January 23, 2026 Old West & Native American Auction
Lot #1257:
(A) PRIME CUSTER RANGE AINSWORTH COLT CAVALRY MODEL SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER WITH OFFICER'S FIELD DESK ENSEMBLE
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/23/2026
This cavalry model Colt SN 4812 was part of the first contract received at Springfield in 1874. It is numbered in the Lot 5 range, 4507-5504, the majority of which were issued to Custer's 7th Cavalry prior to their July 1874 service in the Black Hills and the infamous 1876 Battle of Little Bighorn. According to Kopec and Fenn, it is estimated 600 were issued to them with other examples in the 4800 range documented to action at the battle. Matching numbers are observed on barrel under the ejector housing, frame, trigger guard, backstrap, and cylinder. Ainsworth "A" inspection stamp observed on trigger guard only. Letter "C" is marked in frame hammer slot. The cavalry length barrel is roll marked with a single line italic address and fitted with a blade front sight. Fitted with an early type bull's eye ejector rod head. Frame is marked on the left with a "U.S." and 2-line patent dates. Replacement walnut grips with an illegible inspection cartouche on the left panel. An included 1990 dated John Kopec letter notes that several small parts are also replaced including the cylinder pin, firing pin, ejector tube dowel, and several screws, still noting that "The revolver is basically a very honest piece". The revolver has been outfitted with numerous period accessories reminiscent of those Custer's officers would have had. They are housed in attractive replica quarter sawn oak campaign desk based on that of major Marcus Reno, the inside of the lid mounted with a heart shape mirror, M1872 dress cap insignia, and cavalry kepi insignia. 2 full August 1874 dated packets of Frankfort Arsenal .45 Colt and a packet of July 1874 Frankfort Arsenal .45 carbine ammunition, along with loose period internally primed ammunition are included for the revolver, and also the Springfield 1873 carbine the troopers carried. For a backup, a Civil War era Wm Jackson Sheaf Island Works, Sheffield "RIO GRANDE CAMP KNIFE" with 9 1/4" spear point blade, German silver mounts, stag scales, and leather-wrapped scabbard is included. Bowies of this type were made infamous in April of 1865, carried by John Wilkes Booth while assassinating President Abraham Lincoln, and also used by his coconspirator Lewis Powell on his attempted assassination Secretary of State Seward. Also included are a pair of period French field glasses like those used by Capt. Benteen, silver plated flask with classical motifs and collapsible cup lid, fine silver hunter cased pocket watch by Henry Beguelin with silver chain like that of Custer's Adjunct W.W. Cook, leather billfold with a Series of 1875 $1 bill and Series of 1875 $5 bill, a selection of period US coins like those recovered on the battlefield, period album of female tintypes, pipes, and writing equipment. A PSA slabbed grade NM7 authenticated envelope addressed to "Mrs Genl Custer" in the hand of General George Custer himself also accompanies this lot with a COA.
Condition: Gun is very good overall with later applied brown patina, showing honest hard period use underneath. Grips are worn with a section of loss on the right side behind the trigger guard. Defined bore with expected black powder abrasions. Good mechanics with all 4 clicks. Case and accessories rate good to very good as well. Knife has been sharpened, the scabbard rating poor with leather loss. A wonderfully built grouping like that, which was carried by Major Reno through the Indian Wars, including at Little Bighorn.
Accessories
Desk, Ammo, Accessories
Paperwork
Kopec Letter, Info