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LOT 249 Exceptional First Generation Colt Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army Revolver - Serial no. 347794, 44-40 WCF cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, hard rubber grips. The Colt Single Action Army in .44-40 was named the “Frontier Six Shooter” after J.P. Moore’s Sons ordered some in 1878. Single actions in .44-40 were particularly
desirable in the West because they could use the same ammunition as the popular Winchester Model 1873 rifles and carbines. Since then, the .44-40 WCF SAA has found a special place in the hearts of Peacemaker collectors. Offered here is a high condition example of the classic pre-World War II Colt. The revolver was manufactured in 1925. The barrel is stamped with the one-
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line Hartford address on top and “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER .44-40” on the left side. An unusual vertical “border line” is stamped after the caliber marking (possibly a factory error). The frame has the standard two-line patent dates followed by a Rampant Colt. The left side of the trigger guard is stamped with the number “3” along with the Colt factory “VP” triangle proof. The full matching serial number appears on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, and both grip panels. The matching partial serial number “94” appears on the rear cylinder face. The assembly number “561” appears on the loading gate and the rear of the frame. Commercial blue finish with casehardened frame and polished hammer sides. The revolver wears a set of checkered hard rubber grips featuring the Rampant Colt at the top. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retaining 90% plus original blue finish with some minor muzzle and edge wear and thinning on the back strap. The frame retains 80% plus original case colors with areas fading to a smooth gray. The grips are very fine with a couple minor dings and crisp checkering. The markings are crisp and clear. Mechanically excellent. An attractive pre-World War II Colt SAA in always desirable .44-40 WCF caliber. Provenance: The Gateway Collection; The Joe Marlin Hilliard Collection. Estimate: 8,500 - 12,000
LOT 250
Excellent Documented Individual Shipped Colt Bisley Model Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 323501, 32-20 WCF cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened
finish, hard rubber grips. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped on December 1, 1913 to H.C. Hollaner (address unavailable) and confirms the 7 1/2 inch barrel in .32-20 caliber and blue finish.
The grips are not listed. This was a single gun shipment. .32-20 WCF was a very popular caliber in the first generation SAA line. As author Dan Brown put it, “The .32-20 WCF cartridge had good range and accuracy. It is very easy to shoot, as it does not make the revolver buck as the larger calibers do. It also was used as a companion to the Winchester rifle of the .32-20 WCF caliber” (“The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army,” page 190). The barrel has the one-line Colt Hartford address on top and “32 W.C.F.” on the left side. The barrel lacks the “(BISLEY MODEL) marking as commonly
found on these revolvers manufactured after the 1895 adoption of the Bisley name. The Bisley Model revolver was designed primarily for target shooting. Features found only on the Bisley Model include the distinctive elongated, curved backstrap and trigger guard to provide a better gripping area,
the curved wide-spur hammer and long, wide trigger. The frame has the two-line patent dates marking followed by an encircled Rampant Colt. Matching assembly
number is on the rear of the frame and loading gate. Matching serial numbers are found on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, and both grip panels.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 90% plus bright original high polish blue finish remaining with minor thinning on the grip straps, a number of cylinder drag lines, some light edge wear, and a small amount of spotting. 95% plus vivid original case colors remain on the frame and hammer with cycling wear on the left side of the hammer. The grips are also excellent with crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500