GUN FALL 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/4/2016
RARE AND EXTREMELY FINE SPRINGFIELD ARMORY MODIFIED 5-1/2" SINGLE ACTION ARMY ARTILLERY REVOLVER CIRCA 1885, NORTH CAROLINA MILITIA.COLTSAA ARTILLERY11665045Cal. 45. An all Matching Serial Number gun, rack marked "46" on top of back strap of pistol. This exact revolver is pictured on the book "Colt Cavalry and Artillery Revolvers" by Kopec and Fenn page 147 where it is illustrated and discussed as being one of the 400 revolvers requested by Alfred M. Scales, governor of North Carolina on November 24, 1886, a copy of his original request letter is illustrated on page146 of said book. Mr. Kopec lists 3 revolvers with 2-digit rack numbers engraved on top of the back straps from the contract as requested by North Carolina's Governor in 1884 and 1886. This gun SN 116650 made in 1881 shows the 5 digit serial number stamped on the bottom of the back strap, trigger guard and frame; with the last 4 digits of the Serial Number stamped on the cylinder and barrel of the gun indicating that it was configured into an artillery model at the Springfield Armory. Additionally, the last 4 of the Serial Number are also inked inside the back strap channel of the grips. The inspection stamp "DFC" (David F. Clark) appears on barrel, cylinder and frame on the gun and a "RAC" (Reginald A. Carr) appear on the left grip panel butt. 5-1/2" blue barrel and case color frame, single line address, full front sight is the correct sight showing the correct feathering around sight, left side of frame has a 3-line patent dates with large "US" stamped on it. Stocks have no discernible inspector's cartouche, but crisp sub-inspector "RAC" initials on butt. A large "46" rack number is engraved on top of the back strap. This is a rare Springfield Armory variation of the artillery series of Single Action Army's. PROVENANCE: Ex. Robert Hoelscher Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extra fine as arsenal refinished. "P" inspection marks are all crisp. The cylinder shows 95% bright arsenal blue with slight index line between cylinder stops; barrel and ejector housing also retain 95% bright arsenal blue, back strap and trigger guard retain over 90%, hammer retains strong traces of case colors and the frame shows 30% case hardening drifting to silver grey patina with some good colorful rainbow hues where protected. Stocks are sound and solid with nominal wear, especially on edges with several shallow dents near frame, hand worn patina. Mechanically crisp with bright shiny bore. 50672-3 JS (7,500-12,500)