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LOT 109
Documented Houston Texas Shipped Antique Colt Black Powder Frame Sheriff’s Model Single Action Army Revolver with Scarce 3 Inch Barrel and Factory Letter - Serial no. 154062, 45 Long Colt cal., 3 inch round bbl., blue/ casehardened finish, hard rubber grips. Manufactured in 1894, this is an extremely rare and very desirable example of a black powder frame Colt Sheriff’s Model Single Action Army Revolver. The ejectorless black powder frame Colt Sheriff’s Model Single Action Army Revolver is one of the rarest and most sought after variations of the legendary Peacemaker. Only around 1,000 of these ejectorless Sheriff’s Models were manufactured from 1882 to 1922, with only around 600 of those having a black powder frame. It is noted on p. 71 of “A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver” by Graham, Kopec, and Moore, that of the total Sheriff’s Model production, which was already minuscule, only 4% were manufactured with a 3 inch barrel like this documented example. On p. 326 of “The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver 1873-1895” by Don and Carol Wilkerson, it is stated that only four Sheriff’s Models with 3 inch barrels in .45 caliber with blue finish are listed in the factory ledgers within the serial number range 1-164100, or prior to the cylinder pin retaining screw being changed to the spring loaded system, making this revolver extremely scarce. The included factory letter with this example lists it in .45 caliber, with a three inch barrel, blue finish, and grips not listed when shipped to Dunlay & Geisler, which was located in Houston, Texas, on 20 September 1894 in a two gun shipment. It is noted on p. 418 of the previously mentioned book by the Wilkersons that Dunlay & Geisler (also known as Comminge & Geisler for a time) had received 875 Single Action Army revolvers by 1895, making them one of the larger retailers in Texas. Many other examples of these early Sheriff’s Model revolvers are documented as shipped to the same retailer, confirming the popularity of the ejectorless model in Texas. These revolvers were desirable in Texas and the rest of the Western Frontier for compact firepower, and despite their name associated with a keeper of the peace, would have been as highly valued in the hands of an outlaw or rancher. The top of the barrel on this example has the short two-line Colt address, while the caliber marking is on the left. The left of the frame is marked with the two-line patent dates followed by the circled Rampant Colt. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap, and the inside of the loading gate has the assembly number “389”. It is fitted with blade and frame top grooves sights, as well as a pair of checkered hard rubber grips with Rampant Colts at the tops and eagles at the bottoms. Each of the grip panels is hand marked on the inside with a cattle brand-like design that features underlined opposing and inverted F’s, which might be described as “F Upside Down F Combined Bar”. Further research and identification of this marking would serve to only increase the already extensive Texas frontier lineage of this revolver. CONDITION: Very good plus, retains strong traces of the original blue finish in sheltered areas and faint case color patterns with the balance either a grey or plum brown patina, typical of frontier working guns. The grips are also fine showing the moderate wear of years of handling. Mechanically excellent. This documented Colt Sheriff’s Model with the rare 3 inch barrel would make a fantastic addition to a collection of fine Colts or a frontier arms collection! Provenance: The L.C. Jackson Collection; The Dr. Robert G. Cox Estate Collection; Property of a Gentleman. Estimate: 35,000 - 55,000
LOT 110 Historic Engraved Sweetwater, Texas, City Marshal Badge - Manufactured c. 1890, this is a badge for the city marshal of Sweetwater, Texas. Sweetwater received a U.S. post office location in 1879 and in 1881 rail service began in the town. Through the building of lakes to increase water supply, Sweetwater became somewhat of a regional rail hub through the end of the 19th century and into the early 20th century. The badge itself is of German silver and shows the iconic five-pointed star shape of an early law enforcement badge with light border engraving. It is marked “SWEETWATER/MARSHAL/TEXAS”. CONDITION: Very fine, showing an attractive, slightly aged patina, some mild edge/corner wear, a few scattered light handling marks, and mostly crisp engraving. A great accessory to enhance your collection of frontier firearms! Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection. Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000