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LOT 3063
Documented
Factory “Soft” Shipped Hartley
& Graham Engraved Colt Black Powder
Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter -
Serial no. 88104, 45 LC cal., 4 3/4 inch round bbl., nickel finish,
antique ivory grips. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with a
“soft” finish which indicates the revolver was left in the white for engraving
outside the factory, .45 caliber chambering and barrel length and type of stocks
not listed when shipped to Hartley & Graham of New York City on February 17,
1883. The revolver features near full coverage bold scrollwork on a punch dot
background. The style and quality of engraving indicate that it was probably the
work of L.D. Nimschke or his shop. Nimschke was one of the foremost 19th century
American firearms engravers and one of the primary non-factory engravers of Colt
Single Action revolvers. This SAA would have certainly made for a stylish sidearm
for the Easterner heading west to fulfill cowboy aspirations. By the 1880s, promises of
cheap land and prosperity lured many East Coast natives to migrate westward, made easier
by the transcontinental railroad. The barrel, which has been period shortened to 4 3/4 inches, has the one-line Hartford address. The frame has the three-line patent dates marking on the left side. The left side of the trigger guard is stamped “45 CAL.” Matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard and back strap.
CONDITION: Fine overall, retaining 60% untouched original retailer applied nickel plating with the balance a smooth brown patina. The engraving is crisp. The grip with its filled repairs and a couple small chips shows definitive evidence of authentic use. Mechanically fine. An attractive documented black powder Hartley & Graham engraved Colt Single Action Army showing immense character! A well used but well maintained weapon befitting of a sidearm carried by a frontiersman forging the American legacy out west.
Provenance: The John Fox Collection.
Estimate: 9,000 - 15,000
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