3319

Ainsworth Inspected U.S. Colt Model 1873 Single Action Cavalry Revolver in 7th Cavalry Serial Number

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,800.00 USD Estimated At:4,500.00 - 6,500.00 USD
Ainsworth Inspected U.S. Colt Model 1873 Single Action Cavalry Revolver in 7th Cavalry Serial Number
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Estimate: $4500 - 6500
This Colt Single Action Cavalry Revolver was manufactured in 1875. The serial number "5195" is in the serial number range of revolvers documented as issued to the 7th Cavalry Regiment and used at the Battle of Little Bighorn on June 25, 1876. In "COLT CAVALRY AND ARTILLERY REVOLVERS, John Kopec and Sterling Fenn identify Colt Single Action Cavalry Revolvers serial numbers: "5100", "5128", "5133", "5153", "5147", "5180" and "5416" as having documented 7th Cavalry history or Little Bighorn battle association. The revolver has the early style ejector housing with barrel boss and ejector rod with 'bullseye" head. The early style cylinder has small bolt stops. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the early "script" address: "+ COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.+" with slanted crosses at either end of the address. A small "P" proofmark is visible on the underside of the barrel and "C" and "G" sub-inspection marks are stamped on either side of the ejector rod boss hole. A "C" sub-inspection mark is stamped in the frame hammer well above the firing pin hole. The left side of the frame has the two-line/two-date patent markings followed by the "U.S." property mark. The inside of the loading gate is stamped with the assembly number "492". The small "A" inspection mark of Ordnance Sub-Inspector Orville Ainsworth is visible on the trigger guard below the serial number and on the top of the back strap. The frame, trigger guard and back strap are stamped with the serial number "5195". The barrel and the cylinder are stamped with the partial serial number "749". There are no visible markings on the one-piece walnut stock.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 Long Colt
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 5195
Condition: Refinished and assembled. The barrel, cylinder and ejector housing are replacements with a distinctly different age patina than the frame, renumbered to match, trigger guard and back strap. The barrel and cylinder have scattered patches of deep pitting. The frame has moderate shallow pitting; there are bright case colors on the inside of the loading gate recess. The hammer screw back strap screws and mainspring are replacements. The hammer may be an artificially aged replacement. The grip is in fair condition and shows moderate to heavy wear. The heels of the grip are rounded and there are grooves in the butt on either side of the back strap. The barrel, frame and cylinder markings are light but legible. The markings on the trigger guard and back strap are sharp. The hammer will not hold at half-cock. This is an interesting example of a very early Colt Single Action Cavalry Revolver with a serial number that places it in the serial number range of documented revolvers used by Custer's 7th Cavalry at the Battle of Little Bighorn.