April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2019
Factory letter states this is one of five consecutive revolvers shipped in .44 caliber with soft finish shipped to Colt's largest New York distributor Hartley & Graham. When these guns were sent with "soft finish" they were being shipped outside the factory for engraving. Often times by the very same engravers or shops as those done in house. In this particular case the distinctive scroll work appears to be the work or of the shop of L.D. Nimschke, who was one of the star Colt engravers from 1850-1900. His scroll work was similar, but also quite different, from his contemporary Colt engraver Cuno Helfricht, who worked for Colt from 1871 to 1921. This revolver has matching numbers on the frame, trigger guard and backstrap. The barrel exhibits the etched panel "Colt Frontier Six Shooter". Frame has the three line patent date. Barrel has the one line patent date. This gun features nearly two thirds period custom engraving, full nickel finish, six shot, single action, fluted cylinder, type two ejector rod head, and beautifully aged one pieced genuine ivory grips. The gun matches the factory letter, the engraving, finish, and ivory grips were done the outside facility refereed to as above. CONDITION: This revolver appears to be nearly unfired since finished, retaining 95% of its beautiful nickel finish that has dulled on grip straps and few high points only. The engraving was masterfully accomplished and the screws retain generous amounts of blue finish. Ivory grips are excellent and turned yellow. Action indexes and locks up with a vault. Has near mint bore. Etched panel is near perfect. Cylinder does have a dragline. This handsome revolver appeared on the cover of the Las Vegas CADA show held July 12th-14th, 1991. The cover of this magazine showing this revolver along with factory letter will accompany with purchase. An outstanding chance to get a factory quality, engraved, black powder Colt at a fraction of the price had the engraving been done within the walls of the Colt factory. The craftsmanship is of master quality.
Model
Frontier Six Shooter