1354

INDIAN WARS PERIOD AINSWORTH INSPECTED COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:3,250.00 USD Estimated At:6,500.00 - 8,500.00 USD
INDIAN WARS PERIOD AINSWORTH INSPECTED COLT CAVALRY SINGLE ACTION ARMY REVOLVER.
SN 7482. Cal. 45 Colt. Usual configuration with 7-1/2" bbl, full front sight & 1-line script address. Left side of the frame has 2-line patent dates and "U.S.". Mounted with 1-pc walnut grip that has faint matching SN in back strap channel. Left side of grip has partial "OWA" (Orville W. Ainsworth) cartouche. Small "A" inspector initials are found on various parts including bbl, trigger guard, cyl and back strap. Ejector housing is first type with bull's eye ejector rod head. Base pin is orig type with dimpled ends. Cyl has unbeveled flutes and butt strap has a sharp toe. This revolver was produced in 1874 and would have been among the early issues to front line Cavalry units and undoubtedly would have been used on the American frontier throughout the Indian wars. That it escaped the recalls of the 1890s and early 1900s attests to the probability that it was either lost in combat, stolen or assigned to a militia unit. Regardless, given the fact that it shows substantial wear lends credence to the probability that it saw long and hard service on the frontier. CONDITION: Good. Traces of original finish remain in sheltered areas on the barrel with strong blue under the ejector housing and around the front sight, with faint case colors on the frame in the front gullets and smoky case colors on the hammer; Grip shows heavy wear and a hand-worn patina; Mechanics are fine, strong, sharp bore with moderate pitting; Hammer spring is a replacement. 4-47766 JR291