October 25, 2023 The Paul Friedrich Collection of Firearms & Gold Rush
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/25/2023
Per the included factory letter, addressed to Art Ressel of Antique Arms Appraisers, this firearm shipped with a blued finish, unlisted stocks, factory engraving, and a .41 Colt 5 - 1/2" barrel to E.C. Meacham Arms Co, St. Louis Missouri, on March 24th, 1892 in a shipment of 1 gun. The gun is also featured on page 280 of "Colt Engraving" by R.L. Wilson, with the caption "Single Action 136951 appears to have been from the hand of Helfricht himself. Factory records list engraving, blue (and case hardened) finish, .41 caliber, 5 1/2" barrel, and shipped in March 1892 to E.C. Meacham Arms Co., St. Louis. (Art Ressel Collection)". Revolver remains in that configuration with approximately 70-80% coverage of Helfricht style scroll on a punch dot background with Helfricht's distinct geometrics, including shells and starbursts on recoil shield and loading gate, wrigglework on the ejector rod housing, trigger guard, and butt, and rays on frame, near base pin and where ejector rod housing enters frame. Currently mounted with 2 piece ivory grip scales, right with a relief carved furious steer head with hidden female bushing for screw. Traditional markings include Colt's address information on top of barrel, 2-line patent information on left side of frame with encircled Rampant Colt. Cuno Helfricht is one of the finest engravers to have worked for Colt, and he only engraved approximately 1500 Single Action Armies between 1873 and 1900; among Helfricht's highlights are a presentation pair of revolvers to Pawnee Bill and a silver plated gun with ox head pearls for Tom Mix. CONDITION: Fine, especially considering the age. Significant amounts, approximately 70-80% of the bluing remains with some scattered areas of peppering and areas of loss, particularly to high traffic areas such as edges of trigger guard, muzzle, and straps. Cylinder with most bluing in protected gullets and mixed with dove grey and brown patina on higher areas. Case colors have largely faded but retains strong traces in protected areas, as much as 10-20%, with patterns still visible in other areas. Engraving is crisp and well cut, as to be expected of one of Colt's master engravers. Grips are excellent with some of the black veining common to old ivory, and strong grain. Mechanically fine, bore is excellent with strong rifling and some mild oxidation towards muzzle. A very attractive revolver in an extremely scarce configuration.
Paperwork
Factory Letter, Photographs