Lot 1089

Colt Sheriff's Model Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army

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Colt Sheriff's Model Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army

Estimate: $7,500 - $11,000

Starting Bid: $6,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Very Scarce and Desirable Nickel Plated Etched Panel Antique Colt Sheriff's Model Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letters The Colt Single Action Army revolver is the most iconic of all American firearms and remains forever linked to the American West and its legendary gunslingers. To this day, there is arguably no other firearm in existence that exudes the grit, style, and character of the American frontier like the Colt Single Action Army. It is instantly recognizable around the world. The Single Action Army in .44-40 W.C.F. in particular is interwoven into the tales of the West, being nicknamed the "Frontier Six Shooter" by major Colt distributor J. P. Moore's Sons to differentiate it from the .45 Long Colt variation nicknamed the "Peacemaker." The Frontier Six Shooter was particularly desirable as it could utilize the same ammunition as Winchester's popular Model 1873 rifles and carbines. The ejector-less variation of Colt's revolvers are one of the rarest and most highly sought-after variations and is widely known today as the Sheriff's Model. These revolvers are particularly associated with the West's iconic lawmen whose speed and accuracy with a sixgun was all too often a matter of life and death. The Sheriff's Model was a logical choice for lawmen in the steadily growing frontier towns of the late 19th century. Without an ejector, the revolver was lighter, sleeker, and less likely to snag, and the shorter barrel lengths were lighter and easier to carry and also cleared a holster faster. A 4 3/4 inch example with factory engraving and carved pearl grips was notably a favored sidearm of lawman Jeff Milton. The same attributes naturally made the Sheriff's Model equally well-suited for outlaws. Though they found favor with plenty of gunmen for these benefits, the Sheriff's Model was produced in very limited numbers compared to the standard Single Action Army revolvers. The Wilkersons and Hoyt in "The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver, 1873-1895" indicate that less than 600 Sheriff's Model revolvers were recorded across all barrel lengths and caliber variations between 1882 and the 1930s. On page 338, they indicate that Colt only manufactured 38 non-engraved ejector-less Sheriff's Model revolvers in .44-40 W.C.F. with 4 inch barrels and nickel finish in the 1-164100 serial number range making this example manufactured in 1887 a particularly rare example. Three different included factory letters state this Sheriff's Model revolver was not shipped until May 13, 1899, to Simmons Hardware Co. in St. Louis, Missouri, in .44-40 caliber with a 4 inch barrel, nickel finish, and hard rubber grip as part of a shipment of 6 guns of the same type. The barrel has the two-line Colt Hartford address on top and a small "44" caliber marking on the underside. The three-line patent date markings are on the left of the frame, and "44 CAL" is on the left of the trigger guard. Matching visible serial numbers are marked on the frame, trigger guard, and butt, with assembly number "419" on the loading gate. Three period tally marks are on the butt of the left grip, five small period "kill" notches are on the forward lower edge of the right grip, and various period hand etched initials are located on the interiors of both grips.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Single Action Army

BBL: 4 inch round

Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Finish: nickel

Grips: hard rubber

Serial Number123322

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: Herb Glass; Douglas R. Carlson; The Charles Marx Collection
  • Condition: Fine with the desirable patina of a well traveled sidearm, retains 50% original nickel finish, with smooth gray patina on the balance, light pitting, and a clear etched panel. The grips are also fine, with well-defined edges, light handling marks, crisp checkering and designs. Mechanically excellent. Whether on the holster of a lawman, carried by an outlaw, or under the counter of a storekeeper's shop, the Colt Sheriff's Model Single Action Army was at the front lines of the American frontier and remains easily one of the most sought-after variations of the legendary Peacemaker by collectors today.

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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