^Lot 43 Antique Colt Model 1873 Single Action Army Revolver

Antique Colt Model 1873 Single Action Army Cartridge Revolver, #126458, .38 Colt CF cal., 7.5'' round barrel marked ''Colt's Pt. F. A. Mfg. Co. Hartford, CT U.S.A.'' in block font, left frame with 3-line 1871-72-75 patent dates, ''38 Cal'' marked on left front triggerguard bow, originally blued and case hardened finishes, steel grip straps with checkered two-piece hard rubber grips having the Rampant Colt within an oval cartouche at top and an eagle and shield in relief at bottom. All visible matching serial numbers; loading gate correctly marked ''285''. Mfg'd. 1888; originally shipped to W.H. Langden (address unknown) on Nov. 17, 1888, in a shipment of only one gun. Condition is excellent, with smooth metal retaining most deep original blue to barrel (slightly thinning on left side ahead of frame), approx. 85% deep blue to ejector rod housing, 80% blue on cylinder with much blue in flutes, 95% original blue on triggerguard and backstrap. Frame and hammer retain bright case colors; trigger retains bright fire blue, as do screws with unmarred slots. Grips are perfect, having a wonderful deep-black color, and fit well. Action is crisp and sure, bore appears excellent with deep rifling. Another exemplary early Single Action, in a desirable caliber, accompanied by a 1974-dated Colt factory letter verifying all the above features and signed by famed Colt historian M.S. ''Marty'' Huber. From the iconic Mel Guy Collection of Single Action Colt revolvers. Est.: $12,000-$15,000. (Antique)