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LOT 44
Fine Documented John T. Cleveland Inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry
Model Single Action Army Revolver with John Kopec Silver
Seal Letter - Serial no. 35042, 45 Long Colt cal., 7 1/2 inch round
bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. Offered here is a John
T. Cleveland (J.T.C.) inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Revolver that
has been examined by noted Colt historian and author John Kopec.
Kopec recorded his observations in the accompanying silver seal
letter of authentication. It was manufactured in 1877 and the revolver
was previously listed in Kopec’s survey; falling between nos. 35039 (a
New York militia revolver) and 35044 (a Cavalry Model). The nearest
reference examples found in the National Archives records was nos.
34927 and 35095, which were both issued to Troop C, 5th Cavalry as
of August 17th 1886. Because the revolver remains in Cavalry Model
configuration, Kopec noted, “The chances therefore are very good
that our subject revolver #35042 has also been among the 1878
militia issues.” These militia revolvers were eventually returned to
Springfield Armory and reclassified as surplus. The earliest surplus
examples appeared in Frances Bannerman’s 1903 catalog. Cataloged
as “almost new”, these surplus revolvers sold for $9.00 each.
The barrel has the 2nd style (1877-1878) address. The left side of
the frame has the three-line patent dates followed by “U.S.” John T.
Cleveland (J.T.C.) initials appear on the frame, barrel, cylinder, and
bottom of grip. The “P” proof is found on the bottom of the barrel
and cylinder. The grip has the date “1877” 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
by Kopec, “The grips of this revolver
show both ordnance inspector’s cartouches
and the year-date ‘1877’ in perfect condition.”
CONDITION: Fine as a survivor of the Indian Wars displaying
an overall gray patina associated with spending a lifetime
in a challenging environment, retaining 30% original
blue finish and 40% original case colors in and around the
protected areas. The grip is fine with crisp cartouches and
date. Mechanically excellent. A fine documented example of a highly
desirable J.T. Cleveland inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Model revolver!
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
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