Page 113 - 4094-BOOK1

The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped on September 5,
1885, to E.E. Menges & Co. of Kansas City, Missouri, and confirms the rare 2 1/2 inch barrel
in .45 caliber and desirable nickel finish with the type of stocks not listed, a common
indication of walnut. This was the sole gun in the shipment. The left side of the barrel
correctly has the two-line Hartford address. Graham noted in the letter that the front
sight is of “standard configuration for 7 1/2 inch barrel of that mid-1880s production
period.” The left side of the frame is marked with the three-line patent dates. The caliber
designation “45 CAL” is featured on the left side of the trigger guard. Matching serial
numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. Fitted with a walnut grip.
These revolvers were desirable on the western frontier for compact firepower, and
despite their name associated with a keeper of the peace, would have been as highly
valued in the hands of an outlaw or rancher.
CONDITION: Fine as an extreme Colt rarity, retaining 60% plus untouched original nickel
finish with an attractive dark aged patina on the balance. The grip is very good retaining
traces of the original varnish and showing a few handling marks and high edge wear. The
action functions, however the hammer has only three clicks. As Ron Graham put it, “This
unique, factory original, Single Action Army revolver variation
is without question a Colt firearm ultimate!”
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 40,000 - 60,000
111
As pictured & described in A Study of
the Colt Single Action Army Revolver by
Graham, Kopec & Moore