Exquisite Colt Collection

1/18/2009 3:30 PM Pacific

Lot # 51

An Icon of American Arms Collecting - The Serial No. 1 Colt Single Action Army Revolver, With Extens

Serial no. 1. 6-shot fluted cylinder, 7 1/2-inch barrel with slanted barrel address, "+ Colt's Pt. FAA. Mfg. Co., Hartford, Ct. U.S.A. +" on top of barrel. Left side of frame with two-line patent marking, "-Pat. July. 25.1871-/-Pat. July. 2. 1872.-" Serial no. 1 stamped on bottom of frame, on triggerguard strap, buttstrap, bottom of breech of barrel, and in ink on grips inside cutout for backstrap. K inspector initial on back of cylinder. 8 on inside curve of loading gate. Pinched top strap forming rear sight, German silver front sight blade. Round ejector rod head, with bulbous contour to loading gate. Blued finish, with case-hardened frame and hammer. Varnished walnut grips.
Condition: Fine. 30% blue, 25% case-hardening. Brown and gray patina with wear. Minor surface pitting. Traces varnish on one-piece walnut grips. Custom-made display case of brown leather, contour-lined in gold velvet, the lid gold-tooled and with gold leaf inscription noting "The First Production Model of 'The Gun That Won the West' and The Most Famous Handgun in the World." Case by Arno Werner Bookbinders, c. 1987.
Notes: Sold by Christie's, May 14, 1987, and pictured on the front cover of the catalogue, featuring firearms "From the Estate of Charles L. Bricker." Following the auction, the revolver served as the inspiration for a precise miniature replica by the U.S. Historical Society, Richmond, Virginia, authorized by the Colt company. Each example was stamped 1, as on the full-size original.
Provenance: In hands of a retired U.S. Army officer, from 1873 to c. 1920sBrother of P.G. Barnard (Brattleboro VT) acquired from a drugstore employee, name unknown (in trade for a rifle; P.G. Barnard letter enclosed in documentation accompanying revolver)Fred P.L. Mills (purchased May 5, 1925, for $4)John S. duMont (May 4, 1948 to 1955, acquired in trade with Mills, of a Colt Double Barrel Rifle)Gerald G. Fox (Apri
Estimate: 500000 - 1000000

High Bid: $750,000.00
SOLD

Greg Martin Auctions