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90
with #352
referenced as a
known 6th Cavalry
issued example. The
left side of the frame
is roll-stamped with the early Colt
two-line patent marking ahead of where
a period removed “U.S.” property mark
once resided. U.S. government property
markings such as these were known to
have been removed during the period by
Native Americans who captured these revolvers or
individuals who ended up with them outside of the U.S. military, which means
this revolver certainly has stories to tell. The barrel has a blade front sight and is
roll-stamped with the script address “+COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. Co HARTFORD, CT.”
with the last part of the address period removed that would have read “U.S.A.+”.
The correct first type ejector housing has the “bullseye” ejector head. The
underside of the barrel is stamped with the matching serial number (correctly
exposed), a small Ainsworth “A” sub-inspection mark and “P” proof mark. The
cylinder also has the matching serial number, small “A” sub-inspection mark and “P” proof mark. Small Ainsworth
“A” sub-inspection marks are also on the trigger guard and top of the back strap. Matching visible serial numbers
on the frame, trigger guard, butt, barrel, and cylinder.
CONDITION: Very good as an early production U.S. Cavalry Model Single Action Army from the Indian Wars
era, with an attractive natural aged patina and a very fresh appearance. Exhibits mostly smooth brown patina,
retains strong traces of original blue finish concentrated on the bottom of the barrel protected by the ejector
housing, a few scattered patches of light pitting, with defined edges in the metal. Grip is also very good, with
tight fitment, a few light handling marks, dings concentrated on the butts, and defined edges. Mechanically fine.
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 16,000 - 30,000
LOT 1082
Highly Desirable Historic Documented
Ainsworth Inspected, Early Three-Digit Serial Number 752, U.S. Colt
Cavalry Model Single Action Army Revolver with John Kopec Letter - Serial
no. 752, 45 Long Colt cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut
grips. This highly desirable early production, three-digit serial number 752, U.S.
contract Colt Single Action Army revolver was manufactured in 1873, the first year
of production, during the height of the Indian Wars era, and was sub-inspected
by O.W. Ainsworth. The revolver was examined by noted Colt historian and author
John Kopec, and he recorded his observations in his accompanying letter of
authentication, dated November 29, 1991. The revolver was a new listing to Kopec’s
survey and falls between serial numbers 751 (Cavalry Model) and 762 (Cavalry
Model) in his database. Kopec indicates this revolver was manufactured in 1873, is
part of the very first contract for 8,000 revolvers known to have been issued
to the 6th and 10th Cavalry, with serial number 882 known to have been
issued to the 5th Cavalry, and further states, “It is interesting to note that
the ‘U.S.’ frame markings and also the ‘U.S.A.’ barrel markings have been
purposely removed from this revolver, evidently to attempt to hide the fact
that the revolver was a government issue piece. It is our opinion that this
revolver is 100% authentic except for the removal of the markings as noted
above and for a few replaced screws. This piece is in exceptional condition
for a three digit serial numbered revolver. It is noteworthy that there is still
a reminent(sic) of an Ordnance Sub-Inspector’s cartouche on the left grip
panel. We believe that this is indeed an exceptional piece of Americana,
worthy of the finest collection.” Rock Island Auction Company recently
sold a New York Militia Single Action Army revolver very close by in range
with serial number 730 (December 2024, lot 49), with an accompanying
more recent September 10, 2024, dated Kopec letter that indicated it was
originally part of “Lot One” (serial numbers 177-1191), revolvers that were
primarily issued to the 10th Cavalry headquartered at Leavenworth, Kansas,
with 10th Cavalry troopers also stationed at various forts throughout Texas
during the first quarter of 1874, in which Kopec further states that some of
those “Lot One” serial numbers were somewhat mixed before being issued,