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LOT 1138
Documented Factory Engraved Antique Black Powder Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Pearl Grips and Factory Letter - Serial no. 162104, 45 Long Colt cal., 4 3/4 inch round bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips. There are few firearms that exude the character, grit, and style of the American frontier like the Colt Single Action Army revolver. The revolver found itself almost immediately popular as a sidearm upon its release in the mid-late 1800s, and that popularity continued well into the 20th century among those with a desire for unwaveringly reliable firepower. This documented factory engraved example with period pearl grips displays a certain flair that is often associated with the “wild west”, having the look of a gun that is not hard to imagine in the hand of a flamboyant Texas gunslinger. Adding credence to this revolver’s potential former life, is the fact that the included
factory letter lists it as having shipped on October 15, 1895 to E.C. Meacham Arms of St. Louis, Missouri, the gateway to the West. This was a single gun shipment. Along with this shipment information, the factory letter confirms the 4 3/4 inch barrel in .45 caliber, nickel finish, and factory engraving with the type of stocks listed as hard rubber which have since been replacement with highly attractive pearl. On page 333 in “The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver 1873-1895,” the authors accounted for only 47 factory engraved SAAs in the 1-164100 serial number range in this configuration (4 3/4 inch barrel, .45 caliber, nickel finish, hard rubber stocks). The scroll engraving is indicative of patterns used by Colt master engraver Cuno Helfricht and his shop. Fan patterns decorate the recoil shield, loading gate, and behind the hammer, scrollwork and star burst patterns alternate
on the cylinder chambers, wavy line pattern on the ejector rod housing, and zig-zag line motifs are seen throughout. The barrel has the two-line Colt Hartford address on top and “45 COLT” in a banner on the left side amongst the scrollwork. The two-line patent date marking is stamped on the left side of the frame followed by an encircled Rampant Colt. Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap.
As told in the accompanying February 2023 dated letter of provenance from previous owner
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Mark Wasserkrug, “the story accompanying the firearm is that it once was the possession of Frank James, brother of Jesse James. The firearm is alleged to have been given to a ranch worker on the James ranch by Jesse and Frank James mother as payment for work on the ranch/farm.” Wasserkrug does admit that “this story cannot be substantiated.” However, it should be noted Jesse’s mother, Zerelda Samuel, often sold guns she said belonged to her outlaw son. She also hosted paid tours of the James farmhouse and allowed tourists to
visit Jesse’s grave and purchase pebbles from the site which she regularly replaced from
the stream. The older brother of Jesse, Frank was part of the James-Younger gang and was involved in at least four robberies that resulted in several murders. The most infamous robbery was the disastrous Northfield, Minnesota, raid that ended in the death or capture of most of the gang. Several months after the death of Jesse, Frank surrendered to authorities and was tried for two robberies but was acquitted. In his final years, Frank gave tours of the family farm.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retaining 85% original nickel finish with holster type wear and scattered light flaking. The engraving is crisp. The grips are excellent with minimal handling marks and fiery colors. Mechanically excellent. A documented factory engraved black powder Colt Single Action Army revolver that displays nicely.
Provenance: The Mark Wasserkrug Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 22,500 - 35,000