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AS DISCUSSED IN THE BOOK COLT CAVALRY & ARTILLERY REVOLVERS:
A CONTINUING STUDY BY KOPEC
Collector’s Fact
1 of only 171 non- numbered replacement frames purchased from Colt between 1874 and 1891, only 12 of which were identified by authors Kopec and Fenn.
LOT 282
Very Scarce and Unique “Non- Numbered” Cleveland Inspected
Frame U.S. Colt Artillery Model Single
Action Army Revolver - Serial no. J.T.C., 45 LC cal., 5 1/2 inch round
bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. This unique revolver
is made up of one of the 171 non-numbered replacement frames
purchased by the Ordnance Department from Colt between 1874
and 1891, with 12 of these being identified by Kopec and Fenn.
Only two of the revolvers known to them were stamped with “U.S.”
property marks, see “Colt Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers: A Continuing
Study,” p. 100, and the only other known “J.T.C.” inspected, non-
numbered example is discussed and pictured on p. 102-105.
This is one of only 10 replacement frames believed to have been
manufactured with the early two-line two-date patent marking on
the left of the frame. The frame is also marked “U.S.” on the
left, and “J.T.C” on the bottom in place of the serial number,
the initials of sub-inspector John T. Cleveland. The top of
the barrel is marked with the one-line address. The trigger
guard is numbered “988”. The rear face of the cylinder and
the bottom of the grip are marked “R.A.C.”, the initials of
the Ordnance Principal Sub-Inspector Rinaldo A. Carr. The
bottom of the barrel is unnumbered and “R.A.C.” inspected.
It is fitted with the later oval type ejector rod head, standard
blade front and frame notch rear sights, blue finish with
casehardened frame and hammer, and a smooth one-
piece walnut grip. Including the example known to Kopec
and Fenn, this example may be one of only two known,
non-numbered, Cleveland inspected, Colt Artillery Model
revolvers in existence.
CONDITION: Fine as assembled artillery configuration, retains 50% of the original blue
finish on replacement parts, factory refinished trigger guard, and 40% case colors, primarily in sheltered areas, with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina. The undersize grip is good with minor dings scattered throughout and very light inspection marks. Mechanically functions but is missing the half cock hammer notch.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 283
Scarce Documented Colt Model 1878 Frontier Six Shooter Storekeepers
Model Double Action Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 22696, 44-40 WCF
cal., 4 inch round bbl., nickel finish, hard rubber grips. The included factory letter lists this revolver as having a 4 inch barrel in .44 caliber with nickel finish and rubber stocks when shipped to Hartley and Graham in New York, New York on April 6, 1889. Blade front and frame notch rear sight, ejectorless four inch barrel marked “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” on the left and “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co/HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.” on the top, and checkered hard rubber grips with rampant colt in oval motif.
CONDITION: Very good, retaining traces of nickel finish in protected areas with a smooth brown patina on the majority of surfaces as well as dings and scratches.
Grips are also very good with slightly
softened checkering and clear motif.
Mechanically fine.
Provenance: The Buckstix Collection.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
LOT 284
Documented Antique Acid Etched Panel
Black Powder Colt Frontier Six Shooter
Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 104499, 44-40 WCF cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. The included factory letter lists this revolver with a 7 1/2 inch barrel chambered in 44/40 with blue finish and stocks not listed when shipped to Hall & Willis Hardware Company on April 3, 1886. This revolver also features an acid etched caliber marking on the left of the barrel, otherwise standard markings
and features.
CONDITION: Good, retaining strong traces of
original blue finish and faint patterns of case colors
visible in the protected areas with a mostly smooth
gray and brown patina on the balance, scattered dings and scratches, and cylinder drag line. Grips are also good with a chip at the toe on the left, dings and scratches, and about half the varnish remaining. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Buckstix Collection.
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
LOT 285
Desirable Antique Colt
Model 1878 Frontier Six Shooter Double Action
Revolver with F. Meanea Hallmarked Tooled
Leather Holster and Factory Letter - Serial
no. 18444, 44-40 WCF cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl.,
nickel finish, hard rubber grips. The accompanying
factory letter confirms the 5 1/2 inch barrel in .44
caliber and nickel plating. The revolver was shipped
to Schoverling, Daly & Gales of New Year City on
February 14, 1887. The later production factory
replacement barrel is stamped with the one-line
Hartford address on top, “COLT FRONTIER SIX
SHOOTER” on the left side, and tiny “44” indicating
the caliber on the underside just ahead of the
cylinder pin. The left side of the trigger guard has
the Colt factory rework marking (“&”) and triangle
verified proof. The cylinder is numbered to the
gun (“44”). Matching factory rework assembly number “257” on grip frame, trigger guard and loading gate. Includes a F. Meanea of Cheyenne, Wyoming floral tooled leather holster. CONDITION: Fine, retaining 95% factory replated nickel finish with some flaking. The grips are fine with some minor handling marks and some wear to the checkering. Mechanically excellent. The holster is fine with some age cracking and handling marks and overall
tight stitching.
Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
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