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LOT 3117
Highly Attractive Gold Plated New York Engraved Early Production Antique Black Powder Colt Single Action Revolver with Raised Relief Carved Eagle Grip Featured in “Colts from Texas and the Old West” - Serial no. 15730, 45 Long Colt cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., gold finish, antique ivory grips. This beautiful early Colt Single Action Army revolver is featured on page 24 of “Colts From Texas and the Old West” by Jerry Hemphill. A factory letter for the revolver is included but indicates that no records for this revolver are available although the serial number dates to c. 1875. The revolver features stunning engraving covering approximately 80% of the metal surfaces and a full gold plated finish. The engraving is incredibly well-executed and consists mainly of classic Germanic scroll engraving along with some geometric designs, floral accents, and a gadroon design along the top strap. Engraving patterns of this style were used by the many German-American engravers of the period, including well-known Master Engraver L.D. Nimschke. The revolver has a blade front sight, “+COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A.+” on the top of the barrel, the early “donut” ejector rod button, the two-line 1871 and 1872 patent marking on the left side of the frame, and matching serial numbers visible on the frame, trigger guard, and butt. The loading gate has assembly number “230.” A “C” inspection mark is marked just above the firing pin hole in the hammer well. The checkered antique ivory grip is carved with an American bald eagle and shield design on the right side. CONDITION: Very fine. The engraving is crisp throughout. The revolver retains 75% of the period replated gold and bright steel where the finish has faded, primarily on the cylinder, loading lever, and grip straps. The cylinder also has some light drag lines and retains gold within the chambers and strong gold on the rear face. The extraordinary grip is exceptionally fine and has crisp raised relief carving and checkering and minor age and storage related wear, including some slight age cracks. Mechanically excellent. Overall a very stunning New York engraved Colt Single Action Army revolver. Provenance: The Gary Helin Collection; Property of a Gentleman. Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500
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