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 95945. MFG. 1883. BARREL 7.5". CALIBER .45 COLT. This gun has the US stamp on frame with 3-line patent dates. Top of barrel has single line address without the broken stamps. The "DFC" inspector stamp for David Clark is stamped under barrel, bottom of frame, side of cylinder and on the right panel of the walnut one-piece grips. Matching full or partial serial number stamped under barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap and side of cylinder. Assembly number 2172 on loading gate. Inspector stamp "G" is found on trigger guard and back strap. There is a proof "P" under the barrel. The left grip panel has the date stamp 1883 with visible but not legible cartouche stamp. The font on the "5" under the barrel is not identical to the others, but the rest are the same. The "DFC" fonts are all the same. This gun was nickel plated at one time and there remains some flashes of nickel on the back strap, front of frame and cylinder. The case color hammer has darkened. The ejector button is round without any grooves. The factory letter states that this gun was shipped to US Government inspector located at the Colt plant on August 10, 1883, in a shipment of 150 guns as a standard blue gun. It comes with a civilian rig. The holster is not maker stamped, but does have some catalog model numbers. The holster is top quality russet saddle leather, single loop full basket weave with full skirt & toe plug. The cartridge belt is 3" wide, will accept 44-45 caliber cartridge, has a nickel-plated California clip point buckle and border tooled with maker cartouche "OTTO F. ERNST / MAKER / SHERIDAN WYO". Otto bought out his partner in Sheridan in 1907. The belt measures 42" from post to outer hole. Belt has several hangers built in as well. Color of this rig is pretty close, given they were made by different makers. Rig is in excellent condition. CONDITION: Very good. As mentioned, there are traces of later nickel plating, otherwise gun a smooth grey patina with scattered freckling. All legends are crisp. Action has four clicks with strong half cock. Bore is strong and clean. Grips have a few chips at base.
Provenance: Ex Ron & Linda Gillett Collection