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According to "The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army" by Brown, only 24 standard frame Colt Single Actions were produced in .44 S&W.
LOT 3113
Exceptional Colt Black Powder Frame Single Action Army Revolver with Rare “44 S&W” Caliber Marking - Serial no. 162467, 44 Russian S&W special cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, hard rubber grips. Manufactured in 1895. This revolver is one of the highly desirable 44 Smith & Wesson (44 S&W) marked Colt Single Action Army. Based
on research by Colt historian and author David Brown, Colt only manufactured 24 standard frame Single Action Army Revolvers in .44 S&W (“The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army,” page 104). Brown noted, “The .44 S&W was more popular in the Flat-top than the Standard Frame design in both the Standard and Bisley Models, so the Standard Frame
is the rarest of the caliber.” The top of the barrel is marked with the one line address, “44 S&W” on the left side and the
left side of the frame is marked with the two line, three patent dates followed by the Rampant Colt. This is unique in that Colt actually did the unthinkable by putting their competitors name on the side of its own revolvers. This was due to the fact that customers desired this caliber for the interchangeability with the Smith & Wesson revolvers. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The loading gate is marked with the assembly number “786”. Standard blade front and frame notch rear sights, blue finish with
casehardened hammer and frame, and fitted with checkered hard rubber grips
with the Rampant Colt in an oval at the top.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine. The revolver retains 60% plus bright original high
polish blue finish with a crisp, untouched gray patina on the balance. The frame
retains 80% original case colors with few high spot areas having faded to a silver
gray. The grips have faded to brown and remain fine with a couple small dings
on the lower edge and a small area of moderate wear on the otherwise crisp
checkering. The markings are clear. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Gateway Collection.
Estimate: 18,000 - 25,000
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