Colts 3

Here we have a Black Powder frame Colt Single Action Army, I note this because Black Powder SAA’s are increasingly more difficult to find !! Many SAA’s can be found after 1900, but not the case with Black Powder framed SAA’s. This one is Serial No.14365X, found in Texas. It has seen a lot of time pass since 1891, but it still functions 100% correctly. The working  action is tight , crisp and exact. All the notches are present, the hammer locks tight, the cylinder rotates and locks correctly, then releasing to fire, NO mechanical problems present.

I am sure this SAA saw steady use, but only the finish exhibits wear. The metal surface has a medium gray patina, all original no  cleaning has been done, with some remaining blue “spots” of original finish.  The cylinder exhibits a slight, plum tone, and matches the balance of the Colt. Being  Black Powder and before 1894-1895 it has the best version of hard rubber grips, the Eagle Pattern. Like the Colt, they show normal hand wear, NO abuse or chips etc…just honest wear in Texas.

The Colt Bisley Model, named after the Bisley Target Range in England was introduced in a very small quantity in 1895. Most of them were shipped to England and were Flat Top Models, with a few in the standard frame configuration. Production was slow, and very few. It is very sound to state when searching for or Collecting Colts, BLACK POWDER ANTIQUE Bisleys are simply not to be found ! Why ? the large bulk of production, probably 95%++ are all made after December 31, 1898, therefore considered modern. This Bisley .45, with a 4-3/4 inch barrel , Serial No. 18091X was manufactured prior to December 31st, 1898. It has about 45-40% original Factory Blue finish, balance . The case colored frame has abloutv40% case color showing, slightly faded and some silvering.being a blending patina. ALL fcatory applied markings are present and clear: barrel address, frame patents, serial numbers (all matching). the screw heads are crisp, and still have their blue finish. ALL parts are factory original, and the WORKING actions are 100% correct in every mode !The checkered hard rubber grips are in excellent condition, and show hardly no hand wear.

This is a incredibly “charismatic” Colt 1851 Navy, and was in the collection of the renowned Texas collector, Enrique (Henry) Guerra for 50 plus years. It comes with a letter written by him in 2002. This Navy is marked correctly on the frame below Colt’s Patent, US. It was the Military attempt to get modern weaponry in the hands of the Army working in hostile areas. Replacing outdated revolvers, like single shots and a very few Paterson’s. The bulk were issued to the 2nd Cavalry/Army fighting in the American Southwest and Texas Border area. Serial No. 5808X is a wonderful example of this issue. ALL factory applied markings are very clear: barrel address, frame patents, US, ALL matching Serial Numbers. The finish is a smooth, natural plum patina finish, and good metal surfaces. The brass TG and Back Strap has a magnificent mustard patina. The cylinder has mostly faded scene due to age and wear, but serial number intact.

Here we have a COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY, of the BLACK POWDER persuasion, EXHIBITING scarce qualities. First, it is a 7-1/2 INCH barrel CHAMBERED IN 32/20 CALIBER !!!!!! ALL collectors know it is extremely rare in this configuration, and nearly impossible to find in ALL original condition. Secondly ONLY 2 were shipped, and the third scarcity, it was shipped to Texas. J.C. Petmecky in Austin, on 5/17/1893.