Description
Some revolvers define an era, and this one captures it perfectly. This antique .45 caliber Colt Single Action Army, built with a 7.5-inch barrel stamped with Colt’s Hartford address, stands as a living artifact of 19th-century American craftsmanship. The “45CAL” engraving on the trigger bow and the triple patent dates on the left frame mark it as unmistakably authentic, a product of precision and pride from Colt’s golden years.
Historical records confirm that this revolver was part of a special batch of fifty shipped in November 1876 to the legendary JP Moore in New York City. Moore was known for taking exceptional Colt revolvers and turning them into masterpieces, often working with artisans inspired by the great Louis D. Nimschke. His influence can be seen all over this piece, from the delicate scroll engraving to the luxurious nickel plating that still gleams more than a century later.
The mother-of-pearl grips, fitted in two segments, add an elegance that feels timeless. The revolver comes complete with an original Colt factory letter verifying its shipment, authenticity, and historical provenance. It’s currently housed in a modern Colt display box lined in French-fitted purple velvet, a fitting home for a firearm of this stature.
Condition-wise, it’s outstanding. Nearly all of the original nickel finish remains intact, the engravings and markings are sharp, and every serial number matches barrel, frame, trigger guard, backstrap, and cylinder. Mechanically, it functions flawlessly, with a crisp action and a well-defined rifled bore that speaks to careful preservation.
Once part of the E.M. Morgan Collection and later owned by collector Horst Kreiner, this Colt Single Action Army carries a provenance that adds even more weight to its historical importance. For serious collectors, it’s more than a revolver; it’s a tangible piece of America’s story.
