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LOT 1181
Scarce Early Production Colt Model 1871-1872 Open Top Single Action Revolver
- Serial no. 227, 44 RF cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips.
This very desirable early production, three digit serial number “227” revolver is one of
approximately only 7,000 manufactured circa 1872-1873 and was a direct predecessor of the
hugely successful Colt Single Action Army Revolver. These were some of the first Colt cartridge
revolvers available in the West. These revolvers often saw hard use on the western frontier,
remaining in use as working guns well into the period of dominance of the Single Action Army.
The barrel has a nickel-silver blade front sight and
the one-line address. The rebated cylinder has the classic
naval battle scene. The frame has the “COLTS/PATENT” marking on the left. All
of the visible serial numbers match, and the revolver also has “S” and “K” inspection marks and an oval “ADK” cartouche
on the left side of the grip. An original stock long in the Frank Singer Collection accompanies the revolver. The stock is numbered
“17727” on the lower tang and buttplate and “19” to the rear of the upper tang. High condition Civil War contract Colt Model 1860 Army revolvers are
hard to come by, especially early examples, and these shoulder stocks are increasingly hard to find.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine with 85% plus original blue on the barrel, “feathering” visible to the sides of the front sight, 60% original blue finish on the cylinder which has most
of the scene distinct, 75% of the rich original case colors on the frame as well as the loading lever and hammer, attractive aged patina on the trigger guard, and 75% plus of the
original blue on the backstrap. The reoiled grip is fine with a legible cartouche, small chip at the toe on the right, and mild scratches and dings. Mechanically fine. The shoulder
stock very good with dark patina, signed of old braised repairs at the front, replaced attachment knob, and reoiled wood. Overall, a very attractive set.
Provenance: Stock: Chris Anderson, Ft. Carson Antiques; The Frank Singer Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 11,000 - 16,000
LOT 1180
Exceptional Civil War U.S. Contract
Colt Model 1860 Army Percussion
Revolver with Shoulder Stock
- Serial no. 8378, 44 cal., 8 inch
round bbl., blue/casehardened
finish, walnut grips. This revolver
was manufactured in 1861 and has
the “four-screw” frame with slightly
projecting screws on each side as
well as factory cuts in the recoil
shield and heel for mounting a
shoulder stock.
The top of the barrel is marked “-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-”. The left side of the frame is
correctly marked “COLTS/PATENT,” which was marked on the first 1,000 guns of this model. The grip is of Navy pattern,
which is both scarce and correct for these early revolvers. After the first 1,000 the frame marking changed to reflect
the 1871 and 1872 patent dates. The cylinder is roll engraved with the Naval Battle of Campeche scene and “COLTS
PATENT No 227”. The caliber marking “44” is hand marked on the left side of the trigger guard. The matching serial
number “227” is marked on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap, and cylinder.
CONDITION: Very good plus, displaying a smooth dark brown patina associated with an arm that has survived the
frontier. The barrel retains 20% original blue finish in and around the protected areas. Most of the cylinder scene
remains. The grip is fine, showing “working gun” character with high edge wear and half of the original varnish. The
ejector rod head is absent. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 7,500 - 11,000
SERIAL
NUMBER 227