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J.P. Lower marked Colt 1878 Sheriff's Model

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 7,500.00 USD
J.P. Lower marked Colt 1878 Sheriff's Model
Auction Location:

16600 Aston Street
Irvine, CA
J.P. Lower marked Colt Model 1878 Sheriff's Model Double Action Revolver, with Factory Letter, #4339, .45 Colt cal., 4'' ejectorless barrel, blue finish, factory checkered ivory grips, two-line short barrel address, shipped to J.P. Lower, Denver, CO, April 24, 1880, in a shipment of four guns. It is interesting to note that J.P. Lower is credited with ordering the first Colt 1878 DA revolvers with 4'' ejectorless barrels. On this first order, Oct. 21, 1879, two of the four pistols were shipped in exactly this configuration. Lower nicknamed and advertised this model revolver as the ''Sport's Pet''. This is the exact pistol photographed on Page 40 of the book ''Colt's Double Action Revolvers, Model of 1878'', by Don Wilkerson. Revolver is marked ''J.P. Lower'' to forward left side of frame above triggerguard. There is a small 'e' stamped near butt of the backstrap, and an etched 'e' behind the triggerguard. All visible serial numbers are matching. Condition is ab!
out fine retaining approx. 50-60% of the original Colt factory finish, with most of the losses relegated to thinning and toning. Barrel shows some light touch-up. There is a small half-inch chattermark above triggerguard on left side of frame. Factory checkered ivory grips remain in excellent condition with just light crazing near butt of left panel. Action is tight, bore is very good with well-defined rifling and just light to moderate frosting in grooves. (Holster and pocket watch not included.) (Walt Hallstein collection) Est.: $5,000-$7,500.