May 23rd 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/22/2015
With the advent of the introduction of the self contained cartridge and the expiration of the Rollin White patent in 1866, Colt began the diligent process of converting their black powder revolvers to enable the firing of self contained cartridges using the Richards or Richards Masons patents. This is such a conversion. Produced in the early 1870's, standard features include a 7-1/2" octagon barrel, six shot, single action, and rear of cylinder cut and adapted to fire a .38 centerfire cartridge. Gun has all matching numbers except wedge not numbered. All metal surfaces now have a nice, fine, light gun metal tone. Markings are sharp with the exception of the Colts patent on from that is a bit light, which is normal for these guns that were refinished at the time of conversion. Cylinder scene is partially visible and is numbered 899, while this number does not match the rest of the gun, it is common that cylinders were switched at the time of conversion as well. The gun exhibits beautiful, simple scroll engraving on both side of the barrel and back of cylinder. It appears to be 100% contemporary to the age of the gun. In addition, the backstrap has been engraved in a different pattern, and the gun sports a pair of original ivory grips that still fit the gun well with a bit a shrinkage and mellow tone and line aging. Gun indexes and locks up perfectly. Strong clean bore. An extremely clean and handsome Wild West single action revolver in a popular model used by many Western personalities. Center fire 38, much scarcer than R.F.