October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2019
Rare and exceptional Henry Nettleton inspected U.S. Colt Single Action Army Martial revolver together with Colt Factory Letter and letter from noted expert John Kopec. It is a standard .45 caliber with a 7 - 1/2" barrel with noted broken T in the PT and lack of hyphens in address, typical of this series of Nettleton inspected cavalry models. Blued finish. Case hardened hammer and frame, fire blued trigger. Barrel stamped P and HN on bottom. Frame stamped HN. Left side with standard U.S. stamp. Cylinder stamped P and HN. Hammer recess in frame stamped N. The HN stamp can also be found on backstrap and trigger guard. Colt factory letter confirming configuration and documenting sale to U.S. government, delivered to U.S. Inspector at the Colt Plant on July 30, 1878 in a shipment of 100 firearms. Kopec states that the ejector tube has been modified with newer finish and is a replacement. The hammer is correct period but does not have the usual HN stamp. Aside from tube, John states that this revolver is exceptional. It is definitely one of the finest Nettleton inspected cavalry models in existence. CONDITION: Excellent. Retaining approximately 90% original factory high polish blue finish on cylinder, barrel, and straps with light wear at muzzle with some thinning. 90% vibrant case color on frame. Light tracking line on cylinder. Excellent grips that are dated 1878 with near perfect JEG John Greer inspector stamp on left side and HN Henry Nettleton on right side. Action tight and crisp. It is obvious that this high condition gun saw very little use. DB
Paperwork
Kopec Letter, Factory Letter, Article on Inspector