SOLD - Rare 1901 Colt SAA - Documented Copper Queen Mine, Territory of Arizona

Description

5/13/24 - This is a nice example of a rare Colt Single Action Army from 1901. According to the included Colt Factory Letter, it is in its original configuration - 4 3/4" barrel, blued finish, and chambered in .45 Colt. This gun was shipped to the Copper Queen Consolidated Mining Co. in Bisbee, Territory of Arizona. This was before Arizona officially became a US state. Mining claims began in the Mule Mountains of Southeast Arizona beginning in the late 1870s. George Warren, who initially staked the claim on Copper Queen and held a one-ninth interest in the mine, ended up losing his interest after boldly (i.e. drunkenly) betting that he could outrun a man on a horse. He could not. The Copper Queen Mine began operation shortly after these initial claims and remained in operation until 1975, being the most productive in Arizona, and possibly the United States through the early 20th century. It is reasonable to assume that this revolver was used to arm the mining firm's private police force which was used to arrest and "deport" unionized miners striking over unsatisfactory working conditions in 1917. This one is in fair condition for its age with honest brown "attic patina" throughout. Fitted with dark brown hard rubber grips. The bore has pretty good rifling, but there is spotty surface oxidation throughout. Fully functional. Smooth action.