December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/11/2024
Manufactured in 1874 and is one of the first 8000 Single Action Armies contracted for the U.S. Government. It was inspected by Orville W. Ainsworth. Ainsworth was the first principle sub-inspector for these guns. It has all of the early characteristics: single line barrel address in script, two line patent dates, bullseye ejector rod, single small U.S. cartouche on the left grip, and serial numbered ejector rod housing. Very few had this feature. There is a small A inspection proof on the bottom of the barrel, the side of the cylinder, on the trigger guard under the serial number, on the bottom of the grip and on the top of the backstrap. A U.S. is stamped on the left side of the frame. Matching serial numbers on the barrel, ejector rod housing, frame, trigger guard, backstrap, cylinder, and the back of the grip. There is a 533 bin number on the loading gate. The screws show very little wear from disassembly. CONDITION: This gun retains some of the original factory-applied blue finish in the protected areas, with the remainder of the gun turning a pleasing gray/brown patina. There are some traces of the case color on the frame and hammer. The grip shows some honest wear and fits the gun very well. The bore is good with well defined lands and grooves. This would be a great addition to any collection.
CORRECTION: Ejector rod housing, screws, and the loading gate are replacements. Grips are repaired; they appear to have been separated at one point and reglued.