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Factory Engraved Black Powder Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter and Carved Ivory

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,750.00 USD Estimated At:5,500.00 - 8,500.00 USD
Factory Engraved Black Powder Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter and Carved Ivory
Manufactured in 1880. The Colt factory letter that accompanies this revolver verifies the serial number, caliber, barrel as "Not Listed", nickel finish, checkered ivory grips, factory engraved and that it was shipped to Simmons Hardware Co, St. Louis, Missouri on November 7, 1880 in a shipment of 2. The letter states in the remarks that usually a 7 1/2" barrel were standard at the time. This early engraved revolver has scroll and border motifs on the barrel, ejector rod housing, frame, loading gate, cylinder, and grip straps. The degree of engraving is approximately style "B" coverage. The engraving is very similar to the revolver illustrated on page 82 of "A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver" in Kopec, Graham and Moore and on page 186 of "The Book of Colt Engraving" by R.L. Wilson. All serial numbers match, left rear of the trigger guard bow marked "45 Colt". The serial number on the cylinder appears re-stamped. Standard blade front and frame notch rear sights, "bulls-eye" ejector rod head and fitted with ivory grips with a Mexican eagle carved on the right side.
BBL: 4 3/4 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 long Colt
Finish: nickel
Grips: ivory
Serial Number: 32923E


Fine as period re-plated with the barrel shortened (at this time). The revolver retains 80% of the nickel plated finish with scattered minor flaking and wear. There is a smooth silver gray patina on the exposed areas. The grips are good, having shrunk slightly with age, age cracking on the bottoms and right side and having a pleasant rich caramel patina. Some of the engraving on the cylinder is faint, otherwise the markings and engraving are clear. The action is fine. A very colorful black powder Colt Single Action Army from the Old West.