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  • /Lot 54

Lot 54:Etched Panel Colt New Line .38 Revolver

December 4th, 2020|Rock Island, IL
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  • /Lot 54

Lot 54:Etched Panel Colt New Line .38 Revolver

December 4th, 2020|Rock Island, IL
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Estimated Price$4,000 - $6,000
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Exceptional Etched Panel Colt New Line .38 Revolver with Loading Gate Owned by Montana Federal Judge Charles N. Pray with Documentation

During a case in 1924, Judge Pray's court room erupted in gunfire when a bootlegger pulled two guns and fired twelve shots, including a final shot to his own head depending on the source you read. The defendant surprisingly survived. The incident is covered in the included documents. One 1924 newspaper article reads "Judge Pray Remains Seated While Shots Send Spectators in Wild Dash to Safety." The included letter from Robert McDonald of Montana indicates he sold the revolver to John Fox in 1999 and that he had purchased the revolver from Judge Charles N. Pray's housekeeper who inherited his house and personal effects upon his death. She indicated he kept the revolver in his shirt drawer loaded and ready but that she had no recollection of him ever using it and believed it was unfired. The letter also indicates Judge Pray came to Montana I 1896 and represented the state in the House of Representatives in 1906-1912 and was involved in the establishment of the U.S. Bureau of Mines, the Homestead Land Surveys in Montana, and the establishment of Glacier National Park. He was appointed as a district judge by President Calvin Coolidge in 1924 and remained in that position for the next 33 years and died at the age of 95 on September 13, 1963. The revolver dates to 1882 and has the "COLT NEW 38" etched panel on the left side of the barrel, a round blade front sight, the two-line address on top of the barrel, the patent marking on the bottom of the barrel, "38 CAL C" on the left side of the frame, and "COLT" embossed checkered grips.

ConditionExceptionally fine, near mint with light handling and storage type marks and isolated spots of frosting on the otherwise bright original nickel and niter blue, an excellent distinct etched panel, and a tiny ding at the heel of the back strap and left grip, and minor aging of the grips to a brown tone. Mechanically excellent. This is easily one of the finest New Line .38 revolvers extant and its connection to a Montana judge certainly adds to the historical interest. Provenance: The John Fox Collection.
Details
ManufacturerColt
ModelNew Line
TypeRevolver
Serial number
ClassAntique
Caliber / Gauge38 CF
Barrel2 1/4 inch round
Finishnickel
Griphard rubber

Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views1596
Catalog page75
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