May 7, 2024 The Paul Friedrich Collection of Firearms & Gold Rush
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
According to the Colt Factory Archive letter, this gun left the factory as a .44 CLMR with a 20" barrel, in the soft, with wood stocks. It was shipped to Schoverling, Daily & Gales, New York, New York, on October 1, 1888, in a shipment of 1 gun. Next there is a letter from Herbert G. Houze that attributes this gun as engraved by master engraver Louis D. Nimschke, and giving his reasons for his conclusion. There is a letter from Donald J. Jones detailing the Colt Hintlian record archives, which are the Colt rifle repair records. It states that the carbine was sent back to Colt for repairs on January 22, 1889, to tighten the frame and to turn it into a smooth bore. There is also a letter from R.L. Wilson explaining that this carbine was custom made for a member of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. His description of the gun is that it is gold-plated and blued, deluxe engraved, with select walnut stocks and smoothbore .44-40. It is inscribed "SBV BBWW" on the left side of the barrel. This gun is scroll and border engraved with a punch dot background on the barrel band, rear end of the barrel, frame, trigger guard, and the top of the butt plate. It has a two line address and patent dates on top of the barrel, "COLT'S PT. F. A. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A. / PATENTED MAY 29, SEPT. 18, 85, JUNE 15, 86 FEB. 22, 87.". It also has the caliber designation on the left rear of the barrel,".44 CAL." It has the Rampant Colt logo on the left side of the frame. It has the factory ivory bead front sight and the factory ladder rear sight. The saddle ring is present. Checkered panel for stocks and a highly figured rear stock. These smoothbore guns were designed to shoot glass ball targets. This gun entertained audiences across all of America and Europe with the Wild West Show. CONDITION: This gun has been used and retains just a bit of gold plating in the protected areas on the frame, trigger guard, and hammer. The remainder of the gun has turned to a pleasing even brown patina. Checkering on the front stock is sharp and crisp. The rear stock shows a few scattered dings and dents but still retains most of the reapplied varnish finish.The smooth bore is dark like you would expect on a gun like this. This would be the centerpiece for any private or museum collection.
Caliber/Bore
.44-40 Smoothbore
Model
Lightning Magazine Rifle
Paperwork
Factory Letter, Documentation