Extremely Rare Documented Nickel Plated Colt Black Powder Sheriff's Model Single Action Army Revolver with Desirable 2 1/2 Inch .45 LC Barrel, Factory Letter, and Ron Graham Letter

Offered here is an exceptionally rare and highly desirable example of a black powder Colt Sheriff’s Model Single Action Army Revolver. In The Official Record of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver, 1873–1895, the authors emphasize the rarity of ejectorless SAAs overall (with barrel lengths ranging from 2 1/2 to 7 1/2 inches in their study), noting that “just under 600 ejectorless Single Action Army revolvers were produced in all calibers from 1882 to the 1930s.” According to their research, Colt manufactured only one plain ejectorless SAA in .45 caliber with a 2 1/2 inch barrel and nickel finish within the 1–164100 serial number range (page 326), making this exact revolver the sole known example in that configuration.

In his accompanying letter, esteemed Colt historian and author Ron Graham described this 2 1/2 inch Sheriff’s Model as an “absolute ultimate.” Graham further noted, “Research has revealed that, as of this writing [January 1997], only three of those nine factory listed 2 1/2 inch Sheriff’s Models are known to have survived. Rarity here is obvious.” The ejectorless, black powder frame Colt Sheriff’s Model is considered one of the rarest and most coveted variations of the iconic Colt Peacemaker. This revolver is photographed and discussed on page XXVIII of A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver: Thirty Year Edition 1976–2006 by Graham, Kopec, and Moore.

The included factory letter confirms that the revolver was shipped on September 5, 1885, to E.E. Menges & Co. of Kansas City, Missouri, and verifies the rare 2 1/2 inch barrel, .45 caliber chambering, and nickel finish. The type of stock is not listed, a common indication of walnut. Notably, it was the only gun in the shipment. The left side of the barrel bears the correct two-line Hartford address. Graham also pointed out that the front sight is of the “standard configuration for 7 1/2 inch barrel of that mid-1880s production period.” The left side of the frame is stamped with the three-line patent dates, and the caliber marking “45 CAL” appears on the left side of the trigger guard. The revolver displays matching serial numbers on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap and is fitted with a walnut grip.

Compact and powerful, these Sheriff’s Model revolvers were prized on the frontier, not just by peacekeepers but also by ranchers and outlaws alike. Their concealable size and reliable firepower made them ideal for those navigating the lawless territories of the American West.

Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection