May 18, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/18/2022
1879 vintage Colt Single Action Army revolver, serial number 49434. 7 - 1/2" round barrel chambered in .45 Colt with single line barrel address, correct profile blade front sight, and frame notch rear. Nickel-plated finish with color case hardened hammer. 2-line patent address on left side of frame with no "U.S." marking present. Matching serial numbers observed on barrel, frame, trigger guard, butt, and cylinder. Nettleton inspector markings observed on barrel, frame, trigger guard, bottom of grips, cylinder, and backstrap near hammer. 1-piece walnut grips bearing inspector cartouches on either side. This revolver is in 2 distinctive and interesting serial number ranges, first of which is the "Nickel-Plated Nettleton Revolvers" on page 53 of "Cavalry and Artillery Revolvers...A Continuing Study" by Kopec and Fenn. In this section of the book, they point out 24 examples that fit into the category of revolvers that there is strong evidence that Colt bought back surplus Cavalry revolvers and nickel-plated them for the purpose of selling them through the civilian market. The second serial number range that this particular revolver fits into is on page 55 of the same book as mentioned above. These are Nettleton inspected revolvers with the U.S. frame marking being omitted during final inspection by the ordnance inspector. CONDITION: Very good, with a majority of the applied nickel plating remaining with minor storage marks throughout. Grips are slightly shy to frame from a minor cleaning and have a repaired crack on left grip panel but are otherwise strong. Action is well worn, with only 2 hammer positions. Bore is frosted with well-defined rifling. A noteworthy Colt Cavalry Single Action revolver. TON