May 18, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/18/2022
Colt U.S. Artillery Model Single Action Army revolver, with typically encountered mixed serial numbers. Blue with case hardened frame and hammer. This particular example is one of the U.S Cavalry revolvers sent back to Colt for refurbishment that was fitted with a new 5 - 1/2" barrel rather than a cut-down 7 - 1/2" barrel and a new cylinder installed at the Colt Factory. Both cylinder and barrel are inspected by U.S. Ordnance Department sub-inspector Rinaldo A. Carr. Breech of barrel, under the ejector housing is marked "R.A.C" with proof mark "P". The rear face of the cylinder is marked "R.A.C.". The frame, serial number 96458, is inspected by David F. Clark with his inspection stamp "D.F.C." found above the serial number. The trigger guard serial number 6957 is inspected by Orville W. Ainsworth with his inspection stamp "A" under the serial number. Assembly number 2633 found on loading gate with assembly number 2581 found on inside bottom of frame. Frame has 3-line patent dates, with "U.S." stamped on left side. Colt inspector initial "H" found inside hammer slot. Backstrap is serial number 138270 with inspection stamp "K". 1-piece oil-finished walnut stocks with "RAC" cartouch and date 1903 stamped right side. Grip butt is stamped, both sides "R.A.C." Accompanying the revolver is a Colt Archival Letter dated March 31, 2017 signed by Beverly Haynes, Historian. Letter documents configuration and original shipment of serial number 96458 being shipped to the United States Government on August 24, 1883 in a shipment of 150 guns of the same type. Letter further documents return to the Colt Factory for refurbishment and barrel change from 7 - 1/2" to 5 - 1/2" and shipment to the Commanding Officer, Springfield Armory, Springfield Massachusetts on July 1, 1903. CONDITION: Excellent with approximately 95% original bright blue on barrel and cylinder. 90+% refurbished blue on trigger guard and backstrap. 85+% bright case color remaining on frame and hammer. Bore is bright and clean. Action is tight and crisp. Grips are excellent showing little wear. Overall an extremely nice Artillery. -MKS-