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  • Auction Catalog #4093
  • Lot #135
Lot #134
Lot #136

Lot 135: Factory Engraved Colt Thunderer Revolver

Historic Colt Company Superintendent Shipped Factory Engraved Colt Model 1877 Thunderer Sheriff's Model Double Action Revolver with Factory Letter

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: December 6, 2024

Lot 135: Factory Engraved Colt Thunderer Revolver

Historic Colt Company Superintendent Shipped Factory Engraved Colt Model 1877 Thunderer Sheriff's Model Double Action Revolver with Factory Letter

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: December 6, 2024

Estimated Price: $10,000 - $18,000
Price Realized:
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Historic Colt Company Superintendent Shipped Factory Engraved Colt Model 1877 Thunderer Sheriff's Model Double Action Revolver with Factory Letter

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: 1877
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 41 Long Colt
Barrel: 3 1/2 inch round
Finish: nickel
Grip: hard rubber
Stock:
Item Views: 1823
Item Interest: Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 156
Class: Antique
Bore Condition: Mild spotting, otherwise bright with strong rifling.
Description:

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. Included with the revolver are copies of patents issued to Franklin F. Knous.

Rating Definition:

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. This is an exceptional, documented Colt Model 1877 Storekeeper revolver has combines high condition and factory engraving with documented ownership by the Superintendent of Colt Firearms. This is an outstanding Model 1877 revolver which would be difficult to improve upon.



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