3149 ONE OF A KIND DOCUMENTED FACTORY EBONY GRIPPED

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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2026 Nov 08 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 15,000.00 USD
Estimated at 30,000.00 - 50,000.00 USD
"FLUTED" FRAME SHERIFF'S MODEL COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER SAA REVOLVER. Cal. 44-40. S# 122378. Mfg. 1890 with one of the rarest features found on a Colt SAA revolver: factory ebony grips. According to "THE OFFICIAL RECORD OF THE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER 1873-1895" by Wilkerson, out of the total of 164,100 black powder frame revolvers produced across all calibers and configurations, only 4 revolvers are listed as being shipped with Factory Ebony grips. All 4 revolvers were chambered for the 44-40 caliber. Two are listed as factory engraved, 7 1/2" nickel/gold. One is listed as 5 1/2" blue. One is listed as 4" blue (this revolver). To put this into perspective, one would be more likely to encounter a factory gold plated SAA revolver than one stocked with factory ebony grips. Grips aside, "Sheriff" or "Storekeeper" ejectorless SAA revolvers are very scarce and highly sought after. Production total production estimates vary anywhere from 600-1,000 examples with barrel lengths ranging from 2 1/2" to 7 1/2". Page 338 of the aforementioned text state that only 38 blackpowder frame SAA revolvers were mfg. with blued finish and a 4" bbl. in this caliber. Another rare feature is the early "fluted" frame. "A STUDY OF THE COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY" by Graham, Kopec & Moore states on page 67 "Beginning in the 122,000 or 123,000 SNR the specially forged fluted Sheriff's Model frames were discontinued" making this revolver one of the last produced with this style frame. Included letter from Colt Authority Ron Graham in regards to another specific fluted frame SAA states that total estimated production for this frame style to be only 150-175 across all calibers and configurations. Bbl. 4" Ejectorless.with modified blade front sight and 2 line bbl. address. Left side of bbl. has etched panel "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER". Bottom of bbl stamped with small "44", second digit distorted by small dents. Left front side of trigger guard bow stamped "44 CAL". Left side of frame bears 3 line patent date. Matching numbers on frame, trigger guard & grip frame. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Colt factory letter stating the following: Serial Number: 122378 / Caliber: .44/40 / Barrel Length: 4" / Finish: Blue / Type of Stocks: Ebony / Shipped To: W.H. Clarke / Address: Omaha, Nebraska / Date of Shipment: June 5, 1890 / Number of Same Type Guns in Shipment: 1". CONDITION: overall attractive aged appearance. Metal surfaces have faded to an even gray / brown patina having scattered light dings, scratches and evidence of cleaned oxidation. Original blue is present in protected areas. Etched panel is clearly visible. Grips are solid but worn with added layer of finish over scattered light scratches & impressions. Bore shows strong rifling with a lightly frosted appearance having scattered areas of light oxidation. Some screw head slots show minor distortion. Mechanically excellent. A once in a lifetime opportunity to own the only known factory ebony stocked fluted frame Sheriffs model in existence. (01-30290/BH). ANTIQUE. $30,000-50,000.