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LOT 1129
Historic, Documented Copper Queen Mine, Arizona Territory Shipped First Generation Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter -
Serial no. 297190, 38 WCF cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, hard rubber grips. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 5 1/2 inch barrel in .38-40 caliber and blue finish with the type of stocks not listed. The revolver was shipped to Copper Queen Consolidated Mining Co. of Bisbee, Arizona Territory, on July 10, 1907 as part of a five gun shipment. Mining claims began in the Mule Mountains of Southeast Arizona beginning in the late 1870s. George Warren, who initially staked the claim on Copper Queen and held a one-ninth interest in the mine, ended up losing his interest after boldly (i.e. drunkenly) betting that he could outrun a man on a horse. He could not. The Copper Queen Mine began operation shortly after these initial claims and remained in operation until 1975, being the most productive in Arizona, and possibly the United States through the early 20th century. It is reasonable
to assume that this revolver was used to arm the mining firm’s private police force which was used to arrest and “deport” unionized miners striking over unsatisfactory working conditions in 1917. The barrel has the one-line address top and “38 W.C.F.” on the left side. The frame has the two-line patent dates marking followed by an encircled Rampant colt. The left side of the trigger guard has the Colt “VP” triangle proof and “6”.” The assembly number “1381” is marked on the loading gate. Both grip panels carry the number “3182.” Matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 70% bright original high polish blue finish with high edge wear and thinning to brown on the balance. The hammer and frame retain 60% plus vivid original case colors. The slightly undersized period replacement grips are fine with some wear along the top of the overall crisp checkering and some minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. One of the finest Copper Queen Mine Colt SAAs we have cataloged!
Estimate: 8,000 - 12,000