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LOT 105
Fine, Early Production, Single-Digit Serial
Number 7 Colt New Line .22 Spur Trigger Revolver - Serial no. 7, 22
RF cal., 2 1/4 inch slab sided bbl., blue/silver finish, rosewood grips. Manufactured
in 1873, the first year of production, this is a fine example of Colt’s New Line .22
pocket revolver that was made within the first few days of production. These New
Line revolvers were introduced alongside the Single Action Army revolver, which would go on
to become an American icon, with the intention that they would be a concealable, pocket-sized
version of the belt-sized “Peacemaker”. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address
flanked by Maltese crosses. The single digit serial number is marked on the butt on bottom front of
the frame. It has standard features including a pair of smooth rosewood grips which have some
faint dates and names marked in pencil on the inside of both panels.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 75% plus of the original blue finish on the barrel, 85% period refinished
blue on the cylinder, with the balance having thinned to mostly a grey or brown patina, the frame
shows an attractively aged brass and the sideplate bright grey patina, while traces of original silver
remain under the grips. The grips are also fine with some light high spot wear and light handling
marks. The cylinder turns intermittently; otherwise, mechanically functions.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 1,500 - 2,500
LOT 102
London Agency
Presentation Cased
Colt Etched Panel
New Line .41 Spur
Trigger Revolver with
Interesting Ejector
Rod Assembly - Serial
no. 8070, 41 CF cal., 2 1/4
inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, rosewood grips. Manufactured
in 1877, this is a very interesting example of a Colt New Line .41 revolver that
was shipped to Britain and is fitted with a very interesting ejector rod and housing. It is
unclear who installed the ejector rod and its housing, though it certainly has the look
of work by either the factory or a very talented gunsmith. The ejector rod housing is
secured to the right of the frame with one screw and is fitted to the muzzle with a ring,
with the wear suggesting it was fitted to the revolver when it was manufactured or very
shortly after. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address, the patent date is
on the bottom, and the model and caliber marking is on the left in an acid etched panel.
The left of the frame is marked “41CAL C” and the serial number is on the left of the grip
frame. There are British proofs on the cylinder and bottom left of the barrel. It is fitted
with a German silver blade front sight, frame-top groove rear sight, and a pair of smooth
rosewood grips. Includes an oak presentation case with blank brass disk in the lid and a
Colt London Agency label inside.
CONDITION: Very good, retains 20% of the original blue finish and original case colors,
primarily in sheltered areas, with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina, a few scattered
patches of light surface spotting, and the acid etched panel remaining crisp. The grips are
good with mild wear and some original varnish remaining. Mechanically excellent. The
case is fine with some minor handling/storage marks. A solid example of a New Line .41
revolver with a very interesting, period installed ejector rod!
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
LOT 104
Attractive New York Engraved Colt Etched Panel
New Line .22 Spur Trigger Revolver with Pearl
Grips and Factory Letter - Serial no. 43640, 22 RF cal., 2 1/4 inch slab
sided bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips. Manufactured in 1877, this is an exceptionally
attractive example of a New York engraved Colt New Line .22 revolver. These New
Line revolvers were introduced by Colt the same year as their, now legendary, Single
Action Army revolver, and these diminutive revolvers were originally intended to be a pocket-
sized companion to their larger cousins. These revolvers found widespread popularity in both
the West and in the urban centers of the east as a concealable self-defense tool. The included
factory letter with this example confirms the caliber, barrel length, and nickel finish, listing the grips as
rosewood, and shipment to Hartley & Graham in New York on 31 October 1887 in a 25 gun shipment.
This revolver appears to have been subsequently engraved and fitted with pearl grips upon reaching
Hartley & Graham, likely to be more desirable to their affluent New York City clientele. The
engraving features extensive floral scroll on the sides of the frame, as well as zig-zag and
dot patterns. The top of the barrel has the standard two-line address and the model/caliber
marking are in an acid etched panel on the left. The left of the frame is marked “22 CAL”.
The full serial number is marked on the butt, while the matching last four digits are marked
on the bottom of the barrel and rear face of the cylinder. It is fitted with standard sights
and a pair of smooth pearl grips.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 80% plus of the retailer applied nickel finish with some slight loss on the cylinder edges/muzzle
and crisp engraving overall. The grips are excellent with only the slightest handling marks. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
Serial
Number 7
LOT 103
Fine Colt Etched Panel New House Spur
Trigger Revolver with Desirable “Cop &
Thug” Grips, Scarce 4 Inch Barrel, and
Factory Letter - Serial no. 22533, 38 CF cal., 4 inch round bbl., blue finish,
hard rubber grips. Manufactured in 1885, this is a fine example of Colt’s New House
Model revolver with the desirable “Cop & Thug” grips and a scarce, documented 4
inch barrel. The included factory letter lists the revolver in .38 caliber with a 4 inch barrel, blue finish,
and grips unlisted when shipped to William H. Crossman on 12 December 1889 as part of a six gun
shipment. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address, while the model and caliber
marking are in the desirable acid etched panel on the left. The caliber marking is repeated on the bottom
of the barrel. The full serial number is on the butt, while the matching last three digits are on the rear face
of the cylinder and hand-marked inside the right grip panel. It is fitted with a standard blade front and
groove rear sight, a scarce 4 inch barrel, and a pair of the very desirable “Cop & Thug” grips featuring a
patrolman with a revolver detaining a knife wielding assailant and “COLT” at the tops.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 60% of the original blue finish with the balance having thinned
to mostly a smooth brown patina, some scattered light oxidation, and distinct acid
etched panel. The faded grips are also fine with a few light edge chips and a few light
blemishes in the otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A desirable
“Cop & Thug” revolver!
Provenance: Doug Carlson; The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
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