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LOT 280
Documented U.S. Colt Artillery Model Single Action Army Revolver with Holster,
Factory Letter and Affidavit - Serial no. 113391, 45 LC cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish,
walnut grips. Offered here is an attractive Colt Artillery Model SAA. These arms were brought back into service
during the Spanish-American War, Filipino-American War, and Moro Rebellion. Though nicknamed “Artillery
Models,” they were actually issued to a variety of U.S. Army
units and particularly known to have been favored for use
against the Moro warriors who were known to continue
fighting after being shot with the weaker .38 caliber Colt double action revolvers also in use. The revolver has mixed numbers and components typical of the Artillery variants. The trigger guard no. 7238 falls into a serial number range of host guns issued to
he 3rd and 7th Cavalries in 1874. The frame dates to 1884, was inspected by David F. Clark, and has the three-line patent marking followed by “U.S.” on the left side. Clark’s inspector initials are also found on the cylinder and barrel. The grip has the refurbishment “1901” date on the left side. Both sides of the grip feature clear script letter
cartouches. The bottom left side of the grip is stamped with Rinaldo A. Carr’s inspector initials “RAC.” Includes a Rock Island U.S. flap
holster. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was originally shipped on December 17, 1884 and delivered to the U.S.
Army inspector at the Colt plant and returned to the factory on December 21, 1901 for refurbishment into an Artillery Model. Comes with paperwork related
to when this revolver was sold to the consignor in 1972, including a letter of provenance stating that this Artillery Model was carried by a member of the U.S.
Geological Survey working in Arkansas and in lower Florida in the early 20th century.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine as Colt factory refurbished. 85% plus of the bright high polish blue finish remains on the barrel, ejector rod housing, cylinder
and both grip straps with high edge wear and thinning to brown and gray on the balance. 60% of the case colors remain on the hammer and frame. The grip
is very fine with some minor handling marks and legible cartouches. Mechanically excellent. The holster is very good with age cracking and overall tight stitching. An attractive U.S. Colt Artillery Model Revolver.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
LOT 281
Highly Desirable Black Powder Acid Etched Panel Colt Frontier Six Shooter Single Action
Army Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 90166, 44-40 WCF cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl.,
blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. The accompanying factory letter confirms the .44-40
caliber chambering and blue finish and as typical with Colt records does not list the barrel length
or type of stocks which usually indicated 7 1/2 inches and walnut respectively. The revolver was shipped to
Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co. of Chicago, Illinois, on June 5, 1883. Colt records also contain another listing for
this serial number for an SAA in .45 caliber shipped to Simmons Hardware Co. of St. Louis, Missouri, on October
30, 1883, a factory error as the first entry is clearly accurate! The left side of the barrel has the highly desirable
“COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” in an acid etched panel. The top of the barrel is stamped with the one-line Hartford address, the underside of the barrel is stamped with a tiny “44” for the caliber, the left side of the frame is stamped with the three-line patent dates marking, and the left side of the trigger guard is stamped “44 CF.” Matching full or partial serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder and barrel.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 40% plus bright original high polish blue finish in and around the protected areas and 40% vivid original case colors most prevalent on forward frame with a smooth brown patina on the balance and some very scattered light pitting. The heaviest amounts of blue remain on, around and under the ejector rod housing. The etched panel is light, although very clear. The grip is very fine with high edge wear, minor dings and scratches and most of the original varnish remaining. Mechanically excellent. If you want to own one truly exceptional original black powder Colt SAA .44-40 without breaking the bank, here it is!
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500