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COLT SAA FIRST .44 CF "RARE" ONE OF THREE WITH- LETTERS!
Guns International #: 100982181 Seller's Inventory #: RARE COLT SAA REV. #36026- KOPEC LTR.
Category: Antique Revolvers - Cartridge - Colt Revolvers - Antique
Seller's Information
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Seller: Vintage Antique Weapons
Member Since: 2/8/11
State: Oregon
Country: United States
Phone: (541) 267-7011
Fax: (541) 267-7011
Number of Active Listings: 0
Total Number of Listings: 399
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
3 days
Payment Types Accepted: U.S.P.S M.O. or Bank Cashiers Chk. Personal Check with hold
Description:
RARE SINGLE ACTION ARMY , MODEL 1873, COLT REVOLVER. COMES WITH FACTORY LETTER. SN 36026. Cal. 44 RF Henry/44 WCF (44-40). This revolver has a somewhat long history beginning on April 26, 1877 when it was shipped to Colt's London Agency for delivery to the Turkish Government for test trials. It seems that Baron Von Oppen, Colt's brother-in-law and European representative, had learned that Winchester was attempting to sell the Turkish Government some 30,000 of their, then available, 44 caliber revolvers. He hurriedly contacted Gen. Franklin, Colt's Vice President regarding the situation. Gen. Franklin, under the impression that Turkey was using the Winchester Model 1873, had three revolvers, including this one, made up and shipped to the London agency for delivery to Constantinople. This was apparently done in very short order as this revolver has no British proofs indicating it did not stay in England for any length of time. Gen. Franklin's mistaken belief regarding the model of the Turkish rifles being .44RF Henry for the 1866 Winchester rather than the Cal 44-40 of the Model 1873, led to the modification of this revolver, apparently by a Turkish armorer. He cleverly replaced the orig firing pin with a hook-billed, pointed, flat firing pin retained with a single rivet and modified the frame firing pin recess to accommodate this rimfire adaptation. (see pics) It is readily apparent in looking into the chambers that this revolver was fired innumerable times using the much shorter 44 rimfire case as there is a ring in each chamber at precisely the correct distance to where the mouth of the rimfire case would have been. The areas forward of the ring & face of cylinder have heavy pitting, a further indication of heavy use by these corrosive cartridges. The original first type ejector rod housing was apparently lost or damaged and replaced during the period of use with a later second type stud mounted into the orig screw hole in barrel. Unfortunately the person doing this work was not an accomplished gunsmith as the stud extends into the bore. (see pics) . It still retains its orig bullseye ejector rod head. This revolver is described as having a standard 7-1/2" bbl with 1-line "script" address with serifs at each end. The bore has the standard rifling of six wide lands & grooves and was produced for the earlier rimfire revolvers. It has the broken die in the "O" of "CO" and on the "A" in "HARTFORD" of the barrel address. It is thought that this address was completely discontinued in the early 20,000 serial range, therefore further supporting the theory that this was a recycled 44 rimfire bbl that Colt was simply disposing of. As it stands, this is on record as probably being the highest serial numbered revolver with a script barrel address. This revolver also has the Cal. marking "44 CF" on left shoulder of trigger guard and is mounted with a 1-pc walnut grip. There is a spurious "U.S." stamp on left side of frame. Accompanied by a 3-page letter from renowned author, researcher & collector, John Kopec detailing most of the above information. Also accompanied by a copy of the Summer 2002 The Rampant Colt magazine in which Mr. Kopec has also written a 3-page article with photographs of this same revolver. Additionally accompanied by a Colt Factory letter identifying this revolver as having been shipped to Colt's London Agency April 26, 1877 in a shipment of three same type guns. The other two serial numbers are 36327 & 36264. Good condition, all matching including barrel & cylinder. Traces of orig finish remain in very sheltered areas being mostly a smooth gray/brown patina. Grip is sound showing heavy wear with traces of orig varnish. Buttstrap screw is battered as are the frame screws and the base pin screw. Hammer is not solid in safety or half cock notches, otherwise mechanics are fine, strong bright bore with fine pitting. Buyer pay $25.00 shipping to lower 48 states. International shipping is $90.00 for Express Shipping to most locations, plus a $20.00 Bank Wire Fee. I accept USPS Money Orders or Bank Cashier's Check. Will accept Personal check, with shipping, hold. Add 3% For Credit Card Purchase. Three day non-firing, non-disassembly inspection period. If returned, for any reason, full refund less shipping. Layaway Available! More Pictures Avaiable! ANTIQUE
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: COLT
Model: Single Action Army
Serial Number: Serial #36026
Caliber Info: .44RF
Bore: 7.5
Chambers: 6 shot
Ejectors: barrel ejector
Condition: Very Good
Metal Condition: Patina
Wood Condition: solid, very good, light loss
Bore Condition: Very Good
Barrels: ONE
Barrel Type: round
Action: Single Action
Triggers: one
Stock: WALNUT
Finish: PATINA
Weight: 2.4
Sights: open
Manufacture Date: 1877
Extras: Historical Letters