Colt 45 & Rig

Circa 1878

This Colt 45 & Rig outfit consist of a Colt .45 Single Action revolver and a period rig, circa 1878. The Colt SAA is serial #38518, with a 7 ½” barrel, made in 1878. A factory letter, included, verifies .45 caliber and blue finish. Barrel length and stocks “not listed”, shipped to: Schuyler, Hartley & Graham, New York, Sept. 23, 1878.

Revolver Condition

The gun is in fair-to-good condition overall, showing hard frontier use. It has an overall brown finish with multiple dents and dings. Although, no rust or rust pitting. The front sight is a crudely replaced period sight, set in a dovetail slot over the original slot. However, all the parts appear to be original, other than the period replaced front sight and a few screws. The mechanics are good and the bore is good, showing typical black powder erosion. All the serial numbers match and all the markings are sharp and clear. The original walnut grips are in good condition, showing a few chips, some overall shrinkage, and gouges on the bottom.

Holster Condition

The holster and belt rig show the same hard use and wear as the gun, and from the same 1878 era. The holster is an early slim-jim style with a double recurve throat. Also showing lots of use and wear with period repairs and modifications. It fits the 7 ½” Colt SAA like a glove. There is wear and splits at the bottom where the front sight has worn through. Also, there is some re-sewing at the top, and the belt loop is an old period replacement attached with rawhide. Period copper rivets fit the Colt SAA into the holster perfectly. 

Belt Condition

The belt is a catalog belt marked “445”. It is 2 ¼” wide x 38” long with 35 bullet loops for .45 caliber cartridges. All the loops show a period “hand” re-sew and the buckle chape is an old replacement with the original buckle. The belt is in fair-to-good condition showing surface crazing & cracking, but no losses.

**.45 cartridges in photos not included.

Clarks Antiques Firearms – Colt 45 & Rig – Price $4,750.00

Item #1775

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