Bat Masterson special order pair of .45 revolvers

[Ponca]

While researching 1rst gen Colt Saa revolvers i continually come across the 1967 commemorative, and the non firing Pietta replica, modeled after the gun Bat Masterson ordered from Colt in july, 1885. I've done a little research as to the order and there is a letter written to colt from Bat Masterson requesting two revolvers for personal use. The Pietta replicas all bear the serial number 112737, as did one revolver that was verified by colt to have been shipped to W.B. Masterson on July 30, 1885. Does anyone know if there was in fact a second gun, and if either of the one or two originals are still in existence?

 

[Tejicano Loco]

Well, there is the myth or legend that Ned Buntline gifted 5 long barreled Colt SAA's to lawmen he knew and Bat Masterson was supposed to be one of them. This was supposedly in the late 1970's so that would be before the gun you reference here. I have not heard that this was ever substantiated but could be the other Colt you have heard about.

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

Good timing for this thread. There is a short article in the newest American Rifleman about the "Buntline Special" Colts.

 

[ljnowell]

Well, there is the myth or legend that Ned Buntline gifted 5 long barreled Colt SAA's to lawmen he knew and Bat Masterson was supposed to be one of them. This was supposedly in the late 1970's so that would be before the gun you reference here. I have not heard that this was ever substantiated but could be the other Colt you have heard about.

The buntline specials were no myth, they were very much real. They had really long barrels too, as Wyatt Earp had his cut down. It was in his autobiography. Well, autobiography of sorts, he told the stories and approved the final copy. Great book, I have read it many times.

http://www.amazon.com/Wyatt-Earp-Fr...6070&sr=8-1&keywords=wyatt+earp+autobiography