May 7, 2024 The Paul Friedrich Collection of Firearms & Gold Rush
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
According to the Colt Factory archive letter, this gun left the factory as a .45 Colt with a 4 - 3/4" barrel. It was silver plated, fit with pearl stocks with a carved steer head on one side and an Eagle on the other side, and factory engraving. It is a level 2 engraving with an inscription on the backstrap which includes the name "Chas Holman". It was shipped to C.L. Bering Company in Houston, Texas, on September 12, 1917, in a shipment of 1 gun. There is another letter showing the entry into the special order ledger that is in the Connecticut State Library. This entry is dated 5/9/17. It states that it is silver plated with a grade 5 engraving and inscription on the backstrap. The inscription reads "CHAS HOLMAN. CITY MARSHAL / ROSENBERG, TEXAS". It has a two line barrel address "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.". It has a roll mark caliber designation on the left side of the barrel, "45 COLT". Two line three patent dates on the left side of the frame, "PAT SEPT 19, 1871 / JULY 2 72 JAN 19, 75". There is a rampant Colt logo in a circle next to the patent dates. VP proof on the left front trigger bow. Matching serial numbers observed on the frame, trigger guard, and the backstrap. Assembly number 637 on the inside of the loading gate. Masterfully engraved in the Helfrich style and richly engraved in a profuse pattern of foliate and scroll with a punch dot background. It also incorporates the Helfrich zigzag lines and borders. There are other geometric designs added to this engraving. The two piece mother of pearl grips have the early deep dished Colt medallions'. The right grip has a wonderful bull's head motif. The left grip has a Federal Eagle motif. Housed in a period carved leather holster that was manufactured by "H.A. HOLTZER / LLANO, TEX.". It has a horse head carved on the loop and carved borders. It also comes with a small binder of research done on the Sheriff. CONDITION: This gun retains the majority of the factory original silver plated finish. Great bore with well defined lands and grooves. Wonderful carved mother of pearl grips. The right grip has been repaired at the top with a clear epoxy in front of the medallion. The action works correctly and has all four clicks. Leather holster shows use, and it is a Texas holster. A highly engraved, Texas shipped to a Sheriff Colt Single Action Army.
Paperwork
Factory Letter, Folder of Research