2020 September Premier, Volume I

The John Fox Collection
LOT 76
Montana Shipped Special Order Colt First Generation Single Action
Army Revolver with Moran Brothers of Montana Holster Rig and Factory
Letter - Serial no. 272813, 45 LC cal., 4 3/4 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened
finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in 1905. The accompanying factory letter lists
this revolver with a 4 3/4 inch barrel in .45 caliber, blue finish, checkered wood
stocks and milled grip straps when shipped to Carl Engel of Butte, Montana, on
November 4, 1905. The milled grip straps and checkered grips are highly desirable
special order factory features. The revolver also has standard Colt markings, a
period altered front sight, and matching serial numbers on the frame, trigger
guard and back strap. The back of the left grip panel is hand marked in pencil
“R.J. PAXSON/2011 ABERDEEN.” As explained in a research memo written by
Waddy Colvert, Carl Engel (1871-1956) operated a sporting goods store in Butte,
Montana, was a deputy sheriff circa 1925-1931, became an insurance agent after
1931 and resided in Reno, Nevada circa 1952 until his death in 1956. Copies of
city directories related to Engel are included. An SAA (serial number 306060) is
documented as being received by Engel in the “Colt Peacemaker Encyclopedia,”
Volume 2 on page 118. It is also known that Engel received one of 500 100th
anniversary of the birth of Samuel Colt medallions. Comes with a brown leather
holster rig featuring “MORAN BRO’S/MILES CITY M.T.” maker marking on the front
of the holster and belt. Period large decorative brass rivets adorn the belt. Already
well accomplished saddle markers by the time they opened their own shop in
1879, brothers Thomas and Hugh Moran are believed have operated the first
saddlery in legendary cattle town Miles City, Montana. Around 1895 the brothers
sold their business to Charles E. Coggshall.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 60% original blue finish and 40% original case colors
with the balance a smooth gray patina. The grips are also fine with some minor
handling marks and some scattered blemishes in the overall crisp checkering.
Mechanically excellent. The holster is very good with period in the field added
waist notches and typical wear associated with age and use on the open range. A
special order SAA rig with Montana history.
Estimate: 4500 - 6500
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