Serial No. 10022X has the very desirable appearance of the Long Barrel, and the hard rubber Eagle Pattern grips, and in .45.  This configuration remained very popular, even after the introduction of shorter barrel lengths. Originally shipped with a blue finish, currently it has a dark gray/blue finish patina, quite pleasant looking. ALL factory applied markings are clear and present: barrel address, frame patents, serial numbers, caliber marking. ALL parts are original to the Colt and THE WORKING ACTION functions 100% correctly , all the time ! the Eagle hard rubber grips are in excellent condition, exhibiting minimal and normal hand wear. They also have no damage !

Now, as to why the Colt Letter is unusual: it details the standard information, Serial No. , caliber, barrel length, finish and grips ( by the way ALL match the revolver as you see it). The unusual part is ONLY  a mans name appears, James White. NO shipping data at all, no address of any kind. Only date of June 24, 1884. It is believed to be a Colt Employee factory pick up for self or gifting.

PRICE $3,999

COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .45, 4-3/4 INCH BARREL, TEXAS SHIPPED, FACTORY LETTER 1892 SHERMAN TEXAS...

This Colt was shipped to a very interesting Texas city in 1892. It comes with a 40 Page historical revue of Sherman during the period of the Colt, and after. Documented information on Texas Rangers, Politicians and Troublemakers. It was assembled in 2005 by the previous owner.

Shipped as a blue revolver, it still has portions, mostly in protected area that show the blue, but overall it is a soft blend of gray patina. It also has some underlying plum colors. ALL factory applied markings are clear and present: barrel address, frame patents, rampant colt, caliber and ALL matching Serial Numbers. Serial No.14899X is fully documented by the Colt letter, what you see, is what they shipped! The working action is perfect: half cock, full cock, cylinder rotation, indexing, locking and releasing to fire, every time the Colt is asked to shoot. The Eagle hard rubber grips are in very good condition, with excellent definition of Eagle and checkering.

This is a excellent Black Powder Single Action .45 Colt, with a strong Texas tradition behind it, and shipped into Sherman, during "the day".     PRICE $ 4,875

This is a very unusual Black Powder Single Action of 1894. First, it has the Hartford one line barrel address, not a Pall Mall address as one might expect. Additionally, by 1894, 1 piece Walnut grips were pretty much by special order only ! The Eagle Pattern hard rubber grips were the standard until the end of about 1895, then a new pattern hard rubber grip was the standard grip. There were, according to Wilson & Sutherland only 2,697 Single Actions were ever made in this caliber. Not available, BUT how many had the Pall Mall London Address, versus the American Hartford barrel address. This Colt has NO markings what so ever to indicate British association. ALL factory applied markings are present: barrel address, frame patents, circled Rampant Colt, ALL matching serial numbers ( all locations). ALL parts are original, and the Colt has 1 piece Walnut, as the grip frame NEVER had the hole or pin for 2 piece grips, always one piece Walnut.

 The working action is 100% perfect: half cock, full cock. rotation, indexing, locking tight and releasing to fire.

The overall finish is a soft gray patina with intermittent plum colorization and smooth metal, all natural. A natural patina, untouched.

$4,450

My theory is: This Colt was ordered/purchased by someone who frequented the northern tier, (Dakota, Montana etc..) along the Canadian Border where the 450 Eley would have been easy to find and buy. An interesting Black powder Colt form 1894.

This Single Action exemplifies the image of the 1880's, long barrel and .45, the " classic" appearance. Serial No. 8976X was shipped to as so many were during this period, one of the biggest, if not the biggest distributors, Hartley & Graham, New York. Do not let that fool you, most all of them went west, as H&G had "drummers" all over the west taking orders. Originally according to the letter it was shipped with a nickel finish. However after 138 years the overall finish is a soft ( smooth metal) gray-plum patina. As indicated by the end of the barrel, and holster wear, this Colt was used !! but not abused. The working action is still perfect: all the hammer notches, cylinder rotation, indexing , and locking tight, each and every time the hammer is drawn to the rear. Simply put, a perfect working action. ALL factory applied markings are present: barrel address frame patents , serial numbers ( ALL matching). All screw heads are clean and with no damage. ALL parts are the original factory parts and even the cylinder pin has the small hole in the end. The One Piece Ivory grips show exposure to the elements, while the Colt was being carried, However they still have a fine appearance.

This Colt has the early appearance, still in only the 9th year of production. An interesting note: the letter shows 2 listings going to H&G. This is a very classic example of the early long barrel Single Actions.

     FACTORY LETTER 1883

PRICE $4,150

This Colt New Line .22 is early in production, as it has the short fluted cylinder, and external bolt notches. The ones after 16,000 have the long fluted cylinder and no exposed bolt stop notches. Serial No. 908X would have been manufactured in 1874 and was Factory Engraved. It has the 2-1/4 inch flat side barrel with the acid etched panel on the left side of barrel, Colt New 22. Approximately it has about 97% of the original factory nickel finish, the only loss being at the face of the cylinder caused by firing. ALL factory applied markings: barrel address, caliber marking on frame and serial number is very clear and present. The New Line is further enhanced by original factory Ivory grips, numbered to the revolver. The grips have NO damage and a perfect antique Ivory patina.

The barrel flat has a 100% acid etched panel, COLT NEW 22.

All the factory engraving is clear present and easily seen, still very sharp and present. The working action is fine except the bolt stop spring is weak, otherwise it cocks, indexes and locks tight for firing.

These New Lines saw hard use and in 1877 Colt discontinued the .22 due to stiff competition. Therefore this .22 Factory Engraved New Line is in miraculous condition being 147 years of age !

PRICE $1,850

The dominant revolver in the American Civil War , by volume was the Colt 1860 Army revolver. These six shot .44 caliber weapons were extremely popular, to the point even the Southern Army had them. The year 1863 was a significant year in the war. The Battles of Vicksburg and Gettysburg were decisive battles and it was said the South never smiled again ! This 1860 Army, Serial No. 12431X was manufactured and Issued to the Union Army in 1863. It is fully inspected with all "letters", like H, HH, F and D, plus both grip Cartouches are present.  Considering this 1860 was issued it is in Amazing condition ! The cylinder scene is 100% present and clearly defined, the Naval Engagement scene.

No doubt this 1860 was fired in anger, and saw Military use. The screws in the trigger guard retain all their bright fire blue and the frame screws have a very high percentage of blue. The frame has about 75% of all it's case color hardening, slightly faded in some areas.

ALL factory applied markings are CLEAR and present: frame patent, barrel address, cylinder scene, serial numbers. ALL serial numbers are matching, including the wedge, and in their proper locations. The brass trigger guard, has a 158 year old patina and not damaged. The rammer has some of the case color left and functions correctly. ALL the working actions function 100% correctly, loading, cocking, cylinder rotation, indexing, and firing. It is a 100% mechanically correct 1860. The overall finish is a mix of areas of blue and a soft medium gray patina.

This is a very fine condition 1860, considering it was issued and remains a veteran of the Civil War.

PRICE $ 4,650

The case colors produced by hardening the frame are quite clear, and show some muting of their original colors. but are still present. Considering this was an "issued" Colt and saw action, that is quite unusual to remain that strong.

This is an extremely fine example of art, iron and leather, a la Old Mexico. The revolver is Model of 1877, from the production year of 1896,in the heavier caliber of .41 Colt. Also it has the much scarcer barrel length of FIVE inches. **This 1877 remains in 100% correct working condition, double and single action modes. You might say, this is a Mexican style "Tiffany" grip, as it completely wraps around the factory grip. It is very delicate work with a decorative edge that flawlessly meets the metal surfaces of the revolver. It is 100% silver, and gold washed lettering and symbols of Mexico.

You see the Mexican Eagle & Snake on the Cactus at the top of he grip, and in Gold washed letters, in a stylized manner, the word RECUERDO toward the bottom of the grip. The silver work is of the highest quality. A fine decorative rope pattern around all the edges, the grips around the screw is engraved with the Mexican sunburst pattern, similar to the RM marked Colts.

The leather slim Jim holster & cartridge belt, embroidered pattern, are in perfect condition, with no cracks etc... and very supple. Extremely well preserved after more than 124 years.  Overall the Thunderer has about 45% of the factory blue finish, mostly in the flutes and atop the barrel and ejector housing. There is more blue present, but has darkened and is mixed with a soft plum patina. ALL the brilliant fire blue is present on the hammer reverse and on the trigger reverse. The case coloring on the frame has darkened, but you can see the ghost outlines of case colors. ALL factory applied markings are present ! and vividly clear. ALL serial numbers are matching,10246X. ALL screw heads are fresh, most with bright blue, and clean slots. ALL parts are the original factory parts of 1896 to this Model of 1877.

PRICE $2,950

NOTE: The original back strap has NOT been altered, rather the silver grips is cast around the factory grip.

Meticulous detail is shown, as the body of the holster is embroidered to the shape of the closing flap, appearing closed, even when open !

In Spanish this word Recuerdo has about 10 meanings, depending on it's method of usage.

Most probable would be: memory, keepsake or reminder, or many other implied meanings, known to the original owner !! in Old Mexico!

LISTED IN DON WILKERSON'S BOOK on 1878'S , AS ONLY 65 EVER MANUFACTURED !

COLT MODEL 1878 DA, in32/20 CALIBER with 5-1/2 INCH BARREL...

This Model 1878 is among the rarities of big frame Colts, as it is a 32/20 caliber, and with a 5-1/2 inch barrel. As stated above, in Wilkerson's Book on '78's only 65 were ever manufactured in this configuration and caliber. I have not seen the other 64 and never will, but I will say, this is PROBABLY the top 1 or 2 in condition. It has about 95-96% of the original bright factory nickel plate finish, and almost ALL the fire blue on the hammer, trigger and screw heads. A very attractive contrast of colors.

ALL factory applied markings are present, barrel address, caliber, serial numbers etc.... Serial No. 4845X has a PERFECT working action, both on Single Action, and Double Action modes.

PRICE $ 3,250

PERFECT CONDITION CHECKERED HARD RUBBER GRIPS WITH LOGO.

COLT MODEL 1877 DA .38, 3-1/2 INCH BARREL, ETCHED PANEL.

Serial No. 3361X  was shipped to the firm of Liddle & Kaeding, San Francisco, California in 1881. This is the ejector-less model, sometimes referred to as the Sheriffs Model or Storekeeper.

The Model of 1877 was Colt's FIRST successful Double Action revolver. Despite it's delicate mechanism, it was extremely popular. This example has about 90% of all it original nickel plate finish, and all the fire blue on hammer and trigger, just slightly darkened. MOST IMPORTANT: it is 100% mechanically correct in both single and double action modes. The checkered hard rubber grips are in fine condition with little to no wear, very sharp !

This is a very fine example of a DA .38 Model of 1877, with a unique and historically significant shipping address. Comes with Factory Letter. PRICE $2,000