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LOT 3186
Documented Factory Engraved Colt Black Powder Single Action Army
Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 117638, 45 LC cal., 4 3/4 inch round bbl., nickel finish, walnut grips. As a factory engraved example, this Peacemaker is one of only around 4,500 or .012% of the total First Generation Colt SAA revolvers
manufactured with engraving. The accompanying factory letter lists the revolver with a 4 3/4 inch barrel in .45 caliber, nickel finish, wood stocks and factory engraving when it was shipped to Hartley & Graham, New York City on August 21, 1886. This was a 12 gun shipment. Coming off of the strikes of streetcar workers and a bribery scandal over securing franchises, there was
a monumental power struggle in New York City in 1886. The rich were getting richer; the poor getting poorer. Gentlemen of the city
found themselves in the crosshairs of the working man and needed a way to look after their own. Much like the Colts of the western
frontier, the Colts in the more industrialized parts of the country were used both as status symbols and tools of protection. This example
of the “Gentleman’s Colt” combines both prestige and power. The engraving is consistent with the work of famed Cuno Helfricht Shop and is mostly
floral scrollwork on a punch dot background along with zig-zag line, star, and fan motifs. The barrel has the two-line Hartford address on top, the frame has the three-line patent date
markings, and the trigger guard is marked “45 CAL.” Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap.
CONDITION: Very fine overall, retaining 98% plus of the professionally restored/replated nickel plating with crisp recut engraving, and replacement grip showing limited handling marks. Mechanically fine. Factory engraved black powder Colt SAAs are becoming difficult to encounter in any condition. This SAA will add dimension to your growing SAA collection.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
LOT 3187
Attractive New York Engraved Gold Plated Antique Colt Black Powder Frame Single Action Army Revolver - Serial no. 13693, 45 Long Colt cal., 5 5/8 inch round bbl., gold finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in 1874, this Single Action Army revolver features desirable and attractive period New York attributed engraving consisting
mostly of floral scrollwork on a punch dot background, crosshatched patterns, and wavy line motifs. The masterfully
executed, Nimschke pattern, New York engraving covers approximately 75% of the surfaces. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard one-line address. The left of the frame has the two-line patent dates. The matching serial number is visible on the
frame, trigger guard, and back strap, and the partial matching serial number “3693” is on the cylinder. The loading gate has the
assembly number “798”. It is fitted with a blade front sight which has been period reattached, likely when the barrel was shortened from 7/12 inches, and a frame
groove rear sight. It is fitted with a one-piece, smooth walnut grip.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 75% plus of the period replated gold finish with the balance mostly bright, a few scattered patches of light pitting beneath the finish, and the engraving remaining almost entirely crisp. The barrel has been period shortened with the front sight reattached. The replacement grip is very fine with some light wear and a few scattered light handling marks. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
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