October 25, 2023 The Paul Friedrich Collection of Firearms & Gold Rush
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/25/2023
Of the 284 total factory engraved 1878 Colt Double Actions Frontier Revolvers, 4 were in .32-20 caliber. Of those 4, only 1 is silver plated; this is that gun. This is a well-known and well-documented gun. It is featured in at least 8 publications. According to the Colt Factory Archive letter it was shipped to The Tomkins LaSalle Hardware Co. in Mobile, Alabama, on January 30th, 1897, in a shipment of 1 gun. It was shipped as a .32/20 with a 4 - 3/4" barrel with silver finish, pearl stocks, and factory engraving. 2-line address on top of the barrel, "COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG.CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.". Roll die caliber designation on the left side of the barrel, ".32 W.C.F.". Rampant Colt logo in a circle on the left rear of the frame. Full serial number observed on the bottom of the grip. Assembly number, 302, observed on the loading gate. Single action front sight with a V notch rear sight. Nitre blue screws, trigger, center pin, and the back of the hammer. 2-piece Mother of Pearl grips with a lanyard loop at the bottom of the grip. The gun has been profusely engraved and is a masterpiece of Cuno Helfricht. It is engraved with a foliate and scroll pattern with a punch dot background. There are zig-zag borders with other geometric designs. CONDITION: Gun retains virtually all of the factory-applied silver plate finish with minor wear at the front of the ejector rod housing. The finish has turned to a pleasing dark silver tone. Nitre blue shows wear on the front of the trigger and the top of the hammer. There is some frosting in the lands and grooves. Grips fit superbly with just a couple of minute chips along the edges of the grips. Gun locks up tight and indexes fine. A very rare and attractive factory engraved gun.
Caliber/Bore
.32-20 W.C.F.
Paperwork
Factory Letter, Information