Colt firearms, particularly their revolvers, hold a legendary status in American history and popular culture. Within the Colt family, the "Snake Guns" – revolvers adorned with engraved snake motifs – stand out as highly collectible and desirable pieces. This list delves into the various Colt snake guns, exploring their history, features, and what makes them so sought after by collectors.
Understanding the "Snake Gun" Designation
The term "Snake Gun" isn't an official Colt designation. Instead, it's a colloquial term used to refer to Colt revolvers featuring intricately engraved snake designs. These engravings are often highly detailed and artistically rendered, depicting various snake species realistically coiled around the gun's frame. These weren't mass-produced; they were often custom orders or limited editions, making them rarer and more valuable than standard Colt revolvers.
Types of Colt Snake Guns and Their Key Features
While a definitive, exhaustive list is difficult to compile due to the custom nature of many pieces, we can highlight some of the most prominent types and eras of Colt snake guns:
1. Single Action Army (SAA) Snake Guns:
- Period: Primarily late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Features: These are often considered the pinnacle of Colt snake guns. The SAA's iconic design provided a perfect canvas for elaborate engraving, with the snakes often depicted winding around the frame, cylinder, and even the grip. Variations in the style and detail of the engraving are numerous, making each piece unique. Many were custom ordered, resulting in a vast array of designs.
- Variations: Engraving styles ranged from simple to incredibly intricate, sometimes incorporating other elements like floral patterns or scrollwork alongside the snakes.
2. Peacemaker Snake Guns:
- Period: Overlapping with the SAA era.
- Features: Sharing the same basic design as the SAA, the Peacemaker offered a smaller platform for engraving, yet many examples feature remarkably detailed snake work, often emphasizing the gun's rugged character.
3. Other Colt Revolvers with Snake Engraving:
- Period: Various eras.
- Features: While SAA and Peacemakers are most associated with snake guns, other Colt revolvers, such as the New Service and even some double-action models, may feature custom snake engravings. These are rarer and often even more valuable due to their less-common status.
Identifying Authentic Colt Snake Guns
The rarity and desirability of Colt snake guns have unfortunately led to numerous reproductions and fakes. Knowing how to identify authentic pieces is crucial for collectors. Key factors to consider include:
- Engraving quality: Authentic Colt engravings are usually of exceptionally high quality, demonstrating both skill and artistry. Fakes often lack the detail and precision of genuine work.
- Markings: Examine the gun's markings carefully. Authentic Colt markings will be consistent with the model and era. Pay attention to font styles and the placement of markings.
- Metalwork: The quality of the metalwork and finish is another critical element. Authentic Colt firearms are renowned for their superior craftsmanship.
The Value and Collectibility of Colt Snake Guns
Colt snake guns are highly valued by collectors, with prices varying greatly depending on the model, the quality and intricacy of the engraving, condition, and provenance. Rare and exquisitely engraved pieces can fetch tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands, of dollars at auction.
Conclusion: A Legacy in Steel and Serpents
The Colt snake guns represent a unique intersection of artistry, craftsmanship, and firearms history. Their intricate engravings transform functional firearms into works of art, captivating collectors and enthusiasts alike. While a complete list is impossible due to the bespoke nature of many pieces, understanding the common types and key identifying features is crucial for appreciating these stunning and highly collectible pieces. Further research into specific models and individual examples will reveal a world of detail and fascinating history.
