April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2019
This high condition Henry Nettleton Cavalry revolver was manufactured in 1878 and Ordnance inspected by John Greer and Henry Nettleton. The fine condition on this revolver leads Mr. Kopec to believe this was possibly a state militia gun. It is entirely correct with the exception of a 1900's style replacement hammer missing the "HN" stamp and the firing pin is a later concave style. That said, the remainder of the revolver is in as issued Cavalry configuration. Left side of the frame has the three line patent address with "US". Proper font style on barrel address. Stamped "HN" for Henry Nettleton on backstrap, trigger guard, frame, barrel, and cylinder. Left side of grip has "JEG" John Greer inspector stamp and dated 1878. Right grip has the "HN" Henry Nettleton cartouche. Full or partial matching serial numbers on barrel, frame, trigger guard, backstrap, bottom of right grip in block letters, and on cylinder. Script initials on right grip. CONDITION: This revolver remains in extremely fine condition. Barrel retains a smooth blue-brown patina with sharp barrel legend and flashes of blue. Front sight is untouched. Frame retains 98% color case hardening. Fine case coloring on hammer. Cylinder has exposed drag line, shows 70% blue mixing with pleasant patina. Fire blue screws are near mint. Walnut grips are excellent with all readable cartouche stamps. Near mint bore and action with all four Colt clicks. This revolver was shipped to the United States Army soon after the Battle of Little Bighorn.
Paperwork
Kopec Authentication Letter