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NOTICE THE SCARCE INSPECTOR CARTOUCHE OF FRANK HEATH IN AN OVAL
LOT 3148
Scarce Frank Heath Inspected, David F. Clark Sub-Inspected U.S. Colt Single Action Army Cavalry Model Revolver -
Serial no. 114347, 45 LC cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips. This revolver falls within the range for the series of revolvers inspected by Captain Frank Heath (111656-116931) noted on page 77 of “Colt Cavalry and Artillery Revolvers...a
Continuing Study” by Kopec and Fenn where the author’s note that the “G” markings are believed to stand for “Government” and that the ninth government contact for Colt Single Action Army revolvers was dated August 11, 1884, and called for 2,000 revolvers. They were
manufactured between August 11, 1884, through January 31, 1885. The tenth contract, again for 2,000 revolvers, was signed on
June 22, 1885. These revolvers were sub-inspected by David F. Clark, and many of the revolvers in this range are known to have been issued to the New York Militia. This revolver was manufactured in 1885 and remains in its original “Cavalry Model” configuration.
The 7 1/2 inch long barrel has a blade front sight, “COLT’S PT. F. A. MFG Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” marked on top, “P” and “D.F.C.” stamped on the bottom just ahead of the cylinder pin, and “G/J” and the matching partial serial number “4347” under the ejector housing. The ejector has the bulls-eye head. The cylinder
has “P,”“D.F.C.,” and the matching partial serial number “4347” on the sides and “S” and “3” on the rear face. The frame has the three-line patent marking followed by “U.S” on the left, an “S” above the firing pin hole, a “U” on the left side rear under the grip, and “D.F.C.” over the full serial number on the bottom. The loading
gate has the assembly number “952”. The trigger guard and back strap have the full matching serial number and the noted “G” markings. The grip has a
faint Frank Heath oval cartouche under what appears to be “1884” on the left, a faint outline of a cartouche on the right (David F. Clark’s), and partial “D.F.C.”
stamped to the right on the butt. No number is legible in the rear mortise of the grip, but all of the serial numbers on the metal components are matching.
CONDITION: Good, having all appearances of a true survivor of the American West, it shows mostly a mottled grey-brown patina, traces of faint original blue finish in sheltered areas, and some scattered small patches of light pitting. The grip shows extensive wear consistent with use, some scattered minor handling marks, and faint but visible cartouches. The trigger is a later production replacement. Mechanically excellent. A solid representative example of a Frank Heath inspected Colt Cavalry Model revolver that is full of “Wild West” character, having the look of a real survivor!
Estimate: 7,000 - 10,000
LOT 3149
U.S. Artillery Model Colt Single
Action Army Revolver with Desirable Pre-Custer Battle Lot 6 Frame - Serial
no. 5540, 45 LC cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, walnut grips. 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, including a very early “Lot Six” frame. The frame is numbered “5540” which dates to 1874, falling right at the beginning of the “Lot Six” serial number range (5505-6516). Lot Six was one of the prime groupings of SAA revolvers issued to the 7th Cavalry from Ft. Abraham Lincoln
on July 2, 1874, just before the 7th’s departure to the Black Hills and Custer’s infamous defeat at Little Bighorn. The left of the frame has the standard two-line patent dated and “U.S.” marked on the left. The trigger guard is numbered “76105” and the back strap is numbered “115721”. The
barrel is numbered “4819” with “P” proofs, which are repeated on the cylinder. There are faint cartouches visible on both sides of the grip and what appears to be a “1901” date on the left. CONDITION: Very good, retaining 30% of the arsenal refurbished blue and patterns of casehardened finishes, primarily in sheltered areas, with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina and some mild pitting at the muzzle, mostly on the left. The grip is also good showing moderate wear and some scattered minor dings and chips. Mechanically excellent. A revolver that definitely shows the look of having survived the Indian Wars and beyond!
128 Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500