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Factory Documented Engraved Nickel Plated Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Pearl Grips

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Hand Guns - Revolvers Start Price:9,000.00 USD Estimated At:18,000.00 - 27,500.00 USD
Factory Documented Engraved Nickel Plated Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Pearl Grips
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Factory Documented Engraved Nickel Plated Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Pearl Grips

Colt Single Action Army revolver that was manufactured in 1883. The revolver is accompanied by a Colt factory letter that describes it as: caliber .45 with nickel plated finish and factory engraving. The type of stocks on the revolver are not identified in the letter. The letter states that this revolver was shipped to Wexell & DeGress in Mexico City on February 7, 1883. The revolver has a full nickel plated finish with fire blue frame and grip screws and two-piece pearl grips. The ejector rod has the second style oval, head and the hammer has bordered knurling on the spur. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.". in a single line. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the three-line, three-date patent marking. "45 CAL" is stamped on the left front trigger guard bow. The assembly number, "5755" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate, an "H" Colt inspection mark is stamped in the hammer well above the firing pin hole and two single letter Colt inspection marks are stamped on the rear face of the hammer. The full serial number, "87320", is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The revolver is factory engraved with American style scrollwork on a punch dot background and flowing zig-zag lines on the forward portion of the barrel, ejector housing, bottom of the trigger guard, back strap, top strap, sides of the frame, cylinder and cylinder flutes. The engraving coverage approximates the later Colt "A" engraving. Fewer that 1,000 Colt Single Action Army revolvers were engraved between 1873 and 1940. The surviving examples are scarce and highly sought after. This revolver was formerly part of the collection of John Stewart of the Texas Gun Collectors Association.

Manufacture: Colt
Model: Single Action Army
BBL: 7 1/2 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 45 Colt
Finish: nickel
Grips: mother of pearl
Serial Number: 87320

Very fine as period replated. The revolver retains at least 90% of the nickel plated finish. There is handling wear and traces of light pitting on the lower portion of the back strap and side of the ejector housing. The front portion of the trigger guard ahead of the bow, and on the right side of the barrel near the muzzle also have minor finish wear. The balance of the nickel plated finish is excellent. The screws retain most of the fire blue finish. The flawlessly executed engraving is crisp. The two-piece pearl grips are very good with some minor chips at both heels. There is some shrinkage and repair on the right grip at the junction of the frame and trigger guard. The action functions perfectly. This is an attractive example of the classic 19th Century Colt Single Action Army revolver with factory engraving and pearl grips.