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LOT 147
Documented Antique Factory Engraved Colt Sheriff’s Model 1878 Double Action Revolver with Factory
Letter and Attractive Double Carved Steer Head/Woman’s Leg Pearl Grips -
Serial no. 10065, 44 WCF cal., 4 inch round bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips. The Model 1878 revolver was intended by Colt to be a double action alternative to Colt’s legendary Single Action Army
revolver, and an improvement over their previous foray into the double action market with the Model
1877. With 51,210 being produced, the 1878 was never nearly as popular as its single action cousin; however, there were still many that favored it in the West for its firepower,
including Captain Jack Crawford, who replaced Buffalo Bill Cody as “Chief of Scouts” shortly after the Battle of Little Bighorn. Manufactured in 1882, this example features
factory engraving primarily in the Gustave Young style of punch-dot backed scroll designs and zig-zag line borders covering the top and sides of the barrel, the cylinder
between the flutes, and virtually all of the frame, along with starburst patterns scattered throughout. The left side of the frame features an attractive punchdot and zig-zag line wheel pattern. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration including the 4 inch “sheriff’s” length barrel and the factory engraving (grips not listed), as well as shipment to Hartley & Graham in New York on 5 October 1882 as a two gun shipment. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard two-line address. The full serial number is marked on the butt. It is fitted with a blade front sight, frame top groove rear sight, and a pair of pearl grips with a relief carved steer head on the right panel and a stocking-clad woman’s leg lightly carved on the left.
CONDITION: Very good, retains 90% plus of the period replated nickel finish with some scattered light flaking and handling marks, and some of the engraving, particularly on the barrel, slightly
softened. The slightly undersized grips are very fine with a few light chips along the
back edges and the carving mostly crisp. Mechanically does not function.
Estimate: 6,500 - 11,000
LOT 148
Documented Factory “Soft” Shipped Schoverling, Daly & Gales Engraved Colt Model 1877 Thunderer Double Action Revolver with Pearl Grips and Factory Letter - Serial no. 36683, 41 LC cal., 6 inch round bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips. Manufactured in 1882. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with a 6 inch barrel in .41 caliber and “soft” finish which indicates the revolver was left in the white for engraving outside the factory when shipped to Schoverling, Daly & Gales of New York City in May 1882. The revolver features a Hartley & Graham style engraving consisting of floral scrollwork on a punch dot background along with a fan motif on the recoil shield
and zig-zag line and dot patterns throughout. Due to the engraving the caliber designation on the left side of the barrel and the patent markings on the left side of the frame are absent. The top of the barrel has the two-line Hartford
address, and the left
side of the trigger guard is
marked “41 CAL.” The sights are standard. Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard
and back strap.
CONDITION: Fine as period New York engraved, retaining 70% plus frosted period nickel finish with the balance a smooth gray patina. There is a small ding on the left side of the top strap. Traces of original niter blue remain on the hammer, trigger and screws. The engraving is crisp. The period pearl grips are very good with some inside edge chipping and some minor handling marks.
Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The John Fox Collection;
Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
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