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LOT 3117
Fine U.S. Henry Nettleton Inspected Colt
Cavalry Model Single Action Army Revolver with John Kopec Letter - Serial no.
48712, 45 Long Colt cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. This highly desirable U.S. Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolver was manufactured in 1878. This
revolver is one of 3,000 Colt Single Action revolvers inspected by Ordnance Sub-Inspector Henry Nettleton and Ordnance Inspector Captain John E. Greer. Colt Single Action revolvers that bear the “HN” sub-inspection mark of Henry Nettleton are some of the most
collectible of all U.S. contract Single Action revolvers. In 1982 renowned Colt historian and author John Kopec examined this revolver and in his accompanying letter stated “this revolver in my opinion is 100% correct in all respects.” Although the revolver carries the
Colt factory return ampersand mark on the right side of the trigger guard, Kopec believed it was returned to the factory “for minor
(possible internal) repairs. There is no indication that this revolver has ever been refinished in any way.” The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with “COLT’S PT. F.
A. MFG. Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” The underside of the barrel is stamped with a “P” proof mark and the “H.N.” sub-inspection mark. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt “three-date/three-line” patent markings. The patent markings are followed by the “U.S.” property mark; the property mark on this revolver is typical of Nettleton-inspected Single Action
revolvers and does not have periods after the “U” and “S” and has the upset marks that indicate the property mark was stamped on a casehardened frame. Additional “HN” sub-inspector marks appear on the trigger guard, cylinder, back strap, and bottom of grip. Another “P” proof mark is stamped on the cylinder. Matching full or partial serial numbers are found on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, and barrel. The left side of the grip is stamped with the date “1878” above the final inspection mark which consists of the
script initials “JEG” (John E. Greer) with an oval border. The lower right side of the grip is stamped with the script sub-inspector initials “HN” in an oval.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 40% plus original blue finish and 30% original case colors with a smooth gray patina on the balance. The lightly sanded, re-oiled grip is
fine with high edge wear, a few handling marks, and legible date and cartouches. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 7,500 - 12,000
stamped on the underside of the barrel and side of the cylinder. The ordnance replacement loading gate has Rinaldo A. Carr sub-inspector initials “RAC.” The full serial number is visible on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The partial serial number “2264” is stamped on 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. The leather military belt holster is an
experimental type made for the Colt SAA and Smith & Wesson Schofield revolvers (see Rattenbury’s
“Packing Iron,” pages 30-31) . The design is often credited to Captain James Ropes and incorporates a civilian Mexican loop type holster with ten cartridge loops sewn at the mouth of the holster under the flap and an extended belt loop/skirt.
CONDITION: Fine. The barrel retains 60% original blue finish, the ejector rod housing retains 70% original blue finish, the cylinder retains traces of original blue finish in the flutes, and the grip straps retain traces of original blue finish heavier around the trigger with a mottled brown-gray patina on the balance. 20% original case colors remain on the hammer and frame. The grip is fine with handling mark, high edge wear, and legible date and cartouches. The holster is good with a partial closure strap absent. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
77
LOT 3118
U.S. David F. Clark Inspected
Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Army Revolver with “Ropes” Experimental Holster - Serial no. 112264, 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 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