A rare Colt 45 is one of the leading attractions at James D Julia's forthcoming auction.

The Maine based auctioneer is hosting its Important Firearms Auction on March 14 and 15, with many exciting items expected to attract firearms and militaria collectors and investors both in person and online.

The pick of the lots could well be a rare SN 122, 45 Colt pinch frame single action army revolver which comes complete with original skeleton shoulder stock.

It has a 7.5 inch barrel, a German silver front sight and a single line script letter address, stating "Hartford".

Its exact date of manufacture is unknown, although it is one of the earliest single action revolvers produced as it does not have an assembly number on the loading gate and it has a first type hammer spring without a roller groove.

An unusual feature of the piece is the short front edge on the toe of the butt strap, which is a design feature on only the very earliest single action army revolvers.

Fatal attraction - this Colt 45 has a top end estimate of $450,000

The firearm is in very fine condition and has a top end estimate of $450,000.

James D Julia has become well known for its sensational sales of late. Last year the auction house sold a Fox "F" Grade Shotgun presented to President Theodore Roosevelt for $862,500.

March's sale could well be another big earner, with 17 lots having high end estimates of $100,000 or more.