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Ainsworth Inspected U.S. Colt Single Action Cavalry Model Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:6,500.00 USD Estimated At:13,000.00 - 19,000.00 USD
Ainsworth Inspected U.S. Colt Single Action Cavalry Model Revolver
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Estimate: $13000 - 19000
This is an example of a very early U.S. Colt Single Action Army revolver that was manufactured in 1874 and inspected by U.S. Ordnance Department Sub-Inspector Orville W. Ainsworth. The revolver has the early style ejector housing with barrel boss, bullseye ejector rod head and cylinder with small bolt stops and guides. The hammer has bordered knurling on the spur and a cone-shaped firing pin. Orville Ainsworth's small "A" sub-inspection mark is stamped on the underside of the barrel, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder and bottom of the left grip heel. A "P" proof mark is stamped on the underside of the barrel ahead of a "A" sub-inspection mark. A second "P" proofmark is stamped on the side of the cylinder. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the script style legend "+COLT"S PT. F.A. MFG Co. HARTFORD CO.+". The left side of the frame is stamped with the Colt two date/two line patent markings followed by the "US" property mark. The assembly number "380" is stamped on the inside of the loading gate. A Colt "C" is stamped in the hammer well and on the underside of the barrel below the boss. The full serial number, "4096" is stamped on the barrel beneath the ejector housing, on the exterior of the ejector rod housing near the frame, on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, back strap and on the side of the cylinder. All of the visible serial numbers match. On page 18 of "Colt Cavalry and Artillery Revolvers", the author lists 29 Ainsworth U.S. Colt Single Action Armies by serial number in a list titled "Numbered Ejector Tubes", serial number 4099, just three numbers away is recorded in this list. The revolver has internally numbered, matching serialized, one-piece walnut grips. Traces of the Ordnance final inspection mark are visible on the lower right side of the grip.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45 Long Colt
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 4096
Condition: Very good plus as arsenal refubished. The barrel and ejector housing retain traces of the blue finish in protected areas; the balance is a smooth, silver-gray patina. The cylinder, frame and back strap have been refinished long ago; most of the surface areas have a mellow, silver gray patina. The markings on the barrel, and frame are crisp. The grips are very good overall and show moderate handling wear. The inspection stamp on the tight grip is barely legible. The action is tight and functions well. This is a good looking example of an early production, Ainsworth sub-inspected U.S. contract Cavalry Model Single Action revolver. If you want to own a solid example of an Indian War, Pre-Custer Battle U.S. Colt Single Action Army, this may be the one!