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LOT 3142
Engraved Colt Black Powder
Single Action Army Revolver with Pearl
Grips and Holster - Serial no. 30256, 45 Long Colt cal., 7 1/2
inch round bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips. The Colt Single Action
Army Revolver is one of the most iconic historical firearms and is forever
connected to the American West. Its legacy as a working man’s gun in rough circumstances has made the
Peacemaker particularly desirable for collectors, and the limited factory engraved guns especially so. This SAA no. 30256 is
especially appealing as the embellishment is highly unusual and rare. Unfortunately, there is no factory record available for this
SAA; however, serial no. 30259, which is only two digits away from our subject revolver, is fully documented as Colt factory engraved
and the embellishment is nearly identical to what is featured on this revolver. No. 30259 is pictured and identified in R.L. Wilson’s “Colt Engraving” on page 247. Wilson described the engraving as “handsome and unusual” with “quite light and graceful” scrollwork and while not profuse, the pattern of engraving includes “the quite scarce coverage on the hammer.” No. 30259 letters as shipped in January 1880 to
Simmons Hardware of St. Louis and this shipment included five guns. It is quite possible that our revolver was also part of the January 1880 shipment.
Based on the serial numbers, both of these revolvers were manufactured in 1876. The four year delay from when no. 30259 was manufactured and shipped suggests
the revolver was a Colt factory exhibition piece. Add the “handsome and unusual embellishments” and no. 30256 makes for the perfect exhibition companion. The year 1876 was the same year the World’s Fair was held in the United States for the first time in celebration of the centennial of the Declaration of Independence
and the founding of the United States. Fittingly, the Centennial Exposition was held in Philadelphia. The fair presented a tremendous advertising opportunity for American arms companies like Colt and Winchester. Both displayed elaborate exhibition arms and took in orders, including for high end deluxe arms. Colt’s famous
display was perhaps the factory’s most spectacular display in its history. While there is no documentation to confirm one or both of these revolvers were at the Centennial Exposition, nos. 30256 and 30259 would have without a doubt made for a fine pair for Colt to proudly display. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address surrounded by the engraving, a light wavy line band
at the muzzle, and an entwining oval pattern with punch dot around the front sight. The frame has the two-line patent date on the left side as well as the broad floral scrollwork. The cylinder is decorated with scrolls on each chamber, star bursts at each flute and light scroll band at the rear. The scrollwork carries on the back strap, ejector rod housing, hammer, and trigger guard. A fan
pattern is engraved on the top of the back strap. The revolver wears a set of pearl grips and each panel is numbered to the gun on the back. Traces of the serial number remains on the barrel under the ejector housing and appears to be matching. Matching full or partial serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, and cylinder. Includes an unmarked tooled leather open top/
closed toe holster featuring an elaborate horse rider scene.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 80% period replated nickel finish with a smooth brown patina on the balance. The engraving is crisp. A tiny hole has been drilled through the side of
the front sight. The grips are very good with a few missing chips and attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent. The holster is very good with strap partially attached. This black powder Colt SAA revolver with “handsome and unusual embellishments” is a rarity in decorative firearms art and is a must have for the serious SAA collector.
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000
LOT 3143
Nickel Plated David F. Clark Inspected U.S. Cavalry Model
Colt Single Action Army Revolver - Serial no. 111862, 45 Long Colt cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel finish, antique ivory grips. This example has a David F. Clark inspected “U.S.”
marked frame and a full nickel finish. Nickel plated Cavalry Models have taken center stage to a grand debate among Colt and U.S. military firearms collectors that continues on to today. Four
basic theories for the existence of highly controversial nickel plated U.S. Cavalry Model Revolvers have developed over the decades and are the following: 1) issued to Indian Scouts and Police; 2) special order “officers” revolvers; 3) surplus State of Virginia Militia revolvers sold to and nickel plated by Colt or commercial retailers; and 4) U.S. Navy revolvers.
For the history related to this ongoing debate see “A Study of Colt Single Action Army Revolver” pages 249-258. Clark’s
“DFC” initials appear on the barrel, frame, and cylinder. The “P” proof appears on the cylinder and barrel. The top of the barrel is marked with the one-line Colt address, and the left of the frame has the three-line patent markings followed by “U.S.” The butt is inscribed with a large “C” in Old English font. The loading gate is stamped with the assembly number “337”. Full and partial matching visible serial numbers located on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, barrel, and cylinder.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 80% untouched period retailer refinished nickel with high spot wear and some flaking. A back strap screw is absent. The undersized period grip is fine with typical age lines on the bottom and minor handling marks. Mechanically functions although needs work as it is missing the half cock notch.
Estimate: 7,500 - 11,000
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