Page 87 - 4092-BOOK3-FLIPBOOK

LOT 3094
First Year Colt Large Frame Lightning “Express” Slide Action Rifle with Desirable Three Digit Serial Number - Serial no. 697,
45-60 cal., 28 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. The large frame Lightnings are the scarcest group of Colt’s slide action rifles; only 6,496 of these were manufactured between 1887-1894. This example was manufactured in the first year and has a Rocky Mountain style German silver
blade front sight, elevation adjustable sporting rear sight, standard markings, checkered forearm, and smooth stock.
CONDITION: Very good with 30% original blue finish, most of the wear concentrated on the upper and lower areas of the action and edges which have smooth gray, dark brown patina on the buttplate, general marks and scratches, some minor scrapes and dings on the sanded and reoiled wood, distinct markings, and crisp checkering. Mechanically functions, but needs adjustment.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
LOT 3095
Factory Game Scene Engraved Colt Model 1883 Grade 2 Double Barrel Shotgun with Factory Letter - Serial no. 1925, 12 gauge, 26 inch solid rib bbl., brown/casehardened finish,
walnut stock. The accompanying factory letter states the shotgun was shipped on May 26, 1887 to J.P. Lovell Arms Co. of Boston, Massachusetts, with a 26 inch barrel in 12 gauge, blue finish, wood stock, $10.00 worth of factory engraving, and Grade 2 configuration. This was a single gun shipment. Built with browned Damascus steel barrels featuring a single bead sight on the smooth solid rib which bears the Colt address, single band of engraving at the breech, choke constrictions of .008/.021 inches, and chambers measured 2 3/4 inches
with single extractor. The barrels are fitted to a casehardened boxlock
action displaying a pointer flushing a pair of woodcocks on the left, a setter
flushing a pair of quail on the right, a single woodcock on the triggerguard,
and stylized “PATENTED” marking on the underside all surrounded by scroll.
The gun features double triggers and a tang mounted automatic safety. The gun is
mounted with an attractively figured and multi-point checkered splinter forend with
engraved fittings and ebony tip inlay along with a round knob pistol grip stock with a
blank inscription oval and a factory hard rubber buttplate. Stock measurements: 1 15/16 inch drop at comb; 3 1/2 inch drop at heel; 14 1/4 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs. 7 oz.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 90% original brown finish on the barrels with strong Damascus patterns, some traces of original case colors in the protected areas with the balance a fine grey, and minor handling evidence. The refinished wood has a few marks, metal proud of stock, and sharp recut checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: Property of a Distinguished Southern Clergyman.
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
LOT 3096
Fine San Francisco Police Marked
Colt Lightning Medium Frame Slide Action Rifle - Serial no. 82996, 44 WCF cal., 26 inch round bbl., blue finish,
walnut stock. Manufactured in 1898, this is one of only 401 Colt Lightning slide action rifles purchased by the San Francisco Police Department. These rifles
were specially marked and numbered with special serial numbers on the lower tangs. “S.F.P. 31” is marked on this example. The actual Colt production serial numbers ranged from
82088-83998 and are stamped on the tangs beneath the stock, with this example stamped “82996” on both. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address and patent dates, as well as
the caliber marking at the breech. The left of the receiver is marked with the iconic Rampant Colt and the special serial number is on the lower tang. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and an
elevation adjustable notch rear sight. It is mounted with a smooth slide handle with double line border carving and a straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 70% plus of the original blue finish and traces of both original case colors on the hammer and niter blue on the loading gate with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina and some scattered
patches of light pitting, mostly on top of the receiver/dust cover. There is a vertical rectangular patch of cold blue touch up visible on the right side of the receiver. The wood is very good with some scattered minor handling
marks. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2,500 - 3,750 85