Page 120 - 86-Book3

Col. Albert N. McClure
118
noted that the revolver remained in “well preserved condition” and acknowledged “that the vast majority of these later manufactured revolvers had been issued to the states...We do know that some of these state militia units (National Guard) carried these later manufactured revolvers while serving in the Philippines, but the majority of these 1890 & 1891 manufactured revolvers remained on reserve
at their respective state armories. Most of these revolvers had therefore remained
in basically brand-new condition.”The revolver has the Colt military blue finish on the barrel, ejector housing, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap. The frame and hammer are casehardened, and the one-piece walnut grip is oil finished. The ejector rod has the second style oval head, and the cavalry style hammer has bordered elongated knurling on the spur and cone firing pin. The top of the barrel is roll- stamped with the Fourth Style address “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.-”. The left side of the frame is roll-stamped with the Colt three-line/three-date patent marking followed by the “U.S.” property mark. The assembly number “762”
is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. The full serial number is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The partial serial number “2249” is stamped on the barrel beneath the ejector housing and on the side of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. A “K” Colt inspection mark is stamped on the underside of the barrel behind the ejector housing stud, on the face of the ejector housing and below the serial number on the trigger guard and back strap. “P” proofmarks are stamped on the underside of the barrel and the side
Colt Single Action Army revolvers. Documents that are included show the revolver listed by serial number in the list of assets of the estate of Mrs. Hattie Mitchell, widow of Colonel Albert N. McClure (1874-1952). Colonel McClure graduated from West Point in 1899. He served in the Philippines with the 14th Infantry Regiment and subsequently transferred to the cavalry until his retirement in 1928. Colonel McClure was awarded the Silver Star on two occasions for “gallantry in action” against insurgent forces on Luzon, Philippine Islands, on April 15 and April 25, 1900. Documents related to his military service are included. In his letter, Kopec theorized that Colonel McClure purchased this revolver as surplus “as early as 1903.” Kopec wrote, “During [Colonel McClure’s] entire service period these Cavalry revolvers were classified as being obsolete (recalled during 1893) by the Ordnance Department. Therefore it would seem to be highly unlikely that this revolver had been his service revolver during his long enlistment. This revolver’s well preserved condition would also preclude its being used during any extended service period.”
CONDITION: Very fine. The revolver retains 70% plus of the original blue finish. Nearly all of the military blue finish is present on the barrel and the feathered polishing marks are visible on either side of the front sight blade and above the ejector housing stud. The side of the ejector housing shows holster wear. The blue on the back strap and grip portion of the trigger guard shows and handling wear and has faded to a blue gray patina. The cylinder has developed a dark patina. The frame, loading gate and hammer retain 60% of the casehardened finish.
of the cylinder. The small block letter “R.A.C.” sub-inspection mark of
Ordnance Sub-Inspector Rinaldo A. Carr is stamped on the underside of the barrel, on the bottom of the frame above the serial number, on the side of the cylinder and on the left heel of the grip. The lower left side of the grip is stamped with the date “1890” above the Ordnance final inspection mark which consists of the script initials “SEB” in a rectangle with rounded ends. The lower right side of the grip is stamped with the Ordnance sub-inspection mark which consists of the script initials “RAC” in a rectangle with rounded ends. Included is a US embossed black leather holster. The top flap has two holes to enable it to be used with S&W Schofield or
LOT 3139
Identified U.S. Colt Single Action Army Rinaldo A. Carr Inspected Cavalry Model Revolver with Holster, Kopec Gold Seal Letter and Factory Letter
- Serial no. 132249, 45 Long Colt cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. This is a U.S. contract Colt Single Action Cavalry Model revolver manufactured in 1890 and inspected by Captain Stanhope E. Blunt and Rinaldo
A. Carr. The revolver is accompanied by a Colt factory letter that states it was delivered to the U.S. Government Inspector at the Colt plant on April 24, 1890. A Kopec gold seal letter of authentication for this revolver is also included. Kopec