October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/22/2019
This attractive Ainsworth inspected US Cavalry has an excellent letter from the authority on Cavalry single actions, John A. Kopec. His comments are cartouche AOW on grip is worn away, owner's name of Hughes is scratched into both sides of grip, grips are correctly numbered within grip channel, revolver fitted with the old style mainspring lacking roller channel; these are correct and frequently encountered in early example. Kopec also says that the gun has been fired very few times with the forcing cone in excellent condition, and retains factory blue finish within bore and forcing cone. Kopec finishes by saying "This is truly an exceptional example of an early 'Ainsworth' Cavalry revolver and we have enjoyed doing this review." Barrel length is original with slant barrel address, cylinder with matching number 6995, strong U.S. on frame. Front sight is its original height. Grips are full dimension, though worn. Kopec comments that although this revolver was not recorded in the National Archives, serial number falls between a revolver which belonged to Troop C, 5th Cavalry, and serial number 7084, which also belonged to 5th Cavalry. Speculation as to the identity of the Hughes that carried this revolver focuses on a Thomas Hughes (Charles Hughes), a private assigned to Company H in the 7th Cavalry. Mr. Hughes enlisted in the 20th Infantry on June 30th, 1870, deserted, and was captured. A most interesting service record. CONDITION: Gun is in extraordinary condition for an early Ainsworth, front sight still retaining some pasty military bluing, surface of ejector rod housing has strong traces of original bluing, trigger guard retains traces of original bluing, frame shows virtually no wear. Cylinder has traces of original bluing in flutes. Hammer has some original case hardening, particularly on back. Trigger has traces of original bluing. Backstrap has blue mixing with patina. Serial numbers are all very strong and matching throughout. Action is excellent, bore is near new. Sighting notch still has traces of original color case hardening with some minor erosion. In short, one of the best early Ainsworth Cavalry revolvers we have seen with a great deal of research accompanying it. DB
Paperwork
Extensive letters from Kopec, research, etc.