Page 215 - 4096-FLIPBOOK3

LOT 3323
Documented Special Order Nickel Plated Colt New Service Double Action Revolver
in .38 W.C.F. with Desirable Factory Relief Carved Steer Head Pearl Grips and
Factory Letter - Serial no. 75335, 38 WCF cal., 7 1/ 2 inch round bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips.
The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with a 7 1/2 inch barrel in .38-40 caliber,
nickel finish and pearl grips with “carved steer head motif” when sold to Evans Supply Co.
(address unavailable) and shipped to Logan-Gregg Hardware Co. of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on
September 2, 1916. The barrel is stamped with the two-line Hartford address/patent dates marking on
top and “NEW SERVICE 38 W.C.F.” on the left side. A Rampant Colt is stamped on the side plate. A lanyard
ring is mounted on the butt. The factory Rampant Colt medallion grips feature a relief carved steer head
on the right panel. Factory documented carved pearl grips and nickel plating are rarely encountered.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 85% untouched original nickel finish with dark flaking on the balance. The highly
desirable factory carved pearl grips are excellent with very minimal handling evidence, crisp carving and fiery colors.
Mechanically excellent. A rare factory nickel plated New Service made even rarer with a factory relief carved steer head
grip that is a worthy addition to the finest Colt collections.
Provenance: The Doug Ellison Collection; The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 5,500 - 7,500
LOT 3322
Highly Desirable Documented
Individual Shipped Factory
Engraved and Silver Plated Colt Police Positive Special
Double Action Revolver in .32-20 W.C.F. with Relief Carved American Eagle
Pearl Grips and Factory Letter - Serial no. 30691, 32-20 WCF cal., 4 inch round bbl., silver
finish, pearl grips. Manufactured in 1910, this is a highly desirable example of a factory engraved
and silver plated Colt Police Positive Special revolver. On p. 388 of “The Book of Colt Firearms”,
Sutherland and Wilson note that only approximately 325 Police Positive Special revolvers were
factory engraved, making a deluxe, silver plated example such as this very rare. The included factory letter
lists the revolver in .32-20 caliber with a 4 inch barrel, silver finish, grips not listed, factory engraved, and furnished with
50 cartridges when shipped to W.E.S. Cofer on 9 August 1910. A William E.S. Cofer is listed in Washington D.C. and Virginia
newspapers as being married in 1909 and dying in 1962. The revolver itself shows highly attractive, 75%
plus coverage factory floral scroll, crosshatched, and geometric design engraving that was executed by the shop of Cuno A.
Helfricht, quite likely by the master himself. A Police Positive Special revolver (serial number 64464) with almost identical
engraving is pictured on p. 389 of “The Colt Engraving Book: Vol. I” by Wilson, where it is listed as being part of a factory
display assembled in 1914 for the centennial celebration of Samuel Colt’s birthday. The top of the barrel has the standard two-line address, while
the left side is marked with the model and caliber. The left side of the frame has the Rampant Colt and “C” logo. “3” and a “VP” proof are marked on
the left of the trigger guard. It is fitted with a blade front sight, a frame-top groove rear sight, and an extremely attractive pair of period replacement
pearl grips, with the right panel being relief carved in the form of an eagle carrying an American flag.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 85% plus of the original silver finish showing an attractively aged patina overall, some mild flaking on the grip straps, and
crisp engraving throughout. The grips are excellent with a few very light handling marks and crisp carving. Mechanically excellent. A rare and highly
desirable example of a factory engraved and silver plated Colt Police Positive Special revolver!
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 7,500 - 12,000
213