Colt 1873 Single Action Army “Texas Ranger” 7.5” .45 LC Revolver 1970 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2960.36
LSB#: 230527DB010
Make: Colt
Model: 1873 Single Action Army “Texas Ranger Commemorative”
Serial Number: 373T(Star)R
Year of Manufacture: 1970
Caliber: .45 Long Colt
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Barrel Length: 7.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tall quarter rounded blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notched groove cut into the top of the frame strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are one piece wood with a Texas Rangers badge medallion on the left grip panel. The grips show light scratches from handling and storage. Open wood grain pores are present on both grip panels that may appear as scratches. There are no cracks or chips. The grips rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued / Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. The muzzle and grooves are lightly discolored with fouling streaks. In this writer’s opinion and for the age, this bore rates a 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light scratches from handling and storage. The barrel and ejector tube shows light scratches from handling. The frame shows scratches of the case coloring on the left side, in front of the cylinder. The cylinder shows several scratches that show through the finish. A scratch is also present on the blued back strap piece, near the left side of the frame. A Texas star encompassed by a wreath is present on the top of the backstrap. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are deep. Overall, this pistol rates in about Fine Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder has very minor play when locked up. This is a “four click” revolver. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a two tier, red velvet lined wooden presentation case with a glass top that showcases the revolver. A acrylic encased Texas Ranger badge paper weight that was cut from a 5 peso coin is also showcased on the top of the case. In the bottom drawer is a fur cowhide bound Texas Ranger pictorial commemorative book that has write ups and some photos of the more famous Texas Rangers up to 1969..
Our Assessment: Colt’s Single Action Army is, perhaps more than any other, an iconic American pistol. It was the U.S. issue sidearm for the last two decades of the 19th century, used by pioneers, outlaws and lawmen across the expanding nation, and captivated audiences on the silver screen and television (and still does, today). This Colt 1873, Single Action Army is in a Cavalry configuration with a case colored frame, blued barrel and 7.5” barrel and dressed with several Texas Ranger decorations and engravings which include a Texas Ranger badge, Texas star, “Texas Rangers” engraved on the back strap and “Texas Ranger Commemorative ‘One Riot…One Ranger’” which apparently originated when Ranger Bill McDonald was sent to Dallas to prevent an illegal prize fight in 1900.
This revolver is known as a “Texas Ranger Commemorative” and includes a paper weight Ranger badge, history of the Rangers as published in 1969 and a large glass topped presentation case. This pairing is in great condition overall and should be considered for any law enforcement collector, proud Texan or anyone interested in Colt Single Actions!
-Luke
