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LOT 38
Desirable Antique Acid Etched Panel Colt
Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army
Revolver - Serial no. 133673, 44-40 WCF cal., 5 1/2
inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, hard rubber
grips. Manufactured in 1890. The .44-40 WCF Single Action
Army has found a special place in the hearts of Peacemaker
collectors. When introduced in 1877, the .44-40 WCF Single
Action Army was intended to be used in conjunction with the another legendary Western
icon, the Winchester Model 1873 Rifle, which used the same cartridge. “The .44-40
WCF was added to the list of Colt calibers for use with the popular Winchester rifle of
the same caliber,” wrote Colt author David Brown. “This combination of a rifle and a six
shooter using the same cartridge made it possible for their user to buy only one kind
of ammunition, and he could carry ‘fodder’ for both guns in the same cartridge belt.”
The left side of the barrel has the highly desirable “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” in an acid etched panel. Around
1890, this highly desirable acid etched panel was replaced with a roll stamped marking. The barrel has the correct
“44” caliber designation stamped in small font on the underside. The top of the barrel is stamped with the one-line
Hartford address. The left side of the frame has the three-line patent date markings. “44 CAL” stamped on the left
side of the trigger guard. Matching full or partial serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, and butt, with
assembly number “1171” on the loading gate.
CONDITION: Very good plus, retains 30% original blue finish and strong patterns of mostly muted original case
colors, smooth frontier brown patina on the balance with surface freckling, and a faint, clearly legible acid etched
panel. Grips are very fine, with tight fitment, a few minor handling marks, and crisp checkering and designs.
Mechanically functions, slightly out of time.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 39
Twelve 50-Count Boxes
of Union Metallic
Cartridge Co. .44-40
W.C.F. Cartridges -
Manufactured in the
late 19th century to very
early 20th century. Union
Metallic Cartridge Co.
was established in 1867
at the advent of a period
which some of the most
rapid development of
the metallic cartridge
in history. The company
operated independently until its merger with Remington in 1912. All 12 of the boxes have the same labeling
which is green with black text and features a picture of a .44-40 cartridge on top as well as other labeling
noting that they are produced specifically for Winchesters, but also for Colts and Marlins. All appear to contain
their full compliment of cartridges and have at least a portion of their factory seal intact.
CONDITION: All are very fine or better with very minimal fading to the labeling and some mild storage wear
overall. A fantastic opportunity to acquire some period cartridges that can be paired with all sorts of firearms in
your collection!
Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection.
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
LOT 37
Documented Maine State Prison Marked Antique Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle - Serial no. 109291, 44-40 WCF cal., 24
inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1882, this Winchester Model 1873 rifle has the Third Model receiver with integral dust
cover guide and dust cover with serrations at the rear. An included signed certificate from Bruce Gamage Jr. states that he worked as a corrections
officer at the Maine State Prison from February of 1970 to March 1980. On the certificate he states that during his time at the prison, the wall guards
were issued Winchester Model 1894s, but that they were marked like this Model 1873, that he knew several “old time officers” who remembered the use of
Model 1873s, and that this is likely one of them. The rifle has the standard Winchester markings with the addition of “LOADED 12RDS 44/40 CAL” stamped on the
right of the stock and a small inventory number plaque marked “10” attached near the toe of the stock. It is fitted with a brass blade front sight and elevation
adjustable notch rear sight. It’s mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate.
CONDITION: Good, showing mostly a bright grey patina, a few scattered patches of light spotting, and some scattered minor dings. The wood is also good
with mild wear overall and minor handling marks scattered throughout. Overall showing signs of a maintained prison working gun. Mechanically excellent. An
antique Winchester 1873 with rarely seen Maine State Prison markings!
Provenance: The Brig & Louise Pemberton Collection.
Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250
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