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LOT 1201
Exceptional Documented David F. Clark Sub-Inspected Colt Single Action Cavalry
Model Revolver with Gold Seal Kopec Letter - Serial no. 60172, 45 LC cal., 7 1/2
inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. U.S. contract Colt Single Action Cavalry Model
revolver manufactured in 1880. This revolver was inspected by Lieutenant Charles G. Morrison (CCM) and Ordnance Sub- Inspector David F. Clark (DFC) as part of the fifth and sixth contracts between Colt and the Ordnance Department for Single Action Cavalry Model revolvers. The barrel, ejector housing, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap have the Colt military blue finish. The screws and trigger are a fiery niter blue. The frame, hammer and loading gate are color casehardened. The one-piece walnut grip is oil finished.
The revolver has the early “bullseye” ejector rod and “cavalry style” hammer with elongated, bordered knurling on the spur. The “U.S.” property mark is stamped on the left side of the receiver. A small block “D.F.C.” sub-inspection mark is stamped on the underside of the barrel, bottom of the frame above the serial number, side of the cylinder and on the right grip heel. “P” proofmarks are stamped on the
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underside of the barrel and side of the cylinder. The lower
left side of the grip is stamped with the date “1880” above
the script “CCM” final inspection mark. The lower right side
of the grip is stamped with the script “DFC” sub-inspector’s
mark. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the “Style
IV” address: “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” in
one line. The Colt “three-line/three-date” patent marks are roll-
stamped on the left side of the frame ahead of the “U.S.” property
mark. The assembly number “190” is stamped on the inside of
the loading gate. The full serial number is visible on the bottom
of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The partial serial
number “0172” is stamped on the side of the cylinder (the ejector rod housing could not be removed to check the barrel serial number). All of the visible serial numbers match. The accompanying John Kopec gold seal letter authenticates this revolver as a new listing to Kopec’s survey and concludes, “The original military blue finish and frame case-colors remain outstanding throughout this example, showing that this revolver had been well cared for throughout the years.”
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, near excellent. This revolver is all original and retains 85% plus of the original blue and 90% color casehardened finish. Feathered polishing marks are visible on the barrel and either side of the front blade and above the ejector housing stud. The barrel muzzle and leading edge of the ejector housing have some minor edge wear. The barrel and lower edge of the ejector housing have traces of brown patina and there are a few insignificant scratches and handling marks on the barrel, trigger guard, and back strap. The cylinder retains 90% of the original blue finish with edge wear on the high points and turn marks between the stops. The frame, hammer and loading gate have 90% plus of the casehardened finish with bright case colors. 90% of the nitre blue finish
is present on the screws and trigger. All of the Colt markings and Ordnance inspection marks are very sharp. The grip is excellent with crisp date and final inspection and sub-inspection marks. The grip has the original oil finish and shows minimal handling wear. The action is crisp and functions fine. This is an outstanding original example of a Lt. Charles G. Morrison inspected Indian War Single Action Cavalry Model revolver. It would be difficult to improve upon this outstanding original U.S. Cavalry Model Colt Single Action Army revolver.
Provenance: The Corner Stone Collection.
Estimate: 50,000 - 80,000