June 22, 2024 Brian Lebel's Santa Fe Old West Events Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/22/2024
SERIAL 110156. BARREL 4 3/4". CALIBER .45 COLT. FINISH - SHIPPED SOFT. Factory letter states that this gun was shipped in the soft to Hartley and Graham of NYC on April 12, 1884, in shipment of 20 guns with rubber grips. Guns shipped to them in the soft were most often engraved by the same artists as the Colt factory. There is an interesting two-page letter dated 1980 from long-deceased Chicago dealer, Ron Ogan, who states he wrote an article on this gun for the old Arms Gazette. This gun features about 2/3 coverage bank note style scroll engraving and was outfitted with two-piece ivory grips. Matching serial numbers on frame, trigger guard and back strap. No serial numbers on barrel or cylinder. Barrel has proper two-line Colt address. Frame has three-line patent dates. Trigger bow stamped .45. Assembly number 1191 on loading gate. The accompanying rig is not maker marked, but does have some catalog model numbers. The holster is a double loop, full skirt, sewn toe, border tooled with some stitching repairs. In addition, the holster is decorated with 22- 1/4" tacks, 2-1/2" tacks, 1 -3/4" concho and 1-7/8" concho. The cartridge money belt measures 3" wide, is border tooled and accepts a 44/45 carriage. The nickel-plated buckle is rectangle. The belt has overall age cracking. Belt measures 38" from post to outer hole. Color of rig is consistent. CONDITION: Very Good. There is no visible original finish remaining. Gun is now a clean, soft gray patina with lovely engraving. The ivory grips have shrunk a bit and show great color. Action has all four clicks with strong half cock. Very handsome cowboy rig.
Provenance: Ex Ron & Linda Gillett Collection