, and the noted grandson from the letter was also a doctor. The engraving on this pair from 1851 is more refined than the "donut scroll" patterns on some of the early Hartford Colts attributed to Thomas J. Barlow. Instead, this revolver's engraving is the style attributed to Joseph Delany in Herbert Houze in "Colt Factory Engravers of the Nineteenth Century." Note for example the '51 Navy revolvers on page 37 and 38 of Houze's book which are clearly by the same engraver and are attributed to Delany, an Irish born and trained engraver who was active in Hartford c. 1849-1851 and then again in 1857 and 1858 based on the directories. The engraving consists of a floral pattern border at the muzzles, rope border design on the breech end of the barrels and bottom and rear of the frames, some simple lined borders elsewhere, flowing scroll engraving without background shading, a characteristic bestial design on the hammers with "bat-wing" style ears, and banner designs around the lower serial numbers. The revolvers have brass cone front sights, "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-" on top of the barrels, the classic Naval Battle of Campeche cylinder roll-scenes, small "COLTS/PATENT" marks on the frames, matching serial numbers aside from the wedges ("825" and "242"), the factory dot marking by the main serial numbers designating the pair for special finishing, "B" on the left side of the early squareback trigger guards, "W" on the right side of the trigger guards, and varnished walnut grips. The "A" grip has some nice figure. The unusual double case has attractive figured panels, silver straps and the noted silver inscription plaque on the exterior, red velvet interior lining , two Eley Bros. cap tins, a Colt's patent navy flask with sloped charger, an L-shaped combination tool, spare mainspring, spare nipples, and a brass Colt patent ball and bullet mold with iron sprue cutter.

Documentation

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 36

Price Realized:

Cased Gustave Young Factory Master Engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver with Rare Oak Grip

Lot 154

Factory Engraved Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver

This revolver was manufactured in 1856 and has an apostrophe marked by the matching serial numbers on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap indicating factory engraving. Master Engraver Gustave Young was Colt's primary engraving contractor starting c. 1855 and held that position until he made a return visit to Germany in July of 1858. He returned to the U.S. in 1861 and returned to work for Colt where he is listed as a "pistolmaker" in records for 1863 and then opened his own independent shop in Hartford before becoming the head engraver for Smith & Wesson in 1869. He died from cancer in 1895. His sons also engraved for Smith & Wesson. This revolver features the classic German-American style associated with Young with floral booms and animal heads among the highly detailed scroll engraving along with fan/rayed patterns. Note the fanciful eagle head among the scrolls on the left side of the barrel and the more discreet dog head design on the right side of the frame at the bottom rear corner. The "COLTS/PATENT" marking inscribed rather than stamped on the left side of the frame is also typical of Gustave Young's work. The hammer has the dog's head motif used by Young and the other German-American engravers of the period and has three dots visible ahead of the knurling, often believed to denote the number of days of work in Gustave Young's shop. The revolver has the classic blue, casehardened, and silver finish use on most Colt percussion revolvers and a smooth oak grip. The writer believes this to be from the historic Charter Oak of Hartford, Connecticut, as Samuel Colt is known to have used wood salvaged from the tree for grips after it fell in a storm on August 21, 1856, the same year this revolver was made. The barrel has a cone front sight and the "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW-YORK CITY-" marking, and the Naval Battle of Campeche scene is on the cylinder. The revolver comes in a fitted hardwood case with a martial pattern powder flask with slanted charger, an L-shaped combination tool, brass ball and bullet mold, two Eley cap tins, and D.C. Sage cartridge and caps pack.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 36

Price Realized:

Highly Attractive Cased New York Gold Plated and Engraved Colt Round Barrel Navy Cartridge Conversion Revolver with Ejector and Pearl Grips

Lot 155

Gold Plated Engraved Colt Round Barrel Navy Cartridge Revolver

Only approximately 2,000 of these conversion revolvers were manufactured c. 1873-1875 with round barrels and side mounted ejectors. They are further split into 4 1/2, 5 1/2, and 6 1/2 inch barrel versions and rimfire and centerfire variations. Only a very limited number were engraved. This revolver has extensive scroll engraving with punched backgrounds and decorative borders and wavy line accents on the barrel, rear of the cylinder, frame, loading gate, trigger guard, and backstrap. The elaborate scroll engraving is in the style popularized by L.D. Nimschke and other German-American engravers back in the 1850s and 1860s and was likely executed for a retailer. The barrel has a brass post front sight and the two-line "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO./HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A." address. The left side of the frame has the two-line "-PAT. JULY. 25. 1871-/-PAT. JULY. 2. 1872.-" marking. The cylinder has the standard stagecoach holdup scene. The serial numbers on the barrel, cylinder, frame, trigger guard, and back strap match. "1815" is marked on the loading gate and arbor pin, and the wedge is a replacement. The major parts are all finished in gilt silver (gold over silver plating). The hammer is casehardened, and the trigger is niter blued. It has a very attractive pair of pearl grips. The case has a cleaning rod, L-shaped screwdriver, key, and a large cartridge block that is partially filled with cartridges.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 RF

Price Realized:

Highly Desirable and Rare Martially Inspected Colt Pre-First Model "Fluck/Walker Replacement" Dragoon Percussion Revolver

Lot 156

Colt Pre-First Model "Fluck/Walker Replacement" Dragoon Revolver

This revolver was manufactured in 1848 and falls into the reported 2001 to 3000 serial number range for the "Walker Replacement Dragoons" identified by researcher John J. Fluck in 1956. He estimated 300 were made to replace the Walker revolvers that had failed and indicated they were made for the U.S. military using original Walker parts and reworked parts. They are also known as "pre-First Model Dragoons" and "Second Contract Dragoons" and are among the rarest of the roughly 19,000 Colt Dragoon revolvers. More recent research by Dick Salzer, David Basnet, G. Maxwell Longfield, and others has changed our understanding of this model and shown that they were not replacements for broken Walkers or made from recycled or repaired Walker components as Fluck had theorized. In "Debunking the Fluck Myth: Colt Legends Die Hard" by Salzer for the American Society of Arms Collectors in 2019, the author notes that these revolvers are actually the first Dragoons sold to the government, and "The obvious conclusion is that Colt, for reasons of completeness perhaps, chose to number the guns made for the second government contract in a closed, out-of-sequence series, beginning with 2001 and continuing to 3000. That left him with a gap in his civilian production between 1340 and 2000 which he subsequently filled with later production guns." He also notes that the tiny serial number numerals were stamped with the same dies as the civilian Walker revolvers, the Whitneyville Dragoons, and on the early "pre-First Model Dragoons" until the dies are presumed to have worn out around serial number 2650. The revolver has the distinctive First Model style oval cylinder stops and brass square-back trigger guard. The top of the barrel flat has a nickel-silver blade front sight and is marked "ADDRESS SAMl COLT, NEW-YORK CITY" reading from the breech to the muzzle, and a "P" is stamped above the wedge screw on the left. "P" is also marked on the arbor pin, left side of the hammer, and cylinder. "COLT'S/PATENT/U.S." is marked on the left of the frame. The cylinder is has the Indian and Texas Rangers battle scene and "MODEL U.S.M.R./COLT'S PATENT." The complete matching serial number is marked on the barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard, back strap, and arbor pin. The wedge is not numbered, and the loading lever has "66" or "99." The grip has traces of cartouches visible on the the bottom left and right. The butt has a faint handwritten marking that appears to be "PA/S3."

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Cased Gustave Young Master Factory Engraved Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver with Attractive and Desirable Pearl Grips

Lot 157

Gustave Young Engraved Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver

The serial number falls between the ranges in the "4 inch" columns on the June 3 and September 23 lists for work from Gustave Young's shop suggesting this revolver would have been engraved in the summer of 1854. The style of the engraving is consistent with other examples from Gustave Young's shop in 1854, including the use of rayed designs on the bottom of the barrel lug and shoulders of the back strap. Much of the engraving on this revolver matches or is similar to the engraving on examples off the identified lists noted above recently sold by RIAC. The masterfully executed engraving covers 2/3s of the barrel, essentially all of the frame, the side flats on the loading lever, the side of the hammer, and parts of the trigger guard and back strap. The barrel has the hand engraved "Saml Colt" marking with engraved line accents and a brass post front sight. A cat's head is "biting" at the loading lever screw on the left side of the barrel, and "2" marks are on the lower left side of the barrel lug. The frame also has the hand engraved "COLTS/PATENT" mark. The hammer has the dog's head design on the sides and a scale pattern on the top. There are some checkered panels on the frame and back strap edges by the hammer well and by the serial number on the bottom of the barrel and frame. The factory "dot" mark for arms designated for embellishment is found by the lower serial numbers. Matching numbers are found on the wedge, arbor pin, cylinder, loading lever, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The trigger guard also has an "S" on the left side. The revolver has a pair of period pearl grips. The case contains a small eagle powder flask, Eley cap tin, a blued double cavity mold, and some projectiles.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 31

Price Realized:

Lot 158

Colt London Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver

Samuel Colt's Model 1849 Pocket was the most popular Colt revolver of the 19th century in the U.S. and was used from the California Gold Rush through the end of the Indian Wars, but the London '49 Pocket revolvers were much more limited with just an estimated 11,000 manufactured in 1853-1856 compared to over 325,000 of the Hartford '49 Pockets and 43,000 London Navy revolvers. Many of the London '49 Pocket revolvers were made at least in part in Hartford, but this one was likely completely made at the London factory in 1855. It has the small brass cone front sight, "{ADDRESS. COL. COLT./LONDON.}" barrel address, classic stagecoach holdup scene on the 5-shot cylinder, "COLTS/PATENT" on the left side of the frame, London proof and view marks on the barrel and cylinder, and matching serial numbers on the various metal components. It is finished with high polish blue on the barrel and cylinder, silver on the iron grip frame, and case colors on the loading lever, frame, and hammer. The English oak case has navy blue interior lining and contains a bright high polish blue bullet mold, W. Eley cap tin, L-shaped combination tool, James Dixon & Sons bag shaped powder flask, and cleaning rod.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 31

Price Realized:

Lot 159

Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver

Colt Model 1851 Navy or "Revolving Belt Pistol of Naval Caliber" was the second most popular of all Colt percussion revolvers after only the more compact Model 1849 Pocket. When Samuel Colt was alive, it was this model that was probably the first to come to mind when someone brought up Colt's innovative "revolving pistols." It was an excellent revolver for lawmen, soldier, and every day citizens who might need some protection. It had more power than the '49 Pocket but was still much easier to carry than the massive .44 caliber Colts such as the Walkers and Dragoons. This highly attractive '51 Navy was manufactured in 1870. The barrel has the one-line New York address, the frame has the "COLTS/PATENT" marking, "36 CAL" is marked on the trigger guard, and matching full or partial serial numbers appear on the frame, barrel, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, and cylinder pin. The loading lever and wedge are unnumbered. The cylinder has the naval battle scene and is marked "COLTS PATENT No. 176."

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 36

Price Realized:

Lot 160

Colt Model 1849 Pocket Percussion Revolver

This revolver was manufactured in 1866 and remains in very high condition, especially for a Model 1849 Pocket. These revolvers were the most popular Colt percussion revolvers and usually got a lot of use. This one seems to have rarely left its case. It has the standard markings and features, including matching serial numbers (loading lever blank). The case has lead balls and conical bullets, an eagle pattern flask, L-shaped combination tool, dual cavity mold, and cap tin.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 31

Price Realized:

Lot 173

Colt First Model Derringer with British Proofs

Manufactured circa 1870-1890. Blade front and hammer notch rear sights, with the top of the barrel marked "COLT'S PT.F.A. MFG. Co/HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." followed by " No1" flanked by Maltese crosses and the matching serial number on the underside. Light scroll engraving on the sides of the frame with a burst design ahead of the hammer and scrollwork behind. The underside of the barrel bears a set of tiny "crown/GP" and "crown/V" stamps, with a small "C" present on the underside of the frame just ahead of the trigger. The crown stamps are the standard markings of the London Proof House, and the "C" marking was introduced by the Colt London Agency, which was having trouble with stateside agents trying to undercut them on the British market. With checkering on the hammer, trigger, and in panels on the grip. Includes a leather wrapped, fitted case and one .41 RF cartridge.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 RF

Price Realized:

Cased, Engraved, First Year Production, London Agency Shipped Colt House Model "Cloverleaf" Spur Trigger Revolver

Lot 175

London Agency Shipped Colt House Model "Cloverleaf" Revolver

Manufactured in 1871, this is one of approximately 7,500 manufactured known as the "cloverleaf" variation, due to the shape of their four-shot cylinder. This example has flourishes of floral scroll and border engraving on the sides of the frame and back strap that appears to have been executed at the factory. It has standard markings and features as well as British proofs on the barrel and the cylinder. Matching serial numbers are on the bottom of the barrel, butt, and inside of both grips. Includes a hardwood case with Colt London Agency interior label, key, and thirteen "E" headstamped .41 RF cartridges.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 RF

Price Realized:

Cased Engraved Colt New Line .22 Acid Etched Panel Pocket Revolver with Pearl Grips

Lot 176

Engraved Colt New Line .22 Etched Panel Pocket Revolver

Manufactured in 1876 as a Second Model featuring period zig-zag, dot, and floral scroll engraving on more than half of the surfaces. The left side of the barrel has the desirable acid etched panel marked "COLT NEW 22", the top marked with the two-line address, and it is fitted with a pair of smooth pearl grips. Includes a leather wrapped, fitted case, with the interior lining Cogswell & Harrison retailer marked and eight .22 RF cartridges.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 22 RF

Price Realized:

Phenomenal and Fresh Early Production Three Digit Serialized Colt Large Frame "Express Model" Lightning Slide Action Rifle in Highly Desirable .50-95 Express

Lot 183

Colt Large Frame "Express Model" Lightning 50-95 Rifle

This exceptional Colt Large Frame "Express Model" Lightning slide action rifle is an early production, three digit serial numbered example as manufactured in the first year of production (1887) and is chambered for the highly sought after powerful .50-95 Express cartridge. The Colt Lightning rifles were Colt's most successful attempt to compete with Winchester, Remington, Marlin, and others in the lucrative repeating rifle market but were still sold in relatively small numbers despite being very fast actions and reliable. These "Express Model" rifles were the rarest of the series, and only 6,496 were manufactured in 1887-1894 compared to nearly 90,000 each of the Small and Medium frame versions. The rifle is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and an elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight. The barrel is stamped with the two-line Hartford address/patent dates legend ahead of the rear sight on the top flat and "50-95-Ex" in script on the upper left flat at the breech. The standard Rampant Colt is stamped on the left side of the frame. The three digit serial number is correctly found on the lower tang. The forearm is checkered walnut. The plain straight grip stock is nicely figured walnut and fitted with a crescent buttplate.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 50-95 Express

Price Realized:

Cased London Retailer Marked Colt New Line .41 Etched Panel Spur Trigger Revolver

Lot 184

London Retailer Marked Colt New Line .41 Etched Panel Revolver

Manufactured in 1877 with standard features, the two-line address on top of the barrel, "COLT NEW 41" in an etched panel on the left, "E.M. REILLY & Co/502 NEW OXFORD ST. LONDON" retailer engraved on the right, and the patent marking and serial number on the bottom. The caliber marking is on the left of the frame and the matching serial number is on the left of the grip frame under the grip. Includes a leather wrapped semi-hard case with E.M. Reilly interior trade label, oiler, turnscrew, cleaning rod, and five .41 CF cartridges.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 CF

Price Realized:

Cased London Retailer Marked Colt Second Model Single Shot Derringer

Lot 185

London Retailer Marked Colt Second Model Derringer

Manufactured from 1870-1890 with factory engraved flourishes of floral scroll on both sides of the frame. The top flat of the barrel has the two line address and "No2", flanked by Maltese crosses, and the left side is marked "R.JONES/MANCHESTER ST/L'POOL" as well as "76/7" near the breech. There are British proofs on the bottom of the barrel and matching serial numbers on the bottom of the barrel, butt, and the inside of each grip. Includes a hardwood case with reproduction Robert Jones interior trade label, oiler, cleaning rod, screwdriver, key, and three .41 RF cartridges.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 RF

Price Realized:

Lot 186

Factory Engraved Colt New Line .41 Spur Trigger Revolver

Manufactured in 1874 as a First Model with the short cylinder flutes and stop slots on the outside. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address marking flanked by Maltese crosses and the left of the frame is marked "41CAL". This specific revolver has been factory engraved with near full coverage floral scroll and geometric designs. The matching, early production serial number is on the left side of the grip frame, bottom of the barrel, rear face of the cylinder, and inside each grip panel. It otherwise has standard features of an early production First Model.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 RF

Price Realized:

Lot 187

First Type Colt Third Model Derringer

Manufactured c. 1870s, this is one of approximately only 2,000 First Type Third Model derringers manufactured by Colt. It has the raised relief (bulbous) bolster around the barrel screw and the high spur hammer which are defining characteristics of the First Type derringers. This example is a later production First Type which has the large italic "-COLT-" marking on top of the barrel and falls in the serial range of 200-2000. Matching numbers are on the left of the grip frame, barrel, and handwritten inside each grip panel. It has standard features of the late production First Type derringers.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 RF

Price Realized:

Very Fine Colt Etched Panel New Line .30 Spur Trigger Revolver

Lot 188

Colt Etched Panel New Line .30 Revolver

Manufactured 1876 with standard markings, including the "COLT NEW 30" in an etched panel on the left of the barrel. The full serial number is on the butt and the last three digits ("709") are marked on the barrel, rear face of the cylinder, and inside each of the unique factory hard rubber grips. It has standard features.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 30 RF

Lot 189

Pacific Mail Steamship Co. Colt Single Action Army Revolver

Offered here is the only known Pacific Mail Steamship Company marked Colt Single Action Army Revolver. The Pacific Mail Steamship Company marking, “PM SS Co,” is stamped on the left side of the barrel followed by “45 COLT.” Otherwise the revolver has standard Colt markings, including the one-line Hartford barrel address, two-line patent dates marking on the frame and matching serial numbers on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The rear cylinder face is marked “03.” Over the years this SAA has been documented in Colt related publications. The revolver is pictured in Jerry Hemphill’s “Colts from Texas and the Old West” on page 33. When this book was published in 1986, Hemphill acknowledged this revolver as the “only known single action stamped P.M.S.S. Co. on the left side of barrel.” The PMSS Co. marking on this revolver is pictured and identified in Keith Cochran’s "Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia” on page 288. Of interest is the Colt Lightning Revolver no. 108310 stamped with the PMSS Co. marking on the back strap as referenced in Richard Marohn’s article “The Lightning Express Revolver” published in the January 1981 edition of Arms Gazette (issue included). This Lighting and this SAA were both manufactured in 1898. Marohn proposed that Wells Fargo, “the sole freight agent of the Pacific Mail Steam Ship Company,” had arms branded with the PMSS Co. name as well as the names of the other agencies it served. The included factory letter confirms the 7 ½ inch barrel in .45 caliber, blue finish and hard rubber grips. The factory records also show this revolver as being part of a 25 gun shipment on February 5, 1898 and delivered to Colt’s San Francisco Agency, California. In the accompanying May 1981 dated notarized letter, the original owner’s son and inheritor of this revolver recounts, “This revolver was carried by my father, Mr. Elleck Lonnie Angles, deceased, during his duties as Mail Room Guard on various vessels operated by the Pacific Mail Steamship Company. To the best of my recollection, my father was so employed by this company during the years 1907 through 1915. The revolver was given to me by my father in 1954.” An accompanying bill of sale and letter indicates that this revolver was sold in June 2004 by past director of the Colt Collectors Association C.D. Terry (1928-2012). Founded in 1848, the Pacific Mail Steamship Company was originally created to carry U.S. mail along the Pacific transcontinental route via Panama. The California Gold Rush of 1849 created an economic boom for the company nearly at its inception, as it played a key role in carrying supplies and gold seekers. In fact, a PMSS Co. ship carried the first gold seekers from the East to San Francisco. Within five years the company was operating 18 steamers. At its operational peak in 1869, the company owned 23 steamers. Under threat from Confederate raiding parties, PMSS CO. ships carried a detachment of Union soldiers for protection during the Civil War. In 1867, the company began regular service routes between San Francisco and Hong Kong, which opened the East to the West and brought diversity to the shores of California. The PMSS Co. was the most profitable business of its kind while also playing a pivotal role in America’s westward expansion. Competition from the railroad and the company’s own neglect of keeping up with changing technologically ultimately doomed the PMSS Co., which officially closed in 1949 with just over 100 years of service. Includes an original PMSS Co. advertisement from 1905 and an original PMSS Co. label.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45 LC

Price Realized:

Extraordinarily Fine U.S. David F. Clark Sub-Inspected Cavalry Model Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Kopec Gold Seal Letter

Lot 191

U.S. Cavalry Model Colt SAA Revolver

This incredible U.S. contract Colt Single Action Army has defied the odds and survived nearly a century and a half in excellent condition and certainly is in the top 1% of Colt Cavalry Model revolvers. Noted Colt Single Action authority John A. Kopec gave this revolver his gold seal with ribbon in the included authentication letter. The gold seal represents "a revolver which is found to be authentic in every respect, regardless of the percent of original finish remaining...This revolver is one which the writer feels would qualify being in his own personal collection: one for which 'no excuses' would ever be required. Few surviving examples will qualify for this distinction." The very rarely awarded ribbons represent an even higher grade, the best of the best. In the letter he writes that, "Historically, there would be no point to attempt to pin-point an area of service for this revolver because it is this writer's opinion that this revolver had never been issued, but was in fact sold directly to a private individual as surplus from the Springfield Armory during the 1920s. During the past 102 years this revolver has been protected and never fired by some very thoughtful individuals." He also notes that it falls between 119054 and 119064 in their database and was manufactured in January of 1887 and shipped c. January 18, 1887. It was inspected by Captain John G. Butler. "His prominent un-circled initials appear on the left grip panel and remain in perfect condition under the year-date '1887'. The Ordnance-Sub-Inspector during the entire 1880s period was David F. Clark. His cartouche is located on the lower right grip and his initials 'DFC' may be found on the frame, barrel, cylinder and left butt of this fine revolver." Kopec notes that this revolver was not dismantled in any way nor cocked during the examination because of the extraordinary high condition of this revolver. This U.S. contract "Cavalry Model" revolver is one of the earliest inspected by Butler given other known examples and the range estimated in "Colt Cavalry and Artillery Revolvers... a Continuing Study" by Kopec and Fenn. The authors in the former text also note that only Butler used an acceptance stamp without a border, and Kopec calls the exceptional cartouche on this revolver "text-book" in his letter. Given the revolver escaped being altered to "Artillery" configuration and remains in exceptionally high condition, it was likely issued to a state militia/national guard unit or stowed away somewhere at Springfield Armory and remained safely confined for many years. As Kopec noted, it appears to have remained unfired since leaving the factory. The barrel, ejector housing, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap have the Colt military blue finish. The screws and trigger are a fiery niter blue. The frame, hammer and loading gate are color casehardened. The one-piece walnut grip is oil finished. The revolver has the later smaller "dished" ejector rod button, and the early "black powder" frame with a screw securing the arbor pin. The "U.S." property mark is stamped on the left side of the frame behind the three-line, three-date patent marking. A small block "D.F.C." sub-inspection mark is stamped on the underside of the barrel, bottom of the frame above the serial number, side of the cylinder, and on the left side of the grip on the butt. "P" proofmarks are stamped on the underside of the barrel and side of the cylinder. The lower left side of the grip is stamped with the year "1887" above the script "JGB" final inspection mark. The lower right side of the grip is stamped with the script "DFC" sub-inspector's mark. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." in one line. The assembly number "97" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. The full serial number is visible on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The partial serial number "9063" is stamped on the side of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. Given the exceptional condition of the revolver, including the screws, we did not risk disassembling the revolver to inspect the barrel under the ejector housing or the grip under the grip strap, but we would expect to find matching numbers in these hidden areas.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45 Long Colt

Price Realized:

Cased London Agency Shipped Colt Etched Panel New House Model Spur Trigger Revolver in Very Scarce .32 CF Caliber

Lot 192

Colt Etched Panel New House Model Revolver in .32 CF Caliber

One of approximately 4,000 manufactured from 1880 to 1886, with the vast majority being chambered in .38 or .41 CF. The top of the barrel has the two-line address, and the "COLT. 32." etched panel is on the left. There are British proofs (some from inter-war period) on the barrel, frame, and cylinder, including "NOT ENGLISH MAKE" partially overlapping the etched panel. It has standard features including checkered hard rubber grips with "COLT" in ovals at the tops. The serial number is on the butt, and the partial serial number is on the rear face of the cylinder. Includes a hardwood case with Colt London Agency interior label, cleaning rod, key, and eighteen Kynoch .32 CF cartridges.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 32 CF

Price Realized:

Cased Period Retailer Engraved London Agency Shipped Colt Etched Panel New Line .41 Spur Trigger Revolver

Lot 193

Engraved Colt Etched Panel New Line .41 Revolver

Manufactured in 1874-1879 with standard features, the two-line address on top of the barrel, "COLT NEW 41" in an etched panel on the left, and the patent marking and serial number on the bottom. The revolver has 75% coverage floral scroll engraving that appears to have been executed by the retailer. The caliber marking is on the left of the frame, and the matching serial number is on the left of the grip frame under the grip. Includes a hardwood case with Colt London Agency interior label, cleaning rod, key, and ten .410 Eley cartridges.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 CF

Price Realized:

Exceptional Cased London Shipped Colt Etched Panel New Line .41 Spur Trigger Revolver

Lot 194

London Shipped Colt Etched Panel New Line .41 Revolver

Manufactured from 1874-1879 with standard features, the two-line address on top of the barrel, "COLT NEW 41" in an etched panel on the left, and British proofs on the bottom of the barrel and on the cylinder. The caliber marking is also on the left of the frame, and the matching serial number is on the left of the grip frame under the grip and partially ("600") on the rear face of the cylinder. The loading gate and right of the grip frame are numbered "855", and the bottom of the left grip panel is stamped "1855". Includes a hardwood case with Colt London Agency interior label, cleaning rod, and four .41 CF cartridges.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 CF

Price Realized:

Early Production, Factory Engraved, Silver Plated Colt New Line .22 Spur Trigger Pocket Revolver

Lot 195

Engraved Silver Plated Colt New Line .22 Revolver

16,000 First Model New Line .22 revolvers were manufactured in the 1870s with short fluted cylinders and visible cylinder stop slots. This example was manufactured in 1876 and has the two-line address on top of the barrel, the matching serial number on the butt and inside each smooth grip panel, British proofs on the bottom of the barrel, and 50% coverage factory floral scroll engraving. This scarce early production example lacks the etched panel on the left side of the barrel, and the frame is silver plated.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 22 RF

Price Realized:

Lot 196

Colt Lightning Medium Frame Slide Action Rifle

This early production three digit serial numbered Colt Lightning Medium Frame Rifle was manufactured in 1884, the first year of production, and remains in very high condition. These rifles saw hard use and are rarely found in this high condition, especially for a very early production rifle. The rifle is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Hartford address/patent dates legend ahead of the rear sight and "44 Cal." at the breech. A Rampant Colt is correctly stamped on the left side of the frame. The lower tang has the early three digit serial number "421." The forearm is checkered, and the plain straight grip stock is fitted with a crescent buttplate. Despite Colt's excellent design, which was faster than and equally reliable as Winchester's lever actions and certainly competitive with the other slide action rifles of the day, the design failed to make Colt a serious competitor in the sporting rifle field and production of the Lightning rifle series only ran from 1884-1904. The medium frame variation was dropped in 1902.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Price Realized:

Phenomenal, Fresh, and Extremely Rare Wilbur Glahn Factory Documented Master Engraved and Gold Inlaid First Generation Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Raised Relief Carved Steer Head Grip, Factory Box, and Colt Historian Letter

Lot 199

Wilbur Glahn Engraved and Gold Inlaid Colt Single Action Army

With the factory engraving from Master Engraver Wilbur Glahn, four gold inlays, a steer carved right grip, initials carved on the left grip, and a box, this incredible Colt Single Action Army is certainly among the rarest and most desirable of Colt revolvers and is truly one-of-a-kind. It is the only gold inlaid First Generation Single Action Army known that has its original box, and the box calls out some of the rare and valuable features, including "Gold." According to Ullom's Colt records research discussed in the Winter 2007 issue of "The Rampant Colt," there were only fifteen gold inlaid pre-war Single Actions and only two in .44-40 caliber. In "Colt Engraving Book Volume One" on page 435, R.L. Wilson notes, "Only a handful of specimens of gold inlaid and engraved pre-World War II Single Action Army revolvers are known to the author at this writing. Factory gold inlay represents the ultimate in rarity and desirability on Colt firearms." This "ultimate rarity" was manufactured in 1929 and letters in .44-40 with a 5 1/2 inch barrel, grips of "Ivory with carved steer head motif on one side and the initials 'E.A.T.' in relief on the other side," and as factory engraved and gold inlaid. It was shipped to "Sr. Don Alfredo Gottling" of Buenos Aires, Argentina, on March 16, 1929, in factory order "#16059/1" and was the only gun of this type in the shipment. As the letter indicates, this revolver was shipped to dealer Alfredo Gottling of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Gottling's shop, “La Portena," catered to the elite in Argentina and thus was a key buyer of some of the most extravagant Colt revolvers and other fine arms and in fact received a large portion of the known factory engraved and gold inlaid Colt revolvers. This one was clearly ordered for a specific individual given the carved "EAT" initials on the left grip as specified in the factory letter. Unfortunately no information on the identity of "EAT" is given nor found as of this writing, but we know that Gottling's clientele included the most powerful men in the country, including President Marcelo Torcuato de Alvea. Argentina was among the most prosperous countries in the world between World War I and the Great Depression. While well-known for its silver, Argentina is also the third largest producer of gold in South America, so gold inlaid firearms would have been particularly suitable for wealthy Argentines. Like the gold, the steer head on the right grip is a fitting motif for an Argentina destined Colt as beef was a very important Argentine commodity and export at the time and remains a very significant part of the country's cuisine and economy. The country suffered in the Great Depression which began in Argentina the same year this revolver was made, and the effects helped plunge the country into a decade of political upheaval and corruption known as the "Infamous Decade" the following year. The revolver has Wilbur Glahn's distinctive style of engraving with panels of scrollwork with punched backgrounds on the sides of the barrel as well as the cylinder, frame, trigger guard, and back strap; a star motif on the edge of ejector button, a wavy line motif on the top of the ejector housing and flourish of scrollwork on the right side, coordinating wavy line along the rear of the cylinder, "V" shaped details on the top of the back strap and butt, and a trefoil element on the front of the frame. The four gold inlays are floral accents on the recoil shield, loading gate, and lower left and right of the frame. These are unusual and rare features, in terms of the existence of gold inlays at all and based on what and where the gold inlays are. In "The Book of Colt Firearms," R.L. Wilson noted, "The rarest decoration in the Single Action Series is gold inlay, usually restricted only to barrel bands or inscriptions." The barrel has a standard blade front sight, a one-line address, and "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER .44-40" on the left side, and the frame has the two-line patent marking and Rampant Colt trademark on the left. The trigger guard has a "1" over the triangular "VP" proof on the left. The loading gate has assembly number "891," and the matching serial number is on the frame and right side of the grip straps. The grips have silver Rampant Colt medallions, "EAT" in raised relief on the left grip with most of the "A" on a removable cap that covers the hidden grip screw, and a classic steer head in raised relief on the right grip. The scarce and valuable factory "maroon" box has an "ENGRAVED" label on the lid end flap and a smaller "Ivory Gold" label on the bottom on the standard dark blue label, and the latter has the correct "5 1/2" barrel length, "Colt's Army S.A. Revolver." and ".44" caliber designation. The last digit of the serial number marked on the underside of the box remains legible and matches. Inside the lid and the bottom of the compartment have factory trade labels noting Colt's revolvers, automatic pistols, and machine guns as well as the factory trademarks. A brass cleaning rod is also in the box.

Documentation

Has Box

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Price Realized:

Very Fine Documented Scarce 5 1/2 Inch Barrel Colt Frontier Six Shooter Etched Panel Single Action Army Revolver with Holster and Factory Letter

Lot 200

Colt Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army Revolver

The factory letter lists this revolver in .44-40 with a 5 1/2 inch barrel and nickel plated finish and as shipped to Pribyl Brothers in Chicago on July 9, 1887, as one of a pair. The barrel has a blade front sight, "44" on the bottom, and the "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER" etched panel on the left. The frame has the top strap groove rear sight, niter blue screws, and the three-line patent marking on the left. "44 CAL" is on the left side of the trigger guard. The loading gate has assembly number "935." Matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. A lightly tooled double loop holster with "44" and "113" marked on the loops is included. Ignatius M. Pribyl and Joseph A. Pribyl operated Pribyl Brothers in Chicago c. 1880 to 1905 and were cutlery, firearms, and sporting goods dealers and importers. Provenance: The General Sam S. Walker Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Price Realized:

Scarce Cased Colt Black Powder Flattop Target Single Action Army .450 Eley Revolver

Lot 201

Colt Flattop Target Single Action Army .450 Eley Revolver

Manufactured in 1890. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address on top and "450 ELEY" on the left side. Per R.L. Wilson in "The Book of Colt Firearms" Colt manufactured 84 flattop target Single Action Army revolvers chambered in .450 Eley. London proofs are stamped on the underside of the barrel and in each cylinder flute, target sights, and matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The partitioned case features an added cartridge block for 31 rounds and currently holds 22 rounds of .450 Eley and a single round of .455 Eley. A Colt London paper label on the interior of the lid and containing an oiler, screwdriver, and cleaning rod.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 450 Eley

Price Realized:

Historic, Documented, Factory Individually Shipped to Montana Pioneer and Gunsmith Charles Morrell, Colt Black Powder Single Action Army Revolver with Rare W.B. Ten Eyck of Montana Money Belt/Holster Rig and Factory Letter

Lot 204

Montana Pioneer's Colt Single Action Army Revolver

Offered here is a great piece of Montana history that letters to a true pioneering legend: gunsmith Charles Morrell, who played an "active part in Montana territorial days." Documented Montana shipped guns are difficult to discover. Finding one that is individually shipped to a noted Montana legend is nearly impossible. Adding to the rarity and desirability is that this SAA comes with an SAA holster rig made by one of Montana Territory's most noted and sought after saddleries: W.B. Ten Eyck. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with a 7 ½ inch barrel in .38 Colt caliber and blue finish with stocks not listed when sold to Charles T. Morrell of Missoula County, Montana and shipped to A.L. Babcock Hardware, Billings, Montana, on March 30, 1894. This was a single gun shipment. Charles T. Morrell (?-1940) grew up as the youngest of 5 children in New York State. His father was killed at the Battle of Antietam in the Civil War. His sister, Nan, moved from New York to Helena, Montana, after marrying a builder. Nan wrote to Charles explaining Montana would be a great place for him to start a business. Taking his sister’s advice Charles moved to Montana in 1886 or 1889, just before the territory was admitted to the Union. A gunsmith by trade, Charles established his gun shop in Helena, and by 1895 he had gained the reputation as "the best gunsmith in Helena.” Based on the advertisements he took out in local newspapers Charles seemed to shy away from his local celebrity status, choosing instead to promote himself simply as a "practical gun and locksmith" and "manufacturer of and dealer in guns." He is credited as manufacturing the first gun in Montana. In his obituary it was reported that Charles "recalled that guns from his shop had been used by many possemen in hunting down desperadoes of that era, and that in some instances he had ridden with the posses." In the same obituary he was fondly remembered as "a veteran of Montana's turbulent territorial days." Charles moved out of the center of town and into the unsettled northwest area of Helena now known as Seeley Lake in 1894, the same year he purchased this SAA that would have offered him protection in the untamed wilds of Montana whether it be man or beast. He bought land near a creek that today bears his name. A mountain peak, lake and waterfall are also named after him. Today the five mile Morrell Falls National Recreation Trail is one of the most popular of the Seeley Lake Ranger District trials. Charles remained at his homestead until 1910 when his wife, Laura, died and thereafter returned to Helena. In 1912, he remarried. He became land commissioner in western Montana in 1902 and served for several years. Information on Charles Morrell is included. Charles Morrell’s SAA has standard factory markings consisting of the one-line Hartford address and “38 COLT” on the barrel and the two-line patent dates followed by a circled Rampant Colt on the left side of the frame as well as matching serial numbers on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The revolver wears two-piece smooth pearl grips. The assembly number “745” is marked on the loading gate. Includes a period original holster rig by W.B. Ten Eyck, a Montana saddle shop known for exceptional quality. The front of the Mexican loop pattern holster is marked “W.B. TEN EYCK” above “Billings MT” in script, all in a cartouche. The W.B. Ten Eyck cartouche is repeated on the belt tongue. The leather cartridge money belt measures 43 ¼ inches long and 3 ¾ inches wide. It is not hard to imagine Charles Morrell picking up this SAA at A.L Babcock Hardware in Billings and walking over to W.B. Ten Eyck’s shop to purchase this holster rig for his 7 ½ inch SAA. Before dying from a gunshot wound in 1929 in Billings, W.B. Ten Eyck created some of the most distinctive holsters and saddles west of the Mississippi. Leather work by W.B. Ten Eyck is highly prized and extremely rare with very few examples even in the most advanced public or private collections.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 LC

Price Realized:

Exceptional Cased London Barrel Address Colt Model 1877 Lightning Double Action Revolver with Etched Panel

Lot 206

London Barrel Address Colt Model 1877 Lightning Revolver

The Colt Model 1877 revolvers were Colt's first double action revolvers and were designed by William Mason who also helped design the Single Action Army. Like the latter, these revolvers were popular in the Old West, and Colt also worked to market them in the United Kingdom where they competed with popular British designs like the Adams and Webley revolvers. This Colt Lightning was manufactured in 1879 for the U.K. market and has a half-moon style front sight, "COLT D.A. 38" in an etched panel on the left side of the barrel, "COLT PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A./DEPOT 14. PALL MALL LONDON." on top of the barrel, the three patent dates on the left side of the action, "38 CAL" on the left side of the trigger guard, "S" on the front face of the cylinder, and checkered grips with embossed Rampant Colt trademarks. Matching serial numbers are on the back of the cylinder (partial), frame, trigger guard, back strap, and grips (handwritten). The bottom of the barrel and cylinder between the flute have London proof marks. The small parts are finished in bright fire blue, and the balance has nickel plating. The modern case has a label addressed similar to the barrel and has an English fitted interior with two empty cartridge blocks.

Has Box

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 Long Colt

Price Realized:

Extraordinary, Well-Documented, Incredibly Rare, First Year Production, Three Digit Serialized B. Kittredge & Co. Shipped Colt "Omnipotent" Etched Panel Model 1878 Double Action Revolver with Factory Letter, Formerly of the Famed William Locke Collection

Lot 207

Colt "Omnipotent" Etched Panel Model 1878 Revolver

The Model 1878 was Colt’s first large frame double action revolver and, until recently, has been overshadowed by its legendary cousin, the Single Action Army. In the words of famed SAA expert and author John Kopec, “The Colt Model 1878 Double Action Army revolver has always held a more or less secondary place in the Colt collecting field. That is until now!” In recent years the Model 1878 has become increasingly popular with collectors who are rediscovering its legacy in Colt heritage and in U.S. history in general. Just like the SAA, the Model 1878 shaped American history out on the western frontier. The Model 1878 was used by settlers, lawmen and outlaws during America’s push to the West coast. Its association with the Wild West alone has made the Model 1878 a very collectable American handgun. The Model 1878 has also found a special place with military collectors. The U.S. Ordnance Department purchased 4,600 Model 1878s known as the Philippine or Alaskan models, which saw action during the Philippine-American War and Moro Rebellion. High condition examples are catching the eye of serious collectors, especially those looking for rare variations such as this example. Offered here is a superb, one of less than 200 B. Kittredge & Co. shipped ”Omnipotent” marked Colt Model 1878 Double Action Revolver. The story of the Omnipotent marked Model 1878 is retold in Don Wilkerson’s seminal work “Colt’s Double-Action Revolver, Model of 1878,” and Wilkerson referred to these handguns as “among the most sought after revolvers by collectors today” (page 233). These incredibly rare revolvers feature an acid etched “OMNIPOTENT” panel on the left side of the barrel, just as featured on this example, and most “Omnipotent” marked Model 1878s were shipped to B. Kittredge & Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio. Benjamin Kittredge is extremely important to the Colt legacy. In the 1870s and 1880s, Kittredge dominated the Colt retailer market. He is credited for coming up with at least nine Colt model trade names that included the now legendary names “Peacemaker” for the Single Action Army Revolver and “Lightning” and “Thunderer” for the .38 caliber and .41 caliber Model 1877 respectively. “Omnipotent” was Kittredge’s trade name for the Model 1878, and he had this name etched on the left side of the barrel. The first of these revolvers were shipped to Kittredge in August 1878. The last of these revolvers were shipped to Kittredge in May 1882. A very limited number of these revolvers were shipped to other dealers such as Hartley & Graham. The bulk of the “Omnipotent” revolvers were received by Kittredge. These revolvers came finished in blue or nickel with at least one nickel plated gun having a gold plated cylinder, grips varied from the standard hard rubber to more costly special order material like pearl, a few were even engraved, and in general they had 7 ½ inch barrels and were chambered in .45 caliber. Based on Wilkerson’s reading of the available factory records, “A total of 174 revolvers were shipped to Kittredge between the first Omnipotent marked invoice on August 6, 1878, and the last Omnipotent marked invoice on Mary 13, 1882. The author tends to think all of these revolvers were probably etched with the Omnipotent marking. If we count only those revolvers listed as Omnipotent in the records (the only revolvers that will definitely letter as Omnipotent) we have only 154 revolvers” (page 236). “Omnipotent” is defined by Merriam-Webster as “having complete or unlimited power,” often associated with deities. It is a name that truly fits the Model 1878 in powerful .45 caliber. Unfortunately, the “Omnipotent” trade name did not catch on like Peacemaker did for the SAA. This exceptional revolver was formerly of the famed William Locke collection and the Renaud de Kerchove d’Ousselghem collection and was well-documented over the decades as it was pictured and identified on page 240 in Don Wilkerson’s “Colts Double-Action Revolver, Model of 1878” and on page 209 in “The William M. Locke Collection.” The factory letter confirms the 7 ½ inch barrel in .45 caliber, nickel plating and grip material as well as the revolver being shipped on September 2, 1878 to the famed Cincinnati, Ohio, dealer B. Kittredge & Co. This shipment included one other gun of this type. As stated, the left side of the barrel has the incredibly rare “OMNIPOTENT” acid etched panel. Although the etched panel is not confirmed in the factory records, it is most certainly factory. As indicated by Wilkerson’s research, not all “Omnipotent” marked Model 1878s will letter as having the trade name on the barrel. The top of the barrel is stamped with the one-line Hartford address. “45 CAL” is stamped on the left side of the trigger guard. The early production three digit serial number “370” appears on the butt ahead of the lanyard loop, on the loading gate, and on the rear cylinder face with the individual numbers stamped between the chambers. Both of the bird head grip panels are also numbered to the gun. Besides the matching serial number, the rear cylinder face is also stamped with a factory “P” inspection mark. Includes a copy of George Gamble and R.L. Wilson's "A Life's Tapestry of a Collector, The Gamble Collection" where this revolver is pictured and identified on pages 284-287. Provenance: The William M. Locke Collection; The Renaud de Kerchove d'Ousselghem Collection; The George F. Gamble Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45 LC

Price Realized:

Lot 209

Colt Deluxe Lightning Medium Frame Slide Action Rifle

A little under 90,000 of the medium frame variation of the Colt Lightning rifles were manufactured between 1884 and 1904. The vast majority of those would have been full blue and have featured the standard stock and pump handle. This 1886 production rifle is a very scarce deluxe Lightning with a casehardened frame and fancy grade walnut handle and pistol grip stock featuring attractive multi-point checkering. The rifle is chambered for the .44-40 caliber cartridge and has a 26 inch octagon barrel, 15-round magazine, German silver blade front sight, and elevation adjustable rear sight. The receiver is the early style with no provision for a sliding breech cover. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Hartford address/patent dates legend ahead of the rear sight and "44 Cal." at the breech. A Rampant Colt is stamped on the left side of the receiver. The serial number is stamped on the lower tang. This rare rifle features a special order deluxe checkered and highly figured walnut stock and forend and casehardened receiver and buttplate. The fine checkering on the stock extends to the bottom of the pistol grip. The underside of the stock is inlaid with a blank German silver oval. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 26 inch octagon barrel in .44 caliber, blue and casehardened finishes, and fancy pistol grip stock as well as being shipped on April 16, 1886 to Wm Read & Sons of Boston, Massachusetts. In the 1880s Colt's revolvers were extremely popular, but Remington and Winchester had the rifle market cornered. Colt needed to find a way in, and what better way could they have done this than by designing a rifle specifically to compliment their revolvers? The result was three sizes of Colt Lighting rifles which were the first slide action rifles developed by Colt and were chambered for the same cartridges used in the Single Action Army. Colt proclaimed "Nothing was faster than lightning!" The Medium Frame Lightning was the first of the Colt slide action rifles. Colt Lighting Rifles with special order deluxe stocks and casehardened receivers are exceedingly rare.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44

Price Realized:

Very Scarce and Highly Desirable Houston, Texas, Shipped Colt Black Powder Sheriff's Model Single Action Army Revolver with Rare Documented Factory Silver Half Moon Sight and Factory Letter

Lot 210

Antique Colt Sheriff's Model Single Action Army Revolver

The ejectorless black powder Colt Sheriff's Model Single Action Army Revolver is one of the rarest and most sought after variations of the legendary Peacemaker. In "A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver," approximately 1,000 of these "ejectorless" revolvers were estimated to have been manufactured with the majority of the production occurring before 1900 (page 69). Per Keith Cochran in "Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Volume 1," only 494 out of a grand total of 1,000 "ejectorless" SAAs were manufactured with a 4 inch barrel. Based on Cochran's estimates only 32 SAAs out of the total Sheriff's Model production run were chambered in .41 caliber. Only those chambered in .38 Colt caliber had lower production numbers (8 units). The accompanying factory letter confirms the 4 inch barrel in .41 caliber, blue finish, grip material (however, current grips are antique period replacements marked "T.D./Texas" on interior right panel and "BROWN/Field" on interior left panel) and German silver half moon front sight as well as being shipped to Dunlay & Geisler of Houston, Texas, on May 25, 1895. This was a single gun shipment. The Colt Peacemaker is forever linked to Texas and the American West, and no state retains as strong of a cowboy heritage as Texas. It is not difficult to imagine this Sheriff's Model at the hip of a wondering cowboy. Offered here is a true piece of Americana! German silver half moon front sights were factory fitted on early production SAAs but were quickly replaced by the standard iron pattern. Although actual production numbers remain unknown, these German silver sights are rarely encountered; nearly impossible to find on a Sheriff's Model such as this one. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address with "COLT'S" obscured by the factory German silver front sight. The left side of the barrel is stamped "41 COLT." The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking followed by a circled Rampant Colt. The matching serial number appears on the frame, trigger guard and back strap.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 Colt

Price Realized:

Exceptional Colt Deluxe Large Frame "Express Model" Lightning Slide Action Rifle

Lot 212

Colt Deluxe Large Frame "Express Model" Lightning Rifle

Manufactured 1891 this highly sought after deluxe variation of the Colt Large Frame "Express Model" Lightning Rifle is chambered in .38-56-255 caliber. The rifle is fitted with a German silver blade front sight, an elevation adjustable rear sight and a folding tang peep sight. The barrel is stamped with the two-line Hartford address/patent dates marking ahead of the rear sight and "38-56-255" in script on the upper left flat at the breech. A Rampant Colt is stamped on the left side of the receiver. The checkered forearm and pistol grip stock are deluxe walnut. The buttstock has a blank silver initial oval on the underside and a crescent buttplate. The Colt Lightning rifles were Colt's most successful attempt to compete with Winchester, Remington, Marlin, and others in the lucrative repeating rifle market but were still sold in relatively small numbers despite being very fast actions and reliable. These "Express Model" rifles were the rarest of the series, and only 6,496 were manufactured in 1887-1894 compared to nearly 90,000 each of the Small and Medium frame versions. A Colt "Express Model" Lighting rifle with deluxe checkered stock and forearm is seldom encountered.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38-56-255

Price Realized:

Rare, Documented, Texas Shipped, Factory Engraved Colt Bisley Model Single Action Army Revolver with Relief Carved Steer Head Grip and Factory Letter

Lot 213

Texas Shipped Factory Engraved Colt Bisley Single Action Army

Documented factory engraved Colt Bisley Model Revolvers are a true rarity in Colt collecting. In his “Colt Engraving Book, Vol. I,” Colt historian R.L. Wilson clearly points out the extreme difficulty in finding a documented factory engraved Bisley. Wilson wrote, “Not more than sixty Bisley Model revolvers are listed in Colt records as engraved” (page 451). With only 60 officially recorded as factory engraved, there are not enough to satisfy collector demand, leaving examples out of even the most advanced collections. Here is a real opportunity to fill that void in your collection. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 4 ¾ inch barrel in .38-40 caliber, nickel plating and factory engraving with type of stocks not listed as well as confirming the revolver was shipped on May 18, 1907, and delivered to Krakauer, Zork & Moye Co. of El Paso, Texas. This was a single gun shipment. The factory records also indicate the revolver was returned to the factory on October 29, 1907, and subsequently shipped back to Krakauer, Zork & Moye Co. on November 18, 1907. Krakauer, Zork & Moye Co. was a leading retailer in the Southwest, and the mercantile even had a branch in Chihuahua, Mexico. Being a factory confirmed Texas shipped gun only enhances the desirability for this Bisley. Colt's single action is forever linked to the American West, and no state retains as strong of a cowboy heritage as Texas! During this period, many El Paso shipped Colts found their way to Texas oil fields such as Spindletop which led to the Texas oil boom. The Cuno A. Helfricht pattern engraving consists mostly of his signature floral scrollwork on punch dot background along with fan motifs on the loading gate and recoil shield and zig-zag line and dot motifs featured most prominently on the ejector rod housing, top strap, rear of cylinder, back strap, butt, and trigger guard. Bisley revolvers nos. 292113 and 292642 feature similar factory engraving, and these two revolvers were also shipped to El Paso, Texas. Note that all three of these factory engraved, Texas shipped Bisley Model revolvers fall into the 292000 serial number range with 292642 being only 5 numbers away from this example no. 292637. It is therefore likely that the Colt factory pulled a batch of Bisley Models from the 292000 serial number range destined for special embellishment. The barrel has the two-line Hartford address on top and “(BISLEY MODEL) 38 W.C.F.” on the left side, all inside panels. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates inside a banner followed by a Rampant Colt. The left side of the trigger guard is stamped with a Colt “VP” factory triangle proof and “6.” Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The assembly number 3213” is marked on the loading gate. The revolver is fitted with two-piece grips featuring a relief carved steer head on the right panel, the perfect decoration for a Texas shipped Colt.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 WCF

Price Realized:

Extremely Rare, Excellent and Well Documented Special Order Silver Plated Individual Shipped Antique Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Pearl Grips and Factory Letter

Lot 214

Silver Antique Colt Single Action Army Revolver

The factory letter lists this exceptional antique Colt in .45 caliber with a 5 1/2 inch barrel, silver finish, and pearl grips and as sold to Fred Wilson (address unavailable) and shipped to Simmons Hardware Company in St. Louis on November 23, 1898. Also, a factory note dated November 21, 1898 stating: "Pearl Slivers furnished by S.H. Co.". The barrel has the standard blade front sight and factory address, "45 COLT" on the left, and ejector with small dished button. The "smokeless" frame has the two-line patent marking and circled Rampant Colt on the left and the assembly number "255" on the loading gate, and matching serial numbers are on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The lovely pearl grips have "Simmons" and "238" marked inside on both panels. With no information available to help identify the original owner other than a name, which of the great many Fred Wilsons in the U.S. owned this extraordinary Colt is anyone's guess. Whoever he was, he clearly took great care of this revolver and used it little if at all. Silver plated antique Colt Single Actions are very hard to find, particularly in high condition, and many of the silver Colts are engraved guns not "plain" revolvers like this one.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45 Long Colt

Price Realized:

Lot 217

Colt Pre-War/Post-War Single Action Army Revolver

Having its serial number applied in 1940, this is an excellent example of a scarce pre-World War II Colt Single Action Army revolver that was later assembled and finished after the war and kept at the factory. These pre-war/post-war revolvers have been thoroughly discussed in several of the Colt Single Action books. The most noteworthy are by John Kopec and the other by Don Wilkerson. This post-war revolver was numbered in the pre-war serial range, and many were used by Colt for advertising and public relations purposes. These SAAs are found in the 356,000 and 357,000 serial number range. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address on top and "COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY 38 SPECIAL" on the left side. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking followed by a Rampant Colt, and the trigger guard has the Colt factory triangle proof and "F". Matching full serial numbers are on the frame, both grip panels, and both grip straps under the right grip panel. The original Colt black box is numbered to the gun. Also included is a "Shooting Suggestions" pamphlet and the original test target numbered to the gun. Another Colt SAA revolver, serial number 357251, two digits away, is featured in the next lot!

Has Box

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 38 special

Price Realized:

Lot 218

Colt Pre-War/Post-War Single Action Army Revolver

Having its serial number factory applied in 1940, this is an excellent example of a scarce pre-World War II Colt Single Action Army revolver that was later assembled and finished after the war and kept at the factory. The pre-war/post-war SAAs are found in the 356,000 and 357,000 serial number range, many were used by Colt for advertising and public relations purposes, and they have been thoroughly discussed in several of the Colt Single Action books. The most noteworthy studies are by John Kopec and the other by Don Wilkerson. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 5 1/2 inch barrel in .38 Special and blue finish as well as being part of a 5 gun shipment on March 28, 1958, to Joseph A. Lourch of Washington, D.C. This five gun shipment is noted in "A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver" on page 193. Joseph A. Lurch was a Washington, D.C., area Colt representative "for many years." It is not out of the realm of possibility that this revolver was presented to a high ranking U.S. government official. It was not uncommon for these pre-war/post-war SAAs to be presented to influential individuals. Take, for instance, no. 357766 that was presented to FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, which happens to also be in this auction. “Many officials and dignitaries from business and government were presented ‘pre-war, post-war’ SAs, and in some instances (because of not traveling through normal shipping room channels), those revolvers went unrecorded in Colt’s ledgers,” noted the authors of “A Study of Colt Single Action Army Revolver” (page 193). The barrel has the one-line Hartford address on top and "COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY 38 SPECIAL" on the left side. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking followed by a Rampant Colt, and the trigger guard has the Colt factory triangle proof and "F". Matching full serial numbers are on the frame, both grip panels, and both grip straps under the right grip panel. Includes a Colt black box (unnumbered) and the original test target numbered to gun. Anohter Colt SAA revolver, serial number 357253, two digits away, is featured in the previous lot!

Documentation

Has Box

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 38 special

Price Realized:

Exquisite Carl Bleile Signed Master Engraved and Gold Inlaid Western Themed First Generation Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Carved Pearl Grips

Lot 219

Carl Bleile Engraved Colt Single Action Army Revolver

Manufactured in 1929 and lavishly embellished by Master Engraver Carl Bleile in 1980 reportedly as a tribute to Western movie actor Tom Mix. The engraving is based on patterns designed by renowned Colt Master Engraver Rudolph Kornbrath (1877-1946). These patterns are found on a pair of Government Model pistols Kornbrath engraved for a Texas rancher and oil man. One of the pistols is featured on the cover of Kornbrath's own brochure, and both pistols are pictured in R.L. Wilson's "The Colt Engraving Book, Volume Two" on pages 538-539. Wilson notes that the Government Model pistols were "the best known of all work by Kornbrath and the artist's favorite of all his masterpieces." This SAA certainly pays tribute to Kornbrath’s Government Model masterpieces as well as to the Texas rancher who inspired the western themes. The well-executed, near full coverage engraving consists of beautiful floral scrollwork on a punch dot background accented with silver line inlays towards the muzzle. There are several Western themed gold inlays: a cowboy on horseback on the recoil shield, horse head on top of the back strap, diamond in the middle of the back strap, buffalo skull below the hammer screw on the right side of the frame, and cowboy on horseback roping a steer, cowboy holding a SAA, and man following his mule pulled Conestoga wagon on the barrel. The rope in the lasso scene is a silver inlay, and the rope on the recoil shield is also inlaid in silver. Double gold inlaid bands are featured on the rear of the cylinder. The left side of the frame has Tim Mix's initials in gold. The ejector rod housing is signed "Colt Frontier Six Shooter/44-40." Blue finish overall and small parts plated in gold including the front sight and hammer. Fitted with pearl grips featuring Mix's initials carved on the left panel. The left side of the grip frame is signed "Designed by R.J. Kornbrath 1932" and "Eng. By C.B.Bleile 1980." Comes with a walnut case lined in red satin and featuring a "TOM MIX" gold embossed ribbon on the inside of the padded lid.

Has Box

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40

Price Realized:

Ben Shostle Signed, Master Engraved and Gold Inlaid Colt Third Generation Single Action Army Revolver with Box

Lot 220

Ben Shostle Engraved Colt Single Action Army Revolver

This Single Action Army Revolver has been wonderfully engraved and gold inlaid by Master Engraver Ben Shostle. The revolver features two gold inlaid bands at the muzzle and one at the breech with a large spray of floral scroll engraving with a matted background on top extending from the breech band to the beginning of the Colt address. The left side of the barrel has a large relief gold inlay reading "THE/FIRST/BANKERS" surrounded by an oval of floral scroll and matting. The bottom of the barrel is marked "SgMH." The frame and grip straps are engraved to match with 50% coverage floral scroll engraving with a starburst on the right side of the frame and a sunburst on the recoil shield. The top of the backstrap features a gold overlaid First Bankers logo with "First Bankers Corporation of Florida" inscription on the backstrap and three gold inlaid, five-pointed stars on the butt. The revolver is signed "SHOSTLE" under the recoil shield. Fitted to the revolver is a pair of walnut grips with gold Colt medallions. Includes original box. This revolver is collector serialized to the next lot as well as consecutively numbered to (LOT 3187), another Ben Shostle engraved Bankers Corporation of Florida SAA, no. FBF-021, in this auction.

Has Box

Modern

Caliber / Gauge: 45 LC

Price Realized:

Lot 221

Ben Shostle Engraved Colt Single Action Army Revolver

This Single Action Army Revolver has been wonderfully engraved and gold inlaid by Master Engraver Ben Shostle. The revolver features two gold inlaid bands at the muzzle and one at the breech with a large spray of floral scroll engraving with a matted background on top extending from the breech band to the beginning of the Colt address. The left side of the barrel has a large relief gold inlay reading "THE/FIRST/BANKERS" surrounded by an oval of floral scroll and matting. The bottom of the barrel is stamped "SgMH" and "44." The frame and grip straps are engraved to match with 50% coverage floral scroll engraving with a starburst on the right side of the frame and a sunburst on the recoil shield. The top of the backstrap features a gold overlaid First Bankers logo with "First Bankers Corporation of Florida" inscription on the backstrap and three gold inlaid, five-pointed stars on the butt. The revolver is signed "SHOSTLE" under the recoil shield. Fitted to the revolver is a pair of walnut grips with gold Colt medallions. Includes original box. This revolver is collector serialized to the previous lot as well as consecutively numbered to (LOT 3188), another Ben Shostle engraved Bankers Corporation of Florida SAA, no. 021-FBF, in this auction.

Has Box

Modern

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Price Realized:

Documented Cesare Giovanelli Master Factory Engraved Colt Third Generation Single Action Army Revolver with Relief Carved Grip, Box, and Factory Letter

Lot 222

Factory Master Engraved Colt 3rd Gen Single Action Army Revolver

The included factory letter lists this revolver as having a 4 3/4 inch barrel chambered in 45 Long Colt, blue finish, type of stocks not listed, and Grade "B" factory engraving by Cesare Giovanelli when shipped to Sile Distributors in Meriden, Connecticut on January 23, 1984. The letter goes on to state this was one of four sample engraved guns Giovanelli produced for Colt. Fitted to the revolver is a carved grip depicting a nude woman. While the revolver letters with Grade "B" engraving, the coverage percentage is much higher, extending to the cylinder and full length of the backstrap. Perhaps Giovanelli applied extra coverage in hopes of getting extra commissions. The left side of the triggerguard beneath the grips is stamped "COLT/ENG" above what is likely Giovanelli's "C.G." initials. Includes original Colt "woodgrain" box with Colt Custom Shop label. Includes a copy of George Gamble and R.L. Wilson's "A Life's Tapestry of a Collector, The Gamble Collection" where the revolver is pictured and identified on pages 264-267. Provenance: The George F. Gamble Collection

Documentation

Has Box

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45 LC

Price Realized:

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