September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2024
Newly discovered and highly desirable. Manufactured in 1874 and displayed on the wheel of Colts display at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This was one of Colt's finest show displays, with over 300 fine and highly engraved guns. This is one of the 18 centerpiece Colt Single Action Armies that are in the center wheel of this display. There are photos of the wheel display in several books, here are just a few: "Colt An American Legend" by R.L. Wilson, pg. 172; "The Colt Heritage" by R.L. Wilson pg. 172; "The Colt Engraving Book: Volume One" by R.L. Wilson on pg. 388. Exquisitely factory engraved with ivory grip and nickel and gold finish. It is listed by serial number, 13439, at the top of the Henry Folsom list. The Folsom list is a document dated October 15th, 1877, and is a detailed list of some of the firearms used in the 1876 Centennial Exposition wheel display. All were returned to Colt Fire Arms Company by H.D. Folsom after the 1876 Exposition and are listed by description and serial number. Line 1 serial #11086, 1 gun "Colt Army 45 Cal Ivory Nickel Eng. Gold" Line #2 denotes 6 additional guns, same configuration by serial number. This gun's serial number is fourth in line and center. According to the Colt Factory letter, this gun is a .45 Long Colt with a 5 - 1/2" barrel, nickel finish, ivory stocks, factory engraved, and was shipped to E. C. Meacham Arms Company, St. Louis, Missouri, on November 7th, 1887, in a shipment of 1 gun. The remarks section of the Colt latter states "The records contain a previous listing for this serial number. The gun was originally a .45/C with a 7 - 1/2" barrel, nickel & gold finish, ivory stocks, and factory engraved. It was included in a shipment of 6 guns to Simmons Hardware Company in St. Louis Missouri on August 28, 1884. It was returned to the factory on November 1, 1884, where subsequent changes to the configuration of the revolver were made.". This confirms that the barrel was shortened at the Colt factory. CONDITION: At some point in the life of this revolver, it was poorly stored and had been wet. But, all of the factory original engraving is visible and clear to the eye. There is no finish left on this gun and it has scattered pitting across the entire outside of the gun. The front sight shows has been taken down a little bit. 1-piece ivory grip shows lots of grain and has a nice mellowed patina. The gun locks up tight and indexes fine. All factory markings are original and clearly readable, barrel and cylinder are factory numbered and ejector housing is the original period correct "first type" housing with the stud. Bore is dark with some pitting and frosting in the lands and grooves. A very rare gun that is 1 of 18 single actions used on the Colt Display.
Paperwork
Factory Letter, Copies of Shipping Ledger, ETC