September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2024
According to a letter written in 2016 from John Kopec, he states that he had examined this revolver previously, in August of 1991. He relates that this revolver originated from within Lot Six (5505-6516). This was one of the prime lots that revolvers were issued to the U.S. 7th Cavalry as it was within this range that revolvers were issued to Companies D and I. In 1874, 921 Colts were shipped to the 7th Cavalry from the Rock Island Arsenal, of those, approximately 300 were from Lot Six. At the Battle of Little Bighorn, D Company was in Captain Benteen's command and most of I Company was part of Custer's group. Serial numbers 5505, 5637, 5740, 5743, 5773, 5998, 6048, 6067, and 6269, are all from Lot Six and are documented or attributed to the 7th Cavalry per Kopec and Fenn. He could not pinpoint this serial number but does write that this revolver was turned in by Whirling-White Head on September 5th , 1876, three months after Custer's famous last battle. This revolver was manufactured in 1874 and was sub-inspected by O. W. Ainsworth. It bears his "A" inspection stamp on the top of the back strap, under the barrel, and on the trigger guard. This gun has matching numbers on the frame, barrel, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. There is also a P stamped under barrel and on the cylinder as well. The barrel has the early one line Colt address. The frame is stamped with the early two line patent dates along with U.S. This gun was issued with standard blue and case color finish with one piece walnut grips that show no remaining cartouche. John also notes the this gun used the leftover 1860 Army mainspring, that the grips have a matching serial number in the channel, and that all the markings are original and correct. He draws attention to the fact that the ejector housing and rod were missing when he first examined the gun, but it now wears a proper donut style assembly (the patina matches perfectly). Also, the screw that retains the cylinder pin is a replacement. Everything else on the gun is just as it left the factory prior to the great battle. CONDITION. Very good. The entire gun is now a smooth patina with no signs of any original finish. The grips show wear and usual dents. All of the legends are sharp. The action is tight and has the four clicks. The rifling is pronounced but does have some abrasions.