GUN FALL 2016
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 4, 2016.
EXTREMELY FINE JOHN BUTLER INSPECTED COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.COLTSAA CAVALRY11997745Cal. 45. Blue and color case hardened, usual configuration with 7-1/2" barrel with full front sight showing clear feathering around the front sight and ejector rod housing stud and 1-line block letter address on top of barrel.. Left side of frame has 3-line patent dates and large "U.S" stamp. The 5 digit serial number is stamped on the bottom of the back strap, trigger guard and frame and with the last 4 digits of the Serial Number stamped on the cylinder and barrel of the gun. The revolver is mounted with a 1-pc walnut grip that has last 4 digits of matching SN in back strap channel. This revolver displays the unmarred "JGB" initials on its left grip panel under the year date "1887." Captain Butler was the only inspector whose initials were not encircled within a cartouche. Right side of the grip bears the "DFC" (David F. Clark) sub-inspector cartouche. Bottom left edge of grip, bottom of barrel, bottom of the frame and cylinder also stamped with the "DFC" sub-inspector initials. Base pin is the original type with dimpled ends. This revolver was part of the 11th contract which was signed Nov. 4, 1886 and completed in Feb. and March 1887. This revolver falls in the listed serial range for the John G. Butler series #119047 through #121238, as listed in Colt Cavalry and Artillery Revolvers, A Continuing Study, Kopec & Fenn. The revolvers of this era were still being issued to active front line cavalry units and frequently saw hard service under adverse conditions, and are rarely found today with high origin finish. CONDITION: Extremely fine overall with all matching serial numbers with all the proper inspector's marks. 93-95% original blue finish on barrel just starting to age, ejector rod housing shows 87-90% original blue finish with some loses on high points, cylinder shows 85-90% original blue finish starting to age to a pleasant blue/plumb color, loses at high points, bright blue in flutes, chambers retain much of their original blue as does cylinder face, slight index line between cylinder stops. Frame retains about 90% muted rainbow case colors starting to age and tone. Back strap and trigger guard retain 70% original blue finish starting to patina to a plum color. Stocks are sound and well fit with sharp "JGB" initials on its left grip panel under the year date "1887," and sharp cartouche on the right grip panel, moderate edge wear, small cosmetic blemishes and retaining most of its original oil finish. All screw heads are clean showing most of the bright (nitre) blue finish Excellent crisp action with bright shiny bore. 50672-2 JS (27,500-37,500)