Colt Model 1878 D.A. Revolver Belonging to Texas Ranger Captain Sam McMurry. Serial no. 5494, .45 caliber, 4...
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Consign your material to be auctioned alongside these items on Monday, December 8, 2025 in Dallas, TX. Consignment Deadline for this auction is Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
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Description
Colt Model 1878 D.A. Revolver Belonging to Texas Ranger Captain Sam McMurry.Serial no. 5494, .45 caliber, 4 3/4-inch barrel. Top of barrel reads COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT U.S.A. Originally blued finish. Gun fitted with checkered hard rubber Rampant Colt grips. The sideplate is elegantly engraved TEXAS RANGER / 1882 / CO. B. FRONTIER BAT. with the backstrap engraved CAPT. SAM MCMURRY, all of this in block letters. Included with the gun is an antique holster and cartridge belt, crafted with subtle stamp tooling and featuring 16 loops designed to hold .45 caliber cartridges. The unmarked holster is lined and open-topped, showcasing a dual-tone running stitch latigo accent on the front, complemented by a double-loop stitched latigo border more than likely for added durability and style.
Factory letter included shows gun was shipped on April 27, 1881 to Simmons Hardware Company in St. Louis Missouri [20 in shipment], confirming the caliber and 7 1/2" barrel [now 4 3/4], finish being blued and stocks not listed.
Included with the 1878 are photocopies of McMurry images and printout of previous auction house Amoskeag who offered this gun.
Born in 1847 in Gallatin, Tennessee, McMurry joined the Texas Rangers in 1877 as part of Lieutenant Lee Hall's Special Force in Clinton, Texas. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1880, and following a reorganization in 1881, Company B was established, with McMurry appointed as its captain.
Condition: Very good, overall showing a gray patina with handling marks from the years and scattered spots of light pitting. The bore is good, a few spots of light pitting. Grips with chips/loss to back of grips near pins on both sides. Holster and belt good with moderate wear, flaking and dry areas.
Auction Info
2025 December 8 Arms & Armor, Civil War & Militaria Signature® Auction #6325 (go to Auction Home page)
Bidding Begins Approx.
November
13th
Thursday
Auction Dates
December
8th
Monday
Proxy Bidding Begins Approx.
51 Days
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: N/A
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 79
Auction Type
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Signature® Floor Sessions
Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session. During the live auction event, bidding in person is encouraged, and Heritage Live includes streaming audio and often video during the event.
Signature®: Heritage Live®:After Internet bidding closes, live bidding will take place through www.HA.com/Live. Your secret maximum bid placed prior to the live event will compete against the live bids. To maximize your chances of winning, enter realistic secret maximum bids on our site. Many of our proxy bidders are successful at winning lots in these auctions, and usually below their secret maximum. You can also place last minute bids directly with us by e-mailing Bid@HA.com or calling 1-866-835-3243. (Important note: Due to software and Internet latency, live bids may not register in time, so enter realistic proxy bids.)
Signature® Floor Sessions
Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session. During the live auction event, bidding in person is encouraged, and Heritage Live includes streaming audio and often video during the event.
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