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LOT 3115
Fine Indian Wars Era U.S. Contract Burnside Rifle Co. Model 1865 Spencer Repeating Saddle
Ring Carbine with Highly Desirable Colorado Territory Marking - Serial no. 30548, 50 Spencer cal., 20 inch round bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, walnut stock. The “U.S./COL. TER” branded into the left of the buttstock indicates this carbine is one of just 500
Spencer Model 1865 repeating carbines transferred by the U.S. Ordnance Department to the Colorado Territory on October 16th,
1868, per page 129 of “Spencer Repeating Firearms” by Roy Marcot. Burnside Rifle Co. manufactured 30,502 of the Model 1865 Spencer carbines,
which were delivered between April and October of 1865, per page 96 of Marcot’s book. Many were used during Reconstruction and in the Indian
Wars before the Springfield Trapdoors were widely issued, with many seeing continued use by Native American groups and western settlers into the late 19th century. Features
blade front and folding ladder rear sights, and the Stabler cutoff. Matching serial number “30548” marked on top of the receiver and bottom of the barrel. Small single letter inspection initials
marked on various components, two bordered script inspection cartouches stamped on the left of the stock, small “J.L.C” inspection initials stamped on the left breech area of the barrel, and small
“A.W.M” inspection initials ahead of the buttplate.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 40% original blue finish on the barrel thinning to smooth brown patina on the balance, 60% vivid original case colors, some scattered mild surface freckling characteristic of some period
Colorado use, with sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Wood is also fine with a re-oiled buttstock, some scattered mild dings concentrated on the left of the buttstock, light scratches, defined edges
and crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 3114
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: 10,000 - 16,000