April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2019
Factory letter states serial number 155018 was part of a five gun shipment sent on March 15th, 1894 to one of Colt's largest distributors, Simmons Hardware Co., St. Louis, Missouri; the jumping-off place for families heading West. Shipped as a blue, 4-3/4", .38-40 caliber with grips not listed. This screw-in frame antique Colt has seen little use and was well-cared for. Matching serial numbers on frame, trigger guard and backstrap. CONDITION: The two line barrel has razor sharp markings and retains approximately 90% of the original factory high polish blue finish with some usual wear on housing, light muzzle wear and some thinning. Cylinder retains approximately 50% original blue, mixing with patina; light drag line. Backstrap retains original high polish blue at top and some sparse original blue on trigger guard; balance grey patina. All screw heads are true and retain the majority of their original factory high polish nitre blue. Case coloring is worn from loading gate and the high spots of recoil shield, but still has approximately 90% pattern with light colors and bright in recesses. Near mint grips. All four Colt clicks. Indexes and locks up like new. Strong, well defined rifled bore with some light frosting. This is a nice condition, far above average, short barreled .38 with especially nice fire blued screws.