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LOT 1116
Outstanding Documented U.S. Colt Artillery Model Single Action Army Revolver with John Kopec Gold Seal Letter - Serial no. 139428, 45 LC cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, cartouched walnut grips. This revolver
is an outstanding example of a Colt Cavalry Model revolver that was modified to “Artillery” configuration in 1903. 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. In his accompanying gold seal letter of authentication, renowned Colt expert and author John Kopec states this revolver was a new listing to the survey and concludes the revolver was “presented to Colt’s during 1903 from either a brand new or slightly used militia revolver” as the frame “shows no signs of ever being refinished.” The revolver is an exceptional example and has mixed numbers and components typical of the Artillery variants as noted by Kopec. The frame (“139428”) dates to 1891, the trigger guard (“132287”) dates to 1890, and the back strap (“131601”) also dates
to 1890. The cylinder no. 6594 likely originated from Cavalry Model no. 136594 manufactured in 1890. The barrel no. 0173, continued Kopec, may “have originated from the revolver #120173 which is recorded as a ‘Railway Mail Service’ issued revolver....The charcoal-blue finish of this barrel remains spectacular!” The underside of the barrel is stamped with a “P” proof and inspector initials “DFC.”“RAC” inspector initials are found on the cylinder, frame, and the bottom of the grip. “K” is stamped under the trigger guard and back strap serial numbers. The left side of the frame has the two-line address followed by “US.” The 5 1/2 inch barrel bears the standard one- line Hartford address on top. The hammer is of 1880’s style. The ejector retains an old style bullseye ejector head. The loading gate is unnumbered. Standard blade front and frame notch rear sights, casehardened frame and hammer, and blue remaining
parts. The revolver wears a correct smooth one-piece walnut grip with “1903” stamped above a sharp “RAC” cartouche on the right side and marked
“R.A.C.” on both sides of the bottom.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine with 98% plus bright original Colt
refurbished blue finish remaining, showing some minor muzzle and high point wear, a small thinning area on the front strap and a drag line
on the cylinder. The frame shows half of the vibrant case colors with a smooth mottled gray patina on the balance. The grip is excellent with
a few light handling marks. The markings are clear. The action is excellent. Overall a truly extraordinary U.S.
Colt Artillery Model Single Action Revolver.
Provenance: The Joe Marlin Hilliard Collection.
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
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