Lot #3191
Lot #3193

Lot 3192: Colt Artillery Model Single Action Army with Holster

Documented U.S. Colt Artillery Model Single Action Army with Holster Attributed to U.S. Marshal Reuben A. Jager with Keith Cochran Letter

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: December 10, 2023

Lot 3192: Colt Artillery Model Single Action Army with Holster

Documented U.S. Colt Artillery Model Single Action Army with Holster Attributed to U.S. Marshal Reuben A. Jager with Keith Cochran Letter

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: December 10, 2023

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Estimated Price: $5,500 - $8,500

Documented U.S. Colt Artillery Model Single Action Army with Holster Attributed to U.S. Marshal Reuben A. Jager with Keith Cochran Letter

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Single Action Army
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 45 Long Colt
Barrel: 5 1/2 inch round
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grip: walnut
Stock:
Item Views: 396
Item Interest: Very Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 121
Class: Antique
Description:

The revolver is identified in the included documentation from noted Colt research and author Keith Cochran in 1992 as a desirable Type III Artillery Model. He notes the revolver's provenance attributes it to U.S. Marshal Reuben A. Jager who was active from 1887 to 1907 and would have likely carried the revolver sometime in the 1903-1907 time-frame given the revolver was made into an Artillery Model c. 1895-1903. The revolver was originally sub-inspected by A.P. Casey c. 1875 and has his "C" marking on the bottom of the barrel at the breech, edge of the cylinder, back strap behind the hammer, on the front strap below the serial number, and on the right side of the grip at the butt. The "C" noted by Cochran on the bottom of the barrel under the ejector housing near the screw and the breech end of the cylinder between two chambers and is attributed by him to be Colt subs-contractor Edward Collins or Valentine Cooper. There is also another "C" over the firing pin hole. Cochran also notes that original grips are very rare on Colt Artillery Models and that this is the earliest he knew of at the time with the next closest an example from 1876. The barrel has a rounded blade front sight, "P" on the bottom, and the one-line address with breaks in the first "T" as well as the "o" in "Co." and the "A" in Hartford noted by Cochran as correct for this serial number range. He also notes that the eleven line knurling on the hammer spur is also correct and the cylinder pin was replaced when the revolver was converted to an Artillery Model (most likely by Springfield Armory) and that the trigger guard bow "is of the scarce heavy type" illustrated on page 400 of his book "Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia Volume I." The cylinder also has the small "P" at the edge. The "black powder" frame has the two-line patent marking and "U.S." on the left side and assembly number "1274" on the loading gate, and matching serial numbers are visible on the cylinder, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The revolver is accompanied by a black leather Model 1881 Flagler holster with a Rock Island Arsenal marking on the flap and "US" in an oval on the body. It was shortened for use with an Artillery Model and has a plugged toe. Included notes state that no record was available from the Colt Historical Society nor the Springfield Armory but the subsequent serial number, 18955, was issued to Company L of the 7th Cavalry in 1883. The notes also state that it was issued to Reuben A. Jager, a U.S. Marshal in the Arizona Territory in 1887, retired in 1907, and died in 1927.

Rating Definition:

Very fine as arsenal refurbished with 85% plus blue finish on the barrel, 70% blue finish on the cylinder, 20% blue finish on the grip straps, 60% case colors on the frame and hammer, some patches of mild pitting, heavier pitting at the muzzle, and generally fairly minor overall wear. The lightly re-varnished grip is fine and has mild lower edge wear, including small flakes at the toe. The markings remain distinct throughout, and the revolver is mechanically excellent. The holster is very good and has crackling and mild flaking. This is a very attractive example of the Artillery Model variant of the famous Colt Peacemaker with matching numbers, attribution to a U.S. Marshal in the Southwest, and rare original Model 1881 holster.



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