Factory ‘C’ Engraved Colt Army .38 Special Double Action Revolver – 1911 – C&R OK
SOLD FOR: $2,401.01
Make: Colt
Model: Army Special – Factory “C” Engraved
Serial Number: 331846
Year of Manufacture: 1911
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “COLT / ARMY / SPECIAL / 38”. There is a Rampant Colt logo on the left side of the frame. The left trigger guard bow has a Verified Proof mark and a “3”. The left side of the grip frame is marked “C / 3”. The crane cut is marked “331846 / X” and the crane is marked “331846”. The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A. / PAT’D AUG. 5. 1884 JUNE 5. 1900 JULY 4 1905”.
Barrel Length: 4 ½”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade. The rear sight is a grooved top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are black checkered hard rubber. “846” is scratched on the inside of both panels. Both panels have a bit of surface marking and light wear to the checkering. The right panel has some dings at the heel and the left has one at the top. The grips show general evidence of handling. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is a bit worn. There is scattered erosion in the bore with some heavier erosion towards the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 25% of its metal finish. The finish has generally turned to patina, with thinning at the edges. The patina is a bit mottled and there is light and general surface erosion. Original finish can really only be seen in protected areas. The engraving is visible everywhere and sharp where protected. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. We did not fire this handgun.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This gun comes with a copy of a 1999 Colt letter. The letter confirms the serial number, caliber, barrel length, finish, FACTORY ENGRAVING and January 20th 1911 shipping to Norvell Shapleigh Hardware in St. Louis Missouri. There were 29 guns in this shipment.
Our Assessment: This is a desirable gun, certainly worthy of more research. The gun was shipped to the famous hardware store; Norvell Shapleigh Hardware (http://www.thckk.org/history/shapleigh-history.pdf) with 28 other guns. It would be interesting to try and identify how many of the guns were Factory Engraved and where they/it may have gone to. Factory Engraved Colts are the crown jewels of collection, and though the gun is not in perfect condition, that is exactly what this revolver is.
