May 7, 2024 The Paul Friedrich Collection of Firearms & Gold Rush
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
Per the included factory letter, this revolver shipped with unlisted stocks and barrel length (indicative of "standard" features; in this case, 7 - 1/2" with walnut grips), blued finish, and .45 Colt chambering to B. Kittridge Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, on October 31st, 1876 in a shipment of 50. The revolver was cut down from the original 7 - 1/2" to the current 5 - 1/4", and the front sight was replaced with a copper bead on a blade dovetailed horizontally into the barrel. Ejector rod housing with stud and "bullseye" ejector rod head. 2 line 2 date patent information on left side of frame. The grips are currently a pair of ivories with a relief carved Mexican snake and eagle motif on the right side. Matching full or partial serial numbers observed on barrel under ejector rod housing, frame, trigger guard, butt, and side of cylinder. In a leather holster carved with floral patterns and a central scene of a cowboy on his horse, while retaining strap has a large floral design. CONDITION: Good as heavily period use, with essentially no blue finish remaining. Metal is now a smooth chocolate mixed with gunmetal grey, with silvering at high edges and high traffic areas. Legends softened throughout from hard use. Grips have shrunk away, but definition to eagle and snake is excellent; some black lines common to old ivory throughout, and one crack on bottom of left scale. One area of dings to cylinder as if repeatedly struck or used as a percussive instrument. Mechanically fine, although there are only three clicks, the gun holds on full and half cock. Bore with good visible rifling and heavy frosting. Several screws replaced. Toe of holster was cut long ago, probably in the period, and is now open; holster was subsequently restitched. Some crazing and scrapes throughout, but still pliable.