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AS PICTURED AND
DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK THE 36 CALIBERS OF THE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY BY BROWN
"Almost all made after 1924 were shipped to men in some branch of the Armed Forces. They could get all the .45 Auto ammo they wanted but part of them wanted to shoot the Colt Single Action Army instead of Colt Automatic..." -author David Brown, The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army
“The ship (Detroit) was in Newport, whereas John wanted to get back to New York for a weekend! I gave him $20.00 for the gun, Stoeger’s price for the issue model being about $35.00.” Another accompanying letter addressed to George S. Lewis,
Jr. from John A. Dron, the third owner, indicates that Dron purchased it from Admiral Dodge in 1960 prior to selling it to
Lewis in 1977, and further states, “Admiral Dodge was a native of New England, a fine scholarly man who toured Africa
after retirement, and finally moved to New Hampshire where he last resided in Exeter. He had quite a colorful career, he commanded a battle wagon at Normandy, and his highest position was head of all our naval forces in the Ryukus after the cessation of World War II.” The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A.MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”, and the left of the barrel is marked “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45”. Two-line patent dates marking followed by a Rampant Colt marked on the left of the frame. Small number “3” above a Colt triangle proof marked on the left of the trigger guard. Matching serial number marked on the frame, trigger guard, back strap and both grip panels. In addition to the accompanying letters of provenance, there are various included documents listing the service history of both Admiral Frank R. Dodge and Captain John E. Shomier. Also includes the matching hand-numbered factory box with “SPECIAL”/”AUTO”/”7 1/2 .45/RUBBER BLUE” end label, cleaning brushes, and papers.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 98% plus original blue and vivid casehardened finishes showing a light cylinder drag line and a few light handling marks. Grips are also excellent with crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. Included original factory box is very good with some light wear, added tape on lid corners, and a few tears and an small absent section on the lid. A highly attractive Pre-War Colt Single Action Army documented in highly desirable .45 ACP, with extensive provenance!
Provenance: The Captain John E. Shomier Collection; The Admiral Frank R. Dodge Collection; The John A. Dron Collection; The George S. Lewis, Jr. Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 65,000 - 95,000
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