4055

BLUE AND GOLD FINISHED ENGRAVED COLT SAA LONG

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:22,500.00 USD Estimated At:45,000.00 - 60,000.00 USD
BLUE AND GOLD FINISHED ENGRAVED COLT SAA LONG

FLUTE REVOLVER. Cal. 45 Colt. S# 329146. Bbl. 5 1/2" with a Marbles No. 5 ivory bead front sight. Six shot long flute double action style cylinder. Backstrap is factory inscribed "W. J. S. / FROM / Patsy, Apr. 6/19". Factory engraving consists of 3/4 coverage vine type foliate scroll with beaded backgrounds on frame and barrel. Scroll highlights and fancy borders are found on cylinder, top strap, triggerguard, backstrap, and ejector housing. Case colored frame and hammer along with blue grip straps and ejector housing are highlighted by gold finished cylinder and barrel. One piece ivory grips with rampant Colt medallions having a raised long horn steer head on right panel. Production of long flute single actions began in August of 1915 with a specially assigned serial number range beginning at 330,001 & continuing to 331,049. Pages 156 & 157 of "A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver" by Graham, Kopek & Moore discuss original long flute revolvers with serial numbers out of sequence. Their research uncovered 8 out of range long flute revolvers, including serial numbers 38915, 39925 & 39983. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Colt factory letter dated Oct. 26, 1984 signed by M. S. Huber, Historian. Letter states the following: "Serial Number 329146. Caliber: .45/c. Barrel Length: 5 1/2". Finish: Blue. Type of Stocks: Carved Steer's Head Ivory. Factory Engraved: Yes, also inscription on backstrap. Shipped To: W. J. Strike. Date of Shipment: May 8, 1915. Our records indicate Double Action Cylinders (long flute) were placed on Single Actions and Bisley from 330001 through 331479 inclusive. As noted finish is blue but records indicate Gold barrel and cylinder and marble sight". CONDITION: very fine, showing evidence of refinishing that validates the notes in the factory letter that indicate gold barrel and cylinder and marble sight when earlier records stated blue finish. Cylinder and barrel retain over 80% gold finish, showing scattered wear spots and thinning. Frame retains 90% lightly faded case colors. Grip straps and small parts retain over 95% blue. Trigger and cylinder latch screws retain brilliant fire blue. Ivory grips have acquired a mellow aged patina with light checkering visible at butt. Crisp action. Bore is bright with strong rifling showing a few small spots. (21-4589/DS). CURIO. $45,000-60,000.