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LOT 3120
Exceptional U.S. Colt Artillery Model Single Action Army Revolver - Serial no. 120181, 45 LC cal., 5 1/2 inch
round bbl., blue/ casehardened finish, walnut grips. This revolver is a high condition example of a Colt Cavalry Model revolver that was modified to “Artillery” configuration. 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 (“120181”) dates to 1887 and carries “DFC” sub-inspector initials. Both
the trigger guard and back strap have the no. “113729”, which dates to 1884. The back strap has the desirable sub-inspector initial “A” for Orville W. Ainsworth. The unnumbered cylinder has sub-inspector Rinaldo A. Carr’s “RAC” initials on the rear face. The revolver had the back strap renumbered to match the trigger guard and the cylinder replaced at the time of refurbishment. Sub-inspector Carr’s “RAC” initials also appear twice on the bottom of the grip and as a script letter cartouche on the right side of the grip. The top of the barrel has the one-line Colt Hartford address and the underside of the barrel has a dual stamped “P.” The left side of the frame is stamped with the three-line patent dates followed by “US.” CONDITION: Exceptionally fine retaining 90% plus Colt refurbished blue finish with holster type wear on the ejector rod housing, cylinder drag lines and some thinning to brown on the grip straps. 80% of the case colors remain on the hammer and frame. The grips are very fine with three light period applied scratches visible on the right side, some high edge wear, some scattered handling marks, and crisp “RAC” cartouche. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
LOT 3121
Documented U.S. David F. Clark Sub-Inspected Cavalry Model/New York Militia Colt Single Action Army Revolver - Serial no. 92625, 45 LC cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. This U.S. contract Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Army was manufactured in 1883 and was later issued to the State of New York militia. The revolver is documented by serial number as a New York militia revolver in Kopec and Fenn’s “Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers...a Continuing Study” on page 76. The U.S. Ordnance Sub-Inspector during the entire 1880s period was David F. Clark, and his initials “DFC” (faint) are found on the underside of the frame, underside of the barrel and side of the cylinder. A small U.S. Ordnance “P” is stamped on the
underside of the barrel and side of the cylinder. The barrel is fitted with a period replacement blade front sight and has the one-line Colt Hartford address on top. The left side of the frame has the three-line patent date followed by “U.S.” The left side of the grip is stamped “A/[illegible]416,” likely New York militia markings. The bottom of the grip has U.S. Ordnance Sub Inspector Rinaldo A. Carr’s “RAC” initials. These State of New York SAAs returned to the Colt factory in 1895 to be refurbished with the barrels not shortened and all serial numbers kept matching. Revolvers above serial number 10,000 were stamped at the Colt factory with the missing prefixed serial number digit or digits ahead of the existing four digit serial numbers on the barrel and cylinder. The barrel and cylinder on this example are correctly marked with the full matching serial number. Matching serial numbers are found on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, and barrel. A lanyard ring has been added to the butt. CONDITION: Fine as refurbished by the Colt factory in 1895. The barrel and ejector rod housing retain 40% of the blue, the grip straps retain 30% blue, and the cylinder retains traces of blue in the flutes with a smooth gray patina on the balance. The front sight has been modified to a taller profile, and the rear sighting notch on frame has been modified. The frame retains 30% of the vivid case colors on the front sides. The grip is very good with a chip at the toe (right side) and some minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
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LISTED BY SERIAL NUMBER IN THE BOOK COLT CAVALRY & ARTILLERY REVOLVERS A CONTINUING STUDY BY KOPEC & FENN