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 .45 Colt with the barrel length not listed. It had a blue finish, and the stocks were not listed. It was shipped to Spies, Kissam & Co., New York, New York, on October 7th, 1875, in a shipment of 45 guns. It was then extensively engraved, nickel plated, and had gold wash applied to cylinder, hammer, and ejector rod housing. It now sports a one piece checkered ivory grip. There is a letter from Magni-Scan Authentication explaining the engraving patterns. The letter states that they feel that the gun was engraved either by Helfricht or Nimschke. Single line address on top of the barrel, "COLT'S PT. F. A. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A." Two line patent dates on the left side of the frame, "PAT. SEPT 19, 1871 / PAT. JULY 2, 1872". Caliber mark "45 CAL." on the left rear trigger bow. Matching serial numbers observed on the frame, trigger guard, and the back strap. The barrel has the last four digits of the serial number under the ejector rod housing. It has about an 80% coverage of scroll and floral engraving with a punch dot background, with many geometric designs incorporated into the engraving. CONDITION: This gun retains most of the period nickel finish, with most of the losses on the frame and backstrap. The cylinder, hammer, and ejector rod housing have some gold wash left in the protected areas. It has a dark bore with frosting in the lands and grooves. The action locks up tight and indexes fine. It has all four clicks. Ivory grip shows age and has some wear to the checkering.
Paperwork
Factory Letter, Research