1377

*VERY RARE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER IN A RARE CALIBER.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:6,250.00 USD Estimated At:12,500.00 - 17,500.00 USD
*VERY RARE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER IN A RARE CALIBER.
SN 188511. Cal. 32 S&W. Usual configuration with 7-1/2" bbl, slightly altered front sight and 1-line block letter address with caliber marking on left side. Left side of frame has 2-line, 3-patent dates and rampant Colt in a circle. Mounted with rampant Colt/eagle hard rubber grips which are inscribed on inside "George Hartsell Feb 1, 1933" in left side and the initials "GSH" and "George Hartsell 8/19/27" in right side. According to Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia, Cochran, there were only 32 of these rare revolvers produced in this caliber of the approx. 357,859 single actions made from 1873 thru WWII, making this one of the most rare of all the single actions. Accompanied by a Colt factory letter identifying this revolver in caliber 32 with 7-1/2" bbl, finish "soft", type of stocks not listed and shipped to Hartley & Graham, New York, NY, on Aug. 17, 1899 in a shipment of six same type revolvers. Under Note: "the word soft which appears with the finish, indicates the frame and gate were not case hardened when this arm was shipped. These parts were left in a soft condition for engraving outside of our factory." This revolver is, obviously, not engraved but appears to have been nickel finished, probably by Hartley & Graham. It retains traces of nickel finish on sides of trigger guard & back strap under grip. This is truly an extraordinarily rare single action and the first one in this caliber ever examined by this cataloger. CONDITION: Good to very good. Traces of nickel finish remain on sides of grip frame, otherwise the entire revolver is a cleaned metal finish showing moderate to heavy wear. Given that the frame was never hardened it is surprising that it retains as much orig shape as it does. Grips are sound showing heavy wear. Hammer is without safety or half cock notches and timing needs adjusting, otherwise mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with a few spots of pitting near muzzle and some roughness & light pitting at forcing cone end. 8-87700 JR310