Colts 4

This 1878 DA by Colt is an extremely early production certainly first moth, as it is Serial No.228X. It has the first production style “Fat Grip”, found on early production. Later the grip size was reduced, why ? maybe little hands back then ? This 1978 was originally a 7-1/2 inch barrel, however “in the day” it was reduced to 5-1/2 inches and professionally re-sighted. Bera in mind ! the holster is a Plug Bottom holster for a 5-1/2 inch Colt revolver. SO ! holster purchase and barrel reduction were of the same time, 1878 +. As we see it today, maybe about 15% of the original nickel plate finish is present, the balance is a soft non disturbed original light gray patina. The working mechanics are perfect, single and double action, NO mechanical issues ! ALL parts are original, and ALL factory applied markings are clear and present. WHAT makes this unique is the larger ” FAT GRIP”, and even more so !!! they are ORIGINAL IVORY to 1878!!

This Sheriffs Model is quite unique ! as it was made outside the Colt Factory. Probably in the far southwest, Az. Ty. maybe even in Mexico. However, it was very professionally made, no doubt by a gunsmith of high quality and ability. Perhaps he had seen one or was familiar with the frame pattern. In looking at the forward frame configuration, it is identical to the Colt factory. It is a THREE inch barrel, but from close looking at the barrel it once had a Colt two line patent, originally 4-3/4 inches. the front sight is remarkable well done and in correct alignment. The Serial No. 10123X is present on all the correct locations although the butt it is faint and difficult to see. It appears all parts are the original Colt parts and all factory applied markings are clear and present. It is remarkable that ALL the working actions are correct: all hammer cock positions, safety, half cock, full cock. The cylinder rotates and aligns and locks tight for firing. Releases to fire , no problem. The current finish condition is one of reasonable wear. There is still blue on cylinder and barrel with a gray patina on the balance, an original patina no cleaning. The Colt has one piece Walnut grips, in a fine antique patina and fine fit.

This holster when new would have been a good looking holster. It is a two loop holster, the top loop an unusual shape, with the bottom loop the standard straight shape. The cartridge belt, some where in time, and a long time ago, had newer cartridge loops added, probably due to the old ones being non-serviceable. BUT the real unique feature of this Rig is the Belt Buckle. It is a very long rectagonal buckle ! Definite dating the rig to the 1880’s. The holster has heavy wear, and some leather breaks. If you have a rustic single action, 5-1/2 inches, either original or cut barrel, it would display very well. A survivor of the Old West Frontier.

One might look at this Single Action from several perspectives. It is a very early example of the new technology in Single Actions, the spring loaded cylinder release pin replaces the screw in frame. What does this mean ? You can remove the cylinder without a TOOL ! making it simpler to use. Secondly it has the original grips, the NEW pattern grips. no Eagle, just checkered grips with the Colt Logo at the top. Colt was streamlining production cost, and this grip was less expensive to make. Yet another perspective is the Nickel plating, and how after 127 years it wore ! There is about 50% factory nickel plating remaining, the rest has turned a wonderful and untouched plum patina. This Single Action saw steady use, as demonstrated by the hand wear on the grips, yet 55% nickel is still strongly present.

This Single Action seems to have a great deal of appeal, I guess it would be the remaining Nickel and Patina mixture. Mechanically, it is 100% correct: all hammer notches, cylinder rotation, indexing, locks tight and releases to fire. NO mechanical issues. Many prospective buyers always want to know where did it come from, all I can tell you is it spent most to all it’s time on the plains of Colorado and Wyoming. A Factory Letter would be a fine addition for the shipping destination, who knows it could be a real super ship. ALL factory applied markings are clear and present: barrel address, frame patents, caliber, and ALL matching Serial Numbers. Serial No. 16531X is just a great example of a Frontier Colt. Still a Black Powder Colt !

This Colt Revolver is one of the LOWEST production models from Colt, LESS than 4,000 were manufactured. It is also one of the MOST unique offerings from Colt, due to it’s grips ! The checkered Hard Rubber Grips were embossed, with NOT an Eagle, but a Cop and Thug ( Robber) in a confrontation. The Thug has a knife and the Cop is attempting an arrest.

The major significance of this Model was, it was the FIRST Pocket Model revolver to be made at the Hartford Factory ! Manufactured in a very small quantity of about 15,000 from 1847 to 1850. The name came from the similarity to the full size .44 Dragoon revolver. This Baby Dragoon, Serial No. 1124X would have been manufactured in 1848 and has the scarcer Five Inch barrel. ALL serial numbers are matching, all parts, and the frame patent is clear and distinct as is the barrel address. IT still has a perfect working action ! The overall surface is a soft gray patina, and the cylinder scene, “Stagecoach Holdup” is still present, just very light, but visible. Remarkably, the silver plating of the trigger guard and back strap is in abundance ! about 70% present.