Later Colts
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This page describes Historical Arms that were recently sold at auction by registered auction houses.
ArtHitParade is not selling, offering or purchasing any commercial product whatever it is. This content is offered for a purpose of cultural and historical information.
See also : Historical arms Wild West
ArtHitParade is not selling, offering or purchasing any commercial product whatever it is. This content is offered for a purpose of cultural and historical information.
See also : Historical arms Wild West
1872 The Colt that won the West
2009 SOLD 860 K$ including premium
On January 18, Greg Martin Auctions sells in Las Vegas a remarkable collection of Colts, split in 77 lots. The auction house belongs to the Escala Companies.
We have already discussed the guns of that mark in this group, about the earliest models. Lot 51 of this next sale is more recent, but exceptional. This is the serial number 1 of the model Colt Single Action Army Revolver, patented in 1871 and 1872. For Americans, this six shots handgun is the "Colt that Won the West," and it was nicknamed "Peacemaker".
Here's what this firearm was then supposed telling to its owner. You will appreciate the true Western charm of this four lines of poetry:
"Be not afraid of any man,
No matter what his size,
Just call on me in time of need,
and I will equalize. "
This prestigious copy went to Christie's in 1987 and received the same year a leather showcase. After the sale, the purchaser has made some miniature replica edited by the U.S. Historical Society, Richmond, Virginia, with the authorization of the Colt company.
It is in fine condition (no more), and is estimated 500 K $.
POST SALE COMMENT
Excellent result for this serial number 1 of a prestigious model : $ 750 K before fees.
It is almost the price of the 1847 Colt Walker sold on 9 October 2008 at $ 800 K before fees by James D. Julia.
We have already discussed the guns of that mark in this group, about the earliest models. Lot 51 of this next sale is more recent, but exceptional. This is the serial number 1 of the model Colt Single Action Army Revolver, patented in 1871 and 1872. For Americans, this six shots handgun is the "Colt that Won the West," and it was nicknamed "Peacemaker".
Here's what this firearm was then supposed telling to its owner. You will appreciate the true Western charm of this four lines of poetry:
"Be not afraid of any man,
No matter what his size,
Just call on me in time of need,
and I will equalize. "
This prestigious copy went to Christie's in 1987 and received the same year a leather showcase. After the sale, the purchaser has made some miniature replica edited by the U.S. Historical Society, Richmond, Virginia, with the authorization of the Colt company.
It is in fine condition (no more), and is estimated 500 K $.
POST SALE COMMENT
Excellent result for this serial number 1 of a prestigious model : $ 750 K before fees.
It is almost the price of the 1847 Colt Walker sold on 9 October 2008 at $ 800 K before fees by James D. Julia.
1874 Cavalry Single Action Army
2022 SOLD for $ 760K by RIAC
A cavalry example of the Colt Single Action Army revolver with a battlefield history from the most famous event of the Indian Wars was sold for $ 760K from a lower estimate of $ 350K by RIAC on May 14, 2022, lot 1135. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
This .45 Long gauge Colt had been released from factory in 1874 within a lot of five attributed to the 7th Cavalry just before that company departed for the Black Hills expedition. After the battle of the Little Bighorn famous as the Custer massacre in 1876, it was picked with its worn Civil War period holster on the battlefield by a Native American villager.
The Indian kept it proudly and carefully as a war relic. In 1915 an elderly Native traded it in a shop near Denver for a pair of pants and a blanket and narrated its origin. It remained for four generations in the family of the shop owner. Its condition remains extremely fine overall and mechanically excellent in its original Cavalry model configuration.
This .45 Long gauge Colt had been released from factory in 1874 within a lot of five attributed to the 7th Cavalry just before that company departed for the Black Hills expedition. After the battle of the Little Bighorn famous as the Custer massacre in 1876, it was picked with its worn Civil War period holster on the battlefield by a Native American villager.
The Indian kept it proudly and carefully as a war relic. In 1915 an elderly Native traded it in a shop near Denver for a pair of pants and a blanket and narrated its origin. It remained for four generations in the family of the shop owner. Its condition remains extremely fine overall and mechanically excellent in its original Cavalry model configuration.
1876 The Colt from the Little Bighorn
2017 SOLD for $ 460K including premium
The Battle of the Little Bighorn, fought on June 25 and 26, 1876, was a military triumph for the Native Americans. Custer had divided his troops into three battalions. No soldier from his battalion survived.
After the fire had stopped Captain Benteen, who was leading one of the other two battalions, visited the field of the massacre. The scattered dead men were stripped of all that might be useful to the Indians. Benteen identified Custer's corpse.
The looting was almost perfect except some artefacts that escaped the attention of the Indians. A guidon of the 7th Cavalry Regiment was sold for $ 2.2M including premium by Sotheby's on December 10, 2010. Benteen and his team picked up twelve Springfield rifles and three Colt revolvers of Single Action Army type.
Only one of these three Colt SAA remains in its original state. The other two were reissued during the Spanish-American War. This Colt is now the only unmodified revolver whose participation in the Little Bighorn is indisputable. For obvious reasons of security the Indians hid the firearms stolen from the US army and even when some of them went to resurface their true history could no longer be assessed.
This Colt from the Little Bighorn is in a heavy wear condition including bites related to blood stains. It is estimated in excess of $ 175K for sale by James D. Julia at Fairfield ME on April 11, lot 1129.
The Battle of the Little Bighorn also known as Custer's Last Stand holds a top position in the history of the conquest of the West. Julia remember that they sold in April 2000 for $ 680K including premium a forensically retrieved Winchester rifle used by an Indian warrior.
After the fire had stopped Captain Benteen, who was leading one of the other two battalions, visited the field of the massacre. The scattered dead men were stripped of all that might be useful to the Indians. Benteen identified Custer's corpse.
The looting was almost perfect except some artefacts that escaped the attention of the Indians. A guidon of the 7th Cavalry Regiment was sold for $ 2.2M including premium by Sotheby's on December 10, 2010. Benteen and his team picked up twelve Springfield rifles and three Colt revolvers of Single Action Army type.
Only one of these three Colt SAA remains in its original state. The other two were reissued during the Spanish-American War. This Colt is now the only unmodified revolver whose participation in the Little Bighorn is indisputable. For obvious reasons of security the Indians hid the firearms stolen from the US army and even when some of them went to resurface their true history could no longer be assessed.
This Colt from the Little Bighorn is in a heavy wear condition including bites related to blood stains. It is estimated in excess of $ 175K for sale by James D. Julia at Fairfield ME on April 11, lot 1129.
The Battle of the Little Bighorn also known as Custer's Last Stand holds a top position in the history of the conquest of the West. Julia remember that they sold in April 2000 for $ 680K including premium a forensically retrieved Winchester rifle used by an Indian warrior.
Colt .45 from 1 of General Custer’s soldiers at the Battle of the Little Bighorn: sold for $460,000 https://t.co/O8bML34Toq #antiques #guns pic.twitter.com/o5bq6bF6iE
— Maine Antique Digest (@AntiqueDigest) July 3, 2017
1876-1880 From Buggy to Buntline
2012 SOLD 550 K$ including premium
On September 9 in Rock Island IL, Rock Island Auction Company sells a revolver from one of the most stunning models of the nineteenth century.
In 1876, on the occasion of the extraordinary Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia, Coltidentifies as the "buggy rifles" a type of revolver with very long barrel, .45 Long gauge, fitted with a detachable shoulder stock. About thirty serial numbers are assigned to this novelty, and the corresponding copies will be manufactured before 1882.
These thirty pieces include several variants. The example for sale got the longest available barrel, no less than 16 inches. In overall nice condition, it is estimated beyond $ 325K. It had been delivered in 1880 by Colt to a firearm dealer.
In December 2010, the same auction house sold $ 368K including premium a very similar unit in near new condition.
The term buggy rifle vanished after 1931. At that date, a novelist-biographer of the Wild West wanted to give a role, which has never been demonstrated, to his predecessor Ned Buntline in the promotion of this model. That "Colt Buntline" name will afterwards be generalized to other ultra-long barrel Colt revolvers.
History fades more and more behind legend. The spaghetti westerns of Sergio Leone relived these extraordinary firearms with which the villains brandishing them become even more wicked.
POST SALE COMMENT
This spectacular and extremely rare firearm exceeded its higher estimate. It was sold $ 490K before fees, $ 550K including premium. This is an excellent result.
Please watch the pre-auction video, shared by RIAC on YouTube, introducing three Colts including this exciting example :
In 1876, on the occasion of the extraordinary Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia, Coltidentifies as the "buggy rifles" a type of revolver with very long barrel, .45 Long gauge, fitted with a detachable shoulder stock. About thirty serial numbers are assigned to this novelty, and the corresponding copies will be manufactured before 1882.
These thirty pieces include several variants. The example for sale got the longest available barrel, no less than 16 inches. In overall nice condition, it is estimated beyond $ 325K. It had been delivered in 1880 by Colt to a firearm dealer.
In December 2010, the same auction house sold $ 368K including premium a very similar unit in near new condition.
The term buggy rifle vanished after 1931. At that date, a novelist-biographer of the Wild West wanted to give a role, which has never been demonstrated, to his predecessor Ned Buntline in the promotion of this model. That "Colt Buntline" name will afterwards be generalized to other ultra-long barrel Colt revolvers.
History fades more and more behind legend. The spaghetti westerns of Sergio Leone relived these extraordinary firearms with which the villains brandishing them become even more wicked.
POST SALE COMMENT
This spectacular and extremely rare firearm exceeded its higher estimate. It was sold $ 490K before fees, $ 550K including premium. This is an excellent result.
Please watch the pre-auction video, shared by RIAC on YouTube, introducing three Colts including this exciting example :
1879 A Peacemaker for the British Empire
2019 SOLD for $ 520K including premium
The Single Action Army (SAA) Colt revolver was an unprecedented success, with 357,000 units manufactured between 1873 and 1941. It is nicknamed the Peacemaker and also the Long Colt. It was designed for the US military with a .45 gauge. From the very first year some variants are prepared for export, starting with Prussia and England.
This firearm is made for use, not for prestige. The first opportunity to adorn SAAs with factory engraved panels is the Centennial Exhibition held in Philadelphia in 1876. The Colt's Fire Arms Co showcase is decorated with a spectacular rose window of revolvers including an inner corcle of sixteen SAAs.
One of them, a .45 in superb condition, was sold for $ 700K including premium by Julia in March 2009. The abundant engraving on nickel is attributed to Herman Ulrich. The side panels are illustrated respectively of a wolf and a bear in action in a mountain landscape. The rest of the piece is almost entirely embellished with foliated arabesques, plus a few secondary panels with floral motifs.
An engraved SAA is estimated $ 375K for sale by RIAC at Rock Island IL on December 6, lot 31. Its gauge is .455 in the British standard for use with black powder cartridges. Its serial number corresponds to a manufacture in 1879. The side panels are illustrated respectively of a bear hunt and a buffalo hunt, and a third panel shows a Native American on horseback.
All elements converge to consider it is as a piece of exhibition. Unknown up to now, it does not appear in Colt's sales records. It is in an almost mint condition with 95% of its original finish. The quality of the engraving by Herman Ulrich or Gustave Young is similar to the Centennial example described above.
The best scenario is that this revolver was prepared for the Melbourne International Exhibition of 1880, in which the Colt company participated, and that it was never returned to the stock. Please watch the video in which Kevin Hogan, president of the auction house, tells his investigation.
This firearm is made for use, not for prestige. The first opportunity to adorn SAAs with factory engraved panels is the Centennial Exhibition held in Philadelphia in 1876. The Colt's Fire Arms Co showcase is decorated with a spectacular rose window of revolvers including an inner corcle of sixteen SAAs.
One of them, a .45 in superb condition, was sold for $ 700K including premium by Julia in March 2009. The abundant engraving on nickel is attributed to Herman Ulrich. The side panels are illustrated respectively of a wolf and a bear in action in a mountain landscape. The rest of the piece is almost entirely embellished with foliated arabesques, plus a few secondary panels with floral motifs.
An engraved SAA is estimated $ 375K for sale by RIAC at Rock Island IL on December 6, lot 31. Its gauge is .455 in the British standard for use with black powder cartridges. Its serial number corresponds to a manufacture in 1879. The side panels are illustrated respectively of a bear hunt and a buffalo hunt, and a third panel shows a Native American on horseback.
All elements converge to consider it is as a piece of exhibition. Unknown up to now, it does not appear in Colt's sales records. It is in an almost mint condition with 95% of its original finish. The quality of the engraving by Herman Ulrich or Gustave Young is similar to the Centennial example described above.
The best scenario is that this revolver was prepared for the Melbourne International Exhibition of 1880, in which the Colt company participated, and that it was never returned to the stock. Please watch the video in which Kevin Hogan, president of the auction house, tells his investigation.
1880-1881 the Colt that killed Billy the Kid
2021 SOLD for $ 6M by Bonhams
From 1878 in New Mexico, the Lincoln County War is a conflict without mercy between gangs for the control of cattle and horses. The very young Billy the Kid, a robber from the age of 16, a murderer for any reason and a federal fugitive, went to be one of these gang leaders. He used several names in his short life, all of them in relation with his family.
In November 1880, Pat Garrett is elected sheriff of the county. Although his term was to begin on January 1, he immediately obtains a commission to pursue Billy the Kid within the limits of the county. On December 13 a $ 500 bounty is posted by the governor for the capture of the outlaw.
On December 23 Billy the Kid and his whole gang are captured by Garrett and his men. Sentenced to hang, Billy escapes from custody on April 28. While in jail his notoriety had raised through the local gazettes.
Garrett is not yet awarded with the bounty. On July 14, in search for the fugitive, he discusses the issue with a ranch owner. Around midnight a man enters the room in the dark. Garrett will state that he had recognized the voice of Billy the Kid. He fires twice and kills the man.
The revolver that killed Billy the Kid is a Colt Single Action Army made in 1880, taken near new by Garrett when he arrested the gang on November 23. It was sold for $ 6M from a lower estimate of $ 2M by Bonhams on August 27, 2021, lot 11.
The corpse was certified by the local justice of the peace but the reward was not paid to Garrett. He managed to respond to the rumors that he had been unfair. His biographical account of Billy the Kid co-authored by an itinerant journalist was considered as factual in period. It contributed to transform that ferocious but enigmatic desperado into the major folk hero of the Wild West.
A doubt still subsists on who was killed by Garrett on July 14. On July 28 a local newspaper reported that the outlaw had allowed his beard to grow and had stained his skin brown to look like a Mexican. Dead or alive, the mythic gang leader never resumed his criminal industry.
In November 1880, Pat Garrett is elected sheriff of the county. Although his term was to begin on January 1, he immediately obtains a commission to pursue Billy the Kid within the limits of the county. On December 13 a $ 500 bounty is posted by the governor for the capture of the outlaw.
On December 23 Billy the Kid and his whole gang are captured by Garrett and his men. Sentenced to hang, Billy escapes from custody on April 28. While in jail his notoriety had raised through the local gazettes.
Garrett is not yet awarded with the bounty. On July 14, in search for the fugitive, he discusses the issue with a ranch owner. Around midnight a man enters the room in the dark. Garrett will state that he had recognized the voice of Billy the Kid. He fires twice and kills the man.
The revolver that killed Billy the Kid is a Colt Single Action Army made in 1880, taken near new by Garrett when he arrested the gang on November 23. It was sold for $ 6M from a lower estimate of $ 2M by Bonhams on August 27, 2021, lot 11.
The corpse was certified by the local justice of the peace but the reward was not paid to Garrett. He managed to respond to the rumors that he had been unfair. His biographical account of Billy the Kid co-authored by an itinerant journalist was considered as factual in period. It contributed to transform that ferocious but enigmatic desperado into the major folk hero of the Wild West.
A doubt still subsists on who was killed by Garrett on July 14. On July 28 a local newspaper reported that the outlaw had allowed his beard to grow and had stained his skin brown to look like a Mexican. Dead or alive, the mythic gang leader never resumed his criminal industry.
The Early West, our upcoming auction on 27 Aug, features one of the most iconic weapons of the American Wild West — the gun that killed 19th century outlaw #BillytheKid.
— Bonhams (@bonhams1793) July 22, 2021
h/t @Reuters
1888 Bat Masterson's Colt
2021 SOLD for $ 490K by RIAC
Bat Masterson did it all, from the frontier to New York City : buffalo hunter, Indian fighter, US Army scout, faro dealer in the saloons, sheriff, pursuer of all sorts of outlaws, theater owner, womanizer, prizefighting and boxing operator, sport columnist. He was on the side of the law, although often borderline. He was a friend of Wyatt Earp at Dodge City and of President Roosevelt much later. He was uncompromising without being keen of killing.
He was also a notorious gunfighter, ever ready to argue the self-defense. From 1879 to 1888, he ordered to Colt nine special Single Action Army revolvers for his own use, requiring an easy trigger and a higher sight.
The revolver supplied in 1885 by Colt to Masterson in Dodge City, Kansas was sold for $ 375K by Bonhams on August 27, 2021, lot 14.
The revolver supplied to him in 1888 in Denver, Colorado, accompanied with its original holster and belt rig, was sold for $ 490K by RIAC on May 14, 2021, lot 103.
He was also a notorious gunfighter, ever ready to argue the self-defense. From 1879 to 1888, he ordered to Colt nine special Single Action Army revolvers for his own use, requiring an easy trigger and a higher sight.
The revolver supplied in 1885 by Colt to Masterson in Dodge City, Kansas was sold for $ 375K by Bonhams on August 27, 2021, lot 14.
The revolver supplied to him in 1888 in Denver, Colorado, accompanied with its original holster and belt rig, was sold for $ 490K by RIAC on May 14, 2021, lot 103.
1891-1895 the Colt that killed John Wesley Hardin
2021 SOLD for $ 860K by Bonhams
John Wesley Hardin was one of the foremost gunfighters of the Wild West. Sentenced in 1878 to 25 years in jail, he complacently wrote an autobiography in a view to become a folk hero and studied law not without some success. He was released from prison in February 1894 and moved to El Paso, Texas, circa January 1895. He soon fell again to crime, drink and gamble.
John Selman Sr had been a gang leader in the Lincoln County war. The former outlaw went to El Paso where he worked as a constable.
The story of the Wild West is a long series of crimes followed by lawsuits in which the killers claim the self-defense. The El Paso story is as follows.
The semi-prostitute Beulah M'Roze is an acquaintance to Hardin. Her husband is killed in June 1895 in the presence of Scarborough. The ever boastful Harlin claims while drinking that he had paid Scarborough for the crime. Selman's son John Jr heavily fines the widow M'Roze on a drunk and disorderly charge. Hardin insults the Selmans.
On August 19, Hardin plays dice at the bar of the saloon. Selman Sr enters and kills Hardin by a gun shot in the back of the head. Selman testifies that he was in self-defense when he saw Hardin taking hold of a gun. Released on bond pending a retrial, Selman Sr is killed by Scarborough.
Both guns from the August 19 story were exhibited at Selman's trial and referred in the proceedings with their serial numbers. Both were auctioned together by the court and did not part one another until they were sold separately by Bonhams on August 27, 2021.
Selman's gun, a Colt revolver made in 1891, was sold for $ 860K, lot 20. Hardin's Smith and Wesson revolver was sold for $ 630K, lot 19.
John Selman Sr had been a gang leader in the Lincoln County war. The former outlaw went to El Paso where he worked as a constable.
The story of the Wild West is a long series of crimes followed by lawsuits in which the killers claim the self-defense. The El Paso story is as follows.
The semi-prostitute Beulah M'Roze is an acquaintance to Hardin. Her husband is killed in June 1895 in the presence of Scarborough. The ever boastful Harlin claims while drinking that he had paid Scarborough for the crime. Selman's son John Jr heavily fines the widow M'Roze on a drunk and disorderly charge. Hardin insults the Selmans.
On August 19, Hardin plays dice at the bar of the saloon. Selman Sr enters and kills Hardin by a gun shot in the back of the head. Selman testifies that he was in self-defense when he saw Hardin taking hold of a gun. Released on bond pending a retrial, Selman Sr is killed by Scarborough.
Both guns from the August 19 story were exhibited at Selman's trial and referred in the proceedings with their serial numbers. Both were auctioned together by the court and did not part one another until they were sold separately by Bonhams on August 27, 2021.
Selman's gun, a Colt revolver made in 1891, was sold for $ 860K, lot 20. Hardin's Smith and Wesson revolver was sold for $ 630K, lot 19.
1912 The Bull Moose Colt
2020 SOLD for $ 1.47M including premium by RIAC
narrated in 2021
On October 10, 1912, the Colt Company received an order for a single action revolver which must reach Colonel (and former President) Roosevelt on October 27 for his 54th birthday. It will be silver inlaid in class 5, the highest level of embellishment offered by Colt, and one of the two ivory plates of the grip will be engraved with a steer head, the ox's head which is a symbol of strength and leadership. The author of the order has not been identified.
The presidential election is in full swing. Taft, the outgoing president, received the Republican nomination. In open conflict with his successor, Roosevelt created the Progressive Party with which he wishes to rally progressive, radical, conservative and even democratic sensibilities. The symbol of the party is the bull moose, a majestic king of the forest.
On October 14 in Milwaukee, while preparing to deliver an election speech, Roosevelt is the victim of an assassination attempt. The bullet, slowed down by the glasses case and the thick bundle of speech, penetrates his chest. The old hunter appreciates that the wound will not be fatal. He begins his 90 minute address by stating : "It takes more than that to kill a bull moose."
The election will be won by the Democratic candidate Woodrow Wilson. It would have taken much longer for the new party to establish a real support network, but Roosevelt still obtains more than 4 million votes, far ahead of Taft.
The Colt class 5 is given as planned to Roosevelt for his birthday. The former president undoubtedly took it with him in the following year on his exhausting expedition to Brazil, which would explain a wear of the finish. Then this firearm remained anonymous for a long time because of the inversion of two figures in the factory documents.
Traceability has been restored. The "Bull Moose Colt" was sold by Rock Island Auction Company on December 5, 2020 for $ 1.47M including premium from a lower estimate of $ 350K, lot 1210. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
The presidential election is in full swing. Taft, the outgoing president, received the Republican nomination. In open conflict with his successor, Roosevelt created the Progressive Party with which he wishes to rally progressive, radical, conservative and even democratic sensibilities. The symbol of the party is the bull moose, a majestic king of the forest.
On October 14 in Milwaukee, while preparing to deliver an election speech, Roosevelt is the victim of an assassination attempt. The bullet, slowed down by the glasses case and the thick bundle of speech, penetrates his chest. The old hunter appreciates that the wound will not be fatal. He begins his 90 minute address by stating : "It takes more than that to kill a bull moose."
The election will be won by the Democratic candidate Woodrow Wilson. It would have taken much longer for the new party to establish a real support network, but Roosevelt still obtains more than 4 million votes, far ahead of Taft.
The Colt class 5 is given as planned to Roosevelt for his birthday. The former president undoubtedly took it with him in the following year on his exhausting expedition to Brazil, which would explain a wear of the finish. Then this firearm remained anonymous for a long time because of the inversion of two figures in the factory documents.
Traceability has been restored. The "Bull Moose Colt" was sold by Rock Island Auction Company on December 5, 2020 for $ 1.47M including premium from a lower estimate of $ 350K, lot 1210. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
(1909)- 1969 Screen Used Colt of John Wayne
2021 SOLD for $ 520K by RIAC
On October 7, 2021, a revolver screen used by John Wayne and owned by him in period was sold by RIAC for $ 520K from a lower estimate of $ 20K, lot 2465.
This arm had been shipped from factory by Colt in 1909 as a Single Action Army revolver.
Its authenticated filmography includes the 1969 True Grit. 'Duke' won in the next year his top ranking award, Best Actor in the Academy Awards, for his role of a US Marshal in that film. It was also used in 1972 in The Cowboys and in 1975 in a follow to True Grit titled Rooster Cogburn.
John Wayne was featured with this Colt and its holster in 1972 on a cover page of Life Magazine.
This arm had been shipped from factory by Colt in 1909 as a Single Action Army revolver.
Its authenticated filmography includes the 1969 True Grit. 'Duke' won in the next year his top ranking award, Best Actor in the Academy Awards, for his role of a US Marshal in that film. It was also used in 1972 in The Cowboys and in 1975 in a follow to True Grit titled Rooster Cogburn.
John Wayne was featured with this Colt and its holster in 1972 on a cover page of Life Magazine.
