September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2024
It is surmised that Colt manufactured 1100 Colt Walker Dragoon revolvers of which it is estimated that around 10% have survived. This revolver is far scarcer than just about any Colt known. In fact, most gun enthusiasts have never even heard of a Colt Army revolver being offered in the 32-20 caliber but it is verified that they did make a few. Not only is this revolver a factory original 32-20 but it is inscribed "Robt T Hodge Sheriff King County Seattle USA 1915. " " Robert Tait Hodge (March 17, 1875 – October 9, 1923) was an American law enforcement officer and politician who served as the 8th Governor of Washington from 1913 to 1918. Prior to that, Hodge served as the 18th King County Sheriff from 1909 to 1912. Elected in 1912, he became the first Governor of Washington from the newly created Progressive Party. Shortly into his second term as governor, Hodge was impeached for corruption reasons." Publication: ALTERNATIVE HISTORY. Since Hodge had been the Sheriff of King County until elected as the Governor of Washington State in 1912, running as part of Teddy Roosevelts Bull Moose party, conjecture is that this gun was given to Hodge by his successor as Sheriff of King County in 1915. The gun's serial number lists it at 1906. Gun has matching assembly number 824 on the inside frame, crane and grips. Typical pre 1913 high polish blue finish with fire blue screws and a hammer with polished sides and fire blue top and back. Grips are deluxe diamond checkered walnut found on same era Officers model which were added along with the original gutta percha grips that have the 824 matching assembly number. The two line barrel address has March 5, 95 as the last patent date with 32 WCF on right side of barrel. This gun has the new style frame that was first produced in serial range 254,xxx. The 32WCF was also introduced in 1905 with a special lowered stepped front sight and a new ejector rod cap. The VP proof is on forward trigger guard. Guns in this serial range will only have the number on the butt. Colt writes that this gun was shipped in a five gun shipment on 5-21-1906 to Seattle Hardware. CONDITION: Gun retains at least 90% plus of the factory high polish blue finish. Small parts retain generous amounts of fire blue. Both sets of grips are near mint. Action and bore are sharp. Most of the wear is along the muzzle, cylinder high edges with drag line and back strap is patina so this gun was carried but did not see much hard use. An almost impossible to upgrade 32-20 New Army 1894 revolver with historical ties to Teddy Roosevelts Bull Moose party and Seattle history.