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LOT 1137
Outstanding Documented “One of Last Six Numbers” Pre-War/Post-War Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 357412, 38 Special cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, hard rubber grips. This highly sought after Colt “Pre-War/Post-War” Single Action Army
revolver was assembled c. 1947-48 using pre-war manufactured parts. According to “Colt’s Single Action Army Revolver
Pre-War Post-War Model” by Don Wilkerson on page 19, there were only 338 pre-World War II manufactured Colt Single Action revolvers assembled after World War II, which comprise the group of revolvers referred to as Pre-War/Post-War by collectors. This revolver is one of only one hundred sixty-three produced in this configuration (see page 28). The accompanying factory letter
states the revolver was shipped to Richard A. Sherburne of Amherst, Massachusetts, on October 3, 1972 with
a 5 1/2 inch barrel in .38 Special, blue finish, and hard rubber grips. This was a nine gun shipment. The letter also confirms its “Pre- War/Post-War” status: “Frame and parts were manufactured prior to World War II, but were assembled on February 13, 1948 and held at the Colt factory until shipped on October 3, 1972.”The letter also confirms that this SAA was among the last six numbers of the First Generation model held at the factory. The selling of these Pre-War/Post War revolvers during this time directly coincided with the restarting of the production line for the Second Generation Colt Single Action Army revolvers in the early 1950s.
According to "Colt's Single Action Army Revolver Pre-War Post-War Model" by Don Wilkerson, only 338 pre-World War II manufactured Colt Single Action revolvers were assembled after World War II, and comprise the group of revolvers referred to as Pre-War/Post-War by collectors.
LOT 1138
The barrel is marked with the one-line Hartford address on top and “”COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY 38 SPECIAL” on the left side. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking followed by a Rampant Colt. The left side of the trigger guard has the Colt factory triangle proof and “F,” indicating it was assembled by Colt Master Gunsmith Harry St. John. The matching assembly number “230” appears on the loading gate and rear of the frame. The matching full serial number appears on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, and both grip panels. The matching partial serial number “12” is stamped on the cylinder.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 99% plus original blue and vivid casehardened finishes with very minimal handling marks. The grips are also excellent with crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. This Peacemaker is an outstanding example of highly sought after Pre-War/ Post-War model as well as one of the last First Generation SAAs to leave the Colt factory. Its condition and historical significance would be hard to improve upon.
Provenance: The Albert and Paula Brichaux Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 11,000 - 16,000
Shipped in 1972 meant that this First Generation left the factory during the last years of Second Generation production, which ended in 1975. The last Pre-War/Post-War revolver was sold by the factory at auction in 1980.
Excellent Pre-World War II First Generation Colt Single Action
Army Revolver with Original Box -
Serial no. 356925, 45 Long Colt cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, smooth
grips. Manufactured in 1939, making it one of the last of the legendary first generation Peacemakers Colt manufactured. Only 934 SAAs were made after
this one prior to World War II. This is an excellent example chambered in the iconic .45 LC caliber. The SAA is one of the most iconic
firearms of the American west, and it, alongside the Winchester Model 1873, are often cited as the “guns that won the west”. They remained popular well after the west was won. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address on top
and “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45” on the left side. The left side of the
frame is stamped with the two-line patent dates marking followed by a Rampant Colt. The left side
of the trigger guard is marked with the number “4” over the Colt factory triangle proof. The revolver
wears a set of silver Rampant Colt medallion grips. Colt commercial blue finish with casehardened
frame and polish hammer sides. Matching assembly number “659” appears on the loading gate and back of frame. Matching serial numbers appear on the frame and right side of both grip straps under the grip panel. Colt factory records indicate the revolver was shipped on March 25, 1940 and no other information is available. The original Colt factory box is numbered to the gun and features an end label that confirms the 5 1/2 inch barrel, .45 caliber, grip material, and blue finish. A bore brush and “Shooting Suggestions” pamphlet are also included.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 97% original blue finish showing light cylinder drag lines, scattered edge wear, and thinning on the back strap. The frame retains 98% original case colors with fading on the recoil shield and loading gate, otherwise colors are vivid. The grips are also excellent with a few handling marks and attractive color. The box is very fine with a couple repaired lid corners. Mechanically excellent. A very attractive pre-World War Colt SAA revolvers.
Provenance: Kurt House, former editor of The Rampant Colt; Property of a Gentleman.
110 Estimate: 13,000 - 20,000