4161 FINE & RARE OTTO BODENSTEIN ENGRAVED COLT SINGLE

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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2025 May 11 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 5,000.00 USD
Estimated at 10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
ACTION ARMY REVOLVER, 1881 WITH FACTORY LETTER. Cal. 45 Colt. S# 73310. Bbl. 7 1/2 ". Standard configuration Colt SAA with Colt archive record stating shipped Oct. 12, 1881 "SOFT" to Schuyler Hartley and Graham, New York City. This revolver is pictured in Jerry Hemphill's 1990 published "COLTS FROM TEXAS AND THE OLD WEST" on page 140. It is pictured in that book with checkered ivory grips. Revolver is engraved by Otto Bodenstein. His engraving for Colt is short lived, only noted for short period where his very distinct "Merwin & Hulbert" style rope and tiny punch dots. When Bodenstein engraved exclusively for Hopkins & Allen who manufactured the Merwin revolvers, often a colored enamel was added to engraving for a unique finish, Saint Andrew crosses on both top forward portions of frame and rarely seen quarter panel fan on the left side abutting trigger guard but classic Bodenstein attributed examples, all shipped to Schuyler, Harley, & Graham April & October, 1881. Matching serial numbers are found on frame, trigger guard, and backstrap. A major auction sold this revolver as "barrel is modern replacement", but no doubt barrel is original, the high condition fooled their describer. This revolver saw little use and retains most of its nickel plating except of the left side of frame that was overcleaned from apparently rust or corrosion, (possibly from sitting in holster for long time).UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Colt Archives letter stating the following: "Serial Number: 73310 / Caliber: 45/c / Barrel Length: Not Listed / Finish: "Soft" / Type of Stocks: Not Listed / Shipped to: Hartley and Graham / Address: New York, New York / Date of Shipment: October 12, 1881 / Number of Same Type Guns in Shipment / 25". CONDITION: very good to fine, complete and original with exception of cylinder pin and grips as noted. Retaining about 80% original nickel on barrel, cylinder, trigger guard, and right side of frame. Left side of frame has traces of nickel with overall gray patina with pitting. Backstrap has about 20% nickel in protected area on butt. The mechanics are excellent, bright shiny rifled bore. PROVENANCE: John W. Stewart collection; Nick Shannon collection; Murry Cathlina collection. (01-26603/BH). ANTIQUE. $10,000-15,000.