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LOT 3282
Attractive Documented Factory Engraved Colt New Army Double Action Revolver with Factory Letter and Holster - Serial no. 124900, 38 Long Colt cal., 4 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel/gold finish, pearl grips. Manufactured in 1899. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration, grips not listed, including the factory engraving and the nickel finish with gold plated cylinder. It also lists that the revolver was shipped on 26 October 1899 to J.B. Crook & Co. in New York. The revolver shows more than 75% coverage factory floral scroll engraving. The embellishment displays the characteristics of patterns associated with Colt double actions and Cuno Helfricht and his shop. Helfricht spent his nearly 50 year career exclusively with the Colt firm (1871-1921). During his tenure with Colt, Helfricht saw the transition from percussion to cartridge firearms and a rapidly growing market
for engraved firearms. At the height of the firearm engraving fad, Helfricht oversaw a shop of six engravers. By the turn of the century, experts believe that Helfricht did most of the work himself with the help from one to two assistants. Helfricht’s successors included famed Colt engravers Wilbur Glahn and William Gough. The standard three line address and patent dates is marked on top of the barrel, and “COLT. D.A. 38” is on the left. The serial number is on the butt and the assembly number “10” is on the frame, crane, and cylinder latch. It is fitted with blade and groove sights and a pair of very attractive smooth pearl grips. Includes a leather holster that appears to be hand marked “Col. Mansfield/2nd Infy” on the back. Colonel Mansfield could not be identified at this time.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 90% plus of the period refinished nickel and 75% of the period refinished gold on the cylinder with the balance having thinned to a smooth grey patina and some of the markings slightly softened. The grips are fine with some minor chipping/hairline cracks in the right panel. Mechanically excellent. The holster is fine with some mild wear.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
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