October 25, 2023 The Paul Friedrich Collection of Firearms & Gold Rush
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/25/2023
According to the Colt Factory Archive letter this gun left the factory and shipped to Stambaugh-Thompson Hardware Co. in Youngstown, Ohio, for Wm. B. Curtis, on July 29th, 1929, in a shipment of 1 gun. It was, and is, a .45 Colt with a 5 - 1/2" barrel. Blue finish with carved steer head pearl stocks and Grade 2 engraving. Single line address on top of the barrel, "COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.". Roll die caliber marking on left side of the barrel, "45 COLT". 2-line patent dates on left side of the frame, "PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / JULY 2, M72 JAN 19, 75". Full serial number observed on the frame, trigger guard, and backstrap. The trigger guard and back strap are marked on the right side under the grip. Partial serial number, 43, observed on the back of the cylinder. Assembly number, 1093, observed on the inside of the loading gate. The Grade 2 engraving is attributed to master engraver Wilbert Glahn. From 1919, when he arrived in Hartford, Glahn did the bulk of the Colt engraving until 1950, when he turned ill. This gun is engraved in a foliate and scroll with a punch dot background. The engraving is very finely executed. 2-piece Mother of Pearl grips with silver Colt medallions at the top of each grip and a carved steer head on the left grip. This gun comes in its original Colt box with the end label and 2 over labels. The over labels read "ENGRAVED." and "PEARL BLUE". The box contains a factory screwdriver, cleaning brush, and shooting suggestions pamphlet. CONDITION: This gun retains virtually all of the factory applied blue finish. There is a slight turn line with a hint of storage marks on the barrel. Vibrant case color on the frame and hammer. Bright and shiny bore with sharp lands and grooves. Grips are near mint and show a little age patina. Engraving is sharp and crisp. Box is in fair shape showing some splits and edge wear. A very desirable factory engraved gun that is blue and case color.
Paperwork
Factory Letter, Photographs