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LOT 1165
Desirable Documented Nickel Plated Black Powder Colt Single Action Sheriff’s Model Revolver with Extraordinary Double Relief Carved Eagle Head Pearl Grips and Factory Letter - Serial no. 91960, 45 Long Colt cal., 4 inch round bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips. The ejectorless black powder Colt “Sheriff’s Model” Single Action Army Revolver is one of the rarest and most sought after variations of the legendary Peacemaker. This nickel plated example is fitted with a factory documented ejectorless 4 inch barrel. In “The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army
Revolver, 1873-1895” the authors stressed the rarity of the ejectorless SAAs as a whole (barrel lengths ranged from 2 1/2 to 7 1/2 inches in the study) and state that “just under 600 ejectorless Single Action Army revolvers were produced in all calibers from 1882 to the 1930s.” Based on their analysis Colt manufactured only 37 non-engraved SAAs with a 4 inch barrel in .45 Long Colt and nickel plating in the 1-164100 serial number range (page 326). This is certainly a rare SAA variation that is missing from even the most advanced collections. The accompanying factory letter confirms the “Sheriff ’s Model” configuration: 4 inch barrel in .45 caliber and nickel finish with type of stocks not listed. The revolver was shipped on May 1, 1880 to Hartley & Graham of New York City as part of a six gun shipment. The nickel plating is a highly sought after finish on antique SAAs as blue finish was more common on this model. The top of the barrel has the two-line Hartford address. The left side of the frame has the three-line patent dates marking. The left side of the trigger guard is marked “45 CAL.” The revolver wears a set of highly attractive pearl grips featuring a relief carved eagle head on each side. These grips were likely provided by Hartley & Graham and only add to its appeal. Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. Whether on the hip of a lawman, carried by an outlaw or under the counter of a storekeeper’s shop, the “Sheriff’s Model” Colt SAA was at the front lines and thus saw hard use with this example being in above average condition. It is not hard to imagine this “Sheriff’s Model” carried by a flamboyant wealthy Easterner. CONDITION: Fine, retaining 40% original nickel plating with a smooth gray patina associated with a well traveled sidearm on the balance. The grips are excellent with crisp carving and highly attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent. The black powder Sheriff’s Model revolver is missing from even the most advanced SAA collections. This is your chance to acquire one of the most sought after variations of the legendary Peacemaker. Provenance: The TTT Collection. Estimate: 22,500 - 35,000
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