September 20th 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/19/2015
Serial number is 34669, barrel length is 5 - 1/2", caliber is .44. This gun began life as a standard Colt model 1909, New Service, six shot, double action revolver, blued finish with walnut grips, lanyard ring with the U.S. Army 1909 butt stamp. It currently sports a New Service tapered barrel chambered for the .44 special stamped Russian & Smith & Wesson. The frame retains approximately 85% original factory blue finish with balance simply flaking. The barrel retains 85% original blue finish with some minor corrosion near muzzle. The grips are excellent and have the R.A.C. inspector stamp. Lock up is perfect and bore is mint. The interesting aspect of this weapon is that it was used by Earl Naramore, the author of the Hand Loaders Manual, the Samwroth book published in 1937 (comes with original copy of this book in excellent condition with dust jacket). Apparently, it was used by Mr. Naramore for testing loads and, as such, comes with four extra original cylinders and four extra original barrels. All of the barrels are the second style tapered variation. The barrels are as follows; as new 4 - 1/2", .38-40, near new .45 long Colt with light wear to front sight and a couple of age freckles, new 4 - 1/2", .44 stamped Russian & Smith & Wesson special. The last barrel is chambered for the .38 special, measures 6" and is as new. All four barrels exhibit mint bores. All are official Colt production with all proper patent dates and barrel legends. Cylinders include; one chambers the .44 Smith &Wesson or Russian. It retains 90% original factory blue and includes the ejector and rod. Next is a .44, serial number of 17383. Retains 95% original blue finish, does not have extractor. Cylinder three is a .38 special and includes extractor, crane and rod with approximately 98% of original finish. Cylinder four includes crane and rod, retains 100% of original blue in 38-40 caliber. We have no documentation to support the story other than as it was told to us by our consignor. Regardless, we have a nice New Service revolver with four extra barrels and four extra cylinders that remain in all original condition manufactured by Colt as well as the first edition Samworth book.