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This revolver was manufactured in 1874, the second year of production of the world
famous Single Action Army, and is stamped with Orville W. Ainsworth’s distinctive
“A” sub-inspectors mark on the bottom of the barrel, below the serial number on the
trigger guard, on the cylinder, and on the top of the back strap. The bottom left side
of the one-piece walnut grip is stamped with his bordered script “OWA” inspection
cartouche. The top of the barrel is marked with the one-line address “+COLT’S PT. F. A.
MFG. Co. HARTFORD, CT, U.S.A.+” correctly showing the die breaks in the “o” in “Co” and
partially broken “A” in “HARTFORD”, and the left side of the frame is marked with the
two-line, two patent dates followed by “U.S.” There is a “P” on the bottom of the barrel
ahead of the cylinder pin and on the cylinder. The revolver is equipped with classic
blade front and frame notch rear sights and the early “bullseye” ejector rod head. The
full matching visible serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard,
and back strap, and the partial matching serial number “2815” is marked on the cylinder.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, as the finest known Ainsworth inspected U.S. Cavalry
Colt Single Action Army revolver, with a very fresh untouched original appearance. 95%
original blue finish remains on the barrel and ejector housing, 85% on the cylinder,
trigger guard, and grip straps, with smooth gray patina on the balance and some minor
freckling, 85% vivid original case colors on the frame and hammer, with sharp markings
and edges in the metal overall. The grip is also excellent, with attractive original raised
grain, tight fitment, a few minor dings and scratches, absolutely distinct edges, and
a crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent. This is a giant in the world of important
collectible American firearms, as hands down the finest known Ainsworth inspected
U.S. Cavalry Colt Single Action Army!
Provenance: Family Descendants of an Iowa Estate; The Richard Ellis Collection;
The Ray Bentley Collection; The Pelton Family Collection.
Estimate: 130,000 - 190,000