May 8-10, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/8/2024
Originally issued in 1875 to Troop C, 5th Cavalry. When this revolver was sold in 2007, it came with a Springfield Research letter that stated it was one of 31 revolvers subject to a survey at Fort Riley, Kansas which determined that the interior works were out of order and recommended it be sent to Rock Island Arsenal for repair in 1886. It also is 1 of the 800 SAAs sent to Colt for refurbishment and issue to the New York Militia in 1895, per page 43 of "Cavalry and Artillery Revolvers... A Continuing Study" by Kopec and Fenn where the serial number is mentioned in a listing of New York Militia Issues and also listed as issued to Troop C, 5th Cavalry in the listing of Revolvers with Historical Association Within the 1875 Series of Cavalry Issues. Revolvers sent to Colt for refurbishment had the entire serial number stamped on both the cylinder and barrel, retained their early features, were left all matching, were finished in Colt's commercial charcoal blue finish with color case hardened frame, and the hammers were given a unique brilliant nitre blue finish. Matching full serial numbers observed at barrel, cylinder, frame, trigger guard, and butt. "J" sub-inspector marked on trigger guard, top of backstrap near butt, cylinder, and barrel. Hammer is inspector marked with Henry Nettleton's "H.N" on left side. Mounted with 1 piece walnut grips which are unmarked with the exception of "R.A.C" inspector marking near butt. Accompanied by a leather bound red velvet lined wood case with leather wrapping painted in the style of Moroccan leather. CONDITION: Excellent+, with conservatively 95+% of the Colt factory blue finish remaining with minor handling wear. Frame retains brilliant case colors. Hammer retains the vast majority of its nitre blue finish. Grips show no major signs of distress. Mechanically excellent. Bore is bright with minor freckling and crisp rifling. Case is very good. An attractive rare Colt Single Action Army in a unique configuration.