GUN FALL 2016
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 4, 2016.
VERY FINE HENRY NETTLETON INSPECTED COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.COLTSAA CAVALRY4826445Cal. 45 Colt. Usual configuration with 7-1/2" barrel with full front sight that still show the proper military polish (feathering) around the front sight and ejector rod housing stud with all matching serial numbers with all proper inspector marks. Mr. Nettleton's initials "HN," appear on frame, trigger guard, back strap, left side of hammer, cylinder and bottom of barrel. Barrel has a 1 line block letter address on top, the last 4 digits of serial number stamped on the bottom of barrel under the ejector rod housing. Frame has 3-line patent dates with a small "US" on left side panel. The revolver is mounted with oil finished, 1-pc walnut grip having a crisp "JEG" (Capt. John E. Greer) cartouche and the date "1878" on the left side, with the "HN" (Henry Nettleton) cartouche on the right side and with last four digits of Serial Number in the back strap channel of the grip. Cylinder has the last 4 digits of the Serial Number stamped on it. Ejector housing is second type with bull's-eye ejector rod head and base pin is the original with dimpled ends. The Nettleton inspected revolvers are one of the smaller and most desirable production runs, there having been only 3,000 pieces inspected by him in the period May through August 1878. Reference: Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers A Continuing Study, Kopec & Fenn. Nettleton inspected cavalry models found with much original finish are rare as they were almost exclusively issued to Frontier Cavalry units during the Indian Wars and saw continued & rough service on the frontier most were subsequently recalled & converted to artillery configuration. This revolver is accompanied by an authentication letter from Mr. John Kopec, on which he states: "Upon our examination of this revolver and in comparison with our "control" example #48728, we find that this revolver remains totally correct. All stampings including the barrel address remain in perfect condition." PROVENANCE: Accompanied by John Kopec Letter of Authenticity December 10, 2012. CONDITION: A very fine unfired example. Overall this revolver retains virtually all of its original factory finish, but, as Mr. Kopec's letter also states: "Unfortunately, this exceptional revolver has sustained surface scratches throughout. This damage probably occurred because of being cleaned with an abrasive substance." The barrel and ejector rod housing retain 95% original blue which is thinning evenly but remains strong showing clear feathering around the front sight and ejector rod housing stud. The trigger guard and back strap retain 85% evenly thinning original blue finish and showing clear feathering on either side of the trigger guard bow. Cylinder retains 90% original thinning blue finish showing a slight index line between cylinder stops; the cylinder chambers and bore retain most of the blue with strong blue in the flutes. The frame retains some of its original case-hardened rainbow color finish with light scratches evident from cleaning with an abrasive substance and showing an overall "brassy" color patina where cleaned, showing bright case rainbow colors in the front gullets and on 25% of the frame's side panels. All screw heads remain clean retaining 75% of their bright (nitre) blue finish. The one piece walnut grip remains in excellent plus condition with crisp cartouche and date with nearly all of its original oil finish remaining. Mechanics are crisp with bright shiny bore. 50672-1 JS (20,000-30,000)