Lot 41

Texas Shipped Antique Colt Sheriff's Model Single Action Army

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Texas Shipped Antique Colt Sheriff's Model Single Action Army

Estimate: $7,500 - $11,000

Starting Bid: $6,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
June 27, 2026 5:00 PM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Highly Desirable Documented Houston, Texas, Shipped Antique Colt Sheriff's Model Single Action Army Revolver with 4 Inch Barrel and Factory Letter There are arguably no other firearms in existence that exude the grit, style, and character of the American frontier quite like the Colt Single Action Army revolver. Colt's "Peacemaker" is universally recognizable the world over and is instantly associated with the turbulent period of America's westward expansion, even by those with very little knowledge of firearms, confirming its truly iconic status as an American legend. The Single Action Army revolver was adopted by the U.S. government and carried extensively by cavalry troopers in the West, helping to forge its reputation as a rugged and dependable sidearm. The Colt was adopted with equal fervor by civilians, with settlers, lawmen, outlaws, miners, cowboys, and shopkeepers purchasing them in large numbers, and while there were certainly many other option 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 produced in limited numbers, offering an often lighter, quicker handling, and more concealable version of the "Peacemaker", making it a logical choice for some lawmen and also shopkeepers. These same attributes of course, made the Sheriff's Models equally popular with those on the wrong side of the law, finding popularity among those that favored a hidden, quick shooting revolver for more dastardly deeds. Just like the other variations of the Single Action Army, these Sheriff's Model 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. It is a legacy that has remained strong to this day, making these revolvers highly desirable among today's collectors as treasured pieces of Americana. This particular example was manufactured in 1894 when much of the West remained decidedly untamed. The included factory letter lists this revolver in .45 caliber with a 4 inch barrel, blue finish, and grips not listed when shipped to Dunlay & Geisler in Houston, Texas, on 31 January 1894 as one of three guns of this type in the shipment. It is noted on p. 331 of "The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver 1873-1895" by the Wilkersons and Hoyt that in the serial number range of 1 to 164100, only seven Sheriff's Models were ordered with 4 inch barrels, blue finish, and grips not listed, while another three were ordered with the grips listed as rubber. On p. 273-274 of the same book, the authors note that the Houston, Texas, retailer Dunlay & Geisler seems to have developed a market for the short-barreled, ejectorless revolvers, being one of the primary buyers of Sheriff's Models in the early 1890s. The same book notes that in 1894 only ten ejectorless revolver were ordered in .45 caliber, nine of which were ordered by the Houston retailer. The top of the barrel has the standard two-line address, while the caliber marking is on the left. The left of the frame has the two-line patent dates followed by the circled Rampant Colt. The matching visible serial number is on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. "V" is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder. It is fitted with a blade front sight, frame-top groove rear sight, and a pair of checkered hard rubber grips with Rampant Colts at the tops and American eagles at the bottoms.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Single Action Army

BBL: 4 inch round

Gauge: 45 Long Colt

Finish: blue/casehardened

Grips: hard rubber

Serial Number154054

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection
  • Condition: Very good, exhibiting the charming and desirable character of the American West, retaining traces of the original blue finish in sheltered areas with the balance a mixed grey and brown patina with a few scattered patches of light surface pitting, typical of a frontier sidearm. The grips are also very good with moderate handling wear, a light chip near the top edge on the right, light handling marks, and mostly distinct imagery and checkering. Mechanically excellent. A highly desirable Colt Sheriff's Model that certainly has the look of having spent time in the West!

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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