Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this VERY RARE single-action revolver today for a penny-start auction; this is the Colt Single Action Army!
As a factory-engraved example, this Frontier Six Shooter stands as one of the rarest and most coveted variants of the Colt Single Action Army. According to The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver 1873-1895, only 421 factory-engraved SAAs chambered in .44-40 WCF were produced within the 1-164100 serial number range, making this particular model an exceptional and highly sought-after collector’s piece.
Colt Factory letter Details:
Serial Number: 138362
Caliber: 44/40
Barrel Length: 4 3/4
Finish: Nickel
Type of Stocks: Pearl, with carved Eagle motif on right stock
Factory Engraved: Yes
Shipped To: Simmons Hardware Company
Address: St. Louis, Missouri
Number of same type of guns in Shipment: 1
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Colt
Model: Single Action Army Frontier Six Shooter
Serial: 138362
Date of Manufacture: 1891
Caliber: .44-40 WCF
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: 4 ¾"
Optics/Sights: Rounded Blade Front with Integrated V-Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Pearl with Inlaid Colt Medallions
Action: Single
Markings: Standard / Highly desirable factory engravings
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
A group of five distributors, known as the “Colt Allies“ consisted of Schuyler, Hartley & Graham, J. P. Moore’s Sons, H & D Folsom, Spies, and Kissan (all from New York), and Benjamin Kittredge of Cincinnati. These distributors contracted with Colt in 1875 to buy 12,000 Colt Single Action Army revolvers and to handle advertising and promotion. A new name would be required to differentiate between the .45 caliber “Peacemaker” and the .44-40 caliber revolver. The Peacemaker had been named by Benjamin Kittredge & Company, which used the name on a broadside advertisement along with an illustration of the revolver, simplifying ordering. The first .44-40 caliber revolvers that were shipped domestically went to J. P. Moore’s Sons on November 30, 1877. On January 17, 1878, they sent a letter to Hugh Harbison, Colt treasurer (who personally handled the Colt Allies’ accounts), and requested that in forthcoming shipments, the name “Frontier Six Shooter” be etched on the barrels. Colt recognized this suggestion as a great marketing idea and added their name to the proposed panel. Thus the name for the Single Action Army in .44-40 caliber was coined “Colt Frontier Six Shooter”. J. P. Moore’s Son’s received the first .44-40 caliber revolvers with etched barrels on February 6, 1878.
Model: Single Action Army Frontier Six Shooter
Serial: 138362
Date of Manufacture: 1891
Caliber: .44-40 WCF
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: 4 ¾"
Optics/Sights: Rounded Blade Front with Integrated V-Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Pearl with Inlaid Colt Medallions
Action: Single
Markings: Standard / Highly desirable factory engravings
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
A group of five distributors, known as the “Colt Allies“ consisted of Schuyler, Hartley & Graham, J. P. Moore’s Sons, H & D Folsom, Spies, and Kissan (all from New York), and Benjamin Kittredge of Cincinnati. These distributors contracted with Colt in 1875 to buy 12,000 Colt Single Action Army revolvers and to handle advertising and promotion. A new name would be required to differentiate between the .45 caliber “Peacemaker” and the .44-40 caliber revolver. The Peacemaker had been named by Benjamin Kittredge & Company, which used the name on a broadside advertisement along with an illustration of the revolver, simplifying ordering. The first .44-40 caliber revolvers that were shipped domestically went to J. P. Moore’s Sons on November 30, 1877. On January 17, 1878, they sent a letter to Hugh Harbison, Colt treasurer (who personally handled the Colt Allies’ accounts), and requested that in forthcoming shipments, the name “Frontier Six Shooter” be etched on the barrels. Colt recognized this suggestion as a great marketing idea and added their name to the proposed panel. Thus the name for the Single Action Army in .44-40 caliber was coined “Colt Frontier Six Shooter”. J. P. Moore’s Son’s received the first .44-40 caliber revolvers with etched barrels on February 6, 1878.
The Colt Frontier Six Shooter, manufactured in the largest numbers, was a blued and case-hardened revolver. Nickel was an alternative finish offered by Colt, but was only 30% (approximately) of all revolvers manufactured. A variety of barrel lengths were available, with the most common being 7 1/2”, 5 1/2”, and 4 3/4”. The 7 1/2” barrel was the most popular length until 1889, when 57% of orders were for the 4 3/4” barrel. Plain revolvers were equipped with varnished walnut grips until 1882 and serial number range 75000 at which time a change was made to substitute rubber for wood as the standard grip material. In 1889, in serial number range 128000, the acid etch method of inscribing the motto “Colt Frontier Six Shooter” was changed to the roll die method.
As was the case with other Colt Single Action Army revolvers, the Colt Frontier Six Shooter was available with special features and finishes. This included engraving, grips of pearl, ivory, and ebony, as well as finishes of gold and silver. As a factory-engraved example, this Frontier Six Shooter is certainly one of the rarer and more highly sought-after SAAs. In "The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver 1873-1895," the authors accounted for a grand total of only 421 factory engraved SAAs chambered in .44-40 WCF in the 1-164100 serial number range.
Contents:
Contents:
Given its age, this firearm is remarkably well-preserved, exhibiting excellent overall condition. Additionally, this example will ship with the factory letter and a Genuine Colt Custom Shop presentation box with inlaid red velvet pictured above!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
