Lot 87

Texas Shipped Colt "Fluted" Sheriff's Model Single Action Army

Previous image preload Next image preload

Texas Shipped Colt "Fluted" Sheriff's Model Single Action Army

Estimate: $8,500 - $13,000

Starting Bid: $7,500

(0 Bids)

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

Highly Desirable Documented Houston, Texas, Shipped Antique Colt "Fluted" Frame Sheriff's Model Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letters Two accompanying factory letters both state this revolver was shipped on November 27, 1896, to J.S. Dunlay in Houston, Texas, in .45 caliber with a 4 inch barrel, blue finish, and hard rubber grips, as one of 4 guns of the same type in the shipment. The listed retailer went by the full name of J.S. Dunlay Hardware Company at the time of this revolvers shipment in 1896, and the firm operated just prior as Dunlay & Geisler at the same location on Travis Street in Houston, Texas. This is one of only 70 recorded in factory ledgers in this specific configuration with a 4 inch barrel and blue 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. 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. This Sheriff's Model revolver has the desirable "fluted" frame which differs from standard frame revolvers that have provisions for an ejector rod. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line Colt Hartford address and "45 COLT." is on the left. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent date markings and a circled Rampant Colt. Matching visible serial numbers are marked on the frame, trigger guard, and butt, unnumbered cylinder and grips, and assembly number "14" on the loading gate. This revolver is listed by its serial number and configuration on page 390 of "Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia: Volume 2" by Keith Cochran.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Single Action Army

BBL: 4 inch round

Gauge: 45 Long Colt

Finish: blue/casehardened

Grips: hard rubber

Serial Number159326

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: Earl Whitney; The Charles Marx Collection
  • Condition: Good overall with frontier character, exhibiting antiqued brown and gray patina, pitting, replacement cylinder pin and grip screw, wear, and mostly legible markings. Mechanically excellent. A desirable example of a "fluted" frame Colt Sheriff's Model Single Action Army revolver shipped to Houston, Texas!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Rock Island Auction will contact you shortly after the auction has completed. We will arrange for shipping and or pickup.

Rock Island Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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