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LOT 1235
Attractive Documented San Antonio, Texas Shipped Factory Engraved Antique Colt Black
Powder Frame Single Action Army Revolver with Desirable Relief Carved Steer Head Pearl
Grips and Factory Letter - Serial no. 149353, 45 Long Colt cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., silver finish,
pearl grips. There are few firearms that exude the character, grit, and style of the American frontier like
the Colt Single Action Army revolver. The revolver found itself almost immediately popular as a sidearm
upon its release in the mid-late 1800s, and that popularity continued well into the 20th century among
those with a desire for unwaveringly reliable firepower. This example was manufactured in 1892, and certainly shows
a certain flair that is often associated with the “wild west”, having the look of a gun that is not hard to imagine in the hand
of a flamboyant Texas gunslinger. Adding credence to this revolver’s potential former life, is the fact that the included factory letter lists it as having shipped to Charles Hummel & Son in San Antonio, Texas on 27 December 1892. Along with this shipment information, the letter confirms the caliber and barrel length, lists the finish as nickel, and confirms that it was factory engraved. The factory engraving consists of “B” plus coverage floral scroll with fan motifs on the recoil shield, loading gate, and top of the back strap. It is likely that a previous owner subsequently had the revolver silver plated sometime during the period of use. The standard one line address remains faintly on top of the barrel, with the caliber marking on the left. The two-line patent dates and circled Rampant Colt are on the left of the frame. The matching serial number is visible on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap, and the assembly number “698” is on the inside of the loading gate. It is fitted with blade and groove sights, and an attractive pair of pearl grips with a relief carved steer head grip on the right panel.
CONDITION: Good, showing the well-worn look of a grizzled frontier companion, showing mostly a smooth grey patina and some light pitting. The barrel address is softened but most of the engraving remains crisp, with the cylinder having been re-engraved/ refinished. The grips are fine showing a well-traveled look, a couple minor chips at the corners, and the carving crisp. The cylinder does not lock up at full cock, otherwise mechanically functions. A documented factory engraved and Texas shipped Colt Single Action Army Revolver with the look of having frontier tales to tell!
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 1236
Highly Desirable and Rare Patton & Co., Tombstone Marked Colt Single Action Army Gun Belt and Holster Rig - The holster in this grouping bears the faint maker’s mark “PATTON & CO/ TOMBSTONE” and the gun belt appears made to match. According to the letter from the Arizona Historical Society, John J. Patton arrived in Arizona in 1877, moving to Tombstone and operating
his saddlery business there in 1880, just one year before the famous shootout at the O.K. Corral. The holster has light border tooling on the outside body along with the previously mentioned maker’s mark. The gun belt has no maker’s marks but is marked “44” near the nickeled buckle, indicating the size of ammunition intended for the single row of cartridge loops. It measures approximately 46 inches overall. The holster appears to be fitted for a Colt Single Action Army Revolver with a 7 1/2 inch barrel. Also included in the grouping is an 1880 dated check for $200 from the Pima County Bank of Tombstone, Arizona made out to Joseph Hoefler, who operated a general store in the town, as well as a copy of a photo that appears to be participants in the shootout at the O.K. Corral. CONDITION: Fine overall, both the holster and gun belt showing moderate wear and some light age related cracking but remaining solid overall with generally tight stitching. The check is very fine with minimal fading or wear. An interesting set that is deeply associated with one of the most famous Wild West towns, Tombstone!
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
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