GUN FALL 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2017
EXTREMELY FINE COLT ARTILLERY SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER WITH FACTORY LETTER. COLT ARTILLERY 96458 45 Cal. 45. Standard configuration blue and case hardened, 1-line Hartford address, full front sight, 3-line patent & "US" on left side of frame. Mounted with a 1-pc walnut grip that has the date "1903" over "RAC" (Rinaldo A. Carr). Gun is in truly remarkable condition retaining virtually all of its orig finish. Frame is SN 96458, backstrap is 138270 and trigger guard is 6957 with small inspector "A" for Ainsworth. Trigger guard was part of a gun from LOT SEVEN which a portion of it would have gone to the 7th US Cavalry and at least 3 revolvers have Custer Battlefield association, #6559, #7047 and #7119 (see Kopec & Fenn, Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers, page 259-262). However most guns in this series are associated with the 2nd and 5th US Cavalries. Regardless this is a remarkable gun that would be difficult to upgrade. PROVENANCE: Accompanied by a Colt Factory Letter confirming shipment on August 24, 1883. CONDITION: Extremely fine overall, gun appears orig and complete, retaining 97-98% bright blue on bbl, ejector housing, backstrap, trigger guard and cylinder. Frame & hammer retain virtually all of their bright and muted case colors. There is a light drag line on cylinder and several cosmetic scratched scattered on bbl, slight reductions of blue at muzzle and face of ejector housing. Grips are sound, well fit with hand worn patina and crisp cartouche. Mechanics are crisp with bright shiny bore. 51988-1 JS (6,500-8,500)