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The revolver features a blade front sight, the one-line barrel address
with die breaks in the “o” in “Co.” and the “A” in “HARTFORD,” “P” and
“A” on the bottom of the barrel and side of the cylinder, “A” on the
trigger guard and top of the back strap, the two-line patent marking
followed by “U.S.” on the left side of the frame, “C” in the hammer well
between the notch rear sight and firing pin hole, assembly number
“942” on the loading gate, and the matching serial number “5839” on
the barrel under the ejector housing, cylinder, frame, trigger guard,
back strap, and rear grip mortise. The grip has traces of a cartouche
on the left. The revolver is one of the early examples fitted with the
“old style” mainspring without a hammer roller channel. These were
left over components from Model 1860 Army production.
The revolver is accompanied by a letter from noted Colt Single
Action Army historian and author John A. Kopec noting that this
revolver was previously listed in their survey in August 1991 and
was manufactured in 1874, sub-inspected by O. W. Ainsworth, and
falls within the 5505-6516 serial number range for the Lot Six U.S.
contract Colt Cavalry Models. He further notes that National Archive
records for the 5800 serial number range are extremely scarce with
only Artillery Model 5827 listed. However, they note that 5846,
just seven digits away from the present revolver, was reported as
“turned-in” by Whirling-White-Head on September 5, 1876, just
three months after the 7th Cavalry’s disaster at the Battle of the
Little Bighorn. Revolver 5773 is also referenced as is 5998 which is
“ a presumptive, alleged Cheyenne capture at the Little Bighorn.”
Original issuance of these revolvers took place on July 2, 1874, just
prior to the 7th Cavalry’s departure for the contested Black Hills.
Kopec further notes: “The fact that our subject revolver #5839 has
survived until this day in its original configuration, suggests that it
had escaped the Ordnance Department’s recall of 1893 for some
unknown reason. The most often cited reason for its survival being,
that it had been ‘lost’, stolen by a deserter, or captured by the hostile
Indians. It is however this writer’s contention that there may still be
other reasons for the survival of these early Ainsworth revolvers that
are yet to be discovered.”
CONDITION: Very good with slight traces of original finish in the
protected areas and otherwise a natural mix of aged gray and brown
patina throughout, minimal minor oxidation/pitting, all original
markings, replacement base pin screw and ejector assembly, and
moderate wear. The grip is also very good and has minor loss at
the toe and mild scratches and dings. Mechanically fine. This is
an excellent opportunity to get your hands on a genuine Lot Six
Ainsworth inspected Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Army revolver!
Estimate: 40,000 - 60,000