^Lot 59 Colt Model 1873 Single Action Army Revolver

Colt Model 1873 Single Action Army Cartridge Revolver, #328476, .44 S&W Special (Russian) CF cal., 4.75'' round barrel marked ''Colt's Pt. F. A. Mfg. Co. / Hartford, CT U.S.A.'' in two lines, and ''45 Russian Ctg'' to left side near juncture with frame, left frame with two-line 1871-75 patent dates and Rampant Colt logo, originally blued and case hardened finishes, steel grip straps with varnished two-piece carved and checkered walnut grips. All visible matching serial numbers; loading gate correctly marked ''928''. Mfg'd. 1914; originally shipped to J.H. Martin Arms Co., Little Rock, AR on February 19, 1914, in a shipment of just one gun. Condition is very good, the barrel and ejector rod housing retaining perhaps 35% blue mixed with a spotty bluish-brown patina, the cylinder retaining 85% blue with virtually all the original blue in flutes, 25% original blue on front half of triggerguard and the balance a soft gunmetal gray. Frame and hammer retain darkening and silvering case colors; screws with unmarred slots. Grips show minor checkering wear, fit well, have a pleasing color, and retain much original varnish. Action is crisp and sure, bore is shiny with deep rifling. This Single Action is accompanied by a 1965-dated Colt factory letter verifying all the above features and signed by famed Colt historian R.H. Wagner. It is also pictured on page 166 of A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver by Graham, Kopec and Moore. Of special interest are the carved and checkered grips, roll-impressed hammer knurling and front sight configuration. From the iconic Mel Guy Collection of Single Action Colt revolvers. Est.: $5,000-$7,500. (C&R/PPT)