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otherwise crisp checkering on the forearm. The markings are clear. The action is excellent. Estimate: 2,500 - 3,500
LOT 3141
Factory Engraved Colt 10 Gauge Model 1883 Double Barrel Shotgun with Factory Letter - Serial no. 8014, 10 gauge, 32 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Blued Damascus steel barrels with single brass bead sight on the matted concave solid rib which is marked “COLTS PT F A MFG CO HARTFORD CT U S A”, chambers measured 2 7/8 inches with single extractor, and choke constrictions of .025/.023 inches. Casehardened boxlock action displays light border engraving and features double triggers and a tang mounted automatic safety. Nicely figured, multi-point checkered forend withe ebony tip inlay and round knob pistol
grip stock with blank inscription oval and hard rubber buttplate. Includes a Colt factory letter confirming the barrel length, gauge, finish (listed simply as “Blue”), grade, and very close on the weight when it was shipped to E. K. Tryon, Jr. & Company of Philadelphia, PA, on October 2, 1899. Stock measurements: 2 inch drop at comb; 3 5/16 inch drop at heel; 14 3/8 inch length of pull; weight 10 lbs. 9 oz. CONDITION: Fine, showing 50% of the patterns, a mix of brown and grey patina on the balance of the barrels, 30% case colors mostly in the protected areas, areas of cleaned oxidation, and light handling evidence. The wood is fine revarnished and shows light handling marks and mostly crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 2,250 - 3,250
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LOT 3143 Fine Colt Medium Frame Lightning Slide Action Rifle in Scarce .32-20 W.C.F. - Serial no. 40525, 32-20 WCF cal., 25 3/4 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Colt’s Lightning rifles were introduced in the mid-1880s in an attempt to compete in the repeating rifle market dominated by Winchester. Unlike Colt’s prior attempt, the short lived Colt-Burgess, the Lightning offered something readily different than a Winchester. “Pump action” shotguns and rifles had been invented a few decades earlier but had not been produced in large numbers, but these “Lightning” rifles demonstrated that a slide action could be fired very rapidly and without taking your firing hand
away from the trigger like you must with a lever action. These medium frame rifles and carbines were the most popular of Colt’s three Lightning frame sizes because they were chambered for many of the same cartridges as Colt’s famous Single Action Army and other revolvers. The .44-40 W.C.F. cartridge of the Winchester Model 1873 and Colt’s “Frontier Six Shooter” was the most popular making examples in other calibers particularly desirable. This rifle was manufactured in 1889 and is chambered in .32-20 W.C.F., a cartridge with a reputation for accuracy, and has the standard markings and features. CONDITION: Fine with 50% original blue finish blended with dark brown patina and minor spotting. The hammer has 75% plus of the vibrant original case colors. The refinished wood is also fine and has crisp checkering and minor bruising and scratches. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
LOT 3140 Colt Lightning Medium Frame Slide Action Rifle - Serial no. 45728, 44-40 cal., 26 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1890. Brass blade front and adjustable semi-buckhorn style rear sights with the two line address/patents marking on the top flat ahead of the rear sight and “44 Cal.” at the breech. The Rampant Colt is marked on the left side of the receiver, full length magazine, casehardened hammer and mounted with a checkered walnut forearm and smooth straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. CONDITION: Very fine. The rifle retains 60% original blue finish with the barrel fading to a plum, showing edge wear overall and some thinning to a
smooth gray and brown patina. The wood is very good with some scattered minor dings and scratches, mainly on the stock, and a few minor bruises in the
LOT 3142 Colt Model 1883 Double Barrel Shotgun with Factory Letter - Serial no. 4999, 12 gauge, 30 inch solid rib bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. The included factory letter confirms the current barrel length, gauge, finish, and weight when it was shipped to Hall & Knight of Lewiston, ME, on September 2, 1890. The gun features a single bead sight on the matted solid rib, chambers measured 2 3/4 inches with single extractor, choke constrictions of .025/.027 inches, light engraving on the casehardened action, double triggers, tang safety, and checkered walnut forend and pistol grip stock. Stock measurements: 2 inch drop at
comb; 3 1/16 inch drop at heel; 14 1/8 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs. 6 oz. CONDITION: Fine overall, showing 70% strong Damascus pattern, an attractive mix of brown and grey patina on the balance of barrel. 40% original case colors remain on the receiver mostly in the protected areas, light handling evidence, moderate dings and scratches in the stock, and mostly crisp wood checkering. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000