Target model and Bisley Model (both numbered in same range) 357,859 of which 310,386 were this standard model. (Those under No. 182,000 (approx.) made prior to Dec. 31, 1898.)
Most popular calibers for collectors are 45 (150,683 made); 44-40 (64,489 made). Other popular calibers: 41 (16,402 made); 38-40 (38,240); 32-20 (29,812 made).
Other scarce and rare calibers with respective quantities follow. Values and premiums are usually in direct relation to quantity produced: (except where noted all are centerfire) 22 RF (107); 32 RF (1); 32 Colt (192); 32 S& W (32); 32-44 (2); 38 Colt (1,011); 38 Colt (up to 1914 1,011); 38 Colt (after 1922 1,365); 38 S& W (9); 38 Colt Special (820); 38 S& W Special (25); 38-44 (2); 357 Magnum (525); 380 Eley (1); 44 Smoothbore (15); 44 RF (1,863); 44 German (59); 44 Russian (154); 44 S& W (24); 44 S& W Special (506); 45 Smoothbore (4); 45 Auto (44); 450 Boxer (729); 450 Eley (2,697); 455 Eley (1,150); 476 Eley (161).
Barrel lengths were standard in 4-3/4", 5-1/2", and 7-1/2". Lengths listed in the Colt serial ledgers run from 2-1/2" on up to 16". Ejector rod standard, mounted on the right side of the barrel.
Long barreled Colts with attachable, skeleton-type Colt made shoulder stocks are commonly called “Buntline Specials” after the legendary Dime Novel author Ned Buntline. He allegedly had five made for presentation to Dodge City lawmen, a story debunked by critical arms and Western students. Some special order Single Actions with varying long length barrels were made and attachable shoulder stocks could be separately purchased from Colt for them (or any Single Action). All are considered rare. Though these types have acquired the nickname of “Buntline Special,” the so-called “true” Buntline is a special flat top single action in the serial range of 28800 through 28830, with folding leaf rear sight and barrel length varying from 10" to 16". Considered an extreme rarity. All of those long barreled models with stocks fetch values far in excess of those shown here but each must be valued on its own individual merit and unique features.
Grip types vary, beginning with walnut (either oil stained or varnished), and changing to eagle and shield pattern hard rubber at the serial range about 75000. At the range about 165000 these were succeeded by rampant colt hard rubber without the eagle and shield design. A variety of special grips were available, particularly in ivory and pearl, sometimes carved; quantities, however, were relatively limited.
Finish was standard blued, the frame and hammer casehardened. Nickel plating was fairly common. Silver, gold, and other finishes could be ordered, but are scarce.
Serial numbering began with 1 and continued through 357859. The only exception to the sequence was the special 44 Rimfire Model, which is considered individually below. Barrel address markings went through two standard types: +COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.+ (serial range 1 to approximately 24000). Slanted, italic markings. COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.(serial range 24000 to end of production; in single line on barrels of 5-1/2" and longer).
Patent date markings were on the left sides of the frames. The sequence was as follows: Two line marking of 1871 and 1872 dates (beginning of production through about 34000). Three line marking of 1871, 1872, and 1875 dates (34000—about 135000). Two line marking of 1871, 1872, and 1875 dates (135000 to end of production). A rampant colt trademark was stamped next to the patent dates, beginning at about the 130000 range, and continued in slightly varying formats through the end of manufacture.
The stamping of serial numbers on cylinders ceased about 120000; no serial appeared on that part thereafter. Around 144000 Colt introduced the transverse, spring-loaded catch for the cylinder pin (located on the front of the frame just below barrel) to replace the cylinder pin retaining screw. Generally believed to be the demarcation of the use of black powder loads for smokeless, high pressure loads, it should be specifically noted that such is not the case! By 180000 (October, 1898) Colt warned against the use of smokeless powder and continued to do so until early 1900 (approx. 192000) when they first stated their smokeless guarantee.
Most caliber markings appeared on the left side of the barrel; excepting the early production (up through about the 130000 serial range), where marks were usually on the trigger guard area.
The variety of other marks classified is extensive, and includes government inspector and proof stampings, Colt factory inspector stamps, serial numbering, various inscriptions (e.g., W.F. & Co.), etc., etc.
Caution: Since 1981 there have appeared on the market a number of extremely clever, well-made, completely spurious Colt single-action FAKES of the martially marked 45 caliber model and the 44/40 caliber with the etched barrel panel. Other fake single action rarities will undoubtedly show up, too. Close scrutiny is mandatory when acquiring these types; bills-of-sale from the seller with guarantees of authenticity should be obtained.
Classification of these famous Colt single actions, and the identification of their myriad of variants is so extensive that there are currently 15 books specifically dealing with the subject. Quite a few of those works are of major significance to understanding them (see Bibliography this chapter).
BASIC VARIATIONS AND THEIR VALUES:
Early production revolvers, 45 caliber, 7-1/2" barrel, with so-called “pinched frame” (constriction in the topstrap to form the rear sight), and slanted barrel address (serial range about 1 to 100):
5B-136
| 5B-136 | Values—Good $27,500 | Fine $110,000 |
Early Martially Marked Model, 7-1/2" barrel with slanted address markings (most of the first 24,000 pistols produced), in 45 caliber, with U.S. markings and inspector stampings:
| 5B-137 | Values—Good $5,000 | Fine $40,000 |
Standard models above the serial range 24000 to end of production; common calibers, e.g., 45, 44-40, 38-40, 32-20, etc. Longer barrel lengths and largest calibers in greater demand and tend to bring higher values. Those made for smokeless powder (after c. 1898) to end of production tend to bring lesser values than indicated:
| 5B-138 | Values—Good $1,500 | Fine $5,000 | Exc. $10,000 |
Rare calibers: Depending on the quantity produced of each specific caliber (and, of course, condition) prices of this model can increase from 50 percent to 500 percent.
Civilian arms with the early slanted barrel address, 45 caliber, 7-1/2" barrels (no U.S. government markings):
| 5B-139 | Values—Good $2,500 | Fine $9,500 |
U.S. martially marked revolvers with conventional barrel address, 7-1/2", 45 caliber, government inspector markings:
| 5B-140 | Values—Good $3,750 | Fine $11,500 |
Springfield Armory and Colt factory refinished U.S. martially marked revolvers with 5-1/2" barrels; so called ARTILLERY MODEL. Three variations: TYPE I all mixed serial numbers; TYPE II barrel number mismatched, other numbers match, worth small premium; TYPE III all matching numbers, very scarce, worth premium:
| 5B-141 |
Values—Good $1,750
|