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LOT 77
Documented Antique Colt Black Powder “Fluted
Frame” Sheriff’s Model Single Action Army
Revolver with Extremely Rare and Desirable
2 1/2 Inch Barrel and Factory Letter - Serial no.
77644, 45 Long Colt cal., 2 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, hard rubber grips. Manufactured
in 1883, this is an extremely rare and very desirable
example of a black powder frame Colt Sheriff’s Model
Single Action Army Revolver. The ejectorless black
powder frame Colt Sheriff’s Model Single Action Army
Revolver is one of the rarest and most sought after
variations of the legendary Peacemaker. The included
factory letter confirms the current configuration,
including the desirable 2 1/2 inch barrel, as well as
shipment to Card Noel & Co. (address unavailable) on
26 November 1883 in a six gun shipment of the same
type. On p. 326 of “The Official Record of the Colt Single
Action Army Revolver 1873-1895” by Don and Carol
Wilkerson, it is stated that only around 600 ejectorless
Single Action Army revolvers were manufactured with
black powder frames, and even less with the early
production “fluted frames” like this example. Initially
when production of Sheriff’s Models began, standard
Single Action Army frames were used, which had
the fluted areas on either side near the cylinder pin
for clearance of the ejection rod. Later in production
these flutes are not seen on Sheriff’s Models as they
are unnecessary on an ejectorless revolver. In the
previously mentioned book, the Wilkersons also note
that only six non-engraved, blued, 2 1/2 barrel Sheriff’s
Models were made in .45 Long Colt. This certainly
raises the question whether all six of these 2 1/2 inch
barreled Sheriff’s Models were shipped to Card Noel &
Co., which remains unidentified.