Make: Colt
Model: Buntline Special
Serial Number: 23666SA
Year of Manufacture: 1959, C&R
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: 6-Shot Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Barrel Length: 12"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch integral to the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut. The interior of each panel has "666" hand-written. The grips have a few scattered light nicks and small scratches. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color
Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are several scattered minor nicks and tiny scratches, mostly along the left side, not visible when in the presentation case. There are infrequent spots of minor oxidation, most notable on the side faces of the hammer and on the grip frame under the grips, concealed when assembled. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this revolver, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a french-fit wood presentation case with a Colt Archives letter. The case shows scattered wear and discoloration with a brass plate on the lid marked "Presented To / GOV. JOHN DEMPSEY / By / FRED A. ROFF JR. / President / COLT'S / Patent Fire Arms Mfg. Co. Inc. / Hartford Conn.". The letter confirms that this revolver shipped by itself in its current configuration to Merwin O. Nair, Advertising Manager Colt's Patent Fire-Arms Mfg. Company, Inc. on their Loan Account April 6, 1959.
Our Assessment: The Buntline designation originally referred to any SAA with a barrel longer than 7 1/2". First Gen Buntlines were only available by special order and are quite rare. When the Buntline Special was reintroduced as a standard configuration in 1957, the barrels were marked with a "Buntline Barrel" number starting with BB 100 to prevent nefarious characters from pulling the barrels and installing them on pre-war guns to pass them off as earlier buntlines. Only 4,060 Buntline Specials were produced between 1957 and 1975, making them highly collectible, far less common than most standard Single Action Army revolvers.
This particular revolver carries exceptional historical significance, originally delivered to Colt's Advertising Manager on their loan account. Based on the included presentation case, the revolver was given to John Dempsey by Fred A. Roff Jr., then President of Colt. Dempsey served as Governor of Connecticut from 1961 to 1971 after ascending from Lieutenant Governor, and he played an active role in state and national politics during a transformative period in American history. He was involved with organizations such as the National Governors Association and contributed to modernization efforts within Connecticut's government. Presentation firearms from Colt leadership to prominent political figures are quite rare, and Colt's records indicating delivery to their Advertising Manager adds a significant layer of provenance and collectability to an already scarce model.
This example remains in Very Good-Fine condition, showing wear consistent with storage in the included case and handling over the last 67 years. The revolver exhibits strong case colors, crisp markings, and matching numbered grips. Combining rarity, condition, and provenance, this Buntline Special stands as a premier collector piece with both visual appeal and meaningful historical context. Please see our photos and good luck!
