1347

Desirable Old West Black Powder New York Engraved Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Pearl Grips

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:3,250.00 USD Estimated At:6,500.00 - 9,500.00 USD
Desirable Old West Black Powder New York Engraved Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Pearl Grips

Estimate: $6500 - 9500
Manufactured in 1876. The barrel has been shortened to its current length and is fitted with a replacement nickel-silver front sight. The shortening has been done after the revolver was engraved. The barrel, frame, loading gate, trigger guard and back strap are expertly engraved with Germanic floral scrollwork on a punch-dot background. The top of the ejector housing, sides of the frame, top strap and back strap are decorated with zigzag patterns. The cylinder flats between the flutes are decorated with light floral scroll designs. The engraving is period and very similar to work executed by L.D. Nimschke and his shop. The barrel, frame, trigger guard, back strap and hammer are nickel plated and the cylinder has a gold washed finish. The top of the barrel is marked with the one line address, the left side of the frame is marked with the two line, two patent dates and the left trigger guard shoulder is marked "45 CAL". The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap, and the bottom of the barrel under the ejector rod is marked with the partial serial number "3217". The loading gate is marked with the assembly number "26". The cylinder is not serial numbered but "8 2 5" is stamped on the front face. A "C" inspection mark is stamped in the hammer slot. The hammer is a late commercial pattern with concave firing pin and fine borderless knurling on the spur, the ejector rod head is the early "bulls-eye" style and fitted with smooth two piece pearl grips. The accompanying factory letter verifies the caliber, blue finish and barrel length and grips as "Not Listed" at the time of shipment to H&D Folsom Arms Company, New York, N.Y. on December 30 1876. The remarks state that the no indication of barrel length and grips would usually indicate that the barrel was 7 1/2 inches and the grips walnut which were considered standard at the time.
BBL: 6 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 LC
Finish: nickel/gold
Grips: pearl
Serial Number: 33217
Condition: Very good as period reworked. The revolver retains 85% of the period nickel finish with some wear on the muzzle, recoil shield and edges of the frame, and some scattered minor flaking. The cylinder retains 30% of the gold wash finish remaining concentrated in the flutes and protected areas, and also showing scattered flaking and light pitting The grips are good with a large chip in the upper right grip and a smaller chip in the heel of the left panel. The later production hammer and possibly the cylinder appear to be later period replacements. The markings and engraving remain crisp and clear. The action is very good. This is a nice example of a period engraved and finished early production Colt Single Action Army Revolver. Estimate: 5000-7500.
More Information