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LOT 1162
Desirable Documented Ainsworth Inspected, Early Three-Digit Serial Number 734,
U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Army Revolver with John Kopec Letter - Serial
no. 734, 45 Long Colt cal., 7 1/4 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut grips.
This highly desirable early production, three-digit serial number 734, U.S. contract Colt
Single Action Army revolver was manufactured in 1873, the first year of production, during
the height of the Indian Wars era, and was sub-inspected by O.W. Ainsworth. The revolver was examined
by noted Colt historian and author John Kopec, and he recorded his observations in his accompanying
letter of authentication, dated January 15, 2004. The revolver was a previous listing in Kopec’s survey and
falls between serial numbers 731 (Artillery Model) and 747 (Cavalry Model) in his database. Kopec states,
“Historically, we could not locate this revolver’s serial number in the National Archives records
available to us. Earliest issues of these new ‘Strap Pistols’ were made to the 6th and 10th Cavalry
regiments. These issues were initiated on December 24, 1873. Each regiment received 1,000
revolvers. Records of issues in this area are very sparse. It however appears that the earliest serial
numbers were issued to the 6th Cavalry. The following 6th Cavalry serial numbers are found in
these archives records: #352, #425, #1186, and #1233. Tenth Cavalry recorded issues begin with
#1428. Other 6th Cavalry issues occur later in these listings. It would be my opinion that the subject
revolver had been a 6th Cavalry issued example. In looking over this fine old revolver we have
noted that the barrel’s muzzle has been shortened about 1/4 inch. The revolver’s barrel also shows
that it had been at one time wrapped in a coarse canvas cloth which had become moist, leaving
a pattern of the fabric embossed in the metal in the area of the address. The grips of this revolver
are serial numbered #953. The only possible way that this could have occurred was to have these
grips switched with the original grips soon after the revolver had been issued to the 6th Cavalry.
The revolver #953 would of course have also been issued to one of the troopers of the 6th Cavalry.
Collectors today term these occurrences as ‘field mixed’ parts. In my opinion this certainly does
not detract from the authenticity of this interesting three-digit revolver. The subject revolver does
not appear to have ever been refinished and has a pleasing natural patina finish.” Rock Island
Auction Company recently sold a New York Militia Single Action Army revolver very close by in
range with serial number 730 (December 2024, lot 49), with an accompanying more
recent September 10, 2024, dated Kopec letter that indicated it was originally part of
“Lot One” (serial numbers 177-1191), revolvers that were primarily issued to the 10th
Cavalry headquartered at Leavenworth, Kansas, with 10th Cavalry troopers also stationed
at various forts throughout Texas during the first quarter of 1874, in which Kopec further
states that some of those “Lot One” serial numbers were somewhat mixed before being issued,
with #352 again referenced as a known 6th Cavalry issued example. The left side of the frame
is roll-stamped with the early Colt two-line patent marking followed by a “U.S.” property mark.
The barrel has a blade front sight and is roll-stamped with the script address “+COLT’S PT. F.
A. MFG. Co HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.+”. The correct first type ejector housing has the “bullseye”
ejector bottom. The underside of the barrel is stamped with the matching serial number
(correctly exposed), a small Ainsworth “A” sub-inspection mark and “P” proof mark. The cylinder
also has the matching serial number, small “A” sub-inspection mark and “P” proof mark. Small
Ainsworth “A” sub-inspection marks are also on the trigger guard and top of the back strap.
Besides the mentioned non-matching period field replacement grips, serial numbers are
otherwise matching on the frame, trigger guard, butt, barrel, and cylinder.
CONDITION: Good as an early production U.S. Cavalry Model Single Action Army from the
Indian Wars era, with a fresh appearance and plenty of frontier character. Exhibits mostly
smooth gray and brown patina, with patterns of the muted casehardened finish remaining
on the hammer, scattered patches of light pitting/freckling, and legible markings in the
metal. Grip is also good as re-oiled, with some absent chips at the lower left rear and lower
right front, a few small chips along the lower edges, dings on the butts, and some light
handling marks. Mechanically functions. This early Colt Cavalry Model revolver is a true
frontier survivor!
Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection.
Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500
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