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LOT 159
Rare Serial Number 23 Colt Model 1878 Hammer Double Rifle - Serial no. 23, 45/70 Govt. cal., 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. These double rifles were manufactured between 1879 and 1885 by special order only
and are among the rarest of all Colt firearms. Most of the approximately 35-40 Colt Double Rifles were apparently specially manufactured for friends of Samuel Colt’s son Caldwell Hart Colt. The round, side-by-side rifle barrels have a smooth center
rib with a dovetailed blade front sight, sli
nickel silver
ding notch rear sight, and “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. CO.
HARTFORD, CT. U. S.A.” in one line between the rear sight dove tail and the breech. “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO” is signed on each of the lock plates. The
serial number “No. 23” is inscribed on the lower tang, and “23” is stamped on the left side of the watertable, right side on the bottom of the barrels, and on
the inside of the forearm hardware. There are some light border and line engraving patterns. The checkered forearm has a horn insert. The checkered round knob steel buttplate and a nickel silver escutcheon engraved with a monogram containing the “C” and “N” along with what appears to be an “I” or “J.” CONDITION: Very good with half of the period refinished blue remaining and some areas of smooth brown patina. The refinished wood is fine and has a sliver absent along the right edge of the forend, thin crack at the rear of the right lock, gaps at the lock mortises, some attractive grain patterns, crisp checkering, and minor dings and scratches. Mechanically fine. We have not offered one of these for sale in quite some time. Very rare! Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
pistol grip buttstock has a
Rifle - Serial no. 70166, 38-40 cal., 26 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1893. The top of the barrel ahead of the rear sight is marked with the two-line address/patent dates, “38 Cal.” at the breech and the left side of the receiver is marked with the Rampant Colt. The serial number is located on the lower tang. German silver blade front sight and an adjustable open sporting type rear sight. Mounted with a checkered walnut forearm and smooth straight grip stock with a steel crescent buttplate. The medium frame Lightning rifles were manufactured from 1884 to 1902.
CONDITION: Excellent. The rifle retains 95% plus original blue finish with some thinning and light spotting on the magazine tube, and some edge wear and minor scratches on the receiver. The hammer retains most of the original case colors. The wood is also excellent with a few minor dents and handling marks. The markings are crisp and clear. The action is smooth.
Estimate: 5,500 - 7,500
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LOT 160
Exceptional Colt Lightning Medium Frame Slide Action