September 20th 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/19/2015
According to the factory letter this gun was shipped on February 14th, 1878 in a 50 gun shipment to the large New York dealer Spies, Kissam & Co. It was shipped as a standard 7-1/2" .44-40 WCF with blued finish. The standard walnut grips were replaced with ivories, probably by the dealer, which are now aged, yellowed, crazed, with small chips at toe. All metal surfaces are a freckled grey patina. The acid etched logo has long since disappeared but top barrel legend is still visible. It has all matching numbers and all of the correct parts including the donut ejector rod head. A rear sight blade was set in frame at time of use. The loading gate was period replaced with an engraved example. You cannot read the "44" caliber on the trigger bow, but chambers perfectly (tested). Very good bore but the cylinder will not rotate. Needs some minor mechanical attention. These New York retailers shipped thousands of gun to the Western outposts and this early cowboy gun has that look.