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LOT 164
Very Fine Colt First Generation
Single Action Army Revolver with
Scarce Long Fluted Cylinder, Pearl Grips, and Factory Letter - Serial
no. 330984, 45 Long Colt cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, pearl grips. The accompanying factory
letter states this revolver was shipped in a single gun shipment on July 23, 1914, to Montgomery Ward & Co. in Chicago
in .45 caliber, with a 7 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, and type of grips not listed. Between 1913-1915, a total of 1,478 Single
Action Army revolvers in the 330001-331479 serial range are reported to have left Colt with factory fitted surplus long fluted
cylinders from the Model 1878 revolvers, with special features implemented into the cylinder for single action function including the stop notches and changes
to the ratchet, per Graham, Kopec, and Moore on page 156 of “A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver”. The book further indicates that 626 Single
Action Army revolvers with a factory long fluted cylinder were made in the year 1913, with 579 in 1914, and 274 in 1915. The Colt Single Action Army Revolver
is arguably the most iconic American handgun. In the hands of ranchers, cavalrymen, Native Americans, lawmen,
and outlaws, the Peacemaker’s legacy was forged out in the hostile American West and continues to gain popularity
among today’s collectors. This very attractive example of the legendary Peacemaker is chambered in the iconic .45 Long Colt caliber. The
barrel has the one-line Hartford address on top and “45 COLT” on the left side. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates
followed by a Rampant Colt, and the left side of the trigger guard has the Colt factory triangle “VP” proof and the number “1.” Matching
visible serial numbers on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap, with assembly number “640” on the loading gate. Fitted with a pair of
period correct replacement pearl grips bearing Colt medallions.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 75% plus original blue finish with smooth brown and gray patina on the balance, 70% plus vivid original case
colors. Grips are fine, with attractive fiery colors, an absent section on the lower right rear, a few minor small cracks, and otherwise defined
edges. Mechanically excellent. An attractive example of a Colt Single Action Army with the factory long fluted cylinder and pearl grips.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 4,500 - 7,500
Collector’s Fact
According to "A Study of the the Colt Single Action
Army Revolver" by Graham, Kopec and Moore, of the
1,478 Colt Single Actions manufactured with long
flute cylinders, only 274 were produced in 1915.
LOT 165
Well-Documented Factory Engraved Colt Model 1878 Double Action Revolver with Pearl Grips
and Factory Letter - Serial no. 21761, 45 Long Colt cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, pearl grips.
The included factory letter lists this revolver in .45 caliber with a 5 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, and factory
engraving. The grips were not listed. The letter also confirms this was the sole gun of this type in a shipment on April 16,
1888, to Hartley & Graham in New York City. The revolver displays beautiful factory engraving consisting of a variety of
detailed patterns likely cut by Colt Master Engraver Cuno Helfricht himself. The barrel displays classic scrollwork with beaded
backgrounds along with border designs around the barrel address and lined designs between the address and blade front
sight. The frame features a “snowflake” design around the hammer screw on the left, scrollwork with beaded
backgrounds, wavy line borders, dot accents, and additional motifs on the front of the frame that pair with the
designs on the cylinder. The left side of the trigger guard at the front is marked “45 CAL”. “761” is on the rear of the cylinder,
and the full serial number “21/761” is on the toe ahead of the lanyard loop. Assembly number “374” is on the loading gate.
The revolver is fitted with smooth pearl grips. This revolver is featured on page 230 of “Colt’s Double-Action Revolver Model
of 1878” by Don Wilkerson which also lists the ledger information. On pages 194-195, Wilkerson indicates his survey found
just 284 Model 1878s were factory engraved and 33 went to Hartley & Graham. On pages 227-228, he indicates of the factory
engraved revolvers, 140 were in .45 Colt, only 59 Model 1878s in .45 Colt had factory engraving and ejectors, 19 of
those had 5 1/2 inch barrels, just 2 had 5 1/2 inch barrels and blue finish, and only one, this
example, was listed with a 5 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, and grips not listed.
CONDITION: Very good with strong traces of original bright blue finish in the protected
areas and otherwise mostly smooth silver-gray and brown patina on the balance,
distinct engraving and markings, and mild overall wear. The grips are also fine and have
attractive natural coloration, small cracks and flakes towards the butt, minor pits on the
lower left, and two small holes on the upper right. The cylinder lock up is a bit loose;
otherwise, the revolver mechanically functions.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 4,500 - 7,500
As pictured & described in Colt's Double-
Action Revolver, Model of 1878 by Wilkerson
Collector’s Fact
According to "Colt's Double-Action Revolver, Model of
1878" by Don Wilkerson, of the 284 factory engraved Colt
Model 1878 revolvers, this is the only example produced
with 5 1/2 inch barrels, blue finish and grips not listed.
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