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Historic Documented Colt Company Superintendent Shipped Factory Engraved Colt Model 1877 Double Acti

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Hand Guns - Revolvers Start Price:5,500.00 USD Estimated At:11,000.00 - 16,000.00 USD
Historic Documented Colt Company Superintendent Shipped Factory Engraved Colt Model 1877 Double Acti
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Historic Documented Colt Company Superintendent Shipped Factory Engraved Colt Model 1877 Double Action Storekeeper Revolver with Original Factory Picture Carton

Manufactured in 1889. The revolver is complete with a Colt factory letter that lists the revolver features as: "Caliber: .41/c, Barrel Length: 3 1/2", Finish: Nickel", and "Type of Stocks: Rubber". The letter states that the revolver was factory engraved and indicates that it was shipped to "F.F. Knous, Colt's Patent Fire-Arms Mfg. Company, Hartford, Connecticut" on May 31, 1889. The letter further states that "Mr. Knous was Superintendent of the Colt Company during this time period". The revolver has a nickel plated finish with fire blue ejector rod head, frame screws, trigger and hammer top. The two piece checkered bird's head grips are black hard rubber and have the Rampant Colt trademark embossed in an oval at the top. The top of the barrel is roll stamped with the two-line legend "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co/HARTFORD CT. U.S.A." surrounded by an engraved double-line panel. "COLT D.A. 41" is acid etched in an oblong panel on the left side of the barrel. The Colt "1871", "74 and "75" patent dates are roll stamped in three lines on the left side of the frame. "41 Cal" is stamped on the left rear trigger guard bow. The assembly number "886" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. The full serial number, "23068" is roll-stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and bottom of the bird's head grip. The partial serial number "068" is visible on the inside of both grips. The revolver is engraved with Germanic scrollwork on a punch dot background with double line borders. The engraving approximates what Colt later designated "Style 2" or "B" engraving. The engraving was probably executed by Cuno A. Helfricht or his staff. Cuno Helfricht was Colt's Chief Engraver in 1889. The revolver is complete with the very rare "picture" carton. The carton lid has a detailed picture of a Model 1877 D.A. revolver and is labeled "COLT'S DOUBLE ACTION PISTOL/.41 Caliber/ 3 1/2 INCH BARREL". A black and white "ENGRAVED" label is glued to the left side of the lid. The serial number, "23068" is faintly marked on the bottom of the carton. A pink label entitled: "DIRECTIONS for using COLT's .38 in. & .41 in. cal RELOADING TOOLS" is glued to the inside of the carton lid. The carton is complete with the original tissue paper instruction sheet and a wire cleaning brush. Also included with the revolver are copies of patents issued to Franklin F. Knous.

Manufacture: Colt
Model: Thunderer
BBL: 3 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 41 Long Colt
Finish: nickel
Grips: black hard rubber
Serial Number: 23068

Excellent. The revolver is all original and retains 90% of the original nickel plated finish. The plating has minor edge wear on the back strap, trigger guard and cylinder. The fire blue finish on the trigger is thin but nearly all is present on the screws and top of the hammer. The flawlessly executed scroll work is sharp and deep. The hard rubber bird's head grips are nearly perfect. The action is tight and functions perfectly. The rare picture carton is very good overall. The picture on the carton lid has some water stains and flaking but is 75-80% complete. The carton interior is very good overall. The delicate instruction sheet is fine. This is an exceptional, documented Colt Model 1877 Storekeeper revolver has combines high condition, factory engraving, rare original carton and instruction sheet with documented ownership by the Superintendent of Colt Firearms. This is an outstanding Model 1877 revolver which would be difficult to improve upon.