Historic Black Powder Colt Sheriff's Model Single Action Army Revolver Inscribed to C.L. Thomas with Factory Letter and Holster Manufactured in 1887. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with a 3 1/2 inch barrel in .38 Colt caliber, blue finish (currently nickel) and hard rubber grips when it was shipped to Hartley and Graham of New York City on September 19, 1889, as part of a 4 gun shipment. It has been estimated that only about 1,000 of these "ejectorless" revolvers were manufactured of which approximately 305 had a 3 1/2 inch barrel. The top of the barrel has the two-line address, and the left side of the frame has the three-line patent dates marking. The trigger guard is stamped "45 CAL" under the factory overstamp "38 CAL." The barrel gauges at .38 caliber. The back strap is inscribed "C.L. Thomas." Matching serial numbers are found on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. Comes with an unmarked open top leather holster. According to the included July 3, 1957, dated notarized document written by Irion County, Texas, Judge Sam B. Thomas, "C.L. Thomas" is Katy Railway (Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad Company) detective Charlie Thomas, who carried this revolver when "he was killed while taking a prisoner" near Belton, Texas, in October 1891. Manufacturer: Colt Model: Single Action Army BBL: 3 1/2 inch round Stock: Gauge: 38 LC Finish: nickel Grips: hard rubber Serial Number: 122374 Class: Antique Condition: Fine as period retailer plated by Hartley and Graham. The revolver retains 40% plus original nickel finish with the balance a smooth brown-gray patina. There is some minor pitting. The slightly oversized correct replacement grips are fine with high edge wear, some minor-moderate handling evidence on the bottoms and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. The holster is fine showing flex wear and overall tight stitching.

  • Condition: See Description

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by Rock Island Auction Company
December 2, 2017 9:00 AM CST
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, IL, US 61201

Rock Island Auction Company

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$200 $499 $25
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$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
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