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LOT 65
Historic, Documented Copper Queen Mine, Arizona Territory Shipped First Generation
Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 266403, 32 WCF cal., 5
1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, hard rubber grips. The accompanying factory
letter (copy) from 1966 states the revolver was sold and shipped to Copper Queen Consolidated
Mining Co. of Douglas Arizona Territory on May 1, 1905 (Arizona became a U.S. state in 1912)
with a 5 1/2 inch barrel in .32-20 caliber, blue finish and type of stocks not listed. This was a two
gun shipment. Mining claims began in the Mule Mountains of Southeast Arizona beginning
in the late 1870s. George Warren, who initially staked the claim on Copper Queen and held
a one-ninth interest in the mine, ended up losing his interest after boldly (i.e. drunkenly)
betting that he could outrun a man on a horse. He could not. The Copper Queen Mine began
operation shortly after these initial claims and remained in operation until 1975, being the
most productive in Arizona, and possibly the United States through the early 20th century. It is
reasonable to assume that this revolver was used to arm the mining firm’s private police force
which was used to arrest and “deport” unionized miners striking over
unsatisfactory working conditions in 1917. The revolver has standard Colt markings and
matching serial numbers on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The barrel has the one-line
address top and “38 W.C.F.” on the left side. The frame has the two-line patent dates marking
followed by an encircled Rampant colt. The left side of the trigger guard has the Colt “VP”
triangle proof and “6”.” The assembly number “1381” is marked on the loading gate. Both grip
panels carry the number “3182.” Matching serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard, and
back strap. Three law enforcement type badges are included: Texas Rangers Co. A made from a
Mexican coin; U.S. Marshal, Pecos, Texas; and Texas Rangers Frontier Battalion Co. D.
CONDITION: Very good, retaining 30% original blue finish and traces of original case colors in
the protected areas with a smooth brown -gray patina on the balance and some very scattered
pitting. The replacement grips are also fine with overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
A true Western shipped Colt SAA linked to the famous Copper Queen mine.
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
LOT 64
Documented Arizona Shipped First Generation Colt Frontier Six Shooter
Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 340276, 44-40
WCF cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, hard rubber grips.
Manufactured in 1920 with standard markings and features. The included
factory letter lists the revolver in .44-40 with a 5 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, and
shipped to Phelps-Dodge Mercantile Co. in Douglas, Arizona on 7 June 1920.
The mercantile company was a subsidiary of Phelps-Dodge Corporation, which
in the late 1800s had invested heavily into copper mining in Arizona, including
owning the Atlanta Copper mine which merged with the neighboring Copper
Queen mine in 1885 forming the Copper Queen Consolidated Mining Co.
Douglas, Arizona is approximately 25 miles from the Copper Queen mine.
Also included is a letter from Apache Powder Company, which originally
manufactured dynamite for mining, dated 1987 stating that the revolver was
purchased prior to World War II as a sidearm for their plant guards. Matching
numbers on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap.
CONDITION: Very good, retains 40% original blue finish and 25% original case
colors with the balance a smooth grey patina. The grips are fair showing heavy
handling wear and some light handling marks. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,000
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