*ENGRAVED COLT DOUBLE ACTION LIGHTNING REVOLVER.

SN 130149. Cal. .38 Colt. 4-1/2″ bbl, blue finish. Mother of Pearl grips. CONDITION: Good overall. Traces of blue finish in protected areas, casecolor on frame has silvered, Mother of Pearl grips appear original and fit perfectly. Front sight has been reshaped. Engraving appears original and is of a very high quality, possibly presentation grade. Presentation panel on backstrap remains blank. Very fine example of high quality engraving on a Colt revolver. 49433-106 TEP C&R (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1039

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ENGRAVED COLT MODEL 1877 DOUBLE ACTION LIGHTNING SHERIFF’S MODEL REVOLVER.

SN 14002. Cal. .38 Colt. 3-1/2″ bbl, nickel finish. Hard rubber grips. CONDITION: Good condition. Engraving appears to be factory or New York style, gun was engraved when it was new. 10% nickel finish on the bbl and cylinder, 20% nickel finish on the frame, traces of blue on the hammer. Very good representative example of an engraved Lightning. 49433-108 TEP C&R (3,000-4,500) – Lot 1040

*COLT MODEL 1877 LIGHTNING DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER SHERIFF’S MODEL.

SN 165537. Cal. .38 Colt. 3-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, hard rubber grips. CONDITION: Very fine to excellent. 95% blue with some marring at the muzzle of the bbl on the right side. 85% vivid casecolor on the frame. Fire blue on the hammer, excellent screws. Very fine sheriff’s model. 49433-107 TEP C&R (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1041

*COLT MODEL 1877 LIGHTNING DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER.

SN 130182. Cal. .38 Colt. Scarce 6″ bbl, blue finish, hard rubber grips. CONDITION: Very good to fine condition. 80% bbl blue with some roughness at the muzzle. 60% blue on all other parts. Traces of vivid casecolor in the corners of the frame, blending into a pleasant brown patina. Nice screws. Very rare bbl length. 49433-105 TEP C&R (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1042

COLT MODEL 1877 DOUBLE ACTION LIGHTNING REVOLVER WITH MOTHER OF PEARL GRIPS.

SN 97245. Cal. 38. 3-1/2″ rnd bbl, nickel finish. Blue screws, hammer and trigger. Two piece MOP grips. SN’s on frame, trigger guard, backstrap and cylinder all match. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. CONDITION: Very fine, bbl retains 95% nickel finish with slight muzzle wear and one or two small spots of lifting nickel. Bbl address is sharp. Cylinder retains 60% nickel with losses on front face and edges and some slight scratch marks between two flutes. Frame retains 90% nickel finish with most of loss in front of cylinder, sharp patent mark, sharp rampant colt, screws show traces of blue. Trigger and hammer retain 50% blue. Trigger guard and backstrap retain 90% nickel with some high point wear and minor blistering. Screws retain 80% bright fire blue. MOP grips are very good with a few minor chips, grips fit very well and have nice color. Mechanics function well. A very fine Colt Lightning revolver. 49059-93 TEP C&R (1,250-2,250) – Lot 1043

ENGRAVED COLT MODEL 1877 DOUBLE ACTION THUNDERER REVOLVER.

SN 100477. Cal. .41 Colt. 4-3/4″ bbl, nickel finish. Mother of Pearl grips. CONDITION: Very good condition. Revolver retains 50-60% nickel finish overall with the balance blending to smooth clean metal. Front sight has been trimmed. Engraving appears to be original factory or New York style, well executed. Mother of Pearl grips fit well. Nice example of an early engraved Thunderer. 49433-104 TEP C&R (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1044

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COLT MODEL 1877 DOUBLE ACTION THUNDERER REVOLVER.

SN 131036. Cal. .41 Colt. Blue finish with scarce 6″ bbl and hard rubber grips. CONDITION: Very good. Revolver retains 30-40% blue overall. Vivid casecolor in protected areas of the frame blending to muted casecolors overall. Fire blue on hammer. Good screws. An opportunity to get a rare bbl length at a reasonable price. 49433-103 TEP (1,500-2,000) – Lot 1045

*COLT MODEL 1877 DOUBLE ACTION THUNDERER SHERIFF’S MODEL REVOLVER IN COLT BOX.

SN 140688. Cal. 41 3-1/2″ bbl, blue and case colored finish, checkered hard rubber grips, maroon Colt box with picture label and Ideal loading label on inner lid. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains 90% bright blue with some muzzle wear and drifting of finish. Bore is frosty with deep rifling. Sharp bbl address and sharp Colt D. A. 41 on left side. Cylinder retains 90% bright blue with high point wear on front edge and along flutes. Frame retains 80% case color with fiery color in protected areas drifting to plum brown on recoil shield and top strap. Fine screws. Trigger guard and backstrap retain 90% bright blue with gray-brown patina on backstrap. Trigger retains 50% fire blue. Hammer retains 95% fire blue. Hammer does not stay on full-cock. Can be repaired. Grips are fine with no serious mars or dents. Box is very good with a clear top label showing a picture of a Colt Double Action pistol. Inner label shows instructions for Ideal Reloading Tool. Box is maroon in color with a blue end label saying .38 Cal. 3-1/2″ rubber and blue without ejector. Some faded pencil marks on bottom of box that are indiscernible. A very nice high condition Colt Thunderer in an original Colt box. 49059-72 TEP C&R (1,000-2,000) – Lot 1046

COLT MODEL 1877 DOUBLE ACTION THUNDERER REVOLVER.

SN 99444. Cal. .41 Colt. Blue finish with 4-1/2″ bbl. Hard rubber grips. CONDITION: Very good over all as refinished. Gun retains 95% blue finish, frame is silvered. Screws are good, grips fit well. Front sight has been trimmed. Markings are all clear and legible. 49433-109 TEP C&R (1,200-1,500) – Lot 1047

*COLT MODEL 1877 DOUBLE ACTION THUNDERER REVOLVER WITH RARE SIX INCH BARREL.

SN 147701. Cal. 41. 6″ rnd bbl, blue and case color finish. Checkered hard rubber grips. SN’s on frame, trigger guard, backstrap all match. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. CONDITION: Very good, bbl retains 50% bright blue blending with a plum patina, slight scratches and some muzzle wear. Front sight is full size. Bbl address is sharp, cal. mark is sharp. Bore is bright with some staining and strong rifling. Ejector rod shows 80% blue with high point wear. Cylinder retains 60% blue with scratches overall, no heavy pits, deep blue in flutes. Frame retains 60% muted case color with some vivid color in protected areas. Frame screws retain 50% blue. Trigger retains 50% blue. Hammer retains 30% blue in protected areas. Trigger guard and backstrap retain 30% blue blending with a pleasing plum patina. Grips are very good with some high point wear and a couple of minor dents. Mechanics function well. Nice Thunderer in a rare bbl length. 49059-98 TEP C&R (1,000-2,000) – Lot 1048

COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER CAVALRY ISSUE.

SN 14456. Cal. 45 LC 7-1/2″ bbl, nickel finish, walnut grips. CONDITION: Good. Revolver retains traces of nickel finish in protected areas of frame. Balance has been polished bright and blends well with remaining nickel. Bbl shows a clear address with correct-type ejector. Bbl is numbered to gun, and inspected with a “C” next to the locating stud. Bore is dark with visible rifling. Frame shows nickel in protected areas balanced polished bright to match nickel. Cylinder has been polished overall shows a clear SN and A inspector stamp. A stamp is also visible on bbl, trigger guard, and backstrap. Hammer is good. Grip straps show traces of nickel balanced polished bright. Grips are replacements. Frame is marked “US” on left side. No caliber mark is visible on trigger guard. Comes with John Kopec letter dated October 5, 1979 discussing this revolver. A good representative example of an early nickel-plated US Single Action with Ainsworth inspector marks. 49545-1 TEP (8,000-10,000) – Lot 1049

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COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER MILITARY ISSUE.

SN 54168. Cal. 45 LC 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, walnut grips. CONDITION: Good overall. Bbl shows mottled brown-gray finish with some cleaning marks. Bbl address is clear. Slight traces of blue at bbl breech. Bore is dark with visible rifling. Bbl is numbered to gun and shows blue under ejector rod. Bbl shows “D.F.C” proof and “J.G” by locating stud. Ejector rod donut head is bent and has jammed ejector rod. Can be repaired. Cylinder is a mottled gray-brown patina with clear SN, “D.F.C.” & “P”. Frame has a mottled gray-brown appearance with clear “US” stamp “D.F.C.” inspector mark on frame above SN. Hammer is good with long heavy checkering. Good screws. Trigger guard and backstrap are mottled gray patina with clear numbers and slight traces of blue in area behind hammer. Grips are stamped “1880” with a visible cartridge on both sides. Grips fit almost perfectly. A very good honest 1880 Colt Single Action Cavalry revolver. Accompanying this revolver is a Colt Factory Letter verifying shipment to United States Goverment on March 20, 1880 in a 300-gun shipment. 49545-2 TEP C&R (6,000-8,000) – Lot 1050

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*COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 201953. Cal. 38 WCF 4-3/4” bbl, blue finish, checkered hard rubber grips. CONDITION: Very good. Revolver retains 40-50% blue finish. Bright in protected areas. Vivid case color in the corners of frame. Nice screws. Orig grips with slight damage at toe of left grip. Good honest old gun. 49492-1 TEP C&R (5,000-7,000) – Lot 1051

*COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 348175. Cal. 45 LC. 4-3/4” bbl, blue finish, checkered hard rubber grips. CONDITION: Very fine. Revolver retains 95% original bright Colt blue finish. Frame shows 90% vivid case colors. Hammer shows 90% vivid case colors with some staining. Grips are excellent, no chips. Screws are excellent. Front sight is full size. This is a very fine condition Colt single action revolver made in the 1920’s in hard to find condition. 49468-6 TEP C&R (6,000-10,000) – Lot 1052

*COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER LONG FLUTE VARIATION WITH PLAIN IVORY GRIPS IN WOODEN DISPLAY BOX.

SN 330568. Cal. 38 W.C.F. 7-1/2″ bbl, blue and case color finish, 2-piece “certifiable pre-ban ivory” grips with Colt medallions, wooden display case with cartridge block full of cartridges. Lid has been detached. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Fine as partially refinished. Bbl retains 98% professionally restored finish with slight muzzle wear and high point wear on front sight. Sharp bbl address and cal mark. Ejector housing shows what appears to be 50% Colt blue finish with wear at front end. Ejector rod head has been re-blued. Cylinder shows 90% professionally restored blue finish with high point wear at front and a slight drag mark. Frame retains 20% case colored finish in protected areas with balance drifting to silver-gray patina. Hammer and hammer screw have been replaced. Trigger has been replaced. Trigger guard retains 50% of orig Colt blue finish with brown patina on forestrap. Backstrap has 90% of a professionally restored blue finish. Grips are very good with Colt medallions. The action is jammed, but can be repaired. Wooden box has blue lining with a cartridge block and small storage compartment. Box lid has been detached. Box is in very good condition. An opportunity to obtain a Colt Single Action Army revolver in one of the scarcest variations. SNs of long flute model range from 330001 to 331379. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter confirming all features including long flute cylinder. Shipment to Winchester Repeating Arms Co., New Haven CT, C/O G. S. Bert on August 7, 1914 in a one-gun shipment. 49059-91 TEP C&R; IVORY (4,000-6,000) – Lot 1053

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*ENGRAVED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 283927. Cal. 45 LC. 4-3/4” bbl, blue finish, checkered hard rubber grips. CONDITION: Very fine as refinished after engraving. Revolver retains 90% blue finish on bbl, grip straps, and cylinder. Muted case colors on frame and hammer hidden by engraving. Grips are good with no chips. Engraving is done in a very fine style with almost full coverage. Engraving is scroll type and very tight. Even the hammer and front sight are engraved. This a very attractive engraved single action. 49492-2 TEP C&R (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1054

COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH MOTHER-OF-PEARL GRIPS RARE INVERTED RAMPANT COLT LOGO ON FRAME.

SN 182349. Cal. 38 W.C.F. 4-3/4″ bbl. Nickel finish, mother-of-pearl grips. CONDITION: Very good. Bbl and ejector housing show 10% nickel finish in protected areas. Balance is a pleasing gray patina which has never been heavily cleaned. Front sight has been slightly filed. Bore is dark with strong rifling. Frame retains 40% orig nickel finish blending into smooth gray patina. Cylinder retains traces of nickel finish, balance is smooth gray patina. Trigger guard and backstrap retain 80% nickel finish. Screws are very good and show much orig blue finish. Pearl grips are very good with fiery color a small chip is missing out of the toe of the left grip. Rampant Colt Logo has been stamped upside-down on the left side of the frame which rarely happens, and it is a very rare variation. Revolver is accompanied by a Colt Factory letter confirming all features except pearl grips which the letter shows to be rubber. Shipment was to Lee, Clarke, Andreesen Hardware Company in Omaha, Nebraska in a one gun shipment on December 23, 1898. This is a nice example of an antique Colt Single Action that was shipped west at the end of the 19th century, and also an example of a rare variation for an advanced collector. 49511-1 TEP C&R (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1055

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*COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 338905. Cal. .44 WCF. 5-1/2″ bbl, blue and casecolored finish, 1-pc walnut grips. CONDITION: Revolver shows 95% of the blue finish overall and 70% of case hardening, action is crisp, front sight is full size. Grips are not original to this gun. Very nice frontier. 49433-97 TEP C&R (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1056

*COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH H H HEISER TOOLED GUN BELT AND HOLSTER.

SN 353544. Cal. .45 LC. 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, hard rubber grips. CONDITION: Revolver is in fine condition, retaining 90% bbl blue, 90% casecolors on frame. Some muzzle wear, small scratches on right side of trigger guard. Original grips. Holster is in fine condition, some minor scuffs, belt shows wear, but in good condition, both are Heiser marked. Really nice rig. 49253-13 TEP C&R (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1057

*COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 348619. Cal. .38 WCF. 5-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, hard rubber grips. CONDITION: Frame shows 10% casecolor in protected areas, the rest of frame is silver/gray, bbl has 60% bright blue with muzzle wear. Cylinder shows strong blue in the flutes, hammer has 50% casecolor. Original hard rubber grips. Nice honest gun. Comes with a Colt Factory letter confirming all features and showing shipment to Tufts-Lyon Arms Company, Los Angeles, CA., November 12, 1926, in a two gun shipment. 49433-96 TEP C&R (2,500-3,500) – Lot 1058

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COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 128656. Cal. .44 WCF. 4-3/4″ bbl, full nickel finish, engraved. CONDITION: 95% of nickel refinish done at the time of engraving, slightly trimmed front sight, no grips present. A good set of grips would make this one shine. Comes with a Colt Factory letter confirming all features before refinish. Ship to: Meacham Arms Company St. Louis, MO., on July 13th 1889, in a twenty five gun shipment. Engraving is very elaborate and deeply cut. 49433-94 TEP C&R (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1059

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COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 32800. Cal. .45 LC. 5-1/2″ bbl, blue and casecolor finish. 1-pc walnut grips. CONDITION: Revolver retains 90% of an old refinish, bbl has been replaced with Colt bbl that has bbl address marked on right side. Hammer is also a replacement, front sight has been trimmed, left grip has repair at heel and toe. Early gun. 49257-1 TEP C&R (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1060

*COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 338887. Cal. .32 WCF. Blue finish with 4-3/4″ bbl and hard rubber grips. Trigger guard is a replacement, probably by the factory, with the matching serial number on left side of front & back straps under the grip. CONDITION: Overall gray patina with some blue in the corners and some case color on the frame. Front sight has been trimmed. Good honest gun. 49433-98 TEP C&R (1,750-2,750) – Lot 1061

COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 159762. Cal. .41 Colt. 4-3/4″ bbl, hard rubber grips. CONDITION: Overall light gray smooth patina, some rough spots on front of frame, trigger screw is broken, front sight is full size, original hard rubber grips with what looks like a brand mark on both grips. Comes with a Colt factory letter confirming all features and showing shipment to Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co., Chicago, IL., December 24, 1894, in a ten gun shipment. 49433-90 TEP C&R (1,500-3,000) – Lot 1062

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*COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 220384. Cal. .44 WCF. 4-3/4″ bbl, blue finish with overall smooth gray patina. CONDITION: Traces of blue in corners, sight has been slightly trimmed. Old 2-pc stag grips. Good honest gun. 49433-95 TEP C&R (1,500-3,000) – Lot 1063

*COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 308248. Cal. .32 WCF. 7-1/2″ bbl. Hard rubber grips. CONDITION: Gun shows an over all dark gray patina with some rust spots and some chemical stains. Frame has never been polished. Left grip has large chip missing. Comes with a Colt Factory letter confirming all features and showing shipment to Browning Brothers, Ogden, UT, March 8, 1909, in a two gun shipment. Honest old Western shipped Colt. 49433-100 TEP C&R (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1064

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*COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 296324. Cal .32 WCF. 5-1/2″ bbl, blue finish with hard rubber grips. CONDITION: Pleasing overall gray patina, with some blotching. Original grips. Front sight has been slightly trimmed. Donut head ejector. Honest old gun. 49433-89 TEP C&R (1,200-1,500) – Lot 1065

*COLT SINGLE ACTION BISLEY MODEL REVOLVER.

SN 244386. Cal. .32 WCF. 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, hard rubber grips. CONDITION: Revolver shows old refinish of blue parts, frame has been cleaned to a light gray patina. Grips do not fit. 49433-99 TEP C&R (1,200-1,500) – Lot 1066

*INSCRIBED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER 2ND GENERATION CUSTOM ENGRAVED WITH SCRIMSHAWED ONE-PIECE IVORY GRIP ACCOMPANIED BY AN ORIGINAL GOLD-WASHED CINCO PESO TEXAS RANGER CAPTAIN’S BADGE WITH “JACK DEAN” ON TOP OF CIRCLE. PAPERWORK TO SUPPORT OWNERSHIP OF BOTH ITEMS BY RANGER DEAN.

SN 12071 SA. Cal. 44 SPECIAL 4-7/8″ bbl, satin nickel finish, scroll engraved, one-piece scrimshawed ivory grip. Badge is made from a cinco peso Mexican silver coin that has been gold-washed. Badge was made at Haltom’s Jewelry in Fort Worth, Texas. Badge bears the name of Jack Dean above Captain on star and Texas Rangers on bottom of circle. “Certifiable pre-ban ivory” grips are scrimshawed “JML” on left side, and on right side with a banner saying “Obedience to the Law is Liberty” over an eagle’s head. Included is a letter from Captain Dean to Phil Bleakney dated July 14, 1983 describing this revolver and badge. Captain Dean states that he personally had the custom work done on the revolver, and that he used the revolver on dress occasions. It was his “parade gun”. However, the badge was his personal badge that he used in the Ranger service. Also included are two photographs taken at Ranger headquarters in Waco–one showing Captain Dean with Company D, and another showing Captain Dean that is autographed to Phil Bleakney. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Very fine. Revolver retains 95% satin nickel finish overall. Revolver has been scroll engraved by Jimmy Riggs of Boerne, Texas. Engraving is of very good quality with about 50% coverage. Backstrap is inscribed “Capt. Jack Dean/CO. D. Texas Rangers”. Badge is in very good condition and shows wear to support its use in service. This cataloger is a personal friend of Captain Dean, and can state that this is a wonderful opportunity to obtain a Colt Single Action owned and used by a Texas Ranger along with a real Ranger badge that was used in his service as a Ranger Captain. 49059-193 TEP C&R; IVORY (4,000-8,000) – Lot 1067

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*SECOND GENERATION COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER IN BOX.

SN 35163SA. Cal. 44 SPCL 5-1/2″ bbl, blue and case colored finish, two-piece plain walnut grips. Full front sight, standard markings, two lined patent date and rampant Colt on left side of frame. Two piece smooth walnut grips numbered to the revolver. Left side of front and backstrap under grip show matching numbers as does the face of the cylinder around the bushing. Accompanied by an original Colt 2nd generation black box, numbered to another revolver. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl and ejector rod housing retain 99% bright blue finish with only minor high point wear. Crisp bbl mark, crisp cal mark. Bore is bright with strong rifling. Cylinder retains 98% bright blue with a slight drag mark and a few miniscule scratches. Frame retains 99% bright case colors with one small scratch on left side near bbl breech and slight wear on edge of loading gate. Hammer and trigger show 98% blue. Grip straps retain 98% blue with only high point wear. Grips are very good. Black Colt box is very good with end label for a 5-1/2″ blue gun. Box has minor exterior losses and cover is broken on left corner. No cal mark. Very nice second generation Colt SA in an orig Colt box. 49553-3 TEP C&R (2,250-3,250) – Lot 1068

*SECOND GENERATION COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER MANUFACTURED IN 1978.

SN 94239SA. Cal. .45 LC. 7-1/2″ bbl, blue and casecolored. Hard rubber grips. CONDITION: Excellent condition, nearly all the original blue and bright casecolors. Excellent bore and chambers. Not original grips. Nice second generation gun. 49433-88 TEP C&R (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1069

*BEAUTIFUL NEAR MINT COLT SECOND GENERATION SINGLE ACTION.

SN 64470SA. Cal. 45. 4-3/4″ bbl. Black hard rubber checkered grips with Colt medallion and American eagle. Case hardened frame. Blued bbl, cylinder, trigger, trigger guard, front and back straps. Top of hammer is blued. Comes with an orig picture box. CONDITION: Extremely fine, near mint. Retaining virtually all factory finish to metal and grips with just a couple of minute spots of high point edge wear. Brilliant blue and case hardening throughout. It would be easier to simply call this a near mint gun. Box is excellent with light corner wear. Mechanics are smooth. Cylinder with just the very beginnings of a nearly imperceptible drag line. Brilliant shiny bore. Likely test fired only. 49583-14 JSL312 (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1070

*COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY LEGEND MODEL REVOLVER INSCRIBED “PROFESSIONAL RODEO COWBOYS ASSOCIATION”.

SN LEGEND0122. Cal. .45 LC. 5-1/2″ bbl, nickel finish. 2-pc simulated horn grips, with medallions containing the initials “NFR”. CONDITION: Nearly new, shows little or no wear and appears unfired. Engraved at the muzzle, on the cylinder, backstrap and right side of frame. Engraving is well executed and highlighted in gold. “NFR/1996” on right side of frame. Backstrap inscription is original for the “PRCA”. Included is a glass top display case with PRCA markings and a custom belt and holster rig made by Galco of Phoenix, AZ. Holster and belt are in very good but used condition. The Legend is the first Colt firearm to be sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Comes with a Colt factory letter confirming all features including engraving, presentation case, and gold accents, letter also shows each revolver was furnished with a Galco holster and belt. Date of shipment May 9th, 1997. 49433-112 TEP C&R (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1071

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*COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY NEW FRONTIER NED BUNTLINE COMMEMORATIVE REVOLVER.

SN NB0142. Cal. .45 LC. 12″ bbl, nickel finish. Eagle hard rubber grips. CONDITION: Nearly new, with minor blemishes but no mars or dings. Flat top target frame with adjustable sight bbl has ramp front sight. Appears unfired. Contained in factory presentation case with six blank silver cartridges and Buntline plaque. Very nice commemorative revolver. 49433-115 TEP C&R (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1073

Revised: 9/18/2015

Please Note: This item is Antique not Modern, as such it is not subject to being registered via ATF.

*COLT SINGLE ACTION BUNTLINE REVOLVER.

SN 71976. Cal. .45 COLT. Nickel finish with 12″ bbl. No grips. This revolver was made using the frame and grip straps of a modern Colt-style single action. The bbl and cylinder are Colt made. Comes with a Colt factory letter for an 1881 Single Action revolver with nickel finish that had 7-1/2″ bbl. CONDITION: The revolver retains 98% of its nickel finish. No grips present. 49433-81 TEP C&R (800-1,200) – Lot 1074

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COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 152878. Cal. .45 colt. 2-7/8″ bbl, hard rubber grips. CONDITION: Overall dark gray patina with roughness on the bbl, bbl has been shortened and sight has been replaced. Ejector hole on the frame has been filled with weld. Grips are later replacements. Good old “Belly Gun.” 49433-83 TEP C&R (800-1,200) – Lot 1075

COLT NEW POLICE MODEL “COP AND THUG” REVOLVER.

SN 21290. Cal: 38 2-1/4″ etched panel bbl, nickel finish. “Cop and Thug” hard rubber grips. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. CONDITION: Very fine, revolver retains 95% nickel finish overall with some light flaking on the cylinder and butt. Bbl shows a fine etched panel reading “Colt House 38”. Bore is bright with sharp rifling. Screws retain most of their fire blue finish. Trigger retains 50% blue finish. Hammer retains 95% blue finish. Grips are fine, with no serious mars or chips. Front sight is full sized. This is a very fine example of a very rare Colt revolver that was made in a quantity of not more then 4000. 49059-96 TEP C&R (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1076

SCARCE COLT CLOVERLEAF HOUSE PISTOL.

SN 5468. Cal. 41 RF. Nickel finish with 3″ rnd bbl, integral pinch blade front sight & 2-line address. Sight groove in top strap has the 1871 patent date. Cylinder is unusual with 4 chambers made in four leaf clover pattern. Mounted with 2-pc smooth bird head grips matching numbered to this revolver. Bottom of bbl has an attached ejector pin. There were about 9950 of these revolvers produced in 3 different variations in the period 1871-1876. These little revolvers were quite popular as hideout guns for their compact size and reasonably power cartridge. They are rarely found today with high orig finish, with most having seen hard service. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all matching. Overall retains 97-98% crisp, orig nickel with the only loss slight flaking around the muzzle. Appears to be new and unfired. Grips are crisp & new with only faint sharp edge wear. Mechanics are very stiff, probably from old dried grease, but function well. Brilliant shiny bore. 49059-129 JR (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1077

COLT OPEN TOP TINY VEST POCKET SPUR TRIGGER REVOLVER.

SN 86707. Cal. 22 Short. Nickel finish with 2-3/8″ rnd bbl, half-moon front sight and 2-line address. Cylinder is unfluted with 7 chambers. Mounted with 2-pc bird-head rosewood grips that have the number “92312” in pencil inside right grip. These little revolvers were popular as “Muff Pistols” for ladies and pocket pistols for gamblers and gentlemen out on the town. They usually saw hard service and are rarely found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. CONDITION: Very fine. Right grip numbered as noted. Overall retains 93-95% strong orig nickle with losses in the forcing cone area. Grips retain most of their orig varnish with light high point wear. Mechanics are crisp. Strong bright bore. 49059-128 JR (750-1,250) – Lot 1078

COLT MODEL 1860 ARMY RICHARDS CONVERSION REVOLVER “US” MARKED.

SN 77054/380. Cal. 44 8″ bbl, blue and case colored color finish, walnut grips. CONDITION: Good. Bbl and ejector rod show silver gray patina with a light bbl address. Bore is dark with visible rifling. Bbl lug is stamped “US” above wedge screw on left side. Conversion number “380” is stamped above SN and behind ejector slot. Cylinder shows a smooth silver-gray patina with no trace of cylinder scene. No number visible on cylinder. Conversion ring is gray-brown patina and shows conversion number “380” stamp on left side. Frame is gray-brown patina with a clear Colt patent mark on left side and “380” stamped under SN. Trigger guard is mustard patina with “380” stamped under SN and A inspector mark under “380”. Iron backstrap is silver-gray patina with a brazed repair on right side of apron. All visible SNs match except bbl which shows number 1271 2. A chance to obtain a rare “US” marked and inspected Colt 1860 Army Richard’s conversion revolver that was issued to cavalry troops in late 1860’s. Possibly issued to 9th & 10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers. 49545-5 TEP C&R (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1081

COLT BURGESS LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 2574. Cal. 44 WCF 25” bbl, blue finish, walnut stocks. CONDITION: Very good. Rifle shows a pleasing plum brown patina overall with some cleaning on left side of receiver and some pit marks on receiver above trigger. Rampant Colt mark is completely visible on left side of receiver. Front sight is Rocky Mountain blade type. Bore is very good with good rifling. Stocks are good with mars and dings, slightly undersized at tang, forend missing a small chip on left side. Good honest example of a rare gun. 49468-1 TEP C&R (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1082

*EXTREMELY RARE COLT MODEL 1902 ARMY TEST PISTOL.

SN 15115. Cal. .38 ACP. 6″ bbl, blue finish with checkered hard rubber grips with “Colt” and Rampant Colt logo embossed. “U.S.” stamped on the front left trigger guard bow and “RAC” stamped on right trigger guard bow. “J.T.T.” stamped on right side of frame above trigger guard. “RAC” stands for Rinaldo A. Carr a civilian inspector and “J.T.T.” for Capt. John T. Thompson who was an inspector at the Springfield Armory. Left rear of grip frame mounts a lanyard ring. 200 of these Army contract pistols were made in 1902, the SN range for these test pistols is 15001 – 15200. Slide shows fine checkering on the forward end with standard markings on either side correct for the production of this model. Slide is SN’d to the pistol on the inside rear flat along with a “RAC” inspector’s mark and “M” inspector mark in a deep channel. Blue bbl is unmarked. Frame has a clearly marked SN on left side and deeply struck inspector marks on right side. There is a “K” inspector’s mark on the forward right side of the frame in the slide channel. Magazine is nickel plated. The bottom plate is marked “Pat’d Sept. 9 1884”. Patent was assigned to the Remington Arms Co. Colt paid a royalty to Remington for each magazine made until expiration of the patent in March of 1902. These pistols were completed and shipped in July of 1902. The first 100 were delivered at Springfield Armory on July 15th, the remaining 100 pistols 15101 – 15200 were received at Springfield Armory on July 25th. These pistols were actually issued on Sept 12th, to units which were stationed at Forts Riley and Leavenworth, in KS and at Jefferson Barracks, in Missouri and were subjected to severe field testing. In 1909 the model 1902’s were deemed unserviceable and were declared surplus. A total of 62 were sold to individuals along with the older model 1900 pistols. Two documented surviving examples, #15108 and #15119, bracket the SN of #15115 which was not documented at the time that the Meadows book was published. CONDITION: Fine for this model. Slide retains 50% blue finish with muzzle and high point wear and mars and scratches overall. Slide markings are sharp with no evidence of cleaning. Bbl retains 90% blue finish. Bore is dark with visible rifling. Frame retains 50% blue finish which is bright in protected areas. Some erosion behind the grips. Frame shows light scratches overall. Some cleaning above right grip. Grip straps are a plum/brown with traces of orig blue remaining. Trigger retains 50% fire blue on either side. Hammer retains traces of orig case hardening. Magazine retains 80% nickel finish with scratching on the sides, bottom plate is very good with a sharp patent mark. Grips are fine with sharp checkering and very few mars or dents. An opportunity to obtain an extremely rare Colt Model 1902 test pistol, one of only 200 produced. It would be a welcome addition to any collection of early Colt Automatics. 49616-10 TEP C&R (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1256

*COLT MODEL 1902 MILITARY PISTOL.

SN 34106. Cal. .38 Colt Auto. 6″ bbl, blue finish. Checkered hard rubber grips. CONDITION: Fine, pistol retains 85% blue overall with most wear on backstrap and forestrap, some high point wear on the slide at the muzzle. Scattered handling marks, traces of casecolor on hammer, fire blue on trigger. Very good grips. Fine example of an early military 1902. 49433-153 TEP C&R (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1257

*COLT MODEL 1902 MILITARY SEMI AUTOMATIC PISTOL.

SN 32416. Cal. 38 AUTO 6″ bbl, blue finish checkered hard rubber grips. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. CONDITION: Very fine, slide retains 95% mirror blue finish with some muzzle wear and thinning at the front of the slide, some light scratches on top and right side slide, some discoloration around loading port. Bore is frosty with strong rifling. Frame retains 95% mirror blue with slight high point wear and some thinning on the backstrap. Trigger retains 90% fire blue. Hammer retains 90% case color finish. Hard rubber grips are excellent with a slightly brown hue. Magazine is correct. Lanyard loop on heel of butt. Very nice high condition model 1902 pistol. 49059-191 TEP C&R (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1258

*COLT MODEL 1902 AUTOMATIC PISTOL.

SN 5165. Cal. .38 Colt Auto. 6″ bbl, blue finish. Checkered hard rubber grips. CONDITION: Very good. 50% blue on frame, 20% blue on slide with some roughness on left side, some cold blue touchup. Traces of casecolor on hammer, fire blue on trigger. A very good example of an early Colt automatic. 49433-154 TEP C&R (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1259

*COLT MODEL 1903 POCKET HAMMER PISTOL.

SN 43958. Cal. .38 Colt Auto. Blue finish, 4-1/2″ bbl. Hard rubber grips. CONDITION: Very good overall with 85% blue, slide shows some handling marks. Grips are in excellent condition. Very nice example of a early Colt auto. 49433-155 TEP C&R (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1260

*COLT MODEL 1903 POCKET HAMMER PISTOL.

SN 28537. Cal. .38 Colt Auto. Blue finish with 4-1/2″ bbl. Checkered hard rubber grips, with rampant Colt emblem embossed. CONDITION: Fine condition overall. 80-85% blue with slight stains & small rust spots on the slide with small handling marks. Vivid case color on the hammer. Fire blue on the trigger. Very nice example of an early Colt auto. 49433-157 TEP C&R (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1261

*COLT MODEL 1903 POCKET AUTOMATIC PISTOL.

SN 34429. Cal. 38 4-1/2″ bbl, blue finish. Checkered hard rubber grips. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. CONDITION: Very good, slide retains 90% blue finish with muzzle wear and some thinning toward the front of the slide, high point wear at the rear of the slide and on the back sight. Bore is bright with strong rifling. Frame shows 90% bright blue with some fading on front strap and bottom of backstrap. Trigger shows 50% bright blue. Hammer shows 90% case colors. Grips are very good. A very good representative example of a Colt pocket automatic. 49059-190 TEP C&R (1,000-1,500) – Lot 1262

*COLT MODEL 1903 POCKET HAMMERLESS PISTOL.

SN 448246. Cal. .32 ACP. 4″ bbl, blue finish. “Certifiable pre-ban ivory” grips. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Very good. Pistol retains 80-90% blue finish with some thinning on the slide and some handling marks present. Correct magazine. Factory style Ivory grips with Colt medallions present. Medallion on left grip is upside down. 49433-162 TEP C&R; IVORY (1,750-2,750) – Lot 1263

*COLT MODEL 1903 POCKET HAMMERLESS PISTOL FIRST ISSUE LONGSLIDE.

SN 50348. Cal. .32 ACP. 4″ bbl, blue finish. Checkered hard rubber grips. CONDITION: Very fine, pistol retains 95% deep blue overall. Fire blue on trigger, safety catch and extractor. The first model pistol has a bbl bushing similar to the 1911 model, this was changed with the second model. Very nice early pocket hammerless. 49433-158 TEP C&R (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1264

*COLT MODEL 1903 POCKET HAMMERLESS PISTOL.

SN 498261. Cal. 32 ACP 4″ bbl, blue finish. Checkered walnut grips with Colt medallions. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. CONDITION: Very fine, slide retains 95% blue finish with slight muzzle wear and a few small scratches on top of slide, some high point wear. Bore is frosty with good rifling. Frame retains 98% blue finish with slight high point wear and a small bright spot on grip safety. Grips are very fine with very few handling marks. Colt medallions are nickel plate with slight verdigris stain. Correct magazine. Very fine Colt pocket hammerless hard to improve upon. 49059-186 TEP C&R (1,000-1,500) – Lot 1265

*COLT MODEL 1903 POCKET HAMMERLESS SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL IN ORIGINAL COLT BOX.

SN 512374. Cal. 32 4″ bbl, blue finish, checkered walnut stocks, maroon Colt box. CONDITION: Very fine to excellent as professionally refinished. Pistol retains 98% blue finish overall. Slide retains 98% blue finish with some very light scratch marks and one or two minor nicks. Very little high point wear. Bore is bright with strong rifling. Frame retains 98% blue finish with minor high point wear and only a few miniscule scratches. Forestrap and grip safety retain 98% blue. Minor scratches and slight fading at rear of frame. Trigger, safety catch retain 98% blue. Correct magazine. Grips are very fine with sharp checkering. No evident mars or dents. Box is very good with some minor exterior loss. End label is complete and confirms features of pistol. Lid has Colt label. Inside box has Colt label. Bottom of box has penciled 512374 and appears orig to this gun. A very nice looking Colt Pocket automatic. 49553-1 TEP C&R (750-1,250) – Lot 1266

*COLT MODEL 1905 SEMI AUTOMATIC PISTOL.

SN 4639. Cal. 45 AUTO 5″ bbl, blue finish. Checkered walnut grips. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. CONDITION: Fine, slide retains 80% bright blue with some dulling at the muzzle and some high point wear at the front of the slide. Bore is frosty with sharp rifling. Frame retains 90% blue with some thinning on the forestrap and backstrap. 80% fire blue on the trigger. 90% case color on hammer with some slight staining on the right side. Walnut grips are very good with very few mars or dents. Correct magazine. Very nice and rare Colt model 1905. 49059-189 TEP C&R (2,500-4,500) – Lot 1267

*COLT MODEL 1908 POCKET HAMMERLESS PISTOL U.S. PROPERTY MARKS.

SN 136004. Cal. .380 auto. 4″ bbl, blue finish. Checkered walnut grips. CONDITION: Very good, with 90% blue on the frame and 70% thinning blue on the slide with some stains on the right side. U.S. Property struck clearly. Walnut grips are excellent. Correct magazine. Very good example of a Colt pocket auto issued to Senior staff members of the U.S. Military. Hard to find. 49433-159 TEP C&R (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1268

Click here to view provenance

*COLT MODEL 1908 POCKET HAMMERLESS PISTOL.

SN 67865. Cal. .380 auto. 4″ bbl, nickel finish. Mother of Pearl grips. Extra magazine included. CONDITION: Fine condition. Retains 90% original nickel finish with handling marks but no bad spots. Grips are factory style with Colt medallions present. Very nice nickel/pearl .380 pocket auto. 49433-163 TEP C&R (1,750-2,750) – Lot 1269

*COLT MODEL 1908 POCKET HAMMERLESS PISTOL.

SN 108916. Cal. .380 auto. Blue finish with 4″ bbl. Checkered walnut grips with Colt medallions. Included is a Colt factory box for a caliber 32 Model 1903. With extra magazine. Also included is Colt paperwork, cleaning brush, combination screwdriver, and an old $10.00 Manual Banking house note. CONDITION: Fine, pistol retains 95% blue with high point wear at the muzzle of the slide, some thinning and staining on top of the slide. Grips are in excellent condition. Box has 3 broken corners in lid. Nice .380 Colt in an original 1903 Colt box. 49433-167 TEP C&R (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1270

Click here to view provenance

*COLT MODEL 1908 POCKET 25 SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL IN AN ORIGINAL COLT MAROON BOX.

SN 349592. Cal. .25 ACP, 2″ bbl, blue and case colored finish, checkered walnut grips with Colt medallion. Maroon Colt box with spurious penciled number. Pistol shows all standard markings for vintage of manufacture. Grips have nickel-plated Rampant Colt medallions. Magazine is correct two-tone with temper mark and Cal. 25 Colt on bottom plate. CONDITION: Very fine to excellent. Pistol shows 98% bright blue finish overall with only very slight high point wear and a few miniscule scratch marks. Trigger, hammer, and safety latch retain nearly all of vibrant case colors with only a couple of slight scratches on side of trigger. Magazine is excellent with 95% bright blue and a vivid temper mark. Grips are excellent with sharp checkering and only a few small dents. Medallions are excellent. Box has a good end label with some losses on lid. Number “349592” is written in pencil on bottom of box. It appears that another number has been removed. An excellent Colt Pocket 25 that would be hard to improve upon. 49616-6 TEP C&R (800-1,000) – Lot 1271

Click here to view provenance

*COLT MODEL 1908 VEST POCKET SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL IN COLT BOX.

SN 382547. Cal. 25 2″ bbl, blue finish, checkered walnut grips, Colt box with blue end label and instruction sheet. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. CONDITION: Fine. Slide retains 90% blue with wear at muzzle and high point wear all around. Small dent at right front of slide. Some staining and discoloring at rear slide. Bore is good with sharp rifling. Frame retains 95% blue with slight edge wear. Trigger, safety latch, and grip safety retain 90% muted case color. Correct magazine. Grips are very good with sharp checkering and very few mars or dents. Colt medallions are fine. Box is good. Top is detached with an old scotch tape repair. End label is good. 407776 in pencil on bottom of box. A very nice vest pocket “auto” in an orig Colt box. 49059-185 TEP C&R (750-1,250) – Lot 1272

*COLT MODEL 1908 VEST POCKET SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL IN BOX.

SN 397699. Cal. 25 ACP. 2″ bbl, blue finish, checkered walnut grips with medallions, maroon box with no end label. CONDITION: Very fine to excellent. Slide retains 99% bright blue finish with only slight high point wear and slight staining. Frame retains 99% bright blue finish with slight high point wear. Forestrap has slight stain. Trigger, safety catch, and grip safety retain 95% brilliant case color with only a slight scratch on grip safety. Correct magazine. Grips are very fine with sharp checkering and very fine Colt medallions. Maroon box has no label and is otherwise unmarked. An opportunity to purchase a Colt Vest Pocket Auto in nearly new condition. Nearly impossible to improve upon. 49553-2 TEP C&R (400-700) – Lot 1273

*BEAUTIFUL COLT WOODSMAN MATCH TARGET PISTOL.

SN MT5162. Cal. 22 LR. 6-5/8″ bbl. One piece checkered walnut elephant ear Colt medallion grips. Stevens adjustable rear sight, front blade sight. Marked on left side of bbl “MATCH / TARGET” with a bullseye in the middle. Front of frame marked “THE WOODSMAN”. Matching 2-tone magazine marked “COLT WOODSMAN / CAL. 22 L.R. / MATCH TARGET MOD.” on butt. CONDITION: Extremely fine, near new. Retains 97-98% orig blued finish throughout with minor high point edge wear. Grips are excellent and retain most of their orig varnish. Checkering is sharp. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant shiny bore. 49583-18 JSL313 (1,000-1,500) – Lot 1274

*EXTREMELY RARE DOCUMENTED COLT MODEL 1907 US ARMY TEST PISTOL.

SN 185. Cal. .45 ACP. 5″ bbl, blue finish, checkered walnut grips. This is one of 205 of this model manufactured for field trials by the U.S. Army in 1908. The left front trigger guard bow bears the initials “K.M.” which is the inspection mark of Maj. Kenneth Morton. This mark identifies the test pistols. The pistols were delivered to the Springfield Armory on March 17, 1908. On March 20th, 1908 the pistols were issued to the following units and organizations; 65 to Troop K, 10th Cavalry, Fort William McKinley, Philippines Division, 65 to Troop H, 4th Cavalry, Fort Snelling, Minnesota, 65 to Troop H, 2nd Cavalry, Fort Des Moines, Iowa, and 5 to the School Musketry, Presidio of Monterey, CA. These pistols were subjected to severe field testing and were modified in 1909 as a result of these tests. The modifications were to the ejection port and to the hammer. Pistol #185 shows these modifications. Pistol shows standard markings on either side of the slide with no apparent proof marks. Slide has loaded chamber indicator on upper left side. The frame shows a clearly struck SN #185 on the left side above the trigger bow which shows “K.M.” inspector mark. No other inspector marks are apparent. Bottom of grip frame has a lanyard loop attached on left side. Rear of frame mounts a grip safety devise patented by Ehbets & Tansley. Features of both patents, one a sear block and the other a firing pin withdrawal mechanism, were incorporated into the final product. The magazine is unique to this model with a spring catch at the rear. Checkered walnut grips are deeply carved “HXH” on the inside. The SN of this pistol is documented on pg 83 of U.S. Military Automatic Pistols 1892 – 1920 by Edward Scott Meadows, as a surviving example of the model 1907 pistol. PROVENANCE: Recorded in Meadows book pg 83. CONDITION: Very good for this model. Slide shows an even gray/brown patina overall with evidence of cleaning, marking on left side of slide is visible but is worn on the bottom half, some light pitting is present on the upper left side of slide. Standard marking on right side of slide is only barely visible as a result of heavy cleaning. Sights show high point wear. Bbl retains 80% blue finish with a dark bore that shows strong rifling. Frame shows an even plum/brown patina overall with handling marks and scratches overall. All markings are clearly struck. Trigger retains 20% fire blue in protected areas. Hammer is a gray/brown patina. Grip safety shows fire blue in protected areas. Magazine is an even gray/brown patina with scratches and abrasions consistent with its use. Grips are good with numerous small mars and dents overall commensurate with the testing that the pistol was subjected to. “HXH” is deeply carved on the inside of each grip, could possibly be a company “H” connection as these pistols were issued to 2 “H” companies. SN #185 is one of only 66 of the documented surviving examples of the model 1907 pistol and would be a wonderful addition to any collection of early Colt Automatics. 49616-9 TEP C&R (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1275

Revised: 9/18/2015

Please Note: Correct terminology is of course “Military” not “Government”.

*EARLY COLT 1911 GOVERNMENT MODEL PISTOL “W.H.BEAL CAPT. U.S.A.” GOLD INLAID ON TOP OF SLIDE.

SN 6035. Cal. .45 ACP, 5″ bbl, blue finish, checkered walnut grips. “W.H.BEAL CAPT. U.S.A.” gold inlay is very nicely executed with hash mark accents on all letters. Slide shows all early markings. Sights are of earliest style. Rear sight has a rounded profile. Slide shows “H” proof on rear flat above firing pin slot. Inside slide shows “2” & “1” inspector mark. Bbl shows “3” in front of toggle link; otherwise unmarked. Frame shows a “WPG” inspector mark on left side above magazine release. “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” on left side of frame. Right side shows SN on front of frame. Inside top flat of frame in front of hammer shows “H”&”R” proof marks. Keyhole magazine with lanyard loop is correct type for this pistol. PROVENANCE: This pistol was shipped to Springfield Armory in a 500-gun shipment on 9/11/1912. CONDITION: Fine. Slide retains 90% blue finish with high point wear and muzzle wear. Some staining and small scratches overall. Gold inlay is excellent. Bore is dark with strong rifling. Frame retains 80% blue finish with wear at front end, on forestrap, and on mainspring housing. Scratch mark at takedown pin. High point wear on right side above trigger guard. Grip safety shows 75% thinning blue. Hammer and trigger retain 90% blue with some scratches. Takedown pin and safety latch retain 90% blue. Walnut grips are fine with sharp checkering and a slight compression dent on left side. Magazine retains 20% blue turning into a gray-brown patina. A very early 1911 that deserves further research. 49616-14 TEP C&R (5,000-7,000) – Lot 1276

Revised: 9/18/2015

Please Note: Correct terminology is of course “Military” not “Government”.

*COLT MODEL 1911 GOVERNMENT MODEL PISTOL.

SN 16964. Cal. .45 auto. 5″ bbl, blue finish, checkered walnut stocks, with holster. CONDITION: Very good condition, 80% blue on frame and slide. Main spring housing has no finish, forestrap is marred. Checkered walnut grips have been cleaned. Holster is in good condition, with a 1918 inspectors mark. Shipped to The Benicia Arsenal, California on 12/27/12. Nice early gun with a lot of finish. 49253-1 TEP C&R (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1278

Revised: 9/18/2015

Please Note: Correct terminology is of course “Military” not “Government”.

*COLT 1911 GOVERNMENT MODEL PISTOL, 1917 ISSUE.

SN 181375. Cal. .45 ACP, 5″ bbl, blue finish, checkered walnut grips. An early polished blue US Army issued 1911. Slide has standard markings for period of production and shows a “H” inspector mark at rear above firing pin slot. “O”, “S”, & “G” inspector marks on inside of slide. Bbl is blue finish and shows “H” & “P” inspector marks at breech end. Frame has “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” mark on left side and “GSH” inspector mark above mag release. Top flat of frame in front of hammer shows “H”, “G”, & “X” inspector marks. Magazine is two-toned with light temper mark. PROVENANCE: Pistol was shipped to Springfield Armory on 9/22/1917 in a shipment of 800 guns. CONDITION: Very good. Slide retains 50% of thinning blue finish with high point wear, muzzle wear, and a few scratches. Receiver retains 60% blue with dark blue in protected areas. Blue is thinning on forward part of frame, trigger, guard, and forestrap. Slight scratching near takedown pin. Grip safety and spring housing retain 50% blue with high point wear. Trigger, safety latch, takedown pin, and hammer retain 90% blue. Grips are good with some high point wear and a few dents. Some battering on bottom of right grip. Magazine retains 50% blue with some stain and a visible temper mark. A very good example of a WWI vintage Colt 1911. 49616-20 TEP C&R (4,000-5,000) – Lot 1281

Revised: 9/18/2015

Please Note: Correct terminology is of course “Military” not “Government”.

*COLT 1911 GOVERNMENT MODEL PISTOL.

SN 185827. Cal. .45 ACP. 5″ bbl, blue finish. Diamond checkered walnut grips. PROVENANCE: Larry Baer Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very good, pistol retains 80% blue finish with speckling overall. Slide has slight muzzle wear, spring housing has 50% blue, military proof clear on left side of frame. HP proofed bbl. Grips are very good, with sharp checkering, few mars. A very good example of a WWI Colt 1911. 49428-18 TEP C&R (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1282

Revised: 9/18/2015

Please Note: Correct terminology is of course “Military” not “Government”.

*COLT 1911 GOVERNMENT MODEL PISTOL. WORLD WAR I VINTAGE.

SN 292377. Cal. .45 ACP, 5″ bbl, blue finish, checkered walnut grips. World War I vintage 1911 with polished blue finish. Slide shows standard marking for period of manufacture with an “H” proof above firing pin slot. Inside of slide shows multiple letter and number proofs. Blued bbl shows “H” & “P” proofs at rear end. Frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” on left side with a “JMG” proof above mag release. Right side of frame shows SN above trigger. Top flat of frame in front of hammer shows “G” & “H” proofs with an “8” stamped on forward right flat. Magazine is two-toned with a lanyard loop in base and is correct. PROVENANCE: Shipped to Springfield Armory on 5/9/1918 in a shipment of 3,600 guns. CONDITION: Fine. Slide retains 85% brush blue finish with muzzle wear and high point wear, a few scratches and some slight staining. Bore is dirty with strong rifling. Bbl retains 30% blue. Frame retains 90% brushed blue finish with high point wear at front and some thinning on forestrap and spring housing. Spring housing has turned somewhat plum color. Trigger, takedown pin, safety catch, and hammer show 90% blue with some slight scratching. Grips are very good with some high point wear and a few dents. Magazine is good with 20% blue and some staining overall. A very nice example of a World War I era 1911 Colt. 49616-15 TEP C&R (4,000-5,000) – Lot 1283

Revised: 9/18/2015

Please Note: Correct terminology is of course “Military” not “Government”.

*COLT 1911 GOVERNMENT MODEL PISTOL.

SN 228457. Cal. .45 ACP. 5″ bbl, blue finish. Diamond checkered walnut grips. PROVENANCE: Larry Baer Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine, pistol retains 80% brush military blue blending into patina on top of slide, muzzle wear at the front of the slide, patina on grip strap and spring housing. HP proofed bbl. Magazine is correct type. This is a very nice example of a WWI Military Colt 1911. 49428-48 TEP C&R (3,000-4,000) – Lot 1284

Revised: 9/18/2015

Please Note: Correct terminology is of course “Military” not “Government”.

*COLT 1911 GOVERNMENT MODEL PISTOL.

SN 237320. Cal. .45 ACP. 5″ bbl, blue finish. Diamond checkered wood grips. CONDITION: Very good, retains 80% frame blue, 50% thinning slide blue. This is a very good example of a WWI production Colt 1911 with high polish finish, shipped to Springfield Armory on 2-15-1918. 49433-150 TEP C&R (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1285

Revised: 9/18/2015

Please Note: Correct terminology is of course “Military” not “Government”.

*COLT 1911 GOVERNMENT MODEL PISTOL WITH HOLSTER.

SN 222806. Cal. .45 ACP. 5″ bbl, blue finish, checkered walnut grips. CONDITION: Overall light gray patina with some traces of cold blue, all markings are clear, grips are replacements. Holster is very good, with a 1917 inspector mark and a clear US on the flap. Honest WWII 1911. 49253-4 TEP C&R (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1286

Revised: 9/18/2015

Please Note: Correct terminology is of course “Military” not “Government”.

*SCARCE COLT 1911 GOVERNMENT MODEL “BLACK ARMY” PISTOL WITH RARE GENERAL OFFICERS RUSSET BROWN US HOLSTER.

SN 494841. Cal. .45 ACP. 5″ bbl, brushed blue finish. Slide has standard markings on both sides, “United States Property” on left side of frame. SN in usual position on right side of frame. Original two tone magazine. Diamond checkered walnut grips. US General Officer issue holster. A clear “US” stamp on flap, US inspector mark J.J.M. 1918 stamped on holster under flap. CONDITION: Fine. Slide retains 95% of brush blue military finish with slight high point muzzle wear and high point wear at rear of slide. A few small scratches on top of slide. Bbl shows “HP” proof marks. Frame retains 95% brush blue. Finish is thinning somewhat on mainspring housing. Trigger and hammer show 90% brush blue finish. Grips are fine with sharp checkering and only a few slight handling marks. Holster is very fine with nice russet-brown finish. Here is a chance to purchase a “BLACK ARMY” General Officers rig that is WWI vintage, and very hard to find in this good of a condition. 49553-4 TEP C&R (5,000-8,000) – Lot 1287

Revised: 9/18/2015

Please Note: Correct terminology is of course “Military” not “Government”.

*COLT 1911 GOVERNMENT MODEL PISTOL WITH BELT AND HOLSTER.

SN 497038. Cal. .45 auto. 5″ bbl, blue finish, checkered plastic grips. CONDITION: This model is known as the black army because of the dark finish, the pistol retains 50% of the original finish. Muzzle wear on front of the slide, handle marks over all, grips are replacements. Holster is in very good condition with a 1917 inspectors mark, clear US on the flap, web belt is also in good condition. Shipped to supply officer 8th Cavalry, Marfa, TX, on 1/16/19. “Black Army’s” saw heavy service. 49253-3 TEP C&R (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1288

Revised: 9/18/2015

Please Note: Correct terminology is of course “Military” not “Government”.

*COLT 1911 GOVERNMENT MODEL PISTOL WITH HOLSTER.

SN 461158. Cal. .45 auto. 5″ bbl, blue finish, checkered walnut grips. CONDITION: 20-30% blue finish remains, backstrap and forestrap are bare, wood grips are replacements. Holster is in fine condition, with original leg strap, clear US mark on the flap. Honest entry level piece. 49253-2 TEP C&R (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1289

Revised: 9/18/2015

Please Note: Correct terminology is of course “Military” not “Government”.

*COLT 1911 A1 GOVERNMENT MODEL COMMERCIAL MILITARY PISTOL.

SN 865992. Cal. .45 ACP. Parkerized finish with 5″ bbl, Checkered plastic grips. G.H.D. inspected. US property marked. This pistol is one of the approximately 6,575 pistols removed from Commercial production and assigned to the military contract production. The Commercial SN was obliterated at the factory and a Military number was rolled in its place. Evidence of this alteration is visible on the frame. Top rear of frame is stamped with an “S”, signifying commercial and it has the machine cuts for the Schwartz Safety (none of those parts were ever installed). Originally this pistol has a matching numbered slide, also with Schwartz Safety cuts. See p. 48, U.S. MILITARY AUTOMATIC PISTOLS 1920 – 1945, Meadows. CONDITION: Very good. Overall, retainins 80 to 85%% Parkerized finish with high point wear on the slide. Mechanics are fine, bright bore. Plastic grips in very good condition. Good example of a rare gun. 49433-151 TEP C&R (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1290

Revised: 9/18/2015

Please Note: Correct terminology is of course “Military” not “Government”.

*VERY RARE COLT 1911-A1 GOVERNMENT MODEL PISTOL. 1938 PRODUCTION.

SN 712799. Cal. 45 ACP, 5″ bbl, brushed blue finish, checkered walnut grips. Colt produced only 1,296 pistols of this type for the Ordnance Dept. in 1938. Specimens are very hard to find. SN matches on frame and slide. Slide shows a Gothic “P” proof in front of rear sight. Inside of slide channel shows “G” & “8” proof marks. Bbl is marked “Colt .45 Auto” with a “P” proof. Frame shows a Gothic “P” proof on left side above mag release and a “H” proof under magazine release on left side indicating final inspection by Frederick W. Hauff, Chief Inspector of Ordnance at Colts. Left trigger guard bow shows a “P” inspector mark over “VP”. Right side of frame shows early “M1911A1 U.S.Army” mark. Right front trigger guard bow shows “#60” assembler’s number. Inside top flat of frame in front of hammer shows a “G” proof and initials “H.O.L.” in an oval which are provisional inspection initials. Correct two-tone magazine. CONDITION: Very fine. Slide retains 85% brushed military blue finish with some muzzle wear and high point wear. Some slight staining and loss of finish on right top of slide. Slide shows miniscule scratches and handling marks overall. Sights show high point wear. Frame retains 90% brushed military blue finish with some high point wear at front of frame, a scratch near takedown pin, and slight thinning on forestrap. Grip safety shows some high point wear at bottom. Mainspring housing also shows some high point wear. Trigger and hammer retain 95% blue finish. Magazine retains 50% blue with a clear temper mark. Walnut grips are very fine with only a few slight compression dents. A very fine example of a 1938 production Colt 1911 A-1 which is very difficult to find and very hard to improve upon. 49616-16 TEP C&R (3,000-4,000) – Lot 1291

Revised: 9/18/2015

Please Note: Correct terminology is of course “Military” not “Government”.

*RARE COLT 1911-A1 GOVERNMENT MODEL PISTOL IN NAVY SERIAL NUMBER RANGE.

SN 796796. Cal. .45 ACP, 5″ bbl, Parkerized finish, checkered plastic grips. Issued to U.S. Navy in 1942. Slide shows Gothic “P” proof in front of sight and a “G” proof inside slide. Slide shows a temper mark at front. All standard markings. Slide is SN’d “796796” under firing pin retainer. Bbl is blue and shows “COLT .45 AUTO” and “P” inspector marks. Frame shows a “WB” in a square above magazine release; “P” below magazine release. Frame has all standard markings. Frame shows “G” proof on inside top flat in front of hammer. Also, an “8”. Left front trigger guard bow shows a “M” inspector mark above “VP”. Right front trigger guard bow shows assembler number “60”. Magazine is blue with “C-S” stamped at forward edge of bottom plate. PROVENANCE: Pistol was shipped on 7/24/1942 to Naval Supply Depot, Oakland, Calif. in a shipment of 3,982 guns. CONDITION: Very good. Slide retains 80% dulling Parkerized finish with high point and muzzle wear and some slight staining. A few small scratches are evident. Clear temper mark. Frame shows 80% Parkerized finish with wear at front end and on high points. Front strap is thinning and grip safety is a mottled gray patina. Scratch at takedown pin. Hammer, trigger, and small parts retain 80% finish. Grips are very good with only a few slight dents. Magazine retains 80% blue finish. A very rare Navy issue 1911 A-1 that was obviously a replacement for pistols lost at Pearl Harbor. 49616-13 TEP (2,000-2,500) – Lot 1292

Revised: 9/18/2015

Please Note: Correct terminology is of course “Military” not “Government”.

*COLT 1911 A1 GOVERNMENT MODEL PISTOL US ISSUE IN BROWN CARDBOARD BOX WITH KRAFT PAPER.

SN 1676794. Cal. 45 ACP 5″ bbl, Parkerized finish, checkered plastic grips. Brown cardboard box with Colt address and military label. PROVENANCE: Larry Baer Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Slide retains 90% Parkerized finish with high point wear and wear at muzzle and front sight. Bore is greasy but shows strong rifling. Frame retains 90% finish with a scratch mark by takedown pin and some high point wear at front of frame. “G.H.D.” inspector mark has been double struck. United States Property above SN on right side of frame. 95% finish on trigger and hammer. Correct full blue magazine. Grips are fine with few apparent mars or dents. Box is fine with clear label on top and Kraft packing paper. This is a fine WWII vintage Colt 1911 A1 pistol in a box that was shipped to Government. 49428-3 TEP C&R (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1294

Revised: 9/18/2015

Please Note: Correct terminology is of course “Military” not “Government”.

*UNIQUE COLT 1911-A1 PRE-NATIONAL MATCH GOVERNMENT MODEL PISTOL WITH TWO-TONE FINISH, NICKEL AND BLUE SHIPPED TO CAMP PERRY.

SN C160887. Cal. .45ACP, 5″ bbl, two-tone nickel and blue finish, checkered walnut grips. Orig blue finish on slide, bbl, trigger, hammer, spring tube, takedown pin, safety latch, magazine release, grip safety, and spring housing. Orig nickel finish on frame, bbl bushing, and mainspring retainer plug. Slide shows standard Colt markings with SN in firing pin slot. “N” proof in side of slide. Bbl is stamped “COLT .45 AUTO MATCH” with a “MB” in a circle stamped on right side of bbl lug. Frame has Government model and SN clearly stamped on right side. Inspector number “1” on left front trigger guard bow over “VP”. Right trigger guard bow shows assembler number “60”. Walnut grips show some nice figure. Magazine is two-toned with a strong temper mark. PROVENANCE: Accompanying this pistol is a letter from Colt Factory historian M.S. Huber dated December 18, 1985 in which he confirms the two tone finish of this pistol and shows its shipment in a 25 gun order to Camp Perry National Matches, Camp Perry Ohio. For; Colt Patents Company Booth. The date of shipment was August 15, 1930, right in time for the national matches in an order of 25 pistols. Colt Factory order # 18398/25. CONDITION: Very fine. Slide retains 85% mirror finish Colt blue with slight muzzle wear and high point wear. A few slight scratches on either side and one larger scratch on top in front of rear sight. All markings are correct for period. Bore is bright with strong rifling, bbl retains 90% blue. Frame retains 95% orig nickel finish with some slight scratching on front of frame and on forestrap. Bbl bushing and mainspring plug retain 90% nickel finish with some flaking. Trigger, magazine release, spring tube, takedown pin, safety catch, hammer, grip safety, and mainspring housing retain 95% bright blue finish with only slight scratching on side of hammer and trigger. Grips are fine with sharp checkering and only slight handling marks. Magazine is very fine with 95% bright blue finish and a vivid temper mark. An opportunity to obtain a very early pre-National Match Colt 1911 A-1 that was sent to Camp Perry to promote the new model pistol that was released in 1932. 49616-18 TEP C&R (8,000-12,000) – Lot 1295

Click here to view provenance

Revised: 9/18/2015

Please Note: Correct terminology is of course “Military” not “Government”.

*EARLY PRODUCTION COLT 1911-A1 GOVERNMENT MODEL PISTOL CALIBER 38 SUPER IN AN ORIGINAL COLT MAROON BOX. WITH INSTRUCTION SHEET AND WRAPPING PAPER.

SN 761. Cal. .38 SUPER. 5″ bbl, blue finish, checkered walnut grips. A very early example of a Colt 38 Super pistol in an orig Colt box. SN 761 clearly marked on frame and rear of slide. “S” inspector mark on inside top flat of frame in front of hammer. Colt inspector # 1 on left front trigger guard bow and assembler # 20 on right front of trigger guard bow. Two-tone magazine with “.38 Auto Colt” on end plate. All other features are standard as made by Colt. Box is maroon in color with minor loss on lid. Good end label marked “Super .38”. #761 is barely visible written in pencil on bottom of box. Box contains Colt instruction sheet and wrapping paper. Lid has Colt advertisement in English and Spanish. CONDITION: Very fine. Slide retains 95% mirror polish blue with slight muzzle wear on left side and slight high point wear on right side of muzzle, on front sight, and on rear sight. Some very light scratch marks are evident. Bore is bright with strong rifling. Frame retains 98% mirror blue finish with slight high point wear at front end and a very slight scratch on left side below takedown pin. Hammer and trigger retain 90% bright blue with slight scratch marks. Walnut grips are very fine with very sharp checkering and only one slight impression dent on right grip. Magazine is fine with a clear temper mark and some loss of finish on bottom plate. A very fine example of a Colt 1911 A-1 .38 Super pistol in an orig Colt box. Extremely difficult to improve upon. 49616-19 TEP C&R (6,000-8,000) – Lot 1296

Revised: 9/18/2015

Please Note: Correct terminology is of course “Military” not “Government”.

*COLT 1911 GOVERNMENT MODEL PISTOL CIVILIAN ISSUE IN COLT BOX WITH PAPERWORK AND KRAFT PAPER.

SN C 99161. Cal. 45 5″ bbl, blue finish, checkered walnut stocks, maroon-colored Colt box with Colt paperwork and wrapping paper. Included is a box of 20 .45 Cal cartridges. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. CONDITION: Fine. Slide retains 90% high polished blue with muzzle wear and high point wear. Some staining on top of slide and some scratches on left side of slide near takedown pin. Bore is frosty with strong rifling. Frame retains 90% blue with a scratch near takedown pin, some thinning of forestrap. Finish drifting to brown patina on spring housing and grip safety. Hammer and trigger retain 90% blue with some scratching. Grips are fine with sharp checkering and very few mars. Magazine is correct. Box is very good maroon with blue end label and traces of “Government Model Label”. Includes Colt paperwork and Kraft wrapping paper. Lid and bottom of box printed with Colt logo. Lid has broken corner on right side. No number visible on bottom of box. Cartridge box has arsenal label and open end. This is a very nice Commercial M1911 Colt. 49059-188 TEP C&R (3,000-5,000) – Lot 1297

Revised: 9/18/2015

Please Note: Correct terminology is of course “Military” not “Government”.

*COLT 1911 GOVERNMENT MODEL PISTOL COMMERCIAL ISSUE IN BOX.

SN C 97107. Cal. 45 ACP. 5″ bbl, blue finish, diamond checkered walnut grips. Maroon-colored box with paperwork and Kraft paper. PROVENANCE: Larry Baer Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Slide retains 90% blue with slight muzzle wear and some thinning and speckling on top of slide. Slight high point wear on rear sight and rear slide. Bore is bright with strong rifling. Frame retains 90% blue with a slight scratch near takedown pin and some thinning of blue on mainspring housing. Hammer and trigger retain 90% blue with a slight scratch on right side of hammer. Magazine is correct type. Grips are fine with very few mars. Box is maroon-colored with blue end label. Box contains Colt paperwork, and Kraft wrapping paper, also Colt labels on inside of lid and bottom of box. Box is in fine condition; no number on bottom. 49428-16 TEP C&R (3,000-4,000) – Lot 1298

Revised: 9/18/2015

Please Note: Correct terminology is of course “Military” not “Government”.

*COLT 1911 A-1 GOVERNMENT MODEL PISTOL.

SN 255368-C. Cal. .45 ACP. 5″ bbl, blue finish. Checkered wood grips. CONDITION: Very good condition with 80-85% blue overall. Wear on on the forestrap and main spring housing. This pistol has been professionally modified into a match grade gun, changes include; NM bbl, NM bushing, adjustable aluminum trigger, partridge front sight with matching rear sight, flat main spring housing. This pistol has been converted into a fine match target gun. 49433-146 TEP C&R (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1299

Revised: 9/18/2015

Please Note: Correct terminology is of course “Military” not “Government”.

*COLT 1911 GOVERNMENT MODEL PISTOL CIVILIAN ISSUE IN BOX WITH PAPERS.

SN C131074. Cal. 45 ACP. 5″ bbl, blue finish, checkered walnut grips, maroon-colored box with paperwork and tissue paper. Box has Colt label on inside of lid, blue end label, no number on bottom. PROVENANCE: Larry Baer Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Slide retains 95% blue with slight muzzle wear and a few small scratches near ejector port. Very little high point wear. Bore is frosty with visible rifling. Frame retains 95% blue finish with a slight scratch by takedown pin, and slight fading on mainspring housing. Hammer and trigger retain 95% blue with slight scratches, correct magazine, grips are fine with sharp checkering and very few mars. Box is very good, and is dark purple. Box has label on inside of lid. Box has one broken corner on top of lid. There is no number on bottom of box. A very nice early Commercial M “1911”. 49428-2 TEP C&R (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1300

Revised: 9/18/2015

Please Note: Correct terminology is of course “Military” not “Government”.

*COLT 1911-A1 GOVERNMENT MODEL PISTOL COMMERCIAL ISSUE.

SN C177641. Cal. .45 ACP. 5″ bbl, blue finish, checkered walnut stock. Slide shows standard markings for this model at the time of production. Bbl shows “Colt .45 Auto” stamped on left side of breech. Frame shows “Government Model” over SN on right side. “S” inspector mark on top flat in front of hammer. Trigger, takedown pin, safety catch and hammer are finely checkered. Mainspring housing is coarsely checkered. Grips are finely checkered walnut. Magazine is two-tone with “Colt .45 Auto” marked on base plate. CONDITION: Very fine to excellent as professionally refinished. Slide retains 99% blue with only some slight staining on the left side. Markings are sharp. Bbl retains 99% blue. Bore is bright with strong rifling. Frame retains 99% blue with only a slight scratch near the takedown pin. All markings are sharp. Grips are fine with sharp checkering and few abrasions. Magazine is two-tone with 90% blue remaining. A very nice Colt 1911-A1 commercial that has been completely restored to almost new condition. 49583-15 TEP C&R (1,000-2,000) – Lot 1301

Revised: 9/18/2015

Please Note: The correct terminology is of course “Commercial” not “Government”. Also the correct serial number is 15784-NM.

*COLT 1911-A1 GOVERNMENT MODEL NATIONAL MATCH PISTOL.

SN 15784. Cal. .45 ACP. 5″ bbl, blue finish. Checkered walnut grips with medallions. PROVENANCE: Larry Baer Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine, pistol retains 90% blue finish with minor scratches and slight high point wear. Top of slide is matte finish with Elliason adjustable rear sight. Bbl marked Colt .45 auto NM. Trigger is adjustable aluminum. Forestrap and spring housing are grooved. Grips are very good with one compression mark on left grip. Very nice Colt National Match. 49428-1 TEP (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1302

*BEAUTIFUL COLT GOLD CUP NATIONAL MATCH 1911 WITH ORIGINAL BOX.

SN 12325-NM. Cal. 45 ACP. Standard configuration. Checkered medallion walnut grips. Left side of slide marked “NATIONAL MATCH”. Adjustable trigger, adjustable rear sight with front blade sight. Matching magazine marked at butt “COLT / 45 / AUTO”. Orig shipping box, outer box, instruction pamphlet and target come with this lot. The target is signed as tested by “OTTO ENGELHARDT”. CONDITION: Extraordinarily fine, near new. Retains nearly all of its orig blued finish throughout with just a couple of handling marks and high point edge wear. Grips are crisp. Checkering is sharp. Mechanics are smooth. Brilliant shiny bore. Box is excellent with corner and edge wear. Outer box with minor losses on corners. 49583-17 JSL314 (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1303

Revised: 9/18/2015

Please Note: Correct terminology is of course “Commercial” not “Government”.

*RARE COLT 1911-A1 GOVERNMENT MODEL PISTOL IN 38 SUPER CALIBER WITH FAT BARREL.

SN 80959. Cal. .38 Super, 5″ bbl, blue finish, checkered plastic grips with Colt medallion embossed. Produced in 1950, this variation is called a “Fat Barrel” because surplus .45 cal bbls were used that had a larger outside diameter than regular .38 bbl. Slide shows standard markings. with no visible proof marks, Top of slide has a matte finish. Sights are of Patridge-type. Bbl is marked on top “SUPER .38 AUTO”. Frame shows a “Q” inspector mark on left front trigger guard bow and “0” assembler mark on right front trigger guard bow. “8” is stamped on top flat of frame in front of hammer. Magazine is full blue with fluted sides and bottom plate with Rampant Colt logo and “COLT SUPER .38 AUTO” stamped. CONDITION: Fine. Slide retains 90% bright blue on side flats with only slight high point wear and a couple of small scratches. Matte finish shows some slight handling marks. Bore is bright with sharp rifling and a couple of stains. Frame retains 95% bright blue with some high point wear and a few scratches. Slight scratch at takedown pin. Grips are very fine with a clear Rampant Colt logo and sharp checkering. Magazine retains 95% blue with only slight high point wear. A hard to find variation of a post-war .38 super. 49616-21 TEP C&R (1,200-1,500) – Lot 1304

*COLT PRE-WAR ACE TARGET PISTOL.

SN 6742. Cal. 22 LR 5″ bbl, blue finish. Checkered walnut grips. Adjustable rear sight. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. CONDITION: Very fine, slide retains 98% bright blue finish with only slight muzzle wear and a few minimal scratch marks. Bore is frosty with good rifling. Frame retains 98% blue finish with a slight scratch near take down pin and slight thinning of blue on the forestrap. Grip safety shows 98% blue finish. Hammer and trigger show 90% blue with only slight scratches on the side. Magazine is correct, two tone, with ACE marked on bottom plate. Grips are fine with only a few slight bruises. A very fine Colt Pre-War Ace that would be hard to improve upon. 49059-187 TEP C&R (2,500-4,500) – Lot 1305

*COLT MODEL 1911 A-1 PRE-WAR ACE PISTOL.

SN 2327. Cal. .22 LR. 5″ bbl, blue finish. Checkered walnut stocks. CONDITION: Fine overall. Retaining 90% blue finish with some high point wear and handling marks. Forestrap shows wear. Adjustable target sights. Fine checkered walnut grips. Early issue of a pre-war Ace. 49433-152 TEP C&R (2,500-4,000) – Lot 1306

*COLT NEW SERVICE TARGET REVOLVER WITH CHECKERED WALNUT GRIPS.

SN 328046. Cal. 44 Russian & Special. 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, target sights, checkered forestrap and backstrap, checkered trigger, checkered walnut grips with Colt medallions. CONDITION: Very good. Bbl retains 80% blue with some muzzle wear and staining on sides of bbl. Bbl address is sharp, Cal marking is sharp. Bore is bright with strong rifling. Cyl retains 60% bright blue with deep blue in flutes. High point wear at front and rear of cyl. Slight drag mark. Chambers are good. Frame retains 80% dulling blue with a matted top strap. Slight scratching overall. Some high point wear behind hammer and behind trigger guard. Grips are very good with only a few slight mars. Medallions are fine. A very good New Service Target Model revolver in a rare caliber. 49583-13 TEP C&R (1,500-2,500) – Lot 1310

*COLT DETECTIVE SPECIAL DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER WITH FULL NICKEL FINISH, MOTHER-OF-PEARL GRIPS, AND VENEZUELAN CREST STAMPED ON LEFT SIDE OF FRAME. “E.N.V. NO. 3401” ON BUTT.

SN 469812. Cal. .38 Special, 2″ bbl, nickel finish, mother-of-pearl grips with nickel-plated medallions. Special order square butt configuration. Venezuelan crest is stamped on left side of frame. “E.N.V. NO. 3401” is stamped on butt of frame. “E.N.V.” stands for Ejercito Nationale Venezuela. All other markings are standard issue with exception of Rampant Colt being stamped on right rear part of frame. This indicates that all markings are factory orig. PROVENANCE: Accompanying this revolver is a letter from Colt historian M.S. Huber dated May 5, 1993 confirming the features of this revolver including the finish, the pearl grips, the seal of Venezuela on side plate and the “E.N.V. 3401” on butt. The revolver was shipped to the Ministero de Guerra y Marina. Address La Guayra, Venezuela in a 400 gun shipment on June 25, 1941 Colt Factory order # 9545. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl retains nearly all of orig nickel finish with only a slight number of small scratches. Bore is dark with strong rifling. Cyl retains 80% nickel finish with some flaking and some light pitting at one chamber. Frame retains 90% orig nickel finish with some spots of deep pitting on right front side of frame and trigger guard. Top strap shows a few spots of corrosion. Some pitting at heel and toe of grip frame. Chambers are good. Hammer and trigger retain 95% nickel finish. Pearl grips are very good with no cracks, no chips, and fine medallions. A very interesting Special Order Colt Detective Special manufactured in 1941 that merits further research. 49616-11 TEP C&R (800-1,200) – Lot 1311

Click here to view provenance

Revised: 9/26/2015

Please Note: Believed to be factory restored.

*COLT PYTHON DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER IN ORIGINAL BOX.

SN E 54916. Cal. .357 Mag. 2-1/2″ bbl, nickel finish. Checkered walnut grips with Colt medallions. Comes with original box and papers. PROVENANCE: Larry Baer Estate Collection. CONDITION: Excellent, almost new. No evidence of being fired. Adjustable rear sight, ramp front sight. Grips are in excellent condition. Box end label confirms features. Very nice nearly new in box Python. 49428-6 TEP (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1312

*COLT PYTHON DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER WITH ORIGINAL BOX.

SN 31433E. Cal. .357 Mag. 2-1/2″ bbl, blue finish. Checkered walnut stocks with Colt medallions. With original factory box and papers. PROVENANCE: Larry Baer Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, with only a few slight handling scratches on the right side of the frame. Revolver has been fired very little. Adjustable rear sight, ramp front sight. Colt grips with medallions in fine condition. Nice Python in the box. 49428-46 TEP (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1313

*COLT PYTHON DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER.

SN K53745. Cal. .357 Mag. 2-1/2″ bbl, blue finish. Stag grips with Colt medallions. PROVENANCE: Larry Baer Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, revolver retains 98% blue finish with only slight staining and small handling marks. Appears unfired. Adjustable rear sight, red blade ramp front sight. Colt stag grips in excellent condition. Real nice Python. 49428-9 TEP (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1314

Revised: 10/9/2015

Please Note: Believed to be factory restored.

*COLT PYTHON DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER WITH CHECKERED WALNUT GRIPS.

SN 51505E. Cal. .357 Magnum, 2-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, checkered walnut stocks. Bbl has ventilated rib. Top strap and rib are matte finish and have adjustable target sights. All markings are standard for time of production. SN on frame and crane match. Grips have gold Colt medallions. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains 99% blue finish with only slight plumming on ejector rod housing. Bore is frosty with strong rifling. Cyl retains 99% bright blue with only a slight drag mark. Frame retains 99% bright blue with some plumming of finish and a few tiny scratches. Trigger retains 98% blue turning plum. Hammer retains 90% blue turning plum. Grips are very fine with sharp checkering, fine medallions, and very slight handling marks. A very fine short bbl Colt Python that would be hard to improve upon. 49616-4 TEP (1,500-1,800) – Lot 1315

Revised: 9/26/2015

Please Note: Believed to be factory restored.

*COLT PYTHON DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER IN ORIGINAL BOX.

SN 12519. Cal. .357 Mag. 4″ bbl, nickel finish. Checkered walnut grips with Colt medallions. With original box and papers. PROVENANCE: Larry Baer Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to excellent, revolver retains 99% nickel finish with only slight handling marks in some areas. Fired very little. Adjustable rear sight, ramp front sight. Matte finish on top of frame and bbl. Checkered walnut grips with Colt medallions in very good condition with a few small dents on the butt end of the grip. Box end label confirms features. A nice early gun, hard to improve upon. 49428-45 TEP C&R (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1316

*COLT PYTHON DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER IN ORIGINAL BOX.

SN 20289. Cal. .357 Mag. 4″ bbl, nickel finish. Checkered walnut grips with Colt medallions. With original box and papers. PROVENANCE: Larry Baer Estate Collection. CONDITION: Excellent nearly new, fired very little, slight marring on top strap of frame otherwise appears as new. Adjustable rear sight, ramp front sight. Checkered walnut grips with Colt medallions are nearly new. Box end label confirms features. Excellent early Python very difficult to improve upon. 49428-7 TEP C&R (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1317

Revised: 9/26/2015

Please Note: Believed to be factory restored.

*COLT PYTHON DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER IN ORIGINAL BOX.

SN 25223. Cal. .357 Mag. 4″ bbl, blue finish. Checkered wood grips with Colt medallions. PROVENANCE: Larry Baer Estate Collection. CONDITION: Excellent nearly new in box. No evidence of being fired. No apparent scratches. Adjustable rear sight, ramp front sight. Grips are nearly new and appear to be fruit wood. Box contains original papers and Kraft wrapping paper. Box end label confirms features. Difficult to improve upon. 49428-8 TEP (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1318

*COLT PYTHON DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER WITH PACHMEYER/COLT GRIPS IN ORIGINAL BOX.

SN T40366. Cal. .357 Mag. 4″ bbl, bright stainless steel finish. Pachmeyer grips with Colt medallions. With original box and papers. PROVENANCE: Larry Baer Estate Collection. CONDITION: Excellent nearly new in box. Appears unfired. Adjustable rear sight, red ramp front sight. Matte finish top strap and bbl. Grips are as new. 49428-11 TEP (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1319

*COLT PYTHON DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER.

SN E6601. Cal. .357 Mag, 4″ bbl with ventilated rib, blue finish, checkered walnut grips with Colt medallions. All markings are standard for period of production. Matted rib and top strap with adjustable Patridge sights. Wide checkered hammer, grooved trigger. SNs match on frame and crane. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl retains 90% blue finish with some muzzle wear and milkyness on left side. Bore is frosty with strong rifling. Cyl retains 95% blue finish with only slight high point wear and very slight drag mark. Frame retains 95% blue finish turning somewhat plum near bbl. Slight high point wear at right front of frame. Trigger and hammer retain 95% blue. Grips are very good with sharp checkering and some bruising on left side and a few small dents on right side. A very nice Python revolver. 49616-3 TEP (1,200-1,500) – Lot 1320

*COLT PYTHON DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER IN AN ORIGINAL COLT BROWN BOX WITH WRAPPING PAPER, COMBINATION TOOL AND TEST TARGET, INCLUDING AN EXTRA PAIR OF SMOOTH UNCHECKERED WALNUT GRIPS.

SN 37572. Cal. .357 MAG. 4″ bbl, blue finish, checkered grips with second pair of uncheckered walnut grips, both with Rampant Colt medallions. All markings are standard for the production of this revolver. Bbl has ventilated rib with a matted finish on top of bbl and frame. Adjustable target sights, grooved trigger, checkered wide spur hammer, grooved backstrap. SNs match on frame and crane. Box is brown colored with Kraft wrapping paper, a combination tool and a test target numbered to this revolver. End label describes features of this revolver, box has “37572” on bottom written in ink. CONDITION: Very fine, bbl retains 95% bright blue with only slight muzzle wear on either side with only a few miniscule scratch marks. Bore is bright with strong rifling. Cyl retains 98% bright blue with only slight high point wear and a slight drag mark, chambers are very good. Frame retains 98% bright blue with only slight handling marks. Trigger, cyl latch and hammer retain 99% blue. Checkered grips are fine with sharp checkering and only a few handling marks, medallions are fine. Smooth grips show only miniscule handling marks, medallions are fine. Box is very good with minor losses on the edges and some scuffing on the bottom. Combination tool is unused. Test target is very good. A very hard to improve upon early Python revolver in an orig Colt box, with special order grips and a test target for this revolver. 49583-16 TEP C&R (2,000-4,000) – Lot 1321

*COLT PYTHON DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER WITH BLACK PACHMEYER/COLT GRIPS IN ORIGINAL BOX.

SN T86391. Cal. .357 Mag. 6″ bbl, bright stainless steel finish. Pachmeyer/Colt grips with Colt medallions. With original box and papers. PROVENANCE: Larry Baer Estate Collection. CONDITION: Excellent nearly new, fired very little. Adjustable rear sight, red ramp front sight. Matte finish on top of frame and bbl. Grips are excellent. 49428-10 TEP (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1322

*COLT PYTHON DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER IN ORIGINAL BOX.

SN 5480. Cal. .357 Mag. 6″ bbl, blue finish. Checkered walnut grips with Colt medallions. With original box and papers. PROVENANCE: Larry Baer Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, revolver shows 95% blue finish with slight muzzle wear, slight holster wear on the left side of the bbl. Some stains on the right side of the frame. Adjustable rear sight, ramp front sight. Matte finish on top of bbl and frame. Very fine early Colt checkered walnut grips with Colt medallions. Box end label confirms features. This is a nice early Colt Python. 49428-15 TEP C&R (2,000-3,000) – Lot 1323

SCARCE COLT MODEL 1861 NAVY CONVERSION REVOLVER.

SN 20019. Cal. 38 CF. Nickel finish with 7-1/2″ rnd bbl, full front sight & l-line New-York U.S. America address. Bbl lug has the rammer slot filled and an ejector housing with bullseye ejector rod head attached to the right side. Frame is marked with patent dates 1871 & 1872 in 2-lines on left side and also has caliber marking on left shoulder of trigger guard. The silver plated brass trigger guard & backstrap contain a 1-pc varnished walnut grip with last 4 digits of matching SN in backstrap channel. Cylinder is the orig, converted from percussion and has the Ormsby naval battle scene roll marking. Conversion is Richards-Mason style with the firing pin center mounted in the hammer nose and secured with 2 rivets. There were about 2200 of these revolvers produced in the mid-1870s mostly from previously unused orig parts with a number of others converted for the US Navy and a few converted for civilians who sent their revolvers in to Colt, this being one of them. These revolvers were very popular for their graceful lines and ease of handling with mild recoil but still a reasonably powerful cartridge. They are rarely found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching except wedge which is properly unnumbered. Overall retains about 95% strong orig nickel with a few nicks on right side of frame. Cylinder retains 95-97% strong orig nickel and shows about 90% roll marking. Hammer retains brilliant case colors, turned a little dark on top edge. Grip frame retains about 30% orig silver with the balance a lemony patina. Grip has chipped toes otherwise is sound a with a few light nicks & edge wear. And retains about 95% orig varnish. Mechanics are fine. Strong, moderately pitted bore. 49059-69 JR (5,000-8,000) – Lot 3194

RARE COLT MODEL 1871/72 OPEN TOP SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER.

SN 3051. Cal. 44 RF. Nickel finish with 7-1/2″ rnd bbl, full front sight with Richards – Mason style fixed rear sight at the breech end and 1-line “New York U.S. America” address. The iron grip frame contains a 1-pc Army sized “certifiable antique ivory” grip that is made in the orig style consisting of 2-pcs of ivory attached to a wooded spacer block. Left side of frame is marked with the 1871 & 1872 patent dates in 2-lines. Firing pin is affixed to left side of hammer nose with 2 rivets. There were about 7000 of these very important revolvers produced in their own serial range in the period 1872-1873. They were the bridge between earlier conversions and the venerable Model 1873 Single Action Army revolver. This model was manufactured with orig parts, not converted from previously used or leftover parts. Right side of bbl lug has an attached ejector housing with bullseye ejector rod head like the Richards – Mason conversions. These revolvers were readily accepted by the buying public and usually saw very hard service on the American frontier. After the advent of the Model 1873 Single Action Army revolver, many of the production later wound up in Mexico, South & Central America where the rimfire cartridge was still prevalent, Few of those revolvers repatriated to the US arrive with any orig finish with most having had their bbls cut. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching except wedge which is an old replacement. Overall retains about 98% strong, orig nickel with some battering on the backstrap and light nicks on the buttstrap. Cylinder has a couple of small scattered spots of flaking and shows about 98% Ormsby Naval battle scene roll marking. Screws retain most of their orig fire blue, a little thin. Hammer retains strong case colors and firing pin most of its orig fire blue. Mechanics are fine. Grip, probably an old replacement shows heavy wear with some damage by the buttstrap and several areas of fill, and overall retains a very dark, yellow ivory patina. Strong bright bore with a couple patches of rust. 49059-95 JR IVORY (6,000-10,000) – Lot 3197

FINE CUSTER RANGE COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 4746. Cal. 45 Colt. Usual configuration with 7-1/2″ bbl, slightly thinned with full height front sight, 1-line script letter address and matching SN on the bottom under the ejector housing. Ejector housing is 1st type with replacement, donut-shaped ejector rod head. Left side of frame has 2-line patent dates and “U.S.”. Mounted with 1-pc walnut grip that shows faint matching SN in backstrap channel. Left side of grip has the outline of its cartouche, which would have been “OWA” (Orvil W. Ainsworth), who was the government inspector at the Colt factory at the time this revolver was produced. Mr. Ainsworth’s tiny “A” inspector initials are found on bottom of bbl, trigger guard, backstrap, cyl and bottom left edge of grip. This revolver falls directly in the center of the serial range issued to the 7th Cavalry Regiment under Custer in 1874. On June 25, 1876, Custer and five companies of the 7th Cavalry and three white scouts were annihilated at The Battle of the Little Big Horn by the combined forces of several tribes of Indians. There were at least 632 Single Action Revolvers carried into that battle, of which about 252 to 280 were lost on the battlefield that day. There were 212 Cavalrymen and three civilians killed with Custer, all of whom were carrying Colt revolvers. Of the 632 Colt revolvers carried into the battle that day, a total of 302 were reported lost during the battle. The fact that this revolver has remained in near orig configuration attests to the almost certainty that it was captured by the Indians at the Custer fight. Had it remained with the 7th Cavalry, or any active Cavalry unit it would have been recalled in 1895 or the early 20th century and would have been converted too artillery configuration with its bbl cut to 5-1/2″. Since that did not happen there are really only two possible explanations: 1). It was captured at the Little Big Horn by the victorious Indians or , 2). It was stolen by an active duty trooper. The vast majority, about 600, of 7th Cavalry Colts were issued from lot 5 which includes this revolver. Accompanied by a large packet of research material regarding this and other Custer era revolvers, including a number of magazine article by well-known writers. CONDITION: Very good to fine, all matching including bbl, cyl & grip. Bbl retains about 25% orig blue in sheltered areas, mostly around the ejector housing with light pitting on both sides of the muzzle. Frame retains faint case colors in sheltered areas with the balance a silver grey patina and fine pitting on left recoil shield. Ejector housing retains about 60-70% strong orig blue in the gullets, silver grey on outer radius. Hammer retains 60-70% faded case colors. Trigger guard and backstrap are a mottled silver brown patina. Cyl is matching patina. Grip has chipped left toe with a few nicks & scratches, moderate to heavy edge wear and shows most of an old refinish with the faint outline of a cartouche on the left side. Hammer is not solid in safety notch otherwise mechanics are fine. Strong bright bore with scattered fine pitting. 49432-86 JR (25,000-50,000) – Lot 3198

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EARLY SCARCE 7TH CAVALRY & NEW YORK MILITIA SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 17022. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & case colored with 7-1/2″ bbl, 1-line block letter address. Left side of frame has 2-line patent dates and small “U.S.”. It has tiny “J” (W.W. Johnson) sub-inspector initials on the backstrap, cylinder & trigger guard and has a tiny “C” (A.P. Casey) sub-inspector initial on the bbl. It has an orig 1st type ejector rod housing with bull’s eye ejector rod head. Mounted with 1-pc walnut grips with a deep carved “55″ on the right side and the initials “RAC” (Rinaldo A. Carr) sub-inspector initials on bottom of right side. Serial numbers on the bbl, cylinder & backstrap have had a “1″ stamped in front of what originally would have been only the last four digits of the serial number. This revolver falls exactly in the range of known Colts which were issued to the 7th Cavalry immediately after Custer’s fiasco. In 1893 this revolver was recalled and remained in storage until 1895 when it was refurbished & reissued to the State of New York Militia. At that time the blue was restored, the frame was re-case colored, the grip replaced, the bbl address re-rolled and the butt strap was resurfaced & renumbered using the 2-line method instead of the orig 1-line. At that time the hammer was refinished with bright fire blue. The orig bbl address on this revolver would have been the script lettering with serifs or daggers at each end. Close examination reveals the remains of one of these marks in front of the new address. Close examination of the grip reveals that the serial number is overwritten in pencil in the backstrap channel. The hammer spring is a replacement. This revolver was manufactured between Dec. 1874 and Mar. 1875 and most assuredly would have been issued to a front line Cavalry unit engaged in the Indian Wars. As noted above, this revolver falls exactly in the range of revolvers issued to the 7th Cavalry to replace losses at The Little Big Horn. The grip however, is from a much later revolver manufactured between 1889 and 1890 which coincides with the recall of 1893 and refurbishing in 1895. Accompanied by a 2-pg letter from renowned Colt author, Historian and collector John Kopec wherein he concurs with the above description, citing several examples of revolvers in the same serial range identified to the 7th Cavalry post Little Big Horn. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine. Bbl retains 88-90% Colt blue, thin around the muzzle and light on the left side, bright & glossy elsewhere. Ejector rod housing retains about 75% Colt blue, bright & glossy in the gullets, thin and turning silver on the outer radius. Frame retains most of its Colt case colors, generally faded but bright & vivid in the very sheltered areas. Hammer retains about 90% of its bright niter blue, thin & dull on the top. Backstrap retains 93-95% orig blue, bright & glossy in the sheltered areas, thinning elsewhere. Trigger guard retains about 95% orig blue, thin on the front strap and bottom of the trigger bow. Cylinder retains about 80% orig blue, strong in the flutes, flaking & slightly thin on the outer diameter. Grip is sound with several nicks, dings & scratches and has a fine hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 49450-6 JR (15,000-20,000) – Lot 3199

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COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 137571. Cal. 45 Colt Blue and color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight & 1-line block letter address. Left side of frame has 2-line, 3 patent dates & a small “U.S”. Mounted with 1-pc oil-finish walnut grip with clear, legible “SEB” (Capt. Stanhope E. Blunt) inspector cartouche under the date 1891 on left side. Right side has a legible “RAC” (Rinaldo A. Carr) sub-inspector cartouche. Ejector housing is 3rd type with half-moon ejector head. Bottom of bbl, under ejector housing has last 4 digits of matching SN which are also found on cylinder and in backstrap channel of grip. Bottom left edge of grip, bottom of bbl, frame & cylinder also have Mr. Carr’s initials. Trigger guard, buttstrap show the “K” inspector initial. This revolver was from the 13th contract signed on Sept 19 1890 for 2000 revolvers. Although these revolvers were late on the scene for the Indian Wars, they were still issued to various Cavalry units and militias. The fact that this revolver escaped the recalls of 1895 and the early 20th Century attests to the fact that it either remained in an arsenal or was possibly issued to a militia unit. Those revolvers recalled were converted to artillery configuration with 5-1/2″ bbls. There is also the possibility that it may have been issued to a high-ranking officer or stolen. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which lists this revolver in cal.45, bbl length & type of stocks not listed, blue finish, and delivered to U. S. Inspector at Colt Plant January 20, 1891 in a 200-gun shipment. Also accompanied by a letter from renowned Colt author and historian, John Kopec, wherein he authenticates this revolver and states that three other revolvers in the same series were listed as having been stolen from Troop K, 8th Cavalry on October 26, 1892. He speculates that there is “A good possibility that the subject revolver had also been an 8th Cavalry issued example”. He further speculates, as did this cataloger, that it had never been issued, and remained in an arsenal until sold privately. Regardless, this is still a fine example of a cavalry revolver. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, all-matching including bbl, cylinder, and grip. Bbl retains 95-96% strong orig blue with light surface freckling that has been cleaned. Frame retains bright case colors in sheltered areas, and overall retains about 50% faded case colors. Cylinder shows strong blue in flutes with a plummy patina on outer diameter. Trigger guard and frontstrap show blue on trigger plate with frontstrap, backstrap & buttstrap mostly a plummy brown patina. Ejector housing retains about 80% orig blue. Grip is sound with a couple of small dings, showing moderate edge wear with traces orig finish being mostly a dark hand-worn patina. Hammer will not catch in half-cock notch, otherwise mechanics are fine. Brilliant shiny bore, shows very little use. 49549-2 JR (12,500-17,500) – Lot 3200

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COLT U.S. CAVALRY MODEL SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER. HENRY NETTLETON INSPECTED, CIRCA 1879.

SN 50033. Cal. 45. 7-1/2″ bbl, blue and case hardened finish, 1-pc walnut grip. “H.N.” inspector initials on bbl, frame, trigger guard, backstrap, cyl, and hammer. Walnut grips have clear cartouches on both sides with “1879” date. Sn on bbl, frame, trigger guard, backstrap, and cyl all match. Accompanied by a certificate of restoration over the signature of Dave Lanara, dated October 3, 2010. Mr. Lanara certainly qualifies as one of the premier restoration artists known today. CONDITION: Very fine to excellent as professionally restored. Bbl retains 98% blue finish with a strong shadow around front sight and a sharp bbl address. Inspector marks are clear. Bore is frosty with strong rifling. Cyl retains 98% bright blue with minimal high point wear, no drag mark and sharp inspector marks. Frame retains 98% case hardened finish that is vivid in protected areas. Screws retain almost all of fire blue finish. Trigger guard and backstrap show 90% blue with some thinning on forestrap and backstrap. Trigger retains 90% fire blue. Hammer retains 98% case color. Grips are newly made replacements from 140 year old walnut as noted in restorer’s letter and show very few mars and scratches and sharp cartouches. An opportunity to obtain a finely refinished Henry Nettleton inspected Colt cavalry revolver. 49622-10 TEP (5,000-10,000) – Lot 3201

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COLT ARTILLERY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH CUSTER ERA BACKSTRAP.

SN 18512. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 5-1/2″ bbl and 1-line address with last four digits of SN “8075” on bottom under ejector housing. Bbl also has “HN” (Henry Nettleton) sub-inspector initials. Ejector housing is 2nd type with bulls-eye ejector rod head. Frame is numbered as above, trigger guard is numbered “33443”, cyl is numbered “8271” with “A” (Orvil W. Ainsworth) inspector initials. Backstrap bears the number “4818” and the small “A” inspector initial at the top. Mounted with 1-pc walnut grip that has the oval cartouche “FH” (Capt. Frank Heath) under the date that appears to be “1884”. Right side sub-inspector cartouche is only an outline partially visible and the backstrap channel has four digits of a SN that appears to be “2384”. The backstrap is from lot 5 of 1874 which included 1,000 revolvers from which the 7th Cavalry was issued 600 revolvers, the majority of the 7th Cavalry issue which was present at the Custer fight at The Little Big Horn. Most of the remainder of lot 5 were issued to the 1st Cavalry Regiment in California who were themselves fighting Indians in California, Nevada, Idaho & Utah. Regardless of the Regiment to which revolver #4818 was assigned, it would have been engaged fighting Indians. This is one of the Cavalry revolvers recalled and returned for alteration to artillery configuration. As is found here, they usually have mixed parts with bbl shortened to 5-1/2″. CONDITION: About fine, numbered as noted above. Bbl retains about 50% blue with the balance a mixed patina and shows strong feathers on each side of front sight and ejector stud. Ejector stud is cracked. Frame retains about 50% faded case colors with the balance a grey patina. Hammer retains strong case colors turned silver on top edge. Trigger guard & backstrap are mostly a blue/grey patina. Cyl is a smooth blue/grey patina. Grip is sound showing light edge wear with a few light nicks and retains a hand worn patina. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore. 49432-91 JR (5,000-8,000) – Lot 3202

COLT ARTILLERY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 138414. Cal. 45 Colt. Usual configuration with 5-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address. Bottom of bbl has the “RAC” (Rinaldo A. Carr) sub-inspector initials and last four digits “1608” of a serial number under the ejector housing. Frame, trigger guard & backstrap are matching numbered “138414”. Cyl has last four digits of a serial number “3995” and the sub-inspector instals “DFC” (David F. Clark) from an earlier revolver. Ejector housing is 3rd type with half moon ejector rod head. Mounted with 1-pc walnut grip that has the rack number “46” on left side and matching SN in backstrap channel. The frame is also marked with the “RAC” initials with 2-line, 3-patent dates and U.S. on left side. Trigger guard, buttstrap & front end of ejector housing are all stamped with the “K” factory inspector initial. This revolver is one of the group altered at Springfield, but somehow managed to maintain most of its orig parts, having only its bbl & cyl changed. This revolver was from the 13th contract of Sep. 1890 which was completed in mid-1891. Many of the revolvers from this contract were issued as replacement arms to front line Cavalry units with others going to militia units. Those revolvers issued to Cavalry units were universally recalled in about 1895, and again during 1900-1903, and were altered to artillery configuration by having their bbls cut to 5-1/2″ from the orig 7-1/2″. Afterward, they continued in service with various army units, especially in the war in the Philippines. They remained in service well into the 20th century before being retired in favor of its venerable successor, the Model 1911 Semi-Auto pistol. CONDITION: Very good. Frame retains traces of case colors in the most sheltered areas with frame & bbl mostly a smooth grey metal patina. Trigger guard and backstrap retain traces of orig blue in sheltered areas, being mostly a grey metal patina. Cyl is matching patina. Grip has chipped toes and shows a dark hand worn patina. Hammer will not catch in safety or half cock notches, otherwise mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore. 49432-84 JR (4,000-6,000) – Lot 3203

FINE COLT ARTILLERY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 139849. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 5-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address. Left side of frame has 2-line, 3-patent dates and “U.S”. Mounted with 1-pc walnut grip that has the “RAC” (Rinaldo A. Carr) sub-inspector cartouche under the date 1903. Frame is numbered “139849”. Trigger guard is numbered “114557” and buttstrap “113115”. Cyl & bbl are not numbered. Trigger guard has a “G” inspector initial with “RAC” initials on bottom of frame, bottom edges of grip, bottom of bbl and rear face of cyl. Buttstrap screw is frozen, therefore the grip was not removed to check for matching numbers. Ejector housing is 3rd type with bulls-eye ejector rod head. These artillery revolvers remained in service well into the 20th century until replaced by the Model 1911 Semi-auto pistol. They rarely are found today with high orig finish. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal 45 with blue finish, bbl length and type of stock not listed, delivered to the U.S. inspector at the Colt plant Apr. 14, 1891 in a 150 gun shipment. The letter also states that this revolver was returned “for cleaning and repairing as part of a group of 300 pistols on August 31, 1903. It was then reshipped to U.S. Government commanding officer, Springfield, Mass.”. CONDITION: About fine, numbers as noted above. Bbl retains about 70-75% glossy orig blue with most of the losses on each side of the muzzle, thinning on the left side. Ejector housing retains bright blue in the gullets, worn to bare metal on the outer radius. Frame & hammer retain traces of faded case colors in the most sheltered areas, being an overall grey patina. Trigger guard & backstrap retain traces of blue with the balance a grey brown patina. Cyl retains faded blue in the flutes with the outer diameter a thin blue/grey patina. Grip is sound showing moderate edge wear with a few small nicks & dings and shows a hand worn patina. Mechanics are crisp, very bright shiny bore. 49432-82 JR (4,000-6,000) – Lot 3204

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VERY RARE CIVILIAN/MILITARY CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 41706. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and backwards or left hand 1-line block letter address. Ejector rod housing is 2nd type with bull’s eye ejector rod head. Left side of frame has three patent dates and a small “U.S.” that was apparently applied after the frame was hardened as there is raised metal around the stamping. Left shoulder of trigger guard is marked “45 CAL”. Mounted with 1-pc walnut grip that has last four digits of matching SN in backstrap channel that are nearly obliterated by dark stains. Left side of grip has an oval “DAL” (Capt. David A. Lyle) inspector cartouche under the date “1880”. Right side of grip has a “DFC” (David F. Clark) sub-inspector cartouche. Bottom of bbl, cyl & bottom edge of grip also have the “DFC” inspector initials. The “DFC” initials on bottom of bbl, cyl & grip are upside down to their usual orientation. Accompanied by a 3-page letter from renowned Colt author & historian John Kopec who authenticates this revolver as being completely orig and one of very few known civilian/military revolvers. He states that this revolver, along with a few others, was removed from the civilian production and inspected by the military inspectors & sub-inspectors at the plant at the last minute to complete a contract and were then shipped for military service. Very few are known today and Mr. Kopec states that this is the finest example known. Interestingly the frame does not bear the “DFC” initials, apparently it having been already color case hardened would have damaged the die if it had been stamped. Mr. Kopec states that this revolver may have been one of those issued to the 6th U.S. Cavalry, or possibly to a state militia unit. Regardless, it escaped the recall of the 1890s and early 20th century wherein most of the existing Cavalry single actions were altered to artillery configuration.It remains in completely orig, as issued, configuration. PROVENANCE: Wes Adams Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching including bbl, cyl & grip. Bbl retains about 90% blue/brown patina with dark blue in sheltered areas; frame & hammer retain virtually all of their brilliant factory case colors, faded on recoil shields, loading gate & top edge of hammer; trigger guard & backstrap retain strong orig blue with “candy striping” on front & backstraps and buttstrap; cyl is a thin blue/brown patina on outer diameter with stronger blue in the flutes; cyl retains strong blue in chambers with scattered blue in the bore; grip is sound showing light wear and retains a hand worn patina. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 49450-14 JR (17,500-25,000) – Lot 3205

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VERY FINE AND EARLY PRODUCTION COLT SINGLE ACTION CIVILIAN ARMY.

SN 14641. This is a very nice example of second year production (1874) of a civilian Single Action Army Revolver. These early guns are quite rare in such high condition, complete with matching SNd bbl, cylinder and grips. CONDITION: Gun appears matching throughout and appears quite sharp with crisp, well discerned bore showing light wear though gun appears refinished, especially on frame as top line of patent date appears partially polished out with light pitting; however, a frame gauge fits perfectly showing that no metal has been removed from frame. The color on frame does not appear to be your natural case colors associated, but more of a blue/silver with hints of muted case color with small areas of light pitting. Trigger guard also shows light pitting in the blue around SNs with no caliber markings. Bbl also shows old refinish, though bbl address is still quite sharp with scattered background of pitting in the blue. SN and assembly letter on bbl are discernible under ejector housing, though assembly letter is weak, SN appears partially polished out at top edge. The bbl finish, however, does look contemporary to the period with some feathering and blue visible on either side of front sight. There are discernible tool marks on bottom of bbl in area where caliber stamp would have been. Ejector housing exhibits correct bulls-eye type ejector latch retaining about 80% apparent blue finish with light pitting. Cylinder is smooth overall grey light pinprick pitting showing little wear internally with well struck assembly letters and SN. Backstrap retains about 30% bright blue with a well polished SN which is only partially discerned as can be seen in photos. The grips retain about 90% of their orig bright finish with one large scuff on left side with edge wear, last four digits of SN are inked inside grip channel. Mechanically, gun functions well with crisp bright bore. 49254-47 JS (10,000-15,000) – Lot 3206

Revised: 10/7/2015

Please Note: As cataloged this beautiful Colt is factory engraved and is certainly Nimschke shop engraving. Please note, L.D. Nimschke was an extraordinary, gifted engraver but Colts that were engraved in his shop were not all personally engraved by him. The gifted engravers that worked for him executed a large quantity of engraved Colts that came out of his shop. Some Colt collectors have stated that they felt this Nimschke Colt was not engraved by Nimschke personally and we do not disagree. None the less it was produced in his shop.

EXCEPTIONAL EARLY NIMSCHKE ENGRAVED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 103901. Cal. 45. Nickel finish with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight & 2-line address. Frame has 3-line patent dates & left front web of trigger guard is marked with Cal. Mounted with distributor supplied 1-pc “certifiable antique ivory” grip that has an extraordinary, very deep, raised carved ox head on right side. Grip is constructed in early style consisting of 2 slabs of ivory attached to 2 wooden spacer blocks and has the matching SN in the backstrap channel. Ejector housing is third type with half-moon ejector head & bottom of bbl has last 4 digits of matching SN under ejector housing. Revolver is beautifully engraved by L.D. Nimschke with nearly full coverage foliate arabesque patterns on the frame. Left recoil shield and loading gate have Mr. Nimschke’s distinctive sunburst patterns. Topstrap is engraved in his snake & dot patterns with fine snake & dot patterns in the bottom front gullets. Base pin boss & ejector boss are engraved with hunter’s stars. Matching engraving extends about 3/4s up the sides of the bbl with snake & dot patterns continuing to the muzzle. The address has fine snake & dot & geometric patterns around the address, extending nearly to the front sight. Cylinder is engraved with matching foliate arabesque patterns on lands between flutes with sunburst patterns back of the flutes. Rear face of cylinder is marked with last 4 digits of of matching SN. Top gullet of ejector housing is engraved with very fine zig-zag & dot patterns. Outer radius of ejector housing is engraved in geometric patterns. top of backstrap & backstrap ears are engraved in distinctive Nimschke patterns with foliate arabesque & geometric patterns down the backstrap, on the buttstrap & trigger bow. Screw heads are all fire blued and all engraving patterns have pearled background. Cylinder pin is a later replacement. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in Cal. 45 Colt with 4-3/4″ bbl, nickel finish, type stocks not listed, factory engraved & shipped to Schoverling, Daly & Gales, NY, NY on Oct 1, 1884 in a 3-gun shipment. Additionally accompanied by a modern custom made, red velvet lined oak casing that is compartmented for the revolver with a covered compartment containing a functioning key with a cartridge block containing 18 rounds of modern ammunition. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching including bbl, cylinder and grip. Overall retains 98-99% crisp orig nickel showing only minor dulling near the muzzle. Screws retain about all of their orig fire blue. Grip is sound & has minor age lines on the bottom edges & overall shows a wonderful, mellow ivory patina. Hammer is not solid & safety notch, otherwise mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with a couple scattered spots of pitting. Box is extremely fine. 49059-86 JR IVORY (40,000-60,000) – Lot 3207

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SCARCE ETCHED PANEL COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 105128. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Scarce blue and color case hardened revolver with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight, 1-line block letter address and a crisp etched panel “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER”. Bottom of bbl has a tiny “44” and last four digits of matching serial number are found under ejector housing. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and left front web of trigger guard is marked “44 C.F.”. Mounted with a varnished 1-pc walnut grip that has last four digits of matching SN in the back strap channel. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal 44-40 with 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed and shipped to Simmons Hardware Co., St. Louis, Mo. Sept 26, 1885, in a 10-gun shipment. Under remarks the letter states “It is of further interest to note that a considerable number of revolvers shipped in this time frame are noted as supplied with rubber stocks. This notation is not included for subject revolver which would indicate that it was equipped with stocks of another configuration.” Etched panel Single Actions are in and of themselves somewhat scarce, having been produced for only a short period of time. Surviving examples encountered today are mostly nickel finish with blued examples retaining any orig finish, especially a complete etched panel are extremely rare. Given that this revolver was produced during the great Westward expansion of Manifest Destiny and that it was shipped to one of the major suppliers on the westward route. It is almost certain that this revolver would have been used by one of the American pioneers. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, all matching including bbl, cyl & grip. Bbl retains about 75% flaked, glossy orig blue with a streak of holster wear on the left side and a crisp etched panel; frame retains bright case colors in the front gullets, moderately faded elsewhere; hammer retains bright case colors, turned dark on top edge; trigger guard and backstrap retain strong, bright blue with the front & back straps a blue/grey patina; cyl retains about 75% orig blue, strong in the flutes, flaked on the outer diameter; ejector housing retains glossy bright blue in the gullets and flaked to a blue/grey patina on the outer radius; base pin is orig type with dimpled ends. Grip is sound showing light edge wear, a few nicks & dings and retains most of its orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with scattered very fine pitting. A fine rare Colt. 49450-13 JR (35,000-50,000) – Lot 3208

VERY RARE COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 41754. Cal. .44 WCF (44-40). High polish blue and color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight & 1-line block letter address. Left side of bbl has a crisp, clear “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” etched panel on the left side with a tiny “44” on the bottom. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and left front web of trigger guard is marked “44 C.F.” Bottom front of frame is marked with a small “C” which signifies that this was a condemned military frame removed from the manufacturing process of a military contract for some minor imperfection that is not readily discernible, but possibly a small forging flaw on right side of bbl boss and some light scrapes on sides of frame. Left shoulder of trigger guard is stamped “45 CAL”. Bottom of bbl, under ejector housing is marked with last 4 digits of matching SN which are also found on the cyl. Base pin is orig type with dimpled ends. Backstrap channel of the varnished 1-piece walnut grip has an obscured, indecipherable number. Ejector housing is 3rd type with bullseye ejector rod head. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal 44-40 with blue finish, bbl & type of stocks not listed and shipped to Hartley & Graham NY, NY, on March 1, 1880 in 50 gun shipment. The SN of this revolver would indicate production in 1878, the first year of the etched panel, which by the early 1880’s had been changed to a roll marking and the etched panel eliminated. Given that this is a condemned military frame we know from various publications that this SN would have been assigned in 1878 under the inspection of LT. David E. Lyle and the renowned sub-inspector Henry Nettleton. Studying Colt Cavalry and Artillery Revolvers—A Continuing Study, Kopec & Fenn discloses that SN 41751 (only 3 numbers from this revolver) was a Cavalry revolver assigned to Troop F 6th Cavalry and 41757 was assigned to the New York Militia. The discrepancy between the time when the SN was assigned and when it was likely assembled into a civilian revolver is explained by the fact that these condemned parts were not reused until the entire Government contract was fulfilled. The majority of etched panel single actions known today have nickel finish. The high polished blue as found here was easily worn and soon disappeared when subjected to extended use and holster wear. Finding one today with such high orig finish is a very great rarity. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching, grip as noted. Bbl retains about 70% glossy, high polish orig blue with loss areas from holster wear which is now a medium brown patina with some very fine pitting on right side of muzzle. Etched panel is crisp and clean showing strong blue on the lettering. Ejector housing retains 75-80% glossy, orig blue with loss areas also from holster wear. Frame retains most of its brilliant, orig case colors, lightly faded on left recoil shield. Loading gate retains about 50% faded colors. Hammer retains about 75% brilliant case colors showing wear on right side, turned dark on top edge. Cyl retains strong blue in the flutes with thin blue on the outer diameter. Chambers retain most of their orig blue. Trigger guard & backstrap retain bright, high polish blue in the more sheltered areas, moderately thinned on front & backstraps. Grip is sound showing moderate edge wear and retains most of a very old varnish finish, possibly from the factory. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. A truly rare Colt. 49152-1 JR (27,500-42,500) – Lot 3209

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FAMOUS RANGER FRANK HAMER OWNED FIRST GENERATION COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 258183. Cal. 32 WCF (32-20). Blue & case colored with 5-1/2” bbl, 1-line address with caliber marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line, 3-patent dates & Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with unnumbered Rampant Colt hard rubber grips. Accompanied by a notarized statement/bill of sale dated Dec. 9, 1981 from Frank A. Hamer, Jr. to Raymond Brown, wherein he states that “This gun was in possession of Ed Putnam alias Ed Sibley in Del Rio, Texas on December 1, 1906, when he engaged in a gunfight with four Texas Rangers, Captain John H. Rodgers, Ranger Marvin Bailey, Ranger Duke Hudson and my father, Frank Hamer who had joined the Ranger service on April of the same year. He was 21 years of age. This was the first gunfight that my father participated in after he joined the Ranger service.” In Nov of 1906 Putnam had murdered a sheep rancher named J.W. Rolston and stolen his large flock of sheep, herding them to near Del Rio. Shortly thereafter, Putnam approached sheep rancher B.M. Cauthorn with a proposition to go partners in a large flock of sheep that he knew of to be for sale cheap. Cauthorn agreed to put up half the money and on the morning of Dec 1, 1906, met Putnam with his half of the money. On the way to inspect the sheep Putnam shot Cauthorn in the back, killing him and stealing the money. There was a witness to the killing who reported it to the Rangers. They trailed Putnam to where he had holed up in the house of Glass Sharp, just north of the Del Rio railroad tracks. Putnam fired and the Rangers responded. In the ensuing gun fight Frank Hamer killed Putnam with his Carbine, shooting him through the head. This incident is documented in the book I’m Frank Hamer, Jenkins & Frost. Before his career had ended Capt. Hamer had participated in over 100 gun fights. Capt. Hamer had enlisted in the Rangers as a Private and finished his career as a Senior Captain. Some time after the shooting, Ranger Hamer’s Captain Rogers gave this revolver to him saying something to the effect that since this was his first gunfight as a Ranger he thought he should have a memento of the occasion. This revolver along with the Luger pistol and Winchester rifle, that was also a 32WCF caliber, were the guns Ed Putnam was using in the gunfight with the Rangers. Captain Frank Hamer was one of the most famous of all Texas Rangers and perhaps received his greatest notoriety for successfully tracking down and shooting the notorious outlaw killers Bonnie Parker & Clyde Barrow. Also accompanied by a Colt factory letter fully identifying this revolver as having been shipped Aug. 25, 1904 to Simmons Hardware Co., St. Louis, MO in a shipment of twenty same type guns. Additionally accompanied by copies of several photos of Captain Hamer, Captain Rogers and Frank Hamer’s oath of enlistment. Additionally accompanied by a certified autographed photo of Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway in characters of Bonnie & Clyde in their movie. PROVENANCE: Outlaw Ed Putnam; Texas Ranger Capt. Frank Hamer; Frank Hamer Jr.; Raymond Brown Collection; The William Smith Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl & ejector rod housing retain 85-90% orig blue with muzzle edge wear, mostly on left side and thinning on left side of bbl with some pitting near muzzle. Ejector rod housing is mostly a plum patina on outer radius with bright blue in the gullets. Frame retains strong case colors in sheltered areas, thinned & turning silver elsewhere with light patina on sides of frame. Grip frame is mostly a plum/blue patina with strong blue around trigger guard & top of back strap. Cyl retains about 80% orig blue, strong in flutes. Grips show light to moderate wear. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 49312-12 JR (20,000-30,000) – Lot 3210

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Revised: 10/7/2015

Please Note: As catalog indicates this Colt was factory engraved. Some collectors feel that the engraving is likely Helfrecht engraving rather than Wilber Glahn and we do not disagree.

*FINE ENGRAVED COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 261251. Cal. 44WCF. Nickel finish with 4-3/4″ bbl. Full front sight & 2-line address with “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” roll marking on left side. Bottom of bbl at the frame is marked with a tiny “44”. Left side of frame has 2-line, 3 patent dates and “Rampant Colt” in a circle. Mounted with 2-pc distributor supplied pearl grips that has a raised carved ox head on right side. Revolver is engraved by Wilbur Glahn with about full coverage foliate arabesque patterns on the frame. Left recoil shield and front frame are engraved with hunter stars. Topstrap is stamped with small dots. Engraving patterns extend nearly full length both sides of the bbl and top gullet of ejector housing is engraved in a snake pattern. Cylinder has matching engraving patterns on lands between flutes and it has a dash & dot border around rear edge. top of backstrap is engraved in Mr. Glahn’s distinctive fan pattern with central “V”. Backstrap & trigger bow are engraved in geometric patterns. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies the revolver in Cal. 44-40 with 3-3/4″ bbl, nickel finish, type of stocks not listed, factory engraved & shipped to H&D Folsom Arms Co., NY, NY on Dec 17, 1904 in a 2 gun shipment. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains about 95% orig nickel showing holster wear around the muzzle and tip of ejector housing. Nickel overall is slightly dulled, brighter on the backstrap & buttstrap. Frontstrap & trigger bow show wear. Grips are sound with an old age line at the top left & show great fire with good color on right side. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore. 49059-89 JR C&R (10,000-15,000) – Lot 3211

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*FINE ENGRAVED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 251744. Cal. 38 WCF (38-40). Blue & color case hardened with 4-3/4″ bbl, full front sight, 2-line address and cal marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line, 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with 2-pc pearl grips with raised carved stooping eagle on right side. Revolver is very nicely engraved by Cuno Helfricht with about 75% coverage foliate arabesque patterns on the frame that have fine pearled background. Topstrap is lightly engraved with border patterns and foliate arabesque patterns. Bbl boss has matching patterns with geometric pattern on ejector boss. Bottom front gullets are each engraved with a small flower blossom with a rosette around the cross bolt. Matching engraving patterns extend nearly full length on each side of the bbl with geometric and foliate patterns around the address which extend to the front sight. Top gullet of ejector housing is engraved in snake & dot pattern with fine zig zag borders and outer radius with leaf & vine patterns. Top of backstrap is engraved in a fan pattern with geometric patterns on the backstrap, buttstrap and trigger bow. Cyl is engraved with foliate arabesque patterns on lands between flutes with snake & dot and line border patterns around rear edge. This revolver was produced in about 1904 when carrying a side arm was a daily way of life. Very likely this revolver belonged to a wealthy cattleman or law enforcement officer. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl retains about 30% blue in sheltered areas and the frame case colors in sheltered areas with the balance a light grey patina. Hammer & top strap retain faded case colors turned silver. Cyl show faded blue in the flutes being a grey patina on the outer diameter. Grips are sound with some old fault lines and show great fire. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore. 49611-3 JR (10,000-20,000) – Lot 3212

FACTORY ENGRAVED COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 146146. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Nickel finish with 7-1/2″ bbl. 1-line block letter address roll marked on left side “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER”. Left side of frame has 2-line, 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with uncarved two piece mother-of-pearl grips. Revolver is deluxe engraved by Cuno Helfricht with full coverage foliate arabesque patterns on the frame. This is one of the most elaborately Helfricht engraved Colts ever examined by this cataloger. Left recoil shield & loading gate are engraved in sunburst patterns with snake & dot patterns each side of hammer slot. Top strap is also engraved with snake & dot patterns with the addition of fine border patterns. Ejector boss is engraved with a sunburst pattern on each side and has matching foliate arabesque patterns on each side of bbl boss. Most unusually, the bottom front gullets are engraved in partial flower blossoms. Bbl is engraved nearly full length with matching foliate arabesque patterns and has fine geometric patterns around the address which extend almost to the slightly trimmed front sight. Ejector housing is engraved with snake & dot and geometric patterns in the top gullet and outer radius. Ejector rod head is a replacement as is the base pin. Cyl is engraved in typical alternating Helfricht patterns on lands between flutes with wide borders around rear edge. Shoulders of trigger guard & backstrap are engraved with partial flower blossoms with a very detailed fan pattern at top of backstrap that also has two border patterns, most unusual for Mr. Helfricht. Backstrap, buttstrap, frontstrap, trigger bow & trigger plate are engraved in geometric patterns. This revolver was produced in about 1892 when the west was still pretty wild with lots of outlaws and other nefarious characters which necessitated the daily carrying of a firearm. These arms usually saw very hard service and are rarely found today with high orig finish. Most likely, given the elaborate extra engraving, this revolver was for someone of rather high status or importance, probably in the American Southwest or Mexico. PROVENANCE: Colt factory letter confirms all features. CONDITION: Fine. Overall retains 75-80% strong orig nickel showing heavy holster wear around the muzzle with finish losses in that area. The forcing cone area also shows finish losses as well as about the front 1/3 of the cyl. Loss areas are a dark grey brown patina. Mechanics are fine. Mother of pearl grips fit well, probable period and have nice iridescence. Left grip has very small chip out of heel. Strong bore with good shine and scattered, moderate pitting. 49611-1 TEP (10,000-15,000) – Lot 3213

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FINE COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 94421. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Nickel finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, thinned front sight with 1-line block letter address and “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER 44-40″ roll-marked on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt without circle. Mounted with wonderful, old, 1-pc “certifiable antique ivory” grip, undoubtedly a distributor supplied grip from the 1880′s, made in the old style with two slabs of ivory attached to a split wooden block. Serial number was observed in the usual three places, on frame, trigger guard & buttstrap. The assembly number “886N” was observed on left side of front and back straps under grip, around cyl bushing hole on front face of cyl and on bottom of bbl under ejector rod housing. Bbl and hammer were replaced during the restoration. Right rear web of trigger guard has a 6-pointed star indicating factory restored finish. This revolver will letter in 44-40 caliber, bbl length & type of stocks not listed, nickel finish, shipped to J.P. Moores Sons, New York, NY on Aug. 28, 1883 in a shipment of 25 same type guns. Colt probably shipped it with hard rubber grips which were exchanged for the 1-pc ivory grip by the distributor. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains virtually all of its fine factory finish with only some slight dulling of the cyl & backstrap. Has been fired since rebuild, but very little. Grip is sound with numerous age lines and a minor nick or two and retains a wonderful aged ivory patina. Hammer is not solid in safety notch, otherwise mechanics are crisp, strong bright bore with fine pitting. 49450-8 JR IVORY (10,000-15,000) – Lot 3214

*SCARCE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 357079. Cal. 38 Spcl. Scarce late pre-war Single Action, blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, orig thick front sight with block letter 1-line address and model & cal. marking on left side. Frame has 2-line three patent dates and Rampant Colt without circle. Mounted with 2-pc Rampant Colt hard rubber grips matching numbered to this revolver. This is an early 1940 revolver and one of the last ones made before suspension of production at the start of WW II. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran, there were only 25 of these rare revolvers in this caliber produced out of the approximately 350,000 Single Actions made prior to WW II. That figure is probably erroneous but just how many were produced is unknown. What is known is that Single Action revolvers in Cal. 38 Spcl are quite rare. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Has been fired but very, very little. Bbl retains 96-97% glossy dark orig blue with light muzzle edge wear & a couple of small wear spots on bottom with three small nicks. Ejector rod housing retains 95-96% glossy bright orig blue. Frame retains virtually all of its orig factory case colors, brilliant in sheltered areas, strong on sides, faded & thin on top strap and front of frame. Hammer retains most of its fire blue on the edges. Grip frame retains 50-60% orig blue, mostly around trigger guard with front & back straps a blue/gray patina. Grips show very little wear. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 49659-3 JR2 C&R (8,000-12,000) – Lot 3215

EARLY COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 47115. Cal. .45 Colt. Nickel finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates & left shoulder of trigger guard has the cal marking. Bottom of bbl has last 4 digits of matching SN under the ejector housing & also on the cyl. Ejector housing is 2nd type with bullseye ejector rod head. Ejector rod screw is battered. Base pin is a modern reproduction with dimpled ends like the orig. Mounted with varnished 1-piece walnut grip that has matching SN in backstrap channel. Bottom right edge of grip is crudely carved with the initials “HEB”. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal .45 in nickel finish, bbl length & type of stocks not indicated and shipped to B. Kitteridge & Co. Cincinnati, OH, on June 13, 1878, in a 23 gun shipment. This revolver was manufactured at a time when the West was still very wild and the Indian Wars were in full swing. Colt revolvers such as this were in great demand and were a daily use tool. Surviving examples are rare and of those few retain any orig finish. CONDITION: Fine, all matching. Overall retains about 75% strong orig nickel turning milky on bbl & ejector housing. Loss areas are a dark patina. Grip shows heavy edge wear with what appears to be a dressed large chip in the left edge & overall retains about 80-85% strong orig varnish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 49104-5 JR (7,500-12,500) – Lot 3216

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*ENGRAVED AND GOLD INLAID COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER BY MASTER ENGRAVERS FRANCOLINI AND THIRION.

SN S18980A. Cal .45 Colt. All blue finish with 4-3/4″ bbl & full front sight with 1-line address and model & cal marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line, 3-patent dates and it is mounted with beautiful 1-pc ivory grip. Grip is constructed in the orig manner of two slabs of ivory attached to two wood spacer blocks. Left side of front & back straps, under the grip has the matching SN. Revolver is spectacularly engraved and gold inlaid by master engravers Leonard Francolini & Denise Thirion. Engraving consists of full coverage, exquisite, intertwined, foliate arabesque patterns that have very fine pearled background. The entire frame, top strap, back strap, buttstrap and trigger guard have extremely fine gold wire inlaid borders. Hammer is matching engraved with a dolphin or dragons head on each side of the hammer nose and is also outlined in gold wire. Left side of frame has the patent dates inlaid in gold with a tiny, very highly detailed raised gold Rampant Colt. Cyl is inlaid with one wide and one narrow gold band around the rear edge with very fine gold wire outline around the flutes and front edge. Bbl has left side markings inlaid in gold with one wide and one narrow gold band around the muzzle and breech ends. Engraving patterns extend nearly full length of the bbl, with matching patterns in ejector housing gullet and outer radius. Both sides of front sight are engraved to match. Screws, trigger, base pin and cross bolts are fire blued. Engravers’ signatures are on bottom front of frame. The three frame screws have engraved ends. A truly incredible representation of the engravers’ art. Accompanied by a signed letter from James V. Alaimo, former superintendent of the Colt Customs Shop wherein he states that he owned this revolver and another also being sold in this auction, while employed at Colt. He states that the ivory on each of these revolvers was legally imported African elephant ivory and grips are “certifiable pre-ban African ivory”. PROVENANCE: James D. Aliamo, Superintendent Colt Custom Shop Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all matching except grip which is unnumbered. Overall retains 99.9% bright, Colt custom shop blue with only the hint of a drag line. Grip is crisp showing a light ivory patina. 49409-1 JR IVORY (10,000-15,000) – Lot 3217

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*ENGRAVED AND GOLD INLAID COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER BY MASTER ENGRAVERS FRANCOLINI AND THIRION.

SN SA99998. Cal .45 Colt. All blue finish with 4-3/4″ bbl & full front sight with 1-line address and model & cal on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line, 3-patent dates and is mounted with beautiful 1-pc ivory grip. Grip is constructed in the orig manner of two slabs of ivory attached to two wood spacer blocks. Left side of front & back straps, under the grip has the matching SN. Revolver is spectacularly engraved and gold inlaid by master engravers Leonard Francolini & Denise Thirion. Engraving consists of full coverage, exquisite, foliate arabesque patterns that have very fine pearled background. The entire frame, top strap, back strap, buttstrap & trigger guard have extremely fine gold wire inlaid borders. Hammer is matching engraved and the spur is also outlined in gold wire. Left side of frame has the patent dates inlaid in gold with a tiny, very highly detailed, raised gold Rampant Colt. Cyl is inlaid with one wide and one narrow gold band around the rear edge with very fine gold wire outline around the flutes & front edge. Bbl has left side markings inlaid in gold with one wide and one narrow gold wire band around the muzzle & breech ends. Engraving patterns extend nearly full length of the bbl, with matching patterns in ejector housing gullet & outer radius. Both sides of front sight are engraved to match. Screws, trigger, base pin & cross bolt are fire blued. Engravers’ signatures are on bottom front of frame. A truly incredible representation of the engravers’ art. Accompanied by a signed letter from James V. Alaimo, former superintendent of the Colt Customs Shop wherein he states that he owned this revolver and another also being sold in this auction, while employed at Colt. He states that the ivory on each of these revolvers was legally imported African elephant ivory and is “certifiable pre-ban ivory”. PROVENANCE: James V. Alaimo, Colt Custom Shop supervisor. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all matching except grips which are unnumbered. Overall retains 99.9% bright, Colt custom shop blue with no hint of a drag line. Grips are crisp showing a light ivory patina. 49409-2 JR IVORY (10,000-15,000) – Lot 3218

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ENGRAVED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 57160. Cal. .44 WCF (44-40). Nickel finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and one line block letter address with “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” etched panel on left side. Bottom of bbl under ejector housing has last 4 digits of matching SN and a tiny “44” just forward of the frame. Ejector housing is 2nd type with bullseye ejector rod head. Left side of frame has three line patent dates and left front web of trigger guard is marked “44 C.F.”. Mounted with one piece “certifiable antique ivory” grip that has raised, carved ox head on right side. Revolver is custom, after market engraved. With about 90% coverage foliate arabesque patterns on the frame with a small sunburst on recoil shield and loading gate. Each side of bbl boss is engraved in diamond patterns. Left side of frame has the unusual feature of a dog’s head incorporated within the pattern. Engraving extends nearly full length of each side of the bbl with geometric patterns around the address. Outer radius of ejector housing is engraved to match with a long arrow pattern. Backstrap, buttstrap and trigger bow are also engraved to match. Cyl is engraved with matching patterns on lands between flutes with a border pattern around rear edge. Base pin is a modern replacement. A beautiful representative piece with nice engraving. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Very fine, to extremely fine, all matching (grip not checked). Overall retains 99% plus crisp custom nickel finish. Grip is sound with a few age lines in bottom edges and shows a fine Ivory patina. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 49254-18 JR IVORY (7,500-10,500) – Lot 3219

ENGRAVED COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 127186. Cal. .44 WCF (44-40). Nickel finish with 4-3/4″ bbl, altered front sight, two line address with the outline of the etched panel on left side. Ejector housing is 3rd type with half-moon ejector rod head. Mounted with smooth, 2-pc pearl grips. Revolver is engraved by Cuno Helfricht with about 60% coverage on the frame consisting of foliate arabesque patterns that have pearled background. Left recoil lug is engraved with a wonderful American Shield surmounted by a flying American eagle clutching a spear in his talons. Loading gate is engraved in a sun-burst pattern, with hunters stars on each side of front frame. Top strap is engraved in leaf and vine patterns. Matching engraving patterns extend up both sides of the bbl with leaf and vine pattern in top gullet and a hunter’s star on outer radius. Backstrap is engraved with Mr. Helfricht’s typical fan pattern with foliate, arabesque and geometric patters down the backstrap and on the buttstrap. Cyl is engraved in alternating patterns on lands between flutes with a leaf and vine pattern around rear edge. Base pin and cyl bushing are replacements. This revolver was produced about 1888 while the West was still wild and daily carrying a gun was a way of life. Very likely this revolver had been a gift to or at least the possession of someone of reasonable importance. It is unlikely that this common working man or cowboy could have afforded such a fine revolver. CONDITION: Good, overall retains 10-15% orig nickel with the balance a dark gray metal patina showing heavy muzzle edge wear on the left side and on the cyl. Only the outline of the etched panel remains. Hammer screw is a replacement. Left grip has a fine crack by the escutcheon, otherwise grips are fine showing light wear and probably are old replacements. Hammer will not catch in safety notch, otherwise mechanics are fine. Strong frosty bore. 49254-20 JR (7,500-10,500) – Lot 3220

ENGRAVED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 63271. Cal. .45 Colt. Nickel finish with 4-3/4″ bbl, replaced front sight, bbl address obscured by engraving. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and left front web of trigger guard has cal. marking. Mounted with two piece, smooth burl grips. Revolver is after market engraved by an unknown engraver with about 60% coverage foliate arabesque pattern on the frame, recoil shield & loading gate. Bbl, ejector housing, backstrap, buttstrap & trigger guard are engraved to match. Cyl is also engraved to match on lands between flutes. Frame screws, loading gate & hammer are gold washed. CONDITION: Fair to good, overall retains about all of its custom nickel and gold finish showing light muzzle edge wear with plating over the pitting on the hammer & front part of the frame. Trigger & base pin are replacements. Hammer will not catch in safety notch & is not solid in half-cock notch, otherwise mechanics are fine. Strong bore with moderate pitting. 49254-19 JR (7,500-10,500) – Lot 3221

*COLT ENGRAVING SAMPLER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN SA65240. Cal. 44-40. Nickel finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line early style script letter address. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates. Left side of front and back straps, under the grip are marked with matching SNs. Mounted with smooth 2-pc “certifiable pre-ban ivory” grips with Colt custom shop 150th Anniversary silver medallions, matching numbered to this revolver. Left grip is inscribed in 4 lines with the 4 different styles of engraving and the dates they were employed at Colt. Revolver is engraved in 4 different styles in “B” coverage. Backstrap is engraved “Colt Engraving Sampler”. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal 44-40 with 7-1/2″ bbl, nickel finish, smooth Ivory stocks and shipped to Service Armament Co., Ridgefield, NJ, on Aug 22, 1988. Remarks section details the 4 different styles of engraving and states that the records show the engraving was done by John Adams. Mr. Adams was a master engraver at Colt for many years. Letter further states “In addition, it is interesting to note that subject revolver is one of 8 single action army revolvers produced in the Sampler Edition in the above noted configuration”. Accompanied by its orig gray velvet lined custom shop walnut casing, compartmented in the bottom for the revolver, a pearl bits box with the “Colt” logo on the lid, a pearl oil bottle with the same logo on top of the dipper knob, a gold washed turn screw with pearl handle, a brush with pearl handle and gold ferrule and a gold washed, pearl handled cleaning rod. Additionally accompanied by its orig wood grain, Styrofoam lined, 1-pc cardboard box containing; instruction manual, a couple of other small booklets and hang tag. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, new and unfired. Walnut case is equally fine and new. Cardboard box is missing the custom shop end flap and shows considerable edge wear with some tears. 49432-111 JR C&R; IVORY (6,000-10,000) – Lot 3222

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*COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 299795. Cal. 32 WCF (32-20). Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, 1-line block letter address with cal marking on left side. Frame has 2-line, 3-patent dates with Rampant Colt in a broken circle. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips with last four digits of matching SN inside each grip. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal 32-20 with 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed and shipped to Sears, Roebuck & Co. Chicago, IL, on Oct 1, 1907, in a 5 gun shipment. This revolver was probably purchased by someone to match the cal of their Winchester model 1892 or 1873 rifle. At that time America was still an outdoors nation where carrying a gun on a daily basis was commonplace. Firearms of that era are rarely found today with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: The William Smith Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching including grips. Bbl retains 93-95% glossy bright orig blue with loss areas flaked to a medium patina and with light muzzle end wear. Ejector rod housing retains about 80% strong orig blue with flaking. Frame & hammer retain virtually all of their bright orig factory case colors, brilliant in sheltered areas, slightly faded elsewhere. Front & back straps are flaked to about 40% blue with balance medium patina. Trigger guard retains most of its orig blue. Grips are fine showing very slight diamond point wear. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 49312-44 FTL C&R (10,000-15,000) – Lot 3223

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*1ST GENERATION COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH BOX.

SN 357185. Cal. 357 Magnum. Blue & color case hardened with 5-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address with model & Cal. marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3 patent dates & Rampant Colt. Mounted with 2-pc Rampant Colt hard rubber grips, matching numbered to this revolver. Right side of front & backstraps are marked with matching SN to the revolver. Rear face of cylinder is marked with last 2 digits of matching SN. Accompanied by an orig, unnumbered, burgundy, hinged lid cardboard box with black & white end label. Interior has standard late markings and contains a wire handled bristle brush and shooting suggestions pamphlet. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran, production quantities of Colt Single Action Armys extrapolated from research conducted by famous author John E. Parsons as listed in his book The Peacemaker and It’s Rivals an Account of the Single Action Colt, published in 1950, there were only 525 Single Action Army revolvers produced in this cal prior to WWII. Very few of those survive today in as new condition like found here. PROVENANCE: Accompanied by a Colt Factory Letter stating this gun was shipped April 27, 1948 to Graham H. Anthony, President of Colt’s at that time. It was subsequently presented to William Purtell, a U.S. Senator and personal friend of Mr. Anthony. The Collection of Marion E. Williams. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all matching. Overall retains 99% plus crisp orig, factory finish with bright strong blue and brilliant case color,s showing only a halo of wear on left edge of muzzle and slight fading on recoil shield &loading gate. Cylinder shows faint sharp edge wear with a faint cylinder line. Grips are crisp showing no diamond point wear. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore, may have been fired but if so, very little. Box has 4 broken corners on the lid with a break in the right end at the bottom showing edge wear and light soil. Label is basically intact with a few chips in the edges 49287-4 JR C&R (6,000-10,000) – Lot 3224

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COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 107382. Cal. .44 WCF (44-40). Nickel finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight, 1-line block letter address & “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” etched panel on left side. Bottom of bbl is marked with a tiny “44”. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates & left front web of trigger guard is marked “44 C.F.” Mounted with very early 1-piece “certifiable antique ivory” grip that is made in orig style consisting of 2 slabs of Ivory attached to 2 wooden spacer blocks, it appears that this grip is probably a replacement as the frontstrap has a hole for 2-piece grip locator pin. Regardless this grip is very old and fits reasonably well & is at least contemporary to the revolver. Ejector housing is 3rd type with half-moon ejector head. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal 44-40 with 7-1/2″ bbl, nickel finish & type of stocks not listed, shipped to Lee Fried & Co., Omaha, NE, on Feb 18,1885, in a 5 gun shipment. The Lee, Fried & Co. of Omaha, NE, was owned by the partnership of H.J. Lee & Carl A. Fried. Mr. Fried immigrated to the U.S. from Sweden in 1869 and after a short stay in IL, settled in Omaha where he opened a hardware store in Fremont, NE, in 1873. In 1875 he entered into partnership with Mr. Lee under the name H.J. Lee Co. The firm was so successful that in 1880 the name was changed to Lee, Fried & Co. They were very successful, supplying hardware and associated products to ranchers in the region. Mr. Fried died in 1887. Given the date of delivery of this revolver and the area to where it was delivered, it can be easily understood that this was a rancher’s or cowboy’s sidearm. Firearms of that era rarely survive today in any condition especially with orig finish. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Fine, bbl and ejector housing retain about 60-70% strong orig nickel turning a little milky with the loss areas a gray metal patina. Frame retains 30-40% orig nickel with the grip frame mostly cleaned bright metal. Cyl retains about 60% orig nickel with losses mostly on one side. Grip has numerous age lines but is sound with a mellow Ivory patina. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with only a couple small spots of pitting. This is a fine Western Six Shooter documented to the frontier when the West was still wild. 49104-7 JR IVORY (6,000-10,000) – Lot 3225

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*COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 244853. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 4-3/4″ replacement bbl that has thinned front sight and 2-line address, marked on the left side “COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45”. Left side of frame has 2-line, 3 patent dates and Rampant Colt. Mounted with 2-pc Rampant Colt hard rubber grips that have last 3 digits of matching SN inside each grip. Left side of frontstrap & buttstrap, front face of cylinder & inside ejector housing are marked with the assembly no. “758” and right rear web of trigger guard is marked with a small “&”, all of which signifies factory refinish, at which time the bbl was probably replaced. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in Cal. 45 with 4-3/4″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed & shipped to H & D Folsom Arms Co., NY, NY on Nov 2 1903 in a 7 gun shipment. PROVENANCE: The William Smith Collection CONDITION: Very good to fine, all matching as noted. Bbl retains 97-98% strong factory blue. Frame, probably not refinished retains 50-60% orig case colors, bright in the front gullets and sheltered areas, faded elsewhere. Hammer retains dark, faded case colors. Cylinder retains 80-85% orig blue, bright in the flutes; thinning on the outer diameter. Trigger guard & backstrap retain about 60-70% faded Colt blue, dull and thin on front & backstraps. Ejector housing retains bright blue in the gullets, turning a little plum on the outer radius. Grips are sound, showing light to moderate diamond point wear. Mechanics are crisp. Very bright, shiny bore. 49312-13 JR C&R (6,000-10,000) – Lot 3226

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EARLY COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 71557. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Nickel finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, altered front sight & l-line block letter address. Bottom of bbl has a tiny “44”. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and left front web of trigger guard is marked “44 CF”. Mounted with replacement varnished 1-pc walnut grip that has last 4 digits of SN “6574” in backstrap channel. Backstrap SN is “71433”. Ejector housing is 3rd Type with half-moon ejector rod head. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in Cal. 44-40 with 7-1/2″ bbl, nickel finish, type of stock not listed & shipped to Schoverling, Daly & Gales, NY, NY on Sept 3 1881 in a 25 gun shipment. Schoverling, Daly & Gales was one of Colt’s major distributors to Western sporting goods dealers and given the date of production of this revolver the likelihood is that it was shipped to one of their Western dealers where it most probably saw a lot of service on the frontier, which ultimately necessitated the restoration. CONDITION: Very good. Overall retains about 75% restored nickel finish with loss areas flaked to a dark patina. Cylinder retains about 25% restored nickel. Grip has a chipped right toe & shows moderate edge wear with nicks & scratches and retains about 85% old varnish. Hammer will not catch in the safety notch and is not solid at half-cock notch, otherwise mechanics are fine. Strong frosty bore. 49432-87 JR (5,000-8,000) – Lot 3227

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*COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH DUKE FAMILY HISTORY.

SN 221642. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Nickel finish with 5-1/2″ bbl, altered front sight, possibly replaced, with 1-line block letter address and left side roll marked “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER”. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with outstanding 2-pc pearl grips which have a deep relief carved ox head on right side. Carving has gold horns with a gold nose-ring and faceted red jeweled eyes. Top of the grip, at the frame is inlaid with a rectangular gold filigree plaque with the initials “CED”. Consignor states that the person from whom he bought this revolver had purchased it at an auction of Duke Family Estate property down in Florida in the 1960s. The Duke family of North Carolina is very famous & philanthropic. Over the years they have lavishly endowed Duke University and many other worthwhile endeavors. CONDITION: Fine. Overall retains about 95% strong restored nickel showing wear on the front strap and on the trigger plate. Grips are sound and show great fire & color. Hammer is not solid in safety notch, otherwise mechanics are fine. Strong bright bore with fine pitting. Shows moderate use since being restored. 49432-101 JR C&R (5,000-8,000) – Lot 3228

INTERESTING PERIOD INSCRIBED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH HOLSTER AND CASE.

SN 163823. Cal. 45. COLT Blue and color case hardened with 4-3/4″ bbl, very slightly altered front sight and 2-line address. Left side of frame has 2-line 3 patent dates and Rampant Colt in circle. Mounted with fine 2-pc pearl grips with raised carved ox head with red eyes on right side, missing its right eye stone. Buttstrap is engraved in period block letters “J B FOX”. Right side of front and back straps, under the grip, are stamped with a small 6-point star. Rear face of cyl, bottom of bbl and inside ejector housing are also marked with the same star and assembly number “823”. All this indicates that this revolver was refinished at the factory. Accompanied by a late 19th/early 20th Century mail order holster with sewn toe and impressed decorations. Holster has a belt loop on back attached with harness rivets. Accompanied by a reworked walnut silverware box with empty plaque on lid. It has green velvet lining and is compartmented in the bottom for the revolver and three other compartments, one of which contains a full, sealed packet of 12 Frankford Arsenal Cartridges bearing the date 1878. The front of the case has a cartridge block containing two 44 cal Henry Rimfire cartridges & six 44 short rimfire cartridges with seven additional empty holes. Inside the lid has a copied Colt advertisement. Accompanied by a packet of information entitled “Jubilee B. Fox /Confederate Soldier and Texan”. Fox was enlisted in the 28th Tenn Infantry and fought for the Confederacy. After the war he migrated to Texas where he died in 1924. The owner of this revolver was very likely a law enforcement officer or cattleman who later in life had it restored, probably during the period of use. A Colt Factory letter may provide additional information on who J.B. Fox was. CONDITION: Very good. Bbl retains traces of factory blue and ejector housing about 50% blue in the gullets. Frame retains faded case colors in the front gullets with smoky colors on the hammer and frame, being mostly a gray metal patina. Grip frame is a gray metal patina, as is the cyl. Grips have small chips near the frame, otherwise are sound, showing great fire. Mechanics are fine. Strong bore with good shine and fine pitting. Holster shows moderate to heavy wear and is sound, retaining strong orig brown finish. Box has a crack in lid, otherwise is fine. Cartridges are fine. 49254-8 JR198 (7,500-10,500) – Lot 3229

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EARLY COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER FROM EXPRESS AGENCY.

SN 86361. Cal. 45 Colt. Usual configuration with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and left front web of trigger guard has the cal marking. Mounted with varnished 1-pc walnut grip that has last four digits of matching SN in backstrap channel. Left forward side of the bbl is stamped with the number “2094”, probably an express agency property number. Ejector rod housing is 3rd type with half moon ejector rod head. Hammer is a modern replacement. Accompanied by a homemade case which contains the revolver, an 1879 dated full sealed packet of twelve Frankford Arsenal cal 45 cartridges, a hickory cleaning rod, a wooden screw-top bits box and five lose rounds of cal 41 RF cartridges. Also accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal 45, with blue finish, bbl length and type of stocks not listed, shipped to Hartley & Graham, NY, NY on Feb. 8, 1883, in a fifty gun shipment. Hartley & Graham were major suppliers to dealers & agencies throughout the U.S. and were one of Colt’s largest distributors. Additionally accompanied by a large packet of information regarding express agencies, plus a small handwritten note which states “Inventory #2094 / (Joe Asherton) / Personal letters / of / Walter C. Morgan / Owner of Colt / 45 Caliber Revolver / Belonging to the “Great / Northern Express Co. & The / American Express Railway Co.”. Also included in this package are several handwritten & typewritten personal letters, from and to, Mr. Morgan. CONDITION: Fine, all matching including bbl, cyl & grip. Overall retains a smooth, even brown patina with traces of blue in sheltered areas. Grip shows heavy edge wear with battering on bottom edges and retains about 30% orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore. Case is fine. Box of cartridges show resealing on one end, but appear to not have been completely opened. Other Accessories are fine. 49254-33 JR (6,000-9,000) – Lot 3230

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COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER TOMMY HAAS REWORK.

SN 55323. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue and color cased hardened with 7-1/2” bbl full front sight and 1-line block letter address. Bottom of bbl has last 4 digits of matching SN under ejector housing and sub-inspector initials “D.F.C.” (David F. Clark) and a small “p” proof. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and “U.S.”. Mounted with 1-pc oil finished walnut grip with last 4 digits of matching SN in backstrap channel. Left side of grip has a crisp “DAL” (Lt. David A. Lyle) inspector cartouche under the date 1880. Right side of grip has a crisp “DFC” sub-inspector cartouche. Bottom right edge of grip, bottom front of frame and cylinder also have the “DFC” sub-inspector initials. Additionally, cylinder has last 4 digits of matching SN and a small “p” proof. Ejector housing is 3rd type with bullseye ejector rod head and base pin is an orig type with dimpled ends. This revolver was part of the 4th contract 1880 from which a variety of front line cavalry units received issue, including the 6th and 7th Cavalry regiments, Cebu Police and the New York Militia. Given that this revolver is one of Tommy Haas’ outstanding restorations it is near impossible to determine if this revolver was reconfigured during the recalls of 1895 and the early 20th Century when most Cavalry revolvers were converted to Artillery configuration by having their bbls reduced to 5-1/2″. If it were not for a reliable frame gauge, this revolver could easily pass as authentic. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine, all matching including bbl, cylinder and grip. Bbl retains 95-97% glossy Colt-style blue with strong feathers on each side of front sight and ejector housing stud. Bbl has several small scratches and shows only slight muzzle end wear. Frame and hammer retain virtually all of their strong, restored case colors, brilliant in sheltered areas. Trigger guard and backstrap retain about 98% bright Colt-style blue with some light scratches on the trigger plate and candy striping on trigger bow. Backstrap also has some light scratches. Ejector housing and screws retain virtually all of their Colt-style blue. Cylinder retains 96-97% strong Colt-style blue with light, fine nicks & scratches. Grip is sound and retains virtually all of its fine oil finish, with crisp sharp edges. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore appears to be new and unfired. Hammer spring is a modern replacement. 49059-79 JR (8,000-15,000) – Lot 3231

COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER RESTORED BY TOMMY HAAS.

SN 19702. Cal. .45 Colt. Blue and color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, thinned front sight with 1-line script letter address. Left side of frame has 2-line patent dates and is mounted with oil finished 1-piece walnut grip. Revolver has complete, very high quality Tommy Haas restoration with bright Colt-Style blue and case colors. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in .45 Colt with blue finish, bbl length and type of stocks not listed and shipped to Spies, Kissam & Co., NY, NY, on July 23, 1875, in a shipment of 45 same type arms. Spies, Kissam was one of Colts major distributor that supplied arms to dealers on the American Frontier giving rise to the probability that this revolver saw hard service over the years which necessitated the restoration. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. CONDITION: Very fine, overall retains about all of its fine Haas restoration, showing about 95-96% strong blue and about all of its case colors, moderately to heavily faded. Grip frame and grip are sharp and clean. Mechanics are crisp, bore is bright and shiny. 49059-80 JR (6,000-10,000) – Lot 3232

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*COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 324047. Cal. 38 WCF (38-40). Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, altered front sight & 1-line block letter address with Cal. marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3 patent dates and Rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with distributor supplied or replacement 2-pc smooth pearl grips. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in Cal. 38-40 with 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed, sold to G. A. Newberry, address unavailable, shipped to W. F. Sheard, Tacoma, WA on July 22 1912 in a 1 gun shipment. William F. Sheard was an orphan who traveled to Livingston, MT as a young man and there married the Indian Agent’s daughter, opening an outfitting store for trappers & hunters. He was also a fur dealer. With advanced notice, supplied by his father-in-law, Mr. Sheard beat the railroad to Tacoma and set up a second store there as an outfitter & fur dealer. It was there that he invented the “Sheard” front sight which he later sold to the Marble Arms Co. Given the time frame and region, it is likely that Mr. Newberry was an outdoorsman of some sort, possibly someone in law enforcement. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Bbl retains 60-70% orig blue with holster wear on the left side and around the muzzle. Ejector housing retains strong blue in the gullets, grey patina on the outer radius. Frame retains about 20-25% faded case colors in the front gullets with a grey patina elsewhere. Hammer retains faded case colors. Cylinder retains strong blue in the flutes, being mostly a grey patina on the outer diameter with numerous small scrape marks as frequently occurs when used in a dirty environment or with poor maintenance. Screws retain most of their bright, orig blue. Trigger guard & backstrap are mostly a silver/brown patina with dull blue on the trigger plate. The replacement grips are sound and fit reasonably well with great fire & strong color, especially on the right side. Hammer is not solid in safety notch, otherwise mechanics are fine. Very bright shiny bore. 49104-6 JR C&R (4,000-6,000) – Lot 3233

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*SCARCE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 328545. Cal. 38 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 5-1/2″ bbl, replaced front sight with 1-line block letter address and Cal. marking on the left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3 patent dates and Rampant Colt. Mounted with 2-pc Rampant Colt hard rubber grips with last 4 digits of matching SN inside each grip. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran there were only 1011 Single Action Army revolvers chambered in this Cal., with this bbl marking up to 1914, which was the manufacture date of this revolver. In 1914, law enforcement officers and cowboys were still carrying Single Action Army revolvers and given the Cal. found here it seems likely that it would have belonged to a law enforcement officer. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. CONDITION: Fine, all matching. Bbl retains about 90% glossy orig blue with scratches around the front sight and holster wear on the left side of muzzle. Ejector housing retains about 90% orig blue, strong % bright in the gullets; slightly thinned on the outer radius. Frame & hammer retain about all their orig factory case colors, strong & bright in the front gullets and sheltered areas, fading elsewhere. Cylinder retains about 75% orig blue, bright in the flutes, thinning on outer diameter. Trigger guard retains about 80% orig blue, strong & bright on the trigger plate, thinning on the front strap. Backstrap & buttstrap retain 75-80% orig blue, strong & bright in sheltered areas, thin on the backstrap & buttstrap, bare metal on the heel. Grips are sound showing moderate diamond point wear. Mechanics are crisp. Very bright, shiny bore. 49059-92 JR C&R (4,000-6,000) – Lot 3234

*COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY WITH SCARCE CALIBER MARKING.

SN 333230. Cal. 44 Russian & Spcl. Nickel finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight & 1-line block letter address with Cal. marking on the left side in 2-lines “RUSSIAN AND / S & W SPECIAL” and “44”. Left side of frame has 2-line 3 patent dates and Rampant Colt. Mounted with scarce 2-pc Colt medallion “certifiable pre-ban ivory” grips with large relief carved ox head on right side. Medallions are early style facing left & right. This revolver was produced in about 1916 and likely would have belonged to someone in law enforcement or a working cowboy. This appears to be an outstanding restored revolver of Tommy Haas quality, with re-rolled patent markings and Rampant Colt on the frame. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. Special Note: This item contains or is made of ivory. Do not bid on this lot unless you have read and agreed to our "Ivory Position Statement" and the "Waiver of Legal and Financial Risk to James D. Julia in regards to your Purchase of an Ivory Object." This information is located in the front section of our catalog. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Overall retains about all of its fine top quality restored finish with a few minor scuffs on the frame. Cylinder is lightly flaked but appears to be unfired since restoration. Grips are sound with a few age lines in the bottom ages, possibly artificially aged with a fine ivory patina. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore. 49059-90 JR C&R; IVORY (4,000-7,000) – Lot 3235

*1ST GENERATION COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

SN 345330. Cal. 32 WCF (32-20). Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, reattached or replaced front sight & 1-line block letter address with Cal. marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line 3 patent dates and Rampant Colt. Mounted with aftermarket, 2-pc smooth pearl grips. Right side of front & backstraps, under the grip is market with matching SNs to the revolver. Rear face of cylinder is marked with last 2 digits of matching SN. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this revolver in Cal. 32-20 with 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed, sold to Spiro Co., address not available and shipped to Baker, Hamilton & Pacific Co., San Francisco, CA on May 27 1924 in a 1 gun shipment. Also accompanied by a printout entitled San Francisco Genealogy and reprints the listing as found in the 1st San Francisco phone directory of 1878, on which list are 2 entries for Baker & Hamilton Hardware. One listing is for 2nd & Townsend and the other 7-19 Front. Apparently, as of 1932, 12 of the orig 27 subscribers, including Baker & Hamilton who were still listed under the same names. Another printout lists Baker & Hamilton as being a founding member of the Merchants’ Shipping Association which was formed in May 1892. CONDITION: Very good, all matching except grips. Bbl retains about 70% strong orig blue with holster wear on the left side and a heat halo around the front sight. Frame retains about 50% orig case colors, strong in sheltered areas, faded elsewhere with fine pitting on left recoil shield. Hammer appears to be a modern replacement. Trigger guard & backstrap retain strong blue in sheltered areas, being mostly a blue/grey patina. Cylinder retains strong blue in the flutes with a blue/grey patina on outer diameter. Grips are slightly over-sized with a chip in the top right side at the frame, otherwise are sound with great fire & color. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore. 49104-8 JR C&R (3,500-5,000) – Lot 3236

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*FACTORY ENGRAVED COLT BISLEY MODEL SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER WITH TWO-PIECE MOTHER-OF-PEARL GRIPS.

SN 238201. Cal. 44 RUSSIAN & S&W spcl. 7-1/2″ bbl, blue and case hardened finish, two-pc mother-of-pearl grips. This revolver was orig manufactured in 1902 as a 4-3/4″ 32-20 plain blue revolver shipped to Kansas City, MO on December 29, 1902. At later date during engraving career of Wilbur A. Glahn (Circa 1919-1950)this revolver was returned to Colt factory to be re-barreled and re-chambered for 44 cal Russian/Special. The bbl was changed to a 7-1/2″ version and the cyl was replaced. Backstrap and trigger were finely checkered. At the same time, this revolver was masterfully engraved by Colt factory engraver Wilbur Glahn creating one of the most rare of all Bisley single action Colt revolvers with only 90 Bisley models manufactured in this cal. The engraving is “B Coverage” and exhibits all of the characteristics of Glahn’s engraving including flowers in scroll work and a Chevron on recoil shield and loading gate. Revolver also shows factory re-work marks “1220” on frame, grip straps, and cyl. PROVENANCE: Accompanying this revolver is a letter from Colt historian Beverly Jean Haynes showing the orig shipment to J. F. Schmelzer and Sons Arms Co., Kansas City, MO December 29, 1902 in a four-gun shipment. There is no record of the return and re-work. Also included is a 15-page letter from noted Colt authority R. L. Wilson touting the importance of this significant revolver and attributing the engraving to Wilbur A. Glahn. CONDITION: Very fine to excellent. Bbl retains 95% bright mirror blue finish with slight muzzle wear on left side and front sight. Cal mark and bbl address is sharp. Engraving is sharp. Bore is bright with sharp rifling. Cyl retains 95% bright blue finish with only minimal high point wear and slightest of drag marks. Frame retains 90% case color that is vivid in protected areas. Patent mark and Rampant Colt are clear. Trigger guard and backstrap retain 95% bright blue. Right rear bow of trigger guard shows remnants of factory re-work stamp. Hammer retains 90% bright case colors with some scratching on either side. Pearl grips are very good with only a few miniscule chips off bottom with a small repair to left bottom grip. Left grip needs to be re-fit. An opportunity to purchase a rare and unique Bisley remodeled revolver. 49506-1 TEP C&R (9,000-14,000) – Lot 3237

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*COLT BISLEY SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER.

SN 310020. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight & 1-line block letter address, left side marked “(BISLEY MODEL) 45 COLT”. Left side of frame has 2-line 3-patent dates with Rampant Colt in circle. Mounted with 2-pc, Rampant Colt hard rubber grips. Right grip has the last 4 digits of this revolver’s SN scratched inside. Left grip has the last 4 digits of another SN scratched inside along with an indecipherable name. Accompanied by a copy of a Colt Factory Letter identifying this revolver in cal 45 Colt with 7-1/2″ bbl, blue finish, type of stock not listed, shipped to Frank P. Hall Co, Columbus, Oh, September 27, 1909 in a 1-gun shipment. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were only about 8000 Bisley Revolvers produced in Cal. 45 out of the approximate 44,350 Bisley’s manufactured 1894-1915. This low number, when compared to the 350,000 Single Action Army revolvers produced makes this a rather scarce item. PROVENANCE: Bill Spicer (2000); Robert Howard Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, bbl and ejector housing retain about 93% glossy orig blue with light muzzle wear and thinning on the outer radius of the ejector housing. Frame retains most of its orig case colors, strong in sheltered areas, generally fading elsewhere. Hammer is mostly faded. Trigger guard & backstrap retain dark blue in sheltered areas with the front and backstrap a blue gray patina. Cyl retains about 90% orig blue, strong in the flutes, thinning on outer diameter. Grips are sound, showing moderate wear, turning slightly chocolate. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 49409-3 JR C&R (4,000-6,000) – Lot 3238

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*COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY BISLEY MODEL FLAT TOP TARGET REVOLVER WITH SPECIAL ORDER LYMAN TARGET SIGHTS.

SN 183833. Cal. 41 Colt. 7-1/2″ bbl. Blue finish. Checkered hard rubber grips. Special order Lyman target sights. Front sight has a white bead, rear sight has white line inserts. Flat top frame. PROVENANCE: Accompanying this revolver is a letter from Colt historian Beverly Jean Haynes confirming the features on this revolver including the special order Lyman sights and showing shipment to Montgomery Ward & Co. Chicago, IL on March 18, 1899 in a 2 gun shipment. CONDITION: Very good. Bbl retains 80% bright blue finish drifting into a pleasing brown patina on the ejector rod and left side of the bbl. Bbl address and cal. markings are clear. Bore is dirty with very strong rifling. Sights are in very good condition showing considerable blue. Cylinder is very good, retaining 50% blue with dark blue in the flutes, some high point wear at the front and a slight drag mark at the rear. Cylinder is numbered to the gun. Frame retains 50% blue, with dark blue in protected areas and an even blue/brown patina with high point wear overall. Backstrap and forestrap show an even brown patina with slight staining. Trigger retains 40% bright blue. Hammer retains 80% case color that is vivid in protected areas. Grips are very good with no cracks and no missing pieces and sharp checkering. Action needs some adjustment, does not stay on full cock. A very rare Colt Bisley flat top target revolver in a rare caliber with extremely rare Lyman target sights. 49560-1 TEP C&R (3,000-5,000) – Lot 3239

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EXTREMELY RARE FACTORY ENGRAVED COLT MODEL 1877 THUNDERER DA REVOLVER.

SN 6751. Cal. 41 Colt. Nickel finish with 6″ bbl, full front sight, 2-line Hartford address and crisp “COLT D.A. 41″ etched panel on left side. All the screws, base pin, trigger & edges of hammer are bright fire blued. Mounted with orig, factory, smooth pearl grips that are matching numbered on the inside. Frame is beautifully engraved in flowing foliate arabesque patterns with about 80% coverage. Top strap is engraved with leaf & vine patterns. Foliate arabesque patterns extend up both sides of bbl with a geometric pattern forward of the address on top. Top gullet of the ejector housing is engraved in a snake & dot pattern. Back of the hammer slot on the backstrap and down the backstrap are engraved in geometric patterns. Cyl is engraved on lands between the flutes with foliate arabesque patterns and a snake pattern in the flutes with a chip & dot pattern border around rear edge. Left rear web of trigger guard is stamped with the caliber marking. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter identifying this revolver in caliber 41 with 6” bbl, nickel finish, pearl stocks and factory engraved, shipped to B. Kittredge Arms Co., Cincinnati, OH on June 10, 1878 in a 2-gun shipment. Model 1877 revolvers are rarely found with high orig finish as they were very popular in their day and usually saw very hard service on the American frontier with infrequent or no maintenance. History records numerous individuals on both sides of the law carrying this model of revolver including Billy the Kid and others. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, all matching. Overall retains virtually all of its crisp, orig nickel finish with no evidence of ever having been fired; all the screws, base pin, trigger & hammer retain most of their orig bright fire blue, somewhat thinned on the trigger. Grips have one tiny chip in left rear edge, otherwise are completely sound with a yellowed stain near the top edges and otherwise retain great fire & iridescent colors. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 49450-15 JR (37,500-57,500) – Lot 3240

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FINE FACTORY ENGRAVED COLT HARTFORD LONDON MODEL 1877 DA LIGHTNING REVOLVER.

SN 18662. Cal. 38 Colt. Nickel finish with 4-1/2″ bbl, full front sight with 3-line Hartford – Pall Mall London address. Left side of bbl has the cal engraved in a ribbon. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and left rear web of trigger guard has cal marking. Mounted with wonderful, 2-pc, smooth pearl grips. Revolver is beautifully engraved by Herman Ulrich with about 65% coverage, intertwined foliate arabesque patterns that have fine pearled background. Left recoil shield, both sides of bbl boss and top of backstrap are engraved in very fine shell patterns. Loading gate is also engraved in a shell pattern. Front edge of recoil shield and loading gate are marked with circle & dot borders. Matching engraving extends about half way up the bbl, on the ejector housing , backstrap & trigger bow. Cyl also has matching engraving on lands between flutes with a fine circle & dot border around rear edge. Back edge of hammer and top edge of hammer nose are also engraved. There is also a fine wavy border around the muzzle with an elliptical pattern of fine pearling around the front sight. This rare revolver is one of only about 1,500 ever made with this bbl address. Being a reasonably rare revolver with limited production, it can be speculated that this is one of the very few of this model engraved by Herman Ulrich, or for that matter factory engraved at all. Accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this revolver in cal. .38 with 4-1/2″ bbl, nickel finish, pearl grips, factory engraved with the special features “Furnished with an ejector”, shipped to W.H. Wentworth address unavailable Oct 3, 1881 in a 1 gun shipment. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains 80-85% strong orig nickel with light losses around the muzzle, tip of ejector housing and bottom gullet of ejector housing. Front edge of cyl and corresponding area of the frame also have light losses with some minor flaking on trigger bow. Trigger retains about 50% fire blue and the hammer traces of fire blue, being mostly a silver grey patina. Left grip has an age line, otherwise grips are sound and show great fire. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore with one spot of pitting. 49611-2 JR (7,000-10,000) – Lot 3241

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RARE COLT MODEL 1878 DA FRONTIER ASSIGNED TO THE CANADIAN MINISTRY OF MILITIA AND DEFENSE.

SN 14725. Cal. .45 Colt. Nickel finish with 7-1/2″ bbl, full front sight and 1-line block letter address. Left front web of trigger guard is marked “45 CAL”. Mounted with Rampant Colt hard rubber grips and has a lanyard swivel in the butt. Left front side of frame is stamped, through the nickel “223.MD”. According to an article by John Fera which appeared in the June 1997 issue of The Gun Report, John Fera, in 1885 Canada was in turmoil with a full scale rebellion in Northwest Territories led by Louis Riel. Just prior to the beginning of the rebellion, the Canadian Government realizing that the rebellion was imminent began looking to the Militia to augment the Royal Canadian Northwest Mounted Police (RCMP) to suppress this rebellion. They realized that the Militia was poorly armed with Civil War surplus Spencer rifles and obsolete Colt 1851 Navy revolvers. They ordered that the Militia arms be immediately updated before the rebellion became a reality. This was the responsibility of the Department Of Militia & Defense. That department contacted the New York firm of Hartley & Graham to furnish 1001 Colt Model 1878 DA revolvers in cal .45 Colt with nickel finish. The first part of the order was immediately filled from stock with a rush order shipped from Colt in several increments. According to the article, these 1001 revolvers all fall within the serial range 8731 to 14996 with the majority in the 14,000 serial range. The rebellion was quickly suppressed with Louis Riel captured and hanged. Eventually all of these revolvers were returned to militia armories where they remained until about 1899 when they were re-issued to the militia for the Boerer War in South Africa. Apparently many of these revolvers returned from South Africa and were sold surplus. Also several publications show that they were issued with a flap holster as found here. Accompanied by a brown leather flap holster with narrow security strap which attaches to a brass stud on the backside just above the belt loop. Inside the flap of this holster is marked in pen “A.A.G.” and “VIII C.M.R.” which stands for Canadian Mounted Rifles who was the first unit assigned to South Africa. Holster has a sewn in plug and marked as noted above. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching except grips which are un-numbered. Overall retains most of its orig nickel with some very minor pitting on the bottom right front of the frame. Trigger & hammer retain strong fire blue on their edges. Grips are sound showing light diamond point wear. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore. Holster is also fine. 49059-94 JR (3,000-5,000) – Lot 3242

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*TWO COLT 2ND GEN. SINGLE ACTION ARMY CONDEMNED PROOF DEMONSTRATION REVOLVERS.

SN 61135SA/51203SA. Gun #1 .45 Colt.(ca 1971)7.5″ bbl with period one line address blue and case colored frame. Grips are missing. A cartridge detonation has completely blown out three chambers of the cylinder and the top strap has bowed up and separated from the recoil shield. Gun #2 .357 Mag.(ca 1969) 5.5″ bbl with period one line address blue and case colored frame. Grips are missing. A cartridge detonation has caused a separation failure in one chamber of the cylinder and destruction of the top strap which has been completely obliterated and is missing. Consignor states he received these as gifts from his neighbor and former maestro of the Colt Custom Shop, Al DeJohn, many years ago. When Al DeJohn joined Colt’s in 1946, just after his World War II service, little did he know that he was destined to become the most dedicated advocate of the art of gun engraving that the company had seen since the days of Colonel Colt himself. A talented technician, gunsmith, and designer, Al would find his true calling in the mid-1960s, when his supervisor, Joe Gannon, was transferred to another position, and Al DeJohn became Manager of Colt’s Custom Gun Shop and served until his retirement in 1989. PROVENANCE: Ex Al DeJohn Collection. CONDITION: Sold without warranty as non-functioning, condemned, demonstrator revolvers. Condition noted above. 49432-102 WD C&R (500-2,500) – Lot 3244

*EXTREMELY RARE NAVY CONTRACT COLT MODEL 1900 SEMI-AUTO PISTOL.

SN 1050, Navy SN 50. Cal. 38ACP (38 Rimless/Smokeless). Blue finish with 6″ bbl, orig half moon front sight & articulated rear sight that serves as a firing pin block safety and a checkered-spur hammer. Fitted with 2-pc smooth, highly figured walnut grips. Left side of frame has Navy SN “U.S.N. 50” and Colt inspection mark of a “B” in a triangle on left front web of trigger guard. Slide has usual markings on both sides. Right side of frame has SN and there is a small trident stamped on right front web of trigger-bow. Accompanied by one orig magazine which is nickel plated with patent date on base plate. Accompanied by a full box (50 rds) of Remington 38 automatic ammunition. This is one of Colt’s lowest production semi-auto pistols with only about 3500 manufactured 1900-1903. They were made with front & rear slide serrations, with both high spur and rnd spur hammers and later in production the sight safety was replaced with a simple fixed sight. Many of the orig sight safety pistols were returned to have this feature removed and replaced with a fixed sight. Few remain today in completely orig configuration. This is one of the most rare of all military contracts for handguns with only 50 ever having been ordered. It is also unusual in that the Navy SN corresponds with last 2 digits of factory SN. PROVENANCE: The William Smith Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Overall retains 93-95% glossy orig factory blue with scattered light scratches & minor edge wear & some slight thinning on slide. Sight safety & hammer retain most of their orig bright case colors & trigger most of its niter blue. Magazine retains about all of its orig nickel finish. Grips are sound with nicks & dings and retain most of their orig varnish. Grip screws retain about all of their orig niter blue. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Ammunition is sealed in plastic and not examined. Box is fine. This pistol is suitable for inclusion in the very finest private or museum collection. 49312-6 JR224 C&R (17,500-27,500) – Lot 3482

*RARE COLT MODEL 1900 SIGHT SAFETY SEMI-AUTO PISTOL.

SN 1992. Cal. 38 ACP. Blue finish with 6″ bbl and smooth 2-pc walnut grips. Slide has front serrations and the orig thin half-moon front sight and the rear sight which doubles as a safety, which when in the “down” position locks the firing pin preventing accidental firing. Left side of slide has usual markings with Browning’s 1897 patent date and the Colt name & address. Left rear end of the slide is marked with the Rampant Colt trademark in a circle. Right side of slide has standard markings. Accompanied by one orig nickel plated magazine with patent date on the base plate. There were only about 3500 of these scarce pistols produced 1900-1903 with both front & rear slide serrations, hammers with tall spurs such as found here and later with rnd spurs. About mid-production the sight safety was no longer employed and was replaced with a fixed sight in the top rear of the slide. Many sight safety pistols were altered by having the sight safety removed and a fixed sight installed. Very few completely orig Model 1900 pistols remain today. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phil A. Bleakney, Jr. CONDITION: Fine. Overall retains 75-80% glossy orig blue, somewhat thinned, showing holster wear on sides of the slide. Front & backstraps are mostly a blue/grey patina. Hammer retains strong case colors and the sight safety bright colors on right side. Grips are sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retain about 50% orig varnish on right side with the balance hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore. 49059-192 JR C&R (4,500-7,500) – Lot 3483

*SCARCE COLT MILITARY MODEL 1902 SEMI-AUTO PISTOL.

SN 38779. Cal. 38 ACP. Blue finish with 6″ bbl and orig fixed sights. Slide has standard markings with Rampant Colt trademark at the left rear end. Hammer is spur type and is mounted with 2-pc hard rubber grips. Grip frame has a square butt with lanyard loop in the left heel. Accompanied by one all blue magazine. Also accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this pistol in Cal. 38 with 6″ bbl, blue finish, type stocks not listed and shipped to Miller Morse Hardware Co., Winnipeg, Canada on Feb 21, 1916 in a 5 gun shipment. Additionally accompanied by 1 full and 1 partial box of Remington 38 automatic ammunition. These pistols were very popular in the day with a total production of about 18000 in the period 1902-1929. This model had several variations with both front & rear grasping grooves on the slide and both rnd and spur hammers. This model was a predecessor to the venerable Model 1911 and the grip angle was also adopted by both High Standard and Smith & Wesson for their pistols. This pistol had a strong resurgence of interest beginning in the 1950s by serious target shooters. It was considered to be very smooth and accurate with its long, steady rail design and remained in service for many additional years. PROVENANCE: The William Smith Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Overall retains about 97% strong glossy original Colt blue with only light holster wear at the muzzle, mostly on the left side. Elsewhere there is faint sharp edge wear and a small thin spot on the front strap. Hammer retains most of its original case colors. Grips are crisp showing only very light wear. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. About 18,000 of these early Colt automatic pistols were produced in the years 1902-1929. Both cartridge boxes are sealed in plastic and ammo was not examined. 49312-5 FTL C&R (6,000-10,000) – Lot 3484

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*COLT MILITARY 1902 MODEL SEMI-AUTO PISTOL.

SN 39923. Cal. 38 ACP. Blue finish with 6″ bbl and orig fixed sights. Slide has standard markings with Rampant Colt trademark at the left rear end. Hammer is spur type and it is mounted with 2-pc hard rubber grips. Grip frame has a square butt with lanyard loop in the left heel. Accompanied by one all blue magazine. Also accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this pistol in Cal. 38 with 6″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed and shipped to Buckingham, Ensley, Carrigan Co. address unavailable on July 8 1919 in a 2 gun shipment. A quick Google search disclosed that the receiving company was located in Memphis, TN. These pistols were very popular in the day with a total production of about 18000 in the period 1902-1929. This model had several variations with both front & rear grasping grooves on the slide and both rnd and spur hammers. This model was a predecessor to the venerable Model 1911 and the grip angle was also adopted by both High Standard and Smith & Wesson for their pistols. This pistol had a strong resurgence of interest beginning in the 1950s by serious target shooters. It was considered to be very smooth and accurate with their long, steady rail design and remained in service for many additional years. Completely orig surviving examples are becoming quite rare. PROVENANCE: The William Smith Collection. CONDITION: Fine. Overall retains about 75% glossy orig blue, thinning on the slide with an area of fine pitting on the left side near the muzzle. Front & backstraps are mostly a blue/grey patina. Hammer retains strong case colors, faded on top edge and trigger retains dark fire blue. Grips are sound showing moderate diamond point wear, more so on the right side. Magazine retains about 60% orig blue. Mechanics are crisp. Very bright shiny bore. 49312-58 JR C&R (3,000-5,000) – Lot 3485

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*SCARCE COLT MODEL 1908 US PROPERTY MARKED GENERAL OFFICER’S PISTOL.

SN 136437. Cal. 380 ACP. All blue finish with 3-3/4″ bbl, fixed sights and standard markings on slide with “U.S. PROPERTY” marked on right center side of frame. Top, left rear side of frame is marked with a small ordnance wheel. Mounted with full checkered, silver medallion walnut grips and accompanied by one all blue magazine with marked base plate. This pistol was produced in 1942 during WWII and was probably issued to an officer during the war. Field & staff officers were also allowed to purchase these pistols but apparently very few took advantage. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains about 96-97% strong orig blue with only light sharp edge wear and some minor freckling left side of slide and rear edge of grip on the frame. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore. 49432-160 JR C&R (4,000-6,000) – Lot 3486

*SCARCE COLT MODEL 1909 ARMY DA REVOLVER.

SN 36460. Cal. 45 Colt. Blue finish with 5-1/2″ bbl, semi-partridge orig front sight, 2-line address and cal marking on left side. Left side plate is marked with the Colt “eye” & Rampant Colt trademark. Buttstrap has the U.S. Army and Model 1909 marking along with the SN. Mounted with smooth, 2-pc walnut grips matching numbered to this revolver. Buttstrap has a factory lanyard swivel. Right rear side of frame, rear face of cyl, bottom of bbl and bottom of both grips all have the “RAC” (Rinaldo A. Carr) sub-inspector initials. Top of right frame, behind cyl opening is stamped “F.B.”. Bottom of bbl is also marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY”. Accompanied by a 1917 dated U.S. flap holster with Cheyenne plug in the toe which has a brass lanyard loop containing a rawhide leg thong. PROVENANCE: The William Smith Collection. Colt factory letter. Owned and carried in WWI by John Wesley Snyder, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Harry S. Truman Administration June 6, 1946 – January 20, 1953. Lt. Snyder was an artillery officer and aid to General Leonard Wood. CONDITION: Revolver is very fine, overall retaining 90-92% glossy orig blue with edge wear and some fine flaking on the frame. Trigger and edges of hammer retain bright fire blue. Grips are sound showing light wear and retain most of their orig oil finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Holster is sound and retains about 70% orig tan finish. 49312-35 FTL C&R (2,500-5,000) – Lot 3487

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*SCARCE EARLY COLT MODEL 1911 SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL WITH WWI MILLS CANVAS ACCESSORIES.

SN 35375. Cal. .45 ACP. Early 1911 with 5″ bbl that has an “H” parallel to the bore and a “P” perpendicular to the bore. Slide has early markings with last patent date “1911” on left side and Rampant Colt at left rear end. Right side has Army markings and it has orig fixed sights with thin front blade and round top, U-notch rear sight. Left forward side of the frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” and has the “WGP” (Maj. Walter G. Penfield) inspector initials above the magazine release. Mounted with diamond checkered walnut grips. Accompanied by an orig Mills brass tipped canvas swivel holster that has an extra web belt drop extender; a Mills WWI canvas web belt with brass furniture; a 1918 dated Mills canvas double mag pouch containing 2 additional 2-tone lanyard loop magazines & the very rare paper instruction sheet on preventing rust forming on magazine while in the pouch; an orig WWI Mills braided cotton & brass lanyard and a model 1917 plumb Bolo Machete dated 1918 with orig canvas & leather scabbard. Also accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this pistol in Cal .45 with 5″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed and shipped to Springfield Armory, June 17, 1913,in a 500 gun shipment. Consignor stated it took him several years to accumulate all of these accessories in like new condition as found here. This pistol was part of the first military contract of 1913 which were almost universally issued to Cavalry Units. They remained in service through the border skirmishes of the American Southwest, WWI, WWII, Korea and Viet Nam, remaining in service well into the 1970’s or later until replaced by the Beretta 9mm pistol. After being retired the majority of these pistols were either sold to foreign governments or to private citizens through the NRA/DCM (Division of Civilian Marksmanship). A great majority of these pistols were converted into target configuration with few remaining completely orig. In addition, a great number of those pistols were Arsenal refinished before being re-sold. Therefore finding one in completely orig configuration with orig finish is somewhat a rarity. Frankford Arsenal packet of “20 Pistol Ball Cartridges, Cal. .45, Model of 1911. For Automatic Pistol Model 1911.” In excellent condition, in full form, unopened and both of the fabric pull tabs are intact and present. The label is present, slightly faded, but clearly legible. PROVENANCE: The William Smith Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all original. Slide retains about 95% glossy orig charcoal blue with some slight thinning around ejection port & a few light scratches on top. Frame retains about 90% glossy orig blue, thin on front strap & spring housing, strong & bright elsewhere. Grips show very light wear with one or two chipped diamonds. Bbl retains about 75% orig blue with bright shiny bore. Magazine retains about 85% of orig blue with dull white section. Mechanics are crisp. A hard to find pistol in hard to find condition. Other two spare magazines show heavy wear with one cleaned to bright metal. All of the canvas gear and Machete appear to be new and unused. 49312-25 FTL C&R (10,000-15,000) – Lot 3488

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*EXTREMELY FINE “BLACK ARMY” COLT MODEL 1911 SEMI-AUTO MILITARY PISTOL.

SN 150809. Cal. 45 ACP. Fine “Black Army” 1911 with orig 5″ bbl that has “PH” proofs parallel with axis of bore. Slide has usual markings with “1913″ the last patent date, Rampant Colt at left rear end of slide & orig fixed sights. Right side of slide has usual “U.S. ARMY” markings. Frame has “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” at left front side & the “GHS” (Gilbert H. Stewart) inspector initials just above the magazine release. Fitted with straight mainspring housing, long hammer spur & short grip safety spur. Mounted with diamond checkered walnut grips and accompanied by an orig lanyard loop, 2-tone magazine. Accompanied by a “US” marked Cavalry style swivel holster dated 1915, marked on the flap “B46” stamped upside down over “B33”. Inside the flap is marked in ink in 2 places “Lt T. Glover / Tank Corps / U.S.A.” Also accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this pistol in cal .45 with 5″ bbl, blue finish, type of stocks not listed and shipped to Commanding Officer Rock Island Arsenal on May 23, 1917, in a shipment of 786 pistols. This pistol was produced in the 1st contract of 1917 and virtually all pistols from that contract were issued & saw hard service through remainder of WWI, WWII and Korea. The brushed black finish found on these pistols is rather soft and easily worn. They remained in service into the 1960′s & 1970′s before being replaced by the Beretta 9 mm. Rarely is one found in such fine orig condition. PROVENANCE: Doug Smith Collection; The William Smith Collection. CONDITION: Extraordinarily fine. Overall retains about 99% strong orig factory brushed blue/black finish with only the most faint of muzzle edge wear from simply being handled over the years. Overall appears to be new & unfired. Grips are crisp with one or two chipped diamonds and show very light diamond point wear, again from simple handling. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Holster is fine with some finish fading on the flap showing light soil and wear, missing the leg strap. 49312-26 JR C&R (9,000-12,000) – Lot 3489

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*SCARCE COLT “BLACK ARMY” MODEL 1911 SEMI-AUTOMATIC MILITARY PISTOL.

SN 158398. Cal. .45 ACP. Brushed black finish with orig 5″ bbl that has tiny “PH” inspector initials perpendicular to the bore. Left side of lug is marked with a small “5” and right side with a “T”. Slide has standard markings on left side with last patent date “1913” and Rampant Colt at left rear end. Right side has Army markings. Left front side of frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” and it has the “GHS” (Gilbert H. Stewart) inspector initials just above the magazine release. Grip safety has short spur and hammer has long spur. Mounted with diamond checkered walnut grips and accompanied by 1 military, two-tone magazine. Also accompanied by a brown “US” flap holster by Perkins Campbell dated 1917. This pistol was produced in 1917 and undoubtedly was issued during WWI. The black brushed finish on these pistols is rather soft and easily worn. Very few are found today with much orig finish. These pistols served throughout WWI, WWII, Korea and Viet Nam until replaced by the Beretta 9mm pistol. Many thousands of these venerable pistols were sold as surplus and altered into target pistols. Very few survive today in orig configuration. CONDITION: Very fine. Slide retains about 95-96% strong orig brush blue finish with some freckling on top right side and very light muzzle end wear. Frame retains about 95% strong orig finish with thinning and freckling on the front strap and spring housing and only slight front edge wear. Grips are sound with a couple of small bruises on left side and show very light diamond point wear. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. Holster shows crackling and dulling on the flap otherwise is sound and retains about 90% orig brown finish. 49432-147 JR C&R (5,000-8,000) – Lot 3490

*INSCRIBED COLT MODEL 1911 BLACK ARMY SEMI-AUTO PISTOL.

SN 240869. Cal. 45 ACP. Usual configuration with 5″ bbl, that has “P” & “H” on the skirt parallel to the bore. Slide has usual markings with Rampant Colt at left rear. Right side of slide has standard 1911 U.S. Army markings and is engraved “L.S. GERBER”. Left front side of frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” and it has the “JMG” (Lt. Col. J. M. Gilbert) inspector initials above the magazine release button. Mounted with diamond checkered walnut grips and accompanied by one orig two-tone military magazine. This pistol was produced late in 1918 shortly before the war had ended. Very likely it would have been issued during that conflict. Regardless, these pistols remained in service through the 1920s and 1930s, through WWII, Korea & Viet Nam, well into the 1970s & 80s, until replaced by the Beretta 9mm. The brushed blue/black finish of these pistols is rather soft and easily worn with simple handling and carrying in a holster and are rarely found today with high orig finish. Once the 1911 was declared surplus, a large majority of them were sold either to foreign governments or to American sportsman through the DCM (Division of Civilian Marksmanship) / NRA. Most of those pistols sold to the American public were altered into target pistols, further reducing the number of remaining orig pistols. CONDITION: Very fine, plus. Slide shows light muzzle end wear and faint sharp edge wear with some scattered surface discoloration and a series of fine scratches on the top right in front of rear sight. There are also a couple of small dings in the right slide serrations. Front strap has three small nicks and the straight spring housing has a small spot of wear, otherwise frame retains about all of its orig factory finish. Grips are sound showing very light diamond point wear, a little heavier on the bottom right. Magazine in equally fine. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore, shows very little, if any use. 49432-149 JR C&R (5,000-8,000) – Lot 3491

*COLT MODEL 1911 BLACK ARMY SEMI-AUTO PISTOL.

SN 328439. Cal. 45 ACP. Usual configuration with 5″ bbl, that has “P” & “H” on the skirt parallel to the bore. Slide has usual markings with Rampant Colt in the center. Right side of slide has standard 1911 U.S. Army markings. Left front side of frame is marked “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” and it has the Springfield Eagle and “S8” inspector mark above the magazine release button. Mounted with diamond checkered walnut grips and accompanied by one orig two-tone military magazine. This pistol was produced late in 1918 shortly before the war had ended. Very likely it would have been issued during that conflict. Regardless, these pistols remained in service through the 1920s & 1930s, through WWII, Korea & Viet Nam, well into the 1970s & 80s, until replaced by the Beretta 9mm. The brushed blue/black finish of these pistols is rather soft and easily worn with simple handling & carrying in a holster and are rarely found today with high orig finish. Once the 1911 was declared surplus, a large majority of them were sold either to foreign governments or to American sportsman through the DCM (Division of Civilian Marksmanship) / NRA. Most of those pistols sold to the American public were altered into target pistols, further reducing the number of remaining orig pistols. CONDITION: Very fine, overall retains about 95% strong, orig brushed blue/black finish showing light edge wear and some minor dulling over top of slide. Frame shows light flaking on the bottom front & right side which is now a barely noticable dark patina. Front strap & spring housing are fine, slight thinned on front strap with a small nick and a couple spots of flaking on spring housing. Grips are sound showing light diamond point wear. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore. 49432-145 JR C&R (4,000-6,000) – Lot 3492

*COLT 1911-A1 LEND-LEASE PISTOL.

SN 1712124. Cal. 45 ACP . 5″ bbl, parkerized finished. Checkered plastic grips. CONDITION: Very good, pistol shows 90% of the parkerized finish with some marring and high point wear on the slide and the frame. Bbl has been stamped with British proof marks, slide also shows a “BNP” proof, frame also shows a “BNP” proof and a crossed halbert proof. Slide also shows standard American “P” proof in front of rear sight. Left side of the frame shows standard “GHD” proof. This proofing indicates that this pistol was a lend-lease to England during WWII. Grips are very good with only slight mars. Magazine is full blue. 49438-3 TEP C&R (2,000-3,000) – Lot 3493

*RARE COLT FIRST YEAR OF PRODUCTION SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL.

SN C1102. Cal. .45 ACP. Very early commercial Colt with 5″ unmarked bbl that has blued skirt. Slide has early markings with last patent date 1911 on left side and “COLT AUTOMATIC CALIBRE 45” in 2-lines on right side. Left rear side of slide has the Rampant Colt in a circle trade mark. Right front side of frame is marked “GOVERNMENT MODEL” and left front side of frame has the SN. Trigger, hammer, thumb safety, slide lock and magazine catch are all bright fire blued. Slide and frame are high polish commercial charcoal blue. Grip safety has short spur and hammer has long spur. Top flat of frame by the disconnector hole is stamped with an “S” inspector initial which is also found on rear of slide under the firing pin retainer. Mounted with large diamond checkered walnut grips and accompanied by 1 commercial two-tone magazine with marked base. Also accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this pistol in cal .45 with blue finish, type of stocks not listed and shipped to Emery Hardware Co., Bradford, PA, on Sept 24, 1912, in a 3 gun shipment. Letter also lists date of manufacture as Sept 17, 1912. Additionally accompanied by a russet brown leather flap holster with mail order marks on the belt loop. Holster has Cheyenne plug. This being a first year production pistol with the extraordinary high polish blue finish makes it a very rare pistol, the fact that it has survived this long with most of its finish intact is an even greater rarity. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Slide retains about 97% strong, orig, bright, high polish blue with only light muzzle end wear and a few small freckles on the top left, slide also has 3 or 4 fine scratches. Frame, grip safety and spring housing retain about 98% crisp, bright, orig blue with only faint sharp edge wear and a scratch from the slide lock being installed improperly. Bbl retains 70-75% bright, orig blue with bright shiny bore that has some minor scuffing. Grips are crisp with only faint diamond point wear. Magazine is nearly new with bright white area and strong bright blue elsewhere. Holster is sound with some crackling on the flap and retains about 90% orig russet brown finish. 49327-1 JR C&R (7,000-11,000) – Lot 3494

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*CONSECUTIVELY NUMBERED PAIR OF COLT 1911 GOVERNMENT MODEL PISTOLS WITH “MARINA ARGENTINA” MARKING ON THE SLIDE. WOODEN TWO-PISTOL DISPLAY CASE WITH COLT LABEL.

SN C6300 / C6301. Both pistols are in the same configuration. Cal. 45 ACP. 5″ bbl, blue finish, checkered walnut grips. “MARINA ARGENTINA” roll engraved on right side of slide. “C” prefix SNs are stamped on right side of frame under Government Model. Other markings are standard for this model except that the cal marking on right side of slide is further back than normal making room for the “MARINA ARGENTINA” mark. Both pistols exhibit standard internal inspector’s marks. CONDITION: # C6300 very fine to excellent as professionally refinished. Slide retains 98% bright blue finish with only slight muzzle wear and a few tiny scratches. Slide markings are sharp. Bbl has a dark bore with visible rifling. Frame shows 98% bright blue finish with some high point wear on trigger guard in front of frame. Hammer and trigger show 90% dark blue. Grips are very good with sharp checkering and some slight wear. Grips may be replacements. Magazine is two-tone with a distinct temper mark and a lanyard loop in base. # 6301 fine as professionally refinished. Slide shows 95% bright blue finish with some high point wear at muzzle and few miniscule scratch marks on top of slide. Bore is dark with visible rifling. Frame shows 95% bright blue finish with high point wear on front of frame and trigger guard and some slight thinning of blue on forestrap and spring housing. Hammer and trigger retain 95% dark blue finish. Grips are very good with some small dents and scratches. Grips may be replacements. No magazine with this pistol. A chance to obtain a consecutive pair of Colt M 1911s made expressly for the Argentine navy. 49029-3 TEP C&R (12,000-16,000) – Lot 3495

*RARE EARLY PRODUCTION COLT LIGHTWEIGHT COMBAT COMMANDER SEMI-AUTO PISTOL ASSOCIATED WITH THE FBI.

SN 0056. Cal. 9 MM & 45 ACP. Blue finish with 4-1/4″ bbls, fixed sights and prototype markings on both sides of slide with Rampant Colt on left sides. Slides are steel with black anodized alloy frame. Grips safety has a short spur with rnd hammer spur and serrated composition straight spring housing. Mounted with red & black marbled, Rampant Colt embossed composition grips. Accompanied by one orig Colt 9 MM magazine marked with the Colt name and “CAL.99MM.LUGER” on base plate. The other magazine is for the 45 ACP conversion and appears to be military. Consignor states that his father was an old time FBI Agent under J. Edgar Hoover and helped set up the ballistics laboratory for the FBI. Consignor states that this pistol was given to his father by Mr. Hoover. This pistol was manufactured in the first year of production of the Commander Model in 1949. There were only 65 of these pistols produced that year and all serial numbers began with “00”. Beginning in 1950 with pistol number 66, Colt omitted the “00” and added the suffix “LW”. Those early first year pistols were mostly to test the market, many of which were chambered in a variety of calibers. Both slides of this pistol have unusual markings “COLTS MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” on the right side. This is an exceedingly rare pistol the like of which is unlikely to ever be encountered again. Accompanied by a hinged lid, chocolate/brown cardboard box without end label, embossed with the Colt trademark on top and marked in white grease pencil on the bottom “30/c”. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter which identifies this pistol in cal 9 mm with 4-1/4″ bbl, blue finish, type of stock not listed, shipped to “Mr. Marion Williams, Special Agent, F.B.I. Laboratory, Washington, D.C. on December 13, 1949” in a one gun shipment. Under remarks section, the letter states “The above firearm is an early production of the aluminum lightweight 9 M/M. Markings on the slide are special roll markings which indicates the standard marking dies were not available and the eventual marking of this arm was not certain. The barrel making also is an indication that standard barrels were not available. This prototype was sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for evaluation and test purposes for possible production by Colt later on. Eventually, this model was marketed by Colt as the “Commander”. The serial numbers 001 to 0065 appeared on the first 65 guns assembled and numerated by the engineering dept. Starting with 66 the letters 00 were omitted and the letters LW were substituted and used as a suffix. Records do not mention the .45 caliber conversion parts with this gun.” PROVENANCE: The Collection of Marion E. Williams. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. 9 MM slide retains about 97-98% bright commercial blue with faint sharp edge wear and a couple small spots. Frame retains 97-98% black anodized finish with a few small scratches on the front strap. Magazine retains about 95% orig satin blue. Left grip has a repaired crack through the top screw escutcheon, otherwise grips are sound showing no wear. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore shows very little use. The 45 ACP slide retains about 90% orig blue, with minor light surface freckling and sharp edge wear with a couple of small scratches. Bbl is orig and has bright shiny bore. Box has three damaged corners in the lid with a tear in the top left edge and broken hinge showing heavy wear. 49287-5 JR C&R (6,000-10,000) – Lot 3496

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*FINE COLT GOVERNMENT MODEL SEMI-AUTO PISTOL.

SN C118678. Cal. 45 ACP. Blue finish with orig commercial 5″ bbl, fixed sights with standard markings on slide and Rampant Colt in the left center. Frame is marked “GOVERNMENT MODEL” on the right side above the SN. Bottom of bbl and top rear flat of frame are marked with small “S” inspector initials. It has short grip safety spur and long hammer spur. Mounted with diamond checkered walnut grips and accompanied by a two-tone military magazine with unmarked base plate. Right side of magazine is scratched with the initials “CBP”. This pistol was produced in 1919 after the cessation of hostilities of WWI. Pistols of that era are rarely found today with high orig finish. They often were owned by law enforcement officers and occasionally were carried by military personal through WWII. CONDITION: Very fine. Overall retains 96-97% strong commercial finish showing only light front edge wear on the slide with a few other very minor nicks & scratches. The front strap shows very minor thinning & light scratches and light thinning on the spring housing. Grips are sound with a few chipped diamonds on right side and show light diamond point wear. Magazine is equally fine. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant shiny bore. 49130-1 JR C&R (5,000-8,000) – Lot 3497

*FINE FIRST YEAR OF PRODUCTION PRE-WAR COLT ACE SEMI-AUTO PISTOL.

SN 437. Cal. 22 LR. Beautiful civilian Ace with 4-3/4″ bbl, thick half moon front sight and Steven’s adjustable rear sight, probably from another pistol. Left side of slide has usual markings in two lines with Rampant Colt. Right side is marked “COLT ACE .22 LONG/RIFLE”. It has long grip safety spur and checkered, arched, spring housing. Mounted with replacement diamond checkered walnut grips. Accompanied by one orig two-tone magazine with marked base plate. Also accompanied by a Colt Factory letter which identifies this pistol in cal 22 with 4-3/4″ bbl, blue finish, type of stock not listed, sold to Alton Park Hardware Co., address not available and shipped to C.M. McClung and Co., Knoxville, TN on Jul. 1, 1931 in a one gun shipment. This pistol was manufactured in 1931 in the first few months of production. This model was intended to be an inexpensive target practice and plinking pistol to acclimate shooters to handling the government model pistols of larger caliber, for which ammunition was substantially more expensive. These pistols proved to be quite accurate and were adopted by many target shooters as serious target pistols. They were offered with both adjustable & fixed sights. PROVENANCE: The William Smith Collection. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Slide retains approx 93-95% orig finish with most wear at the muzzle and along the high spots. Frame retains approx 95% of its orig finish with the exception of the front strap, which is thinning and is around 70%. Brilliant, bright shiny bore. Crisp mechanics 49312-48 FTL C&R (4,500-6,500) – Lot 3498

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