Manufactured in 1883, this is an extremely rare and very desirable example of a black powder frame Colt Sheriff's Model Single Action Army Revolver. The ejectorless black powder frame Colt Sheriff's Model Single Action Army Revolver is one of the rarest and most sought after variations of the legendary Peacemaker. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration, including the desirable 2 1/2 inch barrel, as well as shipment to Card Noel & Co. (address unavailable) on 26 November 1883 in a six gun shipment of the same type. On p. 326 of "The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver 1873-1895" by Don and Carol Wilkerson, it is stated that only around 600 ejectorless Single Action Army revolvers were manufactured with black powder frames, and even less with the early production "fluted frames" like this example. Later in production these flutes are not seen on Sheriff's Models as they are unnecessary on an ejectorless revolver. In the previously mentioned book, the Wilkersons also note that only only six non-engraved, blued, 2 1/2 barrel Sheriff's Models were made in .45 Long Colt. This certainly raises the question whether all six of these 2 1/2 inch barreled Sheriff's Models were shipped to Card Noel & Co., which remains unidentified. These revolvers were desirable on the western frontier for compact firepower, and despite their name associated with a keeper of the peace, would have been as highly valued in the hands of an outlaw or rancher. The left of the barrel on this example is correctly marked the short two-line Colt address, which wouldn't fit on top of the 2 1/2 inch barrel due to the front sight. The left of the frame is marked with the three-line patent dates, and the caliber marking is on the left of the trigger guard. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap, and the inside of the loading gate has the assembly number "2385". It is fitted with blade and frame top groove sights, as well as a pair of checkered hard rubber grips with Rampant Colts at the tops and eagles at the bottoms. The revolver is pictured and identified in "A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver" on page 71. Provenance: The Captain Bill Peterson, U.S.N. Collection; The Charles Marx Collection

Fine, showing a mottled grey and brown patina on most surfaces, traces of the original blue on the trigger guard and back strap, and a few scattered patches of very light pitting/freckling, typical of a frontier used firearm. The grips are very good with a few scattered minor handling marks and mostly crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Do not miss this rare opportunity to add a documented, 2 1/2 inch barrel, Colt Sheriff's Model Single Action Army to your collection!