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LOT 3122
Desirable Black Powder Colt Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Sheriff’s Model Revolver with
Pearl Grips Holster Rig and Factory Letter - Serial no. 145319, 44 WCF cal., 4 inch round bbl., blue/ casehardened finish, pearl grips. The ejectorless
black powder Colt Sheriff’s Model Single Action Army Revolver is one of the rarest and most sought after variations of the legendary Peacemaker. In “A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver,” approximately 1,000 of these “ejectorless” revolvers were estimated to have been manufactured with the majority of
the production occurring before 1900 (page 69). Per Keith Cochran in “Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Volume 1,” only 494 out of a grand total of 1,000 “ejectorless” SAAs were manufactured with a 4 inch barrel. Based on Cochran’s estimates only 180 SAAs out of the total Sheriff’s Model production run were chambered in the always desirable .44 WCF caliber (page 370). The accompanying factory letter confirms the 4 inch barrel in .44-40 caliber, pearl grips, and blue finish. The letter also states the revolver was shipped to W.R. Burkhard in St. Paul, MN on May 29, 1894. This shipment was for two guns of the same type. The barrel has the correct two-line Hartford address on top and “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” stamped on the left side. The left side of the frame has the three-line patent dates marking followed by an encircled Rampant Colt. The back strap is faintly hand marked in script “Emmett Dalton 1908.” Emmett Dalton was a notorious Western outlaw and member of the Dalton Gang. Although he was sentenced to
life in prison for murder in the first degree, Emmett Dalton was pardoned by the governor in 1907.
After his release from prison he moved to California where he remained until his death in 1937. Collectors are invited to come up with their conclusion to
the authenticity of the inscription. Matching serial number appears on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The western frontier was undoubtedly one of harshest and most unforgiving environment in America’s history. The lawmen of such a time period definitely had their work cut out for them on a daily basis. Whether on the hip of a lawman, carried by an outlaw or under the counter of a storekeeper’s shop, the Sheriff’s model Colt SAA was at the forefront
of trying to tame the western frontier, as well as all manner of ruffians and outlaws. This example has all the appearance of serving on the frontier as the trustworthy sidekick. With unmarked leather holster rig.
CONDITION: Very good plus with great working gun character as traces of original blue finish and faded original case colors remain in the protected areas, otherwise the revolver has an attractive smooth brown-gray patina. The grips are fine with some chipping and fiery colors. Mechanically fine. The holster rig is very good with typical age cracking and stitching remaining mostly tight. The combination of the holster rig and this durable enforcer is your ticket to the past, and a must have for the serious frontier or Colt collector.
Estimate: 11,000 - 16,000