Lot #1141
Lot #1143

Lot 1142: Colt Sheriff's Model Single Action Army Revolver

Desirable Documented New Orleans Shipped Black Powder Colt Sheriff's Model Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: August 24, 2024

Lot 1142: Colt Sheriff's Model Single Action Army Revolver

Desirable Documented New Orleans Shipped Black Powder Colt Sheriff's Model Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: August 24, 2024

Estimated Price: $9,500 - $16,000

Desirable Documented New Orleans Shipped Black Powder Colt Sheriff's Model Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Single Action Army
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 41 Colt
Barrel: 3 1/2 inch round
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grip: smooth
Stock:
Item Views: 2675
Item Interest: Very Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 138
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Description:

Manufactured in 1899 in "Sheriff's Model" configuration with factory documented 3 1/2 inch barrel. The ejectorless Colt "Sheriff's Model" Single Action Army Revolver is one of the rarest and most sought after variations of the legendary Peacemaker. In "The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver, 1873-1895" the authors stressed the rarity of the ejectorless SAAs as a whole (barrel lengths ranged from 2 1/2 to 7 1/2 inches in the study) and state that "just under 600 ejectorless Single Action Army revolvers were produced in all calibers from 1882 to the 1930s." Based on Keith Cochran's estimates presented in "Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Volume 1," only 32 SAAs out of the total Sheriff's Model production run were chambered in .41 caliber. Only those chambered in .38 Colt caliber had lower production numbers (8 units). While production numbers are still up for debate, this .41 caliber Sheriff's Model is certainly in a rare configuration missing from even the most advanced collections. The revolver correctly lacks an ejector rod. The barrel has the two-line Hartford address on top and "41 COLT" on the left side. The left side of the frame has the two-line, three-date marking followed by an encircled Rampant Colt. Matching numbers are found on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped to A. Baldwin & Co. of New Orleans, Louisiana, on April 26, 1899 with a 3 1/2 inch barrel in .41 caliber, blue finish, and type of stocks not listed. This was a six gun shipment. Whether on the hip of a lawman, carried by an outlaw or under the counter of a storekeeper's shop, the "Sheriff's Model" Colt SAA was at the front lines. This example has all the appearance of serving as a trustworthy companion.

Rating Definition:

Good displaying a brown-gray patina associated with a working revolver that spent a lifetime in the challenging environment of the American South with slight traces of faded original blue finish in the cylinder flutes. The slightly age shrunken grips are fine showing wear and tear from spending years in the hand and very attractive grain and mellow age appearance. The back strap has been polished in an attempt to remove inscription, which is illegible. Mechanically excellent. A New Orleans shipped black powder frame Colt Sheriff's Model Single Action Army Revolver showing the grime and grit of a true turn of the century working gun of the South.



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