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revolver are original, bearing the correct inspector’s bottom of the frame above the serial number, side of cartouches. During our examination we have noticed the cylinder and on the right grip butt.
that these grips had sustained an unusual appearing
LOT 137
Outstanding Documented David F. Clark Inspected Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter and John Kopec Silver Letter - Serial no. 55452, 45 LC cal.,
7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. This U.S. contract Colt “Cavalry Model” single action revolver was manufactured in 1880, inspected by Ordnance Sub-Inspector David F. Clark, and is in excellent condition, worthy of the finest collection. The included factory letter states the revolver was delivered to the U.S. government inspector at the Colt plant on April 21, 1880. This was a delivery of 150 Cavalry Models. Renowned Colt historian and author John Kopec examined this outstanding Cavalry Model and summarizes his conclusions in his included silver seal letter
of authentication. The revolver was a new listing
in his survey, and he concluded that the revolver “remained in storage at the Springfield Armory until sold to a private individual as surplus,” which likely occurred in the 1920s. Kopec noted the unusual appearance of the grips. He wrote, “The grips of this
finish. This finish had possibly been applied with a glass-beading instrument, leaving a finely stippled surface on both sides of these grips but avoiding the butt surfaces This beading process had been accomplished without the grips being removed.” The grip retains the “1880” date on the left side as well
as the cartouche on both sides. The butt of the grip has Clark’s “DFC” initials. Otherwise this “especially attractive” Cavalry Model is in “as new condition.” As Kopec clearly points out in his letter, “The frame’s case-colors remain brilliant and it is within this
this group of 1880s revolvers that the case-colors hold a special appreciation among today’s Colt collectors because of their outstanding opalescent appearing hues. The military-blue finish remains spectacular throughout this revolver with the back strap showing it desirable ‘candy-stripping’ patterns.” The barrel has the one-line Hartford address with the two lines under the letter “o” in the abbreviation for “Co.” The “U.S.” property mark along with the three- line Colt patent marking is stamped on the left side of the frame. A small block “D.F.C.” sub-inspection mark is stamped on the underside of the barrel,