Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout us
Log InCreate Account
Rock Island Auction CompanyRock Island Auction Company
Contact us
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
Locations
Bedford, TX
3600 Harwood RoadBedford, Texas 76021, USA
Rock Island, IL
7819 42nd Street WestRock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
Hours
Monday - Friday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Navigation
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout usAccount
More Info
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyJob postings & CareersOrder a catalogContact
Social media
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
Disconnected
Unable to connect to live update server, attempting reconnection. If this persists, please try refreshing your browser.
Disconnected state indicated by at top of page. If you cannot see this icon, you are connected.
Rock Island Auction Company
Hello.
Please Log In, or .

Home
Auctions
Consignment
Latest
FAQ
About us

  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 3181

Lot 3181:Antique Colt Single Action Army Revolver

December 10th, 2023|Bedford, TX
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 3181

Lot 3181:Antique Colt Single Action Army Revolver

December 10th, 2023|Bedford, TX
Estimated Price$30,000 - $40,000
Log In to use Wishlists
Share

Exceptionally Fine Documented 1875 Production Antique Colt Black Powder Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter

The Colt Single Action Army was one of the most popular handguns in late 19th century. It has become a true piece of Americana as it is easily the most iconic and most thoroughly associated with the American West. Offered here is a fine, early example of the legendary Peacemaker in .45 LC. In the words of Colt author and expert David Brown, "[T]he Colt Single Action Army .45 was 'the soldier's friend' throughout the remaining years of the Indian Wars in the West. Adopted also with equal enthusiasm by civilians, it was the pet and the 'good right arm' of lawman and outlaw alike on every American frontier of its era" ("The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army," page 70). The factory letter states the revolver was shipped to Schuyler, Hartley & Graham of New York City on December 31, 1875, in .45 caliber and with blue finish. The barrel length and type of stocks were not listed, a common indication of a 7 1/2 inch barrel and walnut stocks, which this revolver features. The shipment was for 67 guns. The revolver remains in high condition, especially for an 1875 production example. The barrel has the one-line italic Hartford address. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking. The left side of the trigger guard is marked "45 CAL." Matching full or partial serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, and barrel. Comes with consignor research pertaining to Schuyler, Hartley & Graham, where this revolver shipped, including original handwritten correspondence on the New York retailer's letterhead addressed to Sharps and Colt and copies of advertisements. Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection

ConditionExceptionally fine. The barrel and ejector rod housing retain 85% plus bright original polished blue finish with holster type wear. The cylinder retains 60% original blue finish with high edge wear and thinning to brown on the balance. The grip straps retain 40% plus original blue finish with smooth bray patina on the balance. 70% original case colors remain on the hammer. 40% original case colors remain on the frame. The grip is also fine with high edge wear, some minor handling marks, and most of the original varnish remaining. Mechanically excellent. A highly attractive 1875 production black powder Colt SAA.
Details
ManufacturerColt
ModelSingle Action Army
TypeRevolver
Serial number
ClassAntique
Caliber / Gauge45 Long Colt
Barrel7 1/2 inch round
Finishblue/casehardened
Gripwalnut

Item LocationBedford, TX
Views2481
Catalog page111
Find MoreRelated Items
Lot 31621875 Production Antique Colt Single Action Army Revolver
View Lot
Lot 3167Antique Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Letter
View Lot
Lot 3188Antique Colt Single Action Army Revolver
View Lot
Lot 3213Antique Colt Single Action Army Revolver
View Lot
Show More