November 18, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2020
Rare 4 digit Colt Civilian Single Action, Serial Number 1283. Caliber 45 Colt. According to Colt Revolver Experts, John Kopec & Ron Graham, this revolver reportedly represents 1 of only 527 Civilian models ever produced, during the original U.S. Military contract order for 8,000 units. These rare Civilian model revolvers were made from condemned military parts, that had slight imperfections, yet were still serviceable. In addition, most Colt historians agree that the Civilian models had low priority, behind the military contract & therefore, the early versions were sold on the “first in - last out” inventory method. This caused earlier produced revolvers to stay on the storage shelf, while more recent units were sold & shipped to dealers. Although manufactured sometime in early 1874, the Colt Factory Letter confirms this revolver was later shipped to Kittredge & Company, a major Colt dealer, based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The revolver was sent to them on December 28th of 1875 and was 1 of 7 on the order shipped to Kittredge. Colt Archive Analysts confirmed that the other six revolvers, were not in sequential order and the shipment even included some 5 - digit models. Again, this confirms the concept that the first Civilian models were sold haphazardly. The Kittredge Company is credited with producing the nickname “ Peacemaker “ revolver, as part of an advertising campaign they first presented to consumers in 1874. * This unique revolver includes All-Matching serial numbers, which is extremely rare for an 1874 production date. In addition, according to Colt Revolver historians, the survival rate of an original Colt Single Action Civilian model is extremely low. A revolver with a serial number ranging between 1,001 & 2,000 has an estimated survival rate of less than 12 %, which makes this specific Lot offering one of those rare specimens. The serial number “ 1283 ” appears on the bottom frame, trigger housing, on the barrel; ( beneath the ejector housing ), the side of the cylinder (faint) & on the bottom backstrap ( partial 1 & 3 digits). The revolver features the correct "bullseye" style ejector rod head. The barrel is roll-stamped with the first style script address “+ COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A. +” with slanted crosses at either end. The left side of the frame is correctly stamped with the early, two-line patent dates as "PAT. SEPT.19.1871/PAT.JULY 2.1872" followed by the “ U.S. ” marking. The left side of the trigger housing includes the " 45 CAL" stamp ( faint ), that was unique to Civilian models. The letter " C " is located on the frame, in the hammer notch, above the firing pin hole. The loading gate has no number present, which is also correct for this early production date. This Lot is offered in a deluxe, cherry wood presentation case, that was custom made by Howell Displays. It features brass hardware with blue felt lining on both the base and lid. PROVENANCE: From the T. Joseph Cogan Collection. In addition, this offer includes both a Formal Monetary Appraisal & a Condition Appraisal as well.
CONDITION: Fair, with a cleaned light grey patina overall with scattered light pitting. Serial number 1283 is present on barrel under the ejector rod housing, frame, cylinder, and triggerguard. A faint "1" and "3" are visible on backstrap. Correct 2-line patent dates and "U.S." clearly visible on left side of frame. 1 piece walnut grips are believed to be original however no serial numbers are present inside. Grips are well worn with rounded corners. There is a deep gouge on the right side of the grip & the grip’s lower front edge, shows wear near the bottom of the backstrap. Correct italicized address is visible on barrel. Bore is turning dark with good rifling. Accompanied by a Condition Appraisal that verifies that the barrel has not been stretched or sleeved. Mechanically, the revolver will hold the hammer at full cock, yet the half cock notch does not hold. The cylinder rotates normally with well-worn notches. Overall a most desirable early year production Colt Single Army Revolver.
Paperwork
Copy of factory Letter