June 25-28, 2018 Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/25/2018
Factory letter states serial No. 327556 was shipped as a blue (and case colored) 4-3/4" .45 Colt caliber, sold to Branson & Griswald of Trinidad, Colorado but shipped to Wyeth Hardware & Manufacturing in St. Joseph, Missouri on September 22nd, 1913. The butt of this revolver is stamped "W.F. & CO.", there has been no manipulation to this service, the application appears to be contemporary to this gun and the fonts match favorably with existing examples; we feel very confident in the authenticity of this stamping. As to condition; the gun is all original and untouched with the exception it appears the grips were replaced at one time but are period correct grips, not reproductions. The barrel and housing retain approximately 80% of the Colt original factory blue. Front sight has not been taken down. There is evidence of holster wear and muzzle wear. The cylinder retains approximately 70% original blue, especially bright in flutes. Most of the case colors have patterned out to a mottled mix of grey but there is some color on both front areas of frame. The strap are basically grey patina. Screws are fairly square. Exhibits all four Colt clicks and locks up like a vault. Bore exhibits strong rifling. A very clean, Colorado shipped single action that was probably part of a private purchase by the Wells Fargo Company, which was fairly common for Wells Fargo distribution. A very clean example.