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  • Auction Catalog #82
  • Lot #1437
Lot #1436
Lot #1438

Lot 1437: Pair of Documented Special Order Colt Double Action Revolvers

Exceptionally Rare Pair of Documented Special Order Colt Double Action Revolvers with 10 Inch Barrels, Factory Letters, and Boxes

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 15, 2021

Lot 1437: Pair of Documented Special Order Colt Double Action Revolvers

Exceptionally Rare Pair of Documented Special Order Colt Double Action Revolvers with 10 Inch Barrels, Factory Letters, and Boxes

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 15, 2021

Estimated Price: $12,000 - $19,000
Price Realized:
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A) Colt Officer's Model Match Revolver

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Officers Model Match
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 22 LR
Barrel: 10 inch round
Finish: blue
Grip: walnut
Stock:
Item Views: 1239
Item Interest: Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 315
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Description:

This pair of very interesting and scarce revolvers were manufactured in 1955. Included are copies of correspondence between the original owner of the pair and Colt's acting sales manager at the time A. F. Donovan Jr. regarding the request to have these special revolvers made. The letters make reference to the initial request for the revolvers being made 5 years prior to the included documentation, which is dated 1955. The letter from Donovan dated 5 January 1955 states that he discussed the request with the Manager of the Colt Arms Division, P. W. Schwartz, who then discussed what issues might arise with A. J. Gunther, the Superintendent of the Arms Manufacturing Division, who came to the conclusion that it could be done and that neither of the barrels would have any taper. The letter goes on to state that the sales department had frequently received requests for all manner of special order configurations but that, "We (Donovan) have been in the Sales Department for several years now and this is the first time we know of that we have consented to do any custom gun work. The letter continues on to state the selling prices of the special revolvers, suggestion of a local Colt distributor to channel the order through, and that at some point Donovan would someday like to have the opportunity to see the customer carrying out his "experiments". The letter does not give any indication what these experiments might be, though it is likely related to the mounting of a high powered scope. The return letter from the customer dated 13 February 1955 states that the arrangements are satisfactory and that the revolvers should be built with 2 1/2 lb trigger pulls, the ends of both barrels maintained to accommodate front sights attached with screws, and that the .22 revolver's barrel be drilled and tapped for scope mounts for the mounting of a Lyman 30X telescope sight which he mailed to the factory for fitment. Also included is a period photograph that appears to be this revolver fitted with said telescopic sight. The factory letters for both revolvers confirm their current configurations (grips not listed) including the special order 10 inch barrels and 2 1/2 lb trigger pulls, as well as shipment to Dakin Sporting Goods Company of Bangor, Maine on 18 March 1955. Also included is a copy of a receipt from Morrison's Gun Shop of Bangor that appears to show payment of the prices discussed in the previous letter. This revolver, like its companion, has standard markings for its model. It is fitted with a ramped blade front sight retained with two screws, an elevation adjustable notch rear sight, and checkered walnut grips with Colt medallions. Includes a black Colt Buntline Special box with matching test target.

Rating Definition:

Excellent, retains 95% original blue finish with some light wear at the muzzle, some scattered light edge wear, and a cylinder drag line. The grips are also excellent with crisp checkering apart from a series of minor chips on the bottom rear edge of the left panel. Mechanically excellent. The box is good with some moderate wear and separation of the lid edges.



B) Colt 357 Model Revolver

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: 357
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 357 magnum
Barrel: 10 inch round
Finish: blue
Grip: walnut
Stock:
Item Views: 1239
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 315
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Description:

Manufactured in 1955 with standard markings. The special order 10 inch barrel is fitted with a beaded blade front sight attached with two screws and an elevation adjustable rear notch sight. The grips are checkered walnut with Colt medallions. For further details, see "A". Includes an unlabelled black Colt buntline size box with matching test target.

Rating Definition:

Excellent, retains 98% original blue finish with some light wear at the muzzle, a few scattered light handling marks, and a light cylinder drag line. The dark grips are also excellent with a few very light blemishes in the overall sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is very good with some mild wear and separation of edges. This is an extremely rare and well documented pair of Colt revolvers that quite possibly could be the only pair of revolvers of their configuration to ever have been manufactured!



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