December 6-8, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/6/2023
Shipped as a single gun shipment to J.B. Davis Arms of Portland, Maine, as a blued 5 - 1/2" .44-40 with checkered wood grips and lanyard swivel. Although included factory letter does not list engraving, this revolver is attractively engraved with foliate scroll, comparing favorably with circa 1920 Class A factory engraving done during the transition from Helfrict's shop to Glahn's distinct style. The polished blue 5 - 1/2" barrel is roll marked on the left "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER .44-40" with a single line address on the top. Case hardened cross pin frame stamped with a 2-line address and encircled rampant Colt. "VP" proofed trigger guard. Grips are correct 2-piece fleur-de-lis checkered walnut inset with deep dish forward facing Rampant Colt medallions. Special order lanyard loop swivel is intact on the butt. Gun is accompanied by a period maroon box with end labels for a factory engraved 4 - 3/4" blued .45 Single Action. PROVENANCE: Ex. Frank Belven Collection, Ex. Richard "Dick" Burdick. This revolver is pictured on pg. 235 of Haven and Belven's classic 1940 monograph "A History of the Colt Revolver from 1836 to 1940". A notarized letter signed by Belven's grandson indicating the revolver was part of his collection is also included. CONDITION: Very fine. Barrel retains bountiful amounts of factory blue, some mild thinning present at the muzzle and on the ejector rod housing. Front sight has some added finish. Grip straps likewise retain the vast majority of their original blue with only light thinning. Frame displays generous muted case colors. Grips have a few scattered marks but are otherwise fine. The bright bore displays razor sharp rifling throughout. Crisp mechanics, all 4 hammer clicks retained. A lovely engraved Colt with good provenance.