July 30th 2016 Premier Firearms Sale (20)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/30/2016
7-1/2" barrel in .45 LC caliber. According to the Kopec book, this revolver was manufactured in 1874 and was sub-inspected by O.W. Ainsworth. It is one of a group of 2,307 revolvers issued on July 9th and July 28th, 1874 for the Ordnance Department of the state of Virginia. Kopec further states that Virginia decided to sell these newly issued revolvers to a surplus arms dealer, reportedly Herman Boker & Co., as well as directly back to Colt, serial numbers in the 12,000 to 13,000 range. According to Kopec in his book “Colt Cavalry and Artillery Revolvers” on page 159 “these revolvers offered back to Colt at a discounted price. Colt, in turn, repurchased these revolvers, but, because of their distinct government property, markings, and finish, could not legitimately resell them on the open market without first altering their physical appearance so that they could be distinguished from government-owned revolvers. Because the U.S. Government never had purchased revolvers with nickel plating the simple solution to this problem would be for Colt to have these repurchased government revolvers nickel plated…many were fitted with ivory grips.” We believe this to be a Colt buy-back rather than a Boker as this revolver exhibits the fire blue screws (not a trait of Adams Nickel Plating Co.) as well as the perfectly fitted one piece ivory grips. These are referred to today as "Buy-Backs". This revolver is 100% correct in all respects. This gun is listed on page 161 as a known example. Revolver has all matching serial numbers on frame, trigger guard, backstrap, cylinder, and on the barrel under the ejector rod. The letter "A" for "Ainsworth" can be found stamped on trigger guard under serial number as well as on top of backstrap. Inspector mark "AP" is stamped on bottom of barrel just forward of cylinder pin. Cylinder indexes and locks up perfectly with proper four clicks. Strong clean rifled bore. Overall the revolver retains at least 70% of the period nickel plating with the balance blending to a soft gun metal grey. Slanted barrel legends are strong. Left side of frame has the two line patent date with "U.S.". Has all proper period parts including hammer and donut style ejector rod head. One piece ivory grips are excellent with usual aging. The frame screws still exhibit the majority of their original high polish fire blue finish. A fine example of an extremely scarce Single Action Army Cavalry Model that was subsequently used in the civilian market. In addition, this revolver is housed in a Lanz Owen U.S. flap holster with a matching belt and U.S. buckle, all in excellent condition, as well as an original box of Frankfurt Arsenal 1878 revolver ball cartridges that are copper cased and all original (end label is loose).