New York Engraved Antique Colt SAA Revolver

Historic New York Engraved Antique Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Pearl Grips, New Mexico Maker Marked Holster, Belt Rig, and Factory Letter, Attributed to Lawman Dan Tucker of Silver City, New Mexico the accompanying factory letter lists this revolver as shipped on November 1, 1876, to J.P. Moores Sons in New York City, in .45 caliber, blue finish, with barrel length and type of grips not listed. The letter further remarks that the unlisted barrel length and grips are a common indication of a 7 1/2-inch barrel and walnut grip, which were standard for the period. This was a 39-gun shipment. The revolver is embellished with well-executed New York engraving that displays the characteristics of deluxe patterns associated with L.D. Nimschke, consisting of floral scrollwork on punchdot backgrounds, with wavy zigzag line and dot designs. The standard one-line Colt Hartford address is stamped on top of the barrel, with the caliber marking "45 COLT" on the left in a border. The two-line patent dates and circled Rampant Colt are on the left of the frame. Matching visible full serial numbers on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap, with partial matching number "0050" on the cylinder, and assembly number "3318" on the loading gate. The revolver is finished in nickel. It is fitted with blade and groove sights, and highly attractive period retailer two-piece pearl grips. A personal identification number is hand inscribed on the bottom of the barrel. Includes a period brown leather holster with maker marking of J.J. Gibson of Silver City, New Mexico, a brown leather belt rig with cartridge loops, Deputy Marshal Silver City badge with number 2, and a binder containing consignor research from the Pembertons that attributes this set to Dan Tucker (c. 1849-1892), a Deputy Sheriff and Town Marshal of Silver City, New Mexico. In the binder is an aged old piece of paper with the handwritten name "Dan Tucker" that was reportedly once attached to the badge as it came to the Pembertons. Dan Tucker reportedly became the first Town Marshal of Silver City in 1878, as well as continuing to serve as a Deputy Sheriff. He is known by the nickname "Dangerous Dan" Tucker in reference to his quick and deadly actions in taking down outlaws as a respected gunfighter of the Old West, to which he was believed to have killed just shy of 20 men during his lawman career, and all the while established a positive reputation which earned him the title of U.S. Deputy Marshal from Grant county New Mexico in 1885.

Condition

Very good as New York embellished, retains 60% retailer applied nickel plated finish, with charming frontier brown patina and freckling on the balance, period shortened barrel, and mostly defined engraving. Grips are also very good, with general western wear, a few chips, and highly attractive fiery colors. Mechanically functions. Holster and belt rig are fine, with some general age-related cracking. This New York engraved Single Action Army revolver, with ties to Lawman Dan Tucker, is full of character and well worthy of any American firearms collection!