October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2019
Wonderful early Ainsworth Colt with 7-1/2" barrel, standard front sight with script address with serifs at each end. Left side of frame has two line patent dates and a small "U.S." Fitted with one piece walnut grip with legible Ainsworth's "OWA" cartouche on left side. It has its original first type ejector rod housing with bull's eye ejector rod head and has its original base pin with dimples at each end. There are small "A" inspector initials on bottom of barrel, trigger guard, top of backstrap, cylinder. Additionally accompanied by a John Kopec letter authenticating this fine revolver and indicating that it was probably issued to and served with the U.S. 8th Cavalry regiment. The famous 8th U.S. Cavalry fought in the Southwest throughout the entire Indian Wars from Dec. 1867 until May of 1888, mostly in New Mexico & West Texas. In May of 1888 they were reassigned to Fort Meade, South Dakota and stationed at Fort Keough, Montana. They had a long and colorful history in the Indian Wars fighting many battles and skirmishes and it is recollection of this cataloger that the 8th, with the assistance of Al Sieber & Tom Horn, captured Geronimo. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Barrel retains 70-75% strong original blue with only holster wear on sides. Ejector rod housing retains 75-80% strong original blue. Frame retains 75-80% strong, bright original case colors, brilliant in sheltered areas with top strap turned gray and thinned on recoil shields. Hammer retains brilliant case colors on sides, turned dark on top and moderately faded on back. Cylinder retains 60-70% thin blue/gray, stronger in flutes. Trigger guard retains about 60-70% original blue with "candy striping" found on original finishes. Backstrap & buttstrap retain 25-30% thin blue with aforementioned striping. Grip is sound with chipped & worn edges and battering on bottom with legible cartouche & retains traces of original finish being mostly a hand worn patina. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. DB CORRECTION: This lot includes a Kopec letter.