October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/22/2019
Originally manufactured in 1874 by Colt for the United States Army. This classic Custer Era Single action is now Colt Factory modified from the original 7 - 1/2" barrel to the later 5 - 1/2" Artillery variation. Chambered for the .45 Colt cartridge with US marking on left side of frame next to two line patent markings. Single line Colt address upon barrel top with proper thin blade front sight. Original one piece walnut grips have been period checkered but still retain the RAC inspection marking on bottom. Mixed numbers are found on barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard, and butt. This is proper for these modified revolvers as they saw continued use from the early Indian wars into the Philippine insurrection. Most of these historic revolvers were modified by the United States Gov't at designated arsenals. This example is quite uncommon as it was modified to the 5 1/2 inch barreled Artillery variation by the Colt factory and returned to Springfield Armory on July 15th 1901. Colt is accompanied by Factory letter dated Oct 12th 2007 indicating modification date and shipment to US Gov't Armory at Springfield MA. CONDITION: Barrel is good with strong rifling. Action is crisp and properly functioning. Grips are very fine as period checkered and full fitting. Finish on barrel and cylinder is a dove grey with little blue remaining. Frame retains much arsenal blue finish in protected areas. TDW