Page 190 - 4095-BOOK3

LOT 3214
Colt First Generation
Single Action Army
Revolver with Scarce
Documented Long Fluted Cylinder
and Factory Letter - Serial no.
330303, 38-40 WCF cal., 4 3/4 inch
round bbl., blue/casehardened finish,
hard rubber grips. The accompanying
factory letter states this revolver was
shipped on November 15, 1913, to
Shapleigh Hardware Co. of St. Louis,
Missouri, the gateway to the West, as
part of a 10 gun shipment, in .38-40
with a 4 3/4 inch barrel, blue finish,
type of stocks not listed, and further states, “Records indicate this firearm was shipped with a Double Action
cylinder (long fluted).” 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 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. The barrel has the two-line Hartford address on top and “38 W.C.F” 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 “719” on the loading gate.
CONDITION: Very good plus, retains 30% original blue finish, vivid patterns of original case colors showing in
some protected areas, with smooth gray patina
on the balance, light freckling, a few small patches
of minor pitting, and crisp markings in the metal.
Grips are also fine, with a few light handling marks,
and defined edges. Mechanically functions. A solid
representative example of a Colt Single Action
Army with the factory long fluted cylinder.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 3213
Fine Antique
Colt Single
Action Army
Revolver -
Serial no. 157268, 45 Long Colt cal., 4 3/4 inch round
bbl., blue/casehardened finish, hard rubber grips.
Manufactured in 1894. Offered here is a fine example
of the legendary Peacemaker in .45 Long Colt. The Colt Single
Action Army was one of the most popular handguns in the late 19th
century, and is easily the most iconic and most thoroughly associated
with the American West. The top of the barrel has the standard two-
line Colt Hartford address on top, the left of the frame has the two-line
patent dates and Rampant Colt logo, matching serial number marked on the bottom of the
frame, trigger guard, and butt, with assembly number “200” marked on the loading gate. It is
fitted with blade and groove sights, and correct replacement hard rubber grips.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 50% plus original high polish blue finish with thinning on the grip
straps and smooth brown and gray patina on the balance, 30% original casehardened finish showing with
surface freckling, the balance a silver gray patina, with defined markings and sharp edges in the metal. Grips are
very fine, with tight fitment, a few minor handling marks, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 3215
Colt First Generation Single Action Army Revolver
- Serial no. 356159, 32 WCF cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl.,
blue/casehardened finish, hard rubber grips. .32-20 WCF was a
very popular caliber in the first generation SAA line. As author
Dan Brown put it, “The .32-20 WCF cartridge had good range and
accuracy. It is very easy to shoot, as it does not make the revolver
buck as the larger calibers do. It also was used as a companion to the Winchester rifle of the
.32-20 WCF caliber” (“The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army,” page 190). This highly
attractive Peacemaker in .32-20 WCF was manufactured in 1938. The barrel has the one-line
Colt Hartford address on top and “32 W.C.F.” on the left side. The frame has the two-line
patent dates marking followed by a Rampant Colt. Matching assembly number is on the
rear of the frame and loading gate. The matching serial number appears on the frame, trigger guard, back strap,
and both grip panels. The matching partial serial number “159” is stamped on the cylinder at the rear.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 95% original blue finish with a couple patches of pitting visible on the ejector
rod housing. 90% plus original case colors remain on the frame. The grips are also very fine with a chip near the
bottom (right panel), a few minor handling marks, and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
LOT 3216
Colt Bisley Model Single Action Army
Revolver in .32-20 WCF - Serial no. 269497,
32-20 WCF cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, hard rubber grips. The
accompanying copy of a factory letter states
this revolver was shipped on July 27, 1905, to Holly Mason Hardware
Co. in Spokane, Washington, in .32-20 caliber, with a 7 1/2 inch
barrel, blue finish, and type of grips not listed. This was a 5 gun
shipment. This is one of approximately 13,921 Colt Bisley Model
revolvers chambered for the .32-20 WCF cartridge, per page 190 of
“The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army” (published 1965) by
David Brown. The revolver has the distinctive Bisley Model features
which include the higher frame, humpback grip area, curved hammer with wide knurled spur, and wide trigger.
Features a modified beaded blade target front sight and frame notch rear sight. The top of the barrel is roll-
stamped with the one-line Hartford legend, with “(BISLEY MODEL) 32 W.C.F.” on the left of the barrel. The left side
of the frame is roll-stamped with the two-line, three-date patent markings followed by the encircled Rampant
Colt trademark. Fitted with two-piece checkered hard rubber humpback grips with the Rampant Colt medallion
embossed in an oval at the tops. Matching visible full serial numbers on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap,
with an unnumbered cylinder, and assembly number “465” on the loading gate.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 85% bright original blue finish, 85% plus vivid original case colors, with
a cylinder drag line, a few areas of minor thinning, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Grips are
very fine, with distinct edges, a few minor handling marks, crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
Collector’s Fact
According to "A Study of the Colt Single Action
Army Revolver" by Graham, Kopec and Moore,
only 1,478 Colt Single Action Army revolvers
were produced with long fluted cylinders.
188