Long Flute Custer

LonesomePigeon · March 11, 2018, 09:51:09 PM

Here is a strange gun, a Custer Battlefield model with a long flute cylinder: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/755177896
As I understand it the real Colt long flute SAA's came about in the 1900's when Colt used up some extra cylinders left over from the Double Action Model 1878. However, Colt had previously experimented with long flutes on the 3rd Model Dragoon, 1860 Army and 1861 Navy. I have a feeling this Custer Battlefield is just a fantasy gun but I wanted to ask, is there any evidence of long flute SAA's being produced early on, in the 1873 - 1876 timeframe?

Tascosa Joe · March 12, 2018, 08:08:07 AM

According to my books, the long flute began production in 1915. 1379 guns were made in various Calibers. SN: Range 330001 to 331379. This info is from David M. Brown's "36 Calibers of the Colt". Brown's book has a lot of good information, but he was know to embellish things from time to time. The Custer Battlefield with long flutes is most likely a fantasy gun.

Coffinmaker · March 12, 2018, 11:03:27 AM

And .... We should expect a reproduction to be Hysterically .. er .. Historically .. yes historical accurate ..WHY??

PS: Bet it don't take too long for the bid to go to STUPID money really fast. Flutes not withstanding.

Pangaea · March 12, 2018, 01:22:43 PM

The seller of that particular weapon has been selling a large number of USFA's recently. I'd be curious to know if they are selling a collection of them from a deceased collector or such. These guns are going for some reasonable prices, considering what they have sold for in the past. Most of them appear to be in excellent condition.

LonesomePigeon · March 12, 2018, 07:02:30 PM

Pangea, I was wondering the same thing. Tons of USFA's right now. I bet they are all from one big collection.

Coffinmaker · March 12, 2018, 08:01:45 PM

Possessions of the Deceased are oft Haunted.

Beware of ethereal spirits that may inhabit them.

Major 2 · March 12, 2018, 08:56:20 PM

Quote from: Coffinmaker on March 12, 2018, 08:01:45 PM
Possessions of the Deceased are oft Haunted. Beware of ethereal spirits that may inhabit them.

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice , Bee.....................

"Day O" DAYYYYYYYYYYYY O come Mister Tallyman , Tally me my mad money

LonesomePigeon · March 26, 2018, 10:25:40 AM

Well, the long fluted Custer went for $1775 on a penny start, no reserve auction.