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LOT 143
Factory Engraved Black Powder Colt Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 88075, 44-40 WCF cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel finish, antique ivory grips. The .44-40 WCF SAA has found a special place in the hearts of Peacemaker collectors. When introduced in 1877, the
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.44-40 WCF SAA was intended to be used in conjunction with the another legendary Western icon, the Winchester Model 1873 Rifle, which used the same cartridge. As a factory engraved example, this Frontier Six hooter is certainly one of the rarer and more highly sought after SAAs. In “The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver 1873-1895,” the author accounted for only 115 factory engraved SAAs in the 1-164100 serial number range with a 5 1/2 inch barrel in .44 WCF. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped to Simmons Hardware Co. of St. Louis, Missouri on March 13, 1883 with a 5 1/2 inch barrel in .44-40 caliber, nickel finish, factory engraving, and type of stocks not listed. The factory engraving consists of floral scrollwork on punchdot background and zig-zag line motifs. The period grip displays a relief carved steer head on the left side. Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. This revolver is less than 100 serial numbers away from Wild West showman Pawnee Bill’s factory engraved and period inscribed .45 caliber SAA no. 88165. CONDITION: Good, displaying a smooth gray patina associated with spending a lifetime in a challenging environment, proving that not all art hangs on a wall. The “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” barrel marking has been remarked. The recut engraving is crisp overall. Mechanically fine. This factory engraved .44 WCF Colt SAA revolver has all the look associated with a “wild west” gun that is not hard to imagine in the hand of a flamboyant rancher or cowboy. Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 144
Desirable Documented Paris, Texas Shipped Colt Bisley Model Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 259351, 38 WCF cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/ casehardened finish, hard rubber grips. While the Bisley, particularly the flat top target version, was originally designed to be a target revolver, these standard Bisley models also found their way to the West as sidearms, the Southwest in particular, where a pearl handled Bisley became the sidearm of Pancho Villa. As a Texas shipped example, this Bisley has all the look and feel of a frontier issued weapon. The included factory letter states the revolver was shipped to H.S. Bettes Hardware Co. of Paris, Texas, on October 7, 1904 with a 5 1/2 inch barrel in .38-40 caliber, blue finish, and type of stocks not listed. This was a two gun shipment. The revolver has standard Colt markings including matching serial numbers on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. CONDITION: Very good, displaying authentic frontier issued character with traces of original blue finish in the protected areas especially on the barrel under the ejector rod housing. The well worn grips show similar “working gun” appearance from spending a lifetime in the hand. Mechanically excellent. A Texas shipped Colt Bisley Model revolver with true Texas character. Estimate: 3,500 - 4,750
LOT 145
Documented Galveston, Texas Shipped Antique Black Powder Nickel Colt Single Action Army .45 Long Colt Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 153910, 45 Long Colt cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel finish, hard rubber grips. The Colt Single Action Army was one of the most popular handguns in late 19th century and is easily the most iconic and most thoroughly associated with the American West. Offered here is a fine, early example of the legendary Peacemaker in .45 LC. In the words of Colt author and expert David Brown, “[T]he Colt Single Action Army .45 was ‘the soldier’s friend’ throughout the remaining years of the Indian Wars in the West. Adopted also with equal enthusiasm by civilians, it was the pet and the ‘good right arm’ of lawman and outlaw alike on every American frontier of its era” (“The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army,” page 70). The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped to Galveston, Texas, sporting goods retailer Victor H. Cortines on November 27, 1893 with a 5 1/2 inch barrel in .45 caliber, nickel finish, and type of stock not listed. This was a single gun shipment. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address on top and “45 COLT” on the left side. The frame is marked with the two line patent dates marking followed by an encircled Rampant Colt. Matching serial numbers are found on the frame, both grip panels, trigger guard, and back strap. CONDITION: Fine as displaying the grit of an authentic frontier issued weapon with the barrel and ejector rod housing retaining 90% plus original nickel finish, back strap retaining 80% original nickel finish, frame retaining 40% original nickel finish, and hammer retaining 60% original nickel finish. The grips are also fine with wear along the top of the checkering associated with time spent in the hand. Mechanically excellent. A highly desirable antique Galveston, Texas, retailer shipped Colt Single Action Army revolver in nickel. Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 146
Etched and Inscribed “US” Marked Bowie Knife with Sheath - Measuring 11 5/8 inches overall, with a 7 inch spear point blade featuring etched lettering on the left side that reads “THE AMERICAN’S PRIDE, EQUAL RIGHTS, EQUAL LAWS,/AND JUSTICE TO ALL.” and stamped “U(star)S” on the left ricasso. Fitted with a German silver oval cross guard, pewter grip frame with black and pearl inlays, and a small panel on the left side inscribed with initials “C.S.H.” with the right side of the grip inscribed at the top with “Claude”. Includes a leather sheath with floral decorations and German silver ends.
CONDITION: Fine with the bright blade showing some scattered patches of light surface oxidation, visible acid etching, a sharp ricasso marking and inscriptions, with some wear and cracking on the inlaid section. The sheath is fair with mild fading, aging and wear, and a detached tip.
Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
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