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LOT 1230
Outstanding, Well-Documented Historically Significant First Official Colt Single Action Artillery Model Revolver with Kopec
Gold Seal Letter - Serial no. 139094, 45 Long Colt cal., 5 1/2 inch bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. The Colt Single Action Army
Revolver forged its now legendary reputation out West during the Indian Wars, and without a doubt is one of the most iconic, highly sought after of all U.S. sidearms. Originally issued with 7 1⁄2 inch .45 caliber barrels,
the government reconditioned/rebuilt nearly 17,000 SAAs with barrels shortened to 5 1⁄2 inches from 1895-1903. These altered revolvers known as “Artillery Models” were brought back into service during the Spanish-
American War, Filipino-American War, and Moro Rebellion. Rock Island Auction Company is extremely honored to present the first official Artillery Model, no. 139094. Rarely do we have the pleasure of cataloging a firearm that marks a milestone to America’s rich military heritage, especially an
example in such high condition. The Artillery Model was made famous by the likes of Theodore Roosevelt’s “Rough Rides” and today is considered
by many experts to be the finest variation to Colt’s SAA line. As the first official Artillery Model, no. 139094’s historical significance cannot be
overstated. It is worthy of the finest public institution or private collection.
This outstanding, extremely historically significant, well-documented U.S. Colt Artillery Model
Revolver was manufactured in 1891 and inspected by Captain Stanhope
E. Blunt, then used as the 1894 test revolver and 5 1/2 inch
barrel model gun for holster modification and subsequently issued to Squadron A of the
New York Militia cavalry.
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED
IN THE BOOK COLT CAVALRY & ARTILLEY REVOLVERS BY KOPEC AND FENN AND DESCRIBED IN SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVERS U.S. ALTERATIONS BY MOORE