September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/5/2023
According to the Colt Factory Archive letter, Colt Single Action Army serial number 49143 shipped as a .45 Colt with blue finish and barrel length and grips not listed. It was sold to the United States Government and delivered at the Colt plant on July 30, 1878 in a shipment of 100 guns. It was then inspected by the ordnance inspector. The ordnance inspector for this lot was Capt. John E. Greer and the sub-inspector was Henry Nettleton. In the John Kopec letter he explains that this gun probably served in the Indian Wars. Single line barrel address on top of the barrel "COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CY. U.S.A.". 3 line patent mark on the left front of the frame. "U.S." stamped on the left side of the frame. Matching serial numbers on the barrel under the ejector rod housing, frame, trigger guard, and back strap; last four of serial, 9148, is on the side of the cylinder. Assembly number, 1030, on the loading gate and the bottom of the frame. There are visible cartouches on both sides of the grip. There is an 1877 date above the cartouche on the left side of the grip. Inspectors mark HN is stamped on the following parts: barrel, frame cylinder, trigger guard, and backstrap. PROVENANCE: From the advanced collection of the esteemed and respected Dr. Jim Watson of Scottsdale, Arizona. CONDITION: Gun retains approximately 30% of the original factory applied blue finish. Case color in the protected areas on the frame and hammer. Grip shows wear and use. Dark bore with frosting in the lands and grooves.
Paperwork
Kopec Letter, Factory Letter, Documentation