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LOT 3156
Fine Henry Nettleton Inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Army Revolver with John
Kopec Letter - Serial no. 48269, 45 Long Colt cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut
grips. This highly desirable U.S. Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolver was manufactured in 1878. This
revolver is one of 3,000 Colt Single Action revolvers inspected by Ordnance Sub-Inspector Henry Nettleton and
Ordnance Inspector Captain John E. Greer. Colt Single Action revolvers that bear the “HN” sub-inspection mark of Henry
Nettleton are some of the most collectible of all U.S. contract Single Action revolvers.
Renowned Colt historian and author John Kopec had the pleasure of examining this Cavalry Model and he recorded his
observations in the accompanying letter of authentication. The revolver was previously listed in his survey as of April 15, 2007
and falls between two other known Cavalry Models (nos. 48264 and 48271. Although this specific Cavalry Model was not located
in the National Archives records, the closet example cited was no. 48523 which was issued to Co. F, 6th Cavalry as of August 3, 1888.
Therefore there was a possibility that this revolver was also issued to the 6th Cavalry. However, based on “the overall exceptional condition,”
Kopec believed the revolver was issued to a state militia and escaped Artillery Model refurbishment and was later sold as surplus after World War I. Kopec noted, “The
overall original condition of this revolver remains very nice.”
The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was delivered to the U.S. Government Inspector at the Colt plant on July 12, 1878. This was a 100 gun shipment.
The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG. Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” The underside of the barrel is stamped with a “P” proof mark and the “H.N.” sub-
inspection mark. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt “three-date/three-line” patent markings. The patent markings are followed by the “U.S.” property
mark; the property mark on this revolver is typical of Nettleton-inspected Single Action revolvers and does not have periods after the “U” and “S” and has the upset marks
that indicate the property mark was stamped on a casehardened frame. Additional “HN” sub-inspector marks appear on the frame, trigger
guard, cylinder, back strap, and bottom of grip. Another “P” proof mark is stamped on the cylinder. Matching full or partial serial numbers are
found on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, and cylinder. The left side of the grip is stamped with the date “1878” above the final
inspection mark which consists of the script initials “JEG” (John E. Greer) with an oval border. The lower right side of the grip is stamped with
the script sub-inspector initials “HN” in an oval.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 50% original blue finish and 60% original case colors with a mix of brown and gray patinas on the balance and a
few very scattered small patches of light pitting. The grip is also fine with some dings mostly on the bottom, some high edge wear and clear
date and cartouches. Mechanically excellent. An attractive U.S. Henry Nettleton inspected Colt Cavalry Model Revolver.
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500