December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/11/2024
Manufactured in 1873, this gun was part of a known 40 gun shipment to the Spandau Arsenal in Prussia shipped through J.P. Moore on November 18, 1873. The guns were received by Spandau for trials but the entire lot was soon returned to the Colt London Agency, likely over their .45 caliber chambering. This example was subsequently sold commercially. It is built on a "US" stamped government overrun frame with early two line patent legend on left side with US stamp. Originally fitted with a blued 7 - 1/2" barrel, the original barrel has been frontier shortened to 4 - 3/4", the front sight replaced with an "1877" dated coin in dovetailed half moon form. Intact slanted address with broken die "O" in "Co." and "A" in Hartford. Gun has the early donut head ejector with proper era hammer, as well as "45 CAL" trigger guard caliber marking. Grips are military style 1-piece walnut. Matching numbers on frame, trigger guard, back strap, barrel, cylinder and written in pencil on grip channel. CONDITION: Very Good. Gun displays a very pleasing, smooth dove gray patina. Strong traces of brilliant factory blue are retained in the protected areas of the barrel, ejector rod, and grip straps, the trigger guard especially strong. Frame displays flashes of case colors in the protected areas, the balance faded to gray with some mild patterning. Grips show expected moderate wear and minor finish loss, mostly at base. Well defined bore with some abrasion. Very fine mechanics. 4 crisp clicks. A very attractive and honest frontier modified early Colt Single Action from the Prussian shipment, only a handful of which are known.