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LOT 3461
Extremely Rare Factory Engraved Colt Model 1889 Double Action Revolver with Very
Scarce 3 Inch Barrel and Factory Letter - Serial no. 17120, 38 LC cal., 3 inch round bbl., blue
finish, hard rubber grips. Offered here is an exceptional example of an extremely rare 3 inch
barrel factory engraved Colt Model 1889 DA revolver. The accompanying factory letter confirms
the 3 inch barrel in .38 caliber, blue finish and factory engraving with the type of stocks not
listed. The revolver was shipped to Bandle Arms Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio on December 17, 1891.
The engraving is consistent with the work of famed Cuno Helfricht Shop, and a similar engraved Model 1889 with
a 3 inch barrel (no. 12400) is pictured and identified as Helfricht shop embellished in R.L. Wilson’s “Colt Engraving”
on page 324. According to Wilson, “Colt ledgers indicate approximately 80 Model 1889 revolvers were engraved; in
addition, about a dozen pieces were cut only with monograms or inscriptions.”This is certainly an extremely rare
piece of Colt history made even more desirable with the 3 inch barrel! Three inch barrels on this model alone are
scarce. Standard lengths for this model were 4 1/2 and 6 inches. Floral scrollwork on a punch dot background adorns
the sides of the barrel and frame. Zig-zag line motifs are found throughout including on the front sides of the frame.
The cylinder has alternating scroll and sunburst patterns on the chambers. The 3 inch barrel has the correct three-line
Colt legend ending with the 1888 patent date on top and “COLT. D.A. 38” in a banner on the left side. The revolver wears a set of checkered hard rubber grips with “COLT” embossed at the top. The matching assembly number “694” appears on the barrel, inside of the frame, crane, cylinder latch, and cylinder. The Model 1889 marks an important first step in the evolution of Colt handguns as the model was the first swing out cylinder double action revolver manufactured by Colt. This 3 inch barrel factory engraved example is worthy of the finest collections.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retaining 85% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. The engraving is crisp. The grips are excellent with a few minor handling marks and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. An extremely rare 3 inch barrel factory engraved Colt Model 1889 DA Revolver that will be a standout piece to any Colt collection.
Estimate: 10,000 - 15,000