May 7, 2024 The Paul Friedrich Collection of Firearms & Gold Rush
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/7/2024
Manufactured in 1875 in standard configuration throughout. Marked with rare "J" sub-inspector marking of W.W. Johnson on ejector rod housing, barrel, cylinder, trigger guard, and top of backstrap near hammer. Accompanying paperwork consists of correspondence between Bob Eder and John A. Kopec regarding acquiring a letter for this gun, said Kopec letter, copies of same, and copies of pages 39-43 of "Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers... A Continuing Study" by John A. Kopec and H. Sterling Fenn in which this gun is mentioned as one of the SAAs inspected in this sub-inspector marked series. In the Kopec letter, it is noted that the exact serial number of this gun could not be found in the National Archives. However, it is in a range where a majority of the examples seen were issued to the 7th Cavalry after they were newly reorganized after the Battle of Little Bighorn. These troops were given the nickname "Custers Avengers". Kopec opines the revolver as being totally correct in all physical characteristics other than the cylinder pin screw, which is a replacement. Matching serial numbers observed on barrel, frame, trigger guard, and backstrap. Ejector rod housing is the correct first type with reinforcement stud. CONDITION: Good, with virtually all of the original finishes turned a gray-brown patina with freckling throughout. Grips are show no major cracks, and have had inspector markings worn away. Mechanically fine. Bore is frosted with well-defined rifling.