Page 95 - 4096-FLIPBOOK3

Collector’s Fact
According to "The 36
Calibers of the Colt Single
Action Army" by Brown,
only 32 standard frame Colt
Single Action Army revolvers
were chambered in .32 S&W.
LOT 3130
Colt First Generation Single Action Army Revolver in
Rare Documented .32 S&W with Factory Letter - Serial no. 188518, 32 S&W cal., 7 1/2 inch round
bbl., blue/casehardened finish, hard rubber grips. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver
as shipped in a 6 gun shipment on August 17, 1899, to Hartley & Graham in New York City, in .32 S&W
caliber, with a 7 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, and type of stocks not listed. Rock Island Auction Company recently sold
another revolver, very close in range with serial number 188511, from this exact same 6 gun shipment (August 2025 Premier,
Lot 3193). This is one of only 32 standard frame Colt Single Action Army revolvers reportedly shipped in .32 S&W caliber, per
page 198 of “The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver” by David Brown. Of note: .32 S&W, .32 S&W Gallery, and
.32-44 referred to the same basic cartridge, so with that in mind, only 2 more standard frames may be included in the total, per
the additional figures on page 194 of the aforementioned book. One-line Hartford address
marked on top of the barrel, with “FOR 32 S&W CTG.” on the left of the barrel, a blade front
sight and top strap groove rear sight. Matching visible full serial numbers on the bottom of the
frame, trigger guard, and butt, with matching number “518” on the rear face of the cylinder, and
assembly number “265” on the loading gate.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 60% original blue finish, 30% original case colors, charming smooth
gray and brown patina on the balance, light oxidation, and sharp markings and edges in the
metal overall. Grips are very fine, with tight fitment, a brown appearance, few minor handling
marks, and crisp checkering and designs. Mechanically excellent. This .32 S&W Single Action
Army revolver is a true rarity, and would make a fine addition to any advanced Colt collection!
Provenance: John J. TonKovic III; The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 7,500 - 12,000
LOT 3131
Antique Colt Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army Revolver with Attractive Relief Carved Steer Head Pearl Grip -
Serial no. 163650, 44-40 WCF cal., 4 3/4 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, relief carved pearl grips. Manufactured in 1896,
this is a fine example of Colt’s Frontier Six Shooter. This variation of Colt’s iconic “Peacemaker” became extremely popular in the
American West due to using the same standard cartridge as Winchester’s legendary Model 1873, allowing whoever carried them
to source and carry just the one type of ammunition. The barrel is marked with the two-line address on top, with “COLT FRONTIER
SIX SHOOTER” on the left. The left of the frame is marked with the two-line patent dates and circled Rampant Colt. Matching visible
serial numbers on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap, with unnumbered cylinder, and assembly number “862” on the loading
gate. Standard blade front and frame-top groove sights. Fitted with period retailer pearl grips, with a highly attractive relief carved
steer head on the right.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 50% original blue finish, 20% vivid original case colors in the protected forward area of the frame, smooth
gray patina on the balance, a patch of light pitting on right of the barrel, and defined markings and edges in the metal overall. Grips
are fine, slightly oversized, with a detailed relief carved steer head, a few chips in the left horn, and lustrous colors.
Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000 93