Lot 10

Benchmark Colt Sheriff's Model Single Action Army Revolver

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Benchmark Colt Sheriff's Model Single Action Army Revolver

Estimate: $80,000 - $150,000

Starting Bid: $70,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Magnificent Benchmark Antique Colt Sheriff's Model Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter We are honored to present this drop dead gorgeous original 1887 production nickel plated antique Colt Sheriff's Model Single Action Army revolver. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver as the sole gun of its type in a later dated shipment on May 12, 1892, to John P. Lovell Arms Company in Boston, Massachusetts, in .45 caliber with a 4 inch barrel, nickel finish, and type of grips not listed. The revolver is wearing a correct set of unnumbered factory checkered hard rubber grips with Rampant Colts and patriotic eagles. This is one of only 37 recorded in factory ledgers in this specific configuration with a 4 inch barrel and nickel finish out of only 224 total non-engraved Sheriff's Model revolvers in .45 Long Colt in the 1-164100 serial range per page 326 of "The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver, 1873-1895" by the Wilkersons and Hoyt. Just under 600 ejectorless Sheriff's Model Single Action Army revolvers total were produced in all calibers between 1882 to the 1930s, making them among the rarest and most sought after variations of the legendary Peacemaker. The Sheriff's Model was popular with civilians, settlers, lawmen, outlaws, miners, cowboys, and shopkeepers, and while there were certainly many other options for sidearms available to those on the frontier, there is little question that the Single Action Army was the most widely desired and most prevalent. These ejectorless Sheriff's Models were a variation offering a lighter, quicker handling, and more concealable version of the "Peacemaker," making it a logical choice for some lawmen and also shopkeepers. Whether on the hip of a lawman, carried by an outlaw or under the counter of a storekeeper's shop, the Sheriff's Model was at the front lines of the American frontier. Just like the other variations of the Single Action Army, these Sheriff's Models forged their legacy in the turbulence and struggle of the American West, often seeing many years of hard use in the harsh environment of the frontier, leaving surviving examples in any condition quite limited. These were considered working guns. This example, however, shows little to no evidence of having been used, making it an incredible rarity today and serving as a true time capsule. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line Colt Hartford address and a small "S" is marked on bottom. "45 CAL" is marked on the left of the trigger guard. The matching visible serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and butt, unnumbered cylinder marked with a small "G" on the rear, and assembly number "421" is on the loading gate.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Single Action Army

BBL: 4 inch round

Gauge: 45 Long Colt

Finish: nickel

Grips: hard rubber

Serial Number123289

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The Nick Shannon Collection
  • Condition: Excellent, retains 97% plus bright original nickel plating, the vast majority of the original fiery niter blue finish on the cylinder pin and screws, with minor surface flaking around two of the cylinder flutes, some delicate minor surface freckling, and absolutely sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. The grips are also excellent, with well-defined edges, some areas slightly brown in appearance, a few minor handling marks, crisp checkering and designs. Mechanically excellent. This is a true benchmark. One will search a lifetime to find an equivalent example of an antique Colt Sheriff's Model Single Action Army revolver!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$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
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000