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Collector’s Fact
One of only 970 Colt Model 1878 revolvers manufactured in .32-20, of which only 305 were in this configuration.
THIS MODEL IS DISCUSSED IN THE BOOK COLT’S DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER MODEL OF 1878 BY WILKERSON
LOT 1249
Documented Colt Model 1878 Double Action Army
Revolver in Scarce .32-20 Caliber, Photographed in
“Colt’s Double Action Revolver Model of 1878” by
Wilkinson - Serial no. 36576, 32 WCF cal., 5 1/2 inch round
bbl., blue finish, hard rubber grips. This is a very desirable
example of the smallest centerfire chambering available for
the 1878, only 970 were produced in total, and a scant 305 in
this configuration. According to Don Wilkinson’s book “Colt’s
Double Action Revolver Model of 1878”, where this revolver
can be seen on page 305, this revolver was shipped to
Tompkins, LaSalle Hardware of Mobile, Alabama on November
27, 1896. Blade and notch sights, with the one line Hartford
address on top of the barrel, “32 W.C.F.” on the left side and the
Rampant Colt on the frame. Hammer and trigger are finished in
niter blue, the rear face of the cylinder matches the frame (576).
The matching “250” assembly number is on the loading gate and on the left side of the butt. Checkered hard rubber grips, with Rampant Colt icons and a lanyard swivel on the butt.
CONDITION: Excellent, with 90% of the original blue finish, showing the start of a gray patina on the grip straps and on some of the high points, along with bright edge wear and scattered handling marks. The cylinder shows a few streaks of gray, along with light scratches. Minor spotting is present on the hammer and trigger, which show 70% bright original niter blue. Grips are also excellent. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 1250
Attractive Cased Colt Etched
Panel Model 1877 Thunderer
Double Action Revolver - Serial
no. 59136, 41 LC cal., 5 inch round
bbl., blue/casehardened finish,
hard rubber grips. Manufactured
in 1887. This revolver features
blade front and notch rear sights,
etched panel “Colt D.A. 41”
marking, two line address on top
of the barrel, three line-three date
patent marking, and checkered
hard rubber grips with Rampant
Colt in an oval. Includes a relined
hardwood case with “Wm P.
Egerton” on the silver panel on the
lid containing two rounds of .41
long colt and eleven rounds of .41
short colt, cleaning tool, and oiler.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 70% plus original high polish blue finish and 75% case colors with the remainder thinning to a brown and gray patina with some small patches of dark pitting visible on the left side forward portion of the frame and on the recoil shield. Mechanically excellent. Case is very good as relined with some storage and handling marks as well as high edge wear on the faded lining.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
196
LOT 1251
Scarce Documented Colt
Model 1878 Frontier Six Shooter
Storekeepers Model Double Action
Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial
no. 13561, 45 LC cal., 4 inch round bbl., blue
finish, hard rubber grips. The included factory
letter lists this revolver as having a 4 inch barrel
in .45 caliber with blue finish and rubber stocks
when shipped to Hartley and Graham in New York,
New York on April 16, 1885. 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 20% original blue finish with a smooth gray and
brown patina on the balance, some patches of pitting on the cylinder and top strap. Grips are also very good with softened checkering and motifs, and some dings and scratches. Mechanically very fine.
Provenance: The Buckstix Collection.
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
LOT 1252
London Cased Colt
Model 1877 Lightning
Double Action Ejectorless Revolver with Accessories - Serial no. 85039, 38 LC cal., 3 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, hard rubber grips. This Model 1877 “Lightning” DA revolver was manufactured in 1891 and has “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co/HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” on the top of the barrel and “COLT D.A. 38” on the left. The barrel, cylinder, trigger guard,
and back strap have a high polish blue finish. The frame is casehardened, and the hammer and trigger are nitre blue with the sides of the hammer polished bright. The cylinder has several British proofs and two more are stamped on the lower left side of the barrel. The serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, back strap, and cylinder (partial). The assembly number “955” is stamped on the loading gate. It is fitted with a pair
of checkered hard rubber grips with the Rampant Colt emblem. The leather covered case
is lined with red velvet and has a section fitted to the gun along with four compartments. Included in the case are an oiler, screwdriver, cleaning rod, 9 rounds, and two queen of England coins. The interior of the lid has a “Colt’s Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Co/14 Pall Mall. S.W./London” marked label.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 60% plus original bright blue finish and 40% original case colors with a smooth gray patina on the balance as well as handling marks. The fine grips show an attractive aged coloration with crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. Case is very good with storage and handling marks and some light discoloration on the lower half. Estimate: 2,250 - 3,250