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LOT 1157
Exceptional Documented Camp Perry National Matches/Port Arthur, Texas, Shipped Colt
New Service Model Double Action Revolver in .44 Russian/S&W Special with Nickel Finish
and Factory Letter - Serial no. 346695, 44 Russian S&W special cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel
finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in 1937, with the included factory letter confirming the revolver’s
configuration, including a five and one half inch long barrel in .44 caliber, nickel finish, and type of grips
not listed, when sent in a lone shipment to the Colt representative at the Camp Perry National Matches
in Camp Perry, Ohio, on August 16, 1937. The letter further notes that at the time of its shipment the
revolver’s caliber was noted as being “.44 Special”, and that it was subsequently returned to the factory
on September 10, 1937, and then sent to Hampton’s in Port Author, Texas, on May 14, 1938. At that
time, J. Henry “Fitz” FitzGerald was a high-profile Colt spokesman and a range master at the National
Matches, who was well-regarded for running his own “Colt shop” at the matches where he would fine
tune Colt revolvers, as noted on pages 171 to 173 of “Colt’s New Service Revolver” (2009 Edition) by
Timothy J. Mullin. Features a filed fixed blade front and non-standard serrated/matted top-strap notch
rear sights (possibly upgraded by FitzGerald), the two-line Colt address and patent dates roll-marked on
top of the barrel with the caliber and model designations on the left side, Rampant Colt on the left of
the frame, along with “triangle/VP” and “X” on the left side of the trigger guard. Matching serial numbers
on the frame and crane. Fitted with a pair of checkered walnut grips with silver Colt medallion inserts.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retaining 90% plus original nickel plating with several scattered minor
specks of flaking with spotting underneath on the barrel, frame, and cylinder, scattered minor scratches
and handling marks, along with clear roll marks and an attractively matted topstrap. The grips are
also very fine with some minor handling wear in the otherwise well-defined checkering. Mechanically
excellent, with a noticeably smooth action.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500 155