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SERIAL NUMBER 326596
LOT 405
Extremely Rare Documented BATFE Exempted Smoothbore .44-40 Colt New Service Double
Action Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 326596, 44-40 WCF cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish,
hard rubber grips. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with a 7 1/2 smoothbore barrel in .44-40
caliber, blue finish and hard rubber stocks when shipped to Keim Supply Co., Philadelphia, PA on April 26, 1926. This is one of five
smoothbore .44-40 Colt New Service revolvers exempted and listed by serial number by the BATFE in the Curio or
Relics List out of around 356,000 total New Service
revolvers. Thus, they are true rarities and particularly desirable as examples of arms that would otherwise be restricted by the National Firearms Act. Aside from the
special factory smoothbore barrel, it has the standard markings and
features, including matching serial numbers on the frame, crane, and grips. Smoothbore
revolvers and lever action rifles/carbines were often employed by trick shooters and Wild
West shows. The latter had mostly ended by the 1920s, but exhibition shooters remained
popular, including marksmen and sharpshooting ladies sponsored by firearms companies like Colt and Winchester. CONDITION: Very fine with 60% plus original blue finish, smooth gray and brown patina where the finish has faded, minimal light oxidation, and general mild wear. The grips are fine and have moderately worn checkering, mild handling wear, and aged tones. Mechanically excellent. Do not miss your chance to get your hands on this Colt rarity! Estimate: 4,000 - 7,500
LOT 407
Excellent Colt Bankers Special .22 Caliber Double
Action Revolver - Serial no. 369226, 22 LR cal., 2 inch round bbl., blue finish,
walnut grips. Manufactured in 1934. The left
side of the barrel is marked “22 BANKERS/SPECIAL”, and the right side has the two line Colt address/patent dates. Colt manufactured approximately 35,000 Banker
Special revolvers between 1926 and 1943.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 97% plus original blue finish with limited
handling marks, a faint cylinder drag line, light surface oxidation on rear grip strap, and crisp grip checkering on the excellent grips. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
294
LOT 406
Documented Cuban Army Colt New Service Double Action Revolver with
Factory Letter - Serial no. 311825, 45 LC
cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. The included
factory lists this revolver as having a 5 1/2 inch barrel in 45 caliber with blue finish, wood stocks and “EJERCITO DE CUBA” marking on the
barrel when shipped on June 24, 1920 to the Departmento Administracion
Ejecrcito, care of United Fruit Company in Boston, Massachusetts. Fitted with fixed blade and notch
sighs, with the two-line address and patent dates on top of the barrel, model and caliber markings
on the left side, “EJERCITO DE CUBA” on the right side, and the “Rampant Colt” on the side plate. These
revolvers were purchased by the Cuban government before and after World War I to arm members of their army and Guardia Rurales, the latter of which were merely armed with a Colt New Service and a machete. Some sources say these revolvers were only carried by non-commissioned officers in the Cuban army. These revolvers were likely purchased before 1920 when Cuba was considerably wealthy due to being one of the worlds leading sugar producers. Following World War I, the economy of Cuba collapsed and began a time known as “The Dance of the Millions” where foreign investors gained considerable power on the island.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 60% original blue finish with
scattered handling marks, and cylinder drag line. Grips are
good with dings and scratches throughout.
Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,500
LOT 408
Collector's Lot of Two Colt Double Action Revolvers with Black Boxes -A) Colt Army Special Revolver - Serial no. 589776, 32-20 WCF cal., 6 inch round bbl., blue finish, hard rubber grips. Manufactured in 1927. Standard markings and features. Includes black box renumbered to the gun. CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% plus original blue finish with limited handling marks, a faint cylinder drag
line, and crisp grip checkering.
Mechanically excellent.
B) Colt Police Positive
Revolver - Serial no. 318938, 32 Colt police cal., 4 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in 1929. Standard markings and features.
Includes original black box.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 97% plus
original blue finish with limited handling marks, a cylinder drag line, and crisp grip checkering. Mechanically excellent. Box is very fine with storage and handling marks.
Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500