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Knowledgeable collectors have concluded that a limited
number were produced. Records and examples discussed
in “A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolvers”
(see pages 8, 12, and 50) demonstrate that these stocks
were particularly popular in England. Two lengths of the
skeletonized stock as well as additional extended frame
screws were shipped to Colt’s dealers in England in the
mid-1870s. The attachable stock offered here lacks visible
markings and has a nickel plated finish and a blued
adjustment nut. The skeleton shoulder stock was shown
at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition and an
example was included on the Colt-Hartley & Graham
display board of 1877. Serial no. 122 and its shoulder
stock are pictured and identified in “A Study of the Colt
Single Action Army Revolver” on page 12 where it is cited,
“Unquestionably one of the finest pre-Gov’t Contract
SAs. Documented evidence of Colt’s skeletonized stock
production exists for early 1874. This revolver-stock
combination is physical evidence of
probable earlier production.”
CONDITION: Fine overall. The barrel and ejector rod
housing retain 30% original blue finish, traces of original
blue finish remain in the cylinder flutes, the grip straps
retain 40% original blue finish, and the hammer and frame
retain 50% original case colors with a smooth brown-gray
patina on the balance. The grip is very fine with some high
edge wear, minor handling marks, and retaining most
of the original varnish. Mechanically excellent. The stock
shows casting flaws underneath the original nickel finish.
There is also evidence of abrasive marks on the interior rear
of stock. This well-documented revolver-stock combination
“pinched frame” Colt SAA is a crown jewel in Colt collecting
and will be a prized addition to any private or public
collection no matter how advanced.
Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection; The
Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 160,000 - 275,000
Pictured & described in the
book “A Study of the Colt Single
Action Army Revolver” by
Graham, Kopec & Moore