Page 118 - 88-BOOK1

LOT 117
Wexell and DeGress Shipped Factory
Engraved Nickel Plated Black Powder Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 87320, 45 Colt cal., 7 1/2 inch bbl., nickel finish, carved pearl grips. This factory engraved Colt Single Action Army revolver was manufactured in 1883. The revolver is accompanied by
a Colt factory letter that describes it as: caliber .45 with nickel plated finish and factory engraving. The type of stocks on the revolver are not listed. The letter states that this revolver was shipped to Wexell & DeGress in Mexico City on February 7, 1883. The revolver has a full nickel plated finish with fire blue frame and grip screws and two-piece pearl grips, with carved eagle
and shield right grip. The ejector rod has the second style oval, head and
the hammer has bordered knurling on the spur. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” in a single line. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the three-line, three-date patent marking. “45 CAL” is stamped on the left front trigger guard bow. The assembly number, “5755” is stamped on the inside of the loading gate, an “H” Colt inspection mark is stamped in the hammer well above the firing pin hole and two single letter Colt inspection marks are stamped on the rear face of the hammer. The full serial number is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The revolver is factory engraved with American style scrollwork on a punch dot background and flowing zig-zag lines on the forward portion of the barrel, ejector housing, bottom of the trigger guard, back strap, top strap, sides of the frame, cylinder and cylinder
CONDITION: Fine. The revolver retains
85% plus of the professionally restored
nickel finish. There is handling wear and
traces of light pitting on the lower portion
of the back strap and side of the ejector
housing. The front portion of the trigger guard ahead
of the bow, and on the right side of the barrel near the muzzle
also have minor finish wear. The balance of the replated nickel
plated finish is fine. The flawlessly executed engraving is crisp.
The two-piece replacement pearl grips are very good with
some minor chips at both heels. There is some repairs visible
on the bottom left panel. The action functions fine. This is an attractive example of the classic 19th Century Colt Single Action Army revolver with factory engraving and carved pearl grip.
Provenance: The John Stewart Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500
116 flutes.