Colt 1895 DA Revolver in .41 Colt w/ Factory Letter

Attic fresh Colt 1895 Double Action Revolver with 4-1/2" barrel, nickel finish, and chambered in .41 Colt. This was also offered in the Colt Single Action Army and the Colt 1877 Lightning revolvers. Serial number is in the 116,000 range which according to all of my books is supposed to be manufactured in 1899. However, this one comes with a factory letter that clearly states this was shipped in December 1898 making it a pre-1898 antique. To date, this is the highest numbered DA that I've seen with an antique serial number. It shipped to Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Company in Chicago with five other Colts.

Overall Condition grades to NRA Antique Very Good. The barrel retains approximately 70% original nickel, the cylinder 65%, 65% on the crane, and then there is the frame which has almost completely flaked to a dark brown patina. There is still some original fading fire blue on the screws indicating this revolver did not see a great deal of use...just age. Some collectors call the contrast between original nickel and dark brown patina on antique guns like this "dirty nickel". Checkered hard rubber grips have the early style Colt logo. Excellent condition overall with no chips, cracks, or repairs. Action works correctly in single and double action modes. Good bore. An interesting old Colt that shipped to Chicago in 1898.

Item# 1580

SOLD