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"Historical, First Generation, Colt Single Action Army ""Sheriffs Model", Revolver, in scarce .38 Colt Cartridge. The accompanying Colt factory letter lists serial number 122374 as a .38 Colt Cartridge, 3 1/2"" barrel, blue finish, rubber stocks, shipped to Hartley and Graham in New York, NY on September 19, 1889 with a total of 4 guns. It is the writer's opinion that the information on the factory letter is in error and that the gun was originally shipped with a nickel plated finish. The Colt appears correct and original in every way. All markings are clear and sharp. The caliber marking on the front, left trigger guard bow shows 45 that has been over stamped with 38. This was a factory correction as the gun was likely originally slated to be a .45 before it was changed to the new .38 Colt caliber. The action functions flawlessly. The bore is dark with light pitting common to black powder use. The visible serial numbers match on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. This Colt is accompanied by a nice double loop holster with border tooling and a beautiful russet brown color. We have found an historical letter in George's paperwork. ""To Whom It May Concern: This Colt Single Action Serial Number 122374, nickel plated with Eagle grips, and 3 1/2"" barrel, was the personal gun of Charlie Thomas, who was a Rail Road Detective for the Katy Railway, and he had this gun on his person when he was killed. He was killed at Old Echo, near Belton, Texas, in Bell County, in October 1891 while taking a prisoner. This gun is known as the Sheriff's Model, and there were very few made. Charlie Thomas prized this gun very highly as it was a special gun and he had (C L Thomas) put on the back strap which is still visible. This gun has been in the Thomas family ever since Charlie Thomas was killed until recently when I sold it to Turk Brown."" This letter was signed by Sam B. Thomas, County Judge, Irion County, Texas, and notarized on July 3, 1957. George Jackson Collection."
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