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20AP-4 COLT SA #87734

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,250.00 USD
20AP-4 COLT SA #87734
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Important Colt SAA revolver, .45 caliber, 4.75” barrel, nickel finish, period decorated ivory grips, S/N 87734 (ca. 1883), with punch dot inscription on straps starting at top of back strap “W. W. Townsend to E. E. Townsend” and on butt “Mttd. Inspctr” with “U.S. Customs” on instrap. The top of the back strap shows “Aug 1895”. Accompanied by an original small “U.S. Inspector of Customs” marked shield badge of the same era. This Colt was recently discovered in an old collection in San Diego, California and upon researching the name E.E. Townsend, another similarly “punch dot” inscribed Colt was found that had been in the Donald Yena Collection, sold at Burley Auction Company as Lot 116 on March 4, 2014. W.W. Townsend was born Jan. 16, 1833, in Madison, Florida. He moved to Texas in 1859 and was instrumental in settling Colorado County. He served as a Captain in Whitefield’s C.S.A. Cavalry where he promoted from Sgt. to Captain after gallant actions and was badly wounded. He was married in 1864 to Maddle Woolsey and moved to Mexico where she died in 1867. After returning to Texas, he re-married Margaret Simmerson and had a son, Everett Ewing Townsend, Born Oct. 20, 1871. E.E. Townsend was a Texas Ranger in the Frontier Battalion, Sheriff, Texas Senator, Park Commissioner, Deputy U.S. Marshal, Customs Inspector and Border Agent. He was known as the “Father of Big Bend Park” for his role in its formation and preservation. This historic Colt displays 15-30% original nickel with the balance gone to a gray patina showing minor pitting and erosion; good markings, good overall; grips aged and undersized with period decorations in florals and geometrics; front sight slightly reduced at top. All matching serial numbers. The included small silver badge reading “U.S. Inspector of Customs” also shows an engraved shield and eagle with some wear and old repairs to the pin and catch on reverse; approximate size 1-1/2” x 1-1/8”. (Antique). Est.: $7,500-$15,000.