April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2019
This revolver was originally manufactured as a cavalry model for the United States government in 1874. It is sub inspected by O.W. Ainsworth. The frame, barrel and cylinder, were all manufactured in 1874 under the Ainsworth inspection. Barrel is stamped 4496 A and the cylinder is stamped 387 with no visible letter. Small "G" under serial number on trigger guard which dates to the David F. Clark period. Left side of frame stamped US. Backstrap of the revolver is number 138311-K and manufactured in 1891. This is an RAC (Ronaldo Carr). This was done under the ordnance inspector Captain Stanhope E. Blunt. Grips not removed but Kopec notes that they do not fit properly and the butt was re-contoured. Kopec also notes that the revolver's rear top strap has been widened. Barrel address remains fine, showing the normal broken letter "O" in "CO" and broken letter "a" in "Hartford". These breaks occurred in 1873. Kopec notes that revolver is all original as arsenal rebuilt into a cavalry model with note to the grips. CONDITION: Barrel retains approximately 70% arsenal high polish blue, balance turning to brown patina with some light freckling. Ejector rod housing approximately the same. Frame exhibits some case color pattern but is basically dark. 70% arsenal high polish blue on an early square stop cylinder, with no lead in slots, balance patina. Straps have darkened. Grips are very good to excellent, slightly shy to metal. Frame screws are slightly marred. Locks up correctly. Has a fine and strong bore. Extremely nice, above average example of an artillery revolver that was refurbished in approximately 1890-1891 and reissued to troops fighting in the Philippines, Cuba, and sundry Banana Wars.
Caliber/Bore
.45 Long Colt