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According to The Book of Colt Firearms by R.L. Wilson, only 82 Colt Single Action Army Revolvers were produced in .38 Colt Special
LOT 135
Colt First Generation Single Action Army Revolver in .38 Colt Special
with Factory Letter - Serial no. 353778, 38 Colt Special cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, stag
grips. The factory letter lists the revolver in “.38 Colt” with a 7 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, and rubber grips as a one gun a shipment on December 7, 1929 to Wayne Hardware Co. in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. The caliber in the letter represents the “.38
Colt Special” cartridge. This was Colt’s version of the .38 S&W Special cartridge which is essentially identical other than the headstamp and a slightly different bullet shape much like the .38 Colt New Police was just a version of the .38 S&W Short. Other
1929 .38 Special revolvers have also lettered as “.38 Colt.” The “Book of Colt Firearms” by R.L. Wilson states that only 82 Colt Single Action Revolvers were chambered for
the .38 Colt Special cartridge. The cylinder has the matching partial serial number “78” on the rear face and has the shoulder in the chamber for the .38 Special cartridge.
The left side of the barrel is roll-stamped with the “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .38 SPECIAL” marking introduced in 1929. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped “COLT’S PT.
F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” in one line. The left side of the frame has the two-line, three patent date marking followed by the uncircled Rampant Colt trademark.
The left side of the trigger guard has the number “3” and the Colt triangle factory proof. Matching serial numbers are on the frame and grip straps under the right grip panel, and the assembly number “719” is on the loading gate and rear of the frame. The revolver has the standard sights and is fitted with a very
attractive pair of aftermarket stag grips.
CONDITION: Excellent. The revolver retains 98% plus original blue finish showing some very light turn marks on the cylinder. The frame
and hammer retain 98% plus original vivid case colors. The replacement grips are very fine with very attractive grain pattern and color.
Mechanically excellent. This is a very attractive First Generation Colt chambered for the ever popular .38 Special cartridge.
Estimate: 9,000 - 13,000
LOT 136
Excellent Colt First Generation Single Action Army Revolver - Serial no. 355497, 38 Special cal., 4 3/4 inch round bbl., blue/ casehardened finish, hard rubber grips. This is an excellent example of a Colt Single Action Army manufactured in 1937. The barrel
has the two-line Hartford address and “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .38 SPECIAL.” The frame has the two-line patent dates followed by
a Rampant Colt. The trigger guard has the Colt factory triangle proof and number “4.” Matching serial numbers on the frame, trigger
guard, back strap, and both grip panels. The rear face of the cylinder carries the last two digits “97” of the serial number.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 97% plus original blue finish and 90% plus original case colors with small spots of corrosion on the top strap, a light cylinder drag line, and some very scattered handling marks. The grips are also excellent, with a few minor handling marks and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000
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