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LOT 126
Documented Factory Engraved First Generation Colt
Single Action Army Revolver with Pearl Grips and Factory
Letter - Serial no. 335551, 45 LC cal., 4 3/4 inch round bbl.,
nickel finish, pearl grips. Manufactured in 1917, this revolver
features factory floral scroll engraving with a punch dot
background on the rear barrel sides and lower frame sides. There
is a zigzag line and dot design on the ejector housing, cylinder, top
strap, back strap, trigger guard, forward sides of the frame and recoil
shield bordering a sunburst design. There is also a sunburst design on the loading
gate and a shell design on the top of the back strap. These engraving patterns are a nearly exact
match to the Helfricht engraved revolver on page 448 of “Colt Engraving Vol. 1” by R. L. Wilson and
was shipped just half a year later. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address and the
left side of the frame is marked with the two-line, three patent dates in a banner followed by the
Rampant Colt. The upper left rear of the trigger guard is marked with the number “1”. The matching
serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. Standard blade
front and frame notch rear sights, all nickel finish and fitted with factory pearl grips with Colt
medallions. The accompanying factory letter verifies the caliber, barrel length, nickel finish, pearl grips,
factory engraving and that it was the sole gun of this type shipped to Stauffer Eshleman and Company
in New Orleans, La, on April 11, 1917. Hardware merchants Stark, Stauffer & Co. became Stauffer,
Eshleman & Co. in 1885 and were active into the late 20th century. Many notable guns used in the South and Southwest were purchased through them including other Colts owned by Clyde Barrow and multiple Texas Rangers. CONDITION: Fine. The revolver retains 90% of the period replated nickel finish, which is beginning to frost in areas and showing some finish loss on the muzzle. The pearl grips are very good with a repair on the upper left side, and minor age crack on the left side and large chip repair on the lower right side. The markings and engraving are crisp and clear. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 12,000 - 17,000
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