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LOT 3145
Antique Colt Single Action Army Revolver with
Factory Letter - Serial no. 21880, 45 Long Colt cal., 7
1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut
grips. The accompanying factory letter states this
revolver was shipped in a 50 gun shipment on December
28, 1875, to B. Kittredge & Company in Cincinnati, Ohio,
in .45 caliber and blue finish, with barrel length and type
of grips not listed, a common indication of a 7 1/2 inch
barrel and a walnut grip, which were standard for the
period. This same 50 gun shipment included two other
revolvers recently sold by Rock Island Auction Company,
serial numbers 529 and 1341, and both of those guns
have B. Kittredge & Co. retailer markings (August 2025
Auction, Lots 3164 and 3165). Benjamin Kittredge & Co.
were major firearms retailers and agents in Cincinnati,
Ohio, in the second half of the 19th century. Many guns
that passed through their warehouse ended up further
west, and Kittredge is credited with nicknaming several
models such as the Colt “Peacemaker” in reference to
these Single Action Army revolvers. The Colt Single
Action Army was one of the most popular handguns in the late 19th century, and is easily the most iconic and
most thoroughly associated with the American West. This Single Action Army was manufactured in a time when
much of the West remained untamed. The top of the barrel has the one-line Colt Hartford address, the left of the
frame has the two-line patent date markings, with “45 CAL” marked on the left of the trigger guard. Blade front
sight and top strap groove rear sight. Matching visible full serial numbers marked on the bottom of the frame,
trigger guard, and butt, with matching “1880” on the side of the cylinder, and assembly number “649” on the
loading gate.
CONDITION: Very good, with a very fresh appearance and charming frontier character, retains 20% original blue
finish, patterns of vivid case colors in protected areas, with smooth brown patina on the balance, some light
pitting, and mostly defined markings. Grip is fine, retains much of the original glossy varnish finish with some
flaking along the lower edges, minor handling marks, tight fitment, and distinct edges. Mechanically functions. A
classic example of an antique Colt Single Action Army revolver!
Estimate: 5,000 - 8,000
LOT 3143
Antique Colt Sheriff’s Model 1878
Double Action Revolver in .45 Long
Colt with Rare Documented 3 Inch
Barrel and Factory Letter - Serial
no. 4829, 45 Long Colt cal., 3 inch round bbl., blue
finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in 1880, this is a
rare example of a .45 caliber Colt Sheriff’s Model 1878
revolver with a 3 inch barrel. The accompanying factory
letter lists this revolver as shipped in a 2 gun shipment
on November 30, 1880, to Schoverling, Daly & Gales in
New York City, in .45 caliber, with a 3 inch barrel, blue
finish, and type of grips not listed. Only 560 ejectorless
Sheriff’s Model 1878 revolvers were reportedly shipped
in .45 Long Colt caliber, with 9 of those listed as shipped
in this specific configuration with a 3 inch barrel length
and blue finish, according to figures on page 216 of Don
Wilkerson’s book “Colt’s Double-Action Revolver, Model
of 1878”. Whether on the hip of a lawman or under the
counter of a storekeeper’s shop, these Sheriff’s Models
were at the forefront of taming the wilds in growing
cities of the western frontier, as well as all manner of
ruffians and outlaws. The top of the barrel is marked with
the two-line Hartford address, with “45 CAL” on the left of
the trigger guard. Full serial number marked on the butt,
with unnumbered cylinder, and assembly number “329”
on the loading gate. It is fitted with a period modified
high profile blade front sight, groove top strap rear sight,
and a pair of checkered walnut grips.
CONDITION: Very good, retains 30% original blue finish
with charming smooth brown patina on the balance, and
defined markings. Grips are also very good, with some
light scratches and handling wear, and crisp checkering.
Mechanically functions, although slightly out of time.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000
LOT 3144
Collector's Lot of Two Winchester 45 Long
Colt Ammunition Boxes with Picture Labels
for the Colt Model 1878 Double Action
Revolver - Both boxes are tan cardboard
construction with black text labels featuring
an illustration of the Colt Model 1878 double
action revolver and identifying the contents as
50 rounds of .45 caliber ammo for “Colt’s Double
Action and Single Action Army Revolvers” with
the New Haven address. Both show wrinkled and
creased but not completely broken seals; the
contents have not been inspected. 1) Winchester
cartridge box, red label and seal with smokeless
powder notation. 2) Winchester cartridge box,
with green label and tan seal with Colt company
guarantee markings.
CONDITION: 1) Fine overall, with wear
concentrated along the edges. 2) Very fine overall
with exceptional detail on the picture lid. As
noted, the seals are damaged but do not appear
opened.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 1,500 - 2,500
LOT 3146
Exceptional Antique
Etched Panel Colt Model 1877 Lightning Double Action
Revolver - Serial no. 68349, 38 Long Colt cal., 4 1/2 inch
round bbl., nickel finish, hard rubber grips. Manufactured
in 1888. The barrel features the scarce and desirable acid etched
panel with “COLT D.A. 38” on the left side. The top of the barrel is
marked with the two-line Hartford address. The left of the frame
has the three-line patent date markings. “38 CAL” marked on the left
of the trigger guard. Matching visible serial numbers on the frame, trigger
guard, back strap, and matching partial “349” on the cylinder, and assembly number “151” on the
loading gate. It is fitted with a blade front sight and groove top strap rear sight.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus bright original nickel plated finish with flaking
concentrated mostly on the back strap, areas of freckling, and an excellent distinct etched panel.
Grip is fine, with tight fitment, a few minor
handling marks, some lower edge wear and
otherwise defined checkering and logos.
Mechanically excellent. A high condition Colt
Model 1877 Lightning revolver!
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
According to "Colt's Double-
Action Revolver, Model of
1878" by Wilkerson, only 9
Colt Sheriff's Model 1878
revolvers were produced with
this combination of caliber,
barrel length and finish.
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