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Exceptional Documented John T. Cleveland Inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Army Revolver with John Kopec Gold Seal Letter - Serial no. 31788, 45 Long Colt cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. This exceptional example of a John T. Cleveland (J.T.C.) inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Revolver has been examined by noted Colt historian and author John Kopec. In his accompanying gold seal letter of authentication, Kopec states the revolver was a new listing in the survey, was not located in the National Archives records, and falls between nos. 31554 and 31890, which were issued to Troop G 3rd Cavalry as of September 14, 1886. Due to the revolver being in “basically original configuration,” Kopec speculated that the revolver avoided the 1893 U.S. Ordnance Department recall as it was issued to a state militia regiment. Cleveland’s initials appear on the frame, barrel, cylinder, and bottom of grip. The grip has the date “1876” above the script letter “DAL” cartouche for David A. Lyle on the left side and Cleveland’s script letter cartouche on the right side. As noted in the Kopec letter, the barrel has the early 1876 style one-line Hartford address with the elongated hyphens at either end. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking followed by “U.S.” Matching full or partial serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, and barrel. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine. The barrel assembly retains 60% of the original blue finish with a pleasing smooth brown patina on the balance and some light pitting at the muzzle. The cylinder retains 70% original blue finish, and the grip straps retain 70% original blue finish with a mottled brown patina on the balance. 40% plus of the original case colors remain on the frame and hammer. The grip is excellent with a few minor handling marks and crisp cartouches and date. Mechanically excellent. An attractive, exceptional documented example of a John T. Cleveland inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Model revolver. Estimate: 16,000 - 25,000
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