GUN FALL 2015
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2015
VERY RARE CIVILIAN/MILITARY CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.CAVALRYSAA4170645 COLTCal. 45 Colt. Blue & color case hardened with 7-1/2" bbl, full front sight and backwards or left hand 1-line block letter address. Ejector rod housing is 2nd type with bull''s eye ejector rod head. Left side of frame has three patent dates and a small "U.S." that was apparently applied after the frame was hardened as there is raised metal around the stamping. Left shoulder of trigger guard is marked "45 CAL". Mounted with 1-pc walnut grip that has last four digits of matching SN in backstrap channel that are nearly obliterated by dark stains. Left side of grip has an oval "DAL" (Capt. David A. Lyle) inspector cartouche under the date "1880". Right side of grip has a "DFC" (David F. Clark) sub-inspector cartouche. Bottom of bbl, cyl & bottom edge of grip also have the "DFC" inspector initials. The "DFC" initials on bottom of bbl, cyl & grip are upside down to their usual orientation. Accompanied by a 3-page letter from renowned Colt author & historian John Kopec who authenticates this revolver as being completely orig and one of very few known civilian/military revolvers. He states that this revolver, along with a few others, was removed from the civilian production and inspected by the military inspectors & sub-inspectors at the plant at the last minute to complete a contract and were then shipped for military service. Very few are known today and Mr. Kopec states that this is the finest example known. Interestingly the frame does not bear the "DFC" initials, apparently it having been already color case hardened would have damaged the die if it had been stamped. Mr. Kopec states that this revolver may have been one of those issued to the 6th U.S. Cavalry, or possibly to a state militia unit. Regardless, it escaped the recall of the 1890s and early 20th century wherein most of the existing Cavalry single actions were altered to artillery configuration.It remains in completely orig, as issued, configuration. PROVENANCE: Wes Adams Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching including bbl, cyl & grip. Bbl retains about 90% blue/brown patina with dark blue in sheltered areas; frame & hammer retain virtually all of their brilliant factory case colors, faded on recoil shields, loading gate & top edge of hammer; trigger guard & backstrap retain strong orig blue with "candy striping" on front & backstraps and buttstrap; cyl is a thin blue/brown patina on outer diameter with stronger blue in the flutes; cyl retains strong blue in chambers with scattered blue in the bore; grip is sound showing light wear and retains a hand worn patina. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 49450-14 JR (17,500-25,000)