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LOT 3154
Desirable Ainsworth Inspected U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Revolver with John Kopec
Letter - Serial no. 4001, 45 LC cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. This
early U.S. contract Cavalry Model Colt Single Action Army was manufactured in 1874, sub-
inspected by Orville W. Ainsworth, and falls in the serial number range (3421-4499) of 1,000
Cavalry Models issued to the 2nd Cavalry. In his accompanying letter of authentication, noted Colt expert
and author John Kopec calls it a “nice Ainsworth sub-inspected U.S. Cavalry revolver” that was likely “issued
to one of the 4th Cavalry Troops which did not stamp there revolvers with their unit identifying marks.”
The revolver falls with range of nos. 3830, 3991, 4012, and 4040 which are marked “CO K 4 CAV.” Kopec also
noted that the revolver is close to serial number 4878 which was returned by Native American “fools-Bear”
on September 5, 1876, three months after Custer’s Last Stand. The revolver has matching serial numbers on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, and barrel (strong blue finish remains under the ejector housing). As noted by Kopec in his letter, the barrel has the correct address featuring a broken letter “o” in “Co.” and broken serif in the letter “A” in “HARTFORD.” Ainsworth’s “A” initial and “P” proof appear o the underside of the barrel and cylinder. An additional Ainsworth “A” is found on top of the back strap. The frame has the early two-line, two-date patent marking followed by “U. S.” on the left. Traces of a cartouche remain on the left side of the grip.
CONDITION: Very good, retaining traces of period refurbished blue in the sheltered areas, otherwise the revolver has a smooth dark
brown patina. The grip is also very good with a chip at the toe, high edge wear and some minor dings. Mechanically excellent. This Orville Ainsworth inspected Colt Cavalry Model Revolver is an icon of the Indian Wars that is becoming increasingly difficult to find.
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
LOT 3155
U.S. Colt Artillery Model Single Action Army Revolver - Serial no. 17646, 45 LC cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, walnut grips. These Colt “Artillery Model” Single Action Army revolvers were brought back into service
during the Spanish-American War, Filipino-American War, and Moro Rebellion. Though nicknamed “Artillery Models”, they were actually issued to a
variety of U.S. Army units and particularly known to have been favored for use against the Moro warriors who were known to continue fighting after being shot with the weaker .38 caliber Colt double action revolvers also in use. The revolver has mixed numbers and components typical of the Artillery variants. The frame (“17646”) dates to 1875, the trigger guard (“35023”) dates to 1877, and the back strap (“17646”) dates to 1875. The underside of the barrel is stamped with a “P” proof and inspector initials “RAC.” Additional “RAC” inspector initials are found on the rear cylinder face and the bottom of the grip. The left side of the frame has the two-line address followed by “US.” The grip has a script letter cartouche on both sides as well as the date “1890” on the left side. Includes a leather belt with “US” buckle and marked “27” on the leather.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 50% of the factory refurbished blue finish with smooth gray and brown patina on the balance. 40% of the case colors remain on the hammer and frame. There
is some scattered light pitting. The refinished grip is fine with a few dings and legible cartouches. Mechanically excellent. The belt is good with age cracking. 120 Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500