Page 67 - 4096-FLIPBOOK3

65
LOT 3102
Desirable Documented New Mexico Territory Shipped Antique Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Factory
Letter - Serial no. 120874, 45 Long Colt cal., 4 3/4 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, hard rubber grips. The
accompanying factory letter lists this revolver as shipped in a 100 gun shipment on April 1, 1887 to Manzanares
& Company at an unlisted address, in .45 caliber, with a 4 3/4 inch barrel, blue finish, and type of grips not listed.
Manzanares & Company was known to have been located in Las Vegas, New Mexico Territory. Experts believe that
several large shipments (50-100 units) of Single Action Army revolvers were delivered to Manzanares only in the year
1887, and other known examples of Manzanares shipped revolvers previously sold by Rock Island Auction Company
fall close in serial number range to this example offered. “D.F.C” inspection initials marked above the frame serial
number and on the side of the cylinder, lending to the fact that Colt used rejected U.S. contract components. “MH”
period stamped marked above the trigger guard serial number. Matching visible serial numbers on the frame, trigger
guard, and back strap, with unnumbered cylinder, and assembly number “871” on the loading gate.
CONDITION: Good overall with plenty of western character, retains traces of original blue finish and case colors in a few
protected areas, exhibiting brown patina, pitting, and western wear. Mechanically functions.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
LOT 3101
Documented Carlos Gove, Denver, Colorado Territory, Shipped
Antique Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial
no. 14642, 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 12 gun shipment on December 14, 1874, to C. Gove & Company in Denver, Colorado Territory,
in .45 caliber and blue finish, with barrel length and type of grip not listed, with the letter remarking that this is usually an indication of a 7 1/2 inch barrel
and walnut grip, which were standard for the period. Carlos Gove (1817-1900) is one of the most legendary gunsmiths and dealers of the American West.
When the “59ers” began rushing into the Colorado Territory during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush, he purchased supplies and headed out from Council Bluffs and
soon opened a gun shop in Denver in 1862. He partnered with J.P. Lower and Gove’s son-in-law Frank Church to form C. Gove & Co. in 1872 and ran the “Denver
Armory.” The firm became C. Gove & Sons in 1875 just after the time of the shipment of this revolver. 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 example was manufactured in a
time when much of the West remained untamed. The top of the barrel has the one-line Colt Hartford address, with the two-line patent date markings on the left
of the frame, and “45 CAL” marked on the left of the trigger guard. Blade and groove sights. Matching visible full serial numbers marked on the bottom
of the frame, trigger guard, and butt, with matching “4642” on the barrel beneath the ejector housing and on the cylinder, and assembly number “99”
marked on the loading gate.
CONDITION: Very good with a very fresh untouched original appearance and some charming frontier character, retaining 20% of the bright original blue
finish and case colors in protected areas, with smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, light oxidation, and defined markings overall. Grip is also
very good, retains some of the original glossy varnish finish with proper western wear and handling marks. Mechanically excellent. A desirable 1874
production Carlos Gove Colorado Territory shipped Colt Single Action Army revolver!
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000
LOT 3100
Very Fine Cased Documented J.P. Lower & Sons, Denver, Colorado, Shipped Factory Engraved Etched
Panel Antique Colt Model 1877 Thunderer Double Action Revolver with Pearl Grips and Factory Letter -
Serial no. 55373, 41 Long Colt cal., 4 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips. The accompanying factory letter
states this revolver was the only one in its configuration in a shipment on April 9, 1886, to John P. Lower & Sons in
Denver, Colorado, and confirms it as factory engraved, in .41 caliber, with a 4 1/2 inch barrel, nickel finish, and pearl grips.
This attractive Colt Model 1877 Thunderer double action revolver features high quality factory engraving consisting of mainly floral scroll patterns with beaded
backgrounds, clamshell designs on the recoil shield, loading gate, and top of the back strap, with zig-zag line and punchdot designs, and is fitted with original factory
pearl grips. The top of the barrel has the two-line Colt Hartford address, with the desirable “COLT D.A. 41” in an acid etched panel on the left of the barrel. Blade front
sight and groove top strap rear sight. The left of the frame has the three-line patent date markings. “A” marked on the left of the trigger guard. Matching visible full serial
numbers on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap, with unnumbered cylinder, and an assembly number “107” on the loading gate. Includes period hardwood case with
a blank shield plaque on the lid and red felt lined fitted interior containing 11 rounds of .41 Long Colt, an “L” shaped combination tool, oiler, screwdriver, and cleaning rod.
CONDITION: Very fine with a very fresh untouched appearance, retains 85% original nickel finish with some light
frontier freckling on the exposed surfaces, a legible etched panel, and crisp engraving overall. Grips are also very fine,
with tight fitment, a few minor age lines, distinct edges, and lustrous colors. Mechanically functions. Case is very fine
with minor age related wear. An attractive factory engraved Colt Model 1877 Thunderer double action
revolver with pearl grips!
Provenance: Douglas R. Carlson; The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 7,500 - 11,000