May 23rd 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/22/2015
The frame of this revolver began life in 1874, second year of Colt single action production, as a standard U.S. issue cavalry model revolver that would have left the factory with a 7-1/2" barrel, blue and case colored finish, walnut grips, in caliber .45 long Colt. Around the turn of the century, cavalry Colts were brought to the Armory, disassembled, usable parts were thrown into bins, barrels were shortened to 5-1/2", and the revolvers were rebuilt and then reissued using a term now accepted by collectors as an "Artillery Model". As such these revolvers will have a mixture of numbers on the parts, as well as various inspectors from different eras. This gun is numbered as follows: frame is 3622, trigger guard is 4451 with an Ainsworth "A" inspector mark, the backstrap is 4451, barrel is stamped with a "P" as well as "H.N." for Henry Nettleton, the loading gate is stamped 542, back of cylinder is stamped "R.A.C." for Reynaldo Carr. No cartouche visible on walnut grips. The hammer is a later replacement. Standard features include a bullseye ejector rod head, 5-1/2" barrel, .45 long Colt caliber, single action, standard finish, and walnut grips. Action exhibits all four clicks and timing is perfect. "U.S." is stamped on left side of frame. Has the screw-in cylinder pin release (black powder), and one line Colt address on barrel. Strong near mint bore. Front sight has not been filed. Markings are strong. Screw heads are perfect. There is a small stamp at the upper left grip as follows "EX45". As to finish, the gun is basically an overall brown-grey patina. The grips are slightly shy to metal, but are free of cracks or chips. Overall a nice, clean artillery model used by the U.S. cavalry throughout the Indian Wars and into the Philippines.