GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
RARE AND VERY FINE, EARLY AINSWORTH INSPECTED COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.ColtSAA358145Cal. 45. This rare, completely matching example of 1874 manufactured Colt SAA has matching SN 3581 found on every part normally SNd and on ejector housing which is rarely seen. This gun is in fine "as found" condition and new to market. Gun retains much of its orig finish with crisp action and bright crisp bore. Ainsworth "A" inspector marks are found on backstrap, under bbl, with proof firing "P", left buttstock, cylinder and trigger guard. This gun is in the serial range with noted documented guns issued to Company K 4th US Cavalry in 1874. According to John Kopec and Sterling Fenn's text Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers, published in 1994, only 29 numbered ejector rods with SNs are recorded in their updated survey. In 1992, with the publication of Kopec's original A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolvers, only 10 examples were known and this specimen is listed in both surveys. You will have a hard time finding a more honest and untouched early Ainsworth Single Action. CONDITION: Fine overall, complete, orig and all matching. Bbl and ejector housing retain about 20-30% orig bright blue finish, especially in protected areas. Bbl address, SN and inspector marks are crisp as is SN on ejector housing. Frame exhibits strong traces of finish in protected areas, with balance a matching plum/brown. Cylinder has small traces of blue in safety stops with overall plum/brown patina. Trigger guard and backstrap have traces of orig blue finish with balance a mottled brown/grey. Screws all appear orig with base-pin screw still retaining fire blue. Stocks are sound and well fit with hand worn patina, Ainsworth cartouche on left stock is weak and only discernible in outline. Other markings on gun are crisp and well discerned. 49780-1 JS (15,000-20,000)