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LOT 1268
Documented Cuban Army Colt New Service Double
Action Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 311825,
45 LC cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips.
The included factory lists this revolver as having a 5 1/2
inch barrel in .45 caliber with blue finish, wood grips and
“EJERCITO DE CUBA” marking on the barrel when shipped on
June 24, 1920, to the Departmento Administracion Ejecrcito,
care of United Fruit Company in Boston, Massachusetts, as
part of a 1,781 gun shipment. These revolvers were purchased by
the Cuban government before and after World War I to arm members
of their army and Guardia Rurales, the latter of which were merely
armed with a Colt New Service and a machete. Some sources say
these revolvers were only carried by non-commissioned officers in
the Cuban army. These revolvers were likely purchased before 1920
when Cuba was considerably wealthy due to being one of the worlds
leading sugar producers. Following World War I, the economy of Cuba
collapsed and began a time known as “The Dance of the Millions”
where foreign investors gained considerable power on the island.
Fitted with fixed blade and notch sights, with the two-line address
and patent dates on top of the barrel, model and caliber markings on
the left side, “EJERCITO DE CUBA” on the right side, and the “Rampant
Colt” on the side plate.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 60% original blue finish with scattered
handling marks, and cylinder drag line. Grips are good with dings
and scratches. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 1266
Exceptional Factory Engraved Colt Official Police Double Action
Revolver with Pearl Grips and Factory Letter - Serial no. 826030, 38 Special
cal., 4 inch round bbl., blue/matte blue finish, pearl grips. Manufactured in
1958, this is a highly attractive example of a factory engraved Colt Official Police
revolver. The included factory letter lists the revolver in .38 Special caliber with
a 4 inch barrel, blue finish, grips not listed, and factory engraved when shipped to Albion Arms Div.
of Albion Knitting Company Ltd. in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada on 24 July 1958, as a single gun
shipment. On p. 348 of “The Book of Colt Firearms”, Sutherland and Wilson indicate that they believe less
than 350 of this model were factory engraved, making this example relatively scarce. R.L. Wilson lists Alvin
F. Herbert beginning work for Colt circa 1954, the engraving on this revolver was almost certainly executed
by him. The revolver also displays Colt’s “Duotone” finish consisting of polished frame flats and barrel with a satin edge. The engraving features
about 75% coverage, beautifully executed floral scroll engraving on a stippled background in Herbert’s distinctive style. The left side of the
barrel has the model and caliber marking. The left of the frame has the Rampant Colt, while the left of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP”
proof. The matching serial number is on the frame and crane. It is fitted with a blade front sight, frame top groove rear sight, and a pair of
smooth pearl grips with Colt medallions.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 95% of the original blue and matte blue finishes, some light edge and muzzle wear, a faint cylinder turn line, and crisp engraving
overall. The grips are very fine with a hairline crack in each panel, a small repaired chip at the top of the left, and otherwise only the slightest handling marks.
Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
LOT 1267
Exceptional Inscribed Colt Pocket
Positive Double Action Revolver
with Pearl Grips and Original Box
- Serial no. 148327, 32 Colt police cal.,
2 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, pearl
grips. Manufactured in 1929. The left
side of the barrel is marked “POCKET/
POSITIVE” followed by “32 POLICE CTG.” with the top of the barrel having the two line
address and patent dates on top. The left side plate has the Rampant Colt and the right
side of the frame is engraved with the inscription “T.G. YOUNG” inside a banner. Matching
numbers on the frame and crane. Blue finish with polished hammer sides and fitted with
pearl grips featuring Rampant Colt medallions at the top. Complete with the original hinged
lib box numbered to the gun featuring the correct end and interior labels and
“Special Instructions.”
CONDITION: Excellent. The revolver retains 99% original blue finish showing a cylinder drag
line. The pearl grips are also excellent with a very attractive color. Mechanically excellent.
The box is excellent showing limited wear.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
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