February 5, 6, & 7, 2019 Field & Range Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/6/2019
Arguably one of the last affordable U.S. military series handguns, this was part of the series that started in 1889, being the first U.S. revolver issued with the swing out cylinder. They were built on the new Army/Navy frame and went through several updates starting 1892 and going to 1903, all of which improved on the 1892. This model 1901 was built in 1902 and is dated on the left side of the frame. Also on left side of frame you will find various U.S. inspectors cartouches including "JTT" for John T. Thompson, famous for the development of the Tommy Gun. Next cartouche is "RAC" for Ronaldo A. Carr. Butt is stamped "US ARMY MODEL 1901" with lanyard ring. Bottom of both grips stamped "RAC" for Ronaldo A. Carr. Back of cylinder stamped "RAC". CONDITION: These revolvers were factory finished in the pre-war high polish blue with six shot fluted cylinder, two piece walnut grips, and lanyard. Revolver has all the usual small handling marks expected of a military gun but still retains approximately 85-90% of the blue finish Colt was famous for during this era. Fire blue trigger and screws also retain 85-90%. Grips are very good although they do have a chip at toe. Indexes and locks up fine. Near mint bore. It is always a good idea, if you collect U.S. military weapons, to pick up examples of this revolver as they become more and more collectible. We can think of no other U.S. military weapons from this time period at such an affordable value.
Caliber/Bore
.38 Long Colt