^Lot 3324 VERY RARE, DOCUMENTED (ONE OF 82) COLT 1ST GEN

SAA REVOLVER IN DESIRABLE 38 COLT SPECIAL. Cal. 38 Colt Special. S# 353795. Bbl. 5 1/2" with blade front sight. Page 136 of "THE 36 CALIBERS OF THE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY" By David F. Brown page 136 lists 82 of these were mfg by Colt. There can be a serious amount of confusion when it comes to these guns as it is essentially the same as the 38 S&W special with the difference being the flat nose bullet. Subject revolver along with other examples mfg in the time period of 1929-1932 state on the letter "38 Colt" while the barrel is marked "COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY 38 SPECIAL". Other know examples are are S# 354523 (pictured on page 135), 353778 and 354931. Cyl. chamber have same shoulder as 38 Special chambered revolvers. Even if one were to include standard 38 S&W Special 1st Gen revolvers into the count utilizing Brown's numbers, the total would still be a paltry total 107 revolvers. In comparison to the scarce & desirable 44 Special caliber (506), the rarity factor would be over 4.5 times greater. Bbl is original to the gun as left side die break in letter "O" resembling a reverse "C" is present with is found in revolver mfg. in the 1930 time period. Revolver features a blue & case hardened finish. Matching numbers on right side of grip frame, trigger guard frame & "95" on rear of cyl. 2 Piece replacement smooth white grips; grip screw is replacement. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: one vintage original full box of 50 cartridges "US 38 CALIBRE COLT SPECIAL". Headstamps read U.S.C. CO. / 38 COLT SPL". Box & cartridges are in very good condition. Colt factory letter stating the following: "Serial Number: 353795 / Caliber: 38 Colt / Barrel Length 5 1/2" / Finish: Blue / Type of Stocks: Not Listed / Shipped To: Farwell, Ozmun, Kirk & Company / Address: St. Paul, Minnesota / Date of Shipment April 14, 1930 / Number of Same Type Guns in Shipment: 2". CONDITION: bbl. & ejector housing retain 90% original blue with light high edge wear. Frame & hammer retain 80%+ original case colors with scattered areas of light peppery oxidation. Cyl. retains 85% original blue with light sharp edge wear, minor scratches, cyl. drag line & 1 small area of cleaned oxidation. Trigger guard & grip frame retain 60% original blue with notable thinning to straps. Grips are slightly undersized, in very good condition and have acquired a pleasing yellow patina with age. Bright bore with crisp rifling. Mechanically excellent. A very rare & seldom seen Colt SAA for the avid SAA collector! (25-6047/BH). CURIO. $12,500-17,500.