Page 133 - Auction84-Book2

LOT 1272
Fine Nickel Plated Black Powder Frame Colt Single Action Army Revolver - Serial no. 38324, 45 Colt cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel finish, antique ivory grips. This Colt Single
Action Army Revolver was manufactured c. 1877 utilizing a condemned barrel and cylinder from government contract Colt Cavalry Model revolvers. The revolver has most of the characteristics of “Condemned Model” Single Action revolvers set forth by Kopec and Fenn on pages 157-158 of “COLT CAVALRY AND ARTILLERY REVOLVERS”. The revolver has a nickel plated finish with casehardened hammer. The condemned U.S. contract barrel and cylinder were rejected by government inspectors and subsequently salvaged by Colt and utilized on this commercial production revolver. The barrel has the early script address and hole for the early style ejector housing with round boss. The barrel is fitted with a second style ejector housing with bullseye ejector rod head. The underside of the barrel is stamped with the partial original serial number, “6638” under the ejector housing immediately ahead of the frame followed by the partial serial number “8324”. A “C” condemnation mark is stamped on the underside of the barrel. The military cylinder is stamped with the “D.F.C.” ordnance sub-inspection marks, a “P’ proofmark, and the partial serial number “6191”. The military proof, inspection mark, and partial serial indicate that
it is a condemned component from a government contract Cavalry Model revolver. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt three-line, three-patent dates. “45 CAL” is stamped on the left side of the trigger guard. The assembly number “1861” is stamped on the inside of the
loading gate. A Colt
“P” sub-inspection
mark is stamped in the
hammer well. The full serial
number is stamped on the bottom
of the frame, trigger guard and back
strap. Colt Single Action Army revolvers that utilize “condemned” government
contract parts are a rare and desirable variation of the Single Action Army revolver. CONDITION: Very fine. The revolver retains 80% plus of the retailer nickel plated finish. There is some finish loss and light pitting on the end of the barrel surrounding the front sight and along the top of the frame near the sight groove. The front edges of the cylinder and the edges of the cylinder flutes have some finish loss and scattered flash pitting. There is light edge wear on most of the other components. The grip is very good with some age discoloration along the edges and the usual hairline age cracks on the butt. The barrel and frame markings and serial numbers are sharp. The hammer will not hold at half or full cock but functions otherwise. This is an attractive example of a rarely encountered “condemned” Single Action Army revolver.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
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