October 30 - November 2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria, & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2018
US Colt historian John Kopec states this revolver was manufactured circa December 8th, 1876 and Ordnance inspected by David A. Lyle. The Ordnance sub-inspector in charge was John T. Cleveland who was assisted for a short period by sub-inspector Lewis Draper. Sub-inspectors initials "LD" are found above the serial number on frame. You will find intermingled inspected "LD" or "JTC" inspector stamps during this period. John cites this revolver falls into the Troop G, Third Cavalry September 14th, 1886 batch of weapons. He feels that this is most likely a militia gun from 1878 with Michigan receiving 690, Kentucky 200 and the District of Columbia 240; and they escaped being modified as they remained in service until after 1893 and were most likely sold as surplus. John lists the following notes and comments: cylinder of this revolver is a later replacement, serial number and JTC sub-inspector initials have been restamped; cylinder bolt stop guides (approaches) are too small; small letter "K" stamped at rear of cylinder; cylinder sports a rust-blued refinished surface; barrel of this revolver sports the same rust blue refinished surface with a strong address but shows the effects of being slight buffed prior to being reblued; the remnants of an older applied blued finish remain on trigger guard and backstrap; interior of the frame cylinder shows prior reblued finish; screws holes of this frame and slightly dished from moderate buffing; ejector spring is a modern replacement; grips fitted to this revolver remain in remarkable original condition, showing the perfect cartouche of both inspectors (Lyle and Cleveland). Features two line frame patent date, "US" on left side of frame and strong barrel address. Full or partial matching numbers on frame, barrel, backstrap, trigger guard and cylinder. Left walnut grips panel is dated 1876 and stamped with "DFC" in box. Grips are in near mint condition. Stamped with Lyle initials on left and Clarke on right. CONDITION: Light traces of case colors on frame. Excellent walnut grips with strong cartouche. Indexes and locks up like new. Strong, clean bore. Very scarce and early Lyle/Cleveland inspected Indian Wars Colt.