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  • Auction Catalog #84
  • Lot #1268
Lot #1267
Lot #1269

Lot 1268: Antique Colt Single Action Sheriff's Model Revolver

Phenomenal, RARE and Iconic Black Powder Colt Single Action Sheriff's Model Revolver with Factory Letter

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: December 4, 2021

Lot 1268: Antique Colt Single Action Sheriff's Model Revolver

Phenomenal, RARE and Iconic Black Powder Colt Single Action Sheriff's Model Revolver with Factory Letter

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: December 4, 2021

Estimated Price: $100,000 - $180,000
Price Realized:
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Phenomenal, RARE and Iconic Black Powder Colt Single Action Sheriff's Model Revolver with Factory Letter

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Single Action Army
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 32 WCF
Barrel: 4 inch round
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grip: hard rubber
Stock:
Item Views: 5502
Item Interest: Very Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 127
Class: Antique
Description:

Manufactured in 1894. This .32 WCF ejectorless black powder Colt Single Action Sheriff's Model Revolver is one of the rarest and most sought after variations of the legendary Colt SAA and serves as the benchmark example for all other known examples in public institutions and private circulation. In "A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver," only around 1,000-1,200 of these "ejectorless" revolvers were estimated to have been manufactured with the majority of the production occurring before 1900 (page 69). Per Keith Cochran in "Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Volume 1," only 494 out of a grand total of 1,000 "ejectorless" SAAs were manufactured with a 4 inch barrel. Based on Cochran's estimates only 32 SAA out of the total Sheriff's Model production run were chambered in .32 WCF (page 370). In the accompanying factory letter, Colt historian M.S. Huber states that his office was unable "to locate any information" on this rare Colt, no. 154042. Huber, however, did confirm that this revolver does fall within a serial number range (154040-154054) of known SAAs shipped as Sheriff's Models. Nos. 154042 and 154045 were not listed in the factory records. This revolver therefore would have been part of this serial number block of Sheriff's Models. The 4 inch barrel is most certainly factory original. The top of the barrel has the two-line address, "32 W.C.F." is marked on the left side of the barrel, and the left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking along with a circled Rampant Colt. Matching full serial numbers are on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The matching partial serial number "4042" appears on both grip panels. Provenance: The George Jackson Collection; The Tommy Rholes Collection; and The Doug Stein Collection

Rating Definition:

Excellent. The barrel retains 98% original high polished blue finish with slight muzzle wear and some mild handling marks. The cylinder retains 95% original high polished blue finish with high edge wear and scratches. The trigger guard and back strap retain 85% original high polished blue finish thinning to a brown mixed with smooth gray patina on the balance. 95% plus vivid original case colors remain on the hammer and frame. The grips are also excellent with crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. This extraordinary Black Powder Colt Sheriff's Model SAA is missing from even the most advanced private or public collections and would be difficult, if not impossible, to improve upon.



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