150 Years of Colt Craftsmanship Engraved Buntline 10″ Revolver & Case, 1988
SOLD FOR: $2,275.00
WOA#: WY240415EH028
Make: Colt
Model: Single Action Army Buntline, 3rd Generation, 471 of 490.
Serial Number: AM0471
Year of Manufacture: 1988, ATF C&R
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: 6-Shot Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A. / -1836 * 150TH ANNIVERSARY * 1986-”, the underside is marked “45”. The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871. / “ JULY 2,-72. / “ JAN. 19,-75.”. The underside of the frame is marked with the serial number. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and at the rear with a poorly struck inspector’s mark. The back strap of the grip frame has a beautiful rampant colt (also found on the medallions of the stock and inside lid of the display case), surrounded by “150 YEARS OF COLT CRAFTSMANSHIP” in gold auroplated lettering with embellishment patterns down to the heel. The revolver has 50% Type-B American and Type-B Plus scroll engraving. The assembly code “W5451” appears on the left of the grip straps, the rear of the frame, and hand-written on the inside of the grip panels. The front face of the cylinder is marked “678” (the significance of this number is not clear).
Barrel Length: 10”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square groove in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth wood with gold-colored Colt 150th Anniversary medallions. The grips have only a few scattered minor marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Royal Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a 150th Anniversary wood display case.
Our Assessment: This is a beautiful 150th Year Anniversary Buntline in .45 Colt, produced to celebrate 150 years of Colt craftsmanship. While the Bunline originally referred to any Single Action Army special-ordered with a barrel longer than 7 1/2″, in the second generation the Buntline Special was introduced with a standard 12″ barrel. For the 150th Anniversary, Colt went a couple of steps further with the Buntline. This edition, scheduled for 1,000 pieces but with only 490 shipped, has a special 10″ barrel, “black powder” frame with a screw-secured cylinder pin, “bullseye” ejector tab, and factory B-Plus engraving with gold auroplate embellishment on the backstrap. The revolver comes in an attractive wood case for display. In Excellent condition, this commemorative Buntline will take a prized place in any collection, especially for fans of Colt. Please see our pictures and good luck.
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
