October 30 - November 2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria, & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2018
Kopek notes in his first letter, dated 1984 “The revolver is a good example of an early 1875 issue revolver, which was reissued to the New York Militia 1895.” In regards to this being reissued to the New York Militia “This revolver is listed in our survey as being one of the 800 like revolvers refurbished at the Colt plant especially for service with the New York Militia. These first revolvers were not cut down…but where left at the 7-1/2” length. This particular revolver left the Colt factory (for the second time) on October 18th, 1895. The grips are the original RAC (Renaldo Carr) which were fitted to the revolver in 1895 (thus the original 1875 grips not present)…within this first batch of 800 refinished Cavalry revolvers, a concerted effort was made by Colt to keep the serial numbers matching…we find that the serial number of the backstrap, though found to match the serial number of the revolver proper, does not conform in style and is in a two line format…there can be little doubt that this strap was replaced during time of refurbishing and original serial number of the revolver applied to it at that time…this revolver is a very nice example of a Casey sub-inspected Cavalry revolver.”. John wrote a second letter in 2013 where he addresses serial numbers before and after where he states “Many of the listed examples within in this specific serial number range were issued to the newly reorganized 7th Cavalry after the famous Custer battle. They were issued these new Colt .45 caliber revolvers on October 3rd, 1876, just some three months after the Custer battle. After serving with the 7th Cavalry through many Indian battles, including the Battle of Wounded Knee, these 1875 manufactured Cavalry revolvers were recalled from service and placed into storage. In the case of our subject revolver, the extra digit ‘1’ was added ahead of the existing “8704” on the barrel and cylinder positions. Hammers were refinished with a nitre bright blue finish. Grips were replaced, hence RAC.” In addition the to two Kopec letters, there is a Colt letter which basically states they know nothing. Also includes small postcard from John of April 1983 speaking more of the replaced grips. CONDITION: All legends are sharp. Barrel is basically a smooth, homogenous, clean brown patina. The housing has generous amounts of original blue in recess. Frame shows a hint of color in recesses and pattern still visible. Straps and trigger guard retain flashes of blue. “RAC” is stamped at bottom of right wooden grip panel. Traces of fine nitre blue on hammer. Four distinct index clicks and locks up like a vault. Cylinder is a basic patina with a very distinct drag line and an area of small dents on one cylinder chamber. Cylinder flutes have generous amounts of original blue. Screw heads are generally sharp. Still retains donut head ejector. Small “c” stamped on trigger guard and cylinder. Wood is excellent with the usual minor abrasions. Bore exhibits beautiful mirror bright rifling, sharp and crisp. Very clean revolver that probably rose with the famous 7th Cavalry for nearly 20 years and subsequently ended up in the New York Militia as well.