November 17 & 18, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/17/2021
The Ordnance Department purchased 171 unnumbered replacement frames from Colt between 1874 and 1891. A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver" by Graham, Kopec and Moore states that the Army purchased six replacement frames from Colt on May 4th, 1891. These were the last replacement frames purchased from Colt. The left side of the frame is roll stamped with the Colt three-date/two line patent marking initially used by Colt in 1890 at approximately serial number 134,000. The inside of the loading gate is stamped 1561 assembly number. The frame is stamped with the "US" property mark and the letters "LD" instead of a serial number. The barrel is roll stamped "45 COLT" on the left side which indicates was installed during the Colt overhaul of Single Action Army revolvers circa 1903. The underside of the barrel is stamped with the small "RAC" sub-inspection mark utilized during the 1903 Colt overhaul. The cylinder is also a replacement that dates from the same overhaul and is stamped "RAC" sub-inspection mark of the rear face. The bottom of the back strap has no serial number marking. The trigger guard is number 47723 and inspected "HN". The revolver retains at least 85% of the blue finish used in the Colt 1903 overhaul. CONDITION: More than 85% of the bright case colors remain on the frame and hammer. The balance of the revolver has just thinned through. The Colt and Ordnance sub-inspection markings on the barrel and frame are sharp. The walnut grips are excellent overall condition with a couple of light chips. The action is tight and functions like new as is the bore. This unnumbered US Colt was one of the tail end production Artillery Models as they were using up the last of the parts supply. Given the rarity and the near mint overall condition on this nearly unique US Colt, it would be next to impossible to find another example let alone a finer example. This is a rare and documented variation of the Colt Artillery Single Action revolver. DB