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LOT 1156
Highly Desirable, Documented Early Three Digit Serialized Ainsworth Inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Revolver Serial Number 626 with John Kopec Silver Seal Letter - Serial no. 626, 45 LC cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. This extremely early first year production, Cavalry Model revolver, serial number 626, it was part of the first 1,000 Cavalry Models or Lot 1 (serial number range 177-1191) shipped to the U.S. Ordnance Department and were originally issued to the 10th Cavalry at Leavenworth, Kansas. In his included silver seal letter of authentication, noted Colt expert and author John Kopec identifies this Cavalry Model
Matching three digit serial number “626” appears on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, and barrel. The top of the barrel has the correct one-line Hartford address in script. The left side of the frame has the two-line, two patent dates marking followed by “US.” A “P” proof is marked on the underside of the barrel and on the cylinder. An original, highly sought after Ainsworth “A” inspector initial is stamped on the trigger guard, underside of the barrel, cylinder, bottom of the grip, and back strap behind the hammer. The left side of the grip has Ainsworth’s “OWA” script letter cartouche. CONDITION: Very good plus as displaying an
as found condition of a well-traveled, well- used, well-cared for Indian War era U.S. martial
revolver as a new listing to his survey “with all-matching serial numbers and an uncut 7 1/2 inch barrel. Because it had somehow avoided being recalled during 1893, and therefore
had not been subsequently altered into the Artillery configuration, suggests that it had escaped this massive recall because of being either lost, stolen (deserter) or captured by the hostile Indians. From the fine condition that we find this revolver in today, we believe that it had probably been ‘liberated’ by a deserting trooper...Our records indicate that this revolver had been manufactured circa September 2nd of 1873, being part of the first 1000 completed contract revolvers.” A factory letter is also included, but records for this revolver were unavailable. The loading gate is unnumbered, as is correct for this early production example.
sidearm. Traces of original blue finish remain in the protected areas with a heavier amount of original blue on the barrel under the ejector rod housing. Flashes of original case colors remain on the hammer and forward portion of the frame. Otherwise, the revolver has a pleasant untouched smooth brown-gray patina. The grips are very fine with a few minor dings, a couple of very slight nicks visible at the toe and clear cartouche. Mechanically excellent. A solid representative example of an early three digit serialized Lot 1 Ainsworth inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Revolver that will make a fine addition to any SAA or U.S. arms collection. Provenance: The Jim Davis Collection; The Alan Kelley Collection; The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection; Property of a Gentleman. Estimate: 50,000 - 75,000