November 17 & 18, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/17/2021
Factory engraved 1880 vintage Colt Single Action Army revolver, serial number 53390. Nickel with 5 - 1/2" barrel and correct 1-line Hartford barrel address. Chambered in .45 Eley. Factory 1-piece pearl grips. Shipped to Colt's Patent Fire-Arms Mfg. Company London Agency, London England. Small, non-obtrusive British proof marks strategically placed as not to interfere with engraving, located 6 places on each cylinder chamber, and bottom breech of the barrel. Cased in a London-style oak case with green baize interior, including correct pewter oil bottle, cleaning rod, and 'L" shape screwdriver. This unique revolver exhibits deluxe engraving to a generous level and is more than likely the work of Colt Master Engraver Cuno A. Helfricht. Special features include engraving inside the cylinder flutes and a unique feathered, double width "wedding band" around the cylinder rear circumference. Classic Helfricht scroll work with punch dot backgrounds on the frame, barrel, backstrap, and trigger guard. Recoil shields have full coverage scrollwork. Fire blue screws and cylinder arbor. Accompanying the revolver is a Colt Archival Letter dated June 16, 2003, signed by Kathleen J. Hoyt, Historian. Letter documents configuration, factory engraving, and pearl grips. Shipped to London Agency on January 22, 1880 in a shipment of 10 guns of the same type. CONDITION: Excellent with 92+% original bright nickel remaining overall. Areas of slight freckling on the cylinder. Bore is bright and clean. Action is tight and crisp. Unmolested fire blue screws. Beautiful pearl grips with a honey tone patina showing minimum wear. A most handsome and rare deluxe factory engraved and cased blackpowder Colt Single Action Army that would be difficult to improve upon. MKS