April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2023
Newly discovered and highly desirable. Manufactured in 1874 and displayed on the wheel of Colts display at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This was one of Colt's finest show displays with over 300 fine and highly engraved guns. This is one of the 18 centerpiece Colt Single Action Army's that are in the center wheel of this display. There are photos of the wheel display in several books, here are just a few: "Colt An American Legend" by R.L. Wilson, pg. 172; "The Colt Heritage" by R.L. Wilson pg. 172; "The Colt Engraving Book: Volume One" by R.L. Wilson on pg. 388. Exquisitely factory engraved with ivory grip and nickle and gold finish. It is listed by serial number (13443) at the top of the Henry Folsom list. The Folsom list is a document dated October 15, 1877 and is a detailed list of some of the firearms used in the 1876 Centennial Exposition wheel display. All were returned to Colt Fire Arms Company by H.D. Folsom after the 1876 Exposition and are listed by description and serial number. Line 1 serial #11086, 1 gun "Colt Army 45 Cal Ivory Nickel Eng. Gold" Line #2 denotes 6 additional guns, same configuration by serial number. This gun's serial number is third in line and center. According to the Colt Factory letter, this gun is a .45 Long Colt with a 7 - 1/2" barrel, nickel & gold finish, ivory stocks, factory engraved, and was shipped to Simmons Hardware Company, St. Louis, Missouri on August 28, 1884 in a shipment of 6 guns. The records also contain a notation "returned November 1, 1884". Unfortunately, no additional information can be found pertaining to the final disposition of this revolver. Accompanying this historical revolver is a reprint of the Frank Leslies Illustrated Historical Register of the Centennial Exposition 1876. It also comes with 3 poster boards, 2 with the Henry Folsom list and one with a photo of the Colt display, 3 original tickets and an original Centennial souvenir booklet. CONDITION: At some point in the life of this revolver, it was poorly stored and had been wet. But all of the factory original engraving is visible and clear to the eye. There is no finish left on this gun and it has scattered pitting across the entire outside of the gun. The ejector rod has been replaced. It should have an early bullseye ejector rod. German silver front sight shows essentially no evidence of wear. The screws have not been molested, but do show that the gun has been taken apart. 1-piece ivory grip shows lots of grain and has a nice mellowed patina. The gun locks up tight and indexes fine. All factory markings are original and clearly readable, barrel and cylinder are factory numbered and ejector housing is the original period correct "first type" housing with the stud. Bore and action are sharp and clear. A very rare gun that is 1 of 18 single actions used on the Colt Display.
Accessories
Wooden sign, Display boards, Tickets, Book, pamphlets
Paperwork
Documentation, Colt Factory Letter, Provenance, TGCA Article