September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2024
The factory letter states that serial number 3855 was shipped on November 17, 1882 as a .38/c, 2 1/2" (This barrel measures 3 1/2", factory error), Nickel, grips not listed. This was part of a 10 gun shipment to N. Curry and Brothers, San Francisco California. Guns in this serial range no longer have serial numbers factory stamped on either the barrel nor the cylinder so we must assume, given the high condition of this gun, that the factory listed barrel length was an office error. It is a sheriffs model so there is no ejector. Grips are not listed on ledger which normally means standard two piece gutta perch grips used during this era but this gun wears a set of the rare one piece Colt gutta perch grips with no screw. Standard finish is nickel but this gun has the fire blue screws, trigger, ejector rod head and the top/back of the hammer with polished sides. The left side of the barrel has the brilliant acid etched "COLT D.A. 38". The top of barrel has the two line Colt address. Left side of frame has the 3-line patent legend. CONDITION. Excellent. At least 97% of the factory nickel remains with usual handling marks associated with this finish. There are some scattered age freckles on the cylinder, some light circumference lines and handling. Cylinder also exhibits some light face burn. There are some light age freckles on the straps with some minor frosting. The fire blue on hammer is brilliant. That finish is a bit thin at base of trigger. The screws are true and retain the majority of their blue finish. The rare grips are crisp. Action functions correctly both single and double. The bore is bright.