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"SERIAL NUMBER 1"
A VERY IMPORTANT .44RF COLT MODEL 1871/72 OPEN TOP REVOLVER, SERIAL NO. 1 FOR 1871
Details
A VERY IMPORTANT .44RF COLT MODEL 1871/72 OPEN TOP REVOLVER, SERIAL NO. 1 FOR 1871
Sighted barrel marked -ADDRESS SAML. COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-, rear sight is fitted to barrel on this early Open Top (later rear sights are integral), cylinder with naval engagement marked COLTS PATENT No. 1, colour hardened frame, iron Navy-sized grip straps, back strap with shoulder stock cut, deluxe walnut grips
7½ inch (19 cm.) barrel
Refinished by the Colt Factory under the direction of Robert Q. Sutherland.
This first production 1871/'72 revolver is not marked COLT'S PATENT on the left side of the frame
Together with two letters. The first letter is from Gaines de Graffenried on Fort Fisher letterhead traces the history of this revolver from its discovery in the 1930s to its acquisition by Mr. de Graffenried nearly 40 years later. The second letter from Robert Q. Sutherland, on his personal stationary, written to Gaines de Graffenried on March 23, 1971, discusses Sutherland's decision to purchase the revolver from Charlie Ferguson. This letter is accompanied with its original envelope. Both letters and the envelope have been laminated.
Together with a framed set of black & white photos illustrating the revolver before and after refinishing.
Sighted barrel marked -ADDRESS SAML. COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-, rear sight is fitted to barrel on this early Open Top (later rear sights are integral), cylinder with naval engagement marked COLTS PATENT No. 1, colour hardened frame, iron Navy-sized grip straps, back strap with shoulder stock cut, deluxe walnut grips
7½ inch (19 cm.) barrel
Refinished by the Colt Factory under the direction of Robert Q. Sutherland.
This first production 1871/'72 revolver is not marked COLT'S PATENT on the left side of the frame
Together with two letters. The first letter is from Gaines de Graffenried on Fort Fisher letterhead traces the history of this revolver from its discovery in the 1930s to its acquisition by Mr. de Graffenried nearly 40 years later. The second letter from Robert Q. Sutherland, on his personal stationary, written to Gaines de Graffenried on March 23, 1971, discusses Sutherland's decision to purchase the revolver from Charlie Ferguson. This letter is accompanied with its original envelope. Both letters and the envelope have been laminated.
Together with a framed set of black & white photos illustrating the revolver before and after refinishing.
Provenance
Clyde O'Neal
Charlie Ferguson
Robert Q. Sutherland
Robert E. Hable
Charlie Ferguson
Robert Q. Sutherland
Robert E. Hable
Literature
Brown, Dr. Jim, The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame, The Texas Gun Collector, Spring 1986, page 15.
Serven, James E., Colt Cartridge Pistols, The Foundation Press, np, 1952, page 28
Serven, James E., The Rare and Valuable Antique Arms, Pioneer Press, np, 1976, page 57
Wilson, R.L. The Book of Colt Firearms, Blue Book Publications, Inc., Minneapolis, 1993, page 233
Serven, James E., Colt Cartridge Pistols, The Foundation Press, np, 1952, page 28
Serven, James E., The Rare and Valuable Antique Arms, Pioneer Press, np, 1976, page 57
Wilson, R.L. The Book of Colt Firearms, Blue Book Publications, Inc., Minneapolis, 1993, page 233