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LOT 194
Extremely Rare Documented, Serial Number 56, Antique Colt “Pinched Frame” U.S. Artillery
Model Single Action Army Revolver - Serial no. 56, 45 Long Colt cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish,
walnut grips. Offered here is an extremely rare early production Colt “Pinched Frame” Single Action Army
revolver, manufactured in 1873, one of “probably 100 or less” made with the early “pinched frame,” per
page 40 of “The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver 1873-1895” (2008) by Wilkerson
and Hoyt. The extremely desirable “pinched frame” rear sight is found on only approximately half of the Colt
Single Action Army revolvers below serial number 200, and some government model and test model revolvers, per page 9 of
“A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver” (1978) by Graham, Kopec, and Moore. The survival rate today for these “Pinched
Frames” is a fraction of that total, with examples rarely encountered in any condition by today’s collectors. This extremely early
production Single Action Army revolver certainly has an interesting history. In the 1890s, undoubtedly after an already long U.S.
military service life, it was arsenal refurbished in the U.S. Artillery Model configuration with a shortened 5 1/2 inch barrel, and the
inspection initials “R.A.C” of U.S. Ordnance Sub-Inspector Rinaldo A. Carr are located on the bottom of the barrel
and left butt of the grip.
The full blue finish on this revolver indicates it would have again gone through another arsenal refurbishment, with traits indicating it went
through Manila Ordnance Depot c. 1901. According to page 187 of “Colt Cavalry, Artillery and Militia Revolvers (1873-1903)” by Keith Cochran, the book states, “Manila Ordnance Depot:
In 1901, twenty-four Artillery Model revolvers were reblued by this depot; revolvers shipped to the Philippines often went to the Manila Ordnance Depot. On November 26, 1901 one-
hundred Artillery Model revolvers were received.” Page 147 of the aforementioned book indicates Edward S. Godfrey was listed as the Regimental Commander in Manila, and a revolver
with serial number 136355 that was shipped there has his name and 7th Cavalry inscribed inside the grip. This revolver is listed by serial number as one of a small number of these
“Pinched Frame” revolvers known to exist by author Keith Cochran on page 91 of “Colt Peacemaker Collector Handbook and Guide” (1994). Another early example bearing serial number
200 as a U.S. marked Artillery Model, not as early as this one with serial number 56, is pictured on page 200 of “A Study of the Colt Single Action Revolver “ by Graham, Kopec and Moore,
in which the authors state, “Although indications now show that actual U.S. production may have begun even earlier, this frame [serial number 200], on an Artillery Model stands alone
as being the earliest known U.S. production frame in existence.” This example, serial number 56, appears to have never had a “U.S.” marking on the frame, as it was manufactured prior
to implementation of this marking seen on serial number 200.
The “pinched frame” is in reference to a distinctive feature in which the frame has a “pinched” section towards the rear end of the top strap with an
integral notch groove that functions as the rear sight. On subsequent production Single Action Army revolvers, the top strap area of the frame was
redesigned, with the integral rear sight notch groove relocated to the very rear of the top strap, directly ahead of the hammer. The barrel has
a blade front sight, and is roll-stamped with the later type standard block letter address “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”
on top. The ejector housing has the “bullseye” ejector bottom. The early two-digit serial number “56” appears on the frame, with mixed
numbers on the rest of the components, as was common on U.S. Artillery Model revolvers. The frame carries the two-line, two patent
date markings on the left. “45 CAL” caliber marking on the left of the trigger guard. The revolver wears a varnished one-piece
walnut grip, with the noted small “R.A.C” inspector initials, and additional period hand carved “C.L.B.” initials. The Colt Single
Action Army revolver is undoubtedly the most iconic firearm in American history, with this early “Pinched Frame” being the
ultimate in terms of desirability.
CONDITION: Good as an extremely early production “pinched frame” Artillery Model Single Action Army revolver, retains
80% blue finish concentrated on the frame, with traces of blue finish in protected areas and mostly brown patina, with
areas of pitting characteristic of exposure to a jungle environment. Grip is very good, with some dents and scratches, and
defined edges. Mechanically excellent. Early production “Pinched Frame” Colt Single Action Army revolvers seldom turn
up in any form today, making this a rare opportunity to acquire this historic U.S. Artillery Model example!
Estimate: 25,000 - 50,000