COLT MODEL 1862 POLICE REVOLVER .36, CONSIDERED BY MANY COLLECTORS, AS THE MOST STREAMLINED PISTOL OF THE PERCUSSION ERA.

The Model of 1862 was introduced late in 1861, and continued until 1873, in a quantity of about 48,000. For whatever reason, warehouse sales were slow, and that combined with the oncoming cartridge era, gives us a scarcity of this ORIGINAL percussion Model. As they were Converted by the thousands from their original .36 Percussion caliber into .38 cartridge revolvers. This Model 1862 Police, Serial No.  2786X was manufactured in 1864, and is a remarkable ! specimen of condition. It has 99.99% of all the original blue on the barrel, 99% of all the original blue on the cylinder, 98% of all the case hardening colors on the frame, hammer, and lever. the Walnut grips are immaculate, and 99.999% of perfect varnish.

The back strap and trigger guard, have only small traces of the silver plate,. and are in the absolute correct and perfect, untouched "mustard" patina brass. ALL the Serial Numbers are matching, including the wedge, and in the correct locations. The 6-1/2 inch barrel has a perfect NY U.S. America barrel address, and the frame a perfect Colts Patent. ALL screw heads are clean and perfect. ALL mechanical functions of this revolver function 100% correctly : rammer, cylinder rotation for loading, half cock, full cock, tight lock up of cylinder, correct indexing, and perfect hammer action thru all phases. Without exception this is one of the finest 1862 Police Revolvers available for the collector today.  PRICE $6,750

The 1860 Colt .44 Army revolver was the most prolific revolver from Colt, until the appearance of the Single Action in 1873. The 4 screw variation ceased to be produced by about Serial Number 50,000, so really, based on "hard" use and service, a 4 screw in this condition is not a regular occurrence. Serial No. 1088X is "untouched", it has aged completely naturally, as exhibited by the finish. The blue finish has turned the CORRECT color, a plum blue patina, and the brass is a "perfect" untouched Mustard patina. The walnut grips have a wonderful luster, and a smooth surface, with the "depth" only age produces.  ALL Serial Numbers, including wedge and cylinder are matching. The cylinder scene is completely present and visible, as are ALL factory applied markings : barrel address, frame patent, caliber on trigger guard, all serial numbers. The mechanical actions for loading, rammer etc.. all function 100% correctly. ALL mechanical functions of firing function correctly: half cock, full cock, cylinder rotation, indexing, locking tight, hammer release, and firing.

A strong example of an EARLY Four Screw/Cut for Stock 1860 .44 Army, from Colt.  PRICE $ 3,500 SOLD

Cylinder Scene Clearly visible, along with Engaged 1843 line........

In 1872 this Model Revolver acquired its "alias" by being used to shoot the wealthy New York Financier Jim Fisk, who had been been "fraternizing" with some one else's woman! More significantly, was the fact, this was Colt's FIRST solid frame revolver, and the ONLY 4 shot revolver EVER manufactured by Colt. Serial No. 499X has about 99% of all the original factory Nickel Plating, with only traces of the brass frame showing on the back strap. The hammer still retains all it's "fire blue" colors. The mechanical action works with perfect precision, with each cocking of the hammer.

The patent date of Sept. 19, 1871 is very clear in the sight groove on top the frame, and the barrel address, and model name is exceptionally clear on top the barrel. The Rosewood grips have ALL their varnish and luster. Approximately 7,500 were manufactured from 1871 - 1876, only about 1,500 per year. A very fine example of a Cloverleaf. PRICE $2,950

COLT MODEL 1878 .45 COLT, DOUBLE ACTION FRONTIER REVOLVER

Colt, following on the success of their introduction of a Double Action Revolver in 1877, introduced their large frame size Double Action in 1878, the DOUBLE ACTION FRONTIER REVOLVER. This Model of 1878 allowed Colt to offer their customers a Double Action Revolver in the larger frontier calibers of .44 and .45. A UNIQUE characteristic to ONLY the first 5,000 revolvers manufactured was a LARGER grip. This grip is commonly known by collectors, as the " Fat Boy " grip. The vast majority were in Walnut, with checkering. HARD RUBBER Fat Boy grips are a GREAT rarity!

Discussing the condition only, this Fat Boy 1878, Serial No.499X, has about 60%-65% of the original factory nickel plating. The balance is a soft gray patina, which blends very well. The RARE hard rubber grips are in perfect condition, no damage, and have a wonderful color and luster. The Mechanical Action is PERFECT on Double Action, however the Single Action cock position is weak, and doesn't always hold. The DA action works flawlessly. All factory applied markings: barrel address, Serial No., caliber on trigger guard, are ALL perfect, crisp, and clear. This revolver is FITTED with a " BRIDGEPORT" Stud which was designed to slide into a metal clasp fastened on a cartridge belt, which allowed the wearer to spin the pistol and fire from the waist, eliminating the "draw". The Stud and the Rigs are an ULTIMATE Rarity in collecting Frontier America,

This Colt 1878, "Bridgeport "Rig revolver comes with documents, which traces this revolver back to Virginia City , Nevada, and a Sheriff who used to carry said revolver. Then the lineage through one family to the present. A super 1878, in both rarity, ( two times) and significant history. PRICE $4,500

DOCUMENTS DETAILING NEVADA HISTORY.. This revolver was known to Don & Carol Wilkerson , who wrote the book on Colt 1878's.

Original "Bridgeport " Stud, and matching Nickel finish at base, and patina on head from true age and use.

"ONE PIECE" IVORY GRIPS, FOR THE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY, 1873 - 1882

A superb pair of "One Piece" Ivory grips for the Colt Single Action Army, from the epoch of 1873 - 1882. They have that wonderful mellow yellow patina from  approximately 130 years of natural aging. The grips show the natural lines and grain of real Ivory, and have aged in a beautiful manner. The wooden interior blocks are the original, and show the correct age and characteristics. These EARLY one piece Ivory Colt grips are almost impossible to find. They are probably Colt factory, or were furnished by one of the "Colt Allies"( Colt distributors). Either way, an excellent opportunity to "dress up" the correct period Colt Single Action, or just for collecting antique Colt Ivory grips. PRICE $ 1,850

MRP to JRP Inscription Presentation on Butt

Although Serial No. 32496X is into the 20th year of production for Colt on this Model, it doesn't diminish the exceptional condition of this Pocket Model.

This Pocket Model has about 99.9% bright blue on the barrel, and 100% of the bright Colt factory blue on the cylinder. The frame and hammer have ALL their bright case hardening colors. EXCEPTIONAL, ALL the SAFETY PINS are present on the rear of the cylinder!! ALL screw heads are in perfect condition, throughout the '49 Pocket. I doubt very seriously if this Pocket has ever been fired! Almost all, at least 99% of the Varnish remains on the Walnut grips. The only area of loss has been the silver plating on the brass trigger guard and back strap. Only 5% remains. But, the brass is UNTOUCHED, and has a correct patina, NO polishing here! The cylinder scene is perfect, and completely present.  All factory applied markings: barrel address, frame patent, TG caliber designation, and ALL Serial Numbers are there and matching, including the wedge. This '49 Pocket, is over 139 years old, and in such wonderful condition. Surely it was a prized possession! PRICE $5,550

BRIGHT case colors on lever .

Perfect Cylinder Scene...and cylinder pins !

Serial No. 2231X was made by Colt in 1889, and is a 5&1/2 inch , "Roll Die Barrel" marking CFSS. The 1878 Model followed close on the heels of the introduction of the Model of 1877, a.k.a. "The Lightning". Colt felt there was a market for a "large frame" bigger caliber double action pistol. The 1878 came in all the larger calibers, .476. .45. 44/40, and even a few in 38/40, and 32/20. Very much in appearance like the very recognizable Single Action Army. They stayed in production and warehouse sales until 1905. This 1878 DA Frontier has about 95% of all the original factory blue finish, with darkened blue on the grip strap, and some dark spotting on the ejector tube. There is the majority of fire blue on the hammer reverse, and the trigger. ALL factory applied markings: barrel address, Serial Number, and barrel legend, are all present, and well defined and clear. ALL MECHANICAL actions , both double action, and single action OPERATE perfectly. EACH and EVERY time the hammer is cocked, OR the trigger pulled! the 1878 functions perfectly. The Hard Rubber grips are in excellent condition, with sharp checkering, and a perfect Rampant Colt Logo.  PRICE $2,150SALES HOLD

FIRE BLUE ON HAMMER REVERSE

Serial No. 807X is a 2nd year production revolver, made in 1878. It has a scarce configuration, with the 4-1/2 inch barrel, and no ejector assembly, a.k.a. "The Sheriffs" Model.  It has overall about 80% of it's original factory nickel plate finish, with strong finish on the barrel and frame. The cylinder has about 25%, due to the fact it has been carried in this holster for a long time. Speaking of the holster, it's a scarce "Plug Bottom", two loop holster, purchased from Montgomery Wards. In the Fall 2008, Issue of the T.G.C.A. Magazine, there was a detailed article with photos on Montgomery Wards, and their leather.

The "etched" panel is still visible on the left side of the barrel, and there is still the presence of fire blue on the hammer, and trigger reverse. The hard rubber grips still have their checkering, and a sharp Rampant Colt panel. The "Lightning" is mechanically sound, on both single and double action modes of operation. This "outfit" represents an 1877 that was carried, and used on the frontier, and to this day remains with it's Montgomery Ward holster. Together, they saw the old frontier! PRICE $2,000

Acid Etched Panel, still visible on left side of barrel " Colt DA 38"

On page 327, of the Sutherland Text on Colts, it states one piece checkered hard rubber grips are "extremely rare". This pair is in extremely fine condition, perfect checkering, perfect logo, and NO wear damage! This "Lightning", Serial No. 323X was manufactured probably in January 1878, so it has ALL the early characteristics, such as the "Etched Panel". It has the 3-1/2 inch, ejector less barrel  About 90% of all the original nickel finish remains, with the lost nickel primarily being on the trigger guard, and inner front of the grip strap. The screw heads are clean with excellent definition, as is the barrel address, and frame patents. The good news ! the mechanical actions on both DA mode, and SA mode function PERFECTLY! A VERY UNIQUE and RARE Colt Model of 1877, an excellent acquisition for the collector. PRICE $3,250

The most recognizable revolver in collecting, the Single Action Army Colt revolver. This one has the "traditional " look, with a 7-1/2 inch barrel, and checkered hard rubber Eagle grips. Today, it is EVER increasingly more difficult to collect Black Powder frames, as the market demand has "dried" up availability, and driven up prices, and of course, condition being a consideration. This Single Action lived life to the fullest, and accomplished it's purpose of being USED by it's owners over the last 115 years. Today, only traces of blue remain in protected areas, and "ghost" images of case color hardening remain. The Colt has a very soft and correct blue/gray patina overall, with smooth metal. On the upside, the screw heads are clean and crisp, NOT "buggered", and the barrel address, frame patents, and barrel caliber roll die are ALL clean and well defined and visible. The Eagle grips show normal wear, but the eagle pattern, and Colt logo are still present and VERY visible. ALL parts are original to the revolver, and ALL Serial Numbers are matching. The mechanical action is a superb as it was 115 years ago, crisp, exact, perfect indexing, and a crisp release to fire. A solid example of a Black Powder Single Action, or as Elmer Keith said, " hell I was there". PRICE $3,850

Serial No. 12901X was shipped in 1889, and it factory letter's exactly as you see it: 7-1/2 inches, .45, blue, rubber grips. In addition, it was shipped to a major Western distributor. This Single action Army has about 15, possibly 20% of the original blue finish remaining. It is found mostly in protected areas: top of ejector housing, top of back strap, very strong on trigger guard, and it's base, plus bottom of butt. Also, small traces in flutes, but having turned to a pleasing plum patina.  The screw slots are all clean and not " buggered", also to include the cylinder pin head, by the way the original cylinder pin.  There are still strong traces of case color hardening on the frame and hammer. The mechanical action is perfect, with that exact crispness indigenous to a Single Action. The checkered hard rubber eagle grips are in exceptionally strong condition.

 All factory applied markings: such as barrel address, frame patents, caliber marking etc.. are ALL crisp and very legible. An excellent example of a black powder, long barrel .45. In 1990, this Single Action, was in the Hank Williams Jr. collection. An excellent opportunity for the Collector! PRICE $5,950

COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45, SHIPPED 1883, 5-1/2 INCH

A Single Action very similar to this one appeared on the back cover of a new book called " Texas Shipped Colts" The carved Steer/Bull Head Mother of Pearl grips are exactly the same. This Single Action, Serial No. 9448X, has about 25% of the original nickel finish (also noted as nickel finish in the Factory Letter), the balance is a plum patina, with smooth metal, free from pits. ALL parts are original to the revolver, even the cylinder pin is the original. All Serial Numbers are matching, and all screw head slots are near perfect. The carved Pearl grips are of the same era as the Colt, and were undoubtedly fitted to the Single Action at the time of purchase in 1883. The mechanical action of this revolver functions flawlessly through ALL phases of safety, half cock, full cock, and release. It indexes perfectly, and has a crisp action. THE KEY ISSUE here are the magnificent and early Pearl grips, they simply DO NOT appear that often, and are prize collector items, as witness by recent auction results where $3,000 to $4,000 was the norm for this type grip, in this condition.  PRICE $6,850

         NO EJECTOR

Serial No. 2741X, is quite unusual, and VERY scarce in it's configuration. The ejector less feature generally applied to ALL barrel lengths UNDER 4-1/2 inches. from 4-1/2 inches on up, the ejector rod and housing was almost always present. So, a long barrel, with no ejector is quite scarce! I would say, 99% of all 4&1/2 inch models have an ejector rod and housing. This "Lightning", has the Acid Etched panel on the left side of the barrel, and it is just slightly faded , BUT ALL there! This revolver has about 95-97% of all it's original Colt Factory Nickel Plate finish, and some traces of blue on the screw heads. The hammer reverse, and trigger have about 65% of their fire blue color remaining. very important, ALL mechanical functions of this revolver, through all phases of loading, cocking and firing work PERFECTLY. The checkered hard rubber grips, have strong checkering remaining, and the Colt logo is present and clear. All Colt markings, such as: frame patents, and barrel address are clear and legible. Being a NO ejector model, the cylinder pin has the elongated and larger knurled head. A strong example of a RARE configuration, ideal for the collector of 1877 Models, and or collector of early frontier DA's PRICE $ 1,650

COLT SINGLE ACTION, "FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER" , 44/40, ROLL DIE BARREL, 5-1/2 INCHES / **BLACK POWDER REVOLVER **

Recognized around the world, the Single Action Army Revolver, from Colt. This example, Serial No. 17618X, is still in the black powder era, being shipped in the spring of 1898. This 44/40 has the roll die legend on the barrel, plus the standard one line company address. The finish is a pleasing gary patina, with traces of blue in the cylinder flutes, and other small protected areas. The checkered hard rubber grips show hand wear, but are NOT cracked or damaged. The working action is very crisp, deliberate, and all phases of operation function perfectly. All company applied legends, such as:

• Barrel address
• frame patents
• barrel  roll die
• serial numbers

are crisp, legible and clear. Even the screw head slots are clean. The important part is the shipping: Shipped to a dealer in Albuquerque, Territory of New Mexico, via Winchester. There is also an important historical fact contained in the letter, regarding shipping to New Mexico territory, as undoubtedly, this was a stop on the way to shipment to Mexico, and South America. A VERY desirable SAA ! PRICE $4,250

COLT NEW POLICE .38 a.k.a. COP & THUG REVOLVER

To quote the "Sutherland Book" , casings for this Model are a GREAT Rarity ! Serial No. 147XX, has about 98% of the original factory bright nickel plating, and most all the fire blue on the screw heads. There are only sporadic gray pepper spots where some nickel has flaked. The importance though is, the spots are blended, with NO sever contrast. The hammer reverse has all the fire blue present. The 4-1/2 inch barrel, has a perfect acid etched panel present: New Police .38. The so important grips are PERFECT , crisp checkering, and a PERFECT Cop n' Thug arrest scene. These revolvers were manufactured for ONLY 4 years 1882 -1886, in a quantity of less than 4,000, so you see the significance of a factory casing.  The case itself is absolutely correct, made from walnut, with a pine bottom only. Lined with the finest velveteen, and showing the impression of the Cop n' Thug that has laid in it for 100 plus years. Also in the case , is an original un-opened box of .38 Short Colt cartridges, as the Cop n'Thug fired either long or short Colt.

Case Lid.

  Case Bottom.

All loading, cocking, and firing functions work perfectly, and all factory applied markings are clear and legible. The combination of casing, and the RARITY of the pistol, place this set in a elevated category of desirability. PRICE $10,500