Page 235 - Auction84-Book3

LOT 3416
Antique Colt Model 1878 Double Action Revolver in Scarce .32 W.C.F. Caliber - Serial no. 39603, 32 WCF cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, hard rubber grips. Manufactured in 1898. This
is one of only 970 Model 1878 revolvers having been chambered for the .32-20 WCF cartridge. The barrel has the one-line address on top and “32 W.C.F.” on the left side, the lower left side of the frame has a circled Rampant Colt, and a lanyard ring is mounted on the butt. The loading gate and left of the grip
frame are marked with the assembly number “234”. The revolver will letter per the factory records as having a 7 1/2 inch barrel in .32-20 caliber when shipped on April 7, 1898 to E.K. Tryon Jr. & Co., Philadelphia.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 80% plus of the original blue finish, the balance a smooth grey patina with a few minor dings and spots of light pitting. 70% of the original nitre blue on the hammer, trigger, and screws. The grips are very fine showing an attractive chocolate color with minimal handling evidence and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 3417
Colt Model 1878 Double Action Revolver Attributed
to the Canadian Militia of the Northwest Rebellion with
Belt and Holster - Serial no. 14524, 45 LC cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel finish, hard rubber grips. Manufactured in 1885, this revolver has
previously been attributed as one of 1,001 Colt Model 1878 revolvers ordered by the Canadian Department of Militia and Defense in 1885, which were intended to be used to arm a mounted militia force to confront the forces under Louis Riel in the spring and summer of 1885. The order for these revolver was placed through Hartley & Graham of New York, and they began to ship revolvers in late-March or early-April of 1885. All of the
revolvers were of the same configuration, that being, 7 1/2 inch barrels, .45 Long Colt caliber, nickel plated,
and fitted with hard rubber grips, just like this example. Many of these revolvers were later issued to Canadian troops deployed during the Boer War, and it is believed some were even issued for World War I. These revolvers
fall in the serial number range of 7473-14996, with the majority being in the 14000 range, like this example. It is
believed that approximately 300 of these Model 1878 revolvers were issued for World War I, and at that time they were stamped with an issue number and “MD” on the left of the frame, a marking not found on this example. This revolver has standard markings and features and fits the configuration ordered in 1885. It includes a Sam Brown belt, including the shoulder strap and lanyard, as well as a leather holster.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 80% of the original nickel finish with some scattered patches of light flaking showing a smooth grey patina beneath. 75% of the original nitre blue remains. The grips are also very fine with some mild age related fading on the right, minimal handling marks, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The belt and holster are very good with some mil Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection.
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
d wear.
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