At the close of the Civil War in 1865, the Government found itself in a transitory state, regarding the closing of the percussion era, and the opening of the cartridge era. Plus, the physical size of the Army shrank by over 80%, and this was an important factor. The end of the Civil war, saw the beginning of the Westward Expansion, and the confrontation with the Native American tribes of the Great Plains. As the conflicts and Indian Wars gained momentum, the need for "quicker" shooting became a goal with the Ordnance Board. Soon old percussion revolvers, like the '60 Army were being converted to cartridge, and issued to front line Cavalry Units. During this period, there were a LOT of surplus 1860 Army revolvers in government hands, and a decision was made. They were sent off to Springfield Arsenal for updates. They were disassembled , refinished, and sent to SPECIFIC Cavalry Units. There was NO attempt to maintain Serial Number Integrity, like the later Artillery Models to follow many years later, they were mixed Serial Numbers. HOWEVER, ALL OF THEM HAD A VERY LARGE "US" STAMPED ON THE TRIGGER GUARD.

These newly conditioned 1860 Army revolvers were immediately sent to the 9th & 10th Cavalry units. These units were all Black Soldiers. Many of them Civil War veterans who enlisted after the war seeing this as an opportunity to provide a future in the "New" America. These Units saw hard service, and they made a gallant reputations for themselves, as far up to the Spanish American War. This 1860 Army of mixed numbers is one of those issued to the 9th or 10th Cavalry. Condition is outstanding, for one of these 1860's. It has at least 95% blue on the barrel, 65% blue on the cylinder, and strong remnants of case colors on the frame, and hammer. The brass trigger guard has the correct "mustard" patina, and ALL Colt applied roll die markings: barrel address, frame patent, cylinder scene, serial numbers etc., are STRONG sharp and clear. It is of course the earlier style frame, having 4 screws, and cut for stock. The mechanical action is VERY crisp, and exact in each phase of operation. The Walnut grips are smooth, and have NO damage. The serial Numbers range from 86387 being the lowest, to 152346 being the highest.( 1862 -1864) for what this is, it is in FABULOUS condition! Also, a GREAT piece of History associated with this revolver. PRICE $6,500

In the February 2009 Issue of Gun Report, an Article appears discussing these 1860 Army Revolvers. Potentially some could have found their way into the 7th Cavalry in 1873.

Early Production, "High Hammer" Spur

This revolver is quite significant to Colt in several ways. First, it was the first solid frame cartridge revolver ever built by Colt. Secondly, it was the ONLY Four Shot pistol ever built by Colt.  Found within production of the House Model Revolver, from 1871 -1876, ONLY 7,500 pieces were the four shot "Cloverleaf". This Colt Cloverleaf, Serial No. 115X is of early manufacture, the FIRST year of 1871. It has about 99% of all the bright blue on the barrel, 65% blue plus darkened blue on cylinder, and most ALL the fire blue on the hammer.

The frame only has traces of the Silver Plating, and the finish now is a VERY correct brass "mustard" patina color. ALL phases of mechanical operation of this cloverleaf function correctly: half cock, full cock, locking tight and indexed properly. The Deluxe Grade Walnut grips have all their varnish, and a beautiful antique luster, and NO damage. A very fine example of an early Cloverleaf. PRICE $2,500

The definitive text on Pocket Conversions, " Variations of Colt's , New Model Police & Pocket Breech Loading Pistols" by Breslin, Pirie, and Price devote great detail to this Model. The information can be found on Pages 70 -75 of this Text. They are the ones who have identified this as  Type 4 Conversion. These Models were manufactured from 1873 -1875 in a SMALL quantity of 2,000 revolvers. These Colts were made from PERCUSSION parts, as witnessed by the absence of a Loading Gate. Colt records indicate by 1875 ALL remaining percussion parts for the 1862 Pocket Navy in inventory were converted to cartridge. All were converted and shipped by 08/21/1875, and shipped to J.P. Moore's & Sons, NY City. THIS revolver, Serial No. 1793X would have been one of the shipments. It has the 4-1/2 inch octagonal barrel, the absence of a loading gate, and the "plugged" barrel lug, where the loading lever would have been. This type 4, has about 75% of the factory blue remaining on the barrel, most of the blue on the rebated portion of the cylinder, VERY strong case hardening colors on the frame, and hammer. The grips have a superb antique luster, and most of the original varnish. There are minimal traces of silver on the back strap, and trigger guard. ALL the Serial Numbers are matching to include the cylinder, which has two numbers, and is ABSOLUTELY correct in that manner, as mentioned on Page 73 of the afore mentioned text. The frame has the two line '71 & '72 patent address, and the NY barrel address. The mechanical actions for loading, cocking, firing etc.., ALL function PERFECTLY. This is really a strong example of a VERY scarce revolver, and an important phase in the development of Colt, and percussion revolvers.  PRICE $3,150

The Cylinder Has a 100% Stagecoach Hold-Up Scene present, and almost all the Factory Blue on the Rebate portion of the cylinder.

AMERICAN "IRON BACK STRAP"...VERY SCARCE !

Serial No. 13036X is a VERY SCARCE example of Colts most popular percussion revolver, the '51 Navy. So popular is the Model '51 Navy, it has become an individual" collecting" enterprise, with all the variations. This is one of the scarcest variations, an American, Iron Back Strap, and Grip Strap.  Almost ALL the Iron Strap Navies were destined for England, and bore an English barrel address. Basically New York, U.S. America barrel addressed Iron Strap Navy revolvers are making use of parts which never went to England. Therefore, there are VERY FEW, and it is a difficult variation for collectors to add to their collection, because of scarcity. This Iron Strap Navy, is in a gray patina condition, however, very crisp ! The N.Y. US America barrel address is clear and sharp, as are ALL markings : barrel address, frame patent, and Serial Numbers. ALL Serial Numbers are matching, including cylinder, and wedge. The cylinder scene is still very crisp and visible, as seen to the right. ALL mechanical functions of loading: cylinder rotation, rammer, etc.. all work perfectly. ALL phases of cocking operate perfectly: half cock, cylinder rotation, indexing, locking tight, cocking, and lastly releasing hammer to fire. Perfect mechanics!! The walnut grips have a marvelous antique smooth feel and luster. A fine example of a very scarce variation of a '51 Navy.  PRICE $2,650

CYLINDER SCENE STILL COMPLETELY VISIBLE !

COLT FACTORY LETTER to: Copper Queen, 4-3/4", 44/40

This Colt 44/40, a.k.a. Colt Frontier Six Shooter, has fulfilled it's destiny! Shipped to the Copper Queen Mine, in Bisbee, Arizona Territory, and then saw service with Wells, Fargo & Co. In perceiving the Copper Queen mine ship location, it is important to remember, they were also a " Store". The fabled " Company Store" selling all types of supplies to miners, and local inhabitants, from that location. Many may have wound up in service for the mining operation, as certainly they had Armed Guards. One thing is for sure, probably several times a week, for shipments, of goods, and DEFINITELY at certain appointed times, Wells, Fargo brought the Payroll, which would have been CASH in that era. Certainly in the vast and remote Arizona Territory, the Mine Store would have been the perfect place to purchase a Colt! They were there all the time, and knew the manager of the store, for sure! The W.F. & Co. marking on the butt is VERY correct.

The mark is produced by a ONE PIECE "Gang Stamp", exactly the kind of Stamp that was used by W.F. &Co. Property Room managers to mark Company property. This was done to discourage employee theft. Observing the mark, you see that the Stamp is correct vintage, with Roman Serif letter style. In addition, several of the letters are partially obscured because surface erosion on the butt that has invaded the letters. This mark was placed on the butt of the Colt, period with the age of the revolver, and displays uniform age wear. The CFSS shows continual carry wear! The left grip is perfectly worn on the high spot, which was the Colt Rampant Colt Logo. While the checkering remains reasonably clear and present. This is caused by the rubbing of a Coat, or against the body, while holstered. Serial No.25187X is a Gray Patina revolver with "ghost" traces of blue in flutes and protected areas. Yet, the screw heads and Colt applied roll die markings remain clear and well defined: two line barrel address, frame patents, all Serial Numbers. The right grip is much stronger condition, and the grips are not cracked or chipped. The Mechanical Action is crisp and exact, with all hammer positions, and the cylinder indexing and locks tight with each cocking of the hammer. A very interesting participant in Arizona Territorial history. PRICE $ 4,650

Grip showing correct carry wear !

SCARCE 4 INCH BL.

The .38 Caliber ( Rim Fire & Center Fire) New Line Revolver was manufactured by Colt from 1874 to 1880, in a very small production quantity of only 5,500 revolvers. There is no exact number, but the quantity of 4 inch barrel specimens is accepted as extremely limited. This New Line, Serial No. 519X has the factory four inch barrel. The Factory roll die barrel address, is crisp and perfect, as is the .38C on the left side of the frame, below the cylinder. In addition, this is the desired "acid etched panel" found on the left side of the barrel, identifying model and caliber.

the New Line has strong traces of the once bright blue finish in the protected areas, but the overall finish is a "Plum" patina, with traces of blue showing. This is eventually how all blue finish revolvers end, in a blue/plum patina. The Walnut grips show only normal wear, and still have their factory varnish. All screw heads are crisp and clean, and all the checkering on hammer, and cylinder pin head is crisp and strong. The mechanical action for 1/2 cock to load, and full cock to fire, all function with perfect precision. In addition the cylinder indexers correctly, and locks tight each time the hammer is cocked. This is a VERY solid example of a VERY scare variation of the .38 New Line. PRICE $2,400

TOM R. JENNINGS , ATTORNEY, in 1878 Defended one P.J. Ector, in the County of Nacogdoches, Texas.  (Detailed Court Records and Documentation accompany the sale of this Colt) He fought for the return of Mr. Ector's revolver, after he was found guilty, and  fined, for carrying a pistol in the city limits. The city was refusing to return the revolver, and Jennings took the case and Won ! Forcing the city to return the revolver to it's rightful owner.

COLT MODEL 1877 DOUBLE ACTION .38 REVOLVER // ETCHED PANEL// COLT FACTORY LETTER !!

Serial No. 2332X is as lettered, a 2-1/2 inch, nickel plated, etched panel DA .38, shipped in 1880. It has a good 95% plus of all the factory nickel plate remaining, and is fitted with a VERY unique set of engraved Ivory grips! THE SAME Texas Lawyer, Tom R. Jennings , Presented this pistol on March 1, 1910, to someone, not mentioned. Could it have been back to Mr. Ector, after all the trouble to get it back from Nacogdoches County?, or someone else for the principle it stood for? The Ivory grips as shown above bear the inscription, " Compliments of  Tom R. Jennings, 3.1.10". The mechanical actions of the 1877 function perfectly! All factory applied markings, such as frame patents and barrel address are vividly clear, as are all markings, including Serial Number. A HIGH condition Model of 1877, in the scarce barrel length of 2.5 inches, as well as VERY historically connected to Texas, the Law, and Tom R. Jennings. PRICE $3,500

Colt's most popular, and longest selling Model Deringer. Introduced in 1875, with a total production quantity of about 45,000 units. This 3rd Model, Serial No. 4329X, known as the Thuer, is in superb condition. It has about 98.5% of all the original factory nickel plate, with only a slight loss at the muzzle, and only on the right side. There are strong trace colors of blue remaining on the screw heads, and the screw slots are ALL clean and perfect. The Deringer opens and pivots correctly, and all cocking and firing actions function perfectly. The Walnut grips have a fine antique luster, and all the original varnish is present. This one has the small .41 cal marking on the left side of the frame below the barrel breech. The barrel marking, the 3/16" high - COLT - on top the barrel is clear and well defined. The high spur hammer has all its case hardening colors remaining. A strong example of a Thuer !  PRICE $1,500

The Nose on this carving stands over 3/8 inch high, very thick grips!

Serial No. 14767X was manufactured in 1892, and represents a very charismatic short barreled .45 "Cowboy " Colt. It still has strong traces of the original blue (10-12%)remaining, mostly down the ejector tube, in the cylinder flutes, top of the grip strap, back strap, and in protected areas. There are even the most minute traces of case color toward the edges of the recoil shield. However, overall the Colt has a gray/blue patina finish, with smooth metal. the screw head slots are clean and not "buggered". All company applied dies such as: barrel address, barrel caliber, and frame patent dates are clear, present, and well defined. ALL parts are original to the Colt, even the cylinder pin. ALL Serial Numbers are matching. The mechanical action is superb, functioning flawlessly on each cock of the revolver, indexing and locking into position, then releasing to fire correctly. Once again, the grips make this Colt. Grips of this quality are bringing in excess of $3,000 on today's market. With the grips and appearance it makes a great short barrel package for the Single Action fancier. This Colt was a Montana purchase, and was supposed to have been in the Bozeman area during it's tenure. PRICE $6,850

Serial No. 24674X was shipped into a storm! Shipped in 1904 to Detroit Copper Mining Company, Morenci, Arizona Territory, via Copper Queen Consolidated, of Bisbee, Arizona Territory. This 4-3/4 inch .45 Single action arrived into Arizona, just in time to possibly been a participant in the Morenci Mine Wars. The Miners struck for better conditions, the mine owners answered by calling in "hired guns" to enforce their position. In fact, it resulted in the Arizona Rangers, led by Thomas Rynning, to be called into action to settle the problem, or at best police it. Whether this Colt took part, who knows, but it was there in the right location, and could have been ! The finish is a typical plum patina, that once was blue. It has this plum patina, with a slight gray mix, over the revolver, and has an excellent presence. Company barrel address, and frame patents are very clear and present, as are all matching serial numbers. The checkered hard rubber grips show hand wear, BUT have NO damage. All parts are original to the Colt, and everything is matching. The working action is crisp, and deliberate on each cocking of the revolver. All other mechanical operations function perfectly. It is seldom that collectors can have territorial shipped Colts, and with colorful purchasers. PRICE $4,650

BLACK POWDER 44/40 COLT, FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER

Serial No. 12831X was manufactured in 1889, as a 5-1/2 inch , nickel plated 44/40. This Colt exhibits typical holster wear, in the fact one side is more devoid of finish than the other, being carried in a right hand holster. This accounts for it having70 -75% nickel finish on the right side of the Colt, with the missing 30% or so ,missing on the left hand side on the high points! The top and rear of the Colt also have strong nickel finish, as witnessed in the photo to the right. The right side still has "fire blue" screw heads, plus more nickel. All company applied roll dies are very strong, the CFSS on the left side of the barrel, the barrel address, and the frame patent markings. ALL parts are original to the Colt, even the cylinder pin, plus ALL Serial Numbers are matching. The mechanical actions for unloading work PERFECTLY, as do ALL ASPECTS for cocking, indexing, and firing. The action functions with crisp precision. The carved Pearl Steer Head grips have NO damage, and exhibit that glow and radiance of Pearl. A very charismatic Colt CFSS, with very frontier grips in perfect condition.  PRICE $6,850

COLT SINGLE ACTION, "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER" 44/40, 4-3/4 INCH BARREL, FACTORY LETTER

Serial No. 16109X comes with a Factory Letter, interesting in the fact it was a 1 piece shipment! This Colt shipped during the time period, and to a location of great tempests during the Family feuds, and Coal Mine disputes. Perhaps a witness, maybe a participant? Today the Colt has about 75-80% of the original nickel plating, the balance a light to dark / gray patina. The frame has more of the nickel, and particularly the hammer and adjacent areas. The checkered hard rubber grips are in excellent condition with no wear. Barrel address, frame patents, and Colt logo, are very clear and sharp. The mechanical action is crisp and exact, each time the Colt is cocked. All phases of the mechanical action works perfectly. All parts are original to the Revolver, and the barrel caliber designation of "Colt Frontier Six Shooter" is quite clear and sharp. All Serial Numbers are matching. A solid example of a short barrel, black powder Single Action, and in the historical caliber of 44/40.  PRICE $ 4,150

BLACK POWDER, REVOLVER

This Colt has the "Cowboy" look, short barrel, Pearl Grips, and a .45. Serial No.10750X has all matching serial numbers, to include the cylinder. In addition, all Colt applied markings, such as barrel address, frame patents, and trigger guard caliber designation are clear and present. The finish is a soft pleasing gray/plum patina, throughout the revolver.

The working action is very precise, and crisp, functioning 100% correctly on each cocking of the revolver. In addition, all other mechanical aspects function perfectly also. The Pearl Grips are full of luster and fire color found in Mother of Pearl, and have NO damage. This is a very attractive and charismatic revolver, and exemplifies the Cowboy Colt. PRICE $ 3,875

COLT MODEL 1877 DA .41, 2-1/2 INCH BARREL

This Model represented Colt's first entry into the Double Action Market! Introduced in 1877, and manufactured until 1909. It's popularity was due in part to it's resemblance to the tried and true single action. Although many customers swore at it, due to the delicate, and difficult problem to repair, they achieved great popularity, with likes of John Wesley Hardin, and none other than " Billy the Kid", packing these DA Colt's. This one, Serial No. 438XX was manufactured in 1883, and has the early oval etched panel , on the barrel for caliber identification.

The 2-1/2 inch barrel, is fairly scarce, as far as barrel lengths go in this model. It has about 60% of the original nickel plating remaining, the balance is a soft gray patina, which is good, because there is no harsh contrast in the finish. All factory applied markings, such as barrel address, and frame patents are clear and well defined. The hard rubber grips have all their checkering, and logo, and are NOT damaged. MOST important: the mechanical actions of cocking, firing, and cylinder locking etc. all function perfectly on both Double Action, and Single Action Modes. This " Thunderer" is a strong representation of the 1877 DA revolvers from Colt. PRICE $1,250