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LOT 1200
U.S. David F. Clark Inspected Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 112297, 45 Long Colt cal.,
7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. This U.S. contract Colt “Cavalry Model” single action revolver was manufactured
in 1884 and inspected by Ordnance Sub-Inspector David F. Clark. The included factory letter states the revolver was delivered to the U.S. Army Inspector at the Colt plant on November 12, 1884. This was a delivery of 100 Cavalry Models. The revolver features the standard
one-line Hartford barrel address, and the frame has the three-line Colt patent marking followed by “U.S.” property mark. A small
block “D.F.C.” sub-inspection mark is stamped on the underside of the barrel, bottom of the frame above the serial number, side
of the cylinder and on the left grip butt. “P” proof marks are stamped on the underside of the barrel and side of the cylinder.
The assembly number “806” is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. The full serial number is visible on the bottom of the
frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The partial serial number “2297” is stamped on the side of the cylinder and barrel. The left
side of the grip is dated “1884” over Frank Heath’s script letter cartouche, and the right side of the grip has Clark’s script letter
cartouche. Heath inspected Cavalry Models fall into the 111656-116931 serial number range, a period of production from
August 11, 1884-January 31, 1885 for 2,000 revolvers.
CONDITION: Very fine. The barrel and ejector rod housing retain 85% original blue finish, the cylinder retains 60% original blue
finish, and the grip straps retain 90% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. 50% original case colors remain
on the frame, and patterns of original case colors remain on the hammer. There a few scattered patches of pitting. The grip
is very fine with a series of circular dings on the right side towards the bottom, some high edge wear, and some scattered minor handling marks. Both cartouches are clear. Mechanically fine. A very attractive, high condition of a David Clark sub-inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Model revolver.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
172
LOT 1201
Rare “Ropes Pattern” Leather Holster for Colt Single Action Army and Smith & Wesson Service Revolvers - This
holster is believed to be based on a pattern submitted by Captain James M. Ropes as an
improvement upon the “Forsyth” holster being trialed by his unit, Troop B 8th U.S. Cavalry. It is likely that this holster is one
of a small number manufactured for trials during the reign of the Pattern 1881 holster and was never adopted; these are believed to have been manufactured by the San Antonio Arsenal between 1883 and 1890. It shows the typical large belt loop of “Mexican Style” holsters of the time, “butt backward” orientation if worn on the right, a large
Civil War style flap with leather tab and brass finial for securing, ten cartridge loops below the rim of the opening, and all main pieces attached with brass rivets. A similar example is shown and discussed on pages 146-
147 of “U.S. Military Holsters and Pistol Cartridge Boxes” by Edward Meadows. CONDITION: About good, with extensive age related cracking and wear.
Estimate: 1,500 - 2,500