Colt Frontier Six Shooter SAA .44-40 – John Bianchi Presentation to Phil Spangenberger

This antique Colt Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army was originally manufactured in 1883 and is chambered in .44-40 Winchester Center Fire. Serial number 101460 is accompanied by unusually strong provenance connecting the revolver to two prominent figures in Western history and gunleather collecting: John E. Bianchi and Phil Spangenberger.

A letter dated December 4, 1979, from John Bianchi identifies this revolver by serial number and describes it as an old Colt single action with a 4 3/4-inch barrel, bright polished finish, and yellow composition grips. Bianchi presented the revolver, along with a gun belt and holster, to Spangenberger as a distinctive old movie prop. Additional collection notes state that the revolver was a gift from Bianchi to Spangenberger and was used by Bianchi in print advertisements. The referenced belt and holster are not included.

The revolver has been professionally fitted with a shortened 4 3/4-inch barrel, which bears a faint one-line Colt address. The barrel underside is numbered “8523” and marked “44,” while the frame retains its three-line patent marking and the trigger guard bears an early “44 CF” stamp. The frame, trigger guard, and backstrap show matching serial number 101460. The revolver has been polished bright throughout and fitted with two-piece yellow micarta imitation-ivory grips.

Condition is good as altered. The bright-polished metal shows scattered handling marks, softened markings, and areas of pitting, particularly on the cylinder. The grips show light surface scratches but remain attractive. The bore is defined with frosting, and the single-action mechanism is reported to function properly with all four clicks. The revolver is presented in a green-lined, French-fitted wooden display case and includes the original Bianchi correspondence.

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